Twelve years old. A child witnessing her family’s destruction.
"The loyal guards smuggled me out while the palace burned," she continued, crimson tears gathering in her eyes. "I’ve spent years in exile, building strength to reclaim what was stolen."
Years of preparation. That explains her master-level abilities and knowledge.
"Every attack on the current royal family is an attempt to weaken their hold on my family’s throne," Lola explained, her voice carrying the weight of generational conflict. "But I’m not strong enough yet to face King Maltheon directly."
She’s been conducting a one-woman war against superior forces. Incredible dedication.
"When I first approached you, it was because of a prophecy that the bearer would help restore the rightful heir; that’s why I’ve tested you initially." She admitted with growing emotion. I hoped you might be the one foretold to help me reclaim my birthright."
"But seeing your weak power and kindness..." Lola’s voice broke slightly. "I realised I didn’t want to use you for my vendetta. You deserve better than being dragged into a war that isn’t yours."
Noah’s mouth twitched. ’Weakness...that’s rude, but true.’
The weight of her revelation settled between them like a bridge toward understanding. Noah finally comprehended the true scope of what he’d stumbled into—not just random criminal activity, but the last princess of a fallen dynasty fighting to reclaim her heritage.
Royal exile seeking restoration. Her attacks on Prince Malphas weren’t terrorism—they were legitimate attempts to weaken a usurper’s hold on stolen power.
"I accept," Lola whispered, her voice carrying emotion that transcended mere employment agreement.
Without hesitation, she bit her finger and allowed crimson drops to fall onto the contract’s signature line. Her mana flowed into the parchment as a magical binding activated with golden light that filled the shop with warm radiance.
Blood and mana sealing. This becomes a permanent magical law.
[Congratulations! First employee has been signed: Lola!]
[The second floor has been adjusted for enhanced privacy for employee accommodation. Daily payment will be automatically distributed upon completion of work hours. Manual payment management is unnecessary.]
The contract dissolved into particles of light that settled into both their consciousness, creating a permanent connection that transcended simple business arrangements.
Bonded. Permanently bonded through magical employment law.
Outside, Prince Malphas’s voice carried renewed fury that penetrated their sanctuary with threats of escalating the response.
But inside the shop, Princess Loliana Lilin had chosen a new path that led away from endless war toward something approaching hope.
After finalising the contract with Lola, Noah gestured toward the staircase leading to the shop’s second level. "Come on, let me show you the upstairs. It’s going to be your residence after all."
They climbed the stairs together, Leo bounding ahead with excitement at exploring new territory. The second floor had transformed dramatically since Noah’s last visit, evolving beyond simple living quarters into something approaching luxurious accommodation.
The system really did make it privacy-friendly.
Loliana’s designated room featured its own private bathroom, complete with amenities that seemed impossibly advanced for a medieval magical society. The design aesthetic blended comfort with functionality in ways that defied conventional architecture.
Modern conveniences in a demon kingdom.
The rest of the floor had been configured as a comfortable lounge area, with the idle room positioned strategically to one side, the design allowed privacy to Lola while allowing access to the Idle room without disturbing her. Everything felt spacious despite the building’s modest external dimensions.
Dimensional expansion at work. Bigger inside than outside.
Loliana examined her new quarters with obvious surprise, her ruby eyes taking in details that seemed to fascinate rather than merely impress her.
"This design... I’ve never seen anything like it," she murmured, running her fingers along surfaces that were smoother than anything medieval craftsmanship typically produced.
The succubus approached her bed with curious appreciation, settling onto the mattress to test its comfort. Her expression transformed as premium materials provided support that exceeded royal accommodations.
"This is incredibly comfortable," she declared with obvious satisfaction.
Then her ruby eyes fixed on Noah with familiar mischief returning to her expression. "Want to join me and test it properly?"
There’s the teasing. Back to normal, Lola’s behaviour.
Noah coughed awkwardly before retreating toward the staircase. "I’ll leave you to get settled."
Loliana’s chuckle followed him down the stairs, carrying amusement at his predictable reaction to her flirtation.
Some things never change. Crisis or not, she can’t resist teasing.
Back on the main floor, Noah began preparations for departure. Although one day remained before the system’s forced relocation, current circumstances demanded immediate action.
Royal siege plus a grandmaster on the way equals time to leave.
But as he arrived down at the first floor, movement outside the window caught his attention. Familiar faces had joined the crowd of spectators surrounding the royal cordon.
Vex. And several other regular customers.
Viscount Vex stood among the gathered demons, his expression carrying genuine concern rather than mere curiosity. Precious perched behind his ear, her needle-sharp teeth clicking with obvious agitation.
They’re worried about me. Actual concern from customers who’ve become something approaching friends.
Other familiar faces dotted the crowd—demons who’d purchased his products regularly, building relationships that transcended simple commercial transactions.
Time for farewells. But careful ones that don’t implicate them in my escape.
Noah opened his shop window just enough to project his voice toward the gathered crowd.
"Thank you all for your patronage!" he called out, deliberately avoiding specific names. "Business circumstances require immediate relocation, but your support has been appreciated!"
Generic farewell that doesn’t associate anyone with helping me escape.
Vex’s expression showed understanding rather than confusion. The viscount recognized diplomatic language when he heard it.
He knows I’m protecting them from royal retribution.
Other customers nodded with similar comprehension, their faces carrying disappointment mixed with relief that their shopkeeper had found escape routes.
They understand. Good customers who won’t face consequences for my actions.
But as Noah prepared to activate the system’s relocation function, new commotion erupted outside. The royal guards snapped to attention suggesting someone of ultimate authority had arrived.