Incubus or Demon?

I pointed at Raven's waist and abdomen. "You've got an incubus mark and everything. Are you trying to cosplay as a demon or something?"

There was silence.

I must have struck a nerve with that comment. He got angry again.

"But you know what?" I looked at him with a smile. "Even if you don't like me, even if you won't acknowledge me as your owner, I'll still protect you."

"Why?"

"Because it's enough that I like you."

It was just a human's fondness for an interesting creature, the same way I liked cats and dogs. However, Raven seemed to misunderstand. His face suddenly flushed red, and the air around us grew hot and scorching.

"W-What are you saying... That's way too forward..."

I did not tell him I had already decided to help him return to his former owner. Until then, as compensation for bringing him home without permission and touching and holding him, I would protect him from harm.

I arranged to meet with that woman when I had the chance. Finding her had not been difficult. After the tidal bore viewing ended, I added her on social media.

The woman's name was Tessa Gilbert. It was a cute name that matched her pretty appearance perfectly.

I asked, "Have you ever abandoned an incubus?"

Tessa's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"Does he have dark skin?"

"Yes, yes! He's really tall, almost six-foot-three, with horns and wings. His incubus mark is right here."

It matched.

"Can you tell me why you abandoned him back then?"

"To be honest, I didn't really like his personality."

I could understand that. Raven's personality was terrible.

Tessa continued, "After I bought him, the shop closed down. I couldn't return him, so I just released him. Have you seen him?"

I nodded. "He misses you."

Tessa's expression turned melancholic.

"To tell you the truth, after I released him, I felt some regret. He was actually pretty good. Tall, handsome, and very capable."

"Then take him back," I suggested sincerely. "Abandoning an incubus is just like abandoning your pet cats and dogs. He's really pitiful. Why don't you try getting along with him again?"

"That makes sense..."

Things with Tessa were more or less settled. Next, I just needed to persuade Raven.

Thinking about how he would get what he wanted made my mood brighten.

When I returned home, Raven was in the kitchen. He was following a recipe, but his movements were clumsy. Even so, he was clearly making an effort.

"What's gotten into you these past few days?" I asked curiously. "You're suddenly into cooking."

Raven's expression turned awkward. "You got sick the other day. You looked pretty fragile... I'm feeling generous, so I'll handle the cooking from now on."

"Perfect. Keep doing exactly that."

"What?"

"When you go back to your original owner, just keep doing this. Rein in your temper and get along with her properly."

"Original owner?" Raven froze.

"Yeah. I already talked to her. She's willing to take you back. Aren't you happy?"

He turned quiet.

"Wow, you're so happy you can't even speak!"

"How exactly do I look happy to you? Chloe Sutton, you just said you liked me a few days ago, and now, you're abandoning me? Are all humans like this?"

"How is this abandonment? Besides, you're the one who keeps refusing to acknowledge me."

"You just want an incubus, don't you? Fine, I agree! You can treat me as your incubus. I'll reluctantly cooperate with you!"

"Actually, I wanted to tell you something." I pulled a man standing outside the door into the house. "I have my own incubus now!"

It really was such a coincidence. I had been saving up money to buy an incubus, and my original plan had been to have enough saved up by the end of the year.

Yesterday, I happened to catch an incubus sale. I impulsively placed an order, and he was delivered today.

I named him Steele.