The blood in the cells and Galavi’s corpse—these trivial details would be handled by the alchemical puppets. Rogue didn’t need to concern himself. On his way back to his quarters, he detoured to check Lilitha’s warehouse. She was still huddled motionless in the corner.
Seeing no reaction from her, Rogue headed toward the manor gates.
Today, he planned to meet Lady Aria and ask about the young dragon Lilitha. Though he’d tried raising her based on his own understanding—and failed—he still didn’t grasp why Aria had assigned him this task. Even for a pet, shouldn’t Lady Aria raise it personally? Rogue was taking it step by step, positioning himself as Lilitha’s caretaker for now. He’d figure out how to hand her over later.
Otherwise, telling Lilitha directly to see Lady Aria as her master was impossible. Language barriers aside, Aria hadn’t even met the dragon. How could he raise her in Aria’s name?
What level of bonding was needed in two months?
What was the purpose after bonding?
What personality should she develop?
Rogue knew none of this. He was just raising her, experimenting with his own interrogation-based methods. Meeting Lady Aria was essential.
Leaving the manor, Rogue glanced at the demon hound sprawled on the floor, yawning. It opened one eye at his approach, then closed it to nap again. He didn’t want a pet like that.
Rogue’s estate lay on the outskirts, bordering the Demon Lord Fortress. Demons from the Demon Lord Army patrolled nearby. Walking the cracked, uneven road, every demon he passed wore looks of disdain—except the few he’d healed, who showed respect.
Inside the Demon Lord Fortress, the streets buzzed with activity. Demon merchants traded goods, creating an almost thriving prosperity. Rogue understood this boom. Outside, a new Hero Squad had finally formed after three years. War loomed.
Natural disasters raged. Survival pressures forced races to invade territories. The most massive conflict saw beastkin, unable to endure the polar wastes, marching south into elven forests. Disputes worsened everywhere. War meant bloodshed—and demons craved destruction above all. The more chaos above ground, the happier the demons below.
But none of this mattered to Rogue. He cared only about raising Lilitha well and completing his task.
At the Demon Lord’s castle gates, a nearly three-meter-tall demon knight emerged, cradling a black helmet. Rogue recognized him: Mallo Enlo, one of Aria’s Four Generals. His power reached the terrifying Legendary tier. Even his casual stride radiated pressure that made low-level demons tremble.
Spotting Rogue, Mallo called out, “Rogue! I was just heading to find you. Lady Aria isn’t in the castle. She sent a message—I’ll explain at the tavern.”
Over imported dwarf ale, Mallo gulped a huge swig. “Lady Aria won’t return for about two weeks. I leave tomorrow to follow her.”
Rogue traced his large wooden mug, sipping lightly. “What’s happened?”
“Right!” Mallo’s expression turned serious. “The current Silver Dragon King, Gudexia Orians, has been found—critically wounded, near death. Lady Aria’s mission targets him. For safety, I join her tomorrow.”
Rogue nodded. Though he’d lost memories from three years ago, his past investigations had revealed fragments. Back then, the old Gudexia had followed the Hero Squad to slay Demon King Aria. Rogue didn’t know the details, but the result was clear: the seven-member Hero Squad failed. Their followers died or were injured—Gudexia among them, left near death. They’d hidden underground ever since.
Rogue also knew: of the original seven heroes, one was dead, two saved by the Abyssal Church, three—including the squad leader—missing, and one imprisoned in his own dungeon. Rogue himself had been caught in that final battle, saved by Aria but stripped of his memories. Deeper truths were blocked; a curse silenced all demons on the matter.
As Mallo outlined plans, Rogue nodded blankly. Only when the other paused did he ask, “What message did Lady Aria send me?”
“That dragon!” Mallo’s face twisted strangely at Lilitha’s mention. “Lady Aria knows you have doubts. But do as you please—except killing the dragon. She only wants the result.”
What kind of instruction was this? It answered nothing.
Rogue frowned. “That’s all?”
“Well… she also said not to overwork yourself.”
“I see.” Rogue nodded again, frustration simmering. His visit had solved nothing. If he knew how to raise the dragon, he wouldn’t have come.
“Oh, a personal favor.” Mallo leaned closer, grinning broadly. A heavy coin pouch landed on the table with a *clunk*. “If possible, Rogue, get me some blood from your dragon. Just a few drops.”
Rogue’s eyes flickered. “I’ll request permission when Lady Aria returns.”
“Hah! This has nothing to do with her. She said you decide. We’re brothers!” Mallo slung an arm around Rogue’s shoulders, overly warm.
Rogue sighed. “Brother to a human? Won’t other demons scorn you? Sorry, Mallo—I follow only Lady Aria’s orders on the dragon.”
“Fine, fine. No pressure. You’re too rigid.” Mallo stood, heading for the door. His back turned, his expression darkened into something sinister.
After he left, Rogue exhaled quietly. His mind churned. The trip hadn’t been pointless—he’d finally placed why “Orians” sounded familiar. Silver Dragon King Gudexia was likely…
