The Demon and the Hero - Chapter 3- One week

Lenora stared at the young man with a frown. She couldn’t understand how such a charming man could fall for her…a person whom people used to mistake as a man when she was working as a knight.

She tried to find any deceit in his eyes, however, there was no hidden meaning or disguised intention he possessed.

‘No, there must be something wrong…’ Utilizing her mystic eyes, she read his thoughts, just to confirm what was going through his head.

And…she immediately regretted it.

[Is she mad? Did I upset her? Oh lord, what if she hates me now? But…wow, she looks so amazing even when she’s frowning. My heart’s racing just looking at her! Could I ask if she’d scold me? Would she? Maybe she’d even slap me…that actually sounds kind of thrilling! No, no, what am I thinking? I can’t risk my goddess disliking me! But she’s so perfect…I’m losing my mind here! What should I do?!]

He…is a mess. However, it couldn’t be denied that he was attracted to her for some unknown reason.

He couldn’t be making up those things in his mind since no one knew about her special eyes, including Hera.

Rubbing her tired eyes, she asked, “Why do you love me? Shouldn’t you be hating me for slaughtering your people?”

Riphez nodded, “It’s true that you killed someone close to me…but I know it was necessary. The trouble they were causing for the others, needed to be stopped. And you, Lady Lenora, became a messiah for the people on either side.”

His eyes shined with a faint glow that showed how much he admired her, as he said, “I was there…watched you killing the demon generals with no emotions in your eyes. The way you courageously fought them, while taking care of the innocents was truly marvelous to watch.”

Releasing a delightful sigh, he added, “When I saw you…having your feet on the head of one of the Generals, while you casually bit the blade between your teeth to tie your hair…haah, I was mesmerized by you.”

Hera barely held herself from chuckling, seeing how devoted the boy was to Lenora.

On the other hand, the silver-haired Hero just remained silent until he was done before she told him,

“Look, Riphez, I respect your emotions and understand that you are…infatuated with me, but I cannot reciprocate your feelings.”

The vigor from his eyes faded a little as he returned to his seat, and while holding a sob, he asked, “C-Can I know the reason?”

Seeing the sudden shift in his temperament, nearly made Lenora hesitate whether she should say it or not. However, she soon decided that it would be unfair to keep him in the darkness,

“First, the age gap. I am already twenty-seven, and you look like a teenager.”

“Oh, but I am twenty-four…so there is not much difference.”

Lenora was slightly surprised since she deemed him actually to be in his teenage years.

“Well, even if that’s the case, I still cannot accept someone as my lover without knowing them. In the first place, I don’t think I am made for things like romance and all…”

“And what if I make you fall for me?”

Riphez suddenly asked, leaving Lenora momentarily stunned. However, she soon said,

“It’s not possible to make someone fall in love, boy.”

“But can’t you give me a try? Just seven days…allow me to become a part of your life, and even after, if you don’t think I am the right person for you, I will return to the other side.”

Lenora sighed, weariness clearly visible on her face as she told him, “You are wasting your time, Riphez-”

“But is there any problem?” Suddenly, it was Hera who interjected, “I mean, he waited to meet you for seven days, think of it as compensation?”

The demon slayer looked at her friend with a frown but Hera remained unfazed, innocently looking back at her friend.

After thinking for a bit, Lenor said, “Even if you are asking for seven days…I can’t be with you for the whole day.”

“I understand the duties of Your Grace, that’s why, whenever you have time…any hour of the day, just use this—” Extending a small ring in her direction, he added, “Just hold the ring and call my name, I will come to you.”

“Offering a ring just after confession~quite daring you are~” Hearing Hera’s words, Lenora raised her brows.

She knew Hera was just joking…however, the way Riphez’s face turned boiling red and his hand began to tremble, Lenor knew the boy took it seriously.

Making a mental note to talk to her dear maid afterward, Lenor took the ring from him and said, “Okay, I will do that…but won’t that interfere with your work?”

Riphez shook his head, a smile blooming on his face as he said, “Nothing is more important than you, my lady. There are numerous jobs I can take in this city, so please don’t hesitate to call me.”

Lenora was still unsure about this whole thing but seeing how sincere he was, she couldn’t bring herself to reject his proposal.

After thinking for a bit, she asked, “Whose relative are you from the Generals?”

Riphez sighed, before informing her, “I am…the only child of Asfina—the sin of lust.”

“That explains…” Lenor quietly muttered. Given how alluring that general was, it was no surprise that Riphez was charming as well.

“Okay then, I won’t take any more of your time, Your Grace.” Getting up he gazed a polite bow to the lady and just as he was about to leave Lenora said,

“Don’t cut your horns, Riphez. Humans aren’t prejudiced about demons anymore.”

A moment of blankness appeared in his eyes before a faint smile appeared on Riphez’s lips as he told her, “It’s your virtue that you deem others just like yourself, lady. But trust me, not everyone is as benevolent as you.”

Saying so he turned around and left.

There was something strange about him that she noticed. Riphez talked like he knew Lenora more than anyone else. The way he looked at her…talked to her…expressed that he was deeply connected with her.

Lenora didn’t know how to feel about it.

Demons have always been the nemesis of humanity. And here, a demon confessed his love for the one whom they should be hating the most.

‘Strange he is…’

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A/N:- I cannot express how thankful I am for you to read my story(ies). Drop a comment.