The younger brother radiated smug satisfaction.
“Obviously.”
Nina pointed at him. “Do not make this weird.”
“It became weird the second you adopted Hell wildlife.”
Meanwhile farther across the city:
Eva’s district assignment had become equally disastrous for the council’s original expectations. By sunset, the lower markets weren't afraid of her anymore. They'd adopted her.
Demons crowded around market stalls laughing while Eva sat beside several elderly vendors arguing passionately about recipes while children followed her through the streets carrying glowing flowers and little paper lanterns.
One older merchant shook his head in disbelief. “The prince chose a terrifyingly kind woman.”
Above the district balconies, hidden council members watched the scene quietly.
“She remembers names,” one ruler muttered softly.
Another watched Eva help a frightened child fix a broken lantern with careful hands before quietly adding:
“…The people stopped fearing royal guards while she was here.”
And standing silently beside them the demon watched Eva laugh with the market citizens beneath the glowing silver lights.
The expression on his face changed afterward. Not pride exactly. Worse. Devotion. Complete and irreversible.
One older council member finally smiled seeing her. Then sighed softly into the evening air.
“Oh he’s never recovering from this.”
By the time both assignments ended, the palace halls had already filled with rumors again.Not scandal this time. Something softer. Stories. The humans who walked through Hell like people mattered.
The humans who spoke to citizens directly. Who protected strangers. Who made ancient demons laugh. Who treated monsters gently.
By the time Nina and Eva finally returned to the palace that evening, the atmosphere had completely changed. Servants bowed differently now. Not fearful but warm .
And waiting near the enormous palace entrance stood nearly the entire council. Nina stopped walking. “…That many old people together cannot mean anything good.”
One ruler actually smiled slightly. Honestly, it was a terrifying experience. The younger brother stepped beside Nina casually while the demon moved automatically toward Eva the second she approached the palace stairs.
His hand found hers naturally like he’d been waiting all day to touch her again.
The central ruler studied both women quietly for a long moment before finally speaking.
“The kingdom expected weakness.”
Silence spread through the palace entrance. Then the ruler continued calmly:
“Instead, the humans reminded Hell what strength was supposed to protect.”
The words settled heavily into the silence afterward. Not dramatic. But real.
One older council woman stepped towards Eva before gently taking the glowing silver flower still tucked near her sleeve from the market district.
“The lower city has already started calling you their princess.”
She blinked once. “Absolutely not.”
