Hilaire and Constans sat in the black dragon’s claw, flying several circles in the sky before coming down. Constans seemed quite happy, walking back and forth along the edge of the barrier, even proactively striking up a conversation with Bazel.

Although they were semi-colleagues, Constans was usually taciturn, often sitting silently in a corner, knitting. Most of the time, he only responded when other demons asked him questions directly.

“You’re asking what style of clothes I like?” Bazel sized up the skeleton before him, thinking back to how he had just taken this guy for a flight. So, was this meant as repayment?

He could understand, though. He was a great dragon; being carried through the sky by a dragon was indeed something to be proud of.

Besides, this guy didn’t even have wings, just a skeleton frame. Through the gaps in his ribs, one could even see the cub pressed against the barrier again, peering inside.

It was normal for wingless demons to envy winged ones, just like Nick. As a Shadow Demon, pitch black all over, he had once even tried unconventional remedies to turn himself white, though it was completely useless.

Thinking this, Bazel magnanimously accepted the other’s repayment. “I like magnificent clothes, the more dazzling and eye-catching, the better. If some gems or gold accessories could be added, that would be even better. But I won’t take them for free; I’ll occasionally take you for a few spins in the sky in the future.”

Bazel’s thick skin was performing as reliably as ever. He had only taken the other for a few flights, yet he wanted clothes adorned with gems and gold accessories. But the honest Constans showed no dissatisfaction, merely nodding seriously.

Hilaire had no idea an unequal exchange was happening behind him. Back on the ground, he continued pressing against the barrier, waiting for his Papa.

When Demon King Eris and the other demons emerged from the barrier, they were met head-on by a chubby little demon launching himself at them.

“Papa!” The little demon stretched out both hands, wanting to be held.

Eris picked up the little demon, who wrapped his arms around his neck, nuzzling him hard. “Papa, I missed you so much!”

This adorable display of affection made the other demons burn with envy, but they were father and son; jealousy was useless.

Although Baobao had indeed been closest to them right after hatching, Eris had later devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cub. Whenever he had free time, he personally looked after him.

Previous Demon Kings all had their own hobbies—some liked drinking, some enjoyed disguising themselves as ordinary demons and wandering around, and others, like the one before Eris, liked searching for powerful bodies for himself.

But the current Demon King, Eris, had no hobbies whatsoever. Apart from daily official duties, he spent all his time raising his cub.

Baph even said that during the thousand years before the little demon hatched, Eris spent most of his time alone in the forbidden area of the Demon King’s Palace, keeping the demon egg company.

However, the demons took this well. After all, even a Demon King like the previous one could sit firmly on the throne; Eris, apart from being a bit of a homebody, could be called a perfect Demon King.

After being affectionate with his Papa for a while, the little demon looked towards Lance and the others. Having used the healing potion provided by the angels, the external injuries on the demons were already healed; they showed no signs of having been hurt.

“Is everyone okay?”

Lance smiled. “Of course! See, the wound on my face is gone.”

Nick: “I don’t hurt anywhere anymore.”

Baph bowed towards the cub. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am also fine.”

Bode had recovered long ago; this time, he had specifically cooperated with the other demons to get healing potions from the angels, and he had indeed performed exceptionally well, putting on a very convincing act. “I have no problems, but Harun hasn’t woken up yet.”

Harun still lay on a stretcher. After using the healing potion, his burns had indeed healed, but he remained unconscious. They were preparing to take him back for Gorgon to examine again.

Returning to the Demon King’s Palace, Gorgon was indeed curious to see the recovered demons. It was his first time seeing the angel race’s healing potions, and he hadn’t expected the effect to be so good. He even wanted to keep a few demons behind for research.

In the end, they hastily shoved Harun at him – after all, Harun had also used the healing potion. They certainly didn’t want to be grabbed by Gorgon for research; that would leave lasting trauma.

With Harun’s external injuries healed, Gorgon could proceed with his research without worrying about him suddenly dying midway.

Unexpectedly, this research uncovered something incredible.

Gorgon summoned the Demon King and the other Greater Demons, showing them what he had removed from Harun’s body.

“Eww~ What is this thing? It looks disgusting,” Bazel frowned, looking thoroughly repulsed.

“Feels like… a piece of meat?” Bode stood on a stool, stretching his body to look at the thing on the plate.

Nick: “But why is this piece of meat still moving?”

On the plate lay a dark red object. Its texture and consistency indeed resembled flesh, but this piece of meat pulsed rhythmically, like a heart, strange and sickening.

Lance thought about Harun’s abnormality before falling unconscious, and this thing removed from his body, suddenly feeling a sense of familiarity. “Why do I feel like… this thing is related to the previous Demon King?”

At his words, the other demons frowned in unison, then looked towards Eris. After all, he was the one who sealed the previous Demon King.

Eris only glanced at the object on the plate before averting his gaze. As everyone looked at him, he explained indifferently, “It’s impossible for him to get out. What’s seeping from the seal in the Desolate Lands is indeed his magic, but whether he has other abilities, I do not know.”

The previous Demon King’s racial abilities were unique; even within their race, only he possessed such power. Other Evil Spirit Race demons remained weak.

Now that he was sealed, Eris couldn’t be certain if the other had left behind contingencies. After all, for such a selfish and crazed demon, leaving a backup plan out of fear of death was indeed possible.

“I definitely think it’s related to him! After all, life is so peaceful now; who would want to target the cub? And using methods inaccessible to ordinary demons.”

Bode felt certain. The potion capable of dissolving seals, and this attack—both were specifically aimed at Baobao.

Baobao hadn’t made enemies with other demons; it must be because of Eris. And the one who hated Eris the most was definitely the previous Demon King.

Baph looked at everyone, pondering deeply, and suddenly said, “This piece of flesh parasitized Harun, controlling his actions. Isn’t this very similar to the possession ability of the Evil Spirit Race?”

That was exactly why it felt tricky. After the previous Demon King was sealed, Eris had specifically purged the Evil Spirit Race.

Their numbers in the Demon Realm were now extremely scarce. Those remaining were not only weak but also had to hide like street-crossing rats, as other demons disliked them too.

To achieve this level of control, it could only be related to the previous Demon King.

Nick scratched his head. “Why does this feel increasingly complicated? So, the Evil Spirit Race did it? For revenge on behalf of the previous Demon King?”

“Anyway, regardless, what needs to be done now is to follow the clue related to Harun. We couldn’t trace the source of the potion last time. This time, I refuse to believe he appeared out of thin air. There must be some trace left behind,” Lance snorted coldly.

Whatever the case, wanting to harm Baobao had definitely crossed their bottom line.

After the parasitic flesh was removed, Harun quickly regained consciousness. Upon waking, he was indeed back to normal and had no memory of what he had done. However, when asked where he went and what he did before losing his memory, Harun remembered clearly, providing times and locations one by one.

Afterward, the demons began investigating based on this clue.

Hilaire only knew Harun had woken up, unaware of the details surrounding him. Seeing the other was acting normally towards him again, and no longer sensing that malice, the little demon happily greeted him and chatted with him.

After learning these events were related to the previous Demon King, Eris finally made up his mind: Hilaire must temporarily leave the Demon Realm. It was too dangerous here. He had to admit he couldn’t protect him properly. The demon egg was lost before hatching, and later, Hilaire was put in danger again.

Therefore, he had to send Hilaire to a safe place—the Celestial Realm, where the angels resided. Even if the previous Demon King or his kin had numerous tricks, they couldn’t enter there. Light Magic strongly countered demons, but it was ineffective against him and Hilaire; they could even absorb Light Magic elements.

The angels didn’t want war, so they would have to treat Hilaire well. After all, the current Demon Realm was different from before.

Over a thousand years ago, demons didn’t recognize the previous Demon King, mostly ignored his orders, and even slacked off on the battlefield. The battles where angels perished were all ones the previous Demon King personally participated in.

But now it was different. The Demon King’s army was completely loyal to him, and demons would obey his commands, plus there were the Greater Demons.

If war broke out with the angel race, the latter would definitely suffer heavy losses. Therefore, they had to protect Hilaire well to avoid such an outcome.

And he needed to use the time Hilaire was away to purge the Demon Realm again, finding the mastermind hidden behind the scenes.

Inside the Demon King’s bedchamber, only father and son were present. The little demon once again clung to his Papa. Eris looked at the little sticky bun attached to him and asked, “Does Hilaire want to go play with the angels?”

“Want to go!” Eris hadn’t taken him, and the little demon had been thinking about it ever since. He also wanted to see what angels looked like, if they were as beautiful as Baph described.

“Then, how about Hilaire stays with the angels for a while?” Eris asked tentatively.

The little demon thought seriously for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”

But before Eris could continue, he slumped over in his Papa’s arms. “Papa, come with me.”

Eris held him, speaking softly, “Papa can’t go with you. Papa has very important things to do. Hilaire has to go by himself. But I will have those Greater Demons accompany you.”

The little demon froze, then climbed out of Eris’s arms and sat on the bed, looking at him. “I’m not going then. I’ll stay with Papa.”

Seeing the little demon already pouting unhappily, Eris sighed. “No, what Papa has to do is very dangerous; I can’t take you along. Besides, staying here might put you in danger again.”

Hilaire was a very well-behaved little demon, but even well-behaved cubs throw tantrums when unhappy. He was only three years old; many things were beyond his understanding. He just didn’t want to be separated from his Papa.

Plop!

He lay down flat on the bed, and the little demon started crying.

“Hilaire, listen…”

“Wuwuwuwu~”

“It’s very safe with the angels, and they wouldn’t dare do anything to you.”

“Waaah waah waah~”

The more he spoke, the louder the little demon cried, as if trying to drown out his voice and stop him from continuing. Eris recalled Bode using the same tactic against the Archangel not long ago and couldn’t help but feel exasperated amusement; he definitely learned this from them.

He picked up the little demon crying on the bed. The little fellow arched backward, twisting and turning in his arms, flapping his wings hard to resist being held. Finally, he crawled onto a pile of folded small quilts and lay on his stomach on them, sobbing pitifully.

Eris felt somewhat helpless; he didn’t know how to persuade Hilaire. Although it was for his own good, the cub didn’t understand yet. So, he could only harden his heart. After staying there for a while and getting used to it, he wouldn’t be sad anymore.

The little demon sobbed, secretly turning his head. He saw Papa sitting there motionless, head bowed in thought, showing no intention of comforting him. He instantly felt even more wronged and cried loud enough to shake the heavens.

The Demon King could only pick the little one up again and comfort him. This time, the little demon didn’t try to escape but clung tightly to his Papa’s neck, crying.

He could only pat Hilaire’s back gently while slowly explaining the reasoning, telling him why this had to be done. Since he didn’t understand, he would just explain it slowly.

While Demon King Eris was explaining things to his son, the Archangel once again received a letter delivered by the Demon King.

Staring at the envelope still sealed with wax, the Archangel had absolutely no desire to open it and see the contents. The previous few times, it was either blaming them for something they didn’t do or suddenly announcing a visit only to take away a large quantity of healing potions.

This time surely wouldn’t be anything good either.

Placing the letter on the table, the Archangel picked up his cup and slowly sipped his tea, planning to read it after finishing.

However, in the end, he couldn’t resist. After just a few sips, he tore open the envelope and read the contents.

The Archangel held the letter in both hands, frozen like a statue. The little white bird beside him flew over curiously, saw the Archangel’s unfocused eyes and stiff expression, and immediately started chirping frantically in alarm.

The little white bird’s chirping brought the Archangel back to his senses. He read the letter again, confirming the contents weren’t just his imagination.

Demon King Eris stated in the letter that his son, Hilaire, had suffered severe physical and mental damage due to that Light Magic scroll and needed to recuperate in the Celestial Realm.

The Archangel read it several times, completely baffled by the letter’s meaning.

That Demon King’s son was injured by Light Magic, and they had already made compensation by providing a batch of healing potions. Those potions were enough for a severely injured demon to fully recover.

So, if he was already healed, why did he still need to come here?

Besides, Light Magic countered demons; could he really recuperate here?

If that Prince Hilaire possessed the same abilities as his father, making Light Magic ineffective against him, then he couldn’t possibly have been injured by it in the first place! So, if he wasn’t injured, why did they still have to take responsibility?

This letter was completely illogical, seemingly written by the Demon King just to fool them, merely informing him that his son was coming to stay here for a while.

Heh, this wasn’t an inn; he couldn’t just come whenever he pleased!

The Archangel felt angry. The Demon King’s attitude towards angels was far too disrespectful! He would absolutely not allow the Demon King’s son to come here for recuperation!

Just as he made this decision, a slip of paper fell out of the opened envelope. It stated that if they agreed, he would consent to sign a peace treaty. During his own reign and that of the next Demon King, Hilaire, war would not break out between the two realms.

The Archangel hesitated.

He had only met Demon King Eris once before. At that time, he proposed signing a peace treaty between the realms, but the other completely ignored him. Coupled with constantly hearing about the Demon King’s son’s evil deeds over the past few years, he was genuinely worried the demons would wage war against the Celestial Realm.

Eris and his son would reign for at least several thousand years. With the Demon King’s guarantee, there would be no war for at least that long. The peace treaty possessed powerful contractual force; there was no need to worry about the other party tearing it up.

Moreover, wasn’t the Demon King’s son attending classes before the attack? It seemed quite effective; his temperament had calmed considerably.

If, during his recuperation in the Celestial Realm, he could accept the angels’ educational philosophy, perhaps his personality would become even more peaceful. This would be a good thing for them and for the demons as well.

The scales in the Archangel’s heart had already tipped. Although his authority was considerable, this matter was extremely important; he needed to seek the consent of the other angels, too.

Thus, the angels of the City of Light were summoned together by the Archangel, who informed them about the Demon King’s son coming to the Celestial Realm for recuperation.

“Light Magic counters demons. Are you certain he is coming here to recuperate?”

And not to be sent to his death?

The Archangel listened to one angel’s question, his face expressionless, because he had finally figured something out.

Previously, when the Demon King wandered around the City of Light, commenting that their place was nice, he wasn’t referring to the environment or construction, but rather observing if it was suitable for his son to live there at that time!

What a cunning demon!

To think he had felt a hint of pride from the other’s praise—how naive he had been!

“We shouldn’t worry about that. Demon King Eris has already made preparations beforehand. Light Magic likely does not affect that Demon King’s son either.”

“If the Archangel sees no problem, then we have no objections either. It’s just… what kind of demon is that Prince? We need to understand him to prepare accordingly.”

The Archangel thought about the news (rumors) concerning the Demon King’s son over the years. To avoid panic, only he knew these details.

Now that the Prince was coming to the Celestial Realm, possibly living among many angels for a period, it was indeed time to let them know about his appearance and disposition.

“That Demon King’s son is tall and sturdy, and extremely imposing and terrifying.”

Everyone found this quite normal. After all, he was a demon; many demons indeed looked very sturdy and fierce.

The Archangel paused, then continued, “However, his personality isn’t very good. I heard he is cruel by nature, stops at no evil, and once killed several hundred of his own kind. He also has four Greater Demon servants, all of whom were once renowned Greater Demons, even subordinates of the previous Demon King.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the previously quiet angels burst into discussion. Many expressed shock and resistance; their peaceful nature made it impossible for them to get along with such a cruel demon.

The Archangel had anticipated this reaction. He quieted everyone down, then told the angels about the peace treaty proposed by the Demon King.

Although reluctant to live with such a cruel and terrifying demon, the angels understood priorities. Enduring for a short time in exchange for thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of years of peace was indeed a worthwhile trade.

In the end, the consensus was reached: everyone agreed.

The angels adopted expressions of facing death with equanimity. “Please rest assured, Archangel! We will definitely endure! We absolutely will not clash with the Demon King’s son, nor give him any opportunity to find fault with us!”

“Yes, this concerns the future of the Celestial Realm! We will also do our best to accommodate him!”

“If the other party deliberately provokes, we will simply stay away from him! We absolutely will not resort to violence!”

The Archangel looked at the angels’ resolute expressions, deeply moved. “However, everyone need not endure excessively. After all, we are not weak and easily bullied. If the other party acts too outrageously and becomes unbearable, we can forgo signing this peace treaty. We desire peace, but peace cannot be obtained through unilateral endurance and submission.”

To prepare for the arrival of the cruel Demon King’s son, the entire City of Light began to mobilize.

His residence couldn’t be too close to the bustling streets, lest he suddenly go mad and destroy streets or harm innocent angels; nor could it be too remote, lest he feel slighted.

The Demon King’s son was tall, but they didn’t know exactly how tall. After all, the tallest demons they knew were over ten meters high.

But Demon King Eris’s height was relatively normal; his son, even if tall, couldn’t possibly be over ten meters, right? So, the final dimension decided upon was five meters.

His residence was a newly built, standalone two-story house. The neighbors nearby were all powerful angels, and the surrounding scenery was pleasant. Such a place should be faultless.

Although it was called “recuperation,” the Archangel believed the other wasn’t injured at all. Therefore, he couldn’t be allowed to stay cooped up in his room all day; he needed something to do.

They tailored courses specifically for him: self-cultivation, tea ceremony, tree planting, and flower arrangement—things that could cultivate character and pacify the mind. And also, practical combat courses, which he would probably enjoy greatly.

As everyone knew, demons were full of energy. If not allowed to vent, it would slowly accumulate until a final explosion.

Rather than letting armed conflict occur, it was better to expend his stamina in combat lessons, simultaneously letting him know how strong the angels’ combat capabilities were. After all, only strength could earn the other’s respect.

Also, they couldn’t let him feel isolated. So, the Archangel specially selected an angel to become friends with the Demon King’s son.

The chosen silver-haired angel smiled gently and refused the Archangel’s request.

Finally, after the Archangel had practically talked himself hoarse, this angel reluctantly agreed. “However, if he goes too far, then I can’t guarantee his safety, okay?”

While the angels prepared for the arrival of the Demon King’s son, the little demon in the Demon King’s Palace finally relented.

Eris broke the matter down and explained it to him sentence by sentence: there was a bad guy in the Demon Realm targeting him, who might even capture him to threaten Papa; this bad guy was very strong and cunning, almost succeeding in capturing him twice.

Therefore, he needed to go to the Celestial Realm for a while. Once Papa caught the bad guy, he could come home.

The little demon agreed, wiping his tears.

And so, the entire Demon King’s Palace also began preparing for the departure of the Demon King’s son.

Toys, snacks—pack them all!

Everyday clothes, pajamas, formal wear—pack them too!

What if there are no angels to play with the cub there? Bring the three Hellhounds! They happen to be resistant to Light Magic anyway.

What if angels bully him? Bring the Greater Demons! Although they couldn’t enter the inner City of Light, they could stay at the very edge, outside the magic array’s range, where Light elements were scarce and had little effect on Greater Demons.

Bring the honor guard too! Can’t let them look down on the Demon King’s son!

Nick looked at the bundle Constans was carrying on his back. The bundle was much taller than the skeleton, looking at least over two meters high, almost crushing the skeleton. Upon asking, it turned out to be entirely clothes he had made for His Highness. Nick then packed this huge bundle into his shadow.

Baph packed over a dozen boxes of His Highness’s toys, everyday furniture like tables, chairs, and benches, tableware, quilts, etc. Nick silently packed these boxes into his shadow again.

Then Lance, Bode, and Bazel all prepared various things for Baobao. Even Gorgon brought a box of potions for the cub, containing poisons, antidotes, and medicines for common injuries.

All these items were packed into Nick’s shadow. It was fortunate his shadow storage space was large; any other Shadow Demon couldn’t possibly fit everything.

“Seriously, what’s wrong with you guys? It’s not like Baobao is moving there forever! He’s just staying for a while and then coming back! You’re packing way too much!” Nick was speechless. It looked like they were moving house.

Lance looked grave. “I heard angels are very hypocritical, saying one thing to your face and another behind your back. Our Baobao is so small; they’ll definitely think he’s easy to bully, won’t feed him, won’t clothe him! So we must prepare these things in advance!”

Nick: “…Where did you hear all this? Are angels really like that?”

Bode: “Where we heard it isn’t important! Baobao is too small right now; he really doesn’t have the Demon King’s kind of imposing manner. So we can only rely on external things to create an aura!”

Baph seemed to think so, too. He prepared a black robe embroidered with gold thread for Baobao. Black conveyed majesty, gold conveyed presence.

However, anything the little demon wore just made him look rounder; it could only be said he looked even cuter.

At the same time, Hilaire had to wear a small crown on his head. Made of pure gold and inlaid with red gemstones, it indeed looked quite regal.

The two little bumps on the little demon’s head had finally sprouted tiny nub horns these past two days, so the crown sat perfectly outside the two horns, preventing it from easily slipping down.

The only drawback was that it was too heavy. When the little demon sat up straight, his head started tilting forwards, backwards, left, and right. But he only had to wear it for one day, so the little demon could endure it.

On the agreed-upon date, the angels had made foolproof preparations, awaiting the arrival of the Demon King’s son.

And the Demon King’s son was also ready for departure.

t/n: Honestly, this is how I imagined what Hilaire looked like: (the male version tho)