A Demon's Journey

"No, no. I understand what you are thinking, but you can't do that," Aurelio spoke seriously.

"But I want to be with you, Aurelio. Even if it means leaving the Pinhian Republic, I will do it," Serena declares.

Aurelio gazed at Serena, his expression softening. "I'm touched by your devotion, Serena. But leaving your home and everything you've ever known behind for me? That's a burden no one should bear. It's too much for me to ask and too much for you to give. Do you truly understand the implications of what you're suggesting? You'd be uprooting your entire life and venturing into the unknown. I couldn't live with myself if I allowed that to happen."

However, Serena didn't give up as she tried her best to convince him, "…Aurelio, all my life, I have always felt something was missing from my life. And that feeling has faded ever since you appeared before me."

"If you feel guilty that I will be leaving my home, then I can convince my family to shift to the Berian Kingdom," Serena spoke.

Just as Aurelio was about to answer, his Voice Transmission Array Stone started beeping. Upon noticing it was Yrellea contacting him, he picked it up.

From the Voice Transmission Array Stone came a voice, "I have a solution for your problem, Sir Aurelio."

Hearing a woman's voice, Serena's expression darkened slightly.

A frown appeared on Aurelio's face as he spoke, "You are spying on me, Miss Yrellea?!"

Yrellea responded calmly, her voice composed, "That's natural, Sir Aurelio. It would have been disastrous for me if you suddenly started causing ruckus in the Pinhian Republic. Or if Sir Rueben acts against you. This was just a precaution to protect your life."

Aurelio's voice was tinged with anger, "And what gave you the right to make that decision for me?"

Yrellea's tone remained level, "With all due respect, Sir Aurelio, we are in the middle of a dangerous political climate. I am simply trying to keep you safe."

Aurelio's expression turned dark, "I am more terrified of you, who has been spying on me all the way."

Yrellea's voice was still even, "I understand. But you should also realize that if I had any bad intentions, I wouldn't have blown my cover like this."

Aurelio was taken aback by Yrellea's words, and he paused for a moment before asking, "What is your solution?"

"Sir Aurelio, I can construct a teleportation array especially for you and this lovely woman named Serena. It will allow you to travel between the Berian Kingdom and the Pinhian Republic at will. Naturally, it will cost some resources, but I am sure you can afford them with your status."

Serena's dark expression vanished upon hearing those words. In fact, she mentally thanked this woman named Yrellea and quickly added, "…That is perfect then. I can return home if I feel bored in the Berian Kingdom."

Noticing that Aurelio was still unsettled, Serena asked, "Aurelio, what is stopping you from making a decision?"

"…It's still too soon. I don't want you to make an impulsive decision and regret it later. I…I am not perfect. You might not even like me after you spend more time with me."

Serena spoke forcefully and confidently, "I definitely won't!"

"…Alright then, if you are ready to take this risk, then I won't shrink anymore," Aurelio responded while sighing.

"It's good to hear that you have made up your mind. Now, there is one condition you must agree to before I construct this teleportation array for you and your little girlfriend," Yrellea spoke.

"What is it?" Serena asked slightly defensively. She hoped that this woman wouldn't ask for something outrageous as her condition.

"You both have to sign a confidential agreement that you will never reveal the secret of this teleportation array to a third person. This confidential agreement will be a blood contract, so make your mind before committing to it. And if you do agree, then go to the Misty Flower Pavilion's branch in Rondor City. They will have a contract ready for you," Yrellea spoke.

After speaking all she had to say, Yrellea cut off the connection leaving Serena and Aurelio in deep thought.

"…S-should we go?" Serena asked nervously.

Aurelio couldn't help but think he was making an impulsive decision, but his intuition told him that everything would work out.

Thus, he nodded, and the two started walking towards the Misty Flower Pavilion's branch in Rondor City. This time, the two were walking very closely.

Aurelio noticed Serena's hands extending towards his own, before she retracted it. The bright blush and her nervous expression gave away her intentions.

He understood she was still too shy so he spoke, "Let's hold hands, shall we?"

"Yes!" He received an immediate affirmative.

Without hesitation, he gently took her hand and held it tightly to warm her up.

As he felt the warmth of her hand, he couldn't help but notice how soft and delicate it felt. He praised the smoothness of her skin and the gentle curves of her fingers in his thoughts, admiring the beauty and elegance of her hand.

Aurelio looked over at Serena and saw a faint blush on her cheeks. He couldn't help but smile to himself, feeling a flutter in his chest. He felt a connection with her, and the touch of her hand made him feel closer to her than ever before.

'I never realized that I could feel such excitement without being in a fight.'

He gazed at Serena and wondered, 'Her feelings for me are so deep despite knowing so little of me. She gives such a kind and innocent feeling that it truly warms my soul.'

'Master will probably scold me for falling for a woman like her who isn't even a cultivator,' Aurelio thought.

However, since he had made up his mind, he was going to protect her.

'I hope I am worthy for her.'

Aurelio wasn't short on confidence in his abilities and achievements, yet when it came to matters of the heart, his lack of romantic experience made him feel inadequate.

Regarding romance, he had only heard wonderful stories from his senior brothers who had described love to be an enigma, a mystery that no one can fully understand or unravel.

While Aurelio continued to think deeply about the matters of heart, Yrellea was smiling brightly as she drank her tea in her mansion.

'…It was a good decision to stick an Invisible Overhearing Array Talisman to his ring,' Yrellea murmured to herself.

'He truly fell in love with that woman named Serena. Manipulating him will be even easier now that he has such a huge weakness,' Yrellea thought.

This was Yrellea's true motive in revealing her secret cover. She felt that manipulating Serena would be easier and much more worthwhile than merely eavesdropping on Aurelio's conversation.

After reaching the Misty Flower Pavilion, Aurelio and Serena met the women working there regarding the blood contract.

However, before signing the blood contract, he questioned them how their mistress is spying on him.

Yrellea had already given the instructions to her subordinates in the Misty Flower Pavilion branch. Once Aurelio asked this question, they quickly removed that Invisible Overhearing Array Talisman from the ring and threw it.

Although Aurelio was still a bit doubtful, he decided to believe them for now and signed the contract.