"I feel I must, once again, apologize for my lackluster performance, Good Hunter."

Selina rolled her eyes, "And I, once again, say there is nothing wrong with asking for help, Koga. You have done nothing wrong. You fought as well as you could against the Blade Of Salvation."

"Perhaps, but not well enough. I shouldn't have needed you and Matilda to help me defeat the enemy. For if I cannot defeat a simple magic sword, then what chance do I have against those who directly serve the White Lilim?"

Matilda spoke up while raising a finger, "Counterpoint, the Blade Of Salvation wasn't a simple magic sword. It carried with it the spirits of all those it killed, and gained sentience through exposure to Mamono Mana. Any weapon created through that method can't be described as a 'simple magic sword'. It was closer to a living weapon without being parasitic to the host."

Koga kept his gaze on the path in front of them with his hands gripping Nobu's reins, "You make a good point. And, Matilda, you have my sincerest thanks for what you did. If not for you, Nobu would either be dead or something far worse."

"Oh, don't be so humble, Koga. The only reason this was possible was because of you. Anyone else would've been monsterized. Not to mention that Nobu had the willpower to resist the corruption for so long. Isn't that right, Nobu?"

The skeletal horse let out a low roar, a literal flaming tongue leaving his lips to lick his nostrils. Its fire tail waved through the air behind it while its hooves clopped along the path. The tall grass below was charred with each step of the fiery equine, its steps never wavering for a second.

Matilda smiled, "See? Nobu agrees with me."

"That he does," Koga rubbed Nobu's skeletal neck with a hand to praise his steed. Nobu shook his head in thanks. Selina giggled into her hand at the two's response. Matilda and her had ridden Nobu through the night, not stopping even as the moon fell beneath the horizon. Koga awoke when the first rays of sunlight landed on his face. After filling him in on what happened, he immediately asked to be given Nobu's reins. Selina agreed and now the three were sharing Nobu's saddle. Koga sat at the front, Selina rode behind him, and Matilda rode on Selina's shoulders.

Other than that one short stop, the trio hadn't paused in their journey since then. They had left the graves the Huntress dug behind along with any hope of getting back to Pran in an efficient manner. Nobu was kept at a steady trot as the three traveled. Quick enough to help them make good time, but not so fast that they would miss the moment they crossed the borders. Though the chance of that happening was slim to none. After all, none of them needed to sleep. Or eat. Or drink. Or felt real fatigue.

Selina looked around to see their surroundings. The trees here seemed to have denser leaves with branches that stretched out to reach each other. Some had their branches entwined together, hanging over their path and creating a canopy. The rustling of squirrels and other animals moving through the trees echoed through the forest. Selina squinted, taking her hat off and placing a hand over her brow to block the sun. Peering through the canopy above, she spotted some puffy dark clouds moving in their direction.

Frowning, she put her hat back on and spoke, "Dark clouds are moving in from the west. It might rain soon."

"Not that troubling. I doubt any of us could get sick from the cold," Koga stated with confidence.

Matilda pulled herself up to look over the Huntress' shoulder, "I doubt we'll get cold or wet at all! Nobu's fire will keep us safe."

Koga frowned, "That does remind me of three things I wish to say. First, allow me to properly greet you, Matilda. My name is Koga. I am an Ochimusha in service to the Good Hunter. I hope we get along."

He bowed his head in greeting. Matilda returned the gesture, "The same to you, Koga. You already know my name and what am I. I look forward to becoming your friend as we go along."

Koga nodded then turned his attention to Nobu, "The second thing I wish to ask is, am I meant to feel this strange...connection between me and Nobu?"

Hearing that piqued Matilda's interest. She pulled herself up until she was sitting on Selina's shoulder. Her eyes were locked onto Koga's back as she spoke, "Whatever do you mean?"

"It's this...faint pull at the back of mind. This strange feeling...I am afraid I can't describe it. And that troubles me," Koga shook his head and growled in frustration.

Matilda smiled at Koga, "That's totally normal. Nobu is a Demon Beast now. They're meant to form bonds with their riders. It's this bond that improves their abilities, allowing them to perform maneuvers that defy normal logic. You remember all those things that the Blade Of Salvation's steed did while you fought it?"

"How could I forget? That thing moved like a ghost. It jumped and dodged in ways that were impossible for a normal horse. Wait, are you saying that Nobu could do the same?" Koga asked, eyes widening at the implications.

"The same? Not necessarily. But similar? Yes. You merely need to practice with him. Fight alongside him, take care of him outside of battles, and generally be a good owner. At least, that's how it works for most Mamono who own a Demon Beast as a steed."

At the sight of Koga's frown, Matilda raised her hand, "No, you do not have to do anything sexual to make it work. I doubt it would help you at all. If anything, you'd probably just anger Nobu."

Nobu stamped one of his hooves in apparent agreement. Koga's body relaxed upon hearing that. He lifted his head and narrowed his eyes, "My third question concerns the Good Hunter; What are we going to do when we reach the capital of Lescatie? Surely, they won't just let walk through the front gate?"

"Actually, they will," Matilda was quick to say, "Under Druella's rule, Lescatie has become a very welcoming and open nation. It doesn't matter who or what you are, they'll let you in as long as you don't plan to cause trouble. In fact, they might let you in even if you do. Because some Mamono love to 'punish troublemakers'."

Koga frowned, "Then entering the nation is of no issue. But what about after? If we are to meet the White Lilim face to face, then surely there is a plan for doing so, Good Hunter?"

Both Matilda and Koga looked at Selina. They waited for her to answer, the wind whistling through the air and carrying the smell of flowers and dew. After a few moments, Selina shrugged, "The plan was to enter Lescatie, walk up to Druella, and ask her to leave Pran alone."

"...That's it?" Koga asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That is it. Save for taking a detour to give Sasha the bracelet I have," she tapped her chest pocket, feeling the circular object within. She let her arms fall and shrugged again, "I doubt it will be that easy. However, I find simple plans with few chances to fail are better than overly complex ones that can easily fall apart."

Koga turned away, frown still on his face, "Hmm, that is fair I suppose. Though, I will say that having some long term forethought would go a long way. Thinking in the short term can only get one so far."

"I understand this. But we are working off limited information. Outside of rumors and second-hand testimony, we know nothing about Lescatie or those who inhabit it. Matilda could help but I suspect her knowledge maybe limited. Am I correct?" Selina eyed Matilda for confirmation.

Matilda nodded her head, "I knew much of Lescatie as a member of the Sabbath, but not everything. I promise I will do my best to guide us once we reach the capital. But we are bound to run into things that even I have no knowledge of."

She crossed her arms and frowned, "However, I do not think Koga and I should be worrying about Druella. We should be focusing more on ourselves."

"How so?" Selina asked with a raised eyebrow.

Matilda gave the Huntress a flat look, "Koga and I aren't immune to corruption. You saw it during the battle with the Blade Of Salvation. While Koga managed to hold off his corruption until we got there, fact of the matter is that he can be corrupted. And once we reach the Demon Realm, we're going to be subject to dense amount of corrupted Mana. We should be fine for a while, but it's something we need to take into account."

Matilda crossed her legs and closed her eyes in thought, "And that's without accounting for the enemy's we may face. While the Blade Of Salvation was formidable, it is nowhere near the level of Lescatie's strongest. And if Druella is our goal, then we will have to reckon with her inner circle. Which includes all six of the Fallen Maidens, their eight Fallen Knight supporters, and the leader of one of the Sabbaths. Alone they are the strongest people in Lescatie. Together, they're a force that could possibly rival Druella. With their husbands? Potentially unstoppable."

"For anyone but me," Selina bluntly stated, "Nothing they could do would hurt me,"

"True, but any one of them could easily crush Koga and I without much effort. I have not seen them in battle, but I have been near some of them. Even the weakest of them could rival a Baphomet in terms of magical ability. If Koga or I had to face even one of them, we would lose within moments," Matilda's tone was calm, as if she was stating a matter of fact. She placed a hand on her chin, "While our goal maybe peaceful resolution, only fools go into enemy territory without expecting strife. And if Druella's goal is the Huntress, then they will target us to get at her."

"I won't let that happen," Koga's grip on his reins tightened, "I will use what time we have to train myself as much as possible. When battle comes, the Mamono will find that I am not easy prey."

"That's exactly what I was thinking, Koga," Matilda opened her eyes and smiled. Then she turned to the Huntress, "You should join us as well, Good Hunter."

Selina shrugged, "I don't see why not. It is always good to freshen up one's skills. And I do need to practice with some of my lesser used tools."

"That's good, but I was actually talking about-"

Matilda was interrupted as Nobu suddenly reared up. He whinnied as Koga pulled at his reins, and Matilda was forced to grab onto Selina's shoulder for balance. Selina gripped the saddle to keep her balance while looking ahead of them, "What's wrong? Is Nobu alright?"

Koga shouted for Nobu to calm down. When the skeletal horse let his front legs hit the ground, Koga looked up to see what caused him to stop. Anger came over his face as it did. He reached for his blade as his body tensed up, "Mamono. Get behind us, Matilda."

Matilda pulled herself up to Selina's shoulder, shaking her head to get her bearings. When her eyes landed on the group in front of them, her body tensed with fear. Her face turned pale while her hands started to tremble. She hissed aloud, "Oh, no. Not him. If he's here then...yes. There she is. Oh, this is bad, this is bad!"

Selina focused her gaze on the path before them. Three Demons, all similar in appearance to the one she slew in Lescatie, flew out from the sides of the path. They stopped in front of them, their bodies blocking any easy way forward. Their eyes were narrowed and focused on her party. Bodies tensed up like springs, all three seemed prepared for a battle. But while they were dangerous, the two who commanded the most attention were the man walking down the center of the dirt path and a strange fox woman behind him. Selina took note of the dark red gem on his chest, purple skin, and handsome but aged facial features. His dark eyes were filled with curiosity that shifted into pity along with his expression. The fox woman remained a few steps behind him, her head held down and five tails left to the side.

Selina frowned before turning to Matilda, "Who are they?"

"That," Matilda swallowed as sweat dripped down her brow, "is Castor Bistol Lescatie. Former King of Lescatie. Current Head Envoy for the Lescatie Demon Realm. An Incubus in one of the highest positions in the new nation."

"And the fox woman?"

"Francia Reinel Lescatie. Former Queen of Lescatie. The Listener Fox. A powerful five-tailed Youko."

"How powerful?"

"Most Youko only have one or two tails. Those with more tend to be stronger than the rest. Those with nine are likened to gods in Zipangu. She has five. She might as well be a Demi-God," Matilda's hands trembled as she gripped her dress for dear life, "Be careful, Good Hunter."

"I will," Selina turned in her seat and dropped to the ground. She walked toward the approaching Castor, meeting the former king halfway. In the middle of the path they stared each other down. Neither spoke a word as their gazes locked for but a moment.

After ten tense seconds passed, Castor broke the silence. He raised his hand as his lips curled into a small smile, "Salutations. You must be this 'Hunter' I've heard so much about. My name is Castor. Castor Bistol Lescatie."

"Cynthia. Cynthia Albion," Castor and Selina both bowed their heads in greeting.

Castor straightened up, "Well met. You wouldn't mind if I opened our conversation by speaking frankly, would you?"

"I'd actually prefer it," Selina shrugged to emphasize.

"Good. I do when both parties can speak their minds without worry," Castor cleared his throat before looking straight at the Huntress, "Cynthia...your hands smell of blood. Mamono blood."

"I would expect so."

"You do not deny it?"

"Why would I?"

Castor's expression didn't change, but his body relaxed as he nodded, "I see. There is truth to those rumors. Ah, but I forget my manners. Allow me to introduce my companions. These three are Isla, Bella, and Zoey."

He waved a hand at the three Demons, all keeping their battle ready stance. Two of them, Isla and Bella, moved to stand at either of Castor for protection. Both's sharp red eyes glared at the Huntress with their claws out. The last one, Zoey, flew into the air directly above Castor with her attention focused squarely on Koga.

"And this," Castor turned to address the fox woman, "is my wonderful wife, Francia. Though she tends to answer to Listener Fox nowadays."

Francia didn't say anything after her introduction. She only lifted her head and curtsied to the Huntress in greeting. The Huntress nodded to her before replying to Castor, "Well met. As for my comrades, I will allow them to introduce themselves."

She turned to Koga and Matilda, nodding for them to go ahead. Koga pulled on Nobu's reins to get the horse to move its right side was pointed toward Castor's group. Koga glared at the diplomat, his voice cold as ice as he spoke, "My name is Koga. I ally myself to the Good Hunter, Cynthia Albion. That is all."

Castor returned Koga's greeting despite the frostiness of his tone. The Ochimusha only scowled before turning his attention back onto the Demons. Matilda moved herself around until she was facing Castor directly. When she came into view the Demons focused their eyes onto her. Castor did the same while tilting his head to the side, "Is that...a Living Doll? Hmm, yes but...you're different."

Matilda, trying to keep her composure, ran a hand through her hair before she spoke, "Salutations, Castor Bistol Lescatie. You do not know me, but I know of you. My name is Matilda. Former Living Doll of the Sabbath. Now Assistant to the Good Hunter."

Castor nodded, "Ah, I see. You were the Living Doll sent to Pran, correct? Druella informed me that something had changed about you. But it is something else to see with my own eyes. Your soul it is...shining. Like one that has experienced an intense love. But something about is different. Yet it is still powerful. Pray tell, how is this possible? What form of love have you managed to find?"

Matilda placed a hand over her heart and lowered her head. She pursed her lips before looking up and saying, "It is...hard to explain. What I felt back then, what I feel in my heart even now, it is not something that can be discussed in ways that most Mamono would understand. The best way I can explain it is a deep sense of trust. That no matter how much things change, the feelings of the other will not. And all that is asked is reciprocation of those feelings. With no need for sexual intimacy of any kind. "

Matilda bowed her head, "That is the best way I can describe it. I am sorry if it is not helpful."

The Demons looked at each other in confusion, but Castor grinned and nodded his head, "There is no need to apologize. I am fully aware of the love you speak of. All thanks to my wife even before we were transformed."

He reached out and took his wife's hand in his. She entwined her fingers with his but kept her head down and eyes closed. Castor turned back to the Huntress, "We saw a large gout of flame reach into the sky last night. We were heading this way to see the source. Would I be correct to assume that it is the Demon Beast that Koga is riding?"

"You would be," Selina said without hesitation, "Thank you for the concern. However, I find it hard to believe you would be this far from your nation just to see the source of a gout of flames."

"No, actually. I have a bit of an explorer's spirit. If I see something interesting or that could be trouble, I feel a need to look into it. And Lescatie is not just 'my nation' anymore. Technically, I'm not sure it's anyone's. I've seen abdicated the throne to Druella, but she asserts that Francisca is the direct heir to the throne. And she is married to that wonderful boy Elt, so you could say that he's king now. It's something of a joke that's told throughout our new home," Castor chuckles, a deep and happy noise that you wouldn't expect to hear from the man based on looks alone.

He let his wife's hand go and cleared his throat, "But you are correct. My comrades and I have a separate objective. We are traveling to the town of Pran to negotiate on behalf of the Fourth Born herself. We hope to establish a non-aggression treaty with the town to prevent any hostilities between the two. I am sure you can infer as to why we would do this."

Selina stood straighter while staring at Castor, "Truly? I wouldn't have expected Druella to agree that course of action. Then again, I have only heard discussion of her through secondary accounts. I am pleasantly surprised to learn that she is willing to solve this conflict through words."

"That is a natural response. Not many are aware that the Mamono are not at all like how the Order portrays them," Castor waved his hand through the air, "And judging by how you seem to heading in opposite direction of us, I assume that you are going to Lescatie."

"Indeed. I wish to speak with Druella and convince her to leave Pran alone," Selina put her hands together in front of her.

Castor clapped his hands, "Splendid! I can assure you, Cynthia, that such an endeavor will be worth it. Especially given how interested the Fourth Born is in you. I have no doubt she would give you the utmost respect and attention."

"As I'm certain that Guard Captain Felix will give you all the utmost respect. It would be wonderful if we are both successful in our diplomatic missions. It would go far toward avoiding bloodshed."

Selina and Castor shared a smile as some of the tension left the air. The Demons lowered their guard and Koga seemed to relax a little bit. That is until Matilda dropped from Nobu's back and walked to Selina's side. She pulled at Selina's pant leg to her attention. Asking for Castor to hold for a moment, she knelt down to be level with Matilda. The Doll stood on her tip-toes to whisper into the Huntress' ear. As she did, Selina's smile slowly disappeared and turned into a thoughtful frown. When Matilda was finished, Selina patted her head before standing up straight.

Her voice was calm as she spoke, "Castor, could you tell me exactly how you plan to secure a non-aggression agreement with Pran?"

Castor put his hands together, "The usual things. Speak with the leader of the town, a man named Guard Captain Felix from what you've said, see if he would be willing to accept the deal, and possibly offer gifts to secure or celebrate an accepted treaty."

"And would some of these gifts happen to be Druellite?"

One of Castor's eyebrows rose, "How would you...ah, yes. So, you told her, Matilda."

Matilda nodded though she refused to look Castor in the eye. Her hands shook as she gripped the edge of her dress. Selina took a step toward Castor. The three Demons tensed in response but Selina ignored them and said, "And should you be able to get such a deal set in place, you would use your Demon Feather Pens to have it signed, correct?"

Castor's own smile faded but he didn't seem too upset with the way things were going. He put a hand on his chin and nodded, "I would assume so, yes. Why do you ask?"

"Because if what I said is true, then I'm afraid I cannot allow you to continue your journey."

Koga's hand gripped his blade's hilt tightly. Fire appeared in the hands of the three Demons, while the Listening Fox slowly lifted her head. Her eyes were closed but three of her five tails had blue fire burning on the tips. Matilda felt a pressure fall over her and it took great effort to not fall to her knees. Her knuckles turned white as she increased the grip on her dress.

Castor and Selina stared each other down without saying a word. Neither spoke even as the tension between the two became thicker by the moment. Wind blew through the area kicking up dust and fallen leaves as it passed. Then Castor spoke, "Before addressing that, I would propose an idea to you, Cynthia."

Selina waved for Castor to continue. He took a step forward and spoke with confidence, "Suppose that there is a village. Said village is a particularly poor one. It is a place that struggles to survive even for a single day. The land isn't fertile, the air is of poor quality, and the river nearby is almost dried up. The people are struggling and many are considering going hungry so that others may not. They have asked for help from a local organization that has plenty of fresh food and water to give them. However, they are refused as they are not considered important enough to receive those resources."

Castor starts to pace back and forth in between the groups, "All seems lost, until a group of strangers arrives. Said group has a way to turn the village's fortunes around. They offer the villagers gifts that will bring nothing but boons to them. The land will become rich and fertile, the air will become crisp and fresh, and the water will be so clean you could see your face in it. All the people will become healthier, happier, and overall have better living conditions. And all because they accepted the gifts from the strangers."

Castor stopped walking and stared directly at the Huntress, "Now lets say that in return for this, the villagers do change. They can't be considered wholly human anymore, but is that truly so wrong in this situation? Their lives are so much better than before, after all. Surely, that is something to be celebrated. Would you not be happy for them?"

Behind him the three Demons were smiling. They watched and waited for the Huntress' response, all expecting her to be stumped or floundering for an answer. But they were surprised to hear her speak calmly and succinctly, "Did they agree to it?"

Castor tilted his head to the right, "I'm sorry? Could you repeat that?"

"In this hypothetical village you speak of; Did the people all agree to it? Did everyone agree to accepting the stranger's gifts? Were they all aware of the risks involved and what would happen to them should they accept the deal?" the Huntress went silent as she waited for Castor's answer.

A bit confused, he nodded his head, "In this scenario? Yes, they did."

"Then it is alright."

Castor blinked. His eyebrow rose as he stared at the Huntress. Behind him, the three Demons had their mouths were agape at the Selina's answer. None of them had expected her to say that. Curiosity evident in this tone, Castor continued, "I'm sorry, Cynthia Albion. That is the first time anyone has responded to that question like that."

"Truly? What have most said?"

"Well, usually they're fanatical Order adherents who either tell me to shut up, or that that villagers should murder the strangers," Castor shook his head, "But enough of that. Could you please elaborate on why you answered the way you did?"

"Because, Castor Bistol Lescatie, if the people of a village are fully aware what it would mean to accept a gift that would lead to their corruption, but ensure their survival then that is their choice. While I cannot say I would make the same choice, I will not begrudge them for doing what they thought was best," Selina's voice was clear and without doubt.

Castor nodded as Selina spoke, "I see. And what would be your choice? If you were the same situation?"

Selina took a moment to think of an answer. Then she said, "I'd go look for a mage. The way I understand it the more mana something has, then the better off it is. If this is true, then the villager's land would be average due to a lack of mana. So, bringing in someone who could increase the density of the mana in the environment should improve the situation by quite a bit. Of course, I do not know if this is the best way to go about things and am working off theories. Could something like that work, Castor?"

Castor blinked, eyes wide as he answered, "Y-Yes. Yes, it could. It might take longer and have a limit to it based on how much mana the land can hold. But it should work."

"Splendid. Then, please, allow me to ask a similar question. Not to you, for I know your answer. But to Isla, Bella, and Zoey."

Everyone turned to look at the three Demons in question. All of them flinched at the sudden attention, but none of them backed down. Zoey floated over Castor's head and glared at the Huntress, waiting for her question. Once she had her attention, Selina said, "Say that the village Castor spoke of refused the offer of the strangers. Yes, it would mean that their lives would not improve, but say they were fine with that. That to them, becoming Mamono is too much to ask of them for simply improving their lives by a little bit. Wouldn't it make sense for the strangers to leave the town alone?"

Zoey crossed her arms and looked away from the Huntress, "Well, obviously that wouldn't happen. No one would deny the chance to make their lives better."

"But say this village did. Wouldn't the strangers leave the village alone?"

Zoey started to rub at her arms while keeping her eyes off the Huntress, "M-M-Maybe they would just stick around to see if they could convince the villagers otherwise. Or give them something to help them."

"And if they continue to refuse? Wouldn't the strangers be imposing upon people who want nothing to do with them?"

Zoey finally turned to look at Selina, her eyes blazing with anger, "What?! Do think we shouldn't try to help people?! Do you want the village to just suffer and-"

"Zoey," Castor didn't raise his voice, but the sheer disappointment in his stare made Zoey go silent. She looked down at the ground, before flying back to rest of Castor's group. Castor stepped forward and spoke, "I apologize for that, Cynthia. I can assure that the strangers would leave the village without issue."

"From anyone else, I would doubt it. But you, Castor, I believe can be trusted. But there is one other thing that stops me from fully trusting you."

Castor put his hands behind his back and stood up straight, "I assume it has to do with the Demon Feather Pens?"

"Indeed. Would you please explain how they work?"

"Put simply? They ensure any deals struck between us and others are upheld thanks to the Demons to legitimize the contracts. Should either party go back on the agreement, they will be given one chance to undo take back their decision. If they still refuse, they will be branded and taken to the Underworld to be punished for their transgressions."

Selina tilted her head to the side. Then she held up her hand, "Pardon me, but that seems like a rather one sided arrangement."

"How so? After all, it doesn't matter who breaks the deal. All who are responsible, Mamono or human, will be taken to the Underworld."

"Yes. And what will likely happen to them while they are in the Demons' clutches?"

Castor put a hand on his chin, "Without being too crude, they will be 'punished'. I'd imagine there would be a lot of, ah, sexual stimulation involved. Based on what I have been told."

He cleared his throat and started to pull at his collar. Selina nodded and continued, "Yes, yes. And the Mamono are open and willing when it comes to such things, correct?"

"Indeed they are."

"And if human were to be taken to the Underworld, they would either become a Demon's husband or turn into a Demon themselves, correct?"

"Yes they...oh. Oh. I see what you mean. And also why you would be remiss to allow me to negotiate with Pran given that fact," Castor frowned and put his hands behind his back. He stared at the ground as he processed Selina's words. He remained that way for a few moments, not speaking a word as he considered what Selina had said. Then he stood up straight and stared directly at Selina, "In which case, Cynthia Albion, allow me to prove to you can trust me to speak with Guard Captain Felix."

He reached into his back pockets and pulled out two handfuls of objects. In his right hand, he held twenty glowing mineral rocks. Each was the size of his pinky and they all gave off a feeling of corruption. They glittered as the sunlight fell onto them from above. And in his left were three dark purple feather quills, along with three capped black inkwells.

The three Demons gasped with Bella moving to Castor's side to shout, "Castor! What are you doing?!"

"I'm showing Selina that those of us who follow the Demon Lord, do not with to conquer the world. But to bring it peace," he walked toward the Huntress without fear, hands outstretched in offering. Once he was but a step away from Selina, he spoke again, "Allow me to offer you this, Cynthia Albion. In my right hand I hold the Druellite I had planned to gift to Pran. In my left I hold the Demon Feather Pens, along with the Mamono Realm Ink I was to use to sign the deal. Please, take them and drain them of their mana until they are completely useless. But, I ask that you leave one Inkwell and Pen intact."

"Why is that, Castor Bistol Lescatie?" Selina was already taking off her gloves as she asked.

"Because, I wish to strike a deal between us. An agreement that only puts my life at risk."

"How so?"

"I will swear that I will convince Pran to accept a non-aggression treat with Lescatie, and I will not use any magic whatsoever. No Druellite, no Demon Feather Pens, no magic spell. Nothing save my own ability to convince them to do so. And, should I turn my back on this deal, I will be brought to the Underworld post-haste. This deal will be considered broken if I or my comrades use any methods to coerce the cooperation of Pran that doesn't rely solely on our words, and not our magical powers."

"Castor!" the three Demons shouted in unison, completely floored by the turn of events. However, none of them dared try to stop the Diplomat nor turn him from his course of action. Bella turned to look at Francia, pleading with the Listener Fox to do something about her husband. But Francia merely kept her head bowed and didn't say a thing. She merely listened, as she always had.

"Castor," Selina, her gloves off and hands bared to the open air, "I accept your proposal. And allow me to say something as well; I will do everything in my power to convince Druella to back down peacefully. I will only resort to violence if she refuses my offer. And even then, I will do what I can to avoid harming your people."

Castor's smile reached his ears, "Thank you, Hunter Cynthia Albion."

And so it was. Selina drained the Druellite until all the minerals turned to dust. As she did, Castor took one of the Demon Feather Pens and wrote out the contract he made with Selina. The second the contract was signed, he rolled it up and put it in his robe pocket. Then he handed Selina the Pens and Ink. They too become dust that was carried away by the wind. Castor returned to his comrades and the two parties went their separate ways. However, as Selina, Koga, and Matilda rode passed the group on Nobu, the Listener Fox stepped in front of them. The fox opened up her emerald eyes and focused them solely on Selina.

All three riders waited to see what Francia would do. A few moments later, the Youko spoke, "You remind me of my husband, Hunter Albion."

"How so?" Selina asked, curious what her similarities to the former king were.

"You both are driven by a want to help others and the world. You both push yourselves far beyond your limits to accomplish your goals. You both place diplomacy and compassion above violence and hatred. You are both kind souls who have faced the harshness of reality, yet have not given up your dreams. In this way, I admire you. But in this way, I also worry for you."

Francia folded her hands together in front of her. Her gaze grew sad as she stared at the Huntress, "My Castor has always had trouble with knowing when to stop. If I wasn't there to rein him in, he'd spend every waking moment traveling the world. Trying to convince those in need that joining us is the key to their salvation. Yet, one man cannot push himself that far forever. They will eventually break down under the weight of their desires. Burn themselves away with the fires of ambition. Thus why I always make sure that he takes time away from his work. That he understands there is a time to move and a time to be still. To relax and enjoy the new live he has been given. Thus, why I say to you, Hunter Albion; Do not push yourself too far. Find time to rest. Relax. And enjoy the world around you."

"Thank you, Francia," Selina said a small smile hidden by her bandana, "I thank you for-"

"And one of the best methods of relaxation, is lovemaking. Finding someone to share your bed with can be-"

"Thank you, Listener Fox. I will see you again at some point. Let us go, Koga," Koga kicked Nobu's sides and sent the flaming horse clopping down the road. Francia followed after the three with her eyes, wondering if she had said something wrong. But then she shrugged and returned to her husband's side. Once there she asked Castor, "Honey, what did you think of the Hunter?"

Castor placed a hand on his chin and hummed in thought. Then he smiled, "Well, I can say this; She is the one person in this world that would cause problems for Druella and her supporters."

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

"Because she's something that none of them have truly dealt with before. Someone who doesn't stand against them because they are misguided, or because they have pointed unjust hatred at the Mamono. No. She is someone who understands why the Mamono do what they do...and fights them because of it."

"We need to train."

Matilda spoke her first words since the three of them had left Castor's group behind. Nobu moved at a gallop, with Koga leaning over the horse's back. Selina had her head down and was holding on to her hat while Matilda held onto the Huntress' shoulder.

"I agree," Koga quickly replied, "Those three...they were far more powerful than the Blade Of Salvation."

"And they were just a fraction of Lescatie's power. If we get to Lescatie without making preparations, Koga and I will be crushed. We must get stronger before then. Good Hunter, I propose that we take time out of traveling to train ourselves," Matilda suggested, her voice urgent and serious.

"Wouldn't that waste time?" Selina questioned the doll, "Time we could be using to reach Lescatie before the attack?"

Matilda shook her head, "It would, but remember; You destroyed the Blade Of Salvation. By doing so, you killed who knows how many Dullahans, and have likely made many more in grieving widows."

"Why is that significant?"

"Dullahan are the core part of any Demon Realm army. The vast majority of a Invading Mamono force are just single Mamono hoping to find husbands to take home. Dullahans are some of the only Mamono who actually understand discipline and fighting as a collective unit. By eliminating a significant portion of their forces, you have likely set Druella's invasion back by at least a week."

"Leaving us with two to spare before they begin their assault," Selina finished for Matilda.

Matilda nodded, adjusting herself on the Huntress back to see better, "Right. And, even if we arrive late, Druella wants you specifically. If you show up outside her door, she'll hold off on the attack just for the chance of corrupting you or convincing you to come to her side. We have the time. And we need to use it wisely."

"...Very well. We will begin training tomorrow. For today, we will ride through the night to make up for any lost time," Selina said while keeping her eyes on the path ahead of them.

"If that is your order, Good Hunter, then may I ask what you did with the hilt of that accursed sword?" Koga looked over his shoulder at the Huntress.

Selina raised an eyebrow, "It is in one of my pockets. Why?"

"I ask that you allow me to have it. There is something I'd like to try with it."

"May I ask what that is?"

"...I believe I can turn that blade towards a better purpose. The idea came to me when I thought of what Matilda said. If my mana can change Nobu into this new Demon Beast then, perhaps, it can do the same to that blade. If not, then I can at least keep it as a memento of that battle."

Selina nodded, "As you say. I will give it to you when we next stop. And as for you, Matilda?"

"I will be helping you, Good Hunter. As I was saying before, while improving your combat prowess is good, there are other things you must work on."

"Those are?"

"Hiding your true nature from Mamono, controlling yourself when your memories threaten to come over you, and learning how to direct your ability to destroy mana.

Sorry. My Editing Software fucked up and I had to reupload it. Anyway, sorry it took so long. We'll get to Lescatie in the next Chapter. There's gonna be a Time Skip.

Review Replies:

doa: The reason why Mamono are so prone to violence and hate, is because it's a defense mechanism. If their husbands are in mortal danger, the Mamono will revert to the horrible monster they were before Lilith. They'll go back to normal right after, but that should tell you that their violent sides are still there. Just suppressed. And, as you can see in this Chapter, Nobu has a fire tongue.

Haloman: Large bursts. I write when I get my muse and no other time. And I can only write one thing at a time otherwise it feels...wrong.

Ideal Man: Soulsborne protags can be strong depending on the story. If you go by pure lore, most of them can fight Gods, tank blows equivalent to a nuke or at least a tank shell, and can make any power source their own with full mastery of it. If you go by gameplay, they're not that strong without their invincibility frames or resurrective immortality.

But Selina is a Baby Outer God. So...you know. She's kind of OP.

As for who's stronger, I dont' really care.

Any, to clarify, next Chapter will start with a Time Skip. We'll be getting to Lescatie next time.