n his complete loyalty, he could certainly help me restore the nation....This is not correct.This clearly belongs to a kind and lawful human boy, and he has nothing to do with his own kind.As expected...Chapter 5: Taliya was hungry all day.

A gentle breeze under the starry sky carried the fragrance of flowers and the freshness of herbs, softly brushing past the entrance to the Border Library.

The moonlight falling on the steps softened, like the music of time, making even the occasional passerby on the street pause to listen.

Tallia sat motionless on the steps outside the library.

Until the sky darkened a little more.

As the heavy oak doors of the library creaked open, Lanchi emerged, a tome clutched in his hands.

Although Talia was facing away from Lance, at this moment, she subtly tilted her head, apparently sensing him.

"Huh"

Lanche looked at the familiar figure in surprise, and quickly walked over to her side.

"Have you been waiting for me here"

Lance was also quite relaxed, so he sat down beside her at a not-too-close, not-too-far distance.

"Having received your payment, I will naturally do what you ask."

Talia spoke without emotion.

Unintentionally, she caught sight of the Horton Kingdom Law Codex in Lanche's hand.

She had no idea that Lanchi had spent the whole day at the library, focused on reading a particular book.

Now she finally knows the answer.

This guy probably wants to be a lawyer or a judge.

He is definitely the kind of person who follows all the rules and regulations.

"You... didn't have lunch"

Ranch looked at Talia, who stood as still and elegant as a statue. He realized she had probably been fasting all day while guarding this place.

She adhered to the terms of the trade more rigidly than she had imagined, perhaps that's the pride of the Demon Lord race

"...."

Talya didn't speak, she just looked at Lance with slightly unhappy eyes.

It seems that Ranchi's words were taken as default.

"Um... I'm just about to make dinner, wanna come"

Lanche awkwardly paused, grinning sheepishly.

“No need, I’ll leave once you return to the mansion.”

Taliya stood up, as if to tell Rance with her actions: since we're going back to the mansion, let's get a move on.

She won't accept humanity's kindness without reason.

“Today was my mistake. I will definitely tell you how long I'll be here next time.”

Lanche explained sincerely, his words filled with apology.

"So as compensation, let me treat you to a meal."

However, Talia just stood there impassively, as if she hadn't heard Lance's words at all.

"We have the best chef in this town at our house,"

He is skilled at the unique flavors of local cuisine in this region bordering South Mantia, using only the finest selected ingredients to make them.

"It's something that other city-states can't taste,"

"...and the most exquisite mango cheese cake, mocha hazelnut crispy egg tarts, platinum strawberry mousse cake..."

"...."

Listening to Lance's incessant chatter.

Talya's eyes seemed to quiver slightly at the corner, but then her brow furrowed.

"No, thank you."

Tallia said coldly, turning her head away from Lance, not giving him another glance. She walked down the steps without waiting any longer.

Just now, Lance's words echoed in her ears.

Like the whispers of a demon, full of temptation.

For some reason, at that moment, she had a feeling as if she were in another world.

It feels like I have a cunning demon strategist by my side. If I could win his complete loyalty, he could certainly help me restore the nation....

This is not correct.

This clearly belongs to a kind and lawful human boy, and he has nothing to do with his own kind.

As expected. My longing for my homeland is still too strong.

Only then would such a ridiculous illusion arise.

"I'm so sorry."

Lan Chi stood up, brushed the dust off his trousers, held the thick Royal Law Code in one hand, and followed after with a smile on his face.

Although Talia was still as cold as ever, that's just her personality.

But Longhand found out something by accident.

He still remembered seeing Talia in the workplace, a person of extreme self-discipline.

She always maintained strict dietary principles and meditation practices, which included waking up early, jogging, meditating, and taking cold showers.

But.

As Talia's "real mom," Ranch clearly remembered that a detail was mentioned in a very corner of the text —

She abstained from sweets, and when she had the rare opportunity to indulge in desserts, she only allowed herself the finest.

This is a very subtle detail.

Lan Qi couldn't help but have serious doubts about this.

Could it be that Tallia is a hidden foodie, but afraid of falling prey to her appetite

The greatest weakness of demons is that they have excessively strong desires. Sometimes, they are seen through by more evil demons who tempt them, causing them to go mad.

The higher a demon ranks, the better it understands the need to control and conceal its desires.

Lanche smiled silently to himself.

So demons are really interesting.

……

The skies over the border city darkened further.

The Ranch house shone brilliantly in the night, with crystal chandeliers and lamps illuminating the courtyard.

On the second floor of a spacious and elegant manor, sat a dignified middle-aged man in his study. Although there were hints of gray at his temples, his leadership charisma remained undiminished.

He was wearing a meticulously tailored antique Western suit, every corner impeccably arranged, showcasing his rigorous demeanor.

He is Ranch's father and the master of this house—Noel.

Beside him, the butler was pouring tea for him.

...with the footsteps outside growing closer.

Moments later, the door to the study creaked open.

A black-haired boy with green eyes appeared at the door, looking somewhat confused.

He had just returned home from the library after finishing dinner. Before he could get back to his bedroom to put down the legal code in his hand, he was called upstairs to the study by the maid.

You're here.

Noah leaned back against the chair behind his desk, scrutinizing Lance.

It seems that Ranci has been waiting in the study for a long time.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what you're looking for me to do today."

Lanche responded calmly and efficiently.

Noe nodded.

He had thought that Ranch would be late coming home.

It was unexpected to see Lancy walk in with a copy of the "Laws of the Kingdom of Heston," its cover adorned with the Border Library's seal.

I thought this guy would come back drunk again, but he went to the library to read.

Even Noel couldn't understand for a while why it was the Code.

But at first glance, Lance actually resembles a dignified priest or scholar.

Subtly, there was also a hint of an official air about him, like one who held the power over life and death.

Noé immediately furrowed his brow.

It must have been my own illusion.

His own dissolute son had no affinity whatsoever for the priesthood.

To not be lured away by cults is already a blessing.

Sometimes he was actually quite worried that Lance would be swayed by those cultists.

In the worst case, they could even become fanatics and worship those godless, evil bishops who are like natural disasters.

It's alright.

Noel was sure that Lance wouldn't have the guts to mess with those creatures darker than night.

(The End)

[ ]s on candidates' mental fortitude and their ability to adapt and respond effectively to changing circumstances."The challenge you will face later will be a reconstruction of the real shadow world."Eac...