►Outing◄

The next day, Ike had planned on showing Shoto the vicinity. Ike told Vox about their plans and that he should stay in bed for a little longer, but Vox refused saying, 'I'm not weak, Ike. Besides, we are just walking around. My body can handle that without problem even with some petty bruises.' He left out the part about him being kind of attracted to his new friend and wanting to get to know him more. Knowing how stubborn Vox could be, Ike just gave up and told him that they would be waiting for him in front of the castle entrance.

As Ike walked out of Vox's bedroom, the demon made his way to the bathroom to freshen up.

He then went to his wardrobe to get some Denim Trousers, black sneakers, and a black hoodie. He only wore his white suit on formal occasions or business trips. But even if he wanted to wear it now, he couldn't. Since it was pretty worn down after what happened the day before. Damn those bastards. They just had to welcome me back from my business trip. Well, at least they had the decency to not pester my people. He thought in disgust. Then his lips formed into a smirk. Maybe I should be thankful to have met Shoto through this incident though. He seems very likable. With a smile still on his face he went to the bathroom once again to get a hair tie which he held with his pressed lips, so that he could hold his hair up and tie it to a ponytail. Satisfied with his casual look he went to meet Ike and Shoto.

The two waited for about ten minutes when they heard the castle door creek open. Shoto's jaw dropped when he laid eyes on the demon. When he met Vox for the first time he was covered in dirt and blood. So, it wasn't exactly obvious. But damn. What a fine man. The purplette thought.

He quickly came back to reality when he realized the demon's eyes on him, and he saw an amused smirk on his face. 'Did something pique your interest, boy?' The demon asked still smirking. Shoto's face flushed a bright red. 'I-I was just surprised to see you in casual wear. I expected you to be wearing a suit like yesterday.' Vox responded, 'Well, that was because I came back from a business trip when 'they' had to ruin my day. And I believe this attire should be perfect for our little outing. Maybe I should wear it more often, considering your reaction.' His eyes were still focused on the purplette which was visibly flustered.

'If I might add. You do seem more approachable in your casual attire, and you seem more relaxed than usual, my friend.' Ike mentioned. He was completely oblivious to what just happened between the two men beside him as he didn't see Shoto blushing beside him. But it helped Shoto calm down as he chuckled in approval. 'Ike is right. You look more like a friend than a boss.' He then mumbled, 'A very handsome one' while looking to the side to avoid eye contact. Regretting his words, the moment they came out of his mouth, his eyes darted towards the demon in hopes he didn't hear him. But judging by the smirk he was greeted with; he did hear every word.

'Anyways,' Ike started 'let's not waste any more time in standing here. We got places to see.' Thankful for Ike's seriousness, Shoto followed Ike who was slowly walking towards their first destination. Vox just chuckled and tagged along.

Throughout their walk, Shoto saw a few residents that seemed to be settling in and many buildings that were empty. Ike told him that it hasn't been long since they settled in this castle. So, they were still in the middle of construction. Hence all the run-down buildings and castle walls.

Every citizen they came across greeted them with respect. They were very thankful towards Vox and Ike since they managed this castle. Ike explained that those people were forced to leave their homes because of natural disasters or attacks from bandits and the likes. Vox welcomed them with open arms, but also asked them to help in rebuilding this castle so that he could insure everyone's bright future. Obviously, they were happy to oblige and felt like their new leader was a warmhearted and competent person. Also taking into account that Ike was a great support for his friend and his people.

The castle bailey was very spacious. (Explanation: In fortifications, a bailey or ward refers to a courtyard enclosed by a curtain wall. In particular, an early type of European castle was known as a Motte-and-bailey. Castles can have more than one ward.) If you were to estimate its size, it would be around a few hundred hectares. A few remnants of castle walls indicated that this big bailey was once made of multiple smaller baileys to divide the different districts. One could just speculate of what went down here. But the state of the castle overall was not that bad. Some restoration should put it into its former glory.

After about ten minutes of walking around, they stopped in front of a huge building that seemed to have been the great hall of this castle. There was a sign hanging on the wall, next to the entrance that was only supported by one hinge and seemed to fall off any minute now. The writing on it has faded so you couldn't read it anymore. The windows were surprisingly in good shape. Only the door was nowhere to be found and the walls needed a little patching.

'Come on in' Ike motioned them to follow him inside the building.