Chapter 573 - 573
Chapter 573 - 573
"If Brother Eiji were truly a bad person, he wouldn't have clashed with the Demon Duke, right? When Father and the others fell unconscious, not only did he not take advantage of their misfortune, but he even protected them instead!"Iris, however, was smiling brightly.
"The fact that Brother Eiji did this proves he's definitely not a bad person! My judgment wasn't wrong—I didn't blindly fall for Brother Eiji without reason!"
I told you before—I have complete confidence in my judgment.
Her face was filled with such pride.
"I have a feeling you'll become someone truly great in the future!"
Eiji praised her sincerely.
Iris might be naive, but she wasn't foolish. On the contrary, she was quite sharp-minded, capable of rational thought, and able to see through the essence of matters by setting aside her emotions of hatred.
If this child were a boy, she would undoubtedly outshine even the prince.
"By the way, Brother Eiji, why did you become the Demon King?"
The moment the topic shifted to the Demon King, Iris instantly transformed into an inquisitive child, bombarding him with questions.
"What's the Demon King's Castle like? I heard it has incredibly powerful barriers and many high-ranking officers stationed there?"
"There's always got to be a Lich King!"
"?"
"I mean—it's for the greater good of humanity!"
Eiji declared righteously, his tone full of fervor.
In truth, it was because he could do whatever he wanted.
Though he did have some noble intentions for humanity, after realizing the conflict between the two sides wasn't as intense as he thought, Eiji became much more relaxed about it.
Especially after discovering that the demon realm had many beautiful women with great figures—he became even more unwilling to give up his position as the Demon King.
"The Demon King's Castle is huge—at least three or four times the size of the royal palace. There are only a few officers stationed there permanently, and two of them resigned not long ago..."
The two chatted happily, thoroughly satisfying Iris's curiosity about the Demon King's Castle as time slipped by unnoticed.
"It's almost noon already—time really flew by!"
Eiji only realized how late it was after glancing at the clock.
Conversing with the little princess was truly enjoyable. She was the perfect audience—knowing exactly when to express admiration without ever asking awkward questions.
"I should take my leave for today."
Calculating that it was almost time for the princess's lunch, Eiji prepared to stand and bid farewell.
"Um, Brother Eiji, wait just a moment!"
Iris suddenly called out to stop him.
"This! I want to give this to you as a gift!"
She removed the silver ring from her left hand and handed it to Eiji with great determination.
For some reason, her cheeks had turned bright red, as if she were extremely embarrassed. The moment their eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, not daring to look at him directly.
"Huh? Sure!"
Eiji accepted the ring without giving it much thought.
"Princess Iris, it's almost time for lunch... Eeeeeek?!"
As if perfectly timed, Rein entered the room.
The moment she saw Eiji accepting the ring, she let out a shriek like a slaughtered pig.
"What's with the screaming?"
Eiji rubbed his ear, glaring at her in annoyance.
"P-P-P-P-Princess Iris! You actually gave that ring to Mr. Nangou?!"
Rein's face was a mix of horror and panic, as though some great calamity were about to befall them.
"If His Majesty the King and His Highness the Prince find out about this, I'll be in deep trouble! Waaah!"
"It's just a ring. Why are you panicking so much?"
Eiji looked genuinely puzzled.
"You don't understand anything!"
Fearing for her life, Rein even forgot proper decorum and shouted at Eiji.
"By tradition, the ring a royal carries from childhood can only be given to their future lover! And Lady Iris is destined to marry the hero who defeats the Demon King!"
What nonsense was this?
Eiji's face twisted in disbelief, the ring suddenly feeling scorching in his hand.
He was aware of the royal family's tradition of marrying heroes. Once a hero defeated the Demon King, the royal family would arrange a marriage—offering a princess if the hero was male, or the prince would wed her if the hero was female.
This ensured the royal family's strength, which was why Iris had become humanity's strongest at such a young age.
According to Rein, this ring Iris had carried since childhood was a token of betrothal.
By giving it to Eiji, Iris was expressing romantic interest, signaling her desire for a relationship.
If the King found out, Rein would undoubtedly be the first to face consequences.
Given the King's notorious doting on his daughter, he might strip her family of their noble status and reduce them to commoners!
"Besides, Brother Eiji already defeated the old Demon King..."
Iris muttered under her breath, her expression indifferent.
"What?"
Rein glanced over, not catching the soft whisper.
"Nothing! I just meant Brother Eiji has already repelled a Demon Duke, so defeating the Demon King is only a matter of time!"
Iris quickly corrected herself, speaking earnestly.
"That may be true..."
But Rein still looked troubled.
"Iris, honestly, I've always seen you as a little sister!"
Eiji cut in, adopting a solemn tone. "So please take the ring back. I can't accept such a precious gift!"
"But I really do love Brother Eiji!"
Iris's eyes drooped, her face brimming with visible disappointment.
She had said this many times before.
But Eiji had always assumed she meant it in a sibling way—not romantically!
"Is it really impossible?"
Iris looked up nervously.
Her clear eyes held a mix of hope and fear, appearing pitifully vulnerable, as if burdened with unease that made it hard to refuse her.
"Here's the thing, Iris."
Eiji took a deep breath and spoke gravely.
"To be blunt, my type is well-endowed older women—preferably with big breasts, a slim waist, and long legs. Most importantly, the chest must be ample! Frankly, if a woman lacks in that department, I don't even consider her a woman..."
Rein's expression cycled through shock, disdain, fear, and awe in mere seconds.
How could someone say something so shameless with such a straight face? She had to give him credit for that.
But this was clearly a desperate attempt to reject Lady Iris by ruining his own reputation. She never expected him to go this far!
Rein was deeply impressed. She could never bring herself to do something like this.
"I know I'm still young and definitely don't meet Brother Eiji's standards yet, but I'll work hard!"
Iris's face flushed bright red. Being told right to her face about things like her chest or legs was just too embarrassing.
But she glanced down at her own chest—already showing promising growth, even a size bigger than Chris's.
Poor, poor Goddess of Fortune.
"I'll do my best to make them grow bigger!"
With a determined expression, she made her declaration loudly.
Such positive motivation really shouldn't be used for this kind of thing, Rein couldn't help but think.
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