"Demon Lord—"

Before Ledyah could react, the pure white dragon girl lunged into her arms like a bullet. The sheer force knocked her flat onto the cold, hard floor. Her head and back throbbed against the stone. Yet the body in her embrace was soft and warm. The little head nuzzled into Ledyah’s chest like a spoiled child. Her fluffy white tail wagged happily.

"Demon Lord, huff huff... Demon Lord..."

"Noah?"

Ledyah’s mind couldn’t keep up. Her crimson eyes looked dazed, showing her confusion.

"Mmm~, it’s Noah~, Demon Lord~." The radiant dragon maiden Noah beamed blissfully. She rubbed her head against Ledyah’s chest, savoring her Demon Lord’s scent. Her skin was tender as a newborn’s. Her soft body squirmed restlessly in Ledyah’s arms, tail swaying gently.

Astolfo, watching from the side, stared blankly. He pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the nosebleed dripping down his chin. The Holy Maiden’s body was as big, fragrant, and soft as ever.

"Alright, alright—put your clothes on!" Ledyah couldn’t take it anymore. She felt her cool body heating up. Blushing, she looked away and pushed Noah’s narrow, delicate shoulders. How did she carry that basketball-sized chest? Or muster the strength to knock her over?

The earlier coldness vanished. Noah returned to her airheaded, cute self. Her eyes were innocent and pure. Then she half-closed her lovely eyes, lowered her head slightly, and flashed a seductive smile.

"What’s wrong~, Demon Lord? Don’t you like my body like this?"

"Or is it that you can’t like a body like mine?"

"! I—I’m not! I can!" Ledyah sat up, waving her hands frantically. The vivid white image in her mind sharpened. Blood rushed to her head. Two streams of nosebleed gushed down. She squeezed her eyes shut, legs kicking as she stumbled back. Her chest heaved rapidly. She didn’t want Noah to see this messy state.

A gentle, milky fragrance filled her nose, paired with the feel of luxurious fabric. Ledyah froze. She opened her eyes in surprise. Noah’s delicate face was right before her. From nowhere, Noah produced a handkerchief. Kneeling, she focused on wiping Ledyah’s nosebleed.

"Demon Lord, you don’t have to hold back so much." Noah smiled softly. Her gentle pink eyes glistened. "Just tell Noah what you want. I’ll know my limits."

That’s your limit? Ledyah’s lips twitched. Her waist, unused to pain, ached fiercely.

Pain! So much pain!

Staring at Noah’s serious face made Ledyah shy. Her gaze drifted downward uncontrollably, pulled by a strange force.

"Plop!"

Ledyah’s nosebleed sprayed out again. It soaked most of the handkerchief and splattered onto Noah’s hands.

"Oh dear!" Noah blinked. Seeing Ledyah’s pale face and the sudden gush, she smiled gently. She brought her blood-stained hand to her lips and slowly licked it with her little tongue. "Demon Lord, you really are a naughty child~." She shot Ledyah a teasing glance, eyes fluttering flirtatiously.

"Plop—"

The Demon King, having lost too much blood, perished.

Astolfo, staring at the doorknob, fell into deep thought. He wondered if he still belonged in this space.

...

After feeding Ledyah an energy potion and making Noah dress and keep her distance, Ledyah assured the waiting maids and mages outside that all was well. She sent them back to their posts. Once they dispersed, Ledyah sighed in relief. Leaning against the corridor windowsill, her face grew even paler.

"Demon Lor~d~." Noah tapped her jade feet lightly. She twirled gracefully and stood before Ledyah. Her magnificent backless white dress flowed like a time-reversed flower, gathering at her slender ankles. Her large, white bosom defied gravity, standing firm. Hands behind her back, she bent playfully at the waist—like a little girlfriend ready to play. Her smile was innocent and radiant.

"Demon Lord, you look troubled~. You were so happy when you saw me like this~. What are you worried about now?" Noah’s tone was casual, as if discussing dinner plans. Just a curious question between friends. It was fine not to answer; answering would only satisfy her. Her words carried such relaxed warmth. Unlike the cold dragon maiden image, Noah’s approachability was her true charm. Even without enchantment, people spoke their hearts to her.

"Are you... going to leave Demon King’s Castle?" Ledyah hesitated, gazing at the familiar yet strange Noah. She chose honesty, asking carefully. She wasn’t the dignified, strong-willed Demon King now. She was a timid little girl, afraid of loss, asking something that scared her. After two days together, she trusted Noah wouldn’t leave easily. But what if Noah decided to go one day? Could she stop her? In time, Noah might return to her homeland, the Holy Empire, or vanish to the unknown ends of the starry sky. Could she make Noah stay? Or abandon her duties as Demon King to follow her? Ledyah knew she was selfish. As Demon King, she prided herself on it. But for the first time, she couldn’t accept this selfishness that would clip Noah’s wings. For the first time ever, she regretted being the Demon King.

Silent at Ledyah’s soft question, Noah looked away. She recalled the sublimation and dialogue from the ‘cocoon’ just now:

"As the Holy Maiden, I should return to the Holy Empire. Lead humans against the Demon Race. Contribute to human peace."

"As Baitong, I must escape this game world soon. My family and friends wait in reality. I shouldn’t worry them."

"But, new me—you are not us."

"So you need not bear our choices."

"Just make your own choice. With a clear conscience."