Aria stood before Rogue, gazing into the distance. The moment he uttered "Zoss," her enchanting violet eyes contracted sharply.

This was pure shock.

Immediately, a trace of coldness flashed in those eyes. She asked slowly, "Hmm, what about this person?"

At Aria's inquiry, Rogue's thoughts stirred lightly.

So my real name probably isn't Zoss.

Rogue spoke slowly, "From my investigations, I seem to have some connection to him..."

Hearing this, Aria's emotions calmed. She explained, "He was captain of the Hero Squad—once my enemy. I don't know his link to you. As former captain, he likely interacted with every follower."

"I see." Only after her reply did Rogue share his true memory: the blessings of the deities.

"When Eris called upon that Deity, I felt as if countless Deities had blessed me. Mimicking Eris, I summoned the one favoring you, Lady Aria. That barely defeated her."

As he spoke, Rogue fixed his gaze on Aria's back, trying to subtly sense her mood.

But failed. Aria showed nothing. "Congratulations. A useful ability. This trip wasn't without gains."

"Thank you, Lady Aria, for the opportunity." Having answered, he chatted casually. "Humans are far more corrupt than I imagined. That noble territory disappointed me."

"This world is dark and cruel. What we desire isn't always good." Aria's expression softened slightly. She sensed Rogue's genuine disappointment in his race.

Good. He'd stay with the demons.

As expected, he recalled the Deities' blessings—but not past events. Progress there was positive.

However...

In other ways, he was disobedient.

Aria turned. "Rogue, what are your thoughts on the elf you brought back?"

Rogue didn't know why she asked. "I barely know her. I only fulfilled your task, Lady Aria. You decide her fate."

He doubted the elf could survive.

He'd healed her physical wounds on the return trip, but her spirit was broken. Tortured numb in that human manor, she only sought death.

Aria said slowly, "She was born from the World Tree. We awakened her consciousness specially. Sadly, she lacks what we need. Now we consider disposal."

Rogue understood.

Like Lilitha once, the elf hovered near collapse and death. After over a month under his care, Lilitha had recovered well.

Aria probably wanted him to raise another elf.

One pet or two—no difference.

Just as he thought, Aria murmured, "So... shall I leave her to you?"

Indeed.

Rogue nodded. "Sure."

That elf was pitiful. He still recalled their first meeting: blessed by the Elf Goddess, she sensed kinship with him, born from the World Tree.

She reacted like he was kin.

Yet her first wish wasn't rescue—she begged him to kill her.

Redeeming her beat a miserable death.

Giving Lilitha a companion would help too. She'd not be lonely when he was away.

A faint smile touched Rogue's lips.

Then...

"Kill that elf for me, Rogue."

A gentle, honeyed voice whispered in his ear—full of trusting warmth.

Trust that felt strangely ironic.

Rogue's smile faded.

"Kill?"

Confusion colored his voice; shock still lingered in his pupils.

"Of course. She's useless now. Tomorrow, I'll send her to your manor. Or do you have another solution?" Aria's tone was inquiring, but Rogue dared not answer.

A warning.

The elf symbolized the Young Dragon Princess. One word decided their lives.

Here underground, in the Demon Lord Fortress, Aria held sole authority.

Rogue opened his mouth. Countless emotions condensed into: "No."

"Mm. Return and rest well."

As Rogue left, Kurero reappeared. "My lord, Rogue spoke no lies to you."

"But he's grown rebellious," Aria sighed.

Kurero suggested, "Eliminate unstable factors. Kill the Young Dragon Princess outright. No more contact for Rogue. Same for Gracy Kingdom's little princess."

Aria stayed silent, hands on the balcony railing, index finger tapping rhythmically. She watched until Rogue appeared below—his back radiating loneliness and weariness.

"Let this be a warning. Keep observing."

Her eyes clouded with memory, then she shook her head.

You wanted me as a blade? Now act as one—remove the elf.

Next disobedience, the blade falls on others.

"My lord," Kurero pressed, "what truly happened three years ago?" Like Eris, he'd no memory of it.

Aria shook her head. "Don't seek it. Or Eris becomes your fate."

Cold sweat beaded on Kurero's brow as he lowered his head. "Eris... send him to the front?"

"Kill him."

Three words slipped from her crimson lips.

Kurero's eyes narrowed, shock flooding him.

Aria continued, "Slay them all with the returning demon squad. Contact surface inferior races. Hunt every survivor at the manor."

No one must learn of this.

"Your will." Kurero bowed, vanishing into shadows.

Thunder cracked. Crimson rain began to fall.

At the castle gates, Rogue sensed something. He turned toward Aria's balcony. Their eyes met across the distance.

Aria offered a gentle smile.

Rogue bowed, stepping out of the castle.

In that instant, both smiles and gazes turned icy.

Twenty-three days remained until the two-month deadline for raising the Young Dragon Princess.