After shaking off Elesha's pestering, Xia Lun returned to his room.
Honestly, facing such a situation, Xia Lun would rather confront a powerful demonic beast.
He had encountered overly enthusiastic fans before, and his usual response was to make a quick escape—but being cornered in a bathhouse was a first.
"Xia Lun… you took quite a while in there."
Aina lay sprawled on the bed, her feet playfully swaying behind her, tracing mischievous arcs in the air. A faint smile graced her lips. "Did something happen?"
"Yes."
Xia Lun obediently recounted the incident with Elesha.
While he was forbidden from peeking at Aina and the others during their baths… there was no rule preventing Aina from spying on him.
Given Aina’s abilities, watching Xia Lun unnoticed wasn’t impossible—and even if caught, she had nothing to lose.
Xia Lun strongly suspected Aina had already witnessed the incident. Confessing outright was undoubtedly the wisest choice.
"Oh? So that’s what happened… I’m surprised you told me voluntarily, Xia Lun. What an obedient boy you are." Aina giggled.
Then, her expression darkened.
"A mere fallen noble family dares to set their sights on you? How bold." Aina sneered, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You belong to me. For them to even think of laying a hand on you is nothing short of an insult—a direct challenge."
Xia Lun sighed softly.
Things had escalated as expected.
The Demon King’s dignity was not to be trifled with. Now that Aina had spoken, she wouldn’t let Elesha off easily.
But as the Hero, he couldn’t stand by and let it happen.
Xia Lun had his own moral compass.
The young guard Morgan and Elesha—though they’d made mistakes—still deserved mercy.
This world was never just black and white.
To act solely on judgments of right and wrong, dispensing punishment as one pleased… that was the way of a Demon King.
Xia Lun leaned in, pinning Aina’s wrists to the pillow with one hand. Her silver hair fanned out across the bed, yet she still lifted her swan-like neck, gazing at him with an amused smirk.
"Quite assertive today, my Hero."
"Are you pleading for that little girl’s sake?"
"Did her sincerity move you? Begging your wife for another woman’s sake is quite audacious… Do you know the consequences, Xia Lun?"
"But if you exhaust every means to please me, I might reconsider."
"Mmm… so forceful? I wasn’t even prepared, though… I suppose this is fine too—" Aina let out a startled gasp.
Xia Lun remained silent, deciding to revisit the matter later.
The battle began in earnest.
The Demon King’s strength was formidable. At first, she dominated with terrifying ease, as if the Hero were no match, even flipping the tables to seize control.
But as time passed, the Demon King seemed to falter under the Hero’s relentless assault. Yet the Hero’s resolve only hardened, his attacks growing fiercer.
In the end, the lofty Demon King tumbled from her throne, her arrogance shattered. Like a scripted play, the indomitable Hero emerged victorious.
"Enough… Xia Lun, stop now."
"Xia Lun… I’m talking to you, answer me—"
"I truly can’t take anymore… Please, no more… Hero, I surrender. It’s enough…"
"I’ll agree… I’ll agree to anything… Xia Lun, spare me… Ugh…" A hint of a sob crept into Aina’s voice, but her limp wrists, now firmly gripped again, left her powerless to resist.
Finally, hearing Aina’s promise, Xia Lun exhaled deeply.
The battle was over.
Victory.
A grueling fight—one that reminded him of facing that ancient dragon for the Dragonblood Blossom.
"Xia Lun… you monster… How do you possess such terrifying strength?"
Aina felt like she’d been reduced to a puddle, yet a contented smile lingered on her lips. She didn’t mind her disheveled state in the slightest.
Xia Lun knew Aina wouldn’t go back on her word.
This wasn’t their first time.
A millennium ago, the Hero had already saved countless souls this way—through their private battles.
"Xia Lun, help me up."
Xia Lun lifted Aina, settling her against his chest, her silver hair spilling over him.
They basked in each other’s warmth, savoring the quiet intimacy.
Aina reached up, pinching Xia Lun’s cheek with a girlish grin.
"Ignorance is no crime," Xia Lun finally broached the topic. "They’re not wicked, just two unfortunate souls."
"Didn’t I say it already? I’ll listen to whatever you say." Aina murmured blissfully, tracing idle circles on his chest.
"Whatever I say? Then let’s continue now?"
Xia Lun, ever the warrior, thrived on the thrill of battle.
"You’ve recovered already? Are you some kind of beast?" Panic flickered across Aina’s face.
"My apologies. I was joking."
Aina huffed and punched his shoulder.
Xia Lun closed his eyes, assessing his condition.
If Aina wasn’t willing, he’d let it go.
...
Morning.
"Morning, Mo Lini. Sleep well?" Liyana yawned, greeting her at the door.
"Like a dream! I feel completely refreshed!" Mo Lini stretched with gusto.
Yesterday’s day-long carriage ride had left her sore all over.
"Where are Xia Lun and Aina?" Mo Lini asked curiously. Back in Olifant, Xia Lun always rose early to train.
Liyana rolled her eyes. She could sense the dense magical energy from their room—a powerful isolation barrier.
Anyone with half a brain could guess what those two were up to… Mo Lini lacked even that.
Liyana sighed again. With them around, the party reeked of lovey-dovey nonsense, completely warping their adventure’s vibe. She missed the old days of dungeon crawling.
But those times were gone.
The door creaked open. Xia Lun emerged, carrying Aina on his back.
Under Liyana’s dubious stare, Xia Lun deadpanned, "Aina’s toe cramped."