Chapter 3

3 months later...

Rumors had taken root and spread like wildfire throughout the underworld — whispers that Prince Zeldris had taken a liking to an incubus. Such news, naturally, didn't sit well with everyone. Among the most displeased was Cusack, the ever-loyal servant of Zeldris, who viewed the situation as an intrusion on his master's future.

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Flashback

The grand library near Zeldris's quarters was a peaceful refuge. Each royal prince had a personal library: Meliodas, Zeldris, and, of course, the Demon King himself, though the latter's collection was off-limits, even to his sons.

Hikaru found himself amidst countless ancient tomes, split between spellcasting texts and physical combat manuals. Unsurprisingly, he avoided the combat manuals — brawling wasn't his style. He preferred the elegance of spells, especially those with tactical potential.

He frowned while flipping through a spellbook. "No good... too situational," he muttered before his eyes landed on a promising spell.

"Distortion."

The spell warped the environment, bending reality to the caster's will. A smirk crept onto his face. This... this is useful. He reached out, and with a snap of his fingers, the book flew off the shelf, floating beside him.

But then, a chill crawled up his spine.

He felt it — a wave of intense killing intent heading straight for him. It was dense, suffocating, and far too familiar. Hikaru's lips curled into a smile, but his heart braced itself. So, he's finally coming.

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With calm, deliberate steps, he walked toward the main area of the library. Each step echoed softly, and his gaze never left the grand double doors ahead. He leaned against the top of the staircase, his gaze locked on the entrance.

He didn't need to guess who was coming. It could only be Cusack.

Multiple scenarios raced through Hikaru's mind. He knew how Cusack operated — aggressive, quick to judge, and unwavering in his loyalty to Zeldris. If he played his cards wrong, this could turn into an actual fight. So, he prepared a strategy, one that would shift the narrative in his favor.

Moments later, the grand doors opened with a deep, echoing groan. Stepping inside was Cusack, his piercing gaze sharp as ever. Hikaru didn't flinch.

"Cusack, what do I owe the pleasure?" Hikaru's voice was smooth, calm, and laced with a tinge of amusement.

Cusack's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in displeasure. His glare alone was enough to make lesser demons tremble.

"So that was your motive all along — using my master for status?!" Cusack's voice was harsh, his tone accusatory. The air grew heavy with his killing intent.

Hikaru's smile faded. He didn't appreciate the accusation, and for the first time in a while, his irritation was visible.

"Of course not!" he replied sharply, his voice firm, unwavering.

"Liar!" Cusack snarled.

Hikaru's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the air grew colder. His calm composure never cracked, but something darker brewed beneath the surface. His voice, usually playful, gained an edge.

"So what you're saying is... Zeldris isn't worthy of having someone fall for him?" Hikaru's words were calculated, each syllable precise.

The weight of that statement hit Cusack hard. He hesitated, his mouth opened slightly as if to retort, but nothing came out. He was cornered. To deny it would imply that Zeldris was unworthy of love. To accept it would mean acknowledging Hikaru's feelings as genuine.

It was a trap, and he walked right into it.

"I'll be honest, Cusack, if I only wanted status, I wouldn't have bothered chasing after him. With my strength, I could claim a high status on my own." Hikaru's words were delivered with unshakable confidence. Cusack knew he wasn't wrong. An incubus with this much power wouldn't need anyone else to climb the ranks.

"You're wondering why I'm with him, aren't you? I'll enlighten you."

Hikaru leaned back slightly, his gaze growing distant, as though lost in thought. His pupils, usually sharp slits, softened into heart-shaped irises. His breathing grew deeper, slower, and the atmosphere around him shifted into something far more… intimate.

"Who wouldn't want to be claimed as Zeldris's own?" His voice was honeyed, his tone laced with a dreamlike passion. "I love that man wholeheartedly. I don't care if I have to stand quietly by his side for eternity. As long as he needs me… as long as he wants me, I'll stay."

Hikaru's dazed expression gradually faded as he regained his composure, his gaze once again clear and sharp. The shift in tone was so smooth it was almost unsettling.

"Now, have I answered your question, Cusack?"

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3rd POV

Cusack sat in silence, stunned. He hadn't expected such raw honesty — not from an incubus. Passion was something he understood well, but Hikaru's passion wasn't laced with greed or lust. It was something deeper.

Had he misjudged him?

Cusack glanced at Hikaru, analyzing him with new eyes. Perhaps he had been too rash. His earlier intentions of eliminating the incubus seemed less justified now.

Their silent standoff was broken by a shift in the air. Both of them sensed it — Zeldris was approaching.

"It seems your beloved is back," Hikaru said, his gaze briefly flickering in Zeldris's direction.

Cusack noticed it too, but unlike before, he felt no hostility. Instead, his eyes softened with understanding, and a silent agreement passed between them. For now, we coexist.

Both demons descended the staircase, with Hikaru leading. They moved to a lounge area near the front, where Cusack calmly poured tea for them both. It was a simple act, but one that held weight.

"Tea?" Cusack asked.

"Don't mind if I do," Hikaru replied, taking the cup with grace.

They sipped in silence, the tension finally easing.

"I do wonder," Hikaru said, swirling his cup gently, eyes half-lidded. "Who will take the Demon King's throne in the end?"

Cusack raised a brow at the question. It was unexpected, especially coming from someone so closely attached to Zeldris.

"Is that doubt I hear in your voice?" Cusack asked, his voice sharp but without hostility.

Hikaru smirked, his gaze drifting toward the distant figure of Zeldris slowly approaching. "Not doubt, Cusack… curiosity."