The atmosphere in the duke's hall had changed drastically after the brief confrontation. Emi and Aria had retreated to separate rooms, leaving Alex in the middle of an emotional storm he didn't fully understand. Sitting in a chair across from the duke, he sighed as he toyed with a glass of water in his hands.
—"Seems like you've got more trouble with women than with demons," the duke remarked with a teasing smile, reclining in his high-backed chair.
Alex shook his head, exasperated.
—"I didn't do anything. I don't understand why Emi and Aria are acting like this. It's like… like they're competing over something."
The duke let out a deep laugh and nodded as if he understood something Alex didn't.
—"Don't you see? They're both interested in you."
Alex stopped and stared at the duke, incredulous.
—"That doesn't make sense. Emi's my companion, and Aria barely knows me."
—"Oh, young Alex, feelings don't always follow the rules of logic. Sometimes, all it takes is a single act of kindness or a word to stir something in someone's heart."
Alex remained silent, pondering the duke's words. As he did, Emi returned to the hall, her light aura now more contained, though her expression was a mixture of discomfort and determination.
—"Alex, I need to talk to you."
Before he could answer, Aria also entered, her footsteps firm and decisive.
—"Me too."
Both girls glanced sideways at each other, attempting to maintain a neutral façade. Alex let out a long sigh, knowing he couldn't avoid what was coming.
—"Alright, but one at a time."
—"I'll go first!" both said in unison, creating a tense moment that the duke clearly enjoyed from his seat.
—"How about we all talk together?" Alex suggested, trying to ease the tension.
Emi crossed her arms, staring at Aria.
—"What is there to talk about? Everything's clear. I'm his partner, and we travel together."
Aria smiled confidently.
—"That doesn't mean I can't join you. Besides, Alex is free to choose."
—"He already chose me, didn't you, Alex?" Emi snapped, turning toward him with a determined look.
Alex raised his hands in surrender.
—"Wait! No one has chosen anything. This isn't a competition, and I'm not here to—"
Before he could finish, a deafening sound broke through the conversation. It was like a roar, followed by the rumble of several distant explosions. The duke immediately stood up, his face serious.
—"What's going on?" Emi asked, rushing to the window.
Far off, at the edge of the duke's estate, a massive figure emerged from the shadows. Its body, similar to that of the cult leader they had fought before, radiated a dark aura that seemed to swallow the very light around it. All around it, several smaller creatures clawed their way out of the ground, crawling and advancing toward the estate like a tide of darkness.
—"It's a demon… and it's not alone," Alex said with a frown.
Emi clenched her fists, her golden aura beginning to glow intensely.
—"What are they doing here? I thought we were done with them."
The duke turned to them with a look of deep concern.
—"Looks like someone else is pulling the strings. We need to prepare the estate's defenses."
Despite the fear on her face, Aria lifted her chin with determination.
—"I'll fight too."
—"No, you'll stay here," Alex said firmly.
—"I can protect myself. My father told you that."
Before the argument could escalate, the demon's roar echoed again—closer this time. Alex took a deep breath and looked at Emi.
—"We don't have time to argue. Let's go."
Emi nodded, and the two headed toward the exit. As they did, Alex glanced back at Aria.
—"Stay here and protect the others."
Though Aria looked like she wanted to protest, she gave a slight nod with a sigh.
The scene faded with Alex and Emi heading toward the battlefield, while the duke watched from the window with a worried gaze.
On the horizon, the demonic creatures approached quickly, leaving the fate of the estate and its people hanging in uncertainty.