3. In which Laharl has tea with Lamington
This one has a rather mellow tone when compared to 8, but I rather like the strange dynamic that Laharl and Lamington seem to share.
"So...where are we going first?" Etna asked Laharl.
"It wouldn't be polite if we didn't visit the one who invited us."
"Huh? Since when did you care about manners?" Etna said in shock.
"Fool. How do you expect me to defy and betray him like a demon if I can't even accomplish these simple things?"
"I see~ Prince, you're put a lot of thought into this!"
"Of course." Laharl replied confidently, and took the lead.
"Alright, let's head towards Lamington's place."
The three of them walked along the white pavements, looking like they owned the place.
Lamington's white mansion is situated on the highest point in Celestia, on what looked like hills. It was made of stone, but didn't give off the air of a castle or palace - it was simply a big mansion. No fences surrounded its garden, and right when they entered, a person emerged from the house.
"Welcome."
A tall man wearing white robes approached them with a smile, his long hair running freely in the wind - the Seraph Lamington.
When the Netherworld, Celestia and the human world came into conflict, he plotted with the former Overlord Krichovsky to bring about change in Celestia. As a result, Flonne became a fallen angel and was dispatched into the Netherworld, while nobody disputed Laharl's ascension to the throne based on the fact that he beat the crap out of the Seraph. However, Laharl is still bothered by Lamington's machinations, and even though Flonne holds deep respect and admiration for Lamington, he could not bring himself to trust an angel whose smiles betrayed nothing.
"Long time no see."
Laharl looked at Lamington's outstretched hand, and replied in a sullen tone, "I guess."
"Would you like to have some tea?"
"You didn't invite me for chit-chat, did you? I'm busy. Get to the point."
"You're rather impatient, as always."
"You're too patient."
"I can't say anything to that." Lamington smiled lightly, and gestured towards the rooms inside his house.
"Let's talk over there. Your companions can wait in the living room. I'll get someone to bring tea."
"We'll be sitting over there~"
Etna immediately sat down on the sofa. In contrast, Flonne stared worriedly after Laharl.
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, the Prince won't lose."
Etna smiled reassuringly, but Flonne still looked bothered.
"Ah, I get it. You were wondering whether the Prince will rip him another one?"
"I don't think it'll come to that. But I just don't know what Lord Lamington is planning..."
"Hmm? Don't you trust him?" Etna looked surprised at Flonne's words.
"That's true..." Flonne lowered her head.
At the same time, Laharl plopped himself down on the couch in Lamington's private room. Being someone with a tiny frame, he immediately sunk into the couch meant for adult-sized people.
"Then I shall spare you the formalities."
"Sure, make it short and sweet." Laharl waved his hand dismissively, urging Lamington to go on.
"Actually, I wanted to talk about this after you punched me, but back then I wasn't completely prepared. You have my apologies. The Netherworld - I heard that everyone now serves you without complaint."
"Because I beat the crap out of Celestia's ruler, and that made instantly awesome in their eyes - or something like that."
"That's fantastic." Lamington smiled, and stared at Laharl. For a split second, Laharl felt a chill run down his spine.
-No, how can I be afraid?
Laharl tried to convince himself, but could not shake off his uneasy feeling. Lamington pretended to be ignorant and continued talking, "There are still some in Celestia that hold malignant feelings towards the Netherworld's inhabitants, but I do not think any of them would actively demonstrate them."
"So, what are you suggesting?" Laharl urged Lamington on, still unsure of where he was going with this.
"I want unrestricted passage between Celestia and Netherworld."
"I don't want to mingle with you people."
Laharl answered immediately, but Lamington, as if expecting his answer, gave another suggestion, "Then what if we let the same amount of willing participants switch places? Call it an exchange program, if you must."
Laharl raised his eyebrows after hearing Lamington's suggestion. "I don't mind. We could spy on each other, that's fair game."
"So?"
"Alright, I'll accept these conditions. Thank me." Laharl smirked.
"You haven't changed at all." Lamington smiled bitterly. "Do you want to sign the contract?"
"No. This is something decided between me - the ruler of Netherworld - and Celestia's Seraph. Nobody can get in the way of that."
"I understand. Then it shall be done." Lamington said and offered his hand to Laharl.
"I said that I don't want to mingle with you people." Laharl touched Lamington's outstretched hand lightly and stood up.
"The participants - we'll exchange them later on."
"Alright." Laharl answered without turning his head, and left Lamington's room.
-
"I'm off to see Lamington. I'll be back in the evening." Laharl said and ran away in a hurry, passing by Elle, who just emerged from the kitchen.
"Oh my, where is Mr. Laharl going?"
"He said he's going to see the Seraph."
"Oh, that's too bad. I made lunch for him."
Elle sighed regretfully and returned to the kitchen. She held a crepe in her hands that was decorated carefully with sauces and vegetables to make peace signs.
"Woah, he's really affected by those things~" Etna watched Laharl's retreating back and muttered to herself.
"Hmm~ Should I stab him in the back now? But it's rather interesting to see the Prince in such a weak state." Making a shocking statement like it was nothing, Etna swung her tail happily.
"Welcome. Did something happen?"
Despite the sudden intrusion, Lamington still smiled at Laharl from behind his office desk.
"I just wanted to have tea with you. Are you working? I'll leave if you're in the middle of something." Regardless of his words, Laharl sat down comfortably on the couch. Lamington's desk was filled with mountains of paperwork.
"No, you're welcome anytime." Lamington stood up and walked towards the couch with a calm expression.
"That's quite a lot." Laharl was in awe at the amount of paperwork.
"Today is one of the better days, actually."
"Better days?"
"Yes." Lamington replied nonchalantly.
"I can finish that amount in two hours."
"...you're joking, right?"
"No, I don't lie."
"You just keep secrets."
"You got me right there." Lamington laughed, and continued, "When you get used to it, you'll be able to breeze through this kind of work too. King Krichovsky was like that."
"That's got nothing to do with me."
Right then, a lower angel appeared with teapot, teacups and cakes. After pouring out the tea, he left with a smile.
Lamington motioned for Laharl to drink, and sat down on the couch as well.
Red tea and fruit tarts. The tiny fruits sparkled with a light that seemed to radiate from within.
Laharl stared at the red tea and asked, "What's the name of the tea?"
"You mean the red tea? It's an original brand by the name of "Radiance", known for its elegant and highly refined fragrance - better with milk. And these are my favorites - freshly made cherry tarts."
Laharl stared at the cake for a while, wondering whether they're rigged or not. He made up his mind, grabbed a piece of cake with his fork and ate it.
"How is it?"
"Hmm, quite good." Laharl said in a dismissive tone, but devoured the cake in seconds.
"Wonderful. Cherries are the brightest fruits in Celestia, and they represent love and light."
"...you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Laharl glared daggers at Lamington, but Lamington gave a mumbled answer and avoided the subject completely.
Laharl knew that he wasn't going to respond, so he changed the subject, "So, what are you going to do with Flonne?"
"You mean...?" Lamington poured a small amount of milk into his tea and brought the cup near his lips.
"How long do you want to leave her in the Netherworld?"
"You're right. How long should I leave her there?"
"That's what I'm asking."
"That depends entirely upon you. I don't mind leaving her there forever."
"...what are you planning?"
Lamington didn't answer and changed the subject, "Flonne is Celestia's future."
Laharl stared at him in suspicion, "So why did you send someone as important as her to the Netherworld?"
"Her powers were regrettably lacking back then, and there are many who view a youngster like Flonne in a negative light."
"I see. You made her into a Fallen Angel to protect her?"
Lamington nodded, silently agreeing with Laharl.
"A lot of people have complained about the exchange with the Netherworld. However, it is necessary for our future. That's why I sent Flonne to the Netherworld, that's why I let her meet you."
"You conspired with my old man."
"Correct."
"Sticking your head in other people's businesses." Laharl drank his tea with an unhappy face.
Lamington's smile didn't falter, and he changed the subject again. "About what we discussed yesterday...do you have any suggestions for the amount of participants?"
"Two or three would be enough. If it goes smoothly, we could increase the number."
"I agree. Then I shall make preparations accordingly."
-
Lamington wrote some remarks on a document and threw it. The paper turned into a pigeon and flew away.
After finishing his work, Lamington took another sip from his teacup and sat on the couch again. He smiled gently at Laharl.
"What do you think of Celestia?"
Laharl frowned at Lamington's inquiry.
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
"Your expression tells me otherwise."
"I said, there are no problems."
Laharl would rather die than admit that constant assaults of love have left him worn out.
"I'm going back to the Netherworld tomorrow."
"I see. Please don't mind the lesson you've gotten. You're welcome to visit again."
"I haven't gotten any lesson. Also, you should be the one visiting me, right?"
"I understand. You have a point. I'll drop by sometime soon."
"I'll give you a warm welcome - Netherworld style, of course."
"Please, go easy on me." Lamington bowed his head.
"Oh right. I had something I wanted to ask you."
"You mean Ozonne, right?"
"How did you know?"
"I have my own ways of getting information."
I can't underestimate him - Laharl grumbled to himself, and continued speaking, "Is there anyone else who shares her sentiments in Celestia?"
"If one thought idea pervades over all others, there are bound to be people who hold different views."
"Really?"
"Vulcano was one of them - and so was King Krichovsky."
Laharl frowned at the mention of his father's name and asked, "So Ozonne is another one of them?"
"Correct."
"What are you going to do about her?"
"I do not plan to eliminate heretics. I'll let them run free."
"And you expect to keep order in Celestia?"
"If Celestia breaks down so easily, then it probably shouldn't have existed in the first place."
"You have some firm beliefs."
Lamington remained silent before Laharl's words, and merely bowed his head. Then he smiled and spoke up, "Can I ask a question as well?"
"Shoot."
"What do you think about Flonne?"
"Flonne?"
Lamington nodded while smiling.
Laharl looked surprised for a moment, but immediately shook his head.
"I haven't thought about that."
"I don't need an answer right now. But please give me an answer someday, no matter how many years it may take."
Lamington placed his teacup down and stood up, turning his back to Laharl. He looked through the window and muttered in an inaudible voice, "Before my life ends-"
"So...where are we going first?" Etna asked Laharl.
"It wouldn't be polite if we didn't visit the one who invited us."
"Huh? Since when did you care about manners?" Etna said in shock.
"Fool. How do you expect me to defy and betray him like a demon if I can't even accomplish these simple things?"
"I see~ Prince, you're put a lot of thought into this!"
"Of course." Laharl replied confidently, and took the lead.
"Alright, let's head towards Lamington's place."
The three of them walked along the white pavements, looking like they owned the place.
Lamington's white mansion is situated on the highest point in Celestia, on what looked like hills. It was made of stone, but didn't give off the air of a castle or palace - it was simply a big mansion. No fences surrounded its garden, and right when they entered, a person emerged from the house.
"Welcome."
A tall man wearing white robes approached them with a smile, his long hair running freely in the wind - the Seraph Lamington.
When the Netherworld, Celestia and the human world came into conflict, he plotted with the former Overlord Krichovsky to bring about change in Celestia. As a result, Flonne became a fallen angel and was dispatched into the Netherworld, while nobody disputed Laharl's ascension to the throne based on the fact that he beat the crap out of the Seraph. However, Laharl is still bothered by Lamington's machinations, and even though Flonne holds deep respect and admiration for Lamington, he could not bring himself to trust an angel whose smiles betrayed nothing.
"Long time no see."
Laharl looked at Lamington's outstretched hand, and replied in a sullen tone, "I guess."
"Would you like to have some tea?"
"You didn't invite me for chit-chat, did you? I'm busy. Get to the point."
"You're rather impatient, as always."
"You're too patient."
"I can't say anything to that." Lamington smiled lightly, and gestured towards the rooms inside his house.
"Let's talk over there. Your companions can wait in the living room. I'll get someone to bring tea."
"We'll be sitting over there~"
Etna immediately sat down on the sofa. In contrast, Flonne stared worriedly after Laharl.
"Don't worry. No matter what happens, the Prince won't lose."
Etna smiled reassuringly, but Flonne still looked bothered.
"Ah, I get it. You were wondering whether the Prince will rip him another one?"
"I don't think it'll come to that. But I just don't know what Lord Lamington is planning..."
"Hmm? Don't you trust him?" Etna looked surprised at Flonne's words.
"That's true..." Flonne lowered her head.
At the same time, Laharl plopped himself down on the couch in Lamington's private room. Being someone with a tiny frame, he immediately sunk into the couch meant for adult-sized people.
"Then I shall spare you the formalities."
"Sure, make it short and sweet." Laharl waved his hand dismissively, urging Lamington to go on.
"Actually, I wanted to talk about this after you punched me, but back then I wasn't completely prepared. You have my apologies. The Netherworld - I heard that everyone now serves you without complaint."
"Because I beat the crap out of Celestia's ruler, and that made instantly awesome in their eyes - or something like that."
"That's fantastic." Lamington smiled, and stared at Laharl. For a split second, Laharl felt a chill run down his spine.
-No, how can I be afraid?
Laharl tried to convince himself, but could not shake off his uneasy feeling. Lamington pretended to be ignorant and continued talking, "There are still some in Celestia that hold malignant feelings towards the Netherworld's inhabitants, but I do not think any of them would actively demonstrate them."
"So, what are you suggesting?" Laharl urged Lamington on, still unsure of where he was going with this.
"I want unrestricted passage between Celestia and Netherworld."
"I don't want to mingle with you people."
Laharl answered immediately, but Lamington, as if expecting his answer, gave another suggestion, "Then what if we let the same amount of willing participants switch places? Call it an exchange program, if you must."
Laharl raised his eyebrows after hearing Lamington's suggestion. "I don't mind. We could spy on each other, that's fair game."
"So?"
"Alright, I'll accept these conditions. Thank me." Laharl smirked.
"You haven't changed at all." Lamington smiled bitterly. "Do you want to sign the contract?"
"No. This is something decided between me - the ruler of Netherworld - and Celestia's Seraph. Nobody can get in the way of that."
"I understand. Then it shall be done." Lamington said and offered his hand to Laharl.
"I said that I don't want to mingle with you people." Laharl touched Lamington's outstretched hand lightly and stood up.
"The participants - we'll exchange them later on."
"Alright." Laharl answered without turning his head, and left Lamington's room.
-
"I'm off to see Lamington. I'll be back in the evening." Laharl said and ran away in a hurry, passing by Elle, who just emerged from the kitchen.
"Oh my, where is Mr. Laharl going?"
"He said he's going to see the Seraph."
"Oh, that's too bad. I made lunch for him."
Elle sighed regretfully and returned to the kitchen. She held a crepe in her hands that was decorated carefully with sauces and vegetables to make peace signs.
"Woah, he's really affected by those things~" Etna watched Laharl's retreating back and muttered to herself.
"Hmm~ Should I stab him in the back now? But it's rather interesting to see the Prince in such a weak state." Making a shocking statement like it was nothing, Etna swung her tail happily.
"Welcome. Did something happen?"
Despite the sudden intrusion, Lamington still smiled at Laharl from behind his office desk.
"I just wanted to have tea with you. Are you working? I'll leave if you're in the middle of something." Regardless of his words, Laharl sat down comfortably on the couch. Lamington's desk was filled with mountains of paperwork.
"No, you're welcome anytime." Lamington stood up and walked towards the couch with a calm expression.
"That's quite a lot." Laharl was in awe at the amount of paperwork.
"Today is one of the better days, actually."
"Better days?"
"Yes." Lamington replied nonchalantly.
"I can finish that amount in two hours."
"...you're joking, right?"
"No, I don't lie."
"You just keep secrets."
"You got me right there." Lamington laughed, and continued, "When you get used to it, you'll be able to breeze through this kind of work too. King Krichovsky was like that."
"That's got nothing to do with me."
Right then, a lower angel appeared with teapot, teacups and cakes. After pouring out the tea, he left with a smile.
Lamington motioned for Laharl to drink, and sat down on the couch as well.
Red tea and fruit tarts. The tiny fruits sparkled with a light that seemed to radiate from within.
Laharl stared at the red tea and asked, "What's the name of the tea?"
"You mean the red tea? It's an original brand by the name of "Radiance", known for its elegant and highly refined fragrance - better with milk. And these are my favorites - freshly made cherry tarts."
Laharl stared at the cake for a while, wondering whether they're rigged or not. He made up his mind, grabbed a piece of cake with his fork and ate it.
"How is it?"
"Hmm, quite good." Laharl said in a dismissive tone, but devoured the cake in seconds.
"Wonderful. Cherries are the brightest fruits in Celestia, and they represent love and light."
"...you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?"
Laharl glared daggers at Lamington, but Lamington gave a mumbled answer and avoided the subject completely.
Laharl knew that he wasn't going to respond, so he changed the subject, "So, what are you going to do with Flonne?"
"You mean...?" Lamington poured a small amount of milk into his tea and brought the cup near his lips.
"How long do you want to leave her in the Netherworld?"
"You're right. How long should I leave her there?"
"That's what I'm asking."
"That depends entirely upon you. I don't mind leaving her there forever."
"...what are you planning?"
Lamington didn't answer and changed the subject, "Flonne is Celestia's future."
Laharl stared at him in suspicion, "So why did you send someone as important as her to the Netherworld?"
"Her powers were regrettably lacking back then, and there are many who view a youngster like Flonne in a negative light."
"I see. You made her into a Fallen Angel to protect her?"
Lamington nodded, silently agreeing with Laharl.
"A lot of people have complained about the exchange with the Netherworld. However, it is necessary for our future. That's why I sent Flonne to the Netherworld, that's why I let her meet you."
"You conspired with my old man."
"Correct."
"Sticking your head in other people's businesses." Laharl drank his tea with an unhappy face.
Lamington's smile didn't falter, and he changed the subject again. "About what we discussed yesterday...do you have any suggestions for the amount of participants?"
"Two or three would be enough. If it goes smoothly, we could increase the number."
"I agree. Then I shall make preparations accordingly."
-
Lamington wrote some remarks on a document and threw it. The paper turned into a pigeon and flew away.
After finishing his work, Lamington took another sip from his teacup and sat on the couch again. He smiled gently at Laharl.
"What do you think of Celestia?"
Laharl frowned at Lamington's inquiry.
"Is there a problem?"
"No."
"Your expression tells me otherwise."
"I said, there are no problems."
Laharl would rather die than admit that constant assaults of love have left him worn out.
"I'm going back to the Netherworld tomorrow."
"I see. Please don't mind the lesson you've gotten. You're welcome to visit again."
"I haven't gotten any lesson. Also, you should be the one visiting me, right?"
"I understand. You have a point. I'll drop by sometime soon."
"I'll give you a warm welcome - Netherworld style, of course."
"Please, go easy on me." Lamington bowed his head.
"Oh right. I had something I wanted to ask you."
"You mean Ozonne, right?"
"How did you know?"
"I have my own ways of getting information."
I can't underestimate him - Laharl grumbled to himself, and continued speaking, "Is there anyone else who shares her sentiments in Celestia?"
"If one thought idea pervades over all others, there are bound to be people who hold different views."
"Really?"
"Vulcano was one of them - and so was King Krichovsky."
Laharl frowned at the mention of his father's name and asked, "So Ozonne is another one of them?"
"Correct."
"What are you going to do about her?"
"I do not plan to eliminate heretics. I'll let them run free."
"And you expect to keep order in Celestia?"
"If Celestia breaks down so easily, then it probably shouldn't have existed in the first place."
"You have some firm beliefs."
Lamington remained silent before Laharl's words, and merely bowed his head. Then he smiled and spoke up, "Can I ask a question as well?"
"Shoot."
"What do you think about Flonne?"
"Flonne?"
Lamington nodded while smiling.
Laharl looked surprised for a moment, but immediately shook his head.
"I haven't thought about that."
"I don't need an answer right now. But please give me an answer someday, no matter how many years it may take."
Lamington placed his teacup down and stood up, turning his back to Laharl. He looked through the window and muttered in an inaudible voice, "Before my life ends-"