"Sit. When it's just us two, no need to be so stiff. You look awful—haven't slept in two days, have you?"

"Nothing serious."

Aria led Rogue to a guest room meant for rest. She guided him inside, then went to brew tea.

Compared to her stern, commanding presence during the meeting earlier, Aria now seemed like a neighborly older sister—gentle in tone, movements relaxed and languid.

Rogue sank into a plush armchair and accepted the steaming cup she offered. "Thank you, Lady Aria."

Aria sat across from him, crossed her legs, and stretched with a yawn. Her curves came into full view. She stole a glance at Rogue, noticing his gaze fixed unwaveringly on his teacup. She pouted. "Rogue, has anyone ever told you you’re so dense?"

Rogue looked up, puzzled. "No."

People often said his silent demeanor was unnerving—carrying an indescribable gloom.

Aria sighed in exasperation. "Figures. You never care what others think of you. Anyway—congratulations first."

"Congratulations?" Rogue frowned.

Aria nodded. "Yes. You blocked that Overlord Magic last night, didn’t you? I don’t know why you used the pendant as an excuse, but I’m glad your memories are returning."

*Me? Blocked it?*

*She doesn’t know Lilitha became the new Silver Dragon King?*

*And in her mind… I’m strong enough to stop an Overlord Magic?*

Rogue lowered his head slightly, pretending to sip tea. His long bangs shadowed his eyes, hiding his expression. "I haven’t actually remembered anything. I just sensed danger, so..." He trailed off, leaving suspense.

Aria’s smile faltered for a split second. "I see. Don’t be discouraged. It’ll come back slowly."

"Mm. But Lady Aria—may I ask something?"

"Go ahead."

Rogue’s fingers traced the rim of his cup. "Could you tell me about the Silver Dragon King? When I got this pendant… I felt a connection to him. And… I don’t understand why you’ve been so kind to me."

Aria sighed. "First question: Back then, you came with the Hero Squad to hunt me down. As their attendant Priest, you were drained of magic and gravely wounded after the battle. We demons fight your armies, but we bear no grudge against attendants like you." Her voice turned bitter. "The world calls us evil. Yet we dwell in lightless depths, rarely invading the surface. But like a cycle, every so often, the Deities send down divine mandates—blessing Hero Squads to purge us."

"What choice did we have but to fight back? Our true enemies are those Heroes. Those self-righteous Deities. You attendants are just swept up in the tide. We spare whoever we can. You were one we saved when the Church abandoned you. As for your link to the Silver Dragon King? Probably just basking in his radiance during your travels with the Hero Squad."

Rogue’s investigations confirmed Aria wasn’t lying. Slaying the Demon King wasn’t some leisurely adventure—it took armies, logistics, alliances. The Hero Squad only handled elite Demon Lord Army forces… or the Demon King himself. The rest fell to attendants like him.

This was war. Not a picnic.

Rogue sipped his tea silently, face unreadable.

Aria, used to his stoicism, continued. "Second question: Demons lack healers. After three years of endless battles, you’ve saved countless demons. You serve me faithfully—I won’t betray that. Unlike Eris, I see them as subordinates. I see you as a friend."

Rogue lifted his head and offered a small smile. "You saved my life. Serving you is my duty."

"I’ll keep an eye out for clues about your past. Come to me anytime you need anything." Her voice was honey-warm, inviting trust.

But Rogue’s mind stayed ice-cold. *She’s telling truths… but hiding far more. What she hides is what she never wants me to know.*

He tamped down his curiosity and shifted the topic. "About that Young Dragon Princess..." He left it hanging, testing her reaction.

Aria merely nodded. "Hmm? What about her?"

"Progress is slow. Two months might not yield results."

"Oh, that." A flicker of interest lit Aria’s eyes. "She just needs to be a little obedient. She’s Gudexia’s offspring, after all. Drinking pure Silver Dragon blood would suit her elegance better, don’t you think?" She teased him—a human—about drinking blood.

Rogue’s utter lack of reaction bored her. She sighed. "Handle the Young Dragon Princess as you see fit."

"Understood." Rogue stood to leave. Aria stepped close, her hand resting on his head. She ruffled his hair like a child’s, voice dripping with warmth and allure. "I know you have doubts. But trust me—I’d never harm you."

"Mm..." Rogue’s eyes went slightly vacant, then cleared. "I trust you, Lady Aria."

Something shifted. Or perhaps nothing did at all.

Watching Rogue leave, Aria’s expression turned glacial. "Come out. What did you sense?"

Kurero, third of the Four Generals, materialized from the room’s shadows. "He’s hiding things from you. Likely discovered something while investigating Silver Dragon King Gudexia. But his loyalty remains intact."

Aria’s features softened slightly at the last words. "His power’s returning fast. Suggestion magic barely works on him now. Could the Young Dragon Princess be interfering?"

Kurero stroked his chin. "Rogue keeps his distance from her. Though she’s Gudexia’s heir, they share no direct bond. Last night’s defensive magic is more suspicious."

"A fake Overlord spell. Rogue’s cautious—he’d prepare countermeasures." Aria’s eyes narrowed. "And the new Silver Dragon King?"

"Eris’s intel holds. The Dragon Clan confirmed it: the Young Dragon Princess’s younger brother. Even less experienced than her."

"Keep watching Rogue. If that Young Dragon Princess affects him beyond memory recovery… find an excuse to kill her."

"Your will be done."