The story begins in Brilfax city, within a modest inn where most merchants were resting and preparing for the half-month festival. That night, Yory sat on his bed, waiting. After a few minutes, there was a knock at the door.

Yory said calmly, "Come in."

Joe walked in, holding a small bag. Yory gestured to it and asked, "Is this the solution to my problem?"

Joe smiled and said, "Indeed, my friend. This is exactly what will put your mind at ease."

Upon opening the bag, Yory found white and blue garments typical of the Sand region. Joe explained, "Lizard people and humans both favour these for protection against the harsh sun in the land of Sand. Also, don’t forget the broad blue hat and long white scarf to shield your face."

Yory clapped with excitement. "Thank you so much. I’m all set now."

Joe smiled and added, "Thanks to the gold I earned from the White Fang and a few other deals, I don’t have to worry about my craft. But you, Yory, need to be cautious. The festival is a prime opportunity to sell your wares and introduce new products."

Examining his new clothes, Yory said, "Yes, thank you for the advice. By the way, are you free tomorrow?"

Joe agreed, "Yes, why do you ask? Do you need help at the festival? The first day is usually the busiest."

Yory shook his head. "Being a merchant is risky. Someday, someone might damage or steal my cart or rob me in the middle of nowhere. I want some security, so I’m asking you to take some of my money tomorrow and deposit it in the Merchant Guild as a contingency plan in case anything goes wrong."

Joe agreed, "Of course. You already have a Merchant Guild membership. I’ll take care of it tomorrow."

Yory thanked him, "Thank you, Joe, for everything. Good night."

Joe nodded with an expression reminiscent of an oblivious noble. "Not the first fool I’ve helped. I can’t help it; it’s my kind heart."

Yory retorted promptly, "Bastard!"

Joe shot back, "Filthy demon!"

Yory concluded, "Lowly human!"

Yory and Joe shared a laugh before Joe excused himself to rest. Meanwhile, Yory considered extinguishing the candle but was preoccupied with thoughts of Maya’s search for him. It was likely driven by political interests, but Yory was weary of his old responsibilities.

This was likely driven by political interests, but Yory was weary of his old responsibilities. He longed for personal time and a meaningful pursuit to give his life purpose beyond merely being a king.

What else was there to Yoranios beyond his title as the Demon King? His identity and life seemed tied solely to the throne, rather than to any meaningful personal pursuit.

Yory yearned to forge a life he cherished, something that would keep him driven. Even if fighting for survival wasn't the healthiest lifestyle, Yoranios had faced graver challenges.

Now, he pondered the same things any ordinary merchant would before a big day: "How should I greet the customers? Should I smile or try to be humorous? Tomorrow will reveal."

On that same night, in the opulent inn of Brilfax city, Maya reclined on her lavish bed, engrossed in a book about Daekrahm city. She was adorned in golden attire, her hair cascading freely across the soft bedding. At that moment, she said to herself, "It's not my fault if I hold myself in high regard and don't want to partake in this dreadful whores show for a noble party."

As she spoke, Maya reminisced about the past, 130 years ago in the dragon kingdom. She was in her grand chamber, assisted by three maids as she prepared for a grand celebration hosted by the demon king Yoranios Gyovani, which all kingdoms were obliged to attend. Maya wore an air of discontent, and her maids maintained a quiet presence, only speaking when necessary.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Maya's mother, Queen Famy, entered with a smile. "My daughter is the pride of this kingdom, and rightly so," she remarked.

Maya responded with a serious expression, "Mother, I implore you once again, is my presence truly necessary?"

Famy's face contorted in displeasure before she retorted, "You understand this gathering includes all kingdoms. We have an opportunity to forge connections that will benefit our realm. Besides, King Yoranios Gyovani is single—you know what that implies."

Maya regarded her mother with a mixture of anger and composure. She responded with measured yet fiery words, "So, am I merely a commodity that you're parading, mother?"

In a sudden outburst, Famy admonished, "Don't play clever with your mother!"

Maya remained silent, and the maids lowered their heads. Famy let out a sigh, releasing the pent-up frustration into the air. She then said, "Our kingdom is renowned for being the abode of dragons, and nothing more. We lack impressive universities, possess only an average economy, and lack a distinctive craft or natural resource that sets us apart from other nations."

Turning to one of the maids, Famy inquired, "Tell me, young one, what distinguishes each race from the others?"

The young maid, head still bowed, appeared somewhat frightened, but she mustered the courage to respond to her queen. "My queen, the devils and witches are masters of magic, the demons excel in economics, universities, and social structure, and the dwarfs..."

Famy raised her hand, cutting off the maid. She turned to face Maya and declared, "Do you know how they see us? To them, we are merely flying lizards with the ability to breathe fire. They regard us as no different from the lizard people of the Land of Sand."

Maya regarded her mother with a serious expression but refrained from reacting or responding. Famy continued, "I will do whatever it takes to elevate our kingdom, anything. So use your natural, captivating aura to win the heart of Yoranios Gyovani. Currently, he is the most talked-about figure, and he will be a valuable ally in elevating our kingdom to new heights. UNDERSTOOD!?"

Famy began striding towards the door and shouted as she exited the room, "Don't embarrass me, child!"

Maya seethed with anger but kept her composure, while the maids continued to prepare her for the party.

Meanwhile, in the demon kingdom, Yoranios was conferring with his brother Nearf. Nearf, a boy with blue hair, of average height, and striking blue eyes, donned elegant white attire with a complementing red shirt, appearing younger than Yoranios despite being older. He attentively absorbed Yoranios's instructions regarding the party and other preparations leading up to the grand event.

Nearf inquired, "Brother Yoranios, is there anything else?"

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Yoranios replied, "No, Nearf. You've been a tremendous help to me, doing an excellent job. Once this is done, you're free to leave the party if you wish, though I'd appreciate it if you could at least greet the guests."

Nearf nodded, "Certainly, Brother Yoranios. You know me better than anyone. I'm not particularly fond of large, bustling gatherings."

Yoranios noted, "I'm aware. You look very handsome, by the way."

Nearf smiled, "Thank you. I aim to present a favourable image of you and our kingdom."

Yoranios returned the smile and went about his tasks, while Nearf diligently attended to his own duties before the party.

As night fell, the castle in the capital hosted a grand celebration, drawing nobles from all races who travelled great distances to partake in the festivities. In one corner of the throne chamber, the president of the Land of Sand engaged in conversation with the king of the Magic Kingdom. On the far right, Famy laughed with the queen of the devils. In the grand hallway, Divitry conversed with Monroe, while a multitude of people revelled in the merriment. The dwarf king sported a smile while chatting with Jane and the twins.

At that moment, Maya made her entrance into the party, commanding the attention of every onlooker. She wore a stunning red dress adorned with earrings embellished with blue crystals, a true showstopper for the evening. All eyes were drawn to her.

Maya approached her mother and offered a graceful bow. "Greetings, Gika Levin, the devil queen."

Gika responded with a warm smile and turned to Famy. "You have a truly beautiful daughter, Famy. I am genuinely happy for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with my children. It's been a pleasure conversing with you, Famy."

Famy returned the smile. "Likewise, Gika. Until next time."

As Gika departed, Famy turned her attention back to Maya, a smile lighting up her face. "I am genuinely happy for you, my daughter. Remember, we need you."

Maya nodded and proceeded to greet various nobles. Although her appearance was striking, her smile didn't reach her eyes. She understood now that she was just another political tool, much like the noble women she had once criticized. They were all forced into roles to further their families' power, all under the guise of "greater good for the family."

An hour passed, and a wave of new nobles arrived at the party, spanning from devils to elves and ghouls, each seeking their own benefits and connections.

Famy grew increasingly frustrated as Yoranios failed to make an appearance. To make matters worse, numerous elegantly dressed noble women with captivating beauty were present, all vying for the king's attention. Outside the castle, Nearf stood in the garden, engaging with nobles who preferred the outdoor setting to the bustling interior.

Subsequently, Nearf began making his way towards the city. Along the way, he was intercepted by Kunvy, who informed him, "The party's in the other direction, Nearf."

Nearf offered a weary smile and replied, "I'm aware, sister. I've finished my tasks. There's nothing for me here, so I'm headed to the city to try and secure a room to rest."

Observing Nearf closely, Kunvy noticed the pronounced dark circles under his eyes and his dishevelled attire. She inquired with concern, "When was the last time you slept?"

With an exhausted tone, Nearf admitted, "I don't remember. Anyway, I'll see you later, sister. If you need anything, just let me know."

With that, Nearf continued towards the city while Kunvy headed back to the castle to resume the festivities. However, just a few meters from the castle doors, she paused. Her gaze fixed on the bushes, her expression turned serious. "Jasmine was supposed to be greeting the guests when I went to the city, so why do I sense her presence there?"

At that moment, Kunvy walked towards the bushes and upon reaching a tall one, she called out, "Jasmine, are you here?"

The bushes suddenly rustled, piquing Kunvy's curiosity. Jasmine's head emerged from the foliage, wearing a sleepy smile, and she greeted, "Good morning, Kunvy."

Kunvy fell silent for a moment, then calmly stated, "If Yoranios finds out, I might consider selling you to save myself."

Back at the party, Monroe deftly evaded the advances of noble women attempting to seduce him. However, his wife's entrance brought a frown to the faces of the ladies present. She embraced Monroe and suggested, "My dear husband, let's grab a bite at the table. I can't bear to eat without you around."

Monroe agreed, saying, "Of course, my love." He then turned to the ladies and politely added, "Thank you for the delightful company. Until we meet again." He took his wife's hand and whispered, "Thank you. I was on the verge of losing my mind if I stayed a moment longer. Thank you."

After a while, the elderly head servant stood in front of the throne chamber doors and announced loudly, "Yoranios Gyovani is here!"

The doors swung open, revealing Yoranios in his finely tailored attire, complemented by his signature black coat. Yoranios wasn't conventionally handsome, but his presence commanded attention, making you overlook his features.

Yoranios approached the table, lifting a crystal goblet and raising it high. He spoke with a clear, gracious tone, "Thank you all for gracing my humble party. I hope everyone enjoys themselves."

The guests all raised their goblets, took a sip, and the festivities resumed. Yoranios exchanged pleasantries with Gika Levin, the devil queen, who commented in a composed tone, "You look splendid, Yoranios. Your attendants have done an exceptional job."

Yoranios smiled and replied, "And you, Lady Gika, remain as radiant as ever."

Gika returned the smile and said, "Thank you, Yoranios. You're just as charming as the first time I saw you on the battlefield. Enjoy your evening."

With a graceful nod, Gika moved on to greet other arriving nobles. Yoranios was about to approach Divitry when a noble devilwoman intercepted him, bowing respectfully. She addressed him, "Yoranios Gyovani, it is an honour to meet you, my king."

Yoranios returned the smile. "The honour is mine, my lady. Thank you for gracing my party."

The devil woman gazed at Yoranios with her captivating red eyes and lovely features, then proposed, "You know, King, I would love to have a conversation with you. Could we step out onto the balcony where it's less crowded?"

Yoranios smiled and declined, saying, "I must respectfully decline your offer, my lady. I have other guests to greet, and engaging in a lengthy conversation with you would monopolize my time, which wouldn't be fair to the others in attendance. Am I not mistaken?"

The devil woman responded: "No, my king, wise as we all hope. See you later."

All the women, including Famy, felt relieved that the devil woman didn't steal Yoranios. Then Famy looked at her daughter with sharp eyes, signalling her to start her plan.

Maya was depressed; she couldn't smile or even start a conversation with anyone. She just stood there in her own world of anger, regret, and self-hatred. Famy talked to her husband Divitry while stealing glances at her daughter, growing angrier by the moment due to her daughter's apparent uselessness. Maya was so absorbed in her thoughts that she was oblivious to everyone around her.

Suddenly, Yoranios addressed Maya: "Is the party boring?"

Maya was startled, realizing she hadn't greeted Yoranios earlier, let alone bowed to him as he approached.

She quickly bowed and said, "My deepest apologies, Yoranios Gyovani, the demon king. The party is fantastic, of course."

Maya felt a mix of embarrassment, anger, and sadness, but her embarrassment faded when Yoranios responded, "Really? I think the party is boring. I'm not an entertaining person anyway."

Looking up, Maya said, "King Yoranios, the party is good, but what didn't you like about it?"

Yoranios answered, "The same thing over and over. This party is meant to create connections with other races, but all I get are false promises and fake smiles, along with a dozen poor women who were forced to come here."

Maya lowered her head, hiding a smile, and said, "I'm very glad you don't consider them whores or anything worse, my king."

Yoranios assured, "Of course not. I know how noble families operate, and I'm well aware of how the heads of noble families treat their females under the guise of 'it's the best for our family interest.' I've heard that line plenty of times."

Hiding a tear with her dress, Maya said with a smile, "Thank you, my king, for those words. They've put my self-respect and dignity at ease."

Yoranios returned the smile and said, "You’re welcome. If I may be honest, you look even more beautiful when your smile is genuine. See you later, Maya."

Maya smiled back and replied, "I look forward to seeing you again, King Yoranios."

In the present, lying on her bed, Maya recalled Yoranios's words and felt a sense of pride that her reputation extended beyond being the flower of her kingdom, she also was a woman known for her wisdom and honesty.

She recalled her mother's words from two months ago, when Yoranios announced his retirement as king. Famy had told her sternly, "Daughter, Yoranios may have retired, but he's still Yoranios Gyovani. Your mission is to find him and persuade him to our side, no matter what it takes—bribe him, seduce him. It doesn't matter, as long as we can use him to our advantage. Understood?"

Maya had obediently bowed to her mother, who smiled and said, "It won't be easy, but remember, the end justifies the means. Your hard work will pay off."

In the present, Maya resolved, "I will never compromise my dignity or self-respect for anyone. I'll search for Yoranios and do my best to persuade him, but I'll never tarnish my character or my life. I'll serve my kingdom, and if Yoranios refuses, so be it. I'll serve my kingdom on my own terms, just as he did with his. That's my duty as a member of the royal family and a citizen of my kingdom."

With a contented smile, Maya closed her eyes, thinking, "Even if I don't succeed, and my mother forbids me from returning to the kingdom, I love my life here as a merchant. Every day brings a new story to tell, doesn't it?"