— Planet Deviluke —
"That Earthling is pretty strong, Chichi-ue"
Nana remarked, her expression one of surprise.
"Is Luca-san really an Earthling, Otou-sama?"
Momo asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Huh? Momo, why are you being so polite when you talk about him?"
Nana asked.
"Well, he seems like he could be our future brother-in-law, and Otou-sama seems to approve of him for now. Plus, he looked really cool when he stood up for Onee-sama"
Momo replied, a dreamy look in her eyes.
"When he stood up for Ane-ue…"
Nana's face turned a shade of red as she trailed off.
"What's this, Nana? Are you imagining yourself in Onee-sama's place and getting embarrassed?"
Momo teased with a sly grin.
"N-no way! Shut up, Momo!"
Nana shot back, flustered.
"He's definitely an Earthling. Zastin already confirmed that with our technology"
Gid stated, his tone thoughtful.
"But he does seem to have some unusual energy within him. Very interesting…"
"He seems like a good boy, Gid"
Sephie Michaela Deviluke, the Queen of Deviluke, said with a gentle smile.
"And Lala seems to like him very much"
"Well, I'll give him a chance"
Gid conceded. "
But he'll need to pass some tests first."
— Earth —
It was the weekend, and I was relaxing when there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
I called out as Lala and I went to check.
"Eh? Zastin?"
I exclaimed in surprise as I opened the door.
"Oh, Zastin! What brings you here?"
Lala asked, equally curious.
"Hello, Lala-sama, Luca-dono. I have a direct message from Lala-sama's father, the King of Deviluke"
Zastin said, bowing slightly.
"From Papa?"
Lala's eyes widened in surprise.
"Please listen carefully"
Zastin began, his voice taking on a formal tone.
"Luca Lionheart, I've heard the full story from Zastin, and as such, I shall approve you as one of Lala's fiancés. I've heard that Earthlings are typically quite weak, but it seems you are different from the others. You are the first one Lala has ever favored"
"I look forward to seeing what you're capable of. Remember, I will eventually decide when the 'Marriage Ceremony' will be held. Until then, do your best to protect Lala"
"The entire galaxy is now aware of your existence. Sooner or later, other fiancé candidates will appear to try and take Lala away from you!"
"If you manage to protect Lala from them and successfully complete the 'Marriage Ceremony' without any harm, then you shall become my successor"
"But if you fail—if you allow Lala to be taken away and fail to meet my expectations—then I will not hesitate to crush your life along with that small planet you call home. Remember this well"
Zastin finished delivering the message and turned to leave, but I called out to him.
"Zastin!"
"What is it, Luca-dono?"
He asked, turning back.
"Tell Lala's father that I have no interest in becoming his successor, but I will protect Lala with my life"
I don't have time to worry about being a king. I need to get stronger so I can fulfill the tasks God has for me.
"Luca…"
Lala whispered, hugging my arm tightly, her smile radiating happiness.
Zastin seemed momentarily taken aback by my words.
"As expected of Luca-dono. I will relay your message to the king"
He said, bowing slightly before taking his leave.
— Planet Deviluke —
"That's the video I recorded, Gid-sama"
Zastin said, presenting the footage to the King.
"Okay, I've seen enough"
Gid replied as the hologram flickered and disappeared.
"Ha ha ha. Very interesting"
Gid chuckled, clearly intrigued.
"It's the first time I've seen someone refuse to be your successor, Otou-sama"
Momo said with a grin.
"What if he's just lying, Chichi-ue?"
Nana asked, her brow furrowed in doubt.
"No, he's not lying"
Gid replied confidently.
"I've fought in enough wars to know when someone is being truthful."
"Such a good kid, Gid"
Sephie said with a smile.
"Well, he's the one Lala chose, after all"
Gid conceded, a thoughtful expression on his face.