The Sekirei’s Covenant

"Greetings, King Sora. I am Andrea Rivera, a knight of King of Swords, Lord Doni. I am truly sorry for this incident. My lord has caused you such great trouble, and we sincerely apologize for it."

Performing a standard knight's bow, the man in the tailcoat, who introduced himself as Andrea Rivera, politely addressed Sora.

It must be said that he was a well-mannered young man with a convincing demeanor. He was able to maintain a calm and composed expression even in front of a Demon King whom others regarded with awe or fear.

"Hahaha… Sora, sorry about what happened this time. I apologize, I apologize."

"But speaking of which, you really are annoying. I definitely won't lose to you next time!"

With a carefree and cheerful smile, this was none other than our classmate Doni, who constantly caused trouble for those around him without even realizing it.

"Lord Doni!"

Hearing Doni mention "next time," Andrea on the side immediately lost his composure and shot him a sharp glare.

"Tch, I was just joking. Don't be so serious."

Shrugging his shoulders, Doni said in a roguish manner. With his inability to lie, no one would believe he was actually joking!

"I suddenly understand the pain of those who are annoyed by you but still force a smile. Meeting a Demon King like you, this Lord Andrea is truly unfortunate!"

With a face full of black lines, Sora said speechlessly.

Uh… Andrea, what's with that sudden teary-eyed look? I was just saying it casually. Do you have to look so wronged?

"Hey, hey, do you have to act so righteous? You're not much better than me, are you? I clearly realized that when I fought you!"

Well, although he was a bit foolish and simple, this King of Swords seemed to have an unusually sharp intuition in some areas!

"Hmm?"

Just as Sora and Doni, these two carefree individuals, were still rambling, Erica on the side suddenly noticed something. A strange light flashed in her green eyes, and the corner of her mouth curved slightly as she walked off to the side by herself.

It was a secluded corner, not at all conspicuous. There stood a girl in a white dress with long, silver hair, all alone. The girl possessed a beautiful face that reminded one of an elf, giving off a feeling of cuteness yet also a hint of dignity.

"Lily!"

"Ah!!!"

The cunning Erica quietly walked behind the girl and suddenly spoke, startling the girl who seemed to be lost in thought.

"Erica Blandelli, you!"

When the girl turned around and saw Erica's sly and triumphant smile, she immediately became angry, her face full of indignation.

"Oh dear, oh dear, Lily, is this how you treat your good friend? We haven't seen each other for a long time, and I came over to say hello as soon as I saw you."

Seeing the girl's appearance, which became even cuter despite her anger, Erica was amused and put on a hurt and wronged expression. "Hmph, Erica Blandelli, only a ghost would be good friends with a hateful woman like you. I hope I never, ever see you again!"

As if remembering some unbearable past events, the silver-haired girl called Lily looked at Erica with deep resentment. One could only wonder what truly outrageous things Erica had done to her in the past.

"Heh… If you didn't come to see me, Lily, then what did you come for? I saw someone secretly looking at me just now."

Liliana Kranjcar, the name of the silver-haired girl, had been Erica's close friend and rival since childhood. She had a strong competitive spirit towards Erica but often became Erica's plaything due to her serious personality.

Well, just like now!

"I wasn't looking at you! I was looking at…"

She instinctively prepared to retort, but when she saw Erica's mischievous smile, Liliana suddenly came to her senses. That was close! She almost fell for that hateful woman Erica's trick again!

"Hmph! Erica Blandelli, do you think I'll still fall into your low-level traps? I, Liliana Kranjcar, represent the 'Bronze-Black Cross' to offer my respect and congratulations to the Seventh Demon King. That's all. Don't talk nonsense!"

With a serious expression, in some ways, this serious and somewhat naive girl was the complete opposite of the cunning and scheming Erica, who was like a vixen.

"Erica, what are you doing?"

Just then, a voice came from behind the two girls. It was Sora, who had finally managed to escape from a large group of fawning and annoying people.

"Hehe, Sora, you've come at the right time. This is my best friend, Liliana Kranjcar. She's a super genius beautiful girl!"

Hooking her arm around Sora's, a strange light flashed in Erica's eyes, and she smiled meaningfully at Sora.

"Liliana, the one from the 'Bronze-Black Cross'?"

"Hehe, hello, Miss Liliana. I've heard a lot about you. My name is Kusanagi Sora!"

A sharp light flashed in Sora's eyes, and he smiled as he extended a hand.

Speaking of which, Sora had indeed heard this person's name many times. Seeing her in person for the first time, he couldn't help but praise her inwardly. Although their temperaments and styles were completely different, she was definitely a girl who was no less than Erica!

"H-Hello, King Sora. I am Liliana Kranjcar, representing the 'Bronze-Black Cross' to express our sincere respect and congratulations to His Majesty the Demon King!"

Perhaps due to nervousness or being affected by Erica's hateful remark about being "best friends," the girl's face was slightly red. She gently shook hands with Sora and quickly withdrew her hand, bowing slightly and saying solemnly.

"Um… Please enjoy the celebration at your leisure. Goodbye!"

Unlike those sticky people, after speaking, Liliana fled as if escaping, leaving behind a figure that danced like an elf.

"Um, Erica, I didn't do anything strange, did I? Why do I feel like this Liliana-san is avoiding me?"

Rubbing his nose, Sora asked Erica beside him, somewhat puzzled.

He didn't seem to have done anything strange just now, did he? Could it be that the act of shaking hands was interpreted as trying to take advantage of her? If that were the case, he would be wrongly accused!

"Well… who knows…"

The extremely perceptive Erica naturally also noticed the abnormality in Liliana. A strange light flickered in her green eyes, and she didn't know what she was thinking in her little head…

…

"Your Majesty, the Seventh Godslayer, Paul Blandelli, on behalf of the 'Copper-Black Cross,' expresses his deepest apologies and asks you to accept this."

A man who looked like a statue of David walked up to Sora and bowed deeply, while handing Sora something that looked like a golden bank card.

He felt quite awkward. As Paolo Blandelli, the world's greatest knight, he had always upheld the name of righteousness, but now he was doing something like bribing a Demon King. However, the old guys in the society had given him a death mission, and for the safety of the entire society, he had no choice but to do this.

"Are you Erica's uncle? Please don't be so polite. Don't worry, although I have become a Demon King, I am not a narrow-minded person who seeks revenge for every grievance. As for this, please take it back."

Although he was initially unhappy about the "Copper-Black Cross" helping Doni to deal with him, Sora's anger had mostly subsided after giving Doni a good beating.

Of course, while he had no intention of causing trouble for the "Copper-Black Cross," it didn't mean that Sora had any good feelings towards them. Even though Erica was his knight and girlfriend, and this uncle named Paolo seemed decent, Sora could still distinguish between public and private matters.

"Uh…"

Paolo's expression froze, and he immediately understood that Sora was still somewhat dissatisfied with his society. Although he knew that their society was in the wrong in this incident, as the leader of the society, he had to consider the entire organization. He immediately signaled to Erica on the side.

"Hehe… Sora, you don't know how much this card is worth, do you?"

"10 billion, 10 billion, and in Euros! It's a tribute from those old guys in the society to you. Don't refuse it!"

With a sly smile, Erica whispered in Sora's ear.

Sora's heart skipped a beat. If it were anyone else, they would have screamed in shock. Even Sora, who usually didn't care much about these things, almost lost his composure.

Damn, these Mage Associations are really rich!!!

"Ahem… Since you insist on giving it, I'll reluctantly accept it."

Sora thought Erica was right; he shouldn't refuse something given to him. So, he stopped pretending to be noble and accepted the gold card with a righteous expression.

Erica wasn't too surprised, but Paolo Blandelli breathed a small sigh of relief. The task given by those old guys was completed.

Moreover, this Demon King seemed different from the other Demon Kings who treated money like dirt and beautiful women as nothing. At least he could communicate and seemed like a normal person!

"Erica, congratulations. The society has decided that you will be the next 'Crimson Devil' and will serve by the King's side as a knight of the 'Bronze-Black Cross'. I will always be proud of you."

Turning his gaze to the side, Paolo gently stroked Erica's little head and said with a loving expression.

"Thank you, Uncle. I am also deeply honored to be able to inherit the knight title that you have protected…"

Gently holding Paolo's hand, the girl's eyes also sparkled with a strange emotion…