The Strongest Student of the Weakest Academy

I was guided to the high seat, just one below the Demon King himself, Lilith still at my side.

The demons parted as I walked, bowing their heads once more before returning to their seats, the air buzzing with something I hadn't expected: excitement.

"Raise your cups!"

The Demon King declared.

"TO LORD AESTREA!"

The hall shook with thunderous agreement.

Clink!

Goblets clashed together, wine sloshing over the edges as three hundred voices toasted my name.

I leaned back slightly, lifting my own cup, amused despite myself.

"Oh?"

The wine was rich, thicker than any human brew, burning pleasantly down my throat with a sweetness that lingered.

Across the table, a tall demon leaned toward me, his heavy armor clinking as he rested an elbow against the wood.

His horns curled like a ram's, his crimson eyes were sharp but not hostile.

"My lord," he began with a small smile.

"I have a son, Brakkus. Strong boy, already commanding a small legion at his age. He would be honored to fight under you one day."

I raised an eyebrow, swirling my cup lazily.

"Is that so?"

He nodded firmly.

"He idolizes strength above all else. And after tonight, he will speak of no one else but you."

Before I could answer, a woman seated two chairs down leaned forward. She was elegant, her gown shimmering with purple silk, her horns small and polished like jewels.

"Forgive my intrusion, Lord Aestrea," she purred, "but if you ever grow weary of battle, I have three daughters. All graceful, educated, and… very fond of strong men."

Her eyes lingered on me in a way that made Lilith's tail tighten around my arm like a warning coil.

"Unfortunately, I have quite a large number of women already waiting for me," I chuckled lightly, shaking my head.

The nobles laughed, though there was an undercurrent of seriousness in their tones.

One by one, others spoke, some boasting of their sons' martial prowess, others slyly offering their daughters' beauty.

"You'd find my Rella quite the conversationalist, Lord Aestrea. Sharp tongue, sharper mind."

"My boy Karn would duel any human knight blindfolded. If you would only test him—"

"My youngest daughter paints, sings, and commands fire like no other. Imagine such talents at your side."

The stream of offers was endless, but I met them all with the same mix of polite nods and faint amusement.

Demons.

To humans, they were the very picture of terror... with horns, claws, fire, and desperate for human blood.

Yet here they sat, laughing, boasting of their children like any proud parent would.

Their tones weren't dripping with malice; they were filled with something simpler.

Pride.

And as the cups clashed again, another toast rising in my name, I found myself leaning back, actually relaxing a little.

Lilith leaned closer, her voice a whisper against my ear.

"Careful, Master~. At this rate, half the noble houses will fight just for a chance to marry you in."

I laughed quietly, rolling my eyes.

She smirked at my reaction, resting her chin against her hand, though I didn't miss the faint edge in her gaze as the other nobles kept glancing my way.

Another demon across from me, scarred and broad, raised his cup again.

"You've done what none of us could, Lord Aestrea. You broke the curse we feared for generations. Tell me… what is your plan now, my lord?"

I met his eyes for a long moment before answering.

I pointed directly at the ceiling.

"Ascension... the rest, I'll figure it out after ascending."

That really was my honest reply.

He studied me, then nodded deeply, offering his arm towards me...

"Hmn?"

I didn't understand, but I also stuck out my arm, and in that instant, he pulled me, locking my arms with him before raising his cup to his mouth.

"Oh..."

I did the same.

"Gulp!"

The feast went on.

Food was shared, wine poured, laughter echoing off the vaulted ceiling.

More nobles pressed forward with questions about my battles, my thoughts on leadership, even trivial things like my favorite food or even music.

They had a pretty unusual music taste for demons... but well.

I gave them simple answers, honest where I could be, deflecting with humor where I preferred not to answer at all.

And through it all, I kept watching.

Listening.

The way their eyes glowed with pride when speaking of their children.

The way their laughter rang genuine, not laced with malice.

The way they looked at me was not with suspicion, but with respect.

Gratitude.

And it struck me then.

The demons… weren't quite the monsters humanity made them out to be.

Brutal, yes.

Dangerous, undoubtedly.

But right now, in this palace, their bows weren't lies.

They weren't schemes.

They were genuine.

At least… towards me.

And it was okay to have a personal opinion, wasn't it~?

.

.

.

.

.

.

The hall's noise still echoed in my mind by the time I returned to my chambers.

The door shut behind me, and I finally let out a long breath.

"Phew..."

Thud!

I dropped down onto the bed, the mattress soft as clouds, silk sheets cool against my skin. My eyes traced the carved ceiling above.

Tomorrow, I'd leave the Demon Kingdom.

Tonight was meant for rest.

Or so I thought.

Click!

The faint creak of a door opening.

And then....

Clink!

Magic overshadowed the room, and I felt it immediately. It was a spell meant to lock this place and to hide its presence and sound.

There could only be one person who would do this...

"Lilith?"

Slowly, I raised my head.

And just like I thought...

"My Master~"

Lilith stepped into view, the door shutting with a soft thud.

Her glowing purple eyes gleamed like twin lanterns in the dim room, her long white hair coiled into that elegant style she favored, horns glowing faintly with charm magic.

Her hips swayed with every step, her heart-shaped tail flicking behind her playfully.

My gaze couldn't help but follow the rhythm of her walk, the sway of her hips, the way her crimson-purple gown clung to her curves.

I pushed myself up, leaning on one arm.

"…What are you doing?"

She only smiled.

Fwoop!

In an instant, she was on me, pushing me flat against the bed, her thighs straddling my lap. Her weight pressed down, her perfume filling the space around us.

"Lilith—" I began, but stopped as her tongue brushed across her lips, leaving them glistening.

She bit down gently on her lower lip, her eyes blazing with hunger.

The glow in them changed, turning into glowing heart-shaped symbols.

"Ah..."

My breath caught for half a beat.

Slowly, her fingers slid across her gown, pulling at a hidden string.

Rustle~~

The fabric loosened and fell.

The upper half of her dress slid down in a whisper, revealing pale, flawless skin that seemed to glow under the faint torchlight.

Her chest rose and fell with her quickened breaths, her perfect curves now bare, unveiled, offered without shame.

Her voice was a whisper, husky and trembling with need.

"Master… tonight, you're mine."

Her thighs squeezed lightly around my hips as she leaned closer, her long hair sliding over her shoulders like silk.

The scent of her perfume filled my nose instantly, causing me to feel nauseous... it was really sweet, addictive.

Was this a perk from the succubus's race?

"Master~ ♡" she purred again, her voice almost shaking with excitement.

"I've been waiting for this… waiting for you."

Her fingers tugged the loosened gown further, the fabric slipping down and pooling at her waist.

Her bare chest pressed against me as she bent down, her soft skin brushing my shirt.

"Lilith…"

My hands had gone to her waist on instinct, feeling her warmth through the thin cloth still clinging there.

She giggled softly, biting her lip again, those glowing eyes never leaving mine. Her pupils were still in the shape of hearts, shimmering with magic and desire.

"Don't look away, Master ♡," she whispered, moving her chest closer until I could feel every curve, every little breath she took.

"I want you to see me… all of me."

Her hands slid over mine, guiding them slowly up her sides. Her skin was smooth, hot, like she was burning under my touch.

"Hagh~"

She let out a small sigh, trembling slightly.

"See? Only you can touch me like this… only you…"

Her lips lowered, brushing my jaw, soft and hot. A faint moan slipped from her throat as she pressed a kiss just under my ear, her breath tickling my skin.

My heart pounded.

I tried to steady my breathing, but she made it impossible.

Her voice came again, softer, needier.

"Master… I want you… I can't hold back anymore ♡."

She leaned back just enough to let her gown fall completely, sliding down her legs until it dropped onto the sheets.

She sat there above me, almost glowing, every part of her exposed in the dim firelight.

She looked down at me with that smile, the kind that was both teasing and desperate.

"Touch me… please… ♡"