After some discussion, Qiaolin promised Demigula and the others that he would temporarily remain in the Demon King’s Castle.
However, he could not guarantee that he would stay put, nor could they restrict his freedom.
He was there to help Gabriela, not as a prisoner.
“If you really wanted to go somewhere, we couldn’t stop you anyway,” Demigula said.
She did not believe that Qiaolin had spent all these years living a lazy, unproductive life.
Even if he hadn’t improved, he certainly shouldn’t have regressed.
At the same level, no one was a match for the Celestial Hero.
Fighting above his rank was a regular occurrence for Qiaolin.
“Lina, a lot of political affairs piled up while you were away. Stella and I handled some of them, and even Caesar helped, but you’ll have to do the rest yourself.”
“I’ve troubled you all.”
“Hehe, if you’re willing to let me share your bed tonight, I can take care of everything.”
Demigula rubbed her hands together excitedly.
Gabriela’s expression shifted, and she hurried away.
“Eh? Lina, don’t go! I’ve already sent out the notice. All your subordinates know you’ve returned, and you still have to grant them an audience…”
Demigula scurried after Gabriela.
Qiaolin gazed at the empty Demon King’s Palace, and old memories sketched the scene beneath those ruins —
The morning sun spilled through the shattered dome.
After witnessing the death of the Saintess, the Hero began a penance that lasted 300 years.
Qiaolin slowly raised his hand, as if it were still stained with the Saintess’s blood.
‘I am back, Tor.’
***
When Gabriela saw Qiaolin again, she had changed into a different outfit.
The boots tapping on the marble floor made a crisp “clack, clack” sound.
Qiaolin looked over and saw the girl dressed in a long black dress.
Rather than a dress, it was more of a combat gown.
The layered metal of the pitch-black battle skirt shimmered with an obsidian luster, while the inner lining was made of black gauze as thin as a cicada’s wing.
The girl’s absolute territory was faintly visible beneath it.
The boots and black silk stockings further emphasized the slender beauty of Gabriela’s legs, adding a touch of enchantment.
Seemingly sensing Qiaolin’s gaze slowly sweeping upward from below, Gabriela’s small face instantly became a bit flustered.
Qiaolin saw the tight, full leather breastplate over the girl’s chest.
It was as if the designer understood the wearer’s body perfectly; the armor was incredibly form-fitting, enough to outline the Demon King’s breathtaking curves.
However, what drew Qiaolin’s attention more was the dark red gemstone on Gabriela’s chest.
The Magic Power and vitality contained within were startling. If converted, it was roughly equivalent to the core of a Level 6 magic beast (early King Rank).
He immediately knew whose handiwork this outfit was.
“Demigula, you designed this outfit, didn’t you?”
“Qiaolin asked.”
“Ha, it’s rare for you to have such good taste. Isn’t it beautiful? I had it custom-made specifically according to Lina’s figure and preferences — “
Demigula had also changed into a dark red gown, and the style appeared to match the one Gabriela was wearing.
“Its name is ‘Twilight Forbidden Dance.’ As for mine, it is naturally the corresponding Crimson Forbidden Embrace.”
Demigula introduced the names of the outfits proudly.
She was met only with the awkward smiles of Gabriela and Qiaolin.
“Setting aside how… strange those names are, at least you finally look like a Demon King in those clothes.”
“Is… Is that so?!”
Facing Qiaolin’s praise, Gabriela sheepishly scratched her cheek.
Her bashful appearance caused Demigula to flare up with jealousy.
“Ahem, we’re about to receive the ministers. Lord Demon King must maintain her dignity,” Demigula said intentionally.
“Oh, oh, you’re right.”
Gabriela immediately patted her own cheeks and turned serious.
“And you! Why haven’t you knelt yet in the presence of Lord Demon King?”
“Huh? You’re making me kneel already?”
Qiaolin crossed his arms and retorted, “I am not a subject of the Demon King. Aren’t you her subordinate? You’re the one who should kneel.”
“Eh?!”
Gabriela rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
‘What Qiaolin says seems to make sense.’
“I am your confidante, Lina!”
“You should use her official title during work hours. You have to call her Lord Demon King!”
Qiaolin grinned mischievously.
“Alright, alright, Qiaolin, stop teasing Demigula…”
Gabriela wiped away her final smile and sat upright upon the throne.
Demigula gave Qiaolin a harsh glare and returned to her station.
Before long, a teleportation magic circle appeared on the floor of the Demon King’s Palace.
Several shadows began to teleport in from various locations.
As the appointed time arrived, led by the Crimson Empress who commanded the Vampire race, Demigula was the first to bow.
The rest of the crowd followed suit, performing their salutations to the Demon King.
“We pay our respects to Your Majesty, the Demon King.”
“Mm, you may all rise.”
“Boom!”
The Demon King lightly raised her hand, and that terrifying black-red Magic Power surged toward every corner of the hall like an overwhelming wave.
Under this powerful pressure, all stray thoughts and doubts were swept away.
Everyone felt as if a heavy weight of lead was pressing down on them.
Powerhouses at the King Rank or above could face it normally, but those at the Mortal Rank, like Lockes, were already pinned down by the Demon King’s aura, unable to move.
He forced himself to look up at the Demon King’s high, black horns and her crimson eyes, which were filled with coldness.
He didn’t know if it was psychological, but he felt that Lord Demon King’s power seemed even stronger than it was three months ago.
‘Did she break through to that legendary level?’
If the Demon Race could produce a Saint Rank powerhouse, it would naturally be a wonderful thing.
However, for some people, that might not be the case.
While everyone was intimidated by the Demon King’s power, a tall man at the end of the line stood expressionless with his arms crossed, seemingly unafraid of the Demon King’s pressure.
He had the face of a non-threatening youth, but his thin lips appeared somewhat indifferent.
His skin was fair and translucent, even slightly pale, giving off a sickly impression.
His features were faint, like a light stroke in an ink painting, and his golden eyes were as calm as still water.
His smooth silver hair drifted in the strong wind, revealing a few ominous streaks of dark purple at the tips.
“It has been a few months, and Lord Demon King’s power has reached another level. Breaking through to the Saint Rank is just around the corner,” the man said calmly.
“I appreciate your concern, Lord Caesar. However, reaching that level may still take time.”
Qiaolin’s gaze flickered from behind the throne.
He recognized the figure standing out from the crowd at a glance: the former leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, the Tyrant of Rock, Caesar.
Only, he didn’t remember Caesar’s hair being silver-white…
“Lord Demon King, these are the decisions regarding military supplies. They require your judgment.”
Caesar pulled a stack of scrolls from the void and presented them to the Demon King.
“Here is the financial coordination. Please look it over.”
Demigula also presented a box of scrolls to the Demon King.
“And intelligence from the surrounding countries.”
“This is the state of domestic livelihoods for this year…”
The people below passed up various documents one by one.
The Demon King only took a brief look at them before setting them aside.
Soon, the throne and half of the stairs were covered.
As Qiaolin watched this scene from behind, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for Gabriela.