“Hold on. You there. Show your face.”
Among the guards, a young-looking man held out the hand with his spear and blocked the path. There was only one person in the group wearing a robe: Lilith.
Lilith concealed all the physical traits that would identify her as a demon, so she looked no different than a human. Still, the reason she wore the robe was due to her succubus nature. Though her disguise seemed to work, and she wasn’t particularly enchanting anyone, her innate succubus charm still drew attention. Hence, when in crowded places, she hid her figure with the robe and concealed her appearance with the hood.
To be honest, when a woman with a figure like Lilith walks by, it’s an irresistible instinct for a man to instinctively turn his head. I can guarantee that as a former man myself. On the other hand, if someone doesn’t turn their head, they’re surely a eunuch.
However, Lilith, despite the guard’s orders, didn’t immediately take off her hood. Instead, she first turned to look at me, tilting her head as if asking permission. She was probably asking if it’s okay to take off the hood.
Lilith, always asking me or Presia for permission on every little thing, is a trait that has saved us from many mishaps. But it can be a bit annoying at times, too.
As I nodded, Lilith smiled and pushed back her hood, revealing her pink hair that fluttered in the air.
“Hmm… not a wanted criminal, at least.”
While technically she was one of the Demon Four Heavenly Kings, much more than a wanted criminal, the guard had no clue.
The other members of the Four Heavenly Kings often appear on the battlefield, so their identities are more widely known across the continent. However, Lilith, being more reclusive by nature, preferred to remain hidden in her lair, away from followers, which is why she’s relatively unknown to the human side, making such a lack of recognition unsurprising.
Thud!
“You fool! Do you know who this is and you dare question her at the gates?”
Guard duty is usually done in pairs, and while the other guard was momentarily occupied with other duties, an older-looking senior guard shouted and struck the back of the head of the guard who had asked Lilith to uncover herself.
“My apologies, Hero. This is a rookie who has just joined and didn’t recognize you. We apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused to you and your companions.”
“My deepest apologies!”
The guard, now realizing who he had detained, paled and made his apologies.
“No, no, it was something you needed to do. Please don’t worry about it.”
Considering they are the guards protecting the royal palace, it’s only normal that even a rookie soldier should be thoroughly vigilant.
Though, since I occasionally visit the palace on direct orders from the Emperor or for consultations, I usually pass through without any checks, which is not something I can complain about.
After passing the guards and entering, we were escorted to a waiting room that had been prepared for us. Now that I hold the official title of Hero, there’s no need to wait long like the old Academy student days, and the Emperor’s consideration allows us to stay as long as necessary if needed.
“Wow, wow…”
Presia, who is already familiar with the palace, and even Luna, who has accompanied me a few times, quietly follow the guide without much interest. However, Lilith, seeing the palace for the first time, marvels at its splendor, completely forgetting that if she really wished, she could build a palace equally splendid as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
On a side note, Lindy, being so busy, has returned to her usual duties. After her confession, I guess she has resolved to be unfazed and plans to rejoin our ranks, or so I heard.
“Please wait here for a moment. His Majesty will likely call for you soon.”
“Umm, Master! I’d like to go sightseeing. Can I go out?”
Upon entering the room and with the door shut, Lilith promptly asked me. Her wide eyes were filled with curiosity about the magnificent palace, yet, unfortunately, I couldn’t allow her request.
“Just stay here and wait quietly. We won’t be waiting long anyway.”
Not only am I worried about what kind of trouble she might stir up wandering around the castle grounds, but even becoming lost would be a problem. This isn’t mere speculation; it’s a judgment based on my past experiences.
“Hiiiing…”
Lilith, looking crestfallen, looks to her great master, Presia, but Presia doesn’t permit her either, quietly unpacking instead.
However, Lilith’s gloomy attitude doesn’t last long. With the room itself being so vast, it’s practically beyond the concept of a “room,” and she immediately starts exploring with excitement.
Bear, Tokki, and Luna playing together, Lindy having transformed into a cat and curled up on my thigh, and Presia quietly watching—this peaceful moment goes on for about an hour.
Knock, knock. An elderly butler enters to announce that we’re permitted to meet with the Emperor.
It might seem outrageous to keep a guest waiting for an hour, but considering the Emperor’s status, an hour is actually quite short.
“Boss. Time to get up.”
I gently stroke Presia, who had fallen asleep, waking her up. She stretches like a black cat and transforms back into her usual self.
“Alright, alright. Luna and Lilith, stop playing around and come here.”
Since I’m currently the center of this party, I lead them to the meeting room. As we enter, the Emperor is seen signing documents despite having called for us.
“Ah, you’ve arrived. Please sit.”
Whereas in the past I would be anxious and timid just to be sitting across from him, now, having become more accustomed, I sit down without much tension.
“Ho, I see. There’s an additional companion?”
The Emperor looked from his document, noticing Lilith. As he asked about her, Mage Isis, standing behind her, seemed to notice Lilith’s identity and was about to speak, but the Emperor gestured for her to stop.
“I see. So that’s how it happened. Truly, you’ve done well to live up to my expectations.”
While in normal circumstances, I only submit reports, making visits to the palace rare. If upper demons like her were captured or slain every time, meeting the Emperor would be a tremendous waste of time.
But this report was special. Though she wasn’t killed, one of the Four Heavenly Kings being diminished is still a fact, and given the Emperor’s curious nature, I expected he’d summon me, which is why I also decided to report in person.
Nevertheless, the Emperor seemed to comprehend everything, nodding and smiling without needing a detailed explanation.
“Your Majesty, I’d like to explain about that.”
“Though I think I understand without hearing the details, it’ll be no harm to hear it directly from you. Go on.”
Though it seems like there’s no need for an explanation, the judgment lies not with me. I then, under the Emperor’s permission, briefly recounted the events: that she was from the Four Heavenly Kings, that she did not harm humans, and that I promised she will not betray us.
The Emperor listened attentively, showing reactions ranging from a light “Hm,” to hearty laughter. In contrast, Isis, standing behind us, revealed a surprised look upon discovering Lilith’s true identity.
“Indeed, there may be many inconveniences if she’s to travel with you. Such as the ordeal at the entrance.”
Apparently, even the little incident at the entrance reached the Emperor’s ears. Either he’s informed of every minor event at the palace or he’s taken a special interest in matters involving me.
“Bring me someone!”
A clear shout brought a servant who bowed before the Emperor.
“Issue one identity card from the royal family to the Hero’s group. Ensure they receive it.”
“Your Majesty!”
Caught off guard by such a straightforward approach, Isis tried to intercede, but with a wave, the Emperor dismissed the servant and turned to Isis.
“Isis, do you think this demon will betray the Hero, despite watching his deeds by my side all this time?”
“That… is true.”
“Exactly. I understand your concerns, but they’re unnecessary. Your worries only bring trouble.”
In essence, this is saying the Emperor trusts me greatly. Anyway, thanks to the Emperor’s consideration, one worry lessens. The identity card, certified by the royal family, will surely help in cases like the entrance incident or when someone like Isis identifies Lilith.
“Yes! I wouldn’t dream of betraying Master!”
“Quiet, fool!”
However, during the conversation between the Emperor and Isis, Lilith interjected with her raised hand. Luna, sitting beside her, quietly whispers for her to stop, but it was too late.
“Ho ho ho! ‘Master’, you say… This is certainly unexpected. Nevertheless, rest assured, we will vouch the identity of your companion fully. You’ve not disappointed me yet, and that’s appreciated.”
Thankfully, the Emperor didn’t take offense at Lilith’s behavior, instead laughing it off loudly. After all, it’s funny to see a heavenly demon addressing a hero as ‘master’.
“Well, I believe that’s all. Presia, are you doing well recently? Your expression has certainly brightened.”
“Uh-huh.”
In fact, if we talk about arrogance, Presia surpasses Lilith. But Presia and the Emperor go way back.
“In that case, I’m relieved. And, Isis, as a senior mage, any advice for Presia after not seeing her for a while?”
“Advice for someone already forging her own path? As a senior mage, perhaps not. But as a senior in life, I do have something to say.”
Isis, who had maintained a serious expression until now, turned her gaze to Presia, her sternness melting into a gentle smile.
“Presia. Magic is, after all, insignificant. Your life, Presia, is more magical. It’s good to see you happy after wandering. I hope to continue seeing this version of you.”
It’s a smile and tone as warm as a mother looking at her daughter. I know Presia’s past indirectly from her, but Isis has witnessed it firsthand. Presia’s time in the palace wasn’t short, so it’s no wonder Isis shows such a side.
“Ah, by the way, how is your daughter, Ms. Isis?”
Seeing Isis’ expression reminded me of her impulsive daughter I once met. The day Selian and I went to a play, we missed it because her daughter, Cindy, got lost.
“Hah-hah-hah! Very, very… troublesome.”
The grinding sound and tense smile from Isis suggest her daughter remains as impulsive as ever, still giving her a hard time.
“Kkkk… looks like lingering here any longer will get me a scolding. Hero, rest well then. I foresee something interesting happening soon, so we’ll see each other again.”
“Then we’ll take our leave.”
Interesting things? Considering the Emperor’s nature, it’s unsettling. But I can’t inquire further, so I rise with a proper bow.
As always, I leave the meeting room following a wave from the Emperor.
