A few kilometers outside Qatar City.

"I’m telling you, there’s a saying: ‘Finish what you start, see it through to the end.’ Haven’t you heard it?" Albel rolled his eyes at the distant walls of Qatar City and turned to Lucia.

"But our Crimson Flame Squad is wanted by the Light Sanctuary," Lucia replied hesitantly. "If we get too close, we’ll be spotted. That’d cause trouble." In their airspace, the squad vanished like ghosts—thanks to their small, swift ship. But low-altitude flights were dangerously exposed. Recently, they’d targeted wealthy nobles and merchants. Each robbed victim offered heavy bounties. Staying near cities meant risking capture.

"Alright, this is far enough," Albel said thoughtfully. Lucia and her crew clearly weren’t having it easy.

"I’m off then. You stay safe too," Albel smiled, waving as he walked down the tree-lined path toward Qatar City. He glanced back at Lucia, who clutched Blaze Delight with tears welling in her eyes.

"Um… Albel, will we really meet again?" Lucia called out after a long pause, watching his retreating back.

"Absolutely," Albel turned, nodding warmly. Even if you don’t seek me out, after settling things with Alicia, I’ll find you. The beauties I set my sights on never escape.

"Okay, I’ll look forward to it," Lucia waved. The Crimson Flame ascended slowly, its hatch closing with a soft hiss.

Albel watched the ship shrink into the sky, then sighed for no clear reason. He turned toward Qatar City.

"Brother, why do you always sigh when I see you?" A cute girl with long black hair and a black-and-white dress stood before him, looking utterly exasperated.

"Vera!" Albel’s face lit up. His sister Verdandi had come to meet him right after arrival—no more walking needed. He pulled her into a tight hug, breathing in the scent of her hair. Having a sister was truly wonderful.

"You really can’t be trusted to take care of yourself," Verdandi grumbled, but relaxed into his familiar embrace.

"Haven’t seen you a day. Miss big brother?" Albel grinned, gripping her shoulders.

"Not at all," Verdandi retorted bluntly, cheeks flushing as she looked away. "Vera often thinks life would be better without a brother from the start."

"That’s harsh," Albel muttered, his expression twitching. This girl never spared his pride. Good thing no one was around.

"But still… welcome back, brother," Verdandi puffed her cheeks into an adorable pout.

"Yeah, I’m back." Albel nodded. In the next second, he and Verdandi vanished.

Meanwhile, in a Qatar City hotel room.

"Alicia, I always knew your chest was big, but stripped down? Even fuller than I imagined," Shenluo World smiled. She wore only blue lingerie, watching Alicia adjust her bra in the mirror.

"Don’t tease me!" Alicia covered her chest, flustered.

"I’m serious. I wish mine were bigger too," Shenluo World sighed enviously, gesturing to her bust—two cup sizes smaller.

"The young miss’s figure is perfect," Yurei Amamiya cut in, glancing at her own ample chest with resentment. "Big breasts just hinder battle." She usually bound hers for combat.

"You always envy what you can’t have," Shenluo World laughed.

"Speaking of which—Albel’s missing. Alicia, you don’t seem worried at all," Yurei Amamiya pressed suddenly.

"H-he’s better off missing!" Alicia stammered, face flushing. She’d never considered this question.

"Not honest with yourself," Shenluo World chuckled behind her hand.

"I-I’m not!" Alicia snapped. If Albel vanished, she’d escape being his wife… so why couldn’t she feel relieved?

"Maybe he fell to his death," Yurei Amamiya winked. She disliked that playboy—she almost hoped it.

"Impossible!" Alicia shook her head fiercely. "Albel won’t die. Even if everyone else perished, he’d survive." She believed it absolutely. Immune to physical attacks, reflecting all magic and Divine Oracle monster effects—a freak like him couldn’t die.

"Alicia’s right. Maybe he’ll appear before us next second?" Shenluo World smiled like a prophet.

"Ridiculous. If he shows up now, I’ll run naked," Yurei Amamiya scoffed. Albel couldn’t possibly—

The next second, Verdandi materialized in the room’s center with Albel.

"Haha, I’m back! Miss me—uh…" Albel spread his arms warmly, then froze at the sight of three girls in lingerie.

"Sigh." Verdandi covered her face. How could she forget this?

"Ah!" Yurei Amamiya screamed, yanking a blanket over herself. But she froze seeing Alicia and Shenluo World unfazed.

Shenluo World dressed calmly, ignoring everyone. Alicia fastened her bra straps and marched up to Albel.

"Young miss, why are you two so calm?" Yurei Amamiya blurted, bewildered.

"He’s already seen us. What’s a little more?" Shenluo World slipped on her dress with a smile.

Alicia had no modesty left with Albel—she was used to it. More than her bare skin, the Holy Maiden cared where he’d been all day.

"Where were you?" She poked his chest, forcing a stern glare.

"Uh… fell into the Dark Forest, got caught by ogres, escaped, then met Vera," Albel scratched his head awkwardly. He skipped the part about Lucia.

"Sister Alicia worried so much, brother," Verdandi added from behind him.

"Vera, don’t lie! I-I wasn’t worried! If he died, I’d lose my contract!" Alicia’s facade shattered. Her face burned crimson, denial useless.

"Wives worrying about husbands is normal. No need to be shy," Albel patted her head, smiling. This Holy Maiden was so unforthcoming—just say it aloud.

"Who’s your wife? Shameless," Alicia clicked her tongue, shoving him away. She scrambled into her clothes.

"Sigh… I hate admitting this pervert’s Vera’s brother," Verdandi muttered. She should’ve stopped him when he vowed to snatch a Holy Maiden. Since leaving the Demon King’s domain, his lecherous side had fully awakened.

"Ahem. Pervert, pulling this right after returning? No wonder guys only think about one thing," Yurei Amamiya sneered as Albel’s advance failed.

"Huh? World, where’s Alusa?" Albel ignored her completely, turning to Shenluo World.

"Tch." Yurei Amamiya slammed the bed. He’d seen her lingerie and still pretended she didn’t exist—utterly vile.

"Alusa went to the guild to file your missing notice," Shenluo World replied, now elegantly dressed.

"I should tell her I’m back—" Albel started for the door.

"No need. She’s returning now." As Shenluo World spoke, the door opened. Alusa stepped in, her face brightening at the sight of Albel.

"Al, you’re back!"

"Yeah. I’m back."