The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Luo Yan: "I don't feel ashamed to bring this up, but... it truly caught me by surprise."

"I understand," Terrell nodded, "and I have to be honest, there's some selfishness involved on my part. From the standpoint of the Gray Wind Tribe's leader, having a Demon King's consort or concubine would strengthen our bonds and reassure our people. And from a father's perspective, I've personally confirmed you as someone worthy of trust."

Luo Yan took a deep breath, steadying himself from the initial shock, then replied calmly.

"...Your proposal exceeds the expectations of my visit, so I cannot provide you with a response at this time."

Strengthening ties with the Gray Wind Tribe certainly presented numerous benefits for his rule.

Even though Terrell himself was only a Gold Level expert, the collective strength of the Dark Night Elf Tribe was formidable.

Not to mention the fearsome entity behind them, one that couldn't be measured by traditional power rankings.

But agreeing outright would be tantamount to accepting a political marriage.

Luo Yan asked himself honestly. Though he didn't consider himself conservative in matters of love, nor had he cultivated an image of being deeply romantic, marriage was an entirely different matter.

He couldn't envision forming a family with someone devoid of emotional connection.

Moreover, in a way, he himself was also a victim of a political marriage...

"Please pardon my forwardness; I did not mean to urge you for an immediate decision. This proposal comes purely from my position as both a subordinate and a father..."

Seeing the Demon King remain silent without nodding, Terrell quickly inclined his head in apology, pausing briefly before continuing.

"Besides, my proposal remains open indefinitely. If you change your mind, you may let me know at any time."

"I will," Luo Yan nodded, preserving his subordinate's dignity without outright rejecting him.

The Dark Night Elf leader was perceptive enough.

When he sensed Luo Yan did not wish to continue discussing the topic, Terrell adeptly switched subjects with high emotional intelligence.

The awkward atmosphere quickly dissipated, and the two in the council hall were soon conversing and laughing, restoring a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

However, as the saying goes, "the speaker has no intent, but the listener takes meaning." Though the two set the matter aside, someone accidentally overhearing the conversation froze in place.

Outside the treehouse council hall, a graceful figure wrapped in a green robe halted just a few steps away from the door.

Her face flushed red like clouds lit by fire as she stared at the green branches hanging at the entrance.

She swore she hadn't intended to eavesdrop—she simply had some reports to deliver but had unfortunately arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Her heart raced wildly, pounding in her chest as though it would burst. Her legs felt as if they were weighed down with lead, leaving her completely immobile until she instinctively reached out to brace herself against the tree trunk nearby, finally regaining her balance.

Replaying the conversation in her mind over and over, Helen's thoughts were as tangled as the branches of a thicket.

What on earth was her father saying?

What did he mean by choosing between her and Sherry…?! Wouldn't this be far too soon for Sherry?!

No—

That wasn't the point.

Helen forced herself to calm her frenzied heart as she tried to cool down her overheated mind.

She admitted that there might have been a few instances where she had indeed been impressed by his presence on the battlefield and his profound knowledge. But as her father said, those feelings stemmed more from respect than from romantic attraction.

Still, she hadn't expected his evaluation of her to be surprisingly positive?

At least from her perspective, being considered reliable was already exceptionally high praise. The thought filled her with chaotic musings while sparking a trace of unintentional pride.

But just as her thoughts twisted and turned endlessly, the green branches covering the council hall's doorway suddenly lifted as two figures emerged from the room within.

"Helen?"

Her father's expression was startled to see his daughter standing outside the door, and he immediately spoke.

"I was just looking for you—how are things going in the kitchen? How much longer until the banquet begins?"

Startled by the sudden appearance of the two men at the door, Helen nearly felt her heart stop, and after stammering nervously for a long moment, finally managed to say.

"Ev...everything is ready!"

Her stiff response sounded like the voice of a spring-driven puppet animated by Mechanical Magic.

Terrell frowned slightly, his gaze filled with concern as he looked at her.

"Are you alright? Perhaps you should rest for a while?"

Realizing her misstep, Helen's face grew hotter, as though she were turning into a blazing furnace, and she felt like steam might start escaping from her ears.

"I—I—I'm fine! The water! Right, the water needs to boil! I'll go check the warfare treehouse!"

Blurting out those panicked words, she hurriedly fled the scene, nearly tripping herself in her haste.

In her dizzy state, one might worry whether it was the water or her head that was boiling.

Watching her figure disappear around the corner, Luo Yan turned his gaze toward Terrell with a faintly curious expression.

"If I recall correctly, the warfare treehouse is your equipment vault? Are you sure it's suitable for preparing meals there?"

That previously composed and charming face finally showed a trace of awkwardness.

"No… that's a misunderstanding. We have a separate kitchen—there's absolutely no way dinner would be prepared in the warfare treehouse."

Terrell seemed to be processing what had just transpired.

His daughter had likely been standing by the entrance for some time and had overheard their earlier conversation.

Recognizing the discomfort in Terrell's expression, Luo Yan tactfully pretended not to notice, displaying his own emotional intelligence.

Having a conversation overheard was never ideal, even if the listener hadn't done so intentionally.

"I wouldn't mind—it might add a unique charm." Luo Yan commented without apparent concern.

Seeing that the Demon King didn't pursue the matter, Terrell discreetly let out a breath of relief and returned to his cheerful demeanor.

"You can rest assured. Whether dinner is prepared in the warfare treehouse or elsewhere, I guarantee our chef will deliver dishes with distinctive charm that won't disappoint!"

It was well-known that elves were not only connoisseurs of art but also had a sophisticated palate for cuisine.

In this regard, the Dark Night Elves upheld the same tradition.

Seeing Terrell's confident assurance, Luo Yan couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation and smiled as he replied.

"It seems I have something to look forward to."