The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

"Furthermore, the carriage is already waiting at the entrance. Please allow me to take my leave for now. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ring for us."

With those words, the maid gave a slight nod and exited the dressing room alongside the other attendants.

"Isn't this a bit too extravagant... I mean, for me." Watching the servants finally leave, Theresa, seated uneasily on a high stool on the other side of the room, fidgeted and said nervously.

Unlike Erin, Theresa's figure was the kind that immediately revealed she'd undergone rigorous training, with firm muscles exactly where you'd expect them to be.

Because of this, wearing this light blue evening gown felt awkward no matter how she posed.

Especially because of that corset.

She feared that if she exerted even a little force, her abdominal muscles might snap it apart.

Actually, Theresa didn't worry about embarrassing herself. Her honor resided solely in her sword, and she cared little for others' judgments.

But seeing how seriously Princess Erin valued tonight's banquet, she couldn't help but worry—worry that she might disgrace her.

Watching the embarrassed Theresa, Erin couldn't help but stifle a laugh and comfort her in a light and melodic voice.

"Not at all! It suits you perfectly."

It was the first time Erin had seen such an uneasy expression on Theresa's face. She found it refreshing and even considered recording it with the Recording Crystal.

Looking at the Princess who was trying to comfort her, Theresa gave a wry smile and said.

"Thank you... But I still much prefer looser clothing. All these extra ribbons make me feel like I've been tied up by an enemy."

"Then let's just pretend it's me who has captured you," Erin said playfully, blinking her bright eyes. "Could I trouble you to endure for just a few hours?"

"No problem... Anything at your command, I would gladly face fire and water without hesitation. Such a small matter hardly counts as anything compared to life and death on the battlefield." Placing her fist against her chest, Theresa spoke with solemnity, though the faint twitch at the corners of her lips betrayed her lack of true ease.

Erin sighed softly and, with a slight hint of apology in her voice, said.

"Theresa, I know this isn't easy, but we need to try integrating with the locals. It's the only way to earn their genuine support."

"Yes, Your Highness." Rising from the high stool, Theresa responded respectfully.

"No need to be so serious. We're going to a banquet, not to the Maze to slay the Demon King."

Watching Theresa's overly serious demeanor, Erin teased her before switching to a gentler tone and continuing.

"Besides, isn't it fun to try a different lifestyle from time to time?"

Looking at the Princess, who seemed eager to dive into the evening's events, Theresa's tense expression finally softened into a rare smile.

It wasn't for any deep reason; it was simply because she hadn't seen this side of the Princess in what felt like ages.

It was a memory from long ago.

Back then, when Erin first gripped a practice wooden sword and began learning the unfamiliar art of swordsmanship, her face also held this enthusiastic expression, her eyes brimming with curiosity about new things, pure innocence, and vibrant passion.

Theresa realized it had been far too long since she'd seen such an expression on Erin's face.

She didn't know exactly when it had begun, but this young Princess had been trying to display maturity—an expression that, she felt, didn't truly suit her.

With a smile on her face, Theresa looked at her and said.

"As long as you're happy."