Chapter Text
"ASMODEUS! Do not be immature, This is for your own good, As a demon from Noble lineage you need to ACT like you deserve it now stop being such a brat about it."
Asmodeus loathed it, He loathed his father and his mother who wasn't around to defend him, Using her 'job' as an excuse to escape this hellish household, But most of all he loathed himself.
It was funny how they were painted as a perfect family but behind lies a gruesome household who pressured their first son every chance they had.
During one of Asmodeus's trainings as the next heir of the Asmodeus household, he found an opening and immediately took it, Fleeing away, He didn't care if he'll get reprimanded he just..Wanted a moment of peace for once.
"Huff!...huff!" Asmodeus ran desperately away from his house that he didn't even want to call a 'home', Desperate to run away from all the duties and problems that weighted him down.
His legs was tired and his mana was growing weak due to him excessively using magic to cover up his tracks.
Finally coming to a halt, He spotted an Overrun mansion with vines growing and cobwebs on it's darkest areas.
For a split second he saw the house illuminate a warm light, looking neat and Brand new as if it wasn't a tarnished home.
"Wha?-" were Asmodeus's last words before exhaustion hit him like a train, losing his consciousness.
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Asmodeus woke up, His vision hazy as he looked at his side, Witnessing his mother and father arguing yet again.
His father took notice of his consciousness and immediately slapped him across his face, His mother rushing to his side and hugging him closely in a protective manner.
"What were you thinking skipping your duties and running away!? You fool!" His father's words brewed with anger as his voice ringed out in Asmodeus's ears.
Noisy.
"Calm down! He's just a child! You can't pressure him so hard!-"
I hate it.
"Shut it woman! You were tasked with supervising him but you couldn't even do it! As expected, Alice takes after you so no wonder he's such a FAILURE!"
Please stop.
Alice's vision became hazy even more before he knew it, He was forced into darkness again, His parent's voice becoming audible.
"Alice?"
.
"Alice!"
..
"ALICE!"
Asmodeus's eyes snapped open as he sat up, Immediately, A throbbing headache attacked him as he hissed in pain.
"Urgh..What happened?.." Asmodeus felt a cooling pad on his forehead as he took it off and slid down from his bed.
His legs were a bit wobbly but it was fine, He tossed the pad in the bin and made his way to his closet.
Thankfully it was noon so the servants wouldn't dare intrude at this hour.
Putting on his usual attire, He quietly snuck away in one of the house's secret passageways which was built by their great grandfather's.
Only His mother and a few trusted servants knew about the passageways, Including him.
Once in the garden, He made sure to conceal his presence
"Issidapet."
It was a hard spell to keep for a long period of time, That's why once Asmodeus knew nobody was around he sprinted to the forest immediately and to where he found the old-looking Mansion.
Surprised, It didn't look old anymore..It was lit up and looked so grand and exquisite.
His ears perked up hearing a rustle nearby.
"La fire."
He readied the flame in his hands as he waited patiently for the threat...Walking towards it as if voluntarily inviting the unknown creature to devour him whole.
But to his surprise, It was merely a boy around his age, Eating..mushrooms?
"Wha?- Oi! those aren't safe to consume!"
The Azule haired boy quickly dropped whatever he was holding and turned to Asmodeus with a panicked expression.
"H-huh!? I'm sorry were you planning to eat t-these!? I'm so sorry please forgive mee!" The strange kid bowed to Asmodeus, Pleading as if Asmodeus was gonna take his life.
"Haaah!? Are you an idiot or some sort!? I'm not gonna eat poisonous mushrooms! Just how desperate can you be to eat those up?"
Asmodeus was shocked, Yes but he couldn't deny that he was intrigued aswell by this strange boy.
"W-well you see..Mama and papa won't let me in the house if I don't make $600 in a week..so I'm eating these to hopefully save up my budget.." the timid (and strange) kid replied, Looking down
"What? What did you say?"
No way, Okay Asmodeus's parents are assholes yes, He knew but they wouldn't go far to kick him out and force him to do child labor!!
"I'm sorry..I really am strange aren't i?.. I'm Iruma Suzuki, It's fine if you don't wanna introduce y-yourself!"
Strange, Everything about this boy is Strange.
"N-no that's not a problem, My name is Alice, Alice Asmodeus, I believe I'm the same age as you?"
Dammit Alice! You stuttered you embarrassing excuse of noble blood!
"Really? It's not a problem? I'm glad.." The boy- no Iruma Smiled in relief as he scratched his neck, Now that Asmodeus had a closer look.
Iruma has multiple bruises on his body and he's all dirty..But..Strangely I don't find myself disgusted in him.
"You look absolutely horrible." Iruma's face was dumbfounded when Asmodeus described him like that.
"I-i meant! Your condition looks horrible! Not the way you look! I mean-" Asmodeus tried to frantically explain as Iruma tilted his head.
"I..get what you mean but, please don't worry, I'm used to it..by now, So it's not a problem for me." Iruma had a big grin on his face, As if it didn't matter at all.
And that struck Alice's heart greatly.
How could you still smile after suffering so much? It's so weird.
Is what Asmodeus wanted to say. But he kept his mouth shut and decided to change the topic.
"Are..You still hungry?"
Iruma tilted his head before nodding.
"Mhm! I really wanna eat but, I should just go to sleep and forget about it so i can earn up energy and hunt tomorrow!"
Idiot, This boy is such an airhead, Yet i find myself drawn to him.
"Well..I live nearby so, Tommorow, I'll definitely come And I'll give you snacks!" Asmodeus boldly declared with his hand on his heart.
It stunned Iruma but the boy smiled, A genuine one for the first time.
"Mm!" Iruma nodded.
With the promise made, Asmodeus left shortly after in fear for his punishment if he's discovered.
But even so, It wouldn't stop him from seeing Iruma.
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