Chapter 62: A Day Out, A Lord’s Resolve

“Pffft.”

After a long moment, their lips finally parted. Letitia, having thoroughly enjoyed their embrace, gazed at Noah, still lingering in her arms, and playfully glared at her:

“You little glutton, you’re insatiable! If I hadn’t come over, were you planning to take care of it yourself?”

“Well, it’s a date with the Demon Lord today~, I was just so excited, and before I knew it…”

Noah pouted slightly, a hint of grievance on her face. Her persistent curiosity and the resulting ‘self-exploration’ had left her feeling rather embarrassed.

If Letitia hadn’t arrived in time, she might truly have had to find a secluded corner for some solo water magic.

“Alright, be more careful next time. It’s getting late, let’s go explore the city.”

Reluctantly, Letitia gave Noah’s plump bottom a gentle squeeze. This mischievous gesture made Noah’s pink eyes narrow slyly, like a fox.

She gently released the warm, voluptuous form from her embrace, then took Noah’s hand, feeling the warmth pass between their palms, as if their heartbeats were synchronizing.

“Today… let’s spend the day happily, just like an ordinary couple~.”

Letitia, like a shy young girl, blinked playfully, covering half her blushing face as she spoke with a feigned coyness.

“Hee hee hee~.”

Now composed, Noah offered a gentle smile. Her gaze swept over Letitia’s formal gown, and then she suddenly spoke:

“Wait a moment, Demon Lord!”

“?”

Under Letitia’s somewhat astonished gaze, Noah, as if performing a magic trick, swept her jade-like hand, encased in a white lace glove, over Letitia. The imposing, noble gown instantly transformed into a charming maiden’s dress.

The dark purple dress made Letitia appear like a playful maiden, perfectly suiting her youthful appearance. Walking hand-in-hand with Noah, they resembled two blossoming flowers intertwined.

“This feeling… it’s quite novel.”

Letitia surveyed the ‘attire’ Noah had prepared for her. The soft, form-fitting fabric felt exceedingly comfortable against her skin.

‘Come to think of it, did she also change my underwear?’

Suddenly realizing something, Letitia tugged at her collar and peered inside. A pale purple feline design instantly caught her eye.

‘Of course… I knew it.’ Letitia’s mouth twitched involuntarily. She had sensed something was amiss the moment she felt a distinct coolness.

“Well then, let’s go, Demon Lord! Let’s explore the city together~.”

Noah gracefully leaned in, her full, rounded breasts pressing against Letitia’s ample chest, and lightly kissed her cool lips.

It was like lovers just beginning their journey, still tentatively exploring each other’s preferences, granting each other full respect and a sense of novelty.

Letitia licked her lips, savoring Noah’s sweet taste, and a faint, heartfelt smile bloomed on her face.

“Alright, let’s go.”

****

“This is the side gate for transporting supplies from the Demon Lord’s Castle. It remains open until six o’clock this evening, so please both be mindful of your safety.”

Astolfo led the two to the edge of the Demon Lord’s Castle, bowing slightly in deference.

As a personal maid, she would not accompany them, allowing the pair ample private time.

For some inexplicable reason, Astolfo felt a pang of emotion, much like an old butler watching their long-cherished master set off on a journey with a maiden as exquisite as a blooming flower, and in that moment, they were merely a silent observer, sending them off towards a new chapter in their lives.

“Thank you for your hard work, Astolfo. We will return as soon as we can.”

Letitia, holding Noah’s soft, warm hand, smiled with a relaxed ease.

“Such an expression is truly rare, Princess.”

Astolfo felt a moment of wistful disorientation, recalling the centuries past when she had served Letitia, long before she became the Demon Lord.

She did not voice her thoughts, instead stepping back into the shadows of the Demon Lord’s Castle, offering her most sincere blessing:

“Then, I wish you both a wonderful time.”

“We certainly will~.”

Noah turned and waved to her, her smile as radiant as a blooming flower, capable of dispelling any gloom from one’s heart.

Astolfo watched them walk further and further away, until they finally vanished amidst the buildings of Irithyll.

****

“Your Majesty… is this truly alright?”

Executive Avril emerged from behind Astolfo, leaning against the stone brick wall of the passageway, her arms crossed beneath her modest chest, her tone devoid of emotion.

She felt a sense of bewilderment. On one hand, she was glad to see such a smile on Letitia’s face, yet on the other, her position demanded a more decisive Demon Lord.

During the past few days, while Letitia lay unconscious in bed, Avril had single-handedly managed all the pressing state affairs. She had even come to believe that the Saintess was the root of His Majesty’s troubles.

However, having just witnessed Letitia’s genuinely happy smile, like that of an ordinary person, Avril found herself at a loss.

“The Demon Lord knows your character, which is precisely why she promoted you to this position.”

Astolfo, still gazing at the direction where the two had disappeared, spoke to Avril with her back turned:

“It’s perfectly fine for you to make any moves you wish. Should you even be interested, you could challenge His Majesty and take her place…”

“I would never do that!”

Avril bristled at the unwarranted accusation and suspicion.

“…However, do not do anything foolish. That is my advice to you.”

Astolfo’s voice remained steady, utterly devoid of wavering.

Her figure stood resolutely before the gate, her dignified posture casting a shadow, preventing the sunlight from reaching Avril.

“If you believe your ideals are more beneficial to the demon race as a whole, then by all means, pursue them. However, do not presume to dictate the Demon Lord’s actions, nor her personal happiness.”

“The Demon Lord is who she is precisely because she possesses the radiance of a true monarch. Even you have no right, under the guise of ‘greater good,’ to strip away that brilliance!”

Astolfo’s voice was firm, her articulation clear, with every syllable conveying her thoughts and unwavering resolve.

“…”

Avril lowered her head, her face obscured by shadows. After a moment of silence, she stood up and walked away, turning her back to Astolfo.

“I understand your perspective.”

“In that case, I will use my own methods to guide the demon race towards a brighter future.”

****

Irithyll outskirts, Silvya’s mansion.

“Lady Silvya, due to your decisions, the wealthy merchants and nobles within your domain have voiced considerable discontent. And now you intend to hand over the resources from your treasury to the Demon Lord? This is simply too much…”

Within the mansion’s grand hall, an envoy dispatched from the domain stood before Silvya, attempting to persuade the powerful demon lord not to unduly antagonize the influential figures within her territory.

“They must accept the consequences of their gamble. Since they chose to remain on the sidelines, it is only natural that they should pay a corresponding price.”

Silvya opened her eyes. She knew the thoughts of these parasites within her domain intimately.

‘Since the opportunity presents itself, why not hit them hard?’