Rearing Demons
Chapter 103: Unexpected Cave Visit

Chapter 103: Unexpected Cave Visit

"Your dad should be arriving tomorrow," Rose whispered softly, hugging Luna close in the darkness of the cave.

Two days had passed since Jin left them, and now their reunion was only a matter of time.

"Mom, can you tell me more about back then?" Luna asked, her voice tinged with boredom and curiosity. Waiting in silence had been difficult, and she’d eagerly absorbed every story Rose told—though strangely, nothing else seemed to stick.

Rose had noticed something worrying: Luna was an extraordinarily slow learner. Her daughter’s mind seemed unable to process basic information or retain memories, causing Rose’s heart to ache with concern. Had Luna’s mind been damaged from her harsh past? Or perhaps by the demon’s attack?

Yet somehow, Luna vividly remembered stories of Rose’s past—nothing else.

"Of course, sweetheart," Rose said gently, adjusting her position on the cold, rough floor so Luna’s head rested more comfortably on her thin arm. "Where was I last?"

"When Weir gave you a gift!" Luna responded immediately, eyes bright in the dimness.

"Oh, yes," Rose smiled faintly, diving into the story again.

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"You laughed," Weir smirked triumphantly. "I told you it would happen."

Rose quickly covered her mouth, embarrassed. "I did not!"

"You definitely did," he teased. "Shall we end our date here and meet again next week, same time?"

Rose frowned slightly, annoyed at herself for letting her guard down. Still, she reluctantly nodded. "Fine. I made a promise, so I won’t break it."

"Excellent," Weir said, waving over a waiter.

"Yes, Noble Weir?" the waiter hurried over nervously.

"Let the lady order anything she desires. It’s on me." He turned toward Rose with a gentle smile. "As promised, I’ll leave you now to enjoy your meal in peace. I won’t bother you until next week."

Rose didn’t reply, merely pouting quietly, which amused Weir even more. Picking up his coat, he headed towards the exit. "Goodbye, Rose."

"Goodbye," she murmured, not meeting his eyes, though she stole a quick glance at his departing silhouette.

A few moments later, he was truly gone.

"That weirdo," Rose whispered under her breath. Her eyes landed on the adorable cake in front of her, humorously decorated with two figures resembling herself and Weir, facing each other at a table with a similar cake between them. Smiling softly, she gently picked up the tiny icing figurine of Weir, turning him to face away.

"Don’t watch me eat," she mumbled playfully.

With that, she waved the waiter over, ordered her meal, and finally ate quietly, her gaze occasionally returning to the cake with a subtle smile.

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"Mom," Luna interrupted suddenly, "be honest. Did you like Weir back then?"

Rose chuckled softly. "I wouldn’t say I liked him yet, but I certainly found him less irritating."

"That quickly?" Luna said, astonished.

"Well, he kept his promises, made me laugh, and acted like a gentleman instead of constantly flirting," Rose explained warmly. "Even if he did eat like a bear."

"But what about dad?" Luna pouted slightly. "Wasn’t he sad?"

"Oh," Rose nodded, "he was very sad."

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Outside the restaurant, Jin arrived hurriedly with one of his servants trailing closely behind.

"She should be inside," the servant said nervously.

"Should?" Jin glared.

"She is! I promise!" the servant stammered under the prince’s intense gaze.

"Go inside and confirm," Jin commanded.

"Yes, Your Highness!" The servant rushed inside quickly, returning moments later. "She’s alone at the table, eating. There’s food in front of her, and a cake, but no sign of Noble Weir."

Jin’s brows furrowed thoughtfully. "Check again carefully. See if Weir left or if he’s elsewhere inside."

"Right away!" The servant darted back in as Jin took a deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves, before stepping into the restaurant himself.

He chose a table distant enough to avoid suspicion but close enough to discreetly watch Rose. His palms grew clammy, and sweat soaked his back, though outwardly he appeared perfectly composed.

A waiter quickly approached, noticing Jin. "C-Crowned Prince Jin!" The waiter trembled nervously.

"Relax. I’m just here to eat," Jin said calmly, though his gaze remained fixed subtly on Rose.

"W-what would you like?" the waiter stammered.

"Just tea and sliced meat," Jin replied without glancing at the menu.

As the waiter hurried off, Jin’s servant returned. "Your Highness, Noble Weir truly has left."

"He left her alone?" Jin frowned disapprovingly, though inwardly relieved. At least this gives me a chance.

"You may leave," Jin dismissed his servant. "If Weir returns, send him away."

"Yes, Your Highness." The servant bowed and exited quickly.

Now alone, Jin stared anxiously toward Rose’s table, unable to tear his eyes away. The waiter returned, trembling as he placed Jin’s food and drink down carefully.

"Thank you. You may go," Jin dismissed him gently.

"Of course, Your Highness," the waiter bowed and left hastily, sighing in relief.

At her table, Rose finally glanced up, sensing a presence. Who’s that? She squinted slightly in surprise. Crowned Prince Jin? What’s he doing here? Confusion filled her mind—surely the palace had far superior food.

Their eyes unexpectedly met.

Damn! Jin cursed inwardly, heart racing. He sighed internally; there was no point pretending now. He rose from his seat as Rose stood to bow respectfully.

"Crowned Prince," she greeted formally.

"Rose," Jin replied with equal courtesy, bowing politely.

"You needn’t bow," she insisted softly, remaining respectful.

"Nor should you," Jin responded gently. "Today, I’m just an ordinary person enjoying a meal. Please treat me as such." Despite his calm exterior, Jin’s heart pounded anxiously.

"Understood," Rose nodded politely, sitting down without another glance. Jin sighed inwardly again, reluctantly returning to his meal, appetite nonexistent. They ate in tense silence, Jin quietly berating himself for becoming an unintended stalker.

"Who’s there?" Rose suddenly whispered urgently, abruptly pulled from the memory by footsteps echoing within the cave.

"Dad?" Luna asked hopefully.

"Shh!" Rose warned sharply, quickly hiding Luna behind her. Her heart raced, the voice clearly wasn’t Jin’s, though it belonged to a man.

"I can already see you both. Relax, I mean no harm," a calm voice echoed softly, approaching slowly.

"Who are you?" Rose asked cautiously, unable to make out his features clearly in the darkness.

"My name is Celis. I’m from the Fiend Devouring Sect," he explained calmly. "I’m simply passing by, seeking shelter from the rain."

"Could you find another cave, please?" Rose asked tensely.

"It’s pouring outside," Celis replied gently, voice tinged with genuine weariness. "I promise I’ll leave once the rain stops."

Rose hesitated briefly, then reluctantly conceded, "Fine."

"Thank you." Celis smiled gently, settling down quietly nearby.

An uncomfortable silence filled the cave, Rose keeping Luna protectively close.

"You don’t need to fear me," Celis eventually offered quietly. "I truly mean no harm."

"Thank you," Rose replied cautiously, still vigilant.

"I noticed your clothes are torn, and the floor must be uncomfortable," Celis suddenly said, pulling something from his bag and tossing it gently toward Rose. "Take these."

Rose glanced down, seeing clean clothes, a soft blanket, and a pillow. "There’s no need—"

"Please, just accept them," Celis interrupted kindly. "I understand you have no reason to trust a stranger, but rejecting them won’t help either of us."

Rose bit her lip but eventually nodded. "Thank you."

Celis smiled softly, standing up. "I’ll step outside briefly while you change."

When he left, Rose quickly helped Luna into the fresh clothes before changing herself. Wrapping both herself and Luna in the thick, comforting blanket, Rose finally felt warmth seep into her bones again.

Minutes later, Celis returned, shaking water from his cloak. "The storm’s fierce," he sighed, settling back onto the rock.

"Thank you again," Rose whispered genuinely.

"No worries. I carry extra clothes often," Celis explained warmly. Attempting to ease the tension, he added, "Your name?"

"Rose," she answered briefly, shielding Luna’s name.

"Rose?" Celis chuckled lightly. "We have a Rose in the sect too—a cheerful new disciple."

"I see," Rose responded curtly, providing no further conversation.

Celis sighed softly, sensing the awkwardness. "I was heading towards the nearest city, but the storm caught me. Hopefully, it stops soon."

Rose offered only silence.

"I won’t disturb you further," Celis finally relented softly, leaving only the rhythmic tapping of rain echoing through the cave.

Holding Luna tightly, Rose prayed silently for Jin’s quick return, and that no further harm would find them tonight.