>>6021629“You can't!” Darkness suddenly shouts, clutching your wrists with a sudden panicked look. “Lord Alderp may be a slimy, cruel, foul brute of a man, but he is still the rightful Lord of Axel. That's why I wanted you to come with me. My father's been feeling unwell, and has called for me to meet with Lord Alderp. And I don't want to be alone with him.”
“Don't worry, I won't let him do anything to you.” you say, still seeing her worry. “I won't kill him. Promise.”
“...Thank you.” she says, sighing out and letting you go. Then, unprompted she lunges, wrapping you in her arms and hugging you tight. “Thank you for coming with me.”
“Of course. I'll never let you go.” you reply, holding her for a few more seconds. Then she backs out of your embrace, straightening her dress and turning, leading you towards the lord's manor. As the two of you travel through the city, you sense several things that catch your attention. First, you sense a pair of massive powerlevels, one demonic and one possibly undead both together in a lesser-populated area. No doubt their passive auras keeping the weaker-willed away subconsciously. Second, you also sense a surprising amount of other demons within the city, all gathered within a rather small area. Some of them even feel familiar, you think you recognize one or two from the Crimson Demon Village. But as Darkness leads you to the largest manor in the city, you start sensing something else. Faint, barely noticeable traces of demonic power hang over the manor. You stop just inside the gate, closing your eyes to focus on what you sense.
“Milha? What is it?” Darkness asks, having stopped and turned to face you. “Is something wrong?”
“There's a presence here. Faint, as if it's trying to hide.” you say, opening your eyes to meet Darkness's. “But there's a demonic presence here.”
“Lord Alderp is scum, but he's no demon.” Darkness tells you, her eyes then widening. “Hold on, are you implying-?”
“I'll keep an eye out. I won't let anyone else hurt you.” you tell her, Darkness blushing a bit before turning back to the manor. Not saying anything else, leading you up to the door. Where the door is opened, you seeing a pair of maids bowing to you both. Both of who, to your surprise, both bear a surprising resemblance to Darkness.
“Lalatina Ford Dustiness, we have been expecting you.” they both say, gesturing into the manor. “Please, follow us.”
“Of course, please lead the way.” Darkness says, you seeing her blush a bit at having her real name used by the maids. But as you both pass through the entrance, you watch as her demeanor begins changing. She stops looking timid as her slight heels clack on the floor, her bearing and demeanor becoming more... Noble.
