The maids greeted Asmodeus, Ciela, and the other two before opening the doors gracefully. Inside, the Empress lounged on her sofa, with a simple robe covering her body and a bowl of various fruits and nuts at her side.

    "Asmodeus, come inside, I''ve been waiting for you." The Empress called out, her lips curling into a smile as she winked at the young demon king.

    ''It seems he is still wary of me, well... I have only known him a few hours.''

    Asmodeus didn''t waste time sitting opposite the Empress before Ciela and Erika slipped beside him. Both pressed their bodies against him with firm expressions. "I met an old friend, and became delayed, forgive me. Empress."

    Because it was an official meeting, he didn''t act like usual. His eyes flicked across Sarina''s body before returning to her face.

    ''After all, such a beautiful woman is dangerous.''

    "Don''t worry, would you like a drink?" Empress Sarina purred, snapping her fingers to call a maid.

    The maid bowed and moved towards the cupboards.

    Asmodeus''s eyes narrowed as he watched the maid, but Ciela and Erika seemed to be more on guard with the Empress herself. Levia didn''t rush to his side. Instead, she stood behind him, her body leaning over the sofa, almost touching his back.

    "It seems you are quite loved, Asmodeus." The Empress giggled, her eyes flashing with amusement.

    "What can I help you with today?" Asmodeus asked, ignoring her words.

    Empress Sarina''s smile disappeared, and the room''s atmosphere changed in a moment. Though he and Ciela loved each other, there wasn''t much room for love in politics and ruling a nation.

    Thus, he remained on guard against her mother.

    —Clang!

    The maid set down several exquisite golden goblets filled with sweet-scented purple wine. "Drink, it is my finest vintage, something only a few people can enjoy."

    Asmodeus looked down at his goblet, but he didn''t reach out to drink it. Levia, on the other hand, didn''t hesitate and reached out for the glass.

    —Gulp~

    Levia drank a small portion, swishing the goblet twice before letting out a warm, fruity sigh. "Master, there is no poison or danger. Please enjoy." She spoke in her usual flat tone, her eyes flashing with a hint of emotion.

    ''This cheeky girl... well, let''s thank her for now.'' He thought, taking the slightly cool goblet, noticing the blue flicker of magic from Levia''s fingertips. She even cooled the wine.

    "You have a wonderful knight protecting you, I am a little jealous." The Empress snorted, sipping her goblet before flicking her gaze to Ciela, who gazed at the wine with both eyes opened wide and smelled the aroma. "My daughter, are you excited to finally try, mothers wine?" She asked Ciela with a smirk, her eyes flashing with love and amusement.

    Ciela didn''t answer her; instead, she gulped the wine and let out a sigh of relief. "It''s delicious..."

    —Cough~ Cough~

    "Haha~ such a lovely daughter, don''t you agree, Asmodeus?" Empress Sarina asked, a smile appearing on her face as her eyes narrowed.

    Asmodeus didn''t answer. He just stared at the woman in front of him. ''She''s a sly one, not to mention her guards and maids. I can sense the power from a few, but most of them... are they hiding their strength?'' He wondered, taking in the Empress''s maids with a glance.

    The maids didn''t even blink, and neither did the guards.

    As if noticing his gaze, she pushed out her tongue, slowly licking her lips, before snapping her fingers twice. "Don''t feel worried, they will leave now."

    "Of course, I would only make an oath that everyone could agree to, " her mother said. She could see the love and happiness in her daughter''s eyes, but she also felt frustrated.

    "Ahem..."

    Asmodeus suddenly cleared his throat before nodding at Ciela.

    "But understand that even if I marry Ciela in the elven traditions. I will also be marrying my other woman at the same time."

    "What?!" The Empress gasped, her cup almost falling. "But... Why?"

    The young demon king didn''t speak, his lips curling at her reaction. It wasn''t every day that a man could surprise her, and her reaction amused him.

    "I am the king of demons—once I defeat that monster, the entire northern region will become my territory. Do not forget that. I cannot prioritise the elves, when I have women from all over this continent to honour."

    ''In reality I just don''t want to deal with that annoying politics of the elves... damn it. Please take that hint, mother-in-law!''

    "..."

    Sarina didn''t speak for a moment, but she seemed to think about something. Finally, her eyes hardened, and she looked at her daughter.

    "Will you be happy like this?" A soft and gentle voice, void of her pressure, instead of a mother. Ciela, whose eyes were moist, suddenly turned to Asmodeus with a smile.

    "Mother, I want nothing more than to be beside him, can you accept us?"

    "Haa.."

    The Empress sighed, raised her hands and downed the last of her wine with a wide grin. "So you''re really after my daughter and nothing else. Hahaha." She laughed with mirth, causing the three to be stunned.

    ''Is she crazy?'' Asmodeus wondered, but Ciela and Levia seemed to be nervous.

    "Fine, I will accept that, but you must make me a promise." The Empress started pouring herself another cup before adjusting her position and gazing at Asmodeus.

    "Take care of my little sunflower, and make sure she doesn''t cry."

    "I promise."

    "Thank you for caring more about my daughter than your prestige and rewards. Though it sounds a little hypocritical coming from the Empress of a nation and the one who sent her to Grigor in the first place... I hope you will continue to make her happy. King Asmodeus."

    ''...''

    Her words were different from before. Asmodeus watched her with wide eyes as she offered him a cup and poured it. "I expect great things from you."

    "I will do my best to meet your expectations..." Asmodeus noticed that the atmosphere transformed before the Empress lightened her gaze and spoke once again.

    "I hope you can do me a favour, Asmodeus, Ciela. To save my husband''s life... and the fate of the entire forest."

    "What do you need us to do?"

    The Empress looked slightly reluctant before she took a deep breath...

    "Please complete the Trial of Aristella!"