The Devil is the Villainess

Chapter XIII: The Girl from Wonderland

Caelus observed the scene unfolding before him, standing quietly beside Medea as she lounged comfortably on his sofa, her crimson eyes fixed on the young girl seated across from her. The girl, her small frame perched on the edge of the seat, eagerly devoured the pumpkin pie that she had graciously offered her.

Glancing sideways at Medea, Caelus couldn't help but whisper, a hint of amusement in his voice, "So, it seems you have a soft spot for children, huh?" He watched as Medea shot him a sharp glare, her irritation evident in the furrow of her brows. With a shrug, Caelus raised his eyebrows innocently, continuing, "Well, you're the one who welcomed her, not me."

"Quiet," Medea retorted, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. "I simply didn't want to deal with a child throwing tantrums or causing trouble."

With a resigned sigh, Caelus crossed his arms, shifting his focus to the young visitor. "Where do you come from?" he inquired, his tone serious yet curious. The girl, her mouth still partly filled with pie, swallowed before responding, "I hail from Wonderland."

Medea raised a skeptical eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Wonderland? What sort of place is that?" she questioned, her curiosity evident.

Caelus, his gaze fixed ahead, explained, "It's a realm where magicians are inherently born." Glancing briefly at Medea, he added, "It's also where I was born."

Medea's expression softened slightly as she absorbed this information, nodding in understanding. Caelus considered her words carefully before turning his attention back to the girl. "Provide me with a valid reason to accept you as my pupil," he requested, his tone firm yet not unkind.

The girl pouted slightly, setting down her half-eaten pie before answering, "My grandfather told me that this is the place where I can become a powerful magician. He said it's where the greatest magician grew up and became the head of this tower. I wanted to meet you, Mister Caelus, and ask you to accept me as your pupil!"

Medea, leaning back on the sofa, interjected with a note of caution, "Are there no magicians in Wonderland who could teach you? This tower isn't a playground, you know."

Caelus pondered for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the girl's request. Finally, after a brief pause, he spoke, "Perhaps she has a valid reason." Turning his attention to the girl, he challenged, "Provide me with a compelling reason to accept you as my pupil."

The young girl's eyes lit up with determination as she responded without hesitation, "My dream is to follow in your footsteps and become the next head of this tower!"

Caelus's surprise was evident as he absorbed her words. He hadn't expected such ambition from one so young. Yet, her sincerity touched him, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Very well," he conceded, his voice carrying a note of approval. "I accept."

Medea's disbelief lingered as she watched Caelus swiftly accept the young girl's request. She couldn't help but internally scoff, wondering if his decision was made too hastily. Arms crossed and a smirk playing at her lips, she glanced at the girl, who remained blissfully unaware of the tension between the two adults, engrossed in finishing the last remnants of the pumpkin pie.

Lost in her thoughts, Medea couldn't resist a sly remark. "Looks like I'm not the only one feeling unusually charitable today," she quipped, a smirk dancing on her lips as she turned towards Caelus. "You're quite the soft touch, aren't you, Cael?"

Caelus huffed softly in response, flopping down beside Medea before reaching for a book on the nearby table. Ignoring Medea's teasing, he buried himself in its pages, all the while addressing the young girl. "Before you officially become my pupil, there's something I must inquire," he stated, his tone businesslike.