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At the blunt question, Vladforen’s gaze sharpened for an instant.
But he immediately curled his lips into a grin.

“Our relationship? It would seem—it is something similar to yours.”

Both their gazes shifted sideways at the same time and fell upon Ekaterina.
Still clinging to Aleksei like a koala, Ekaterina blinked her violet-tinged blue eyes in confusion.
Seeing that, Vladforen laughed, and Mikhail sighed once more.

…Excuse me, what is this supposed to mean?

You two over there—aren’t you understanding each other a little too well? This is your first meeting, isn’t it?
What does it mean that his relationship with me is similar to the prince’s?
I don’t even know what you’re talking about, so why do you look like you do, Prince?! Honestly, that irritates me!

Since she was the one who did not understand, this was simple misplaced anger.

“Thank you for answering. I understand well enough.”

When Mikhail said that, Vladforen gave a faint smile.

“You are rather interesting. Long ago, I met the Emperor of the Astra Empire—a corpulent, arrogant man carried in a palanquin borne by slaves. You appear quite different.”

Wait, you met the Emperor of the Astra Empire?
Which one? The what-numbered emperor?
Ah, no. My inner history buff is flaring up.

Even so, the prince isn’t intimidated by the Demon Dragon King… His speech is polite, yet equal.
Even in human form, it is obvious he is no ordinary being. Sixteen years old and already like this—truly worthy of an heir to the throne.

“Ekaterina.”
“Yes!”

Unexpectedly addressed by Vladforen, Ekaterina responded briskly without thinking.

“Are you happy, being with your brother?”

At the question, she blinked.
But she nodded at once.

“Yes, I am very happy.”

Being with my Onii-sama, I truly am happy.

He loves me absolutely and unconditionally, and when I return that love with all my strength, he receives it and is glad.
Because I remember a previous life in which I worked myself to death and was never rewarded for it, I understand her current happiness all the more clearly. In that corporate-slave life, my utmost effort had been treated as though it had no value at all. When I think of that, this life feels overwhelmingly blessed.

And I have dear friends who would rush to my side even if danger loomed. Mina and Yvan are there to protect me.

There are doom flags and even the possible fall of the Empire, certainly.
And though I am the daughter of a duke despite having been a commoner in my previous life, which still makes me shrink inward whenever I think about it—
Even so, the more I give it a thought, the more I feel how I happy I am.

“I see.”

Vladforen smiled.

“Then remain so, for the time being. A woman is most beautiful when she is happy.”

Ugh…
That—hit me right in the chest!
The smile of a peerless beauty is dangerous. That’s right, this person is hazardous material.
But my Onii-sama is here, so I’m safe.

So Ekaterina thought.

Still smiling, Vladforen narrowed his eyes slightly and whispered,

“But do not think I shall leave things as they are forever.”

Eeeeeek.
She stiffened, tightening her grip around her brother’s arm.
That voice— that whisper—
Danger! I don’t know why, but danger!

Embracing his sister, Aleksei glared at Vladforen with his neon-blue eyes.

“I told you I would not permit you to frighten my sister.”
“You siblings may not resemble one another in appearance, but you share similarities within.”

At the calm remark, Aleksei looked puzzled.

It was true that both siblings were notably oblivious regarding romance.

“To not fear me is foolhardiness. But if you are to guard Ekaterina, such foolhardiness is preferable.”

Declaring this arrogantly, Vladforen stepped back and stood by the window.

“I apologize for the disturbance. I shall take my leave.”
“W-wait!”

It was Flora who raised her voice.

“I did not realize you were an acquaintance of Lady Ekaterina… I behaved rudely. Please forgive me.”

She bowed deeply.
For the first time, Vladforen looked slightly at a loss.

“It has been customary for Holy Maidens and I to stand opposed. To have one bow her head to me feels nothing short of odd. …It was I who visited in a manner contrary to human custom. There is no need for you to trouble yourself.”

Then he surveyed those gathered in the room once more—Ekaterina and Aleksei, Flora, Mikhail, and also Mina, Yvan, and Luka.

“‘Twas more enjoyable a night than I expected.”

Leaving those words behind, Vladforen transformed into a black bird of prey and flew out the window.

.

At the window where the raptor vanished, the night sky stretched wide. Moonlight shone through a break in the clouds.
That moonlight—disappeared.

There were no clouds obscuring it. Only darkness filled the sky.
No— not darkness. It was a shadow.

Feeling the surge of magic pressing down from above, all those who possessed magic rushed to the window.

Even looking up through the large window, they could not at first comprehend it. It was too vast. Slowly, that shadow crossed the heavens.
The Demon Dragon King Vladforen had revealed his true form and was soaring, enormous black wings spread wide.

Outlined only by moonlight, that immense size and overwhelming power left Aleksei, Mikhail, and Flora speechless. Even Ekaterina, seeing him now against the scale of a city where people lived, felt anew the sheer magnificence of his presence.
And she also found herself thinking, once again, that the dragon version’s coolness was outrageous.

Mikhail tightened his grip on the window frame.

“…Aleksei. The day we arrived in Jurnova, you said you had something to report to Father regarding Ekaterina’s journey.”

Oh no.
Internally, Ekaterina nearly reeled backward.
Mikhail must’ve realized that she encountered the Demon Dragon King during that journey. Truly, he is frighteningly sharp.

“Knowing you, even if I asked you to tell me its contents, you would refuse. —When you report to Father, I will attend as well.”
“If His Majesty grants permission.”

Aleksei’s reply was calm.

“He will.”
“As you wish.”

Aleksei answered shortly.
Then Mina moved quietly and draped shawls over Ekaterina’s and Flora’s shoulders. They had been dropped and forgotten when Ekaterina rushed to Aleksei.

Only then did it seem to register that the girls were dressed solely in thin summer nightclothes with wide necklines. Mikhail abruptly turned bright red and averted his eyes.
At that moment—

“My lady!”

A familiar voice rang out, and an elderly man, panting heavily, appeared at the open doorway.

“This old soldier has arrived in haste. Are you unharmed?”

It was the master of this manor, the minor lord. He carried an old sword and shield that looked heavy on him.
He was said to suffer from neuralgia. Though he must have sensed Flora’s magic and sprung from bed, it had likely taken him time to climb the stairs.

“Dear, please be careful…”

Behind him, his elderly wife, though frightened, held up a lantern from the doorway to illuminate her husband’s footing.
At last, or perhaps belatedly, the sound of knights rushing in could be heard. Their delay was likely due to some interference by Vladforen to keep the guards at bay.

“…”

In silence, Aleksei and Mikhail exchanged glances.
Then they both stepped forward, positioning themselves subtly to block others’ view of the girls.

“You have my gratitude for rushing to my sister’s aid.”
“We have just confirmed that nothing untoward occurred.”

With flawless coordination, they concocted a mild explanation: that Flora had noticed a magical bird appearing outside Ekaterina’s room and driven it off with holy magic; that it seemed merely to have strayed and posed no serious harm.
Thus, without staining Ekaterina’s or Flora’s reputations, and without making the loyal minor lord’s vigilance a matter of fault, they settled the matter on the spot.