The Sekirei’s Covenant

In the main hall, Sora and Erica sat together, with Miss Kaoru sitting opposite them. Shizuka-chan and the proactive Miko-san, Yuri, went to the kitchen to clean up the dishes. The maid-san Arianna served the three of them a cup of fragrant tea and then withdrew to help.

"Well then, can you tell me your real purpose now, Miss Sayanomiya? Don't tell me you're just here to visit my King."

"If it were Miss Yuri, I wouldn't doubt that for a moment, but as for you…"

With one arm intimately linked with Sora's, Erica gently stroked her golden hair, the corner of her mouth slightly curved into an arc, with a cunning smile like a vixen.

Although he knew that these two equally proud and extremely shrewd girls were somewhat at odds with each other, Sora didn't say anything. He quietly sipped the hot tea served by the maid-san, and also wanted to hear what Miss Kaoru had to say.

"Oh my, oh my, as expected of Miss Erica, who inherited the name of the 'Crimson Devil', you saw through it!"

Also gently taking a sip of the fragrant tea, Miss Kaoru didn't deny it at all, but replied frankly.

"Hmph, are you questioning the intelligence of me, Erica Blandelli?"

"With your intelligence, you must have received the news as soon as our King returned here. Tell me, are you representing your Sayanomiya family, or are you representing the entire Four Great Families!"

With a cold snort, Erica had a stern expression.

Seishuuin, Kuhoutsuka, Renjou, Sayanomiya - these are the Four Great Families Erica referred to. They are the four ancient families who have served the emperors since ancient times with their inherited powerful magic power. Military, politics, business, in the era without a King, almost everything in this country was secretly manipulated and managed by these Four Great Families.

"Although I also wanted to visit our Demon King as just a friend, those old guys in the family somehow found out that I had some connection with the Demon King, so they all wanted me to sound him out."

"Speaking of which, I am the most innocent person."

Gently putting down the teacup, Miss Kaoru sighed slightly, with a helpless expression.

The birth of a Demon King is a major event that can change the entire country and even the world order. If a country has the protection of a Demon King, there is no doubt that the country's status and power will rapidly increase.

But at the same time, the appearance of a Demon King also means that the families and forces that originally controlled the entire country will have to submit to the Demon King's authority. When there was no King, they were the local bosses, they were the rulers. Now, to suddenly make them submit to others and become loyal servants or something, is not something everyone can accept!

Slightly nodding, although he didn't say anything, Sora also expressed understanding. Friends are friends, and positions are positions. Sora didn't think Miss Kaoru had done anything wrong. On the other hand, Erica seemed a little displeased with Miss Kaoru's pitiful appearance, and a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes.

"Hmph, don't say those useless words. Since you are now representing the Four Great Families, you just need to state your attitude. Will you submit to our King, yes or no?"

Erica had no relationship with Miss Kaoru. The first time they met, they were already at odds, so naturally, she wouldn't be considerate or sympathetic towards Miss Kaoru. As Sora's knight and lover, all of Erica's goals were naturally centered around Sora's interests, and her tone was not at all polite.

"Hehe, Miss Erica's words are truly sharp! This is not something a mere woman like me can decide."

"Instead of the attitude of the Four Great Families, I think the attitude of the Demon King is more important! If the Demon King truly wants the Four Great Families to submit, I can guarantee that they absolutely wouldn't dare to resist!"

"Hehe, at least on the surface…"

Although Miss Kaoru might not be able to compete with Erica in terms of martial prowess, when it came to aura and intellect, Miss Kaoru was confident that she wouldn't lose! Facing the aggressive Erica, Miss Kaoru had a calm and composed expression, even smiling playfully.

"Heh… You're quite something, aren't you!"

A strange glint flashed in her eyes, and Erica cursed inwardly, calling her a "dead fox." She had experienced a bit of Miss Kaoru's cunning, which was no less than her own, and began to take this opponent seriously.

"But you're right, the ultimate decision still rests in the King's hands."

Calming her emotions, Erica once again displayed an elegant and beautiful smile, tightening her grip on Sora's arm. She was Sora's knight and lover, so what if this dead fox was difficult to deal with? From the beginning, she was already in an invincible position!

"So, Demon King, are you still planning to remain silent like this? You should at least state your attitude so that this humble woman can go back and report!"

Blinking her eyes at Sora, this was Miss Kaoru's voice, carrying a hint of playfulness.

Erica, on the side, frowned deeply. This dead fox was definitely doing it on purpose!

"Cough, cough…"

Seeing that both women had turned their gaze towards him, Sora knew he couldn't just stand by anymore. He put down his teacup and cleared his throat.

"Since you insist that I speak, then I'll tell you my thoughts—"

Both women pricked up their ears and listened carefully, with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Although it might sound incredible, it was an undeniable fact that the fate of this country and countless people might lie in the next few words Sora was about to say!

"I have no interest in your so-called families and organizations. I don't need you to submit to me, and I don't want to control you!"

"My only request is this: don't casually disturb the lives of me and my family. Let everyone continue as before, living their own lives, without interfering with each other!"

"Well, perhaps saying it like this is a bit too extreme, so I'll add a little more. Although I have now become the Demon King who slays gods, I don't portray myself as being overly arrogant. If you ever have something you can't do and need my help in the future, feel free to come find me."

"Of course, whether I agree or not will depend on my mood at the time. Moreover, I'm not some overly altruistic good-for-nothing. If you want me to take action, you'd better prepare a reward that can move me."

Under the dumbfounded expressions of the two women, Sora stated his thoughts.

The entire room fell into a silence so profound that you could hear a pin drop, with only the sounds of breathing echoing.

"Phew… I think I understand what you mean, Demon King."

Taking a deep breath, she seemed to have finally come back to her senses. Standing up, she placed one hand on her chest and performed a standard gentleman's bow towards Sora, her expression one of utmost respect.

"Although I had considered various possibilities, you truly surprise me again and again, Sora-kun!"

Returning to her playful smiling expression, Miss Kaoru's beautiful eyes sparkled with brilliance, making Sora feel a little uneasy.

"Haha… It's alright…"

Somewhat bewildered, not knowing what this young lady was planning again, Sora replied blankly.

"I think those old folks must be getting impatient. Since I already know the Demon King's attitude, I can go back and report now."

"Yuri, it's time to go."

Miss Kaoru called out towards the direction of the kitchen.

"Ah… Yes!"

The Miko-san's voice was a little flustered and nervous, her face red, as she came out from behind the door next to the kitchen.

Both Sora, Erica, and Miss Kaoru were speechless. With their abilities, they naturally knew that this Miko-san had finished helping long ago and was hiding behind the door, eavesdropping.

"Sora-kun, thank you for your hospitality, goodbye…"

The Miko-san also knew that everyone had already discovered her, her face as red as a ripe apple. She walked up to Sora, bowed, and whispered in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

"Hehe, it is we who were not hospitable enough. You are welcome to visit again next time, Mariya-san."

Looking at this serious yet unusually pure girl, Sora didn't know how to describe her.

Well, if he had to say something, it was a different kind of cuteness!

"Mm…"

Although she felt shy inside, a sweet feeling also arose in the girl's heart.

She had heard everything Sora and Kaoru had said before. Although it was still a bit willful and mischievous, indeed, Sora-kun was special! The special Sora-kun! The special Demon King!

Perhaps others didn't have such a strong feeling, but in Mariya Yuri's heart, it was absolutely true. The experience related to the Demon King in her childhood had given her a subconscious fear and rejection of the so-called Demon King.

She had been worried before whether Sora-kun would also become the kind of Demon King she feared and detested. It was great, Sora-kun was still Sora-kun, even after becoming the Demon King, he hadn't changed…

"Oh, by the way, my Demon King, I wonder if you still remember the promise you made with Ena back then?"

Having almost reached the door with Yuri, Miss Kaoru suddenly stopped and turned back, asking Sora abruptly.

"Cough… I keep my word, if Ena herself is truly willing."

Slightly startled, not knowing what Miss Kaoru meant by this, Sora, after recovering, shrugged and replied honestly.

"Hehehe… I'll remember your words!"

A mysterious arc formed at the corner of her mouth, and at the same time, she glanced at Erica, who was standing silently beside Sora. Miss Kaoru no longer hesitated and pulled open the door with Mariya Yuri, leaving the Kusanagi house…