"Dammit. I think I took a wrong turn."

Albel stared at the same massive tree he’d passed several times already, his expression utterly defeated. Who’d have thought the mighty Demon King himself would get lost one day?

*Vera… where are you? Why haven’t you come for me yet?*

Albel sighed toward the darkening sky. If Verdandi were here, he’d be back on the skyship in an instant—no effort at all.

"Seriously, are you directionally challenged? It’s almost night, and we’re still stuck in this forest," the red-haired girl grumbled behind him. Exhausted and lacking Albel’s stamina, she leaned against a tree, scowling. *Meeting this guy must be the worst luck in eight lifetimes.*

"Red," Albel turned, looking down at the reluctant servant with annoyance, "remember your place. Is that how you address your master?"

"I have a name!" The crimson-haired girl snapped, straightening up. "Lucia Strals! Captain of the most renowned sky pirate crew in this airspace!" *How dare this nobody look down on a legend like me?*

"Fine, Red," Albel rolled his eyes. "Then tell me—which way now?" *Sky pirates? She says it like it’s some noble title.*

"I told you—don’t call me Red!" Lucia’s hair practically stood on end. She lunged at him with a kick, missing completely.

"Is there some invisible barrier around you?" she panted, studying him. "Earlier on the skyship, my sneak attack felt like it hit a wall." She poked his arm experimentally—her fingers met no resistance. Her frown deepened.

"Show me your full stats," she demanded. *Dad always said: ask boldly, dig deep, and never stop learning to grow stronger.*

"Shouldn’t you share yours first?" Albel crossed his arms, amused. He wanted to see how this red-haired genius—who supposedly rivaled Alicia in brains—actually measured up.

"Fine. Look." Lucia displayed her status panel without hesitation. *My stats are solid and balanced. Nothing to hide.*

**Lucia Strals**

**Overall Rank: 8 Stars**

**Attack: 38,000**

**Defense: 26,000**

**Passive Effect – "Water & Fire Clash":**

*Fire-attribute damage +30%. Water-attribute damage -30%.*

"Whoa, no," Albel shook his head. "I meant your *body* stats. Measurements. Preferences. That kind of thing." He let his gaze drift downward. *Her chest is barely a B-cup—nowhere near Alicia’s.*

"You pervert! You’re dead! I’ll—!" Lucia’s face flushed crimson. If she had a weapon, she’d have skewered him already.

"Remember your position, *girl*," Albel tapped her forehead, then waved Blaze Delight under her nose. "I’m your master."

"Ghh… *You*… you pervert!" Lucia flinched back, wilting like a frostbitten flower. *Dad said Blaze Delight would keep me happy forever… but right now, I’ve never been more miserable.* She glared, then mumbled through gritted teeth: "*You*… you’ll wait another ten thousand years before seeing anything!"

"Say it properly," Albel’s eye twitched. "*Master*, I’m sorry. I was wrong."

"*Master*," she forced out, bowing stiffly. "*I’m sorry. I was wrong.*" *Dad was right—true strength bends without breaking. I’ll endure this… for now. Once I get Blaze Delight back, I’ll make him pay every debt.*

"Then bare your chest," Albel nodded toward her modest bust.

"W-Why?!" Lucia crossed her arms protectively, as if his eyes could strip her clothes.

"Basic apology etiquette," Albel shrugged. "Common sense, really."

"What planet is that ‘common sense’ from?!" Lucia shook her head wildly, baring her teeth. "Push me too far, and you’ll regret it!"

"Threatening me?" Albel pocketed the sword. "Guess you’ll never see this blade again."

"No! Wait—I take it back! I’m sorry!" Lucia scrambled after him. *This sword is Mom’s last gift. I can’t lose it!*

"Sorry. Two-minute window’s closed." Albel didn’t turn back. Lucia trailed behind him, pleading desperately.

"Damn it! We’re back *here* again?!" On his fourth loop past the same tree, Albel slashed it in half with Blaze Delight. *All afternoon… walking in circles? Is this forest haunted?*

"Ghost! Show yourself if you’re real!" He swung the sword wildly at the trees. "Stop messing with me!"

*He’s completely lost it,* Lucia thought, watching him hack at branches. *A madman. An eco-terrorist!*

No reply came. Albel slumped to the ground, tossing Blaze Delight aside. "Fine. Stay hidden." *Even Demon Kings have pride.*

"You’re… not moving?" Lucia eyed the discarded sword.

"Waiting for Vera." Albel leaned against a stump, gazing at the stars. *If only I could fly…*

"Suit yourself. I’m not dying here with you." Lucia scoffed. *All that power, and he gives up after a few hours? My willpower’s a hundred times stronger.*

"Go ahead. I’m camping here." Albel waved lazily. *How’s she still so energetic?*

"At least give me Blaze Delight! What if monsters attack?" She reached for the sword.

"Not a chance." Albel snatched it first, hugging it like a pillow. "Perfect for keeping warm tonight."

"You—!" Lucia sputtered, fists trembling.

"Stay and do your maid duties. My legs need rubbing after all that walking." He stretched his legs toward her.

"I’ll find the exit myself—even without that sword!" Lucia kicked a pebble at him. It veered sideways at the last second, vanishing into the grass.

"Tch." She stomped away, humiliated.

"Go if you want. I’m not moving till dawn." Albel yawned. "This forest’s creepy at night. Without a weapon, you’ll end up some ogre’s bride."

"Better an ogre’s bride than your servant!" Lucia spat. Albel turned away, ignoring her.

"*Unbelievable!*" She stormed into the darkness. *I’ll find the exit. I’ll prove him wrong.*

Moonlight barely pierced the canopy. Soon, even the path back vanished. Panic clawed at her throat.

A heavy hand landed on her shoulder.

Lucia spun away—then froze.

Three hulking ogres loomed over her, drooling. Their clubs were taller than she was. One grinned, yellow teeth glinting.

"You… just… said… you’d… be… our… bride… right?" it rumbled.