Like A Dark Paradise (A Hazbin Hotel story)

A Cruel Demon's Thesis

This must be some sort of mistake. Is this some sort of prank? Are you being set up? Is this really happening? How is this happening right now? Are you dreaming? No. You're definitely awake. You're sure of it. But then how's any of this real??

You were sitting in your seat, frozen stiff as a statue with the most uncomfortably forced smile you could manage. Across from you was the one and only Marigold, the demon that wanted to interview you. She was so relaxed and carefree, sipping her espresso coffee with a smile. Even with the way she sits with her legs crossed off to the side of the chair and having one arm resting behind her; she's like an elegant tomboy from some noir novellas. What should you say? How should you say it? Damn it. You had no problem talking to her at Valentino's party. Why are you having problems doing so now??

"Hey, what's the matter? Are you okay?" she asked. "You look white as a sheet."

Somehow, hearing her voice broke you out of your blank trance. However, in the most awkward way possible. It hasn't been five minutes and you're making a complete fool out of yourself. How the hell were you supposed to make a presentable impression if you can't even keep yourself together? Doesn't help the fact that Marigold is the one interviewing you. You were so far inferior compared to someone like her.

"Y'know, it'll probably make things easier if we made small talk for a bit," Marigold suggested. "It'll put your worries at ease and it'll make you more comfortable."

"S-sure, w-w-we can do that," you replied with an awkwardly forced smile. God, you were so bad at this.

"Great! Lemme get you something before we can get started." Marigold beckoned one of the servers with a single snap of her fingers. Seconds later, the demon server approached your table attentively with a stainless steel platter in their hands. "Can I get a refill on the blonde Italian espresso with a scoop of vanilla bean? And can I get something for the lady as well?"

"What would the young lady like?" the server asked.

"Let's see..." The female deer demon took a moment to think before making a small glance at you. She then cracked a witty smile and turned back to the demon server. "Give her the special blend caramel macchiato with a splash of almond milk and a half-teaspoon of chai. Also... Be a doll and ajoutez l'un des éléments de menu secrets cachés réservés aux riches associés. You would do that for me, would you?"

With a subtle wink and smile, the server's face heated up from being smitten by Marigold's charms. They soon laughed in a giddy manner and replied, "Oui, m'dame! Right away!"

As you watched the demon server skipped off into the cafe like a lovestruck schoolgirl, you were completely flabbergasted by the way Marigold was able to charm that sinner without much effort. Damn, you wish you had that kind of skill. Then it occurred to you just now: Marigold spoke in a different language while she was talking to that server. And you knew what language that was despite not knowing what the words mean.

"Wait, you can speak French?!" you shouted in surprise.

"Well, yeah," the red-headed demon responded. "It's my native language. It comes off as a surprise to a lot of people since I speak English so fluently."

"So... Does that mean you're from France?"

"Yep. Born and raised in the southern part of France. The farm landscaping's beautiful over there. Makes you want to stare at it and just... soak up the atmosphere." She took another sip of her drink before continuing. "By the way, how'd you know it was French? You speak it or something?"

"No, not really," you replied admittingly. "I just live with two other people that speak the same language as you. One's a British witch doctor from the 1400s and the other... well... he goes by his title, Radio Demon."