Happiness in Love in Hell E-Book

Yasha Silvermoon

• Herausgeber: novum publishing
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 420

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Since childhood, the demon Shinoa has had a difficult life. Because her older sister associates with the wrong people, her parents have very high expectations of her. Shinoa is their last hope. When she is expelled from school after a bad incident, her parents turn away from her in disappointment and shame and disown her. Shinoa initially works as a barmaid to make a living until fate has her take a job as a maid for Lucifer, the king of hell, who rules his kingdom with an iron hand and knows no mercy, with the intention of protecting it from traitors. However, his devilish character does not prevent the yellow-eyed demon from feeling magically drawn to him...

Leseprobe

Introduction

Shinoa is a young demoness, she is 222 years old, has long azure hair and amethyst-colored eyes. She has not always had it easy since her childhood.

Her parents had very high expectations of 17-year-old Shinoa because Sarada, who was five years older, hung out with the wrong people and always brought home bad grades.

One day, the pressure on Shinoa was so great that she could no longer control her demon. For the first time, it broke out at school and caused trouble. As she flailed about wildly, some teachers tried to restrain her, resulting in a few injuries. After what felt like an eternity, Shinoa regained her senses.

But the teachers and children were afraid of another outburst, so the principal had no choice but to expel her from the school. Disappointed at their last hope, Shinoa's parents expelled their youngest daughter.

She has never learned to control her demon, she constantly suppresses it. Once a year, when the red full moon is at its highest, her demon breaks out because that is when the connection is strongest, or when she is very angry or her life is in physical danger.

Shinoa made her living alone on the streets for 50 years. She lives up in the cliffs in a small cave. She had a job as a barmaid, but the job was poorly paid. From time to time, she stole fruit and vegetables from the street vendors and with the little money she earned, she could afford a daily bath for 6 Jewels in the bathhouse s. The guests were generous with their tips. If the guests were generous with their tips, she sometimes got books or a new dress.

At the age of 67 (as a teenager), she met Kazuto. The two quickly became a couple, but he shamelessly took advantage of her for several decades, but Shinoa was blinded by love.

One day, on Shinoa's 167th birthday, the two of them arranged to meet in the park, where the Red Moon Festival was being celebrated at the same time. But Kazuto didn't show up. Shinoa waited for several hours until she left the festival, sad and disappointed. She was heartbroken and hasn't let anyone get close to her since...

Chapter 1: A new beginning

55 years later ...

Shinoa stood in front of the castle gates with five other applicants. At 9 o'clock sharp, the large double doors swung open and a demoness in a red, knee-length maid's uniform stepped out. «Welcome», she began, «my name is Saphyra and today I will be checking to see which of you are suitable for the three maid positions advertised. Please follow me.»

The demoness, who called herself Saphyra, walked into the castle, Shinoa and the other applicants followed her. They walked through a long corridor, where every now and then a painting of the king, his children or his brother hung, some pictures were covered with a black cloth. Saphyra led the girl’s downstairs to the laundry. There was another demoness in the laundry, she was standing at a large table folding bed linen, she looked up briefly and then continued working.

«This is Ahsoka, she's in charge of the laundry», Saphyra introduced her. «Before we start, please tell me your names and ages and give me your application documents.» The first demoness stepped forward, handed Saphyra the documents and introduced herself; the other five did the same.

«Now that everyone has introduced themselves, we can get started. Tell me your dress and shoe size», said Saphyra. «Why is that relevant?», asked an applicant. «Well …», Saphyra began, but she was interrupted by Ahsoka. «Do you want to work in the white blouse and the tight jeans?» «No», the applicant replied.

«So?», Ahsoka asked further. «Dress size 42, shoe size 39», she said. Ahsoka made a note of it and looked at the other demonesses. When everyone had given their measurements, Ahsoka and Saphyra went to the closet and handed each a light blue knee-length uniform with apron and headdress, opaque white tights and black ballroom shoes with straps.

«Please get changed», said Saphyra and pointed to a door. The girls went in and changed. In the meantime, three more demonesses came into the laundry room and lined up. After a few minutes, Shinoa was the first to come out and then, 15 minutes later, the last two.

«Now that everyone is here, I'll explain how things will work today», explained Saphyra. «First, we'll divide you into three groups of two. The teams of two will go with Sayaka, Shagotte and Cana, they will show you what their duties as maids are.»

An applicant raised her hand. «Yes, please?», Saphyra took it. «Forgive me, but at the beginning you said you were going to test us.» «I must have misspoken. While you're working with the girls, I'll keep an eye on you all and then report back to His Majesty», Saphyra apologized.

«How will you keep an eye on us all?», asked another applicant. «I am a shadow demon, my shadows are spread all over the castle; what they see and hear, I see and hear too, so I can keep His Majesty informed. Don't worry, there are no shadows in the private rooms, the king is not interested in what happens in there», explained Saphyra.

«Excuse me», Shinoa began and raised her hand. Saphyra nodded at her. «What's with the uniform colors? You're wearing red, the ladies here are wearing light blue and on the way to the laundry room we met one of them in a black uniform.»

«Who is assigned where and how», Ahsoka said. «So like in the hospital? The head doctor wears a white coat while the nurses all wear dark blue?» Shinoa asked.

«Correct, it's ordered like this here, the head servant wears a red uniform, the king's personal maid a black one and the maids a light blue one. If there are any complaints or inappropriate incidents, you can come to me. But enough gossip, let's get to work. Shinoa and Holly, you go with Cana, Tayla and Valerie, you with Sayaka and Satine and Juvia, you two with Shagotte.»

Chapter 2: Trial work

Shinoa followed with Holly Cana. Cana explained and showed the girls her daily work. While Cana was dusting the corridor with her protégés, a handsome male demon approached them.

Cana immediately stood up properly, moved her right foot behind her left heel, bent her knees, lowered her head slightly and curtsied slightly. Shinoa immediately followed suit, while Holly looked at the demon. In a knee-jerk reaction, Cana put her hand on her head and pushed it down. «H-hey ...», Holly stuttered. «Stay down», Cana hissed, «there’s the younger brother of King Lucifer, Prince Draven.»

«Good afternoon, ladies», greeted Draven as he passed and smiled. «Good afternoon, Prince Draven», came from Cana. Draven stopped, turned and looked at the girls. «Is today the day of the interview, including the trial work?», he asked. «Yes, Your Highness», Cana replied. «I see. Well then, good luck to you two», said Draven and went back on his way. The three demonesses stood up again and went about their work.

At lunchtime, everyone met in front of the kitchen. «I need Cana, Sayaka and Shagotte for the lunch service. Normally we have lunch at 1:30 p.m., but as the lunch service for the royal family has to run smoothly, you can take a break now. Yukino will show you where our staff room is, and she'll keep you company until we're finished.» As if on cue, Yukino came out of the kitchen. «Hello», she greeted.

«May I ask why she eats at the same time as the king and his family?», asked Shinoa. «Of course, you don't learn anything without asking. I'm his personal maid, and as such, I should always be on hand when he needs something. Lucifer never needs anything special at mealtimes, so I can take my break and eat something during this time. They finish eating after about an hour, then my shift starts again and the others have a break for half an hour», explained Yukino. «Why are the others only allowed to take a half-hour break and you one?», Shinoa asked another question. «Saphyra and the others have regular working hours, from 8:15 a.m. to 8 p.m., my shift starts at 6:45 a.m. and ends when Lucifer retires, sometimes earlier, sometimes later», Yukiko explained. «I see, thanks», Shinoa thanked her.

«Come on then, we'll pick up our food and then go to the staff room. Hey guys, there are seven of us for lunch!», she called into the kitchen and held the kitchen door open for the girls. «We already know, Yuki», a voice called back. There were three more demons in the kitchen. «This is our kitchen crew, Lux, Zeb and Savage.» «Hello, ladies», Zeb greeted. «We're getting cute new coworkers», came from Lux, who then took a punch from Savage. «Not any more if you keep talking like that.» «That's all right, no need to get violent», Lux replied, offended. «What have you prepared for us today?», asked Yukino, trying to divert attention from the topic. «Something deliciouss», Savage boasted, «rice, chicken curry and vegetables.»

Lux prepared six portions, and just as he was about to plate up the chicken curry for the seventh portion, Shinoa stopped him. «Just rice and vegetables for me, please.» «Vegetarian?», asked Lux. «I eat meat, but I'm not a big fan of it», replied Shinoa. «Aha», was all Lux said.

«Let her be, Lux, everyone prefers something different, and if she prefers vegetables and side dishes, that's her right», defended Zeb. Lux gave Shinoa the plate with just rice and vegetables and Yukino led the demonesses into the staff room.

Meanwhile in the dining room

Saphyra, Cana, Sayaka and Shagotte finished setting the table for lunch. Draven was the first to arrive and take his place, followed by Lucifer's children, the twins Beliath and Nereus and the youngest daughter Mazikeen, ten minutes later the king entered the dining room. When everyone had taken their seats, Cana poured water for everyone. Shagotte and Sayaka served the starter. «We'll start with the starter, the kitchen has prepared a mango and avocado salad with a lime dressing for you today», announced Saphyra.

Mazikeen looked at her plate. «Do I have to eat this?», she grumbled. «Yes, you do», said her father. «But ...», she tried to object, but the king beat her to it: «You'll get the same answer as with any meal you don't want to eat. You eat what the kitchen prepares and serves you.» Mazikeen pouted, but Lucifer didn't elaborate. Draven and the children waited until the king picked up his cutlery and took his first bite.

When everyone had finished eating, Shagotte cleared the empty plates with the starter cutlery and took them to the kitchen. «May we serve the main course or would you like to wait a moment?», asked Saphyra. «We'll wait a moment», replied the king. Saphyra went into the kitchen to tell the cooks.

Back in the staff room

Everyone sat in front of their empty plates and stared at holes in the air. Shinoa stacked all the plates together. «I'll take them back to the kitchen», she told Yukino. «Can you find the way?», she asked. «Here, through the door, to the first junction, then left, then a few steps straight ahead and I'm at the kitchen door», she replied. Yukino nodded in agreement. Shinoa took the dishes back to the kitchen. «Where can I put the dishes?», she asked the group. Zeb looked at her and said: «You can just put them in the sink by the dishwasher and we'll wash them.» Shinoa put everything in the sink.

She looked at the door that led to the dining room. «Curious?», Savage asked. «Yes. I'd like to see how the lunch service works», she replied. «I think that's doable», he said and opened the door to the dining room. He waved Saphyra towards him. «Is something wrong?», Saphyra asked worriedly. Shinoa shook his head. «I'd like to watch how the lunch service goes. Only if it's no trouble.» «Watching would work, I just can't assign you to any work and you have to be quiet», Saphyra offered her.

Shinoa nodded. «Good, they're just taking a break before they continue with the main course. Just stay by my side», Saphyra explained and walked with her into the dining hall. Saphyra stood at her usual place a little away from the table and crossed her arms behind her back, Shinoa stood next to her and followed suit. «The one sitting at the head of the table is Lucifer», Saphyra whispered to her, «the first chair on his left was for his wife Sphinx, may she rest in peace, on the second chair sits the first-born Beliath, on the third chair his twin brother Nereus and on the fourth chair sits the third-born Mazikeen. On Lucifer's right, we have his brother Draven on the third chair, and the first two seats are for his parents.» «How old were the children when their mother was assassinated?», Shinoa asked quietly. «Let me think quickly ... that was 55 years ago, the twins are 70 years old, they were 15 years old when their mother was assassinated, Mazikeen is five years younger. They were still children when it happened», Saphyra calculated.

«And the culprit or culprits?», asked Shinoa. Saphyra shook her head. «They haven't caught him yet. Lucifer hasn't forgotten the whole thing and is still looking for the person.» «I can understand that», said Shinoa, looking cautiously at the table.

The adults were engrossed in conversation. «Brother, I've received another complaint about you», said the king. «Complaint? Because of me? I was just wishing the girls I saw today luck», Draven defended himself. «I'm talking about Itona. Would you finally Let her be?», the king asked. «Sure, as soon as her heart is mine», said Draven in love.

Lucifer sighed. «If she quits because of you, I'll lose my best guard and then it'll be your fault.» «She won't, brother, you worry too much», Draven reassured him. Lucifer realized that the conversation with his brother was going nowhere and looked to Saphyra, who nodded, signaled Shinoa to wait for her there and went into the kitchen.

Lucifer's gaze fell on Shinoa. «Who's that?», he asked. Draven and the children followed his gaze. «A beauty», came from Nereus. «A beauty who is too old for you», Beliath brought his brother back to reality. «Just ask her», said Mazikeen. Draven stood up. «The lady, would you please come closer», he asked Shinoa. Shinoa glanced at Cana for help, who nodded at her. Shinoa walked a little closer to the table and bowed. «Your Highnesses», she greeted the family.

«What's your name?», asked Nereus. «Shinoa ... Shinoa Dragneel», she introduced herself. «Are you here for the position of maid?», asked Mazikeen. «Yes, I am», she replied. «Why are you doing this to yourself? You're far too beautiful for this kind of work», said Nereus dreamily. «I wasn't happy with my old job and this position was the only thing I know how to do ... at least I hope so.» «And why aren't you with the others?», asked Lucifer. «I was curious to see how the lunch service was going», she replied again. Lucifer looked at her suspiciously, but before he could ask another question, Saphyra came back into the dining room with Shagotte and Sayaka.

«The main course is lamb chops with roast potatoes and vegetables», Saphyra announced. Her eyes fell on Shinoa, who was still bowing in front of the table.

Saphyra immediately stood next to her and bowed as well. «My apologies, Your Highnesses, I hope she didn't cause any trouble», Saphyra apologized. «No, not at all, we were just having a little conversation», Draven replied. Saphyra walked with Shinoa a little ways off again. «Are you all right?», she whispered. Shinoa nodded. «Yes, I'm fine.»

Chapter 3: New job

When the family had finished eating, everyone thanked them, got up and left the dining room. Shagotte and Cana cleared the table and Sayaka took away the tablecloth. «Uhm ... Shi ... Shin ... ah, Shinoa, would you like to help me wipe down the table and the chairs?», asked Sayaka. «Gladly», she nodded. The two demonesses cleaned the table and the chairs and put everything back in order. Cana put a new tablecloth on the table and Shagotte placed three golden five-branched candlesticks on it. «Well, let's take a break», said Saphyra and went with the girls to the kitchen, where they picked up their food and went to the staff room. «Thanks for watching, Yukino», Saphyra thanked her. Yukino nodded and went back to work. «After the break, we're going to Cassandra in the infirmary. She'll ask you some questions about previous illnesses and ailments and do a few routine checks. When she's done with everything, you'll have the interview with His Majesty», said Saphyra. «It wasn't in the job description that we'd be examined by a doctor», Holly complained. «But it doesn't make sense for someone who isn't physically fit to work here», replied Shagotte.

The four demonesses finished their break. Saphyra went with the six applicants to Cassandra in the hospital wing while the other three went back to their work. «Hello, Saphyra, are these the applicants?», one of the nurses asked. «Hello, Zeref, yes, they are», Saphyra confirmed. «Good, Cassandra had to leave quickly, family emergency, but Hondo and I will take over the examinations», he explained. «May I have the application documents, please?» «Of course, here.» Saphyra handed Zeref the six application documents and he opened a dossier. «Miss Valerie Hartley, I'll start with you, please follow me to the examination room», he tells Valerie. Valerie followed him. Zeref first asked her to step onto the scales, then took some of her blood and handed it to Hondo. Last but not least, he took her blood pressure. He put the results in a file with the application documents. Then he did the same with the other five girls.

Just as he finished, Cassandra came in the door. «Excuse me», she said. «It's all right, Cassandra, Zeref has done the examination, you just need to ask the questions», Hondo reassured her. Cassandra nodded, took the files and asked the girls a few routine questions one by one, then looked at the blood results and wrote it down in the file for Lucifer to understand. She handed the files to Saphyra. «Everyone is in perfect health», she informed her. «Thank you for your efforts», Saphyra thanked her and went with the girls to the second floor into the small salon. «Please, take a seat. I'll bring Lucifer the documents and then he'll talk to you individually», Saphyra said and left.

She knocked on Lucifer's office door. «Come in», she heard from inside. Saphyra entered and bowed. Lucifer stood at the window and turned to her. «You're ready?», he asked. «Yes, Your Highness», Saphyra confirmed and placed the application documents and the medical report on his desk. Lucifer opened the first page of each, looked at the names and the picture, then looked at Saphyra. «If you please.» Saphyra stepped closer and closed her eyes, Lucifer placed his hand on her head.

Saphyra showed him what her shadows saw in the applicants that morning. «Too slow, no respect, no interest ...», he commented. Lucifer took his hand off her head, Saphyra faltered and held on to the back of the chair, Lucifer pushed his cup of tea towards her. «I'm fine, thanks», she declined gratefully. «You know I don't like being lied to», Lucifer reminded her, «I know, but I'm fine, honestly. It was just a bit unusual to show you six people at once», Saphyra said. «Well then, bring me Satine Kryze first», Lucifer said. Saphyra nodded and went into the small salon. «Satine, if you would please follow me», Saphyra tells her. Satine stood up and followed Saphyra into Lucifer's office.

Lucifer conducted the interview with her. «Thank you, you can go back to the others», he thanked her. «Saphyra, bring me Tayla Hamilton next, please.» Saphyra went back with Satine and brought Tayla to Lucifer. When he had gone through the interview with everyone, he conferred with Saphyra. She pointed to three applications and said: «These three convinced me the most, not only in terms of their work, but also in terms of their manner and behavior.» «I agree with you», Lucifer agreed with her. Lucifer went into the small salon with Saphyra. Shinoa, Juvia, Tayla and Valerie stood up and bowed as he entered, Satine and Holly remained seated. «Rise again», Lucifer said and the four demonesses straightened. «After consulting with Saphyra, I have decided on three new maids», Lucifer announced. «They are Juvia Lockser, Shinoa Dragneel and Tayla Hamilton. You other three didn't convince me, Saphyra will escort you back to the laundry and then to the door.» Saphyra walked back into the laundry with Holly, Satine and Valerie.

Lucifer stayed in the small salon with the three new maids. «Your start of work is in two days. As the job description says accommodation included, you can take the most important of your belongings with you. Saphyra will show you your rooms today and tomorrow she will show you around the castle and explain you everything. Then, the next day, you start», the king informed the girls. A few minutes later, Saphyra returned and led the girls to the attic. «This is where we employees are housed. Everyone has their own room, equipped with a large bed, a closet, a chest of drawers, a shelf for books or other things, a desk with a chair, an armchair, a small lounge table and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. The bed is already made up and in the bathroom you have a bath towel, a hand towel and a washcloth. You will have to change your bed linen and towels yourself. You still have a laundry basket in your room, so it's easier to transport clean and dirty laundry», explained Saphyra and showed the three of them their new rooms. The girls were amazed when they saw the rooms.

«You can furnish it to your liking, but don't overdo it, and we have a small lounge for ourselves at the left end of the corridor», Saphyra added. Shinoa spoke up: «I don't have that many belongings, can I get my things now and settle in?» «But of course. A guard will accompany you and help you carry them», Saphyra replied. «A guard? That won't be necessary, I really don't have much, a cardboard box will suffice for transportation», said Shinoa.

«Then the guard will accompany you for safety, you all will be accompanied by a guard, that's an order from Lucifer», said Saphyra. «Then I'd better get my things and settle in», said Tayla. «Me too», came from Juvia. Saphyra nodded and went back to the laundry room with the girls, where they put their old clothes back on and then went to the staff room, where some guards were sitting. «Do any of you have time to accompany the ladies home and help carry them?», Saphyra asked the group.

Two stood up and approached the four demonesses, Saphyra assigned them to Juvia and Tayla. «Anyone else?», Saphyra asked again. «I've just got time», came from behind them. Saphyra and Shinoa turned around. «Itona. Gladly, if you would please accompany Shinoa.» Itona nodded and left the castle with Shinoa. «Where do you live?», Itona asked. Shinoa averted her eyes. «By the cliffs ...» «By the cliffs?! You must be joking», Itona said in disbelief. Shinoa just shook his head and walked with Itona to the cliffs. After a steep climb, they stood in front of the cave. Shinoa went inside and packed her few belongings into a box. Meanwhile, Itona looked around on the cliff. «How long have you lived here?», Itona asked. «Since I was 17», replied Shinoa. «Excuse me?», Itona asked.

«Would you please leave it at that, I don't want to talk about it», Shinoa asked her. «Yes of course, please excuse me», Itona accepted. Shinoa came back out with her full box «please don't tell anyone» Itona nodded and went back with Shinoa.

Draven met them at the castle gates. «Oh no ...», Itona sighed. The two girls bowed. Draven smiled in love. «Itona, my beauty, you are as radiantly beautiful as ever. Were you just waiting out here for me?» Itona ignored the prince's words. She stood up, pulled Shinoa with her and went into the castle with her. «What was that?», Shinoa asked, confused. «The prince's usual comment when he sees me and tries to get me to go out with him», Itona said in disgust.

Itona accompanied Shinoa to the door of her new room. «If you ever need someone to talk to, you can always come to me, my room is three doors down on the right», Itona said before she left. Shinoa went into her room and closed the door behind her. She put her few clothes in the closet, stowed her underwear and socks in the chest of drawers, put the books on the shelf and pushed the empty box under the bed.

Chapter 4: New home

Shinoa went to the window and opened it. She sat down on the windowsill and looked out into the large garden. «But don't jump», said a voice behind her. Shinoa looked startled at the voice, standing in the doorway was Yukino. «Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I knocked, but didn't get an answer», she apologized. Shinoa stood up. «It's all right, I was just looking at the garden from up here», she said. «Ah yes, the garden, it's better up close, of course. Uhm ... the kitchen sent me, they asked if you wanted to join us for dinner», Yukino explained her reason for her visit. «No, I don't eat anything in the evening, you don't have to prepare a portion for me», Shinoa replied. «What do you mean, nothing?», asked Yukino. «A cup of tea and some fruit is enough for me», she said. «Well ... you can take fruit, tea, coffee or snacks for yourself. We'll have dinner at 6 p.m., you can just join us then», Yukino informed her and then left.

Shinoa looked at the clock, it was still a little while before it was time to eat. She decided to take a closer look at the garden, she left her room and walked down the steps to the first floor and then out into the garden. She was walking along the sidewalk when she saw a paddock and a stable behind the castle. Curious, she went closer, but there was nothing to be seen in the paddock. The stable door swung open and a demoness came out. «Hello», greeted Shinoa. «Oh, a new face», she said. Shinoa nodded. «I'm Shinoa», she introduced herself. «Nice to meet you, Shinoa, I'm Shaak-Ti», the demoness also introduced herself.

Shinoa pointed to the paddock. «Are the animals all in the stable?» «Yes, always around this time. Gajeel and Toika always water the plants and the lawn then. As gardeners, they can't stand it when there are footprints on the wet grass», she replied. «What kind of animals do you have?», she asked curiously. Shaak-Ti smiled. «I'll show you.» She opened the stable door and went inside with Shinoa. In the first five stalls were winged horses with a dragon-like head, pupil-less white eyes and a scrawny, almost fleshless body with black skin. The large, leathery wings resembled those of bats.

«These are Thestrals. Hachibi, Shichibi, Shukaku, Thanatos and Morpheus. They are valuable animals, they pull Lucifer's carriage and can also be used to fly. Their flight is fast and they reliably find any specified destination. They are also carnivores, preferring to feed on small mammals», explained Shaak-Ti. Shinoa looked at the animals. «The paddock is open, won't they fly away?» Shaak-Ti shook his head. «Well, yes, but they always come back, they are very loyal to their owner.» Shinoa nodded and walked on. In the sixth box was another creature, it had the head, forelegs and wings of an eagle and the abdomen of a horse. Shaak-Ti followed her. «This is Lucifer's griffin Orochimaru, he was a gift from his wife Sphinx», she said and continued: «He is also a carnivore and prefers to feed on small mammals or birds. Handling him requires a certain amount of caution ...»

«Do you mean with Lucifer or with Orochimaru?», asked Shinoa. Shaak-Ti started to laugh and replied: «With both. Griffins are very proud animals. A safe approach is only possible after the griffin has bowed and reciprocated and uninterrupted eye contact is very important.» Shinoa nodded and looked at the griffin. «He is magnificent», she said.

As if Orochimaru had understood her, he came to the box and stuck his head out, nudging her gently. «Don't be scared, I'll open the door», Shaak-Ti said and opened the stall door. «Bow», she asked Shinoa. Shinoa bowed and Orochimaru did the same. Shinoa stood up and smiled, Orochimaru nudged her with his head again and Shinoa gently stroked his head. «That's incredible. He usually only lets me or Shaak-Ti stroke him», said a voice at the entrance to the stables. «Your Highness», the two girls greeted the king. «I beg your pardon», Shinoa apologized. «For what? For getting along with a bitchy griffin?», asked Lucifer. «Can I do something for you?», asked Shaak-Ti. «I just wanted to check on him again, but he seems to be in good hands», replied Lucifer and went to the girls. Orochimaru went to Lucifer and nudged him too. Lucifer stroked his griffin.

«I should go then», said Shinoa. «You can come here any time», Shaak-Ti invited her. Shinoa smiled, bowed and went back into the castle. Shaak-Ti looked at Lucifer. «About not?» «I didn't say anything», the king said, returning his griffin to the box. «But you looked like that», Shaak-Ti followed up. Lucifer closed the door «Shaak-Ti ...» «I'm already doing my work», she beat him to it. She bowed and fetched the food. Lucifer also went back into the castle.

When it was time for dinner, she went into the kitchen, where she bumped into Juvia and Tayla. «Have you finished setting up your room?», Juvia asked her. «Yes, I was just exploring the garden», Shinoa confirmed. «So ladies, dinner is ready», said Lux, handing Juvia and Tayla each a plate. «Aren't you eating anything?», Tayla asked. «No, I'm fine with tea and some fruit in the evening», she replied. «Come on then», Zeb called her over. He showed her the store cupboard and fridge for the staff. «You'll find tea, coffee, bread, cereals, honey, jams, spreads, cold cuts, cheese, milk, juice and fruit in here», he explained. Shinoa thanked him and took an orange from the fridge, she opened the cupboard and looked for some tea.

«What are you looking for?», Zeb asked. «A fruit tea», she replied. «May I?», he asked and Shinoa walked away from the cupboard. Zeb took a quick look inside and took out a tin. «Here, I think this is fruit tea», he said and handed her the tin. «We'll find out quickly.» Shinoa opened the lid and looked inside. «Looks like herbal tea to me», Zeb said quickly. Shinoa sniffed. «That's ...» «What are you doing?», Yukino asked, almost angrily, and snatched the tin out of her hand. «This is Lucifer's herbal tea.» «Sorry Yuki, Shinoa was looking for a fruit tea, I gave her the tin because I thought it was one», Zeb explained. Yukino reached into the cupboard and pulled out a packet. «This is fruit tea. Hands off from this tea», she hissed and put the tin back in the cupboard. She took her food and left.

Saphyra watched the whole thing and went to Shinoa. «She's not usually like this.» «Tell me, how often does she give this herbal tea to Lucifer?», asked Shinoa. «A cup every morning ... Why do you ask?», Saphyra asked a counter question. «The tea smelled so strange and the leaves looked different too», she replied. Shinoa took the tin out of the cupboard and poured some of the contents onto a plate. «Shinoa ...» Saphyra began, but Shinoa interrupted her. «I just want to know what these herbs are. Surely that's not forbidden.»

Shinoa put the tin back in the cupboard. She put on some hot water for herself and went into her room with the plate, placed the plate on the salon table and went back into the kitchen. She quickly peeled her orange and then poured the hot water into a cup with her fruit tea. She then joined her new colleagues in the staff room.

Saphyra later went into the staff room as well. «Ah good, you're all still here», she said, «tomorrow I'll show you the castle from the cellar to the top floor. Please be at the main entrance at 9 o'clock.» The three new employees nodded.

Chapter 5: Leadership

The next day, Shinoa hurried down the stairs. When she reached the second floor and hurried to the stairs to the first floor, she tripped over a carpet wave and fell. Before she landed on the floor, someone caught her. «Where to in such a hurry?», asked her rescuer. Shinoa looked up and smiled ashamedly. «Good morning, Your Highness ...» «Good morning. Where do you want to go?», the king asked again, setting Shinoa back on her feet. «To the main entrance. Saphyra will show us around», she replied. «You're good with time», the king said. «Oh yes? my watch stopped during the night, I thought I was late», Shinoa confessed. Lucifer shook his head. «You still have half an hour. Go get some breakfast first.» Shinoa nodded. Lucifer went to the dining room and Shinoa went to the kitchen.

Shinoa brewed herself a green tea and went into the staff room. «We've missed you already», Tayla said. «My watch stopped and I thought I was late», Shinoa replied and sat down next to Juvia. Juvia looked at her and said: «We wouldn't have let you down, we would have gone to see where you were at a quarter to nine at the latest.» Shinoa smiled. «Thank you.» «We're a team now, aren't we?», Tayla asked a rhetorical question. The two girls nodded in agreement. At 8:55 a.m., the girls took the dishes back to the kitchen and went downstairs to the main entrance.

Saphyra was a few minutes late. «I'm sorry, but something just came up», she apologized. «It's okay; we already knew at the beginning that you were in demand as the boss», the girls reassured her.

«Right, let's go then», said Saphyra and went ahead, the girls following her to the top floor. «You all know the place already; the staff room and to the left at the end of the Corridor we have a small salon», she said and went down to the fourth floor and opened a door there. «Here we have the music room, it's equipped with a piano, a koto and a shamisen. Lucifer had it set up for Sphinx because she loved music more than anything and played herself. The room needs to be dusted once a week and the floor needs to be mopped every day. If you can make a decent sound, you can come in here and play in your free time, but if you break anything, you'll have to pay for it yourself», she warned the girls and opened the door opposite the music room. «Here we have the library, equipped with every book ever written and a stone fireplace. Here you have to dust twice a week and vacuum the floor daily, check daily that there is enough wood, and once a month remove soot from the fireplace and also once a month clean the carpet thoroughly with carpet cleaner. You are also allowed to spend your free time here and take a book into your room, but you pay for anything that breaks», she continued her instructions.

She continued to the third floor. «Here are the bedrooms including the bathrooms of Lucifer, his children and his brother as well as the guest rooms», she said, pointing to the respective doors. «For the rooms that are used, except Lucifer's, because Yuki takes care of that, make the beds every day, dust a bit, sweep the floor, change wet or dirty towels, clean the bathtub, sink and toilet. Change the bed linen every three weeks, clean the bathroom thoroughly, dust properly and vacuum and wet-mop the floor», explained Saphyra.

Shinoa pointed to a door opposite Lucifer's room. «And whose room is that?», she asked. Saphyra pretended she hadn't been listening. «Excuse me?» «This room here, whose is it?», asked Shinoa again. Saphyra turned away. «No one», she replied. «Then it's a guest room?», asked Juvia. «No, not a guest room», said Saphyra. «If one too many children's rooms? Have been planned?», asked Tayla, smirking. Saphyra turned to the girls. «So to say ...» Tayla's smile disappeared. «That wasn't meant to be serious.» «Yes, I know. The room is ... was the children’s room of his daughter, whom he had fathered with his first love», Saphyra then said. «Sphinx?», asked Shinoa. Saphyra shook her head. «No, Sphinx was his second love, he had another one before that.» «When was that?», Juvia wanted to know. «That was when Lucifer and Draven's father, Diablo, still ruled over hell», Saphyra said. «What happened to his wife and daughter?», asked Tayla. «I'm sorry, I don't have the authority to tell you any more details, you'll have to ask Lucifer yourself.» The three of them shook their heads. «Better not.» Saphyra nodded and continued the tour.

They continued to the second floor. Saphyra pointed to a door. «You already know this floor, here is Lucifer's study, Yuki takes care of that too», Saphyra continued, «and here is the small salon. Also in here dusting once a week, wet mop the floor daily and clean it thoroughly once a month. The fireplace in here also needs to be checked daily for enough wood and the soot removed once a month. Continue to the second floor, you already know this, but it's part of it», she said and went to the second floor with the girls.

«First the dining room», she said, opening the door. «After every meal, we shake out the tablecloth, change it if it's dirty, wipe down the table and chairs, vacuum the floor and wet mop it. Twice a week we dust in here.» They moved on to the kitchen. «The boys always clean their own kitchen, that's not our job», she explained to the girls and moved on to the staff room. «Everyone cleans up their own mess here, our job is to wipe through once in the evening and vacuum and wet mop the floor once a month. Then there's the infirmary, which Cassandra and her team clean themselves, so that's not our job either.»

They went down to the first floor. «So, we're almost done», said Saphyra. «You already know the entrance hall, it's dusted, vacuumed and wet-mopped every day, just like all the corridors.» They went into the throne room. «The same applies here, daily dusting, vacuuming and wet mopping.» They left the throne room and went into the big salon. «Like the small salon, only bigger, but the same cleaning rules. Juvia, what is it?», asked Saphyra. «Dust once a week, wet mop the floor daily, clean thoroughly once a month. Check the fireplace daily for enough wood and remove soot once a month», Juvia replied. Saphyra nodded. «Where do we get the wood from?», asked Shinoa. «Outside in the garden, I'll show you where in a moment, first we'll continue the tour inside», Saphyra replied.

She went down to the basement. «You also know the laundry, Ahsoka takes care of that, here you'll also find all the cleaning products as well as the duty roster and the cleaning schedule, who is assigned to where and what has to be done. Then straight ahead we have the wine, food and drinks storage area. This is also more the responsibility of the kitchen, but if anything isn't in order, please fix it quickly», she said. «And where does this barred door lead to?», asked Tayla. «To the cellar, to the dungeon», answered Saphyra. «But we don't have to go down there, do we?», asked Juvia. «No, don't worry, we're going into the garden now», Saphyra reassured her. «Does that mean the condemned will pass through here first?», asked Tayla. «No, the right entrance is outside in the courtyard», replied Saphyra.

Saphyra took the girls out into the garden behind the castle, where the paddock and stable were. «You'll find the wood for the fireplace here. Shaak- Ti will take care of the stable and our gardeners Garjeel and Toika will look after the garden. You'll have to explore the garden yourselves, it's very extensive and it would take far too long to show you around now», explained Saphyra and walked back to the front entrance with the girls; she stopped in the middle and pointed towards the castle. «If you open the window by the dining room, you'll come out onto the terrace right there», she said, pointing to the middle of the garden. «There's a fountain. Then there's a maze, a small forest with a lake, a small park and a pavilion under a willow tree.» «Saphyra, I have aquestion», said Shinoa. «What kind of question?», asked Saphyra. «The windows and curtains in the castle, how often are they cleaned?», she asked. Saphyra slapped her hand to her head. «I knew I forgot something. Both once a month», she replied. The three girls nodded. «Do you have any other questions right now?», asked Saphyra. All three shook their heads. «Good, then you'd best grab your uniforms in the laundry right away. We start tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. in the kitchen», she informed the girls and went into the castle.

«So what do we do now?», asked Tayla. «Shall we take a closer look at the garden?» Juvia agreed. «I'm going into town to buy new batteries for my watch, otherwise I'll definitely oversleep tomorrow», said Shinoa and said goodbye to the girls. She went into town and straight to the supermarket. Once she had the batteries, she went on to a costume store.

«Hello», the saleswoman greeted her, «are you looking for something in particular?» «Yes indeed, I'm looking for a wig that has the same hair color as mine and colored contact lenses, also the same color», she replied. The sales clerk was confused at first, then took a closer look at Shinoa and went into the store, after a few minutes she came out with the items she wanted. «So, here we have an azure blue wig and here amethyst-colored contact lenses», she said and typed it into the cash register. «Thank you very much. How much is this?», she asked, pulling out her «wallet. «20 Jewels, please», said the saleswoman.

Shinoa paid, took her things and returned to the castle. She quickly went to the laundry and got her uniform, then went to her room. There she took the wig out of the bag and unwrapped it. She pulled the hairnet over her head and then put the wig on. She carefully plaited the wig into a plait. When she had finished, she took the wig off, took the hairnet off again and put it neatly in the closet. She replaced the batteries in the clock and set the alarm for 7:15 a.m. Her eyes fell on the plate with the tea herbs, she took her plant and herb book from the shelf and searched for the respective herbs. However, this turned out to be very difficult.

Chapter 6: Surprise on the first day of work

Shinoa turned off the alarm the next morning, got into the shower, got dressed, tied her damp hair up in a ponytail and went into the kitchen.

She put some hot water on and took a green tea from the cupboard. Tayla joined her a few minutes later «Good morning», she greeted Shinoa, still half asleep. «Good morning. Did you have a bad dream?», Shinoa asked. «No, I hardly slept at all. I was far too excited about today», she replied. Shinoa smiled. «I'll make you a coffee then.» «I could do with that too. Can you make me one too, please?», Juvia asked, looking as sleepy as Tayla. Shinoa laughed and prepared a cup of coffee for each of her colleagues. When everyone had their drinks, they went into the staff room.

At 8:10 a.m., the girls went into the kitchen. «Good morning», the girls greeted Cana. «Hello, you three. Ready for today?», she asked the girls. «Well, not really», Tayla confessed. «Don't worry, Lucifer will turn a blind eye for the first few days», Cana reassured the girls. Saphyra also came into the kitchen. «Morning everyone, let's get the day started.» «Where are Shagotte and Sayaka?», asked Juvia «They'll be here around nine, but they'll stay longer after the evening service», said Saphyra.

«After the evening service, Shagotte and Sayaka set the table with plates, cutlery, napkins and glasses. They also prepare cold cuts, cheese, natural yogurt and some vegetables and put everything in the fridge. Our job in the morning is to squeeze fresh orange juice, bake the bread and rolls that the boys prepared the night before in the oven and put fruit, jam, butter, honey, cold cuts, cheese, milk, yoghurt and vegetables on the table», explained Cana and also showed them where they could find everything.

When everything was on the table, Saphyra checked again to make sure. «Good. Cana, you ask for tea and coffee as usual and the other two of you make sure the table is never empty», Saphyra said. The three demonesses nodded.

At 8:30 a.m., the family arrived for breakfast and everyone took their seats. Cana went to the table and asked for the drinks; when everyone had ordered the usual, she went into the kitchen, prepared everything and then served it. «Dad?», Mazikeen began. «Hm?» Lucifer said, taking a sip of his coffee. «Who did you have before Mom?» Lucifer swallowed and looked at her. «What makes you think that now?» «Saphyra told yesterday that you had another woman before Mom and a daughter», Mazikeen said. Lucifer's gaze shifted angrily to Saphyra. Shinoa stepped forward. «Your Highness, that was my fault. I had asked Saphyra who owned the room opposite yours.» «It's my fault too, I kept asking», Juvia said. «Shut up!», shouted Lucifer. «Come down, Lucifer, it was clear that you couldn't keep this a secret forever», Draven intervened, «your children have a right to know about Rosetta and ...» «That's my decision alone», growled Lucifer, «I don't want to hear any more about it.» The children were frustrated. Lucifer stood up from the table. «Saphyra, to my office.»

Saphyra followed Lucifer into the office. When Draven and the children had left the hall, the girls cleared the table and prepared it for lunch. After a few minutes, Shagotte, Sayaka, Yukino, some guards and the cooks came into the dining hall. Juvia was confused. «Did something happen?» Cana shrugged her shoulders. «We'll find out in a moment.» Saphyra joined them a little later. «You're all here, good. Lucifer called me to his office earlier, the annual banquet with the high nobility is taking place again in two days», Saphyra announced.

«In two days? That's the soonest he could say it?», complained Zeb. «What does he need?», asked Savage. «The aperitif will be in the big salon, but he wants a buffet of tomato and mozzarella skewers and grape and cheese skewers and a buffet of bite-sized sandwiches. Dinner will be served in the dining room. For starters, potato soup with truffles, followed by a salad with shrimps. For the main course, roast beef with red wine sauce, roast potatoes, green beans and carrots. And to finish, a dessert buffet with fruit salad, hanami dango, apple pie, chocolate brownies and a white chocolate mousse», said Saphyra.

Juvia, Shinoa and Tayla's jaws dropped and the boys from the kitchen were visibly annoyed. «And when should we prepare this?» «We've managed it somehow every year, we can do it this year too», Lux said. Saphyra turned to the guards. «Could you please set up the tables in the big salon today? And then in two days, after breakfast, in the dining room?» The guards nodded and marched off, the cooks left as well, preparing lunch and getting organized for the event in two days.

Saphyra turned to the girls: «I'm sorry, it's a bit silly for you three that there's a big event in two days, I don't like throwing people in at the deep end», Saphyra apologized. «We're still here too, Saphyra, it's not like the three of them will be alone», said Yukino. «You're right. So, pay attention», said Saphyra, «once a year, a banquet is held here in the castle with the seven most influential noble families. First they discuss some business matters and then there's the banquet. The lords will spend the night here and leave again after breakfast. Only the head of the family will come from the high nobility and one of you will look after one guest at a time.»

«Like Yukino for Lucifer?», asked Juvia. «Exactly», confirmed Saphyra. «Cana, you get Lord Phelps and Beliath. Sha