ALL NOVEL Chapter 78: a cheater?
As the delicious aroma of the duo's feast filled the room, they heard a soft, sneaky tapping on the floor behind them. Without turning around, Zecond called out, "No, Ratatoskr! You don't even eat anymore, so why are you here?"
Ratatoskr gasped, freezing in his tracks. "H-How did you hear me?" he stammered. "And, and… I do eat! I mean, Lilith's cooking reminded me of when you used to cook for me, all those years ago." He shuffled his paws, looking up at her with a mix of sheepishness and nostalgia. "I know I'm just an old fool, but… I do miss your cooking, my love."
Zecond narrowed her eyes, folding her arms over her chest with a playful glare. "Ohhh, so you've been sneaking another woman's food?" she scolded, hands on her hips. "Is that so, Ratatoskr?"
He gulped, his little paws fidgeting as he realized the dangerous territory he'd wandered into. "Well… it's, it's just that—"
"Oh, I understand perfectly," Zecond interrupted, smirking as she turned to Lilith. "Lilith, take over for me, dear. I have some important business to attend to." She cracked her knuckles. "It seems I need to teach my husband a lesson about loyalty. Even if it is your cooking, he's clearly forgotten his manners."
Lilith stifled a laugh as Ratatoskr tried to back away, his voice trembling. "Zecond, wait! I… I only meant… um, I missed your cooking, but Lilith's is—"
"Oh, I'm sure it's an innocent misunderstanding," Zecond said, advancing on him with a grin that made Ratatoskr's fur stand on end. "Now come here, you cheating little squirrel!"
The kitchen filled with laughter as Zecond chased Ratatoskr, the two of them dancing around Lilith, who took over the cooking, chuckling as she watched the affectionate chaos unfold.
Lilith tilted her head, finally asking the question that had been on her mind. "I've been wondering… Isn't it difficult for the two of you to be together? I mean, Zecond, you're a giant, and Ratatoskr… well, you're only a little bigger than an ordinary squirrel."
Zecond paused, her fist frozen mid-air above Ratatoskr. She blinked, and then her face broke into a wide grin as she threw her head back in laughter. "Hahahaha! Oh, Lilith, I see what you mean," she chuckled. "But remember, magic can do more than teleport us around or summon storms. There's magic in all forms, even for love. Both my husband and I have the power to change our sizes! I can shrink down to your height, and he can grow to tower over you if he wants. We don't have to let anything get in the way of being together."
With a playful snap of her fingers, Zecond shimmered and began to shrink, her towering figure descending smoothly until she was standing eye-to-eye with Lilith. She gave a dramatic twirl, showing off her new height with a playful smirk. "See? Now we're just the same!" she said, giving Lilith a warm smile.
Before Lilith could respond, Zecond snapped her fingers again, and with a faint shimmer, she returned to her towering form. The sudden shift made Lilith gasp in surprise, but she couldn't help laughing, her awe only growing as she watched Zecond use her magic with such ease.
Ratatoskr, who had been watching with folded arms and a bemused expression, cleared his throat, his tiny eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, believe me, my love, I could be as large as you if I wanted. But that would take quite a bit of magic—and more importantly, it would drain enough energy to risk throwing this whole realm off balance," he said, crossing his arms smugly. "It's a powerful ancient spell I've used before, but never without a good reason. So," he added with a wink toward Lilith, "I leave the size-changing to her. I don't mind being the smaller one."
Zecond's eyes softened as she looked down at him, folding her hands in front of her with a playful pout. "Always so practical, aren't you?" she teased, her tone a mix of affection and mock annoyance. "Though it wouldn't hurt for you to tower over me now and then!"
Ratatoskr grinned, tilting his head with a shrug. "And who would take my place as the sneaky little messenger darting through the World Tree? Besides, being a bit smaller means I can keep an eye on you from the ground, unnoticed. If I were any bigger, I'd lose my edge."
Zecond rolled her eyes and shook her head, the fondness in her gaze undeniable. "Such a sly one, aren't you?" she said, her voice softening as she reached down and gently ruffled his fur. "You and that cunning little mind of yours."
Lilith couldn't help but smile, warmth blossoming in her chest as she watched them. It was clear that the differences in their sizes—or in their personalities—meant nothing to them. They were partners, bound by magic, but also by an understanding that went deeper than words.
As the meal came together, the trio gathered around the table, each dish radiating warmth and rich, savory aromas. Zecond, with a soft smile, snapped her fingers and shrank down to match Lilith's height. "It might be even more enjoyable if we're all at the same size," she said, winking at Lilith as she took her place beside her. Ratatoskr climbed up to join them, settling in with a satisfied grin as the three began to serve themselves.
Zecond lifted her cup and smiled warmly. "Now, now, let's begin!" She took a bite, savoring the flavors, then turned her attention to Lilith. "And while we eat, tell me more about yourself, Lilith—and what sorts of things this old fool has been teaching you." She threw a playful glance at Ratatoskr, who pretended to look scandalized.
As Lilith shared her story, Zecond listened intently, her gaze thoughtful. "Eldoria, a realm of pure magic—how fascinating," she murmured. "And you, a demon lord, born to bring balance... that's a powerful destiny, Lilith."
Lilith nodded, her voice soft but determined. "Yes, that's what I've been told. I was created from the essence of Eldoria itself, as though the realm needed someone to keep it stable, to maintain equilibrium in ways even I don't fully understand yet. It's… a lot to live up to," she admitted, glancing between Zecond and Ratatoskr. "That's why I'm here, hoping to master teleportation and, eventually, to unlock a way back to Eldoria."
Ratatoskr smirked, tapping his paws together thoughtfully. "And I'll be there to make sure you're ready when that time comes, Lilith. There's more to teleportation than just magic—it's about knowing your own strength, knowing how to navigate the currents of different realms without being swept away."
Zecond smiled warmly. "Well, it sounds like you're in very good hands. And in the meantime, if you need a place to call home, even for a little while, know you're always welcome here."
Zecond leaned in, her expression serious yet warm. "But remember, Lilith," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "just because you've been told you have a destiny, that doesn't mean you're bound by it. You always have the freedom to choose for yourself. And it sounds like you've got friends who are ready to stand by you, no matter what path you take."
She paused, glancing at Ratatoskr with a wry smile. "Now, my husband might be able to guide you, but if you're in a hurry to get back, there's a chance you won't complete your training fully. I'd recommend you let him teach you the basics—the ropes, the essence of portal creation. Then, even if you're not entirely sure where Eldoria is, he'll be able to find it."
Zecond gave a knowing look. "With a realm's name and the name of its god or goddess, he can trace it through the magic of realms, like finding a thread in a vast tapestry." She shot Ratatoskr a teasing glance. "Just don't forget, Lilith—this squirrel here is as much a trickster as he is a guide, known to sprinkle in a prank or two. So keep an eye out, and trust yourself first and foremost."
Ratatoskr scoffed, crossing his tiny arms. "Oh, come now! I'm as serious as they come when it counts." But the twinkle in his eyes suggested otherwise, a playful glint that Lilith now recognized all too well.