My Wives are Beautiful Demons - Chapter 252

Chapter 252: Japan is different, but good
Vergil stopped as he observed the city around him. He didn’t know exactly what to expect from Japan, but in all honesty, this wasn’t it.

The streets were surprisingly clean, organized in an almost meticulous way.

Even in a place as busy as Tokyo, there was a tranquil atmosphere in the air, a sense of order that contrasted absurdly with the chaos he usually faced on a daily basis.

Neon lights flashed softly all around, reflecting off every glass surface of the tall buildings, while billboards displayed everything from technology ads to smiling mascots selling energy drinks.

“Surprised?” Raphaeline’s soft voice brought him back to reality.

She was standing next to him, wearing something completely different from the formal kimono of before. She was now wearing a tight black dress that emphasized her curves in an almost indecent way, combined with a leather jacket that gave her a dangerous and seductive air at the same time. Her long black hair was loose, falling in waves over her shoulders.

Vergil looked away and let out a small sigh. “I just… didn’t expect this kind of atmosphere. Human cities are always so chaotic, but here…” He gestured with his hand, indicating the surroundings. “It’s different.”

Raphaeline smiled, crossing her arms. “Japan has a very strict culture about respect and discipline. Even in such a busy place, there is a natural order. It’s comforting, in a way.”

Vergil continued to observe the city, his gaze fixed on the bright signs, the constant flow of people crossing the streets in a synchronized manner, as if everything were a perfectly adjusted mechanism.

“I was expecting something more… noisy.”

Raphaeline laughed. “Oh, don’t worry, this is just the entrance. When we get to the busier areas, you’ll see another side of Tokyo.”

She suddenly grabbed his arm, pulling him along with an enthusiasm that made Vergil frown.

“Come on, we’ve got a date to enjoy!”

He narrowed his eyes. “I still think that’s ridiculous blackmail.”

She shrugged. “And I still think you should have asked me out of your own free will, so we’re even.”

Vergil just sighed, allowing himself to be dragged by the Demon Queen through the brightly lit streets of Tokyo. This was definitely not in his plans.

The glow of Tokyo’s lights reflected in Raphaeline’s eyes as she walked alongside Vergil, her fingers lightly touching the fabric of his jacket sleeve. The movement around them was intense, but she seemed completely focused on just one thing: making this meeting worthwhile.

Vergil, on the other hand, still didn’t fully understand what was going on. He, the Demon King, was being dragged through hectic streets by a woman who, until recently, had prided herself on being a ruthless warrior. Yet there she was, acting… different.

“Hey, Vergil.” Raphaeline called softly, tugging him lightly by the arm. “Have you ever tasted dango before?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Dango?”

She pointed to a small street stall where a man was selling skewers of rice dumplings covered in sweet sauce. The sweet smell in the air seemed inviting, and Vergil wondered for a moment if it was really necessary.

Raphaeline, however, didn’t wait for an answer. She bought two skewers and held one out to him, her gaze shining with anticipation.

“You have to try it.”

Vergil took the skewer with a neutral expression and watched as Raphaeline took a delicate bite, her lips curving into a satisfied smile as she chewed slowly.

He sighed and took a bite. The taste was slightly sweet, but not cloying. It wasn’t bad.

Raphaeline tilted her head slightly, watching him intently. “So?”

“It’s acceptable.”

She laughed. “Is that your way of saying you like it?”

Vergil looked away. “I said what I said.”

Raphaeline held back her laughter, enjoying every little reaction from him. Normally, he was relaxed, so impenetrable, but now she knew he didn’t feel like being there, though… she could see the little cracks in his posture. And she liked that.

As they walked, they passed a bridge illuminated by paper lanterns, the reflection of the lights dancing on the water. Raphaeline slowed down, stopping in the middle of the bridge and leaning on the wooden parapet.

“What’s wrong?” Vergil asked, stopping beside her.

She looked up at the sky, where few stars were visible among the city lights. “I’m just enjoying the moment.”

Vergil watched her for a moment. She seemed calmer than ever, and it wasn’t just an act. She really was enjoying it.

After a few seconds, she turned to him, a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Vergil.”

“Hm?”

“I… wanted to try something.”

He frowned slightly. “Something?”

Raphaeline took a deep breath and suddenly held his hands between hers. Her hands were small compared to his, but they were warm, soft.

“I know that I’m intense, that I’m stubborn, and that I tend to be a bit… aggressive.” She smiled, a little awkwardly. “But I really wanted to show you that I can also be gentle. Because, as much as I started all this as a joke, as a way of putting pressure on you… the truth is that I like you.”

Vergil blinked. He hadn’t expected her to be so direct.

“I-I know you’re not used to this. Neither am I.” She squeezed his hands a little tighter. “But I wanted to try.”

There was a silence. Vergil didn’t pull back or move his hands away. He just watched her, as if trying to decipher her.

Then, in a subtle gesture, he turned one of his hands slightly so that his fingers intertwined with hers.

Raphaeline held her breath.

“If that means you’ll stop blackmailing me with information, then…” He looked away, a slight tone of amusement in his voice. “I think we can see where this is going.”

She widened her eyes in surprise. “Are you saying that-”

Vergil let out a small sigh, but didn’t let go of her hand. “I’m saying that maybe… you’re getting what you want.”

Raphaeline cracked a huge smile.

As they walked around Tokyo, Raphaeline kept showing him the most interesting places in the city. She took him to a luxury kimono store, a sophisticated theme café and even a cocktail bar at the top of a skyscraper, from where he could see the entire metropolis lit up. Vergil enjoyed the view and the places, but nothing really seemed to hold his attention.

Until he suddenly stopped walking.

Raphaeline, who was still talking animatedly about a restaurant that served dishes fit for kings, noticed that he was no longer with her and looked back. He was staring at something across the street, his eyebrows slightly raised.

She followed his gaze and saw a small, discreet but busy ramen stand. The entrance had a red curtain with Japanese lettering, and inside, customers were seated in individual booths, designed to give privacy to those eating alone. However, one detail caught her eye: there were double booths, designed for couples.

Raphaeline crossed her arms, puzzled. “What? Are you interested in something?”

Vergil, still observing the place, answered without thinking too much: “It smells good.”

Raphaeline blinked in surprise. He didn’t even hesitate to answer.

That was enough.

Without giving him time to change his mind, she grabbed his arm and started pulling him tight, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Ah, so the great Vergil, Demon King, likes the smell of a simple street ramen? Well, don’t worry, my dear, because now you’re going to experience the best dinner of your life!”

“Hey, Raphaeline-”

But it was too late. She dragged him along with exaggerated excitement, ignoring the curious glances of the people around her. Vergil didn’t even try to resist, he just sighed, allowing himself to be led.

As soon as they entered the stall, they were greeted by the attendant, who looked at them both and immediately took them to one of the spaces for couples. The atmosphere was simple but cozy. The dark wood, the yellowish lights and the intoxicating smell of hot broth made the place seem irresistible.

Raphaeline smiled with satisfaction. “Very well, Demon Lord, now we just have to choose what we’re going to order.”

Vergil settled into his seat and picked up the menu, his eyes scanning the options. He was already more relaxed than he had expected. Maybe it was the atmosphere, or maybe it was the fact that, for some reason, being there with Raphaeline felt… normal. He didn’t even remember that he had been blackmailed into being on this date.

“I’ll have the house special, with extra meat.” He decided.

Raphaeline smiled. “Me too. But with more garlic.”

Vergil raised an eyebrow. “More garlic?”

She shrugged. “It improves the taste.”

He let out a slight nasal laugh, something rare. “And the breath?”

Raphaeline leaned over the table, resting her chin on her hands and smiling provocatively. “If you intend to kiss me, then I’ll reduce the garlic. Otherwise, it’s not your problem.”

Vergil was silent for a moment before looking away. “… Have it your way.”

Raphaeline laughed.

When the plates arrived, they both began to eat, and Vergil realized that he was starving. The first sip of the hot broth was enough to make him relax completely.

“Is it good?” Raphaeline asked, watching him with interest.

Vergil didn’t answer immediately. He just picked up some more noodles with his chopsticks and ate them.

She smiled. “You like it.”

He rolled his eyes, but didn’t deny it.

Despite trying to maintain his usual seriousness, Vergil couldn’t help but notice Raphaeline’s tireless efforts to soften the mood. She tried in every possible way – little teases, mischievous smiles and even adorably concentrated expressions as she devoured her ramen as if it were the most divine meal in the world.

He sighed internally.

Maybe it was time to give in, just a little.

A slight smile appeared on his lips as he observed the scene in front of him. Raphaeline, a Demon Queen, a ruthless warrior, a woman who had faced him countless times without hesitation… now she was there, her eyes shining with joy, clutching her chopsticks with an almost childlike satisfaction as she savored every sip of the hot broth.

Vergil discreetly took out his cell phone and, with a quick, precise movement, snapped a photo before she even had time to react.

He opened the conversation with Ada and sent the image.

~[She’s improved, hasn’t she? She’s all happy eating ramen].

The reply came almost instantly.

~[My mother… she’s eating ramen? Did you force her?]

Vergil frowned.

~[No? She wanted to.]

There was a slight delay in replying. Then came a message that made him stop eating for a second.

~[Vergil… my mother doesn’t eat ramen. She hasn’t for as long as I can remember].

He arched an eyebrow.

~[Why?]

~[Because it reminds her of her mother… my grandmother].

Vergil froze for a moment, his gaze shifting from the cell phone to Raphaeline.

She was still there, carefree, smiling to herself as she picked up some more noodles. But now, looking more closely, he noticed something different… a certain nostalgia in her countenance.

It wasn’t just happiness.

It was a precious moment for her. Something that went beyond a simple date or a silly blackmail to spend time with him.

Vergil put his cell phone away, rested his chin on his hand and continued to watch her.

Maybe… just maybe… she had just won him over for good.