Chapter 227: Unlikely Promises to be Fulfilled
“Uncle Leon, did you just say Liliana Crimson!?”
Stella’s expression stiffened as she looked at Liliana, who greeted her with a faint, knowing smile.
The name “Liliana Crimson” was sacred and majestic among the Demon race, as it belonged to their revered Demon Emperor!
Even though Stella had spent two years in solitude after being abandoned by her parents, she was far from naive or uninformed.
So, after hearing the name, how could she not be utterly stunned?
Noticing Stella’s adorable, surprised expression, Leon chuckled softly, glancing at Liliana and then back at Stella.
“I can see you’re surprised,” Leon said with a subtle, knowing smile. “But yes, my wife’s name is indeed Liliana Crimson, and she is, as you’ve guessed, the Demon Emperor.”
As his words and smile dispelled her doubts, Stella’s small body trembled with surprise as she looked up at Liliana.
“Your Majesty, Demon Emperor Liliana Crimson, please forgive my rudeness! I hope you’re not upset with me!” Stella bowed her head nervously, adopting a respectful posture that was endearingly innocent.
As a young girl with no experience in formal manners, she was completely unsure of how to properly show respect, especially to Liliana, the number one most respected Demon!
Liliana’s smile widened at Stella’s endearing behavior, and she couldn’t help but gently stroke the girl’s head.
“There’s no need to be so formal with me, Stella. Leon has shared your story with me, and I have a deep sense of sympathy for your situation,” Liliana said softly. She then added with a small sigh, “Additionally, I owe you an apology. The hardships you’ve endured are a consequence of my failure to fulfill my duty to bring prosperity to my people.”
Stella was taken aback by Liliana’s unexpected words, and the depth of her feelings moved her to the brink of tears.
Initially, Stella felt insecure and feared that Liliana might despise her, just as other Demons did because of her unusual eyes.
However, she never expected that Liliana would not only refrain from hating her but also offer an apology, making the moment feel surreal.
After all, the disparity in status between them seemed as vast as the distance between the sky and the ground.
Hence, discovering Liliana’s kindness and lack of animosity left Stella feeling even more relieved and at ease.
Quickly shaking off her reverie, Stella looked up at Liliana with a sweet smile and said, “Your Majesty Demon Emperor Liliana Crimson, there’s no need for you to apologize. It wouldn’t be appropriate. What happened to me isn’t entirely your fault; it’s simply the fate that was set for me, and I must accept it.”
Upon hearing her words, Liliana was momentarily stunned before a look of astonishment spread across her face as she gazed into Stella’s resolute eyes.
‘What a remarkably wise little girl,’ Liliana thought to herself.
Before meeting Stella directly, Liliana had been somewhat skeptical and curious, wondering if Leon was overestimating the little girl.
But now, witnessing Stella’s extraordinary wisdom at such a young age, Liliana felt a deep admiration. The firmness in Stella’s eyes, in particular, reminded her of herself in the past.
With a smile still on her lips, Liliana gently brushed Stella’s slightly dry black hair and said, “Even though you insist it’s not my fault, I still want to make amends. I’ll find a way to compensate you later.”
Despite her instinct to refuse, Stella recognized Liliana’s sincerity and quickly accepted.
“Thank you, Your Majesty Demon Emperor Liliana Crimson!” Stella replied gratefully.
“You’re welcome,” Liliana said gently, giving a slight nod. “By the way, since you’ll be staying with us, there’s no need to be so formal. Just call me Aunt.”
Stella’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she was about to refuse, but Liliana quickly cut her off.
“I don’t want to hear any objections, Stella. You call Leon ‘Uncle,’ so you should call me ‘Aunt,'” Liliana said firmly, causing Stella to quickly reconsider her protest.
“Alright, Your Majesty, Demon Emperor Liliana Crimson—no, I mean, Aunt Liliana,” Stella replied, her face turning as red as a tomato as she said the word ‘Aunt.’
Liliana couldn’t help but smile at Stella’s reaction and gently stroke her head once more.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, Iris, and Fiona, who had been observing the interaction, exchanged delighted glances. Charlotte and Iris, in particular, looked visibly relieved.
They had both been worried that their mother might dislike Stella, given the misunderstanding caused by Fiona earlier.
Fortunately, their fears proved unfounded, bringing them immense relief.
After all, they both liked Stella a lot, as she was their first friend, despite their brief acquaintance.
Standing beside Liliana, Leon chuckled softly and nodded slightly as he watched the interaction.
Although Liliana had shown no anger over his unilateral decision to bring Stella, Leon still felt guilty and worried that she might be feigning her true feelings.
Fortunately, his concerns proved unfounded, which eased his tension.
“By the way, Daddy, where are we going next?” Fiona turned to Leon and asked with curiosity in her voice.
Upon hearing Fiona’s question, Charlotte and Iris, sitting nearby, couldn’t hide their surprise and exchanged glances brimming with the joy they had been trying to conceal.
Despite the various events that had unfolded, they hadn’t lost sight of their goal—to explore and enjoy the sights of the capital together!
Leon thought for a moment before turning to them with a playful smile.
“Originally, I planned for us to visit a clothing store after lunch and select an outfit for Stella. How does that sound? Do you both agree?” Leon suggested gently, with his arms folded across his chest.
Having promised to take care of Stella, Leon felt it was only natural to follow through immediately, beginning with buying her a new outfit.
Upon hearing Leon’s suggestion, Charlotte, Iris, and Fiona eagerly nodded in agreement, their faces lighting up with innocent smiles.
“Okay, Daddy!” The three of them responded in unison, their faces bright with innocent smiles.
They didn’t mind the destination at all; all that mattered to them was spending time together.
Satisfied with their responses, Leon nodded and then turned his gaze towards Liliana, holding her hand tightly.
“Are you okay with my decision?” Leon asked.
Liliana shook her head slightly, smiling faintly as she stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear, “I’m perfectly fine with it, Leon. As long as I’m with you, everything is alright.”
Then, with a playful move, Liliana gently nipped at Leon’s earlobe, causing his face to stiffen and his heart to race.
After a moment of stunned silence, Leon quickly recovered and shot Liliana an annoyed glare.
“What are you doing in front of the children, Liliana?” Leon protested while tickling her hand, causing her to burst into laughter.
“Pfft! I’m sorry, but I just can’t resist teasing you when you’re around,” Liliana giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
Leon rolled his eyes and chuckled, bemused by how bold Liliana was to tease him in such a public place.
With a playful shake of his head, Leon smiled and leaned in to whisper softly in her ear, “Since you’ve dared to tease me, I’ll make sure to get my revenge tonight.”
Catching Leon’s meaning, Liliana’s laughter abruptly stopped, replaced by a seductive blush spreading across her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Charlotte and Iris, who witnessed the scene, could only shake their heads and look away with sullen and envious expressions.
“Humph! Mommy is really so susceptible to Daddy’s teasing,” they muttered.
After settling the bill for their meal, Leon and the others left the tavern, quickly drawing the attention of many nearby demons.
“Wow! Look at that couple and their daughters! What a picture-perfect family!”
“I know! I’m so envious. I wish I had a partner as beautiful as that woman and daughters as lovely as theirs.”
“Yeah, me too! This life isn’t fair! Damn it!”
As they walked by, many demons couldn’t hide their whispers of jealousy and admiration.
After all, Leon’s striking handsomeness combined with Liliana’s extraordinary beauty—enhanced by illusion magic to hide her true appearance—embodied the perfect couple many had always dreamed of.
Leon and Liliana were well aware of the stares but chose to ignore them, instead savoring their time together.
***
“Sister Stella, look at that! Wow, it’s amazing!”
“Yeah, it’s incredible, Fiona!”
“Sister Stella, look over there! There are so many toys!”
“You’re right, Iris! They’re so numerous and varied!”
Charlotte, Iris, Fiona, and Stella walked side by side, their faces lit up with excitement as they took in the marvels around them.
Behind them, Leon and Liliana walked together, observing their delightful reactions and sharing amused glances.
“I didn’t expect that a simple walk like this would be so much fun,” Liliana said with a faint smile.
Given her responsibilities as Demon Emperor, she rarely had the chance to enjoy such moments, which left her feeling a bit wistful and regretful at times.
Leon chuckled softly at her words, then wrapped his arm around Liliana’s sexy waist, pulling her close.
“Don’t worry, Liliana. I promise we’ll have many more moments like this in the future,” Leon said, gently rubbing his cheek against her silky, fragrant hair.
Liliana smiled and nodded, resting her head against his side as she replied, “I’m looking forward to it.”
However, what Liliana could never have anticipated was that Leon’s promise might never be fulfilled, as an immensely terrifying enemy awaited them in the future.
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