By the time Asmodeus returned to the palace, carrying Erika in his arms like a spoiled bride rescued from battle, the golden dawn had already spilt across the blackstone towers.
Erika's cheek rested against his shoulder, her blonde hair messy beneath his cloak, one arm looped lazily around his neck.
"Don't look so smug," she muttered.
"Me, when did I ever do that?"
"Hmph... just because I lost this time, don't think..."
"Yeah~ Yeah~ I'll just make you squeal like crazy again until you admit it."
The palace smelled of polished cedar, incense, and rain-damp stone. Servants rushed around carrying reports about the current issues caused by the awakening of Leviathan, the deep-sea abyss monsters.
When meeting Asmodeus, they lowered their gazes and rushed past with a hurried greeting.
Though he was the Emperor, he wouldn't punish them for this.
It was obvious he was enjoying some time with his wife, and they were being polite.
