Inside the hotel room.
Erica's cheeks were slightly flushed as she looked around the room.
"What's wrong with the room?"
"Everything is wrong with it."
Erica pointed at the pink lighting, saying with shame and anger: "My esteemed King, did you do this on purpose, choosing this... this kind of place?"
Ayato leaned back on the sofa, saying casually: "It's because of you. You said it was inconvenient to undress outside, even though there was no one on the sea."
"That's not a reason for you to choose this place."
Erica stared directly at Ayato: "There are other hotels."
"This is the peak tourist season, you know that."
Ayato said righteously: "Besides, you're already my possession. What's the problem with coming here?"
"..."
Erica's mouth twitched.
She was beginning to doubt that the majestic conqueror who had just faced two Heretic Gods and the man before her were the same person.
'Forget it. Since a decision has been made, there's no room for regret.'
Taking a deep breath, Erica came before Ayato, knelt on one knee, and said: "My esteemed King, please grant me the Reincarnation Ceremony."
Hearing this, Ayato naturally didn't hesitate. He took out the piece and said: "You may begin."
"Yes."
Though her face was flushed, Erica firmly removed her outer clothing, leaving only her white undergarments.
"Alright, lift a corner here."
Erica hesitated for a moment, then asked: "Should I do it myself?"
"If you need, I can do it for you."
"No, no need."
A hint of shyness crossed Erica's face as she began to move herself.
Although she had made up her mind...
Doing this was so embarrassing.
But this was the last of her dignity as a knight.
"Is... is this okay?"
Looking at Ayato, Erica said quietly.
Nodding, Ayato pressed the Evil Piece against her.
"What... what is this feeling?"
The moment the Evil Piece entered her body, Erica felt a wave of heat.
Hum!
A crimson magic circle appeared. Erica's breathing grew heavier, her chest shuddering a few times.
Ayato rubbed his chin, observing her seriously.
She had more there than he'd realized.
…
Time passed quickly when focused.
"Mmmhh..."
Before she knew it, Erica's body seemed to burn. Her exhaled breath carried a scent like cherry blossoms.
The next instant,
Two delicate Devil wings spread out.
A long, slender tail also slowly emerged.
"So this is a Devil's tail?"
A flash of curiosity appeared in Erica's eyes. She couldn't resist pinching it.
"Mmpphh..."
Instantly, her body shuddered, and she nearly lost her balance.
Her skin all over turned pink.
Her breathing grew heavier, and she quickly withdrew her wings and tail.
"You don't have to put them away, you know."
Erica gave Ayato a glare: "My esteemed King, I don't want to be taken advantage of."
"So soon, you've returned to your old ways?"
"Isn't this how you like me, my King?"
Standing up from the floor, Erica put her outer clothes back on and said seriously:
"But my King, the fact that you've become the seventh Campione will probably spread quickly around the world."
"When that happens, I'm sure many people will come calling."
"No need to wait until then. Someone is already here."
Ayato smiled slightly and waved his hand, using magic to open the door: "And incidentally, she's a beautiful girl who's not at all inferior to you."
Erica raised an eyebrow and quickly leaned forward to look.
Appearing at the door was a girl with delicate features, but with a tense expression, cute yet carrying a bit of seriousness.
The girl had her long silver hair tied in a ponytail, giving her a gallant appearance.
"Great King, to visit so late at night is truly rude."
The silver-haired girl made a fist with her right hand and performed a knightly salute to Ayato, saying solemnly: "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Liliana Kranjčar of the Bronze-Black Cross. I offer you my respects."
"Yes."
Ayato did not rise, but beckoned: "Come in."
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise passed through Liliana's eyes.
Not rising represented the King's majesty.
Inviting her in was the King's generosity.
'This seventh King... might be a good one.'
"Lily, I didn't expect the first to arrive would be you."
Erica laughed: "Just as I'd expect from my childhood friend."
"We're not that familiar, you she-fox."
Liliana couldn't hold back: "Ultimately, knowing you is nothing but a cursed fate."
Having said that, Liliana saluted Ayato again: "Forgive me, Great King. Please pardon my rudeness."
"Haha, it's fine."
Ayato laughed: "I always treat beautiful girls very well."
"..."
Liliana blinked.
'This King was indeed somewhat different.'
"My King, do you want to make a move on Liliana too?"
Erica laughed from the side: "Very correct. In the entire country, she is the only one among my peers whom I, Erica, acknowledge."
Ayato smiled ambiguously: "What, are you trying to help me build a harem?"
"Gathering excellent subordinates for the King is a subject's duty."
Erica said seriously: "And Lily is definitely one of the most suitable candidates."
Having said that, she couldn't help but look at the bewildered Liliana.
"..."
Indeed, the normally shrewd Lily was like a blank slate in certain areas.
"Lily, don't you have anything to say?"
"Huh?"
Liliana was still a bit confused, not fully understanding. She asked instinctively: "What?"
'This girl was hopeless.'
Sighing, Erica spoke: "Why haven't you sworn fealty to the King?"
"What?"
Liliana's pupils contracted. Seeing that Ayato didn't refuse, she quickly knelt on one knee and performed the subject's salute:
"Liliana Kranjčar, having failed to grasp Your Majesty's profound intent, begs you to punish me."
Seeing this, Ayato smiled with satisfaction.
'Indeed!'
'After becoming a Campione, many things had become much easier...'