Villain Path

Chapter 33. Find out and accept

Right at the appointed time Shen showed up in the tavern. It was the only establishment of such kind on Dragon street, so it wasn't difficult to find it. Volchara turned in her smaller shape and hid behind his collar.

Coming here, Shen worried that he would run into the others. He hated to see them and tried to avoid it by all means. But he was lucky - looking around the room in search of familiar faces, he only saw young master Hur sitting at a table. It seems others must be as unexcited to see him as he is. The logical part of Shen understood that behavior like this was a little absurd, and there is no escape from the problem, but at the same time he absolutely didn't see a solution. He can't deny the original Shen's deeds, as he can't just forget about the past. This man's actions ruined people's lives and changed fates - this is not something that can be forgiven.

And still, if he is able to make things even a little bit better - he'll do it. He'll be with human destinies once again.

Shen saluted to Agen and sat down at the table opposite him.

"What master would like to order?" the owner immediately flew up to him, recognizing in his clothes a man of high wealth.

Shen waved his hand refusing (he didn't have any money anyway), but Agen ordered some rice wine with snacks.

"I'm pleasantly surprised that you actually came," Shen noticed "Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

Agen was long in answering. They waited until owner put a jar of wine on the table, Agen poured himself a drink, sipped it, and then said,:

"Yes... I wanted to answer your question about a beautiful woman with cornflower eyes in more detail."

"So you did see her."

"Saw... Several times. The first one was in childhood. Then she played with me and brushed my hair. After a few years ago, she saved me from an accident. And very recently... when the fire broke out... She drew the flames away from me. Who... she is?"

"Haven't... haven't you figured it out yet?"

Agen glared at him. Shen read in his eyes excitement, mixed with confusion. Well... it was far better than fear.

"Is she... my mother?"

"Yes," Shen replied smiling.

Agen gripped the wine glass tightly and then gulped it down.

"I'm glad she came to see you so many times," Shen added. "It means that she cares about you."

Agen looked at him in surprise.

"But... who is she? Did she become a demon after her death? Is it my fault? Or father's?"

"Oh. That's where your thoughts led you... No. It's no one's fault. She was a demon from the beginning, long before you were born. The spirit of a forest mountain lake. Maybe, even a goddess in some way...

"Goddess?" Agen stared at him confusedly.

Saying all this, Shen was smiling. His smile was sad and encouraging, but now his expression changed, darkening.

"There's something else I need to tell you..."

And when he was done, Agen suddenly jumped up from the table and ran out of the tavern.

Shen gave him a worried look. Yeah, well, he was the one coming up with the idea of upsetting a young man before he paid the bill. He had to persuade the owner to put everything in the Gur family's name for a while longer.

When he left the taver, all traces of Agen were long lost in the cotton twilight.

«System!» Shen called. «Can you lead me to this demon-goddess Laivor? Provide me with piano in the bushes or what...»