The once-relaxed atmosphere in the room suddenly turned tense as an old demon with a cane emerged from the shadows. The skull-engraved staff let out a terrifying creak.
"So you've finally returned, Raiden."
The deep, authoritative voice froze everyone in place. Zephyr and Sylvaine immediately bowed their heads upon hearing it. Raiden, who had been cheerful just moments ago, turned serious.
"Father..."
Leon gasped. "Father?!"
The auras of the two demons clashed, causing the surroundings to tremble. Zephyr quickly stepped forward to intervene.
"Father, Brother Raiden... please calm down."
The elderly figure was none other than the former Demon King, Zar Belphegor—father of Raiden, Zephyr, Sylphine, and Sylvaine. His sharp gaze scanned Leon from head to toe.
"So you're Leon Astaroth? The young demon causing all this commotion?"
Hearing this, Leon immediately knelt. "Forgive my insolence, Your Majesty."
"Stand," Zar commanded.
"You are indeed a talented young demon."
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
Zar then turned to Raiden and Zephyr. "There's something we need to discuss. Now."
Before leaving, Zephyr smirked at Sylvaine. "Good luck with your 'questioning' later."
Sylvaine's face turned bright red at his words. Leon, confused, glanced at the flustered princess.
"Then, I'll take my leave for now, Princess Sylvaine."
"Leon, wait!" Sylvaine suddenly grabbed his hand.
"I... I wanted to ask if you could accompany me outside the palace tonight."
"Outside?"
"Yes, to see the city. I've never been allowed to leave the palace since I was little," she complained.
"Sylphine gets to go out whenever she wants, but I..."
Leon scratched his head. "But how? You're not permitted to leave, right?"
"Don't worry! Big Brother Zephyr already gave permission!" Sylvaine beamed.
"Meet me at the main gate at 8, okay?" With that, she dashed off.
As Princess Sylvaine ran away, Leon was left speechless, stunned by her radiant smile.
Back in his room, Leon tended to the wounds from his earlier battle.
"My Lord, how are you?" Valker's voice echoed from a small spatial rift.
"Yes, My Lord. We were worried," Fenrith added from another rift.
"I'm fine," Leon replied before scolding Valker for nearly interfering in his fight earlier.
Mid-conversation, the voice of the Demon King Satan suddenly resonated.
"You're strong and lucky, Leon. Raiden didn't use his hammer—at your current level, you could've been shattered to pieces."
Leon frowned. "I'm still too weak."
"But there's good news," Satan continued, suddenly enthusiastic.
"I can give you advice for your date tonight!"
"I-It's not a date!" Leon choked, his face burning red.
"It's just... a normal outing!"
Satan burst into laughter at Leon's reaction. "Very well. I'll take my leave now."
Leon resumed his discussion with Valker and Fenrith, ordering Fenrith to secretly guard Princess Sylvaine from now on, while Valker was to remain on standby for future missions.
"But, My Lord," Fenrith protested.
"If I'm always by Princess Sylvaine's side, how can I assist you in battle?"
"Don't worry. If we're in dire straits, I can summon you," Leon assured.
After the conversation, Leon cleaned himself up. Staring into the mirror, he examined his rapidly healing wounds.
"What's really happening to my body now?"
8 PM
Leon waited at the main gate. Suddenly, Princess Sylvaine's voice called out from afar.
"Leon!"
Sylvaine appeared in a simple yet beautiful dress, her usually tied-up hair now flowing freely.
Leon was stunned. "P-Princess Sylvaine, you..."
"I what?"
"...Y-You look... beautiful."
Sylvaine's face flushed crimson. "Y-You idiot! Don't just say things like that out of nowhere—it's embarrassing!"
An awkward silence fell between them. Then, Leon suddenly grabbed Sylvaine's hand.
"Let's go!"
Hand in hand, they ran out of the palace, their laughter trailing behind them in the night air.
=== BAN 9 END ===