Legend says the former lord of the Demon Realm—Lucifer, the "Fallen Star"—was not born of demons, but an angel who raised rebellion against the gods.

He led one-third of the heavenly host to revolt at the northern borders of the Celestial Realm. After three days of fierce celestial battle, he fell defeated into the Demon Realm. There, across countless ages, he unified the chaotic realm, rose to its pinnacle, and launched a war of vengeance against the divine—only to vanish together with them in a blaze of light.

To this day, the Demon Realm and Celestial Realm remain bitter enemies—far more than either views the Human Realm, a mere expansion target. Over millennia, conflicts rivaling that ancient war have erupted repeatedly, leaving both sides scarred and bloodied.

Thus, above all internal strife within the Demon Realm, angels of the Celestial Realm stand as the paramount foe. Stepping into the Demon King Citadel? Unthinkable. Even setting foot in the Demon Realm demands blood first.

Therefore…

As they questioned each other about who stood behind them, Rean and the golden-haired angel stepped back in unison, guards still high. The girl tightened her grip on her sword; Rean summoned the six floating black blades—*Six Nights*—to hover behind him like steel wings, gleaming under the ambient light.

"Olga, sheathe your weapon first. Drawing swords at a first meeting isn’t proper, is it?"

While Rean and the golden-haired angel stood locked in tension, another woman who arrived with her stepped forward, smiling gently as she pressed down the girl’s sword hand.

Rean glanced her way. She appeared slightly older than the girl. Her flawless eyes lacked liveliness, yet her poised figure and sacred aura far surpassed the other’s. Silver hair, like a flowing river of stars, cascaded down her back to calves hidden beneath a long white gown.

"Archangel Gabriel… Could you please explain the current situation?"

Olga’s gaze flickered between Rean and Glena. Hesitating, she slowly slid her sword into its sheath at her waist.

Yet Rean’s hostility only sharpened.

Because—if the "Archangel Gabriel" Olga named was *real*, this was grave indeed.

One of the Four Archangels. The unbreakable shield of the Celestial Realm—Gabriel, the "Unbreakable Light." Rean, who aimed to unify the Demon Realm, knew that name well. Rumor held Lucifer’s rebellion faltered precisely because he could not breach her defense, driving him down to the Demon Realm.

Why would *such a figure* emerge from a teleportation array built by his own mother?!

"Rean, lower your weapons too. This isn’t a place for fighting. Archangel Gabriel is my invited guest."

Glena patted his shoulder from behind, signaling peaceful intent.

"Before that—why did *this* Archangel step out of the array *you* built, Mother?"

Rean turned, suspicion burning in his eyes.

Seeing his mother utterly unsurprised—almost expectant—he already suspected the truth. Yet he refused to entertain "malicious" thoughts about his beloved mother.

"Has Lady Glena not yet explained the situation to the parties involved?" Gabriel asked, lifting her gaze from Olga.

"Indeed. This child only just returned—I brought him straight here," Glena said, arm linked with Rean’s, guiding him toward the angels with a radiant smile. "Though Archangel Gabriel doesn’t seem to have clarified things either."

"After all, mentioning it early would’ve been troublesome~"

"Exactly~"

Watching sly smiles bloom on both his mother’s and the Archangel’s faces, Rean felt a chill. He was pork belly on a chopping block—about to be sold.

He stole a glance at Olga, silent since sheathing her sword. Confusion clouded her features; she, too, sensed something amiss.

The moment she caught him looking, she shot him a fierce glare—ever-vigilant, like a young lion baring fangs at an enemy.

*Perhaps the Celestial Realm has more like her…* Rean mused inwardly.

"Then without further ado, let us sit and talk."

Glena clapped. The training hall door swung open. Three stewards led by Samuel wheeled in carts, swiftly arranging tables, chairs, steaming tea, and delicate refreshments.

"Didn’t you claim you knew *nothing*? How’re you this calm with two angels standing here?!"

Rean grabbed Samuel mid-slip-away, voice low, eyes blazing.

Those stewards’ "we saw nothing" faces? Clearly staged. He was being kept in the dark.

"My deepest apologies, Prince Rean… Your Majesty. All by Lady Glena’s order. This servant dare not disobey."

Samuel’s regret was calm, unhurried. Rean shot a resentful glare at the culprit behind him.

"Then tell me—what’s this scheme? Why is the Archangel *here*?"

"This servant cannot disclose it yet, Your Majesty. But rest assured—it is no ill thing."

A warm smile surfaced in Samuel’s crimson eyes visible through bandages—not mockery, not scorn, but distinctly *aunt-like*. Rean’s unease deepened.

"Then, this servant takes his leave."

Samuel dissolved into black smoke, vanishing swiftly. He even closed the door.

"I’m docking your salary someday…"

Fist smacking palm, Rean turned to the table. Steaming tea, artful pastries—undoubtedly Samuel’s handiwork again.

*What even is this? A cozy tea party between angels and demons?*

"I am Rean Christin, newly ascended Seventh Demon King. Forgive my earlier rudeness." Rean suppressed his irritation, seating himself. "Archangel… may I ask the purpose of your visit to the Demon Realm?"

"Splendid… a remarkably composed young man," Gabriel remarked, unruffled by his tense posture. "Olga remains somewhat immature. I entrust her to your care."

"On the contrary—we are deeply grateful you and Miss Olga would accept my unruly child," Glena beamed.

Rean saw Gabriel’s gaze soften toward him. Hearing his mother’s unguarded words, he instantly grasped the tea gathering’s true purpose.

"Wait… With all due respect—"

Olga raised a pale hand.

"Archangel Gabriel… you don’t mean…"

"No need to hide it longer," Glena smiled.

"Mm. Best to be clear now," Gabriel added.

Bathed in silvery moonlight, her smile radiated maternal grace—but Rean and Olga stared as if beholding a true demon.

"For the future of both the Celestial Realm and Demon Realm… the two of you shall marry."