Rewards for merits, punishments for faults. This time, Lilitha had erred, and Rogue naturally didn't hold back.

Smack, smack, smack—over a dozen sharp spanks. Rogue only stopped when Lilitha's little bottom glowed bright red. Tears welled in her eyes, but a hint of relief softened her expression.

After the punishment, Rogue wouldn't leave. That was her unspoken hope.

His next actions eased her completely: a fresh wooden tub for her bath, then feeding time. As penalty, only plain bread—no jam.

Never upset Rogue again. This lesson sank deep into Lilitha.

Days passed smoothly. Rogue and Lilitha's bond grew steadily. He visited Moy once more; the man seemed far weaker than before. Rogue interrogated him routinely but pressed little this time.

This routine was meant to ease Aria's suspicion. Inaction was the best defense.

Amid this calm, an opportunity finally arose.

The tavern keeper's latest report: Lilitha's former master had been traced.

The Leon family, part of the human Gracy Kingdom, trafficked slaves exclusively. Amid endless wars and disasters, they profited from food and slave trades, dealing underground with many races—even demons.

Coincidentally, a slave shipment was set to trade with these nobles soon.

Rogue headed to Aria's castle. He found her at her desk, reviewing documents. She lounged in lavish robes, a cup of thick crimson blood beside her.

"No tasks today," Aria mused, stretching lazily and setting down her quill. She smiled at him. "You came voluntarily? How rare."

Rogue handed her a file. "Lady Aria, I request permission to travel out."

"Out?" Aria scanned the document, understanding flickering, then curiosity. "This doesn't need you. Two or three seventh-tier demons could escort it."

Human lands differed from demon territory. Here, in the demon heartland, Aria's Demon Lord Fortress was an economic hub teeming with powerful demons.

Seventh or eighth-tier strength was common here. But in the fragile human world, such power was terrifying—like a top-tier expert. There, even fifth-tier was considered strong.

As a Legendary, Rogue escorting slaves wasn't just overkill.

Suspicion was inevitable.

He explained earnestly, "These humans were the young dragon's former masters. Her training progresses well, but language barriers slow it. A month's passed already. With only one month left, success is unlikely."

"This chance is perfect. Learning her past lets me target her upbringing effectively."

Rogue spoke sincerely. His thoughts were genuine; even mind-reading magic would find no lie.

Aria's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

He was doing this for her. Refusal would feel harsh.

"The surface is chaotic," she countered. "Humans crack down hard on slave trades. This shipment is the last for now. You needn't risk it."

Her words held refusal.

Rogue paused, as if wrestling with himself. "There's... a personal reason. During Moy's interrogation, he seemed to recognize me. His attitude was hostile. I learned something."

"What?"

"I have ties to Gracy Kingdom. I checked the noble's location—I think I lived there once. I want to see if it triggers memories."

Truths, all. Rogue guessed Aria sought the Divine Edict from him.

She didn't want him recalling the truth from three years ago, yet craved fragments of his memories.

A conflict, but only his guess.

His persistence revealed the hidden intent behind "a trip," easing suspicion.

Aria's expression softened slightly. Still, her lips moved—casting a perception spell.

The suggestion magic held. He hadn't lied.

Confirming his loyalty and unlocking old memories would be beneficial.

Memory-sealing magic bound him; recalling the full truth was near impossible. Traveling was safe.

Aria sighed, a doting smile breaking through. "Fine, approved. Take the young dragon with you?"

"No need. The teleportation array gets me back in three or four days. She won't starve, and alchemical puppets guard her."

Taking Lilitha would raise suspicion.

After more talk, Rogue bid Aria farewell.

Outside the castle, he nearly collided with Eris. Eris snorted coldly.

Rogue smirked, patting Eris's shoulder as he passed. "In two days, I head to the surface. I'll be waiting."

A declaration of war?

In a sense, yes.

Both needed to settle this soon. The trip was their perfect chance.

Rogue strode away. Behind him, Eris's killing intent thickened, almost tangible.

Uncovering Lilitha's past might unlock his memories. He hoped Moy hadn't lied.

Back at the manor, Rogue checked the schedule. Departure was in two days—time to say goodbye to Lilitha.

He secured the estate, then refined life magic on Puppet No.1 and No.2. He'd long tried granting them intelligence.

Another failure.

Even high-tier magic left them dull. But Puppet No.5 surprised him.

Special Witty Magic had woven extra flesh into its alchemical shell. That flesh seemed to control it, granting sharp intelligence.

This time, he'd take No.5 along.

Two days flew by. That night, Rogue went to Lilitha's warehouse to confess his short absence.