Wow, everything around me feels so soft. Is this heaven, then maybe dying isn't so bad after all.

Alex slowly opened his eyes. He felt like he just had the most restful sleep of his life, even more so than when he woke up in the forest and began his crazy adventure.

Yeah, a shame it ended so anticlimactically. Getting shot at the moment of escape, I never did get the chance to do anything meaningful or cool. Oh well, sometimes life is just disappointing that way. Wait, do I hear someone breathing?

Alex fully opened his eyes and realized he was not actually dead- he was laying in what appeared to be a canopy bed with what felt like the softest blankets and pillows he ever touched. The room he was in appeared quite lavish, fit for a noble or even a monarch. There was a window on the wall opposite of his bed, and a reddish light emanated from behind the curtains.

Well this is quite nice, Alex thought to himself. Wait, I was shot in the shoulder with an arrow! Why do I not feel any pain?

Alex looked over to his right shoulder, and while he did see a pale scar where the arrow had penetrated, the skin itself appeared to be completely healed over. Also, he didn't feel light-headed or any of the other symptoms of blood-loss.

Well at least I'm not dead. Looks like my adventure in this world is not quite over, for better or worse. Alex then turned to his left… and found out the identity of the mystery breather.

Sitting on a chair next to the bed with her head tilted at an angle and her eyes closed was Druella. Her chest rose slowly up and down, and she sighed lightly in the midst of her slumber. It was then that Alex remembered all the previous events prior to his injury, including the fact that he was now in the clutches of a particularly rapacious sex demon.

Has she been watching me the entire time? Oh great, she is definitely going to violate me the moment she wakes up!

she does look pretty cute when she's asleep.

After about a minute, Druella stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and her red pupils quickly took notice of Alex's awakened state. The lilim stretched out her long limbs and let out one final yawn before looking over at Alex with a smile on her face.

"I'm glad to finally see you awake, my sleepy little human. I was able to heal your wounds in time, but you lost a lot of blood in that forest. You've been out for two days".

"Two days?" Alex repeated. No wonder he felt so refreshed. "Um, thank you for healing me. I really thought I was a goner out there."

"Do not worry about it, human, As a matter of fact, I should be thanking you. While a single arrow would have been only a minor injury I could fix in an instant, I do appreciate your little act of bravery. My little hero." She leaned forward a little, her eyes glowing a little brighter. "Such bravery…deserves a reward."

Alex already had a good idea of what the lilim's "reward" might be. He braced himself for the inevitable pelvis-shattering rape session…and was suprised when Druella only gently held the sides of his head and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. The sensation of their lips making contact made his brain nearly completely-short circuit- it felt like his whole body had been connected to electrodes. After a few seconds, Druella pulled away, though part of Alex wished she hadn't.

"Fufu, I can see you're already eager for more, little human. In due time, my dear. But first, I would like to finally take this opportunity to finally talk. I'll start, I am-"

"Druella." Alex interrupted her. The lilim's eyes widened, clearly surprised that the human already knew her identity. "Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm, Mistress of Lescatie, and daughter of the Mamono Lord. Did I miss any titles?"

"Oh, you're already aware of me?" The lilim appeared almost shaken. "Well, I do suppose I've made quite a reputation for myself. But how can you know my identity when you told me that you're not from these lands?"

"It's…complicated." Alex responded. He wondered whether he should tell Druella the truth- that her entire world was the creation of a Japanese artist, and that he was far more educated in this world of humans and monsters than he let on.

If I tell her that there's a whole 'nother world or dimension full of billions of humans out there, she might get some crazy ideas! And how do I explain the fact that she's supposed to be fictional?

After debating whether or not to leave some information untold, Alex decided that he was better off telling the truth. No doubt the lilim had ways of finding out whether or not he was lying, and he'd rather not get on her bad side.

"Well, let me start by introducing myself. My name is Alex, and I'm a history student from another world, one separate from yours yet connected in a special way."

"Alex, hmm." The lilim felt silent for a few moments. "A simple name, but that simplicity provides its own form of elegance. And you're a student, you say? The libraries here at Lescatie will no doubt prove to be of high interest to you. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Please, hu-Alex, continue your story".

Alex took a deep breath. This is going to be so surreal. "Well, there's this series of books, with two main volumes and several supplementary guides. The books are set in a world full of monsters, monsters that don't want to kill humans but rather desire to…"

[]

Druella carefully listened to Alex's story, taking in every piece of information the young human provided.

So the Wandering Scholar's writings have somehow found their way into his world? And now they're published as encyclopedias and read by tens of thousands of curious readers? Fufu, I doubt he expected his audience would grow that large.

Although his account did seem fantastical at times, Druella could not help but appear captivated by it. So this boy, Alex, truly was from a distant place- an entirely different world. No wonder his essence was so different from any other human she encountered.

Billions of humans out there, and no Order in the way…Druella almost drooled at the thought of all that potential, but managed to stop herself.

"So that's the gist of it. I still don't know how I got here, but I know how this world operates, the truth about monsters The Order tries to hide, along with a bunch of other stuff". Alex finished his long-winded explanation and looked expectantly at Druella.

So if he's aware of us and our true nature, then I won't have to explain as much as I thought. Fufu, I wonder if he is expecting something to happen?

It hadn't escaped Druella that when Alex explained his awareness of the conflict between the Mamono Lord and the forces of the Order, he appeared to favor the former. No doubt that favoritism was further entrenched by his previous unpleasant experiences, but the way he talked about monster girls with that mild blush on his face made her ecstatic with glee.

It's so exhilarating to take the unwilling to the depths of depravity and open their eyes to the lovely world of monsters, but there is something special about those who favor it right from the beginning. Druella gave Alex one more look up and down. He was pretty plain in appearance- brown hair, gray eyes, not too tall- but that mattered little to her. What mattered to her was that despite barely knowing her, he was willing to put his life at risk protecting her. Such an act made him far more worthy in her eyes than the thousands of arrogant, self-serving heroes she encountered in her centuries of existence.

Worthy enough to be a husband.

Perhaps, she could welcome him into this world of monsters in the most exhilarating way possible?

I could take him now. He's unwilling to resist for long, if at all. To see his face drowning in ecstasy, his body exposed to sensations impossible to replicate, to hold him forever…

why am I hesitating?

In spite of her desire to violate the little human in front of her, something held Druella back. For someone who would never hesitate to monsterize any human woman she encountered or engage in acts of hedonism that would shock even a Bicorn, her unwillingness to ravish this defenseless human disturbed her. Was this some byproduct of his unusual mana?

Just why am I… there will be time to think about this later. For now, this hu-Alex, he looks healthy enough to stand. Perhaps I can give him a tour of a place he only read about.

Druella stood up and walked over to Alex, hand outstretched. Alex, after a moment of hesitation, took it.

"Thank you for telling me your story, Alex, it was truly enlightening. And while I am sure you are still quite confused at your present situation, I will do anything within my power to ease your fears."

She motioned to the door. "Now, how about I show you the wonderful capital of Demon Realm Lescatie?"

[]

Alex had to admit it, Lescatie was perhaps the most interesting city he had ever had the privilege of visiting. Of course, few people ever get the opportunity to visit a fictional realm populated by beings of pure lust.

The sky over the city was a pinkish-red, like a sunset that would never truly end. Dark purplish clouds moved through the sky, occasionally descending lower in a thick fog. Combined with the city's immaculate cobbled streets and European-style buildings, it felt like he was walking through one massive red-light district. Which, in a way, it was.

Monsters of all shapes and sizes milled about in the streets and in the various shops and stalls, some with husbands in tow. A mucus toad and her husband shared a parfait bowl at a corner cafe, though it looked like there wouldn't be much left for the man. A confectioner sold various candies to a small crowd of excited imps, with his Alraune wife smiling behind him. A trio of werewolves excitedly pulled a man to and fro as they examined the open stalls, with two werepups following close behind. And in a reminder of where he was, a red slime rode her husband on a nearby balcony, not caring that their coupling was within sight of all pedestrians.

Druella had been his constant companion since they finished touring the castle, pointing out the various sites of the city. She was also the one who introduced him to Francisca Mistel Lescatie, the Roper Queen herself. Queen Francisca was courteous and offered to help Alex with anything he needed, but he still felt a little uncomfortable at the sight of all those tentacles moving around her, as if inviting him to come closer.

Ropers were never my favorite mamono, He thought to himself. I wonder if I'll be meeting any of the other Fallen Brides today.

Of course, since he was an unclaimed human male, plenty of monsters showed obvious interest in him. The kikimora who served him a breakfast of fresh fruit and toast- I sure hope that wasn't prisoner fruit- looked reluctant to leave when the tray was emptied. The Demon guarding the castle entrance whispered into his ear that he was always welcome to visit her chambers and never leave. And the gang of orcs at the city market looked ready to charge him down and carry him off to some quiet alleyway for some fun.

But in all these instances, it was the presence of Druella that held them back. Although monsters were an individualistic bunch, they appeared to respect the lilim's innate strength, and they all moved away while looking at him with longing in their eyes. While Alex was grateful for her support, it only added more questions in his mind.

It makes sense that if she is planning to make me her mate, she'd drive off the competition. But then why hasn't she done the deed yet? For a being of wild, unadulterated lust, she's showing a remarkable amount of restraint. Did Kenkou C- oh, my bad- the "Wandering Scholar" exaggerate her temperament? Or is she saving me for later to build up some extra anticipation?

and why am I not entirely adverse to the idea?

Just then, footsteps clacked against the cobblestone street in front of them. Alex looked up to see a succubus with medium-length silver-blue hair running towards them, a long purple blade sheathed to her side. Underneath her black cloak she wore armor that looked more like lingerie than anything that could be useful in a fight.

Wilmarina Noscrim, Alex guessed. As if to confirm that he was right, Druella spoke up.

"Ah, Wilmarina! I was not expecting to see you again so soon! What brings you to the city center?"

"I'm always ready to pay you a visit, Lady Druella!" The ex-Hero replied. Then she turned towards Alex.

"Ah, so you must be the human I've heard about, the one Lady Druella rescued from The Order!" She bent down and gave him a pat on the head. "If you're ever lost or need help with something, please let me know!"

"Um, thank you ma'am." Alex replied, his face mildly red. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind".

Wilmarina then leaned closer, her face still friendly but her eyes slightly more serious. "I understand how you must feel right now, barely escaping from a den of uncaring hypocrites only to be whisked away to an unfamiliar realm. You'll get used to it all in due time, but if you ever need someone to talk to, someone to assist you in finding a place to belong, I'll be sure to find some time in between my husband and training the next generation of Dark Knights."

Alex looked at her in surprise. He expected the ex-Order Hero to be just as friendly yet hedonistic like all the other monsters he encountered so far, but she appeared ready and willing to help him out if he needed it.

Maybe since she's already married, her more heroic side is able to shine through without being clouded over by lust. Nonetheless, it's good to have someone here I can turn to for advice.

He gave her a firm nod. "Thank you.", he replied with gratitude. "It's great to have a friend to rely on."

Wilmarina's eyes widened slightly at the mention of "friend", but she gave him a warm smile and another head pat. She then straightened up and turned to Druella.

"My my, Druella, you've caught yourself a courteous one. I always knew you'd pick someone perfect!"

Druella's pale face suddenly turned bright red, and she looked ready to curl her wings forward and hide beneath them.

Is she…embarrassed?

"Um, about that, well..." the normally confident lilim suddenly sounded quite unsure of herself. "Wilmarina, would you like to join us for dinner? A new Jorou-Gumo chef arrived last week, and she is quite talented in replicating some of Zipangu's greatest delicacies."

"The offer is appreciated, Lady Druella, but I must hurry back to Elt! He must be so anxious waiting for me to return!" If the Dark Hero had noticed her lady's change in demeanor, she did not mention it. After one last curtsy and a smile towards Alex, she sprinted back the way she came, eager to reunite with her beloved.

"Come now, Alex. It is getting late. You must be starving by now." Alex followed behind the lilim as they made their way back to Lescatie's castle.

What is up with her? Alex simply could not understand what was going on in Druella's mind.

[]

What in the Mamono Lord's name is wrong with me?!

Druella leaned against the wall and silently observed Alex eating dinner, which appeared to be a fried shrimp and rice dish from Zipangu. A trio of kikimoras surrounded him, offering him seconds and bombarding him with questions.

They appeared to be innocently curious, but occasionally one of the kikimoras would slip in a lewder question into the mix. Alex would then blush and try to change the subject, and the kikimoras would dutifully comply until they inevitably tried again.

So far, all the monsters in the castle appeared to be obeying her orders- "Do not claim this human unless he expressly asks for it". They had all given her curious stares at this out-of-character statement, but they complied.

How can I be one of the Mamono Lord's daughters and the conqueror of Lescatie if I can't even bring myself to claim one human? If Mari heard about this, she'd never let me hear the end of it!

There is a common misconception among humans and even some monsters that due to their status as daughters of the Demon Lord, lilim only pick the strongest or most powerful of men as husbands. This was untrue- like nearly all monsters, lilim cared little for social status or power.

Sometimes, it did happen. Druella remembered one incident where the King of a mamono-friendly realm asked her mother for a marriage alliance through his son and one of her sisters, as if the Mamono Lord were just another monarch with whom he could engage in diplomacy. She could still remember her mother's laughter reverberating through the halls of her Fortress back at the Royal Makai, utterly entertained by the king's foolishness. One of her sisters married the prince anyway, but only because, in her own words, "He looked so lonely wandering that drafty castle, ready to be sent away like an object!"

Other times, however, a lilim would take a husband almost on a whim. Druella remembered how her sister Valeria met hers- an untrained squire sent by The Order on a suicide mission to assassinate her. Valeria had scooped him up and claimed him less than five minutes after capturing him, and now she spent far less time operating on the frontlines.

So the fact that Alex was a mere student who owned nothing but the clothes on his back was not what was stopping her. He was a human male who wasn't desperately trying to kill her, and that's what counted.

He is cute, and far braver than he looks. And the way his face turns red while trying to avoid looking anywhere below my neck screams submissiveness. And there's the matter of his unique essence, along with the fact he came from an entirely different world. There is definitely something special about him- he must be protected at all costs! But still, what is holding me back?

Then it finally hit her. The reason why she couldn't bring herself to claim Alex, and the reason why she had never claimed a human in spite of her reputation, was out of fear of what might happen to them through being associated with her.

Through her various conquests and the founding of new Demon Realms, Druella had no shortage of enemies. The Order called her the "Right Hand Of Evil" and offered to instantly canonize the hero brave enough to take her down. A few of them got close enough to try, but they were all eventually subdued and handed off to her subordinates as husbands.

Any human she married would immediately become a target, a weakness that could be exploited to get to her. Or they might kill him just for the sake of hurting her.

And even if she were to keep him by her side at all times, her life was one of subterfuge and war, infiltrating human territory and leading invasions when the time was ripe. She couldn't always protect him, and her back would only have to be turned away once for disaster to happen.

Druella looked over at Alex, who had just told some joke that made the trio of kikimoras all laugh. Can I really drag this human, this poor soul dropped into an unfamiliar world and nearly murdered by cold-hearted fiends, into my unending struggle to fulfill my mother's dream? Hasn't he suffered enough?

Her desire to ravish Alex warred with her desire to keep him safe. In the end, the lilim chose a third option, one that she had never chosen before.

Compromise.

I will speak to him tonight and let him make his own decision. If he refuses me, I'll pair him with any monster he may desire. If he doesn't, well…I'll be sure to fill his heart, body, and mind with so much desire he'll never want to leave my side!

With her decision made, Druella leaned back further and waited for Alex to finish his meal.

[]

Alex followed Druella through the castle halls, content and refreshed after what might have been one of the best meals he ever had.

Mamono sure do know how to cook. And they're surprisingly easy to converse with when they're not trying to rape you. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Then Druella stopped walking, and Alex noticed where they'd stopped- the bedroom he woke up in at the start of the day.

or not. Is she going to finish what she started earlier? I knew from the moment I woke up today that my day was going to end being paired with some monster girl, but I never thought it'd be Druella herself! Is she really the monster I want to be hitched to for all eternity?

Druella stopped at the center of the room and appeared to be taking a deep breath. Then she turned and looked at Alex, her eyes shining brightly.

"Tell me Alex, what is your opinion of Lescatie now that you've had the chance to see it in person?" the lilim asked in an inquisitive tone.

"Well…", Alex started, "It certainly has its own character. I originally thought that Demon Realms would be places of utter debauchery and depravity. Don't get me wrong, both of those are still present, but at the end of the day it's still a thriving metropolis with people, and monsters, going about their business and living their lives. It may be a civilization of loose morals, but a civilization nonetheless. The books really can't compare to the real thing."

Druella seemed to like his answer, as a small smile appeared on her face. "I am glad to hear that. Before I arrived, the city was so stale in its austerity, so joyless in its sanctity. My goal was always to create a haven where monsters and humans can live without fear or sorrow, and indulge themselves to their heart's content."

Druella then moved a step closer, her eyes looking directly into his own. "Now for my next question, Alex- when you read the Wandering Scholar's notes, what did you think of me? You briefly mentioned I was prominently featured in several supplementary books. What was your opinion of me back then?

Alex gulped. What should he say?

You're a complete and utterly depraved extremist with no sense of boundaries or moderation, a complete inability to take "no" for an answer as you corrupt people against their will, and your aggressive tactics are putting the survival of humans and monsters at risk unless the Mamono Lord fixes her spell. No, if I say that she'd probably get offended. But I can't lie either, how do I spin this positively?

He finally spoke. "From what I could learn about you from the materials provided, you are someone who holds strong, unshakeable ideals, and no one can ever convince you to abandon them. You're willing to brave through the most difficult of struggles and the most toiling of trials, all for the sake of eventually achieving that everdistant utopia. And because of that, you have a large following of individuals who recognize that drive, and cannot help but want to be a part of it. That's who you are, Druella."

Yeah, I suppose her unrelenting drive is admirable, in a way. But then again, many real-life tyrants and dictators had their ideals too.

Druella's eyes widened at his long-winded character study, but her smile grew a little larger. "Yes, you hit the mark quite well, my dear Alex. To make every woman a monster, every man a husband, to fulfill my mother's goal for a utopia of peace and love, there is nothing that could convince me to stray from it."

She took another step closer, now directly looking down at Alex. "Next question- now that you've had the chance to meet me in the flesh, what is your opinion of me now?"

Oh boy, this one is a toughie.

Alex had to admit it- despite his dislike for Druella's modus operandi and that of the Radical Faction as a whole, he could not bring himself to dislike the lilim after everything he'd been through. She rescued him from the brink of death, and she didn't take advantage of him when he was at his most vulnerable. Despite her hedonistic sense of values, it appeared that Druella had a greater sense of compassion than he first assumed.

And, to be honest, she was insanely beautiful.

"Well...um, I'm still sincerely grateful for when you rescued me from the clutches of The Order. And when you healed me from that arrow wound. And you've been a gracious guide for me in this new world I've found myself in. I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you for all you've done for me."

wait, I did it again, didn't I? Now she's going to collect her payment in full!

Druella's smile grew even wider. "Fufu, and you've been nothing but the sweetest and most courteous human I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Do not let yourself be burdened with thoughts of repaying me, I will always be there to assist you with anything you may need."

Druella then took Alex by the hand and gently led him to the bed. She motioned for him to take a seat.

Oh great, here it comes. Here comes the rape, the dramatic end of my bachelorhood. I wonder if I'll still be entirely myself by tomorrow morning.

"Human- no, Alex, before I can ask you one final question, I must explain myself first." She looked almost…nervous.

"Ever since I first rescued you from that fort, you've been the focus of all my interest. A human from another world, and with mana I've never seen before. You can stand mere inches from me without falling into a lust-fueled haze, and I noticed how you spent your whole day walking through a Demon Realm without going mad with desire. Had The Order recruited you instead of trying to execute you, you might have become the deadliest hero to ever go up against monsters."

She continued on. "But I now know that even if they tried, you would have refused them. Few humans besides those raised in monster-friendly realms have had the pleasure of learning the truth about monsters before they're taken by one, yet you have and you do not despise us. You truly are special Alex, and I cannot allow someone like you to fall into harm."

She leaned over, her wine-red eyes peering directly into his. "I'd like to claim you as my husband, my one and only."

If Alex's face were any redder, he'd probably faint. Well, it's sweet of her to confess to me like that. And it is the first time a girl has ever called me special. It doesn't change the fact I'm about to get my pelvis shattered, but at least her feelings appear to be truly genuine.

"But before you answer, there are some things you should know. And if you wish to refuse me afterwards, I will not go against your wishes. I would gladly pair you with any monster you fancy."

What?

Alex didn't expect this. Druella, the insatiable sex demon who corrupted the pure and innocent into lustful fiends, asking for his consent?

"Fufu, you seem surprised. Were you expecting something else?" Druella's eyes twinkled after her teasing remark, but then her face took on a more solemn expression.

"Alex, although I am one of the most powerful monsters in existence, my life is far from easy. I infiltrate cites, subjugate kingdoms, and lead armies into battle. My quest to fulfill the Mamono Lord's- my mother's- dream has made me the archenemy for nearly every anti-mamono faction currently in existence. And although I can shield you from that part of my life as best as I can, the risks from associating with me will always be there."

She leaned closer to him. "You are an outsider dragged into a conflict you never wanted to be a part of. You deserve better than to experience more toil and danger than you already have. If you do accept my offer, I promise I will do anything within my power to ensure that you are happy and well-loved, but wouldn't you prefer to live a quiet life without any troubles?"

Druella finished speaking and waited for Alex to deliver his answer.

I never expected her to be this…compassionate. I guess she does want the best for both humanity and monsters, even if her definition of "best" leaves much to be desired. But back to the important part- I have an out! I'll pick one of the more chill mamono, the kind willing to take it easy. A holstaur, perhaps. Or maybe a weresheep. A kikimora would be fine too. We'll have our first night together, find a nice home in Lescatie or maybe in the countryside, and then…

And then what? After settling down with a monster girl, his adventure would be effectively over. There'd still be the occasional surprises that life brings, but other than that he'd never have to worry about anything again. A happy ending, the kind that billions dream of having.

Do I really want that though?

Alex was never one to take the express lane through life. His parents always wanted him to get a more hireable college degree than History, one that would secure him a decent job and get him through life on the path of least resistance. He instead chose history out of passion and the hope of being an author or professor someday, even if it would take a lot more work to find a job or even a decent college fellowship. His parents never respected nor understood his decision, calling him a fool that would be drowning in college debt with a useless degree. So he spent his whole time at university trying to prove them wrong, at the cost of his social life.

So while a quiet life free of troubles did have its appeal, it did not sit well with Alex. For his life to have meaning and purpose, there needed to be struggle, there needed to be change. Even if bad things did happen, they made the good parts of life feel all the sweeter.

While Alex's opinion of Druella's principles did not change, what she offered him was the chance for a more meaningful life, a chance to actually contribute to some change in the world. Sure, he'd be putting himself at risk, and being the prime target of a militant theocracy was a tad more dangerous than a couple of student loans, but being the lilim's husband would give him far more opportunities for adventure than he would otherwise.

There's also the fact that we already have some established familiarity, which I don't have with anyone else. And just because I'm against her from an ideological standpoint doesn't mean we can't get along and eventually fall in love. And maybe, just maybe, I can be the little angel on her shoulder trying to limit her worst excesses, a voice of moderation. With enough time, maybe we can both find a better path for this divided world.

And plus, she really is inhumanly beautiful, and lilim are one of my most favorite encyclopedia entries.

There's a good chance I might regret this. Hell, if I traveled back to yesterday and told myself the decision I'd be making now, I'd call myself an idiot. But it isn't every day you get to marry a succubus princess from another world. So, why not?

He took a deep breath, and looked up at Druella.

"I accept your offer, Druella. I am thankful that you gave me a choice in the matter, but I'm willing to accept the risks of staying with you. And while I'm not sure how a student such as myself can assist you in your goals, I will do whatever I can to help you."

Druella's eyes went wide for a second, wider than they have ever been before. Then she smiled, giving him a look full of adoration and desire.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear those words, Alex. I promise that you will not regret them."

What happened next happened in a blur. One moment Alex was sitting on the side of the bed, the next moment he was on his back with Druella laying on top of him, her eyes glowing with a predatory gaze. Her wings were fully outstretched, which only added to her imposing appearance.

"Tell me Alex, are you a virgin by any chance?" She asked him in a lustful whisper.

What gave it away, the fact I'm a history student? "Yes?", he replied nervously, still not entirely prepared for what was about to happen.

"Fufu, how wonderfully delicious. Don't look too scared my darling boy, I'll be sure to take you gently. For the first few hours at least!"

Yeah, she may have more personality quirks than I thought, but she is still definitely Druella, Alex thought to himself as the lilim gave him a proper welcome to the world of monsters.

[]

Author's Note: And thus ends what I'll be calling the Introductory Arc. Next chapter will be the start of the first of a few little story arcs, along with some standalone chapters thrown in between. As time will go on though, you'll start noticing where everything is heading. I promise that it will be worth it!

I originally planned on stretching out Alex and Druella getting together, but with Druella involved that was never an option;) Besides, I always found how relationships evolve far more interesting than how they start.

One last thing- if I ever get any rules of the world of MGE wrong, don't hesitate to point them out. Especially those involving magic, which will play a far larger role in the future.

Ikegaki Yunsei89- I'll be using the new canon over the old one. I prefer it anyway.