★57
ASTERI'S POV
The next morning, as the sleeping beauty slowly stirred awake, she realised her head was resting on something warm and steady. A faint rise and fall lulled her senses, and for a brief, peaceful moment, she didn't question it. Her sleepy eyes drifted upward, then froze the instant they met Asteri's face.
He was awake.
Bathed in the pale glow of morning light spilling through the window, his expression was calm, almost unreal, as though nothing in the world could disturb him. The chaos of the night before left no trace on his features, only quiet watchfulness.
"Good morning, Hinata,"
I said softly, my voice low so as not to startle her.
Reality hit her all at once. Her cheeks burned crimson as she jolted upright, scrambling away in flustered confusion.
"M–m–morning! W–what are you doing here?!"
I rose to my feet without haste, adjusting my cloak as if this were the most natural situation in the world. A faint, knowing smile tugged at my lips.
"Looks like you forgot about that nightmare. That's good."
"Nightmare?"
She blinked, brow furrowing as she pressed a hand to her temple. Fragments of unease stirred deep within her, but no matter how hard she tried, the memories slipped away like mist.
"I… I can't remember."
She muttered.
"That doesn't matter."
She said quickly, as if pushing the thought aside. Then her eyes snapped back to me, wide with sudden embarrassment.
"W–what did I say last night? I hope I didn't… try anything weird."
Her face grew even redder, the tips of her ears matching the colour of her cheeks.
Before I could answer, a small voice broke the tension.
"U–um… Asteri-san… good morning."
The little kid sat up from the bed, rubbing his eyes sleepily, clearly unaware of the storm that had nearly consumed the night.
I glanced down at him, the tension easing just a little.
"Good morning, kiddo. How was your night?"
"It was... Asteri, do you believe in dragons?"
Suddenly, he asked with an enthusiastic smile.
"This is a magical world, everything exists."
"So they do exist. I hope to find one someday."
<
"You will and very soon."
"Can't wait… but wait."
He paused, imitating the deliberate pauses I make.
"What are you doing in our room so early?"
The little kid tilted his head, eyes wide with unfiltered curiosity.
"Did you sleep with Mama?"
The question landed far too loudly for such a quiet morning.
"I–Issei!"
Hinata's face flushed a vivid red as she spun toward him, completely thrown off by his bluntness.
I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me.
"Nah, nothing like that."
I said lightly.
"I just came to say good morning."
Before the moment could stretch any further, I lifted a hand in a casual wave. My body broke apart into shimmering motes of light, dispersing gently through the air until nothing remained.
Issei stared at the empty space, then broke into a wide grin as he turned back to his mother.
"Mama, Asteri is so cool, right?"
Hinata let out a slow breath, one hand pressed to her still-warm cheek.
"Y–yeah…Too cool for his own good."
She admitted softly.
Issei's eyes sparkled as he looked up at her.
"I want to be like him. Do you think that's possible?"
She smiled and gently pinched his cheeks, her earlier embarrassment melting into warmth.
"Of course, baby. You can be anything you want."
She ruffled his hair and stood.
"Now come on. Let's get you washed up and then have breakfast, okay?"
"Okay!"
Issei replied cheerfully, already hopping off the bed, the image of Asteri clearly lingering in his mind.
Meanwhile, I was standing just outside the room, letting out a quiet sigh when a familiar voice echoed behind me.
"Greetings, Young Master."
I turned slightly, a bit startled by the sudden appearance. Atlas stood there calm and sharp as ever.
<
I straightened up, regaining my composure.
"What's up, Atlas?"
"I've been thinking, this island needs more people don't you think?"
"I know... the total is currently ninty one elves, thirty two goblins, fifty five kijins, twelve humans and three Stars making one hundred and ninty three in total."
"Hmm, how rare. You seem a bit interested in more people."
"The more the better, my lord."
Shinn replied.
"I've achieved my influential part. But saving extra lives is still allowed. Shinn, get Eto and move on. I'll deliver Ban right away."
"Not that I'm complaining but Yami isn't contributing to anything. He might be rolling with the little elf but it doesn't benefit you."
"You're right, Shinn. I'll decide what I'll do."
"I'll go fetch Eto."
"Wait, I'll visit Raja later. You'll come with me."
"Understood."
"I'm feeling a bit left out, Young Master."
"Nay. We are being left out."
Elaine appeared to back up Atlas's words, clearly unhappy about it.
"I don't want to put you guys to work when we're equals. Plus,"
"At least Atlas is training the elves. What about me?"
"That isn't enough for me either."
"No matter what you guys say I don't have the right to force you to work for me even though you've chosen to do that. How about....good. We'll be sparing at least once or twice a week. How about that?"
"Training with the Young Master?"
"T..this is enough. It'll suffice."
"Yeah, besides, we'll all benefit from it. I'm feeling a bit rusty these days."
I stretch my arms.
"When do we start then?"
"Anytime you're ready. But not today. I have somewhere to attend. How about tomorrow?"
I suggested.
"Tomorrow it's perfect."
"Um."
"Hmm, get ready cause I won't be holding back."
.
.
.
A few moments later, I approached Hinata, my steps quiet, almost imperceptible.
"Hey, you busy?"
I asked, tilting my head slightly, a faint smile playing on my lips.
"No…"
She replied, her voice calm but carrying that subtle warmth that made my chest tighten.
"Will you accompany me to Raja?"
I continued, keeping my tone casual, though there was a quiet seriousness beneath it.
"N… no, no problem…"
She said, her slight hesitation revealing a touch of nervousness.
"Are you ready now?"
I asked, folding my arms as I waited.
"Yee…"
She nodded, trying to sound cheerful, though a faint blush coloured her cheeks.
I glanced around, then smirked lightly. "Where's Issei? Wait, let me guess… playing with his friends?"
She chuckled softly, the sound light and musical.
"Exactly."
She confirmed, shaking her head in mild amusement.
I offered her a small, reassuring smile, noting the way her eyes lingered on mine for just a moment before she looked away. The quiet connection between us, though unspoken, felt like its own kind of conversation.
"You know, Atlas actually proposed that we… increase the population."
Her smile froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard.
"He what?"
She blurted, her cheeks flushing as she stared at me in disbelief.
In that split second, my mind crafted a similar scenario but different replies leading to various outcomes.
She blinked, caught completely off guard.
"He what?"
I smirked a little, watching her reaction with amusement.
"Yeah. He said something about ensuring the continuity of the Star lineage or something like that."
Her face turned bright red.
"W–what does that even mean?!"
I shrugged casually.
"Ask him. He seems pretty serious about it."
She covered her face, muttering.
"That idiot…"
<
I cut off the simulation, focusing on reality.
(For your information, that's now Asteri processes information. Sometimes, he created similar scenarios and tries different routes. It's part of his growth.)
"Don't get the wrong idea. Despite achieving my Demon Lord status it's not over yet. People are out there suffering out there."
I cleared the suffocating air, allowing her to breathe.
"Indeed that's right. What do you say then?"
"We are going to Raja to get Eto and Shinn to continue their journey, and so is Ban."
"You are kind Ati chan. Perhaps too kind. Everyone you save will never forget you"
<
"Who knows. Scarlet King, Shinn, Majo."
I summoned them and they respond immediately.
"Let's go."
Without waiting fot anyone, I teleported us to the Queen's Hall
"Greetings, my Diva."
My voice low and calm echoed in her domain.
"A..Asteri san?"
She flinched, still not accustomed to my unique arrival.
"Don't be surprised."
"Ahem..."
She regained composure, restoring her queen-like attitude.
"What brings you by?"
"I came to borrow Eto."
"Hhu?"
"Don't hhu, me."
"Spike, Vasal, it's up to you to protect this kingdom."
"Noted, my mistress."
"Understood. Lord Eto already sealed off this whole kingdom; we'll be notified with each entry and exit."
"That doesn't mean you should let your guard down."
"We know. I will stay with the Queen while Spike will be moving around. We've agreed to this strategy."
The demons replied to Majo's orders, active throughout.
"Anyway, stay on high alert."
"Roger."
"I'd like Eto to resume his mission. You know, their initial mission."
"No problem. Those two will take over him as planned."
"He'll be back immediately."
"Use him as much as you want."
"Using him to protect you is one thing I love. Majo, where is Amri?"
I asked.
"She's in the Star Palace. I'll summon her right away."
"No need. You two get moving."
"Roger."
"Excuse us."
Shinn and Majo disappeared, leaving us alone.
"Ban, you can go too."
<
"So, I can't believe I haven't asked this but here I am. What are your plans with those golds?"
"The one underground? It's been there ever since, we hardly use them."
"You serious? Gold is one of the most precious items in the world. In fact, my palace is filled with them."
"Do you have any suggestions?"
I paused for a moment, lost in thought then suddenly, a sharp bolt of lightning flashed through my mind.
It felt like an electric surge striking directly into my skull. I staggered, gripping my head, but quickly forced myself to steady. The shock faded, yet an uneasy tension lingered beneath my calm expression.
(Hehe, you know what I mean.)
<
"Never mind."
I spoke dismissively, my expression completely different from the one I had worn just moments ago.
"See you later, Diva."
Without waiting for a reply, I teleported us away.
"Um…"
Towa's voice trailed off, her surprise evident.
We reappeared on the Island in silence, the air between us calm yet charged with unspoken thoughts.
To be continued...