Aisha looked directly at Prince Haruto.
The surroundings were silent. The vast library, once warm and peaceful, now felt heavy with unspoken tension. Even the faint rustle of pages seemed distant.
She drew in a quiet breath.
"Your Highness… I know what I am about to say may sound unbelievable."
Her voice did not tremble.
"But if we form an alliance with the Demon Army… if we seek their help… they may be able to change your fate."
For a second
There was absolute silence.
Haruto's expression froze.
Then his eyes sharpened.
"What are you saying?" he asked, his voice no longer calm.
"Ask for help from demons?"
He rose slightly from his chair, disbelief clear on his face.
"They are demons, Aisha."
The word itself carried history—war, bloodshed, centuries of hatred.
"They could betray us at any moment."
His gaze hardened.
"And even if they did not betray us… why would they help?"
He stepped closer to the table, both hands resting firmly against its surface.
