While the rest of the heroes were asleep, Dune sat on the bench in the backyard, waiting together with the dragon she tamed while Siege found some food to try and feed it in the kitchen.

The night sky shined brightly, the moon illuminating the calm forest.

"So Dune, do you have any idea what this guy likes to eat?"

"Well, I'm no dragon expert but I think they can eat anything as long as they get enough mana. They are magical creatures after all.

Siege thought about how the hoard of dragons even survived so deep underground. Perhaps there was some vegetation or an ecosystem they didn't know about. However, from his research on demons and other magical creatures, they only needed mana to survive.

"I was wondering, how do these guys get enough mana?"

"They do it just like us and everything else. It permeates through their skin and when they breathe. It's just that they are much more effective when controlling mana and turning it into energy"

"Man, it seems that magical creatures sure get by easily"

"Well, that's not exactly true either. Magical creatures tend to be very sensitive to changes in their environment, especially mana. When structures that promote a mana-dense atmosphere are removed such as trees or magical ores, it tends to weed out the weaker magical creatures"

"Huh, I never knew about that"

"But you are right in many cases. Magical creatures can survive in places where natural creatures couldn't imagine living in. Such as inside volcanoes, atop mountain peaks and deep underground"

The siege finally brought the baskets filled with fruits, vegetables and meat respectively. Siege was equipped with the Excalibur armour just in case, but he still trusted Dune and the dragon enough to lose the helmet. The moment the dragon caught sight, it immediately began gobbling down all three, even eating the baskets along with them.

"Looks like you were right on them eating anything," said Siege as he pet the dragon "Good boy... or girl?"

"I think it's a girl," said Dune

"Oh, Did you check?"

"...Not really, but since I'm also a magical creature, I can kind of communicate through touch"

"I see... Is it like a language?"

"It's a bit different. It's more like an exchange of thought, of emotions"

"I wonder what it's like... being a magical creature"

"Well, it's not much different"

"Hah, that's hilarious coming from a demon lord"

"I'm telling the truth! All demons are magical creatures by birth but most of them have average physical capabilities similar to humans. It's just that they have higher magical affinity and are better at taming other magical creatures like dragons"

"That reminds me, Reginn is also a magical creature right?"

"I suppose so, being a World Beast and all, but for some reason, he's different. You might have noticed, but he has absolutely no mana within his body as if he's repelling it. Then where does his strength come from? What is his energy source if he doesn't use mana? He's a different kind of magical creature for sure"

"Well he is the second hero after all," said Siege "and he definitely lives up to the title"

Silence filled the air, but it was not the type of silence that inspired awkwardness. The air was still, the soft breeze feeling cool against their skin. It had been a frantic week, and many things happened just today, with more to come. It would be a difficult journey, but Siege felt safe in knowing that he'd always have comrades to turn to.

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"...So do you need some help naming the dragon?" offered Siege

"Sure, if you want"

"Let's see... I've never named a dragon before so this is a bit difficult"

"Most dragons don't have names, except infamous ones. That's probably why they have exaggerated, threatening names like 'Aspidochelone the Soul Reaper' or 'Hellspawn of the Mountain'"

"I don't think those names fit this particular dragon... How about naming it after a locatLotsLot's of dragons havesomeplacelace' at the end of their name so maybe we could name it after Avangarden or Cadra" said Siege "Cara... Canada... Kara?"

"Hmm... How about just naming it like a normal pet"

"Hm?"

"Well, to be honest. I don't plan on bringing him to battle or exposing him to danger. I'm not sure what fate had in mind when it led me to this dragon, but I want to follow my heart"

"...I see," said Siege with a feint smile. Dune was a good girl.

"...I never had any pets before, do you know how to name them?"

"You never had any pets? I thought you loved animals"

"I do, but I just never had the time after becoming a demon lord. I had piles and piles of work every day and I didn't want to neglect any pet due to my exhaustion"

Siege looked at Dune with a mix of pity and guilt. Was this the person he had been trying to destroy his whole herohood? Was that what being a hero was all about? He still had a deep trust in the Goddess, but he still pondered the morals of the battle that lasted eons. The neverending chaos, death and unnecessary harm. However, he continued to believe that there was a greater plan he could not comprehend. He subconsciously brushed Dune's hair, much to her surprise.

"Whoops! Sorry, did I surprise you?"

"Y-yeah, a little bit"

"Sorry, I'm not sure what came over me"

"...Do you have a family, Mr. Siege?"

"...I once did. I had my father and my brother, but it wasn't too different from being alone. Ironically, I feel less alone now than back then"

"...It might be weird for me to say this, but thank you"

"For what?"

"For rescuing me from the demon lord's castle I guess. Back then, I had been living simply as an extension of the kingdom's will, doing menial tasks like a slave. I had no family, no friends and no freedom. Just numbing work every day. Heh, I was sure I was going to die at Solas's hand and that would've been the end of my meaningless life. It's strange how it was my mortal enemies that saved me. From Solas, from my old life. Maybe I'm betraying God right now, but I don't feel bad at all"

"...I don't think God believes that you betrayed him. See, he's still helping you in the form of your talent. If God is anything like our Goddess, I'm sure he must love his children. By the way, why thank me? I wasn't even there in Sonosis"

"I guess it's because you've been the nicest to me. Saving my life is one thing but changing it is another. I'll never forget the day my archnemesis provided me with food and shelter"

"Well, it was something anyone would've done"

"Heh, that's not true. I don't think you've noticed but I think you're the best hero of Avangarden"

"M-me?"

"The others may be stronger, smarter and more passionate, but you have compassion like no one else. I think that's what makes you the greatest hero. Not your fancy armour or wealth, but your heart"

"...Thank you for the compliment, but I still think I have a lot to improve. You're right that the others may be... a bit unconventional, but they all have aspects that make them great heroes. I thank the Goddess for this opportunity, my life was changed forever" said Siege "I talked with Sacrosanct today and learnt his story. I've learnt a lot of things. The dark past of Avangarden, and about Championnat, but the most important thing I learnt was that you should always look forward. So Dune, you can forget about your old life. This show of gratitude will be the last time you think of it. You have a new home, new friends. You no longer have to constantly think about what others think of you, just what is best for this world. Because you're not a demon lord to me anymore. You're an honorary hero"

"Solas..." said Dune, tears in her eyes

Dune hugged Siege as warm tears fell from her eyes, and he hugged her in return. The young girl had been through a lot.

"There, there. You're okay now. I can promise you that"

All of Dune's past dissolved in that moments, memories of pain flooding through her system and expelled. She believed that perhaps the monotony was a good thing, that she was living the dream of someone else. But now she could truly see that she was lying to herself. Simple stresses can pile on into disease and, into suffering. The castle had become her cage, her role as the demon lord ill fit. She had been trying to make everyone happy and forgot about herself.

"...I've got a great idea for the dragon's name"

"W-what?" said Dune through the sniffles

"How about Crimson? Cream for short"

"Cream?"

"Well, the dragon is crimson red and I think Cream is a cute name"

"...I like that"

The dragon barked in agreement.

"I think the dragon likes it too!"

Siege stood up from the bench, helping Dune up as well.

"For now, the dragon should be able to sleep outside while I get to work on a large shed for him," said Siege "...and when we get a chance, let's get some new clothes for you too"

"Really? But wouldn't that be dangerous?"

"Well, you're an honorary hero now," said Siege "Also, I am still a hero you know"

"...Then let me help you with the shed too"

"You don't have to but if you want, it'd be appreciated"

Siege helped upstairs to her bedroom and tucked her in for the night, a new experience for Dune. She was an orphan like many others in Sonosis. The demon kingdom had a rampant issue of child abandonment which was sta ill commonplace crime. Many of the greatest demon lords were also orphans. Their pain and suffering translating into greater magical capacity and strength. However, Dune would no longer be moulded by her painful past, but by the warm future awaiting her.