Dante's return had been veiled; in fact, he had chosen to remain in secrecy to distance himself for a while. At this moment, they were atop the White Tower, along with his three celestial beauties. He was calm, seated in the main armchair, while Valentina lay in his lap and Morgana leaned against his shoulder.
In front of him, Nagasawa was practicing her speed with a ping pong ball, darting back and forth.
"It feels good to be home," murmured Dante with closed eyes, relaxing. He wore a white shirt and black pants, while the women wore dresses and Nagasawa sported athletic attire.
"Ha!" exclaimed Nagasawa as she finally managed to play ping pong against herself. "I did it!" she said, jumping with joy as if she had overcome a great obstacle.
"Congratulations," said Dante with a gentle smile. Nagasawa blushed slightly and turned around. Dante chuckled softly and continued to watch Nagasawa from afar.
"She wasn't the one who seduced you, was she?" whispered Morgana, and Dante merely smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, just existing in that space.
Valentina, who was nearly asleep, came to and spoke for the first time in the last half hour since she had laid on Dante's lap. "How will you deal with the traitors?" she queried. Dante had already told her about what happened in the Dungeon, and he had plans to deal with Ethan, Alexander, and Forki.
"I'll kill them, in the most brutal way possible," remarked Dante, and Valentina's eyebrows raised slightly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Are you sure? You don't usually do things like that. Besides, do you think those three's father will just let you kill them?" Valentina questioned, with a smile. She was still angry about what had happened, and Dante had acted like a cowardly dog, but if he put on a good show for her, she would forgive him easily.
"And since when is their lives worth more than mine?" Dante questioned Valentina, who for the first time was left speechless, while Dante simply smiled gently at her.
"Those prepared to kill must be prepared to die," commented Dante, as he leaned down slightly and kissed Valentina on the lips.
It's kind of complicated, but how can someone with an incurable disease think about the future when the world constantly puts her down reminding her of it? Nagasawa not only had her body healed now, she had received a power that could sustain that body, a power that could make the little fifteen-year-old Nagasawa dream again. But it's not just that.
Dante gave her something above all. He gave her the importance of existence, he gave her the feeling of being welcomed, loved, and protected. Of course, these are just Nagasawa's thoughts, and it's almost impossible to say that Dante loves her. She wasn't that arrogant, but she knew one thing: that man was going to change the world, not because he was strong, but because of who he is.
"Maybe it's time to create a new life... a new name and a new family... Yes, I think I've made my decision... It's time to abandon past sins and build my future," Nagasawa said as she nestled into Dante's legs.
She didn't know, but Dante had heard everything since the moment she spoke for the first time. He never stopped listening and didn't want to, but now he could sleep peacefully. After all, he succeeded.
'Welcome,' he thought as he let his worries about Nagasawa linger. His lips curved into a calm and serene smile, and his mind was at peace.
It had been months away from the world, living among caves and grottos, feeding on wolf blood, beasts, and spiders. He almost died several times and at the same time lived more than ever. Isn't it ironic? When you face death several times, the value of life increases. And it was this enlightenment that Dante received when he was put into a coma by the Ghost of Lilith.
He had half a second to think about everything that bothered him. This half second made him realize that it's no longer worth living in fear of past traumas and that he needs to cherish what he has before he dies suddenly as in his previous life.
Dante now had one more goal: to live his life well, and with his family.
***
N/a: Hey, my dear readers, the chapters will be reduced for some time. I'm having health issues and can't focus on writing the chapters. I'll schedule only one chapter per day for now. I hope you understand. As soon as I recover, I'll resume with two chapters per day as usual. Thank you for reading!
PS: Please, I know it's annoying to have to ask this, but I would like you to evaluate the work. We're already in chapter 89, I know you like her, you wouldn't come here! This helps a lot and motivates me to keep bringing Dante's story! Thanks!