At the Royal Palace

A portal opened, and Azreal and Hermes stepped out. The portal closed behind them with a faint shimmer. The guards at the gate immediately bowed their heads. Hermes looked around, his golden eyes taking in the familiar surroundings, and said, "It's been a long time since I've been to this side of Hell."

Azreal tapped his shoulder with a small grin. "Then get ready to receive a scolding from Nena," he said.

Hermes laughed. "Is that so?"

Together, they walked forward as the massive gates slowly opened. Inside, the polished hall gleamed under the torchlight. Maids and guards alike bowed as the two passed. Frederick approached quietly, bowing low, and whispered into Azreal's ear, "My lord, Nena has been looking for you… she's furious."

Azreal smirked. "Hermes, it seems luck isn't on your side. Nena is in a bad mood. She's angry with me, so bringing you here will shift her anger onto you."

Hermes chuckled. "I see… lucky me."

Azreal turned to Frederick. "Tell Nena to come downstairs. A special someone is here to see her."

Frederick bowed. "Yes, my lord," and hurried off.

Azreal gestured toward the throne room. "Hermes, let's sit for a while."

"Sure," Hermes replied, following him. Azreal spoke telepathically to Arian. Send for Aria. Inform her that a God is here; she will rush to meet him.

Yes, my lord, Arian responded promptly.

The two reached the throne room. Azreal gestured to a chair. "Sit, Hermes."

Hermes eased into the seat, settling comfortably. "So, Azreal… when will you depart for the world of the living?"

"I haven't decided yet," Azreal admitted.

Hermes leaned back. "Then you should."

Just then, Nena entered the hall. "Azreal, who is the special someone here to see me?" Her voice froze mid-sentence as her eyes fell upon Hermes.

Hermes stood, bowing slightly. "Nena! How have you been?"

Nena's voice was slow, cautious. "Hermes… is that really you?"

"Of course," he said warmly. "Have you forgotten me?"

She stepped closer, her hand brushing his face gently, then abruptly tugged at his cheek. "You want me to remember you when you don't come to see me!"

Azreal chuckled softly from the side. Hermes raised a hand in surrender. "Nena, come on… you know if I had the time, I would have surely come."

Still pulling at his cheeks, Nena huffed. "Then you should have come once in a while. Why only now?"

Azreal interjected quickly, "Nena, don't listen to him. He's always busy."

"Don't mind him," Nena said, still scolding.

Hermes tilted his head, mock offended. "Nena, now you're supporting Azreal over me?"

"You're one to complain," Nena replied sharply, turning to pull his cheeks one last time before walking away.

Hermes sighed. "I'm sorry, Nena. I'll try to come see you more often."

Nena pouted. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

Azreal stood and gestured gently. "Nena, forgive him. Actually, he came to deliver a message, but since he's here, he decided to taste your food before he leaves. He said he missed it, so you're pushing him away for no reason."

Nena's expression softened as she looked at Hermes. "You should have said so sooner! Look at you—thin. Clearly not taking care of yourself."

Hermes grinned. "Now that I'm here, I leave the rest to you."

Nena turned to Azreal. "And you?"

"What did I do now?" Azreal asked, amused.

"I'm still angry with you for letting Aria go without informing me," Nena scolded.

"Don't worry," Azreal said calmly. "She's coming here anyway."

"Good. I should go prepare then," Nena said, turning on her heel.

Hermes chuckled softly. "Thank you for talking to Nena on my behalf."

"You were running late anyway," Azreal said. "I knew she wouldn't forgive you easily."

"That's true," Hermes admitted, smiling. "Who's this Aria Nena spoke of?"

"Wait, you'll see her soon enough," Azreal replied.

"Okay then," Hermes said.

---

Second Gate of Hell

Aria paced in the room assigned to her, looking bored. "Arian," she called.

No response. She called again. "He must be with Azreal," she muttered.

She clenched her fists. "Let me practice a little, at least."

Pink flames gathered in her palm, forming a perfect sphere. Suddenly, an image of Zarion flashed before her eyes. Her knees buckled, as if he were standing right in front of her. "Kneel before your God," a cold voice commanded.

Aria's flames flickered and died. She shook her head, looking around. "What's wrong with me?"

Desperately, she tried again. Nothing. Her flames refused to form. She stared at her hands, panic creeping in.

Arian appeared behind her silently. "Aria!"

Startled, she turned. "Where did you come from all of a sudden?"

"I didn't mean to frighten you," he said calmly.

"No, it's okay," she replied, catching her breath. "I was just… thinking."

"What were you thinking about?" Arian asked.

"Nothing," she said quickly. "Just that after everything, it's good to see things peaceful again."

Arian studied her carefully. "Lord Azreal sent for you," he finally said.

Aria's eyes widened. "Azreal sent for me?"

"Yes," Arian confirmed. "Lord Hermes came as well to deliver a message, but Azreal invited him to the Royal Palace. Seeing you always fascinated with the Gods and heaven, he felt it right to inform you."

Aria nodded. "So a God came to Hell… then I'll head to the Royal Palace."

"Something wrong?" Arian asked.

"Why do you think something is wrong?"

"I expected a better expression," he said, floating beside her.

Aria smiled faintly. "I'm excited, but I'm not blindly chasing heaven or the Gods anymore. I'm chasing the truth."

"The truth?"

"You wouldn't understand," she said softly. "Take my former self as childishness. This is my matured self."

"If you say so," Arian replied.

"Shall we go?" Aria asked.

"Sure," he said.

As they walked out, Blight intercepted her. "Where are you going, Lady Aria?"

"Lord Azreal sent for me," she said firmly.

Blight frowned. "I can't believe it. Lord Veymar said I shouldn't let you leave…"

In a sudden burst of flames, Arian transformed, his tail swirling around Aria. Blight froze in awe.

"Lord Arian!" he exclaimed.

"Do you believe us now?" Arian asked.

Blight nodded. "Yes… sorry for not listening earlier."

Aria climbed onto his back. "Let's go to the Royal Palace," she said, raising her hands.

Arian hesitated. "You want me to carry you? This back is made for Lord Azreal… this is the first time I've carried anyone else."

"It's fine. Besides, you'll get used to it," she teased.

Arian sighed. "I hope so," he muttered as he soared into the sky.

Blight shook his head. "I can't believe she left again. She's secured a place for herself in Hell. I must inform Lord Veymar, or I'll lose my head." With that, he vanished in a burst of flames.

---

Hell's Royal Palace

Arian stopped at the gate, and Aria gracefully descended. Arian shrank back to his smaller form, and the guards, recognizing her, opened the gate without hesitation.

Aria stepped inside, Arian floating silently by her side as they entered the grand hall. Fredrick approached her quickly, bowing slightly. "Lady Aria, you have arrived. Lord Azreal is waiting for you in the dining room."

Aria nodded and walked toward the dining room, her footsteps echoing faintly in the vast palace.

---

Dining Room

The table was enormous, laid out immaculately with a variety of delicacies that seemed almost endless. Candles flickered along the edges, casting soft light over the polished silverware and porcelain dishes.

Azreal and Hermes were already seated, quietly waiting, while maids moved gracefully around them, arranging the final dishes.

Nena's eyes brightened as she spotted Aria. "Aria, you're back!" she exclaimed, rushing forward and wrapping her arms around her in a warm embrace.

Aria smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Nena. I didn't inform you before leaving."

Nena shook her head, her expression softening. "Don't worry, I forgive you." She turned her gaze to Azreal, a playful frown forming. "It's him I blame for letting you go anyway."

Azreal chuckled lightly. "Come on now, Nena. Are you still angry?"

"Don't talk to me, Azreal," she replied, her tone teasing but firm.

Azreal straightened and turned to Hermes. "Hermes, Aria. Aria, this is Hermes."

Hermes rose from his seat with a warm smile. Aria bowed respectfully. "Good day, Lord Hermes," she said politely.

Hermes extended his hand with easy confidence. "Hi, Aria. Nice to meet you."

Aria shook his hand, noting the warmth in his demeanor.

Azreal clapped his hands lightly. "Now, let's eat."

Hermes glanced toward Nena. "She will join us this time, right?"

Nena's lips curved into a smile. "Of course," she said, sliding into the seat beside him. The meal began, the quiet clatter of cutlery mingling with occasional soft laughter. At times, Nena fed Hermes small bites, earning a gentle laugh from him in return.

Aria watched carefully, her eyes tracing the interactions between Hermes, Azreal, and Nena. She whispered to herself, astonished, "He is… different from most Gods. Not that I've met any, but I know how a God is supposed to behave. He doesn't treat them as lesser beings… it's like he sees Nena and Azreal as equals, as family."

Her thoughts lingered on the contrast. "I guess not all Gods are the same. A few… rare ones are good. But most… they're selfish, cruel… dangerous."

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