As they stepped out of the shop into the cool night air, the stars twinkled above Azazel City, casting a faint glow across the rooftops. The streets had quieted a bit, the lively buzz of the market now a distant hum.
Eleo stretched his arms high over his head and let out a satisfied groan. "Maaaan, I'm full. Like, really full. I could nap for a week."
Lilith glanced at him with a raised brow. "That was fun."
Eleo nodded. "Yeh! Ice cream, carrots, cool fire-nose guy… best night ever. Now time for nap time"
"ELEO!" Lilith snapped, hands on her hips. "The Demon Ball! Remember?"
Eleo froze, blinking. "Oh, right! Sorry sorry!" He gave a clumsy bow. "Lead the way, Miss Lilith."
Lilith rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Haha, very funny. Come on, follow me."
They walked side by side under the glowing lanterns lining the royal street. Eventually, they reached the grand front gate of the Demon Castle. Two armored guards stood at attention, straightening the moment they saw her.
"Ah, Princess Lilith," one of them said, giving a firm nod. "You've arrived."
The gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling castle grounds bathed in soft moonlight.
Lilith nodded politely. "Thank you."
Eleo beamed. "Thanks, gate guys!"
The guards looked at him curiously but one of them chuckled. "You're welcome, bunny kid."
As Eleo stepped through the gate, his mouth dropped open. The castle loomed before them like something out of a dream.
Towering spires pierced the sky, their slate roofs glistening under the moon. The golden stone walls shimmered with warmth, and each turret seemed carved with delicate detail, as though painted by an artist rather than built by hands. Balconies and arched windows climbed the walls, and strange little towers sprouted from unexpected corners, giving the entire place a magical, living presence.
"Whoa…" Eleo's eyes sparkled. "It's huuuge."
Lilith walked confidently ahead, glancing back with a smile. "Yes, Eleo. All castles are big."
Eleo jogged to catch up, still staring at the massive structure. "This is my first time ever being at one… It's like a golden mountain full of shiny boxes and towers!"
Lilith laughed under her breath. "That's one way to describe it."
Inside, Eleo was hit with even more grandeur. His jaw dropped again as they entered the grand hall.
The walls were a rich royal purple, adorned with white and gold detailing that shimmered under the glow of massive crystal chandeliers. Red velvet curtains draped dramatically beside tall windows, and the floors gleamed beneath plush carpets of crimson and gold.
Statues stood proudly in every corner, and paintings of nobles—some serene, some stern—lined the walls in ornate frames.
"Wooooooow…" Eleo whispered. "It's like a treasure chest threw up everywhere…"
Lilith giggled softly. "Welcome, Eleo."
Just then, two elegant demon maids in black-and-white uniforms approached with graceful urgency. They bowed deeply.
"Princess Lilith," one of them said, "we must get you dressed for the Demon Ball. Preparations are already underway, and many guests have arrived."
The second maid added, "Also, you'll need to be introduced with a partner. The nobles are expecting you to choose a demon prince as your—"
"I already have one," Lilith said, raising her chin with quiet confidence.
The maids blinked, startled. "You… do?"
Lilith pointed at Eleo, who was too busy staring at the chandelier to notice.
"Him."
The two maids slowly turned toward Eleo, their expressions flickering with disbelief. Eleo looked back, blinking.
"Hi," he said with a wide grin, waving. "I'm Eleo. I like carrots."
The maids exchanged confused glances. Lilith crossed her arms, her voice calm but firm.
"He's my choice."
The maids hesitated, looking back and forth between the composed demon princess and the grinning bunny boy like they'd just heard the moon declared queen.
"But, Princess," one of them said cautiously, "he's not… well, he's not of noble blood. The council will—"
"I said," Lilith repeated, louder this time, "he's my choice."
The chandeliers flickered ever so slightly, as if reacting to the sharp edge in her voice.
Eleo scratched his ear. "Uhh… is that good? Am I supposed to say something noble now? Like, 'Greetings, fellow demon people'?"
Lilith closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. "Just… come with me."
She grabbed his hand—quickly, deliberately—and pulled him through an ornate side hallway. Eleo followed, eyes still darting from stained glass to spiraling columns to floating candles.
"I still can't believe this is your house," he muttered. "Does every room sparkle, or just the dramatic ones?"
Lilith didn't answer right away. She paused when they reached a tall door, then turned to face him.
"Listen," she said, voice low, "inside that ballroom is a nest of vipers. Every noble in the realm is watching. If they see you as a joke, they'll treat me like one too."
Eleo blinked. "But you're, like, the coolest person ever."
Her eyes softened slightly, but her hands—gloved—remained tense.
"I chose you because I trust you, Eleo. Don't… embarrass me."
He gave her a big grin and a thumbs-up. "You got it! Operation: Not Embarrassing Commencing!"
"…That's not reassuring."
"Wait, Lilith," Eleo said, blinking as she grabbed his hand. "I thought you didn't want me to hold your hand."
Lilith hesitated just a second. "It… it was in pain. But it started to heal a little."
She looked away quickly. "But that's not important."
They continued walking down the long, velvet-draped hallway. Glowing sconces cast soft gold light across the stone walls, their footsteps echoing gently. They stopped before a tall, ornate door trimmed in silver.
Lilith pushed it open.
Inside was her room—a beautiful disaster.
Velvet cushions spilled off a fainting couch. Books and scrolls were stacked in uneven towers. Wardrobes hung slightly open with glimpses of dark silks and leather boots inside. A cracked mirror sat beside a dresser overflowing with makeup, spell scrolls, and... was that a dagger stuck in the wall?
"Whoa," Eleo said, stepping inside. "Your room is so cool. It's like a boss villain's lair… but also kinda cozy."
Lilith sighed. "Stay right here. I'm changing."
"Okay!" Eleo said, plopping down on a couch that made a creeeak of protest.
Lilith disappeared into her closet. The sounds of rustling fabric, clinking hangers, and one muffled "Ugh, where is it—" drifted out.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open.
Lilith stepped out slowly.
Her dress shimmered like a star-kissed dream.
A deep, luxurious purple flowed like ink in moonlight, laced with gold embroidery around the neckline and cuffs. The bodice fit her like armor woven in silk. Long sleeves hugged her arms with gold floral vines blooming at her wrists.
Her skirt flared outward in voluminous waves, each layer trailing soft pink floral patterns, glinting faintly with starlight accents. Embroidered roses and vines spiraled along the hem. A single vibrant purple flower sat in her hair, tucked behind one horn like a badge of defiance and grace.
Lilith stood still, her cheeks burning. "…Eleo, how do I look?"
Eleo blinked, mouth half-open. "Uhh…"
He slowly stood, eyes wide. "You look like… like a fancy moon princess who's about to punch someone for wearing the same dress as her."
Lilith blinked—then snorted, trying not to laugh. "You absolute idiot…"
But the blush on her face deepened. "Thanks."
She turned—and froze.
"E-LEO!"
He was holding up a scroll with a drawing she had doodled of a sword-wielding bunny stabbing a grumpy demon prince.
"Uh—sorry!" Eleo said, dropping it. "I was just looking around! I didn't know it was private art!"
Lilith groaned, stormed into the closet, and came back out with a bundled outfit. She threw it at him.
"Put this on! Now!"
He caught it, slightly tangled in gold cords. "Man… these sleeves have sleeves."
A few minutes later, the closet door creaked again.
Eleo stepped out—his usual poofy shirt and ragged pants replaced with regal formality.
A dark navy jacket hugged his form, lined with crimson and gold embroidery that glinted in the light. Gold cords crossed his chest like noble regalia, and a red sash with a golden clasp tied his waist.
Polished black gloves covered his hands, matching his boots. Golden epaulettes with tassels shimmered at his shoulders. His trousers were crisp, edged with red and gold stripes, and a medallion rested at his collar like a crown without weight.
He tugged awkwardly at the jacket. "Man, this feels weird. I liked my old clothes… but I guess this isn't so bad."
Lilith turned.
She didn't speak.
Her whole face went red.
"E-Eleo… y-you look… good."
Eleo blinked. "Really?"
He looked down at himself. "I guess I look okay…"
Lilith stepped closer, grabbing his hand again—this time gently, her fingers curling around his.
She smiled, still pink in the cheeks.
"Come on," she said. "Let's head to the ball."
And with that, the two walked side by side, leaving the chaos of the room behind and stepping toward the glowing ballroom gates ahead.
The ballroom doors opened with a slow, echoing creak.
A hundred eyes turned at once—nobles, dukes, diplomats, princes. Conversations stopped. Goblets froze midair. Music softened.
Lilith stepped in first, elegant, composed, a vision of royal grace.
Eleo followed a step behind, gripping her hand tightly and—crucially—not letting go.
He gasped loudly.
"WHOA! The floor is shinier than Kenji's forehead when he's yelling!"
Gasps fluttered across the ballroom like startled birds.
Lilith froze. Her smile twitched.
She didn't look at him. "Eleo…"
"Sorry," he whispered. "But seriously, do they wax this with dragon tears?"
She didn't answer. Her hand squeezed his. Hard.
A tall figure descended the grand staircase, flanked by two guards. Conversations resumed in hushed whispers.
King Akuma.
His presence silenced the air like a blade. Behind him stood Lilith's mother, serene and unreadable, her gaze as sharp as her husband's but softened by disappointment.
Imma stood near the center of the ballroom with a glass of blood-red wine, smiling sweetly. Her long dark gown flowed like smoke, and her eyes locked onto Lilith.
"Ohhh..." Imma purred with mock surprise. "You brought your little... peasant. How quaint."
Lilith's smile didn't falter. "Imma. I see you're still overdressed for your own relevance."
Imma raised her glass. "And you've brought a child to a political ritual. Brave. Or just desperate?"
"Actually," Eleo cut in, smiling wide, "I'm twelve and three-quarters. And I'm her partner. Sooo… what's a political ritual?"
Gasps again.
Imma covered her mouth like she'd heard a scandal. "He doesn't even know what this is. That's adorable."
Eleo whispered to Lilith, "Am I allowed to throw a carrot at her?"
"No."
"What if I pretend to sneeze?"
"No."
Meanwhile, Iron, standing at the edge of the hall, let out a quiet sigh through his helmet. "This is going to be painful."
Steel, at his side, tilted his head. "Nah, this is great. I've already counted seven nobles short-circuiting."
A trumpet blared.
A servant shouted, "Announcing Princess Lilith of House Akuma and her… companion!"
Eleo waved both hands. "HI EVERYONE! I LIKE CARROTS!"
Lilith's soul briefly left her body.
Across the hall, King Akuma's eyes narrowed. His voice didn't rise, but it rolled like distant thunder.
"Lilith. A word."
Lilith gently peeled her hand from Eleo's, forcing her smile wider than it should've been. "Stay here. Please don't touch anything that glows, hovers, hisses, or breathes fire."
"I make no promises," Eleo replied, immediately poking a floating candle.
Lilith walked off, her dress gliding behind her like storm clouds. Her heels clicked sharply as she approached her father and mother.
Akuma's voice was low and cold. "This is not a playground. You've brought a fool into a hall of bloodlines."
Lilith stared up at him. "He's not a fool. He's stronger than any of them. And he's kind. He's mine."
Behind them, Imma watched with an amused sip of wine.
Lilith's mother spoke for the first time. "He is... spirited. But this court will not spare him, Lilith."
Lilith didn't flinch. "Then they'll learn not to underestimate spirit."
Back near the chandelier, Eleo tugged at his collar and whispered to a passing noble, "Hey, do you guys have snacks that don't glow?"
Steel leaned toward Iron. "If he survives this night, I'm crowning him myself."
Iron shook his head slowly. "We are witnessing the birth of chaos."
As the orchestra swelled and nobles returned to chattering and dancing, Eleo caught sight of a familiar towering figure across the room.
"Yoooo Iron!"
Heads turned. Eleo dashed across the ballroom like it was a playground.
Iron, stoic as ever, turned slightly and gave the faintest nod. "It's been a while, bunny kid."
Eleo stopped in front of him, beaming. "Yeah! You're still, like, a walking tank! Oh—and you must be Iron's brother!"
He pointed dramatically at Steel, whose armor gleamed under the chandelier light. "Because you're both in, uh… armor."
Steel and Iron looked at each other.
"Uhhh… sure?" they said in sync.
Steel leaned down slightly, voice casual and amused. "So, bunny kid… you made it with Lilith, huh? I heard she doesn't like anyone—especially the demon princes. You must be special."
Eleo puffed up a bit. "Well, maybe it's because I saved her!"
Steel raised an eyebrow beneath his visor. "Huh. Really?"
"Yup! Twice, actually!" Eleo held up two fingers. "One time from pirates! And another time she was gonna drown but I carried her on my back like a superhero!"
Iron nodded slowly. "Confirmed. Eleo, you have my respect."
Steel whistled. "You're like a tiny chaos knight in disguise."
Before Eleo could respond, a silk-smooth voice interrupted.
"So… you're the bunny kid Lilith chose."
Imma stepped into the circle with calculated elegance, her long hair flowing behind her like a shadow.
Eleo turned with a grin. "Yep! That's me!"
Imma's lips curled faintly. "I must admit, I was expecting someone taller. Or, you know… not eating carrots during a royal introduction."
Eleo reached into his pocket. "Wanna carrot?"
Iron turned away, shaking his head.
Steel covered his visor as if holding in laughter.
Imma ignored the offer. "So tell me, bunny. Do you really think you're worthy of a demon princess?"
Eleo blinked. "Huh? I mean… I dunno what 'worthy' means. But I like her. And she picked me. So… yeah?"
For a split second, Imma's eyes narrowed—not in anger, but curiosity. She gave a cool smile. "Fascinating."
As the orchestra began a slow, elegant waltz, nobles and royals moved to the center of the ballroom.
Pairs began to glide gracefully across the floor—prince and princess, duke and duchess, hand in hand under the glimmering chandeliers.
Even Imma joined the dance, moving with deadly grace beside a polished, golden-eyed noble.
On the sidelines, Eleo watched wide-eyed.
"Whoa… it's like a whole army of fancy people spinning."
Lilith returned, freshly composed. She glanced at Eleo, then at the dance floor.
Eleo waved. "Hey! Everyone's doing the swirl thing!"
"You mean… dancing," she said.
"Right. Swirl-dancing."
She smirked, but before she could respond, Imma twirled elegantly off the floor and passed just close enough to whisper in Lilith's ear.
"You better pray your bunny knows how to dance."
Lilith's eyes widened.
Her confident mask faltered.
She looked at Eleo—who was currently trying to copy a noble's footwork and nearly tripping over his own sash.
Then she looked toward her parents at the edge of the hall—watching everything with cold, unreadable expressions.
Her heart skipped. This wasn't just about fun anymore.
The music softened. The crowd shifted.
Lilith's mother, Akame, stood beside her husband with a rare softness in her voice.
"Lilith. Come here."
She obeyed, her dress trailing behind her like violet fire.
Akame's voice was quiet but clear. "If your... companion can pull off this dance, he'll have our blessing. You won't have to choose a prince. But only if he earns it."
Lilith clenched her gloved hands, gaze flicking toward Eleo, who was now trying to mirror a noble's spin without falling over.
"…He's going to fail," she whispered.
Lilith mother touched her arm. "Then I hope he surprises you."
The orchestra shifted into something slower, more dramatic. A single violin note stretched into the silence.
And then, darkness.
All chandeliers dimmed to a faint flicker. Magic filled the ballroom like mist. A spell—cast to draw every eye forward—lit a single soft glow at the center of the floor.
Two figures stepped into the circle.
Lilith gripped Eleo's hand tightly, her heart pounding.
"Just… follow my lead, okay? No spinning carrots. No screaming."
Eleo tilted his head. "No promises, but… I'll try."
The music began. A delicate, noble waltz with sweeping violins and fluttering piano.
Lilith raised their hands for the opening pose.
And then—
Eleo moved.
Gracefully. Perfectly.
He stepped in rhythm, spinning her with smooth, effortless motion. His feet glided across the floor like he'd done this a hundred times before. The beat, the turns, the posture—it was flawless.
Lilith blinked, stunned. "E-Eleo…?!"
He smiled—not goofy, not wild—just warm. Confident. Gentle.
"I saw everyone dancing and, I guess I just ... learned it"
Lilith nearly tripped—not because of him, but because her heart skipped.
They spun across the floor in flowing arcs, Lilith's dress swirling like starlight around his tailored uniform. Every turn felt timed with the music, every step matched with care.
The ballroom watched, breath held.
Even King Akuma leaned forward.
Steel whispered to Iron, "I take back everything. That bunny is a demigod."
Iron: "Or a super demigod."
Imma, from the shadows, clenched her glass so hard it cracked slightly.
"No. No, no, no."
As the dance peaked, Eleo caught Lilith with one hand at her waist and spun her outward, then pulled her back into his arms.
Their eyes met—close, quiet, and suddenly aware.
The final note played, drawn out like a thread of gold.
They bowed in unison.
A beat of silence.
Then—
Thunderous applause.
Cheers. Claps. Even some noble demons standing. Chandelier lights burst back to brilliance. The spell lifted.
Lilith looked at Eleo, stunned.
Eleo scratched his ear. "That was kinda fun."
She smiled. Blushed. And whispered, "You idiot…"
They both turned to the crowd—and bowed.
Side by side.
The applause echoed like thunder.
Lilith stood frozen, flushed and breathless beside Eleo—still holding his hand as nobles around them cheered. The last lingering note of their dance still shimmered in the air.
A loud, resonant tap echoed through the ballroom.
King Akuma stood tall at the top of the staircase, his expression unreadable. One hand raised. Silence fell instantly.
He looked down at them, eyes glowing faintly red beneath heavy brows.
The moment stretched like the edge of a blade.
Then—
"Eleo the bunny kid… you have earned the honor of this realm."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Imma nearly dropped her second wine glass.
"You are hereby acknowledged," Akuma continued, "as an accepted companion to Princess Lilith. Let no noble challenge this decree."
He turned slowly, his cloak flowing like shadowed thunder.
"Let the record show… the bunny dances."
The ballroom erupted again. But Lilith wasn't listening.
She was smiling. Not the smirk she wore in battle, or the sarcastic twist she used around nobles. This smile was real. Soft.
She squeezed Eleo's hand.
"Come with me."
Lilith dragged him through a quiet side hall, through a hidden door, and up a spiral staircase that led out onto a secluded terrace above the castle gardens. The stars stretched endlessly overhead, the moon bright and low. The air was cool and clear.
Lilith raised her hand and murmured a spell.
Their clothes shimmered—dissolving into magical particles, restoring them to their normal outfits in a flash of soft light. Eleo blinked.
"Whoa. That was awesome. Can you make carrots appear like that again like you did last time"
"No," she said, "but I can make you vanish if you ask another dumb question."
He laughed and flopped onto the grass. "This was fun. Weird and scary, but fun."
Lilith sat beside him, pulling her knees up and watching the stars.
Eleo turned his head. "It's time for me to go back. The others are probably wondering if I exploded."
Lilith tried to hide the drop in her expression.
"Yeah… right."
She stood and opened her palm. A small, swirling purple portal bloomed beside them, lighting the grass beneath it.
Eleo stood, brushing himself off. He looked at her. "Thanks. For picking me. And for believing I could do… you know, fancy foot spinny stuff."
Lilith stepped close, eyes glittering under the stars.
"You were amazing," she said softly. "And you're still a dummy."
"I know," Eleo grinned.
They stared for a moment, unsure what to say next. The breeze danced between them.
Lilith took a breath.
Then she leaned forward and—
kissed his cheek.
Again.
But slower. More certain.
Eleo blinked. "Oh! Heh… uh…"
She stepped back, blushing furiously.
"Go before I change my mind and push you into the portal."
Eleo smiled, heart racing but clueless as always. "See ya, Lilith!"
He turned—and jumped into the swirling light.
After Eleo Left
Lilith stood alone in the moonlight, fingers grazing her cheek where his warmth lingered.
Then she felt something in her palm.
She looked down.
A carrot.
A tiny ink-drawn ribbon wrapped around it.
"For when you miss me. – Eleo"
Lilith let out a shaky laugh.
She didn't cry.
But she didn't stop smiling either.