The world swirled around Esmerelda. Swathes of darkness danced amidst fading orange and brown. Distant sound pricked at the back of her ears and she groaned, her eyes fluttering. Something cold, wet, and rough was pressed against her forehead. More sound returned with her growing awareness. The towel pulled back to let a flicker of dim light wash across the counter before her. Ifrit and his guild were gathered around her, concerned expressions on their faces. “Esmerelda!” Rodrick exclaimed, the warrior’s voice booming in her ears. The demon beside him smacked him on the shoulder. “Hush! Don’t be too loud. She just passed out.” “Shit,” the warrior said in a much lower tone as he winced. “Sorry. Are you okay, ma’am?” Esmerelda’s lips were dry and gummy. An imp shifted in the shadows at the edge of her vision. The monster was far from dangerous to her, but it only served to prove without a shadow of a doubt that she hadn’t somehow hallucinated something. It should have been impossible. Devils had entered the realm before, but it was impossible for them to remain for a long period of time. They had no physical form. The only thing they could do was temporarily possess a body. Some could keep their hold for years before their grip evaporated and the body collapsed, but that was it. Esmerelda had absolutely no problem with that. Their games were fun, and they broke up the monotony. There were limits to everything, and she was no exception. The mortal body could only go so far without advancing to the highest ranks. Her skill was not significant enough to ignore those laws. Still, it had kept her alive for far longer than someone of her ability had any right to live. But this… there was no mistaking it. The power wasn’t undoing decades of damage. It wasn’t going to shave away years of age. It was temporary, but it was more than she had felt in ages. Every single fiber of her ancient form screamed for more. Esmerelda’s mouth watered. She didn’t even hesitate for a second. Two bites were no worse than one. The meal vanished from the plate before her as she shoveled it into her mouth. Every single piece sent a little more energy through her weary body. “This is incredible,” Esmerelda breathed once she’d finished, regretfully scanning the plate in Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform. Aches that had been set in her back for as long as she could remember released her from their clutches. A comforting warmth gathered in her stomach. She almost felt spry. It was the greatest thing she’d ever eaten. “I have never had anything of its like.” Lillia blushed. “Thank you. I tried to make sure it would really fill you up and make you feel better. I’m glad it worked.” Esmerelda shifted and stretched her arms above her head. They didn’t pop. They didn’t even crack. A delighted grin crossed her features. She could already feel the strongest effects of the dish fading away, but the warmth and strength lingered on. Devil be damned. I don’t care who they are anymore. I’m selling my soul if it lets me keep eating . I forgot what it feels like to actually be able to move around normally. “What do I have to do to get more of that?” Esmerelda asked. They all laughed. Esmerelda’s spine prickled. That was never a good sign. The first taste may have even been free, but nothing could ever — “Five silver. My prices raised a bit recently,” Lillia said. Esmerelda blinked. “What?” “Oh, this one was free,” Lillia said hurriedly as she picked the plate up and handed it to an imp that stepped from the shadows. “I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that. It was a gift. But more are five silver.” “Yup,” Lillia said. “Six if you want a drink. Well, it could be a bit more depending on the drink, but that’s what it generally ends up being.” Silver? That’s it? Is it a fake word? Esmerelda’s hand shot into her pocket and into a small dimensional space sewn into it. She pulled a gold out and set it on the table, watching Lillia warily. “Could I—” “Coming right up.” Lillia smiled and scooped the coin off the table. She deposited five silvers in its place, then shot off to the kitchen. She paused at the doorway and stuck her head back out. “Make sure you lot don’t overstress her. She needs to rest.” “We won’t,” Rodrick promised. Lillia disappeared into the kitchen. Esmerelda stared at the coins in front of her. They’d literally just wanted money. Now she was even more confused. I am missing something. The devil brought me here… to sell me food for five silver? Perhaps I hit my head harder than I thought. “How are you feeling?” Ifrit asked with a concerned frown that looked strikingly true. Devils were masters of manipulation. Esmerelda was more than aware of that, but he was good. Very good. It really looked like he was concerned. “I’m fine,” Esmerelda said with a shake of her head. “There is no cause for concern. I just haven’t gone out much as of late.” “That makes sense,” Ifrit said with a knowing nod. A smile drifted across his lips as he looked over to the kitchen, his eyes sparkling. “Lillia’s food will fix you right up. She’s something else.” Master of manipulation indeed. Devils can’t feel emotion , but Ifrit genuinely seems to be in love. Esmerelda swallowed her thoughts back. The faster she found out what they wanted, the better. She couldn’t handle the uncertainty any longer. “What is it that you thought I could aid you with?” Esmerelda asked.