The house was cramped, so cramped that the girls nearly had enough space to stretch their hands. if it were only sirens and harpies it wouldn't be an issue, but with the addition of Minotaurs who were much larger it was rather an issue.
Some of them had volunteered to clean the house, allowing them to earn their keep, of course Elise herself wouldn't let them work alone. She had started cleaning the tables and chairs.
She removed accumulated dust and what she could guess was rat excrement.
Elise tried her best to make accommodations but this wouldn't last long. She glanced towards the door. This house was in such a sad state that it wasn't fit for long living.
It had been 2 hours since Sophia left. Despite her strength she had worried about her savior.
'I hope she didn't get into trouble...' Elise sighed as she continued cleaning the neglected house.
As if she had been summoned the doors opened, and through them entered Sophia, her warm smile adorning her face as usual.
How she loved seeing that smile, she couldn't help but admire Sophia even more.
Sophia looked around, her gaze looking over them all,"Elise, could you gather everyone for me. I have arranged accommodations for you."
Sophia smiled as she finished speaking.
'That quickly... Truly amazing, Lady Sophia.' Elise smiled before finally answering Sophia.
"Of course! Let me get them all." Elise did not waste time as she rushed to other rooms, gathering everyone in front of Sophia.
It wouldn't take long to get everyone gathered in the cramped space that was this house.
Sophia smiled as former slaves gathered in front of her, "I have come to an... understanding with the Baron. You will be allowed to live there."
Confused sounds escaped their mouths, clearly not expecting this news.
However, for Elise, this was natural. Sophia was capable of impossible feats, so this was nothing for her.
She couldn't allow others to doubt her dear Sophia.
"I say we trust our savior! She has led us this far!" Elise turned to them with a beaming smile.
It didn't take much to ease their worries, however, the distrust for nobility still lingered. After all they truly believed it was them that caused the destruction of Oganj.
The murmurs echoed as they discussed if they truly should follow Sophia to the Mansion.
However, they finally agreed so Elise turned to Sophia and, with proud look on her face spoke.
"I did it Lady Sophia!" She said while blushing slightly.
"Thank you, Elise." Sophia smiled warmly as she approached Elise.
Elise tapped her fingers against each other as she looked to the floor. "Could I... have a hug as a reward?"
Sophia giggled but did not speak as she wrapped her hands and wings around the young Harpy, making the young harpy's wings flutter with excitement.
She truly acted befit of one devoid of Father's Love. She craved a touch of purity.
'She is truly a promising girl...' Sophia smiled as she tightened her arms gently around Elise.
Sophia let her enjoy the embrace for a moment before releasing her. She gestured for Elise to follow her, who then spoke to others.
They all made their way towards the gates of the Baron's Mansion.
Despite it now being a home of those who follow Father, it did not sit right with her that Baron had ruined the town to such an extent.
She would have her hands full, perhaps she would require the assistance of Father, however, it was not something she wished to ask for just yet.
After all Baron might be able to fix his mess when he was under the control of Angels.
'I must show father that not all demons must be sent to hell.' She clasped her hands together as the group approached the mansion Gate.
She knew that Father would not give Elise or any other girls a chance to prove themselves; he would forcibly purify her as a way of forgiveness.
She did not question Father, of course, however, she was saddened that Father was truly right.
Only demons that willingly followed her were ones who knew great suffering.
'Perhaps Ariel is right... It was due to her own actions that these girls embraced her so qickly.' She sighed. Sophia truly wished to show kindness to them all and avoid altering free will.
They approached the gate, the guards were all under [Command], they were too dangerous to be left as they were.
Gates opened before them, letting the group walk towards the mansion.
They walked slowly and anxiously; only ones who showed no fear were Sophia herself, Elise who decided it was safest to cling close to Sophia, and Lara who was casually taking in the view of her new home.
Sophia leaned against the doors of the mansion. Most of the guards died when they attempted to kill her, making the mansion feel empty.
She had taken some time to remove the corpses, which Baron graciously accepted and helped with.
"Lady... I mean, Sophia, are you sure this is ok?" Elise asked as they were shown to their new rooms; the Baron personally had shown him their new accommodations.
"You needn't worry. You are safe," Sophia reassured.
"If you say so..." Elise pushed down her worries, Sophia was reassuring her after all and if she was lucky she could even have the same room as her.
After all, the Mansion didn't have unlimited rooms, and perhaps she could have a chance to sleep in the same room.
Sophia approached the bedroom right next to Baron's own, she opened the door before revealing a rather large decorated bed, and extravagant wooden tables and shelves decorating the room.
"This will be your room Elise." Sophia spoke plainly.
Elise looked around with amazement, it truly befit a noble.
"Uhhh... Lady Sophia. This is rather large room. Perhaps you would like to share?" Elise said awkwardly.
"Share? there should still be empty bedrooms." Sophia raised her eyebrow.
"I was thinking you could teach me more if we were in the same room!" Elise blushed heavily as she proposed a shared room.
But all what Sophia heard was that if she shared room with eager Harpy she would learn and absorb her teachings even better.
There was no reason not to do it.
"Sure." Sophia smiled before noticing a particular sight.
"Hmm... there is only one bed." Sophia tilted her head slightly.
"It is fine! We can share it; it's large enough!" Elise spoke eagerly, clearly trying to pull Sophia away from the idea of needing a separate bed.
Sophia wasn't blind to this, so she answered simply, "I will bring another one, Elise. Sins must not be indulged." She smiled.
Elise pouted slightly, however she quickly gathered herself.
"Can't wait to have conversations all night with you, Sophia! I have to brag to Lara!" After that, she rushed out of the room, leaving Sophia alone.
"Curious girl, isn't she..." She shook her head as she looked over the extravagant room.
In the next moment, a familiar link with father was established.
[To all Greater Angels, Demon Emperor has declared war on Valar, In 3 months, the army will be deployed. I want you and all other Angels to be ready for further instructions. For now continue with your mission as normal. The Main Angel army will be ordered to return to Vitpacar and prepare for defense.]
[Demons will learn that their empire is not as strong as they thought when facing God's Legions. More Angels will be summoned and sent to attack the Empire. Do not underestimate the Emperor's Army. You are not allowed to die.]
[Deus Vult!]
After the disturbing news, the connection was cut, leaving Sophia in a foul mood.