Chapter 78: Don't go...
"I think you should go rest... My mother said it might take a few days to sort things out," Katharina said after hearing what Novah had to report.
According to Novah, a small mishap occurred when Sapphire made the request for the battle for Ada. It was expected that something like this would happen, but the Archon Phenex didn't take kindly to this assertion, as it was a significant breach of laws to interfere in another Demon King's affairs in such a way.
Basically, by trying to override an agreement, he denied it, and the other archons agreed. So Sapphire had to resort to something else. Since the wager's value wasn't worthy of such intervention, she had to offer something for Archon Phenex to agree...
And what did she give up? Well, it was still a mystery to Katharina, but what else could she tell? She only guaranteed Vergil's stability...
"I see... so that's what happened..." Vergil murmured, with Roxanne peacefully sleeping in his lap, while Ada rested her head on his shoulder...
Katharina, on the other hand, was itching to kill the two and take their place; however, her rational side was overpowering her Yandere side.
Above all... She was worried about what might start now... After all, she was afraid of what her mother might use to get Archon Phenex's attention.
"You don't have to look at me like that; I already understand," Vergil commented, seeing her expression. "Even if I think it might be a hassle, I'm not going to lose Ada to anyone." He added.
"That's not what I'm worried about. There were several other ways to get or delay Ada's marriage, but none of them were even considered. You and my mother went straight for the carnage." Katharina said, genuinely worried.
"If you had gone through what I did, you would understand." Vergil gave her a crooked smile. "And you've been holding onto that information for a long time, haven't you?" She asked, somewhat irritated.
"What can I say? I had to watch you die too many times." Vergil said, looking at her without a reaction. "Even if I explained how torturous it was to wake up every day and see Ada die again, then you and Roxanne, and then having to kill you all over and over again, you would never understand." Vergil said with a gentle smile.
"When I say you are mine, I don't care about erasing the entire demon world just to get you back." For a moment, Katharina felt something strange coming from Vergil... It was as if he was much more than she knew... It was a strange feeling...
It was as if she didn't really know him... Not like before...
"V-Vergil..." She stammered, but his possessive gaze began to penetrate her heart, and the soul connection seemed to be telling her something...
"I understand... I'm sorry for doubting you. If you can defeat this man, then defeat him." She said, as if she understood exactly what was happening...
Vergil smiled at her, a kind smile, and he finally said... "Pretending to be asleep to hear our conversation is very rude, you know?" He questioned before placing his hand on Roxanne's belly and tickling her.
"PFff!!" Roxanne jumped suddenly, letting out an involuntary laugh as she felt the tickling Vergil was doing on her belly. She tried to push his hand away, still sleepy, but with a mischievous smile forming on her lips.
"Vergil! I can't believe you did that," she said between laughs, trying to catch her breath.
Ada, still sleepy, mumbled something inaudible and snuggled closer, unaware of what was happening around her.
"You shouldn't stalk others, you know? Stalking is a crime." Vergil replied, smiling playfully while continuing to tease her.
"And I wasn't pretending at all," Roxanne retorted, trying to maintain her dignity, although her smile gave her away. "I just wanted a moment of peace... but apparently, that's impossible with you around; you should learn to speak softly!"
Katharina observed the interaction with a mix of mild irritation. Vergil's laid-back demeanor in tense situations confused her, but at the same time fascinated her. She could see how much he cared for all of them, but at the same time, the weight of his earlier words still lingered in the air. He was willing to sacrifice anything for them, and while that was reassuring, it also scared her.
"You seem more relaxed than you should be considering everything that's to come," Katharina commented, crossing her arms and giving him a serious look. "Don't you think you should be preparing?"
Vergil shrugged, still wearing a carefree smile. "I've prepared enough. There's no reason to stress out now. What I need, besides strength, is mental clarity. And nothing helps with that more than moments like this." He looked down at Ada and Roxanne with a soft gaze. "You are my power battery," he joked to Katharina.
"Still... my mother. She offered something to the Arconte Phenex. Something that... I fear might be more dangerous than we're imagining."
"That doesn't matter right now," Vergil replied, serious. "What matters is that I will fight for Ada and all of you. Whatever price Sapphire paid, I'll deal with the consequences later. If the Arconte Phenex has become part of this, then so be it. I'll face him too, if necessary."
"You always talk as if you're invincible," Katharina murmured, half-joking, half-concerned.
"I'm not invincible," he corrected. "But I can't afford to lose. And that gives me a strength that others don't have. That's why I know I'll win."
There was something in Vergil's tone that made Katharina shiver slightly. It was as if he were hiding a part of himself, something she might not even comprehend. He had mentioned the countless times he had seen them die, and that stirred something in her in a way she couldn't explain. Without meaning to, she began to wonder how far he would go to protect them all.
"Either way, I'll be here to support you," Katharina finally said, her expression softening. "Just... don't do anything reckless."
"I promise. Now go rest a little, Katharina. Tomorrow will be a long day, and you're going to need all your strength too."
"Shouldn't that be you..." she said, still reluctant but knowing he was right. Katharina got up, throwing him one last look before she walked away.
When she left the room, Roxanne finally sat up, stretching like a lazy cat.
"I want candy..." she murmured.
He smiled at her, though there was something shadowy in his gaze. "I'll put Ada to bed and bring you some candy. Stay here, okay?" Vergil said as she yawned.
"Okay... sure," she replied, rubbing her eyes with her hands.
Vergil carefully picked up Ada, cradling her in his arms like a sleeping princess. Her body felt light and fragile in his embrace, but Vergil knew that despite her appearance, the emotional weight she carried was much greater. As he walked quietly down the hallway toward the bedroom, a gentle, affectionate expression crossed his face.
He looked down at Ada, sensing that she was awake even though she was trying to maintain the facade. With a soft smile, he broke the silence.
"You don't have to pretend to be okay," he murmured, his voice gentle yet firm. "I'm still your husband, you know?"
Ada kept her eyes closed for a few more seconds, but the subtle tension in her shoulders betrayed that she was listening intently. Vergil continued, his voice filled with understanding and deep tenderness.
"Tell me, what's on your mind?" he asked, pausing for a moment at the door of the room, not in a hurry to leave her side.
Ada sighed quietly, feeling the weight of the worries she was trying to hide. She finally opened her eyes, meeting Vergil's penetrating gaze. No matter how hard she tried to be strong and handle everything alone, there was something about being in his arms that made her want to give in. She knew she couldn't keep her concerns from him, not now.
"I... I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "Not of you... but of all this. Of what's to come, the choices we're making... And I hate feeling this way, so... vulnerable."
Vergil watched her closely as she spoke, his eyes conveying understanding and unwavering acceptance. He gently laid her down on the bed and sat beside her, holding one of her hands.
"You don't need to worry about all of that," he said, gently running his thumb over her fingers. "I'm with you, always. And whatever happens, we'll face it together. There's nothing wrong with feeling vulnerable, Ada."
She looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears, but there was a determination in her gaze. "I just... I just don't want to be the reason you get hurt. Or for anyone to get hurt. And I feel like, because of me, you're risking more than you should."
Vergil shook his head. "I would do it all over again, a thousand times, if it were for you. This isn't a burden, Ada. You are my wife, and I will never let anyone take that away from me. No matter how hard the battle gets."
Ada took a deep breath, feeling the security in his words. She knew he was right, that he loved her unconditionally and would do anything for her. Yet the fear lingered.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling but sincere. "For always reminding me of that."
Vergil leaned in and softly kissed her forehead. "Now, rest. Tomorrow will be a long day, but we'll face it together, as always."
Before Vergil could leave, Ada grasped his arm. "Don't go..." she said, hiding her face slightly.