Decarabia and Ronove’s faces brightened after the five-hour mark. However, as more time passed, their expressions started to become strange.

“……?”

It was because Beleth hadn’t come out even after seven hours.

“What’s going on?”

Finally, Naberus mumbled. It was a question on everyone’s mind.

Demons don’t need sleep. If drifting through the sea of memories after losing consciousness is considered sleep, then they could sleep, but it was a pointless act. They could be doing something else during that time.

There may be some oddballs who enjoy sleep, but Beleth was definitely not one of them. Especially since he was known for not wasting time.

“Could it be.”

Naberus’s expression became serious. The saintess holds a power opposite to that of demons. Then…

“Did you kill her?”

He spat out the words. Naturally, if the archduke fought the saintess, wouldn’t the archduke be overwhelmingly victorious?

“Uhmmm……”

Decarabia spoke amidst the murmurs of the demons.
“I don’t think that’s the case.”

If there had been a fight, a murderous aura should have been emitted. However, even Decarabia, who had high combat abilities and rank, hadn’t detected any aura at all.

One could conceal their presence and fight, but there’s a limit to that. Even more so if the fight lasted for as long as seven hours.

“We really have to go check. I can’t become a human’s servant, can I?”

Naberus said, detaching himself from the window. It was a statement uncharacteristic of him, who disliked using his head.

If Beleth were to come out without any issues as things stood, he who had bet on the one-hour mark would end up becoming the saintess’s servant. It seemed like he was intent on turning the tables somehow.

However, the only demons who could question this were Ronove and Decarabia. Gradually, all eyes began to focus on the two demons.

The outcome of the wager would be decided based on these two’s decision.

Especially those who had bet at the one-hour mark, like Naberus, were looking at the two demons with utmost urgency.
They too had no desire to serve as servants or maids for a human.

‘I will be the wife of Beleth von Vain.’

They didn’t particularly like the fact that the saintess had issued orders using the Archduke’s name either.

The Archduke’s wife? Sounds good on paper.

Normally, demons tended to form unions with beings of equal power. If Beleth’s partner had been typical, there would have been no problem.

But what? A human? And a saintess, no less?

For that saintess to be the Archduchess? It was an absurd proposition. Wasn’t this marriage all a joke, anyway?

That’s what most demons were thinking.

However.

“Halt.”

Ronove commanded. As the highest-ranking individual in this setting, Naberus involuntarily stopped. Despite doing so, he scowled.

“Shouldn’t we greet the Archduke when he comes out?”
Well, that’s true, but it doesn’t seem like we’re going to greet him. Ronove narrowed his eyes.

Around the time they had been waiting for about six hours, Ronove’s thoughts had grown complex, and he was contemplating another possibility.

“Approaching too closely might not be a good idea.”

At his words, the demons looked at each other. Could it be? Hesitant, Naberus suddenly widened his eyes. I think I understand Ronove’s intentions! he said.

“I suppose so.”

Ronove turned to Naberus with a puzzled look.

Why does he suddenly agree with me?

Regardless, Naberus spoke while looking at the lower-ranking demons behind him.

“It’s a protracted battle. The balance could easily be disrupted.”

Ronove raised an eyebrow, but the demons seemed to be absorbed in Naberus’s words already.

Indeed, what else could have happened between the saintess and the Archduke other than a battle?

Their gazes all shifted toward the main building. The main building was still quiet.
“Was the saintess that skilled?”

One demon muttered. Otherwise, why would there be such tension?

“True, she wouldn’t have ventured into the midst of demons without reason.”

A newfound wariness appeared on the demons’ faces. It was then.

“Your Highness!”

“Your Highness is coming!”

Beleled could be seen exiting the main building. Naberus leapt through the window and landed on the ground four floors below.

Without even making a thud, Naberus ran to Beleled and knelt on one knee.

“Your Highness!”

His booming voice echoed. He was about to ask if the battle had been enjoyable when Beleled raised an eyebrow.

“You’re loud.”

At those words, Naberus hesitated and bowed again.

After all, the battle had just concluded; it was a sensitive time. How could I commit such a blunder!

Unaware of my misunderstanding, just when I didn’t know what to do, Beleled’s displeased voice rang out.
“The veil?”

He was talking about the cloth for the bride’s consideration. A puzzled expression appeared on Naberus’s face.

Is there really a need for it? It’s not as if he married with genuine feelings, so why should he care about a human?

“……”

However, Beleled’s sharp gaze never left Naberus.

“I apologize.”