The sun's first rays broke over the rolling hills as Kairo and Louie walked side by side, their steps synchronized like two halves of a whole. Behind them, Elias, still disguised in his human form, kept a watchful distance, his sharp eyes observing every nuance of their interaction.
As they approached the kingdom of Veldoria to receive the honors for their victory over the supposed Demon Lord, Louie adjusted her dress nervously. "Kairo, do you think... I look okay?" she asked, twirling a strand of her blue ombre hair.
Kairo glanced at her, his expression softening. "You're fine, Louie. More than fine, actually."
Louie flushed, the praise causing her heart to flutter. But before she could respond, Elias stepped forward. "If she's worried, perhaps I could lend her some advice on elegance," he said, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
"Advice from you?" Kairo snorted. "Stick to whatever shady business you do, Elias. Louie's already perfect."
Elias raised an eyebrow but didn't retort. Internally, he felt a twinge of something he couldn't identify. Perhaps it was jealousy or intrigue—Louie was unlike anyone he had encountered in his long life.
---
The grand halls of Veldoria's palace were adorned with shimmering banners and wreaths of flowers as Kairo and Louie were led inside. Nobles and commoners alike had gathered to witness the heroes who had vanquished the Demon Lord—or so they thought.
As they stood before King Aldric, a regal man with a commanding presence, Louie felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on her. "Kairo, I don't think I can do this," she whispered.
"You've faced monsters. A few fancy people can't be worse than that," Kairo replied with a grin, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the king announced, "today we honor these brave souls for their courage and strength." He gestured toward Louie and Kairo. "Step forward, heroes."
Louie hesitated, but Kairo gently nudged her. Together, they approached the throne, kneeling before the king as the crowd erupted in applause.
---
An Unexpected Encounter
After the ceremony, Louie found herself surrounded by admirers. Among them was Lioran, the Elven prince, who had journeyed from his forest kingdom to witness the event. His emerald eyes sparkled as he approached her.
"Lady Louie," he said, bowing gracefully. "Your beauty and bravery have reached even the depths of our forests. It's an honor to finally meet you."
Louie blinked, taken aback by his charm. "Oh, um, thank you," she stammered, her cheeks warming.
Kairo, who had been standing nearby, stepped between them, his protective instincts kicking in. "She's flattered, but we're kind of busy right now."
Lioran raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a sly smile. "Ah, I see. You must be Kairo, the guardian and... companion of Lady Louie."
"That's right," Kairo said firmly, his tone daring Lioran to challenge him.
Elias, who had been quietly observing the exchange, smirked. "This is going to be entertaining," he muttered under his breath.
---
The Demon Lord's Hidden Agenda
Later that evening, as the celebration continued, Elias slipped away to the palace gardens. In the moonlight, his demeanor shifted, the weight of his hidden identity pressing down on him.
"They're stronger than I anticipated," he murmured, recalling the way Kairo had faced danger head-on and how Louie's kindness had disarmed even the coldest hearts.
His thoughts lingered on Louie. She was so different from the women he had encountered over centuries. Unlike others, she didn't grovel or fear him; instead, she treated him as an equal, even when she didn't know his true nature.
"Why?" he muttered to himself. "Why does she unsettle me like this?"
But as much as he questioned his feelings, he couldn't deny that they were growing. Louie was becoming more than a means to an end.
---
Rising Tensions
The next day, the group prepared to leave Veldoria. Lioran insisted on joining them, claiming it was to ensure their safety on the journey.
"Great," Kairo muttered sarcastically. "Another prince tagging along. Just what we needed."
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," Elias teased, earning a glare from Kairo.
Louie, meanwhile, tried to ease the tension. "Maybe it's not so bad. Lioran could be useful... and he seems nice."
"Too nice," Kairo grumbled under his breath.
As they set off, Louie's laughter rang out, her spirits lifted by the friendly banter. But in the shadows, Elias's thoughts remained conflicted.
The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with dangers both known and hidden. And while Louie and Kairo were focused on their quest, none of them realized that the true Demon Lord was always one step ahead, watching and waiting.
---
End of Chapter 17