Millie was taken aback, speechless for a moment as Alastor suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, his grip firm but gentle. The world around her spun into a whirlwind of shadows as he teleported them to the hotel. When the dizzying sensation subsided, she found herself standing in front of the grand hotel, her heart racing from the unexpected journey.
She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, before glancing up at Alastor with a mixture of shock and anticipation. As the initial shock wore off, she tried to gather her wits and prepare herself for the meeting with Charlie. Alastor's confident demeanor remained unchanged as he looked down at Millie, his arm still casually resting around her waist.
"Now, my dear, shall we go in and find Princess Charlie?" he inquired, his voice carrying a hint of nonchalance. He gently steered her towards the hotel entrance, his movements smooth and assured. "I'm sure she's eagerly anticipating your arrival."
Millie, still a bit flustered from the teleportation experience, nodded in agreement. She straightened her clothing, smoothing out the wrinkles caused by the sudden movement, and took a deep breath to steady her nerves. With a touch of apprehension, she allowed Alastor to lead her inside the grand hotel, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and uncertainty for the conversation to come.
She was about to step away from Alastor's supportive grip when a familiar voice floated over from a nearby doorway.
"Ah, there you are!" Charlie called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Alastor glanced over at Charlie, a flicker of amusement twinkling in his eyes. He took a moment to look at Millie, his smile widening slightly as he noticed her nervousness.
Charlie emerged from the nearby doorway, a wide smile lighting up her face as she spotted Millie and Alastor. Her eyes flicked between the two of them, and she scratched her eyebrows together in concern. "I hope Alastor's not giving you trouble, Millie," Charlie asked.
Millie's cheeks flushed slightly as she hastily extricated herself from Alastor's arm. She gave him a polite smile before turning her attention to Charlie, the redness in her cheeks betraying her mild embarrassment. "No, Charlie, no trouble at all. Alastor was just... escorting me here," she managed to say, her voice slightly shaky.
"Ah, Princess! Wonderful timing," Alastor replied, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. "We were just on our way to find you." He gestured towards Millie with a flourish, his hand gently steering her towards Charlie. "And here she is, our talented bibliophile, ready to continue with the library restoration project."
Charlie was practically bouncing with excitement and nerves as she approached Millie. Her usual bubbly demeanor was on full display. She clasped the mouse demon's hands in her own, barely able to contain her anticipation.
"Hi, Millie! I'm so excited to see you again," she gushed, her voice laced with a touch of nervousness. "I've been thinking about asking you something for quite awhile now, and I really hope you'll agree."
"Well, you see," she began, her voice quivering slightly, "I was wondering if you'd consider staying with us at the hotel for a little while."
"Ah, yes," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of surprise. "Alastor did mention something about your intention for me to stay here at the hotel for a while." Her eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and anticipation as she awaited Charlie's response, eager to hear the specifics.
Charlie's initial disappointment at Alastor's earlier conversation with Millie quickly gave way to excitement. She began to discuss the specifics of Millie's potential stay at the hotel, her bubbly personality in full swing. Her voice was filled with enthusiasm as she expounded upon the amenities and accommodations that the hotel had to offer.
Charlie continued, "We have a cozy guest room ready for you, Millie. It has all the basic amenities – a comfortable bed, storage space, and even a small personal bathroom. Of course, if there's anything specific you need or prefer, let me know, and we'll do our best to make it happen."
Millie listened intently, absorbing every word and asking questions when necessary. As the conversation continued, Millie found herself growing more and more intrigued by the opportunity that lay before her. But she couldn't fully convince herself to agree to the princess's idea. She was still worried about losing business if her shop was closed for an extended period of time. Alastor had already said that he would provide security, so that wasn't an issue.
Alastor had suggested that she talk to Charlie about increasing the commission she was paying Millie for the library project. But the idea of asking for more money made her so nervous that she felt like she was going to throw up.
" U-uh, that sounds like a great offer Charlie, b-but I'd have to close my shop." Millie started to fidget with her tail.
Charlie's eyes widened at Millie's response. She hadn't thought about that.. "Ah, your shop," her brow furrowed thoughtfully. "Oh! You could ask a friend or hire someone to run the shop while you're at the hotel! That way, you can focus on staying here and still keep your shop open." Charlie was quite proud of the solution she came up with.
Panic and apprehension bubbled within Millie as Charlie's answer struck a nerve. Millie's voice trembled slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure, her stutter becoming increasingly noticeable. "I-I-I," she stammered, her words stumbling over each other in her panicked state. "I'm the only one who m-m-manages the shop. It would be d-d-difficult to find a suitable replacement."
Millie looked away from Charlie, " A-and I don't have any friends," Millie hugged herself, ashamed and embarrassed but the admission.
Millie's response caught Charlie off guard, and a look of concern crossed her features as she noticed her stuttering and panicked state. She listened intently to Millie's words, and a pang of sympathy struck her as Millie admitted her anxiety and her lack of friends. Without hesitation, she enveloped Millie in a hug.
"Oh, Millie," Charlie said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's perfectly normal to want to protect your business." Millie was surprised by the hug, but slowly returned it, grateful for the gesture.
Charlie pulled back slightly but kept her hands on Millie's shoulders, a determined expression on her face. " We'll find a way to ensure that your bookshop is well taken care of while you stay with us at the hotel. Don't you worry, we'll figure it out together."
Charlie's eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "And about your lack of friends," she said gently, "that's not true. We are your friends now. You don't have to be alone anymore."
A mix of surprise and warmth filled Millie at Charlie's words. Her eyes widened slightly as she absorbed the sincerity in her voice. She felt her heart flutter, a strange sensation she couldn't entirely understand. The thought that she wasn't alone anymore, that she had friends now, was both comforting and terrifying. She managed a small smile, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face.
"Thank you Charlie," Millie gave a wobbly smile.
As the emotional scene unfolded before him, Alastor stood aloof, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a hint of boredom. His expression remained composed, but a subtle sigh escaped his lips, revealing his growing irritation at the emotional display. He couldn't resist the urge to interject, cutting through the sensitive situation with his usual nonchalant demeanor.
As his irritation grew, he finally decided to interject, his voice tinged with a touch of sarcasm. "Ah, what a delightful scene," Alastor said, his voice dripping with forced glee. "Two young ladies, embracing and sharing heartfelt emotions. How charming. But do pardon me, my dear friends, for interrupting your moment." He offered a mock bow, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.
Charlie, still engrossed in her moment with Millie, didn't seem to notice the sarcasm in Alastor's response. She smiled warmly at him, interpreting his words as a genuine compliment. "Thank you, Alastor," she replied earnestly. "Friendship is a wonderful thing, don't you agree?"
Alastor's sardonic smile widened at Charlie's genuine response, amused by her obliviousness. He nodded politely, his voice laced with faux agreement. "Indeed, friendship is a delightful concept, my dear," he replied, his tone devoid of any sincerity. He couldn't help but relish in the irony of the interaction, but kept his true feelings hidden behind his polite façade.
"Charlie, my dear, I have a proposition for you." His eyes glinted playfully. "Given the importance of Miss Millie's contributions to our little library project, perhaps you should consider increasing her pay. She has shown remarkable talent and dedication to the task, and I believe a little extra incentive wouldn't go astray."
Charlie beamed with excitement at Alastor's suggestion, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Wow, that's a fantastic idea, Alastor!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with bubbly enthusiasm. "Millie has been doing such a great job on the library project, and it makes perfect sense to reward her with a well-deserved pay raise!"
As Charlie responded enthusiastically to Alastor's proposal, Alastor's smile widened with satisfaction. He relished in her eager agreement, knowing that his words had a powerful influence over her. A hint of pride flickered in his eyes as he observed the effect his suggestion had on the princess. He couldn't help but feel a sense of control in guiding the conversation, and the anticipation of what might unfold next only heightened his twisted delight.
Alastor, his sardonic grin widening, couldn't help but find Charlie's exuberance entertaining. "See, my dear," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It never hurts to invest in talent. And besides, a well-compensated employee works with even greater zeal."
Millie, listening quietly to the exchange between Alastor and Charlie, felt a flicker of relief that Alastor had inadvertently addressed the issue of her income. Although she hadn't mustered the nerve to initiate the topic herself, Alastor's proposal provided a solution without her needing to ask directly. The idea of receiving a raise to cover her losses during her stay at the hotel brought a small measure of comfort to Millie's worried mind.
However, she couldn't help but worry about the implications and strings attached to Alastor's suggestion.
He turned to Millie and Charlie with a polite smile, his gaze filled with charm. "Perhaps we should venture inside and continue our delightful conversation in the comfort of the hotel," he suggested, his voice carrying a hint of playful persuasion.
As Charlie agreed to head inside for the discussion, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment. She let out a nervous chuckle, her voice tinged with a touch of shyness. "Oh, right! Yes, let's go inside and continue our chat," she replied.
Intending to lead the way, Alastor took a step forward, his gaze fixed upon the entrance of the hotel. He then glanced over his shoulder, his eyes landing on Millie and Charlie, and offered a courteous gesture. "After you, my dear ladies," he said with a hint of chivalry, his voice carrying a touch of mischief.
As they walked through the front doors of the hotel, Millie noticed Angel Dust carrying books in the direction of the library. Nifty was busy tidying up and carrying what looked like wooden boards. She looked confused at what was going on, but then she realized that those were the books she was going to bring to the hotel. The ones that Alastor transported via his shadows.
Millie, her confusion and surprise now giving way to suspicion, turned towards Alastor with a questioning look. "Alastor," she said, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Did you have something to do with why the books intended for the library, the ones I boxed up in a crate, are all over the floor."
Alastor glanced down at the little mouse, she was quite a sight when she was agitated. Looking straight ahead, not bothering to stop, he feigned innocence, his voice dripping with feigned surprise.
"Why, I know absolutely nothing about why that crate of books landed unceremoniously on the floor." He paused for a moment, his expression turning contemplative.
"Perhaps the boxes simply wanted to take a impromptu break, and decided to take a delightful floor vacation. Who am I to judge the eccentricities of inanimate objects?"
Alastor's microphone delivered canned laughter at his joke. He chuckled with delight as he continued with his puns. "Ah, crates!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "One could say they are truly 'box office' heroes, always 'pallet-ing' around a 'container-ous' spirit! After all, they are the unsung 'cargo' of the transportation world. Haha~"
Millie put on her best stern expression, but despite her best efforts, she couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh at Alastor's playful puns. She rolled her eyes playfully, her attempt at disapproval crumbling under the weight of amusement.
She decided not to press the issue, she knew it wouldn't get her anywhere. Angel Dust caught sight of them, his initial surprise quickly morphed into anger. "Hey, what the fuck!" he exploded, shaking his fist. "Are you kiddin' me? I got smacked in the head thanks to that fallin' crate!" The frustration in his voice was palpable as he glared at Alastor.
Angel Dust's fury was directed solely at Alastor, but Millie couldn't help but feel a flicker of relief as she saw that she was not the object of his wrath. Alastor, unfazed by the outburst, merely chuckled at the spider's display of displeasure. "Ah, Angel," he said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I sincerely apologize if the crate inconvenienced you. Perhaps next time, you'll watch where you sit, hm?" He couldn't resist taunting the disgruntled demon.
Alastor continued to walk, his stride confident and unbothered by Angel Dust's outburst. Millie, feeling awkward from the confrontational exchange, mustered a shy greeting for Angel Dust. "Um, hey, Angel..." she muttered softly, her voice carrying a hint of unease.
Angel's expression softened as he looked at Millie, his anger momentarily pushed aside. He gave her a gentle smile and spoke in a softer, more considerate tone. "Hey, toots, glad to see ya." His gaze shifted to the red clad demon walking in the same direction Charlie had ran off to. "Smiles can be a real piece of work, y'know? Just be careful around him, okay?" he warned. "He can be a real wildcard, never know what tricks he has up his sleeve."
Millie nodded and Angel was on his way, carrying the rest of the books to the library. Millie gave Husk a quick wave and rushed after Alastor.
Alastor's smile widened with a touch of satisfaction, knowing that his actions had inadvertently benefitted Millie. He knew that the little mouse would be too timid to ask out right for more compensation. While he may have appeared careless in his words, his motives ran deeper. His twisted mind always had a hidden agenda, and his suggestion was no exception.
He would endear himself to her, get in her good graces. He understood that winning her favor was crucial. He would carefully and charmingly get close, gaining her trust and affection. He would then use that leverage to gently coax the truth out of her about her secretive methods. He still wasn't sure how he was going to get her to reveal how she really acquired such books, but he would find out. He couldn't resist the challenge of uncovering her secret.
After he left her shop with his purchases that day, he poured over the voodoo tome. He spent hours meticulously pouring over the pages, taking in every piece of information and every spell the tome had to offer. He was devoted to studying each page, exploring its knowledge and deciphering its secrets. Night fell, but Alastor continued to pore over the tome, immersed in its dark teachings.
He absorbed a vast amount of knowledge from its cryptic contents. He studied the practices, rituals, and spells with great diligence, his mind eagerly assimilating the information. His understanding deepened, each page unveiling new insights into the esoteric world of the dark arts. His knowledge of the dark arts was lacking during his time alive. He was only able to learn the basics, minor spells, and how not to upset the spirits.
He was almost manic with the possibilities that were now at his feet. Increasing his power and influence as an Overlord was a given. But he had other priorities to deal with first. His mind drifted to his seven year absence and the cause of it. He snarled at the very thought of it, the events during that time were a stain on his reputation.
Alastor's determination to harness the knowledge from the voodoo tome was fueled by his longing to escape the mysterious deal he had made seven years ago. The secrets and practices he unraveled within the tome held the potential for him to find a loophole, break the confines of his bargain, and reclaim his freedom. Alastor was driven not only by his quest for power, but also by a desperate desire to free himself from the enigmatic agreement that had bound him for so long.
Alastor shook off his contemplative thoughts and redirected his focus to the present moment. He composed himself, his gaze now fixed on the task at hand. He turned to Millie, who had finally caught up with him, and gestured towards Charlie's office with a charming smile.
They entered the office, only to discover Charlie engrossed in some kind of paperwork. A sly smile tugged at the corners of Alastor's mouth as he observed the scene unfolding before him. There was Charlie, hastily drafting a contract for Millie, completely oblivious to the fact that she had neglected to create one altogether.
Alastor's amusement knew no bounds as he witnessed the irony of the situation. The princess of Hell, with all her goodness and eagerness to help, had accidentally forgotten a cardinal rule in this world. Alastor chuckled softly, unable to help himself from commenting.
"Well, well, well," Alastor began, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and feigned surprise. "It seems we have a little oversight here, dear Charlie." He glanced at the half-written contract on the desk. "A contract for our lovely Millie, hm? I must say, I'm quite impressed. I never thought I'd see the day when a princess of Hell dabbled in contract drafting. It's quite enchanting, really."
Charlie, caught off guard by Alastor's unexpected entrance, fumbled with her words as she tried to explain the situation. Her cheeks flushed with a hint of guilt as she hurriedly tried to justify her oversight. She had been so busy coming up with new ideas for the hotel, that she completely forgot to draft a business contract for Millie.
"Oh, yes, Alastor," she replied. "I... I meant to draft a contract for Millie. I just got caught up with other matters, and it slipped my mind." She offered a sheepish smile, aware of the slight oversight.
Alastor's sardonic smile widened, his amusement increasing as he observed Charlie's flustered state. He feigned a look of surprise, dramatically raising an eyebrow. "Slip your mind, you say?" he mused, his voice filled with feigned astonishment. He glanced at the contract, still half-written. "But my dear Charlie, how could such a thing slip your mind? Contracts are quite essential, especially in a place like this."
Vaggie appeared in the office, timing her entrance perfectly as she overheard Alastor's teasing remarks. Her expression hardened, a mixture of irritation and protectiveness evident on her features. She crossed her arms and directed a stern glance at Alastor.
"Cut it out, Alastor," she snapped, her voice laced with a mix of annoyance and protectiveness. "You shouldn't tease Charlie like that. She's doing her best, and mistakes happen."
Charlie, appreciative of Vaggie's defense, offered her a small but thankful smile. Her cheeks turned a slight shade of pink as she looked at Vaggie, the affection between them palpable in that brief moment. Despite the teasing from Alastor, having Vaggie's unwavering support meant everything to Charlie.
Alastor, in a considerate gesture, proposed an idea to Charlie. "Perhaps, while you complete the contract," he said, a hint of charm in his voice, "I could give our dear Millie a tour of her new room. After all, she'll be making this hotel her home for a few weeks, yes?" He glanced at Millie with a crooked smile, awaiting a confirmation from her.
Charlie nodded in agreement with Alastor's suggestion, a smile playing at her lips. "That sounds like a splendid idea," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "Millie, if you're alright with it, I think it would be nice for you to explore your new space before signing the contract."
Alastor, with a confident smile, turned to Millie and gestured towards the door, indicating that he would provide her with a tour of her new quarters. "Ah, Millie, my dear," he declared. "Allow me to show you to your room." Alastor gracefully ushered Millie out of Charlie's office, their voices growing distant as they departed. "Come now, let me give you a proper welcome to the hotel."
Millie, feeling slightly overwhelmed but appreciating the thoughtfulness, nodded tentatively. "S-sure, I suppose a tour wouldn't hurt," she replied softly. "Lead the way, Alastor."
With Millie's agreement, Alastor gestured towards the door with his usual flourish and a twirl of his microphone, his smile widening. "Then off we go, my dear," he said with dramatic flair, opening the door and holding his arm out for Millie to walk through.
The duo made their way down the hallway, Alastor's voice filling the air with a gentle and charming tone. "Now, Millie, just a few steps more," he said, "and you will find yourself standing before your new abode. A place where you can rest your weary head and embrace the comfort it has to offer."
With a gracious gesture, Alastor extended a helping hand to Millie. "Dear lady," he said, his voice dripping with charm, "allow me to lend you a hand in moving your belongings to the hotel. A woman as lovely as yourself should not carry such burdens alone."
"Thank you," she managed to mumble, her gaze darting between the floor and Alastor's eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. Her nervousness was evident in the way she fidgeted with her tail, desperately wishing she could disappear in that moment. She couldn't help but feel a strong pull towards him, but at the same time, fear and apprehension.
As Millie accepted Alastor's offer, she felt a mixture of emotions swirling within her. While she was grateful for his help and charmed by his charismatic presence, there was also a sense of unease and fear mingled in the air. Her heart raced as she tried to understand the conflicting emotions that welled up inside her. The pull she felt towards Alastor was powerful, but so too was the fear and apprehension that accompanied it.
Alastor's gaze remained fixed on Millie, observing her every move with a keen eye. He could sense the mixture of gratitude and apprehension swirling within her. He was well aware that she didn't trust him completely, but a sly smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Alastor considered himself to be a master of manipulation and control, and he intended to chip away at her defenses, slowly but surely. With every subtle gesture and charming remark, he would gradually earn her trust. Maybe he should start by getting her used to his presence and touch. A little friendly touch here or there wouldn't hurt. And he saw his first opportunity.
He watched as she fidgeted with her tail. He moved closer, his steps measured and purposeful, closing the distance between them. With a smooth and unexpected gesture, Alastor reached out and gently placed his hand over hers, stopping her from abusing her tail any further with her fidgeting. His touch was firm yet tender, his gaze fixed on hers with an enigmatic smile.
Millie froze under Alastor's touch. It was gentle but commanding, and the unexpectedness of the gesture sent her heart racing. She couldn't help but glance up at him, her eyes meeting his.
The sound of Alastor's voice broke the silent spell, his words cutting through the tension. "My dear, it's not healthy to keep abusing your tail like that," he murmured, his voice smooth as velvet.
Millie blushed slightly, caught off guard by his unexpected concern. His words, spoken in that captivating voice, sent a shiver down her spine once more. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and a strange allure. "I... I know," she replied, her words soft and shy. "It's a nervous habit, I guess."
Alastor quickly picked up on Millie's overwhelmed state, her exhaustion evident in her demeanor. He could see the weariness etched in her expression and understood that she needed time to adjust to the new surroundings and the events of the day. With a sympathetic smile, he turned to her and offered, "My dear Millie, it appears this day has taken its toll on you. How about I return you to your home? I'm sure some rest would do you good."
Grateful for his understanding, she nodded and offered a shy smile. "Thank you, Alastor. I appreciate the offer. This has been a bit of an overwhelming day," she admitted softly.
"I shall ensure that Charlie has all the necessary paperwork ready and waiting for you when you return." He placed a hand on her shoulder, a comforting gesture. "Rest easy, my dear. Things will be in order upon your return."
Millie told Alastor that she would be ready to move in a week. That would give her enough time to tie up some loose ends until she returned to her home. He assured her that he would inform Charlie. And with that settled, Alastor wrapped an arm around her waist and they both disappeared into the shadows.