"As a member of the Court, I have that right, don’t I? Uncle Abraham~."

Noah ignored the utterly frozen atmosphere, chirping on in a playful tone.

"Ahem, indeed..."

Abraham coughed awkwardly again. Being called "uncle" by a pure, beautiful girl with such exceptionally ample curves made his heart flutter uncomfortably.

"But honestly, it breaks protocol..."

The Court Trial required each of the six Courts to send one challenger for testing, with the trial’s content set by the Court’s representative.

That representative couldn’t be the Court’s sovereign and was usually a young heir bearing a royal crown—someone the Court pinned its hopes on.

Though lifespans varied across Courts, leading to the same challenger facing multiple Demon Kings over generations, the choice still needed unanimous internal approval.

Appointing an outsider as a Court princess was already a breach; letting Noah represent the Court would spark fierce backlash from its elders.

Even if the rules technically allowed it.

Noah didn’t reply. She simply gazed at Ledyah, lounging on the throne.

Ledyah lifted her eyes to meet Noah’s. Her sapphire-blue irises shone clear and bright, without a trace of shadow.

"Hmph."

A corner of Ledyah’s lips curled upward. Her usual lazy, expressionless face finally softened into faint amusement.

"Let her do as she wishes, Abraham. I respect her will and trust her judgment."

Her calm voice echoed through the hall. Abraham sighed softly, knowing the matter was settled.

"Understood. I hereby acknowledge you as the Court Trial challenger. May you uphold the Court’s honor and live up to its expectations."

He bowed slightly—a gesture of respect for the Demon King’s stance and the ancient ritual itself.

"What exactly are you after?"

Silva’s voice turned icy calm despite her long-awaited goal being within reach. She frowned at the girl beside the throne, eyes sharp with suspicion.

She’d expected the Demon King’s refusal, but this turn of events far exceeded her predictions.

"Hehe~ Nothing much. Just fulfilling your wish, Lady Silva—moving up the delayed Court Trial."

Noah smiled warmly at Silva’s thorny glare, her grin like spring wind melting glaciers, warming every heart in the room.

"But nothing comes free. You understand that, right?"

Noah’s soft words pierced Silva like velvet blades.

"What do you want?"

Silva’s voice dropped low.

"If you lose, you’ll swear absolute fealty to His Majesty the Demon King. A binding oath, no resistance whatsoever. That’s my condition."

Noah pressed a delicate finger to her cherry lips, winking one eye with a gentle smile. Her words sent chills down Silva’s spine.

"Of course, whatever happens during our fight, I’ll accept it without complaint. Do you dare accept?"

Silva fell silent for seconds. Noah’s hint was clear: *If you’re after me, defeat me fairly.*

She grasped the meaning. After a brief pause, she spoke slowly:

"My soldiers followed me here, knowing my purpose. They chose to stand by me."

"If I can’t overcome this hurdle, I’d shame their resolve."

"And if that happens, what does it matter how you dispose of me?"

"I accept this wager."

Though it strayed from her original plan, her true goal was Dragonkind blood. Refusing this challenge would betray her own heart.

At Silva’s resolute declaration, Noah’s lips curved into a pleased arc.

"That’s the spirit~. A warrior’s end, worthy of respect. Mmhmm, I quite admire that~."

She dipped into an elegant curtsey toward the throne, voice respectful.

"Then, Your Majesty, I leave the battlefield to you~."

Ledyah gave a slight nod. A black, glowing cube materialized in her palm.

She flicked her wrist. The cube flew to the hall’s center, expanding into a vast, square arena.

Guards and maids retreated to the corners. Only Silva remained inside—her two aides were barred.

Noah stepped lightly into the arena, her foot barely touching the ground. Space warped slightly, revealing the barrier’s clever design.

Outside sounds slipped in easily, but nothing within could escape the six-sided walls—a perfect stage for unrestrained combat.

"These clothes aren’t battle-ready~."

Light shimmered over Noah. When it faded, her outfit had transformed.

Her long white hair was braided tightly, exposing her swan-like neck. Her ample bust was firmly contained, the top cut for breathability.

Her waist narrowed sharply; her hips curved under a pleated skirt. Black thigh-highs framed a strip of pale skin, alluring yet practical.

Her voluptuous figure now looked heroic and slender—a maiden warrior ready for adventure.

She’d planned a cape, but her dragon wings required an open back. The smooth spine and slowly unfurling wings added exotic flair to her valiant stance.

"Well then, Lady Silva~. Are you ready~?"

Noah winked playfully at her opponent. Her breath came softer now, restrained by her tightened top.

"I’ve been waiting."

Silva closed her eyes, banishing distracting thoughts. She brushed dust from her uniform, then drew a long battle-axe from her cloak.

The axe gleamed bone-white, its thick blade forged from Dragonkind remains. It relied on crushing weight, not sharpness, to shatter foes.

"Here I come!"

Silva’s eyes snapped open. She focused her breath, locking onto her smiling opponent with burning intensity, and let out a fierce, challenging roar.