I knocked on Millie's family's door and waited for them to open it. Millie's mother beamed at me, "Ah! Seri. I'm so glad you came. The children have been asking to visit you to discuss the business venture you mentioned to them."

I nodded, "Oh yes. I'd like to get that bakery started soon. Are they all here? I'd like to talk to them about it."

She nodded, "Yes, I will make sure to call them. Millie said that once you finished your discussion with them, then you can go find her in the butterfly conservatory."

"Thank you." I spoke politely to her as I followed her.

She continued, "We are just thrilled you and Millie are still friends. You may not know this, but there was a brief moment when she was quite the mischievous child."

A mischievous child? You mean a psychopath?

"But, once you came into her life she really calmed down. I almost can't believe how well behaved she is now."

I nodded at her with a forced smile. If only she knew...

I went into the room with her many siblings and sat down with them. Turns out, they were all interested in starting a bakery. Even the boys were. We discussed our plans for the bakery as I laid out my ideas so far. They seemed thrilled about it.

They told me that they wanted the food to be cruelty free and made with love. As long as they figured out how, I could care less about what they did. My intention for the bakery was simple. It is going to be a cover for my evil lair.

Of course, what evil hideout would be anything without a casino? The only thing this world has is seedy underground gambling dens since gambling was technically illegal. However, I intend to open an underground casino that was more elegant.

My office will be overlooking the casino where I could sit in a chair with a glass of whisky. I will be able to watch as they all spent their hard earned money unknowingly getting me rich in the process. If anyone dared try to cheat, I will just send Millie after them.

I can see it now. Me laughing in a red tight dress as I roll around in piles of money... Ah... That is the life...

I nodded collecting the documents, "Alright. I will start having them build the bakery in the Imperial city. Once I finish, I will let you know. Then we can go from there. From my estimate, it should take a year or so."

One stood up, "Thank you so much Seri!"

The other nodded, "I can't wait!"

I smiled, "It's no problem. You all stay busy until them."

I walked to the butterfly conservatory rubbing my head. Ugh, whenever I have to do paperwork for my evil society my head hurts... I should really find an assistant... But who?

I walked inside and noticed Millie in a pale pink dress smiling gently at a butterfly that was perched on her hand. She sat at a white table amongst blue butterflies. If one didn't know any better, they would think she was a gentle maiden.

However, she was actually a cold blooded killer. She was probably thinking about how to kill that poor defenseless butterfly in her hand as we speak.

I sat down at the table, "Sorry I took so long. I didn't know all of your siblings would be so interested in the bakery idea."

She turned to me with a smile as the butterfly flew off. "Yes, well it's not like they are doing anything right now. My sisters are teaching, but it's not what they want to do. Plus, none of them are married yet. Leaving home to start a business will be good for them. Since our family doesn't have many resources because of my parents charitable nature, this is truly lucky for them."

I nodded and reached for the cup of champagne, "Well. I will fund their business, but I intend to use it as a cover for my underground operation."

Millie giggled, "I had a feeling you would say something like that."

I sipped on my drink and looked at the extra plate and drink set out. I furrowed my brow, "Uh... Why is there an extra plate set out?"

Millie only smiled giving nothing away. She replied passively, "I invited someone else. They should be arriving at any moment."

I nodded as I nibbled on my cake, "Who is it? Do I know them?"

She nodded, "Yes. We went to school with them."

Hmm... School? Who did I go to school with?

As I munched on my cake trying to imagine who would be showing up, the door to the conservatory was smashed open. I jumped and turned to look at the culprit who barged in so violently.

Dante glared at Millie with a fearsome expression while holding his sword.

Cake fell out of my open mouth. "D-Dante?!"

"Seri?" Dante froze and looked at me in confusion.

I looked at Millie in a panic, "M-Millie?! What did you do?"

She smiled as she sipped on the champagne, "I told you. I invited someone to join us."

Dante rushed over to me and grabbed my hand inspecting me for wounds, "Are you hurt?"

I blinked in confusion, "Huh? Hurt? Why would I be hurt?!"

Just what the hell is going on here?

He took a step back and frowned, "Are you not being held against your will?"

I looked to Millie and frowned, "Millie. What the hell is he talking about."

She shrugged, "I may have sent him a letter that said I kidnapped you and intended to kill you."

Dante glared at Millie, "She said that if I didn't come alone and didn't meet her here at this time, she would hurt you."

I facepalmed, "God d*mmit Millie."

Millie looked at me with a pout, "Don't be upset Seri... I did this for you."

"For me?" I looked up at her carefully. I couldn't help but feel a bit curious.

She nodded, "Yes. I noticed you were a bit out of it ever since you had that dream. So I decided to help you. After all, I couldn't stand to see you look so frantic. I was worried you would leave the country again. So I invited Dante here in order for you two to make up."

More like you tricked him into showing up...

I sighed, "Millie... Sometimes I really can't understand that brain of yours."

"I will leave you two alone now. You don't have to worry about being interrupted. You will have all the privacy you need in here." She stood up and grabbed a pair of garden shears, "Now if you'll excuse me. I am going to go destroy my sisters favorite rose bush. Seri said I have to vent my anger or else it will consume me."

My mouth dropped as I watched her walk away humming.

Dante watched her leave the conservatory and sat at the table. He spoke in a low voice, "Did she really not kidnap you?"

I glanced at him and remembered the conversation I had with my mother. I looked away, "No... I came home and she followed me..."

"... Oh."

We sat in silence. Neither of us knew what to say. I fidgeted and forced myself to speak, "Why did you come? Don't you hate me?"

Dante looked at me for a long time before looking away. He took a deep breath, "I could never hate you."

I let out a sigh of relief. He continued, "When I read that note... I was so scared. I thought she did something to you. I was overcome with regret when I thought that our last moments together was spent with me ignoring you."

I watched as he clenched his fist and glared ahead at the food laid out neatly on the plate. I hesitantly reached over and held his hand. He flinched slightly and looked at me in surprise.

I blushed as I kept my eyes on his hand. I was still too embarrassed to meet his eyes, "I'm sorry. It's my fault I made you so worried. I know keeping Millie around was a bad idea... But I couldn't help it. I've never had someone love me so much to that extreme. I know it was selfish of me, but I want to hold on to this feeling a little longer."

The previous me was still rooted deep in my heart. I could almost hear her voice in my ear whispering, "Eventually you will be alone once more."

Dante looked at my hands holding his. He couldn't see the pain and anxiety in my eyes. He looked at me with fervent eyes, "Seri. I love you."

I flinched at these words and looked up to meet his eyes. I felt his hand intertwine with my own. I choked out, "W-What was that?"

He repeated himself, "I love you. I would kill anyone for you. Sometimes I want you so badly that I want to hide you away just to keep you to myself." He rubbed my hand with his thumb, "I would do anything for you..."

I took a deep breath. I wanted to desperately believe his words. I wanted to believe that he would always be at my side...

But something inside me wouldn't let me believe it.

I shook my head. Even if it's not forever... Perhaps I could just savor the feeling for a bit...

Even if he will eventually leave me as well, I still have to tell him the truth. I have to admit to him the thing I've come to realize recently.

Alright Seri. You can do this. There's no need to panic or worry. It's just four words.

I like you too.

My mouth shook, "I-I-"

He raised an eyebrow.

"L-L-L-"

"..."

I looked away in defeat, "I don't hate you..."

God d*mmit Seri! You are a disgrace to the human race.

He looked down a bit disappointed, "Ah."

No! I need to make it up to him! I owe it to him to admit my feelings!

I looked at him in determination. My voice squeaked, "I-I like you as more than a friend!"

I panted after squeezing out the words. A dashing smile crossed across Dante's face, "And that means?"

I looked at his teasing grin.

This little bastard.

I swallowed my urge to hit him, "Y-You know what it means!"

"I don't."

"Urk..."

I looked away and chewed on my lip. Come on! We've come this far we might as well go all the way!

...Figuratively speaking that is.

I nodded to myself and hopped onto his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck, embracing him coquettishly. I leaned forward to kiss him softly. Dante's eyes widened slightly before he smiled and returned the kiss back.

I pulled away, "This is what it means you idiot."

He smirked, "I still don't get it."

My eyebrow twitched, "Stop teasing me."

His golden eyes looked into mine, "It's the truth."

"Idiot." I muttered and leaned forward to kiss him once more.

I sat on his lap kissing him as he rubbed my back gently. I could feel my body heating up from his touch. I pulled away suddenly realizing where we were. I looked away blushing slightly, "Ehem... So..."

"?"

"I'm just curious... Where do you plan on spending the night at?"

Dante froze.

I frowned and spoke monotonously, "You have no idea do you."

Dante shrugged nonchalantly, "I may have overlooked that aspect while I rushed here."

I sighed, "I guess it is no use. You will have to stay at my house."

Dante looked at me with an eyebrow raised, "Are you sure your father would be alright with that?"

I shook my head, "No. He would definitely try to kill you if you asked. That's why I will have to sneak you in."