Lessons End, Demon King Awakens
"And with that, I believe we've covered all the basics of history and common knowledge. Thank you all for attending my humble lessons up to now."
As Princess Daimia bowed her head slightly, the four boys and girls sitting on the grass clapped with smiles. Fortunately, applause carried the same meaning in their previous world as it did here.
Unlike their ongoing individual training, which would continue until they fully matured as Heroes, Daimia's lessons wrapped up after about a month. After all, these kids weren't planning to live out their lives in this world until death—they didn't need deep dives into history or trivia. It was more like a liberal arts elective.
But over that month, separate from the lessons, Daimia and the Hero candidates had built real closeness. The boys and girls called her by affectionate nicknames without hesitation, and she treated them with warm kindness.
Ares stood first, bowing on behalf of the group.
"We're the ones who should be grateful, Princess Demi. You've worked so hard for us."
Sera chimed in. "It's over already? I was hoping for more... Right, Luna?"
"...Yeah."
Luna quietly agreed to Sera's words. Even Mari, who usually teased Sera relentlessly, just nodded along—clearly sharing the sentiment.
Daimia smiled benevolently, soothing them. "As thanks for sticking with my lessons to the end, let me treat you all to some tea. The classes may be over, but I'll speak to Father and make sure you can all keep gathering here in the garden during this time to relax."
"Kyaa! Thank you, Princess Demi!"
Sera practically jumped for joy at Daimia's words. Of course, they all felt the same. Training daily to become full-fledged Heroes was grueling, so these sessions with the princess had become precious downtime for body and mind. And gathering together like this? Even better.
The promise of more such times ahead left the kids beaming, unable to hide their delight.
Daimia led the four to a round table, personally pouring tea she'd brewed. Even picky Mari gave a thumbs-up to the flavor.
"It feels like we just got here, but a whole month has passed already... Hard to believe," Sera said, and everyone nodded.
On the first day, they'd been too intimidated by Daimia's refined aura to speak properly. Now? They chatted casually like old friends. Heroes from another world meant social status was no issue anyway.
After pouring for everyone, Daimia glanced at Luna as if struck by a sudden thought. "Oh, right—they've made contact with the one who's supposed to be your master, Luna. You'll meet soon."
"Whoa, really? That's great, Luna!"
"Yeah..."
"Why are you more excited about Luna's thing than she is, Sera sis?"
"What's wrong with that? Good news is good news... Right, Ares?"
"Yeah. Now Luna can get proper training too."
"Well, Luna sis is already super strong on her own—does she even need a master? Unlike some people..."
"Hey...! Why are you looking at me while you say that?"
Ares and Daimia gave wry smiles at Sera and Mari's usual bickering. Then Luna raised a hand slightly.
"Who's this master... gonna be?"
Daimia set down her teacup. "I've never met her myself, but her name's Aisha. She's a beastkin, as you know. A hero who fought the Demon King alongside the previous generation's Hero."
Sera's eyes widened at "previous generation." "That's... like, almost a hundred years ago, right? Oh, beastkin live twice as long as humans, yeah?"
"Yes. And they don't age much visually. She's over a hundred, but she'll look like she's in her twenties."
"Whoa... jealous!"
Mari nodded too. Staying young for a century? Enviable for any human—especially women.
Daimia chuckled at their childlike awe. "You're all still so young yourselves. No need to worry about that yet."
"C'mon, you're super young and beautiful too, Princess. I thought you were an angel when I first saw you. Right, Ares?"
"Yeah. The princess really is stunning."
"Even you, Ares... Stop, it's embarrassing..."
As they lavished praise on each other, a voice interrupted.
"Princess."
"Hm? What is it?"
Mid-cheerful chatter, one of Daimia's direct guards approached and whispered so only she could hear. Her expression hardened as she listened.
"Is that... true?"
"..."
"Understood."
The guard nodded silently and withdrew. Daimia quietly lifted her teacup, sipping with elegant grace—like a sacred rite.
"Is something... wrong?"
Sera asked cautiously, sensing the shift.
"Yes."
Her next words froze their faces.
"The Demon King... has been revived."
...
At Selton Viscount's mansion, Minwoo knocked on the door of the room where Aisha was staying.
"Aisha?"
'Fnyaa!?'
"?"
He'd just called out once, but her startled yelp echoed loudly from beyond the door.
Lately, Minwoo had focused solely on the viscount and Line, so he had no clue what Aisha had been up to. Thinking back, she hadn't shown her face since he'd brought Line here. Given her affection toward him, she'd normally cling annoyingly—but she hadn't.
'Well, well...'
Was there a problem with her brainwashing? Aisha's case was just boosted affection via scent—no direct hypnosis. If something broke it, that wouldn't be weird.
Bracing himself, Minwoo knocked again. "Aisha? Mind if I come in?"
'N-No! Absolutely not!'
"...Hmm?"
Her panicked tone fueled his suspicions. Had something happened without his knowledge?
He tried the handle—unlocked. No lock at all, really. Bursting in with the glow stick would fix most issues quick. But he wanted one last check.
"Sorry, Aisha. I've been clueless. Really sorry for bothering you... I'll head out now."
His tone was so apologetic it'd make the listener feel bad. Then, instead of leaving, he stood by the door, waiting.
If the suggestion was intact, her reaction would play out as he expected.
'W-Wait...! Don't go, Minwoo!'
Sure enough, her desperate voice followed. No broken hypnosis—good.
As he waited silently, footsteps approached from inside, and the door opened.
"Just a sec, Minwoo... Kyaa!?"
"Whoa..!?"
Minwoo, lurking right at the threshold to startle her, collided with Aisha's vigorous exit and tumbled. But her quick reflexes swapped their positions mid-fall—she ended up pinned beneath him, sparing him injury.
"Y-You okay?"
"Nngh..."
Opening his eyes to her worried voice, Minwoo took in the sight of Aisha under him.
Not her usual look.
"Aisha... why's your face so red?"
"Nnh..? Oh, it's nothing..!"
"No way. Fever like last time?"
"No, it's... well, not that..!"
Flustered by his genuine concern, Aisha waved her hands wildly. That's when Minwoo pieced it together.
'Suspected it, but... bingo.'
Not broken brainwashing—only one option left.
Her real heat cycle.
He'd forced one before via suggestion. This? Pure, natural estrus.
Wistful expression, ragged breaths, flushed skin. All screaming, I'm in heat.
Minwoo smirked inwardly. Perfect timing to test his incubus stamina with her again—and she goes into heat right on cue. Such an obedient girl was rare.
He could take her now, no issue. But to savor her reactions, he played dumb.
"Let's get you back to bed first. Rest up if you've got a fever."
"N-No... I mean... Hyaah..!?"
Boldly, he scooped her into a princess carry. His demon transformation boosted his base strength—he lifted her effortlessly now.
Shocked, Aisha didn't resist. Unconsciously, her arms wrapped around his neck.
Laying her down, his sharp eyes scanned the bed. Sure enough—a round wet spot in the center. Her estrus fluids. She'd probably been writhing here, soothing her burning body before he arrived.
Fully convinced, Minwoo tossed bait with a sly smile. "Aisha... ever heard of a massage?"