"Who's there! Eavesdropping?!"

"An assassin?! Guards, seize her!"

The conference room erupted. Everyone sprang from their seats, grabbing weapons and pointing them at Rayelle.

Armored guards flooded in, surrounding her tightly.

But what terrified Rayelle most was Aerin.

She approached, Holy Sword raised, face blank.

Oh no, oh no, oh no.

Rayelle shuddered, hugging her head and crouching low.

Like a lost cub separated from its parents, she trembled in the corner.

Aerin stopped before her, eyebrow raised, studying the huddled girl.

Rayelle’s hair spilled like fresh snow—messy, tangled, dust and dried blood clinging to it.

Her small face peeked through the strands, dirty yet stunning, grime unable to hide her beauty.

Tattered rags covered her body, slashed by blades and scorched by fire.

Her frail frame shook uncontrollably, stirring pity in Aerin.

This child… a refugee?

Probably scared witless, she’d hidden in my luggage by accident.

Poor thing.

Aerin recalled passing war-torn cities on her journey.

She must have sneaked aboard then.

But in my past life, I never met her.

A butterfly effect from leaving early?

Aerin crouched, closed her eyes, and sniffed gently.

Hmm.

A faint milky scent, mixed with a child’s jasmine-like fragrance.

No demonic stench.

Aerin’s tense shoulders relaxed; her grip on the sword loosened.

Rayelle froze, too starved and weak to even breathe Dragon Breath. Against Hero Aerin, she stood no chance.

Oh no.

I’m so young—about to be skewered by that huge Holy Sword, waaah.

Thud, thud, thud.

Aerin’s footsteps made Rayelle’s heart race.

Run? But Holy Sword Gungnir never misses.

Futile to flee, hopeless to fight.

Maybe just surrender?

If I give up now, will Aerin be kinder?

She hasn’t turned dark yet—still gentle, probably.

As Rayelle hesitated, Aerin hooked her arms under the girl’s plump thighs and waist, lifting her up.

"Nya!?"

The sudden weightlessness made Rayelle’s hair stand on end. She yelped like a stepped-on kitten, tiny fists clenched against her chest.

Watching her adorable panic, a strange glint flashed in Aerin’s eyes.

So cute.

Would she be cuter with a collar?

Aerin’s lips curled slightly.

No demons or evil gods—only one thing made Gungnir react.

Dragon Kind.

Aerin had few dragon enemies.

Except one: that mischievous Abyssal Dragon King, Rigmore, who gave her constant headaches.

If I catch her, I’ll hang her in my basement and spank her hard.

But this child in my arms… could she be Rigmore?

Aerin narrowed her eyes at Rayelle’s tear-filled gaze.

Rigmore’s scummy; this girl’s dumb and adorable.

Probably not.

Rayelle’s mind went blank.

What’s happening?!

Why lift me?

Did she find something wrong—planning private punishment?

Panicked, Rayelle met Aerin’s eyes. They glowed with something off, possessive.

Then the light vanished instantly.

So fast—did I imagine it?

Early Aerin was innocent.

Yandere traits came after her dark turn, right?

As Rayelle dazed, two soft mounds filled her vision, covering her eyes.

"Gwah!?"

Milky scent and chaotic thoughts crashed her simple mind.

Steam rose from her messy white hair.

Her pale face flushed deep red.

Shouts erupted around them.

"Hero! What are you doing?!"

"Who is this girl? Why’s she here?"

"She’s eavesdropping! A Demon King spy—be careful, Lady Aerin!"

"Yes! A demon infiltrator!"

Aerin stroked Rayelle’s head, pinching her dirty cheeks.

She turned to the anxious crowd.

"I checked. No demon aura. Likely a refugee who sneaked into my luggage during our stop."

"Meeting adjourned, Commander. I’ll take her—she’s frightened."

"Since I brought her, I’ll judge if she’s a spy."

"I have my ways. No worries."

The Commander nodded silently. Others waved guards away.

"Lady Aerin vouches for her—we’ll trust her."

"She’s caught more spies than I have concubines!"

"The Hero’s powerful yet so kind. Truly wonderful."

"She sponsors orphanages too. Always helps poor kids."

"Ah, a shining beacon of goodness. This child’s lucky—other nobles would dispose of her quietly."

In Aerin’s arms, Rayelle peeked out.

Aerin’s profile was gentle yet resolute, mature beyond her years.

Warm eyes held a trace of sympathy.

Hearing the praise, Rayelle sighed in relief. Her body relaxed.

Aerin thinks I’m pitiful—she’s helping me?

Waaah, as expected of the kind Hero.

Phew. I thought I’d die.

I’ll escape later.

Rayelle nuzzled softly against the soft mounds, half-closing her eyes in contentment.

"Lady Aerin, need an escort?"

"No. I’ll go alone."

"Take care."

Aerin nodded to the Commander and left with Rayelle.

No one noticed—not even Rayelle—as Aerin glanced at the girl and Gungnir’s faint glow. A playful smirk touched her lips.

Only a Dragon King made Gungnir react.

And Rigmore was one.