The Next Day.
Night was just falling, the last traces of sunlight lingering as fiery clouds danced like crimson ribbons across the deepening indigo sky, where the first stars began to twinkle.
Inside the venue, crystal chandeliers bathed the polished floors in soft light. Gentle music flowed through the air.
Boys and girls in sharp suits and elegant gowns chatted and laughed, clinking wine glasses together.
All about that high-class vibe.
“......”
Luyi’s heart fluttered with panic.
*Oh no!*
*Why did I even come here?!*
Let’s be real—a girl who couldn’t even speak up at her college anime club meetings couldn’t suddenly handle a scene like this!
Even with the Demon Sovereign’s power, her core remained a socially anxious teen.
Amidst the noise and swirling crowd, even the finest delicacies lost their appeal.
So she stuck close behind Alices.
“Good evening, Princess Alices.”
“Long time no see.”
“Thank you for your help last semester, Princess.”
“Just doing my part. No need to thank me.”
Though Alices had modest talent, she seemed well-liked at the Night of Stellar Abyss—
though most who greeted her wore simple attire,
nothing like the glittering nobles basking in the spotlight.
“Miss Alices, who’s your companion?”
A girl spotted Luyi, froze for a moment, then flushed slightly—as if utterly captivated.
After Alices’ persistent coaxing, Luyi had finally agreed to wear a gown tonight.
She’d shed the Demon Sovereign’s aura, swapped her glasses for subtle colored contacts.
Pale gold hair cascaded like a waterfall, two strands woven into a fishtail braid at the back.
Soft makeup accentuated her youthful curves in a deep blue gown.
The delicate fabric shimmered under the lights like a starry night sky.
But her ruby-red eyes outshone even the stars—bright, mesmerizing.
She stood there like a forget-me-not swaying in the breeze, ethereal and untouchable, making onlookers feel unworthy.
Luyi offered a polite smile.
“Oh, her?” Alices smoothly deflected, adding with a playful wink, “A secret. You’ll find out soon enough.”
*Get lost, riddle-talker,* Luyi grumbled inwardly.
......
“Thank you so much for coming tonight, Lord Luyi.”
“......”
“Is this your first time at such an event, Lord Luyi?”
“Mm... I suppose so.”
They spoke in hushed tones.
Stripped of titles and power, Luyi was utterly lost in this setting.
Somewhere along the way, their hands had linked together.
Alices walked confidently ahead; Luyi followed carefully, afraid of losing her in the crowd.
Their relationship no longer carried the weight of their first meeting.
But when had it changed? Alices wondered.
Was it during those times she’d blow-dried Luyi’s hair or helped her dress?
Or when she’d caught Luyi sleepily forgetting her underwear, hastily shoving her back into her room and locking the door?
Or after watching her trip over flat ground—or crash headfirst into pillars—multiple times?
So many ordinary moments where the mighty Demon Sovereign suddenly seemed... adorably clueless.
The longer they stayed together, the more Luyi leaned on her in small ways.
“......”
Sometimes, Alices felt she wasn’t walking beside a demon lord—but a little sister.
The warmth and softness of Luyi’s hand sent a faint, restless itch through her chest,
like a tiny creature nibbling at the door of her long-sealed heart.
“Miss Alices! Over here—”
“Ah! Prince Lan! And Miss Mia!”
Alices spotted her friends.
“Come, Lord Luyi. Let me introduce you to them.” She turned, smiling warmly.
“Mm...”
Luyi nodded, hoping this might be a quiet corner to catch her breath.
......
“Your strength grows again, Prince. Even standing here, I feel its chill...”
“Hah! Flattery suits you, Sir Silti. Though I’ve only improved slightly.”
Across the hall, figures clustered around a stout man—both the Second and Third Princes fawning over him.
“By the way, where’s your eldest brother?”
“He’s in a human-world realm. Not back yet.”
“What a shame. I’d hoped to consult Lord Adel on cultivation techniques.”
“......”
At the mention of the First Prince, the Second Prince’s smile tightened.
He turned away, snatching a wine glass and pretending to admire the view.
“Alices?”
His gaze cut through the crowd—and landed squarely on her.
And on the golden-haired figure beside her.
“!”
The silhouette was so stunning he nearly dropped his glass. *Is that... the Lost Bloodline Alices found?*
He prided himself on composure—unlike his capable elder brother.
Yet one glimpse of that back shattered his calm.
For the first time, he questioned his earlier dismissal of her as mere “toy.”
*Who—?*
His eyes flicked away—just as several imposing figures strode toward Alices’ group.
He recognized the leader.
......
“Princess Alices! Remember what you promised before break? You’d lend me your homework to copy!”
A blue-curled girl pouted, arms crossed.
“I-I’m sorry, Princess Lan... I was in the human world. I never got your messages.”
Alices stammered an excuse.
“Hmph. Excuses are just cover-ups. Cover-ups are the truth.”
“......”
“How about this—” Lan pretended to ponder, then pointed at Luyi. “Introduce me to this beautiful lady, and I’ll forgive you.”
“Huh?”
All eyes snapped to Luyi again.
*Just a few stares. I can handle this.*
“No problem! I was going to introduce Miss Luluie anyway. Actually—”
“Alices. I’m shocked a good-for-nothing like you even dares show up at the Night of Stellar Abyss this year.”
A mocking voice boomed across the hall, silencing the musicians and drawing every gaze.
“Fourth... brother?”
Alices turned to see a tattooed man with sharp hair striding over.
“Is that your brother?” the prince asked Silti.
“No... I don’t know him. Must be a mistake, Your Highness.” Silti rubbed his temples.
“That fool...” The Second Prince’s eyes turned icy.
“Brother? You—a failure—dare claim the title of Soulfall Royal Family?”
The Fourth Prince sneered. “Heard you pulled off quite a stunt: adopting some obscure branch’s last heir into your circle. Planning to enroll her too?”
“......”
Alices’ expression hardened. She’d always despised him.
“One person’s opinion proves nothing. But your past actions? Utterly worthless. Mistakes upon mistakes.
I’d bet you’ve been scammed—that girl’s just using your stupidity to steal royal resources and a school seat.”
He lifted his chin arrogantly. “What? Don’t like it?
Then let your precious Lost Bloodline step forward. Let me test if she’s even *worthy* of returning to the royal house.”
