Queen Of Adis

Wind chimes gave out faint and soothing sounds when two individuals entered a clothing store, bringing the high wind with them inside. When the store owner and a clerk heard it, they immediately lifted their heads from whatever they were doing and prepared to enthusiastically greet the newly arrived clients. However, instead of a happy greeting, their mouths just opened and closed as though they were fishes out of the water and their eyes bulged out once they saw the formidable man in black.

Haru, on the other hand, gawked at the creatures in front of her. Hearing the story from Adis about mythical creatures was different from actually seeing it. It was like being inside a fairytale book, only it was not about princesses and princes.

At the moment, she was seeing a female creature with a human torso, four arms, and the lower body of a spider. She must be the store owner by the way she stood up and the extravagant ensemble she was wearing. On her right was a good looking *Faun with gentle eyes and shy demeanor.

While in a daze, her hand reached out to Adis' sleeves and pulled it gently. Then, she leaned closer to him and covered the side of her mouth as she whispered. "Adis, Adis, I think there is something wrong with me. I can see a human spider and a human goat."

A certain shameless demon took advantage of their close proximity and even moved closer to secretly inhale her scent. "You're not the only one who can see them. They are real," Adis whispered back. He was greatly amused by the way her eyes sparkled in amazement instead of fear upon seeing a non-human being for the first time.

Haru giggled, "This is so cool! I can't wait to see more of them."

His features softened and his heart melted upon hearing her sweet giggle. He ruffled her hair which earned a grunt from the cheeky maiden.

The store owner and her assistant almost fainted at the unbelievable spectacle of the cold-hearted demon king doting a mortal maiden as though he was wooing her in his own discreet way.

"*Arachne," Adis called out which awakened the store owner from her stupor. His attitude instantly changed to freezing cold when talking to other beings. "I want you to help this fair maiden for an ensemble, as well as all the necessities a lady may require for our journey. I want everything to be in white to match her vivacity and a touch of gold for her exquisiteness."

The store owner immediately bowed in respect. "I shall see to it at once, Your Ma--"

Her words were halted when Adis loudly cleared his throat. When Arachne glanced at the powerful demon, she saw him placed an index finger on his lips and softly shook his head. The dangerous glint in his eyes was hushing them to not disclose his true self.

Arachne trembled in fear, "...I-it shall be done according to your d.e.s.i.r.e, my lord." Then, she smiled politely at the oblivious fair maiden. "My lady, please allow Arachne to assist you. I have made a new wardrobe that would truly fit your delicate countenance."

Haru rigidly turned around to face the man behind her, unaware of her growing dependence on him. "W-what about you?"

Adis gave her a tender smile that's only meant for her. "If you wish for me to personally change your clothes, just say the word and I shall come running to you."

"Tch!" She made a face and stuck her tongue out then turned around and left.

Adis just chuckled at her childish behavior as he sat in the waiting lounge to patiently wait for her. The gentle faun quietly served him tea and stood at his side to wait for his orders.

Arachne was very accommodating, even scared of offending Haru as she saw how the demon king treated her like she was a priceless treasure. Her four arms were full of the best clothes she created throughout her life and enumerated its details to the beautiful maiden.

Haru noticed that despite the lack of modern utilities such as electricity and basic technologies, this world was very liberal when it comes to fashion. Most of the clothes that the store owner offered didn't leave anything to the imagination. After a while, she chose the most simple and conservative outfit available; a white halter top with lacy mesh collar, leather belt, pleated mini skirt with intricate edges and warrior's arm gloves. On her feet was a t.h.i.g.h-high boots and lace stockings.

When she came out of the changing room, Arachne was already holding a white medieval-style wool coat with bell sleeves, fur, and elegant golden embroideries. The spider lady even tied her long hair to a side braid ponytail updo, leaving some unruly frills to frame her lovely face.

"So, Arachne, how much is this entire set of clothing?" Haru asked, quite satisfied with her over-all transformation.

"The attire is worth three gold coins while the furry coat is worth two and a half," Arachne politely answered. "But the young lord already paid for it, as well as the several sets of u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r and a change of outfit."

Beads of sweat instantly formed on her forehead while her lips trembled about the topic at hand. "A-and... how much is the worth of a gold coin?" she asked in a tiny voice.

Arachne blinked at the unusual question as everyone knew how much a gold bar worth, but she answered, nevertheless. "My lady, one gold coin could feed a normal household for a year."

Haru hissed at the revelation. She suddenly had an urge to strip her ensemble and swore to never set foot inside the store. This was a blatant highway robbery! She scurried towards Adis who was casually waiting at the lounge.

"Adis," she shouted at the top of her lungs.

But the devil seemed to not hear her panic shout and looked stupefied at the exquisite doll in front. She looked like a goddess that came down from the heavens to punish a sinner like him. He had lost any ability to resist her beauty and grace.

"Perfect," Adis breathed out in a daze.

"Adis, what should I do?" Haru shook his shoulder, heedless to his disoriented state of mine. "I can't afford these clothes. And I don't think they are also accepting installments. Let's just give these back and run."

"What are you still worrying about? I already paid for all the things you touched. So calm down." The last statement was more for his demon self than to her troubled mind. He was so close to attacking her that it hurt. He just settled in c.a.r.e.s.sing her hands as he continued, "From now on, you don't have to worry about money because I shall provide for you."

Instead of being moved, Haru knocked his head off. Fortunately, the two store personnel strategically excused themselves to give them privacy, else they would have had a heart attack at her brazen attitude.

Adis, on the other hand, just scratched the part of his head that she knocked like a helpless boy while thinking that his fair maiden was becoming violent every passing moment.

"Have you forgotten? I'm a modern independent lady, idiot! I pay my own bills, buy my own stuff and I am damn proud of it. So you either let me pay using my own body or I will strip these clothes off of me." She huffed and puffed without any suspicion of the double-entendre in her words.

Upon hearing her threats, his eyes shone even brighter that one could melt at the sight of it. His Adam's apple bobbed as he unknowingly licked his lips. "So damn hot!" he rasped, totally enjoying her temper. "I have long discovered that talking to you is such a delight to the point that I have to summon all kinds of self-control that I know in order to not assault you right now. What should I do if both of your threats sounds heavenly to my ears?"

Haru g.r.o.a.n.e.d in disbelief, "You are insufferable! Why are you always putting different meanings into my words? I mean manual labor, you idiot!"

He gently flicked her forehead. "To make you cry suddenly became an incredible habit of mine. And most importantly, to make you cautious of your statements. No matter how much I enjoy our word-play, you better not say those words to other men, Haru," he declared while his eyes narrowed in possessiveness.

Adis stood up and wrapped the white coat around her body. He unceremoniously intertwined their hands and finally left the store without any word.

Arachne and the faun just quietly bowed at the departing couple, understanding Adis' glare of never to utter such incident to anyone.

While on the road, Haru insisted on her terms. "Adis, I can help you wash your clothes. I'm not really good at cooking but I can also try. Where do you live? I can clean your house and feed your pets."

Adis chuckled at the absurdity of her thoughts. "First of all, I live in Umbra. By now you should know that a mere mortal like you cannot live there for now. Second, I don't think you can clean my entire house even if I offer you money. Lastly, my pets would surely eat you first before you can even feed them."

Her cheeks puffed in discontent. "Then, what should I do to repay you? I hate being in debt to anyone."

"Too bad, I don't have a plan of letting you pay." Adis nonchalantly shrugged. Then, he stopped and looked at her with a tender expression on his face. "However, it would make me really happy if you will stay beside me. That is all I shall ask of you."

Haru bit her lips and squirmed as she awkwardly asked him. "I've been meaning to ask you this, but it's really an embarrassing question for me. Uhm, do you.. like me?"

He tilted his head and creased his forehead at her dense demeanor. "I am more surprised that you still ask such an obvious question. But just to indulge you, yes, I like you. With the intent of marrying you and live the rest of my immortal life with you."

Her jaw dropped at the unconventional confession in the middle of a frozen city. Every cell in her body instantly blushed that she had to cover her face with her hands. She felt as though her heart wanted to get out from her c.h.e.s.t and scream in exhilaration. "From... where I came from... a man must woo a woman first to get her affection." She said against her palms, neither accepting nor rejecting his feelings.

Adis nodded his approval then confidently stated. "Very well, I shall make it so that you will fall in love with me, unconditionally."

Haru narrowed her eyes at him while her hands were on her h.i.p.s. "So smug!" she scoffed.

He smirked at her taunting remark. However, his smile slowly diminished and his eyes' radiance suddenly replaced with an ominous gleam upon feeling the danger in the air.

His arm abruptly pulled Haru's h.i.p.s towards his hard body, which made her squeak. His free hand covered her mouth and hush her gibber. "Sshh, listen!"