"Master-level aura," Kip added, his young voice carrying deadly serious analysis. "Very dangerous."
Both siblings shifted into combat stances with synchronized precision that spoke to countless hours of joint training. Alissa’s blade emerged from its sheath while Kip’s magic intensified into visible energy patterns.
"Wait!" Noah stepped between them immediately, his speed allowing him to intercept their assault preparations. "Stop! She’s with me!"
Alissa’s eyes widened with confusion rather than compliance. "Noah, that’s a demon! A powerful one!"
"Master-level succubus," Kip corrected, despite knowing her power. That didn’t reduce his readiness. "She is extremely dangerous to humans."
"I know what she is," Noah replied with calm authority. "Her name is Lola, and she’s... It’s complicated."
Lola’s smile widened with obvious amusement at the description. "Complicated. I like that."
"Lola, you are not helping defuse the situation. Stop." Noah rolled his eyes at her remarks.
"Noah," Alissa said carefully, her sword remaining drawn but not actively threatening. "What do you mean she’s with you?"
How do I explain succubus politics, royal conflicts, and the extremists?
"It’s a long story," Noah began diplomatically.
Kip’s magical aura flickered with uncertainty.
After explaining everything, such as his visit to the demon kingdom, Lola’s help with his shop and his growing power, the twins sort of understood.
"Long story short," Noah continued. "The important thing is that Lola isn’t a threat. She’s been... protective, actually."
Lola’s expression softened slightly at the description, though her predatory smile remained firmly in place.
"You trust her?" Alissa asked with the directness that had always characterized her approach to complicated situations.
Noah glanced toward Lola, remembering her refusal to enter his shop until forced by mortal injury and his action of bringing her inside, her concern about involving him in royal politics, and her willingness to die rather than compromise his safety.
Do I trust her? That’s... actually a good question.
"Yes," he said simply. "I trust her."
"I can’t believe this. The demons are not our enemies? There are extremists among them and they attack both of our kingdoms. Also, I can’t believe that there are people with power inside Esta who are benefiting from this—despicable people!"
Alissa’s voice carried genuine anger that went beyond her usual composed demeanour. The revelation that their kingdom’s war was built on manipulation rather than genuine demon aggression had shaken her worldview completely.
Noah nodded in agreement. "The problem is that I still don’t know who is behind them. All I know is that they must be people of power."
Political corruption at the highest levels. There are always people who benefit from perpetual war between kingdoms.
Kip’s young face twisted with disgust. "Using innocent deaths for profit. That’s evil beyond anything."
"I’ve tried to gather more information, but it was difficult, " Noah promised. "For now, we need to focus on what we can control here."
Lola had remained unusually quiet during the political discussion, her ruby eyes tracking the conversation with interest rather than her typical amusement.
She’s evaluating them. Probably deciding whether they’re trustworthy allies.
"Enough politics for now," Noah decided, shifting to lighter topics. "Tell me about your training. How have you both progressed?"
Alissa’s expression brightened with pride mixed with determination. "I’ve reached the adept level in swordsmanship and been accepted as a core member in Valeria’s guild."
Adept-rank. She’s advanced significantly since I left.
"And I’ve achieved Adept rank in elemental magic," Kip added with obvious satisfaction. "My fire magic can now create sustained flame constructs."
Both siblings advancing rapidly. Their potential was always extraordinary.
"That’s incredible progress," Noah said with genuine admiration. "You’re both becoming formidable."
A golden blur suddenly emerged from behind Noah’s legs, drawing startled gasps from both siblings. Leo bounded forward with typical enthusiasm, his small size making him appear harmless despite his nature.
"Papa, who are these people?" Leo asked with innocent curiosity.
"Leo, meet Alissa and Kip," Noah explained. "They’re dear friends of mine."
Both siblings stared at the talking lion with expressions that cycled through shock, amazement, and growing delight.
"He’s adorable!" Alissa exclaimed, her warrior composure cracking completely.
"I’ve seen one of his species in the academy before! That’s Golden Mane Lion cub," Kip breathed with excitement. "I’ve read about them but never seen one in person. They are extremely good at hunting, whilst having an immense potential of reaching the adept or master rank under good conditions. "
They recognize his species. Impressive education at the magical academy.
Leo preened under their attention, his tail wiggling with pleasure. "I like them, Papa!"
"Can I pet him?" Alissa asked with the enthusiasm of someone encountering legendary cuteness.
"Leo decides that," Noah replied diplomatically.
The juvenile lion bounded toward Alissa with obvious approval, allowing her to scratch behind his ears while purring like an oversized house cat.
"His magical aura is incredible," Kip observed with analytical fascination. "He’s only juvenile stage but already carries apprentice-level power."
"Leo’s special," Noah agreed, watching his companion bask in the attention.
Alissa and Kipp nodded in agreement.
Alissa looked around the transformed space with obvious amazement, her eyes tracking the elegant display cases, expanded floor area, and professional lighting that made Noah’s shop feel like a legitimate magical establishment.
"This place looks incredible!" she exclaimed. "It’s completely different from when we last visited. You must’ve expanded a lot."
"Business growth required improvements," Noah replied with satisfaction at her reaction.
He moved toward his premium product displays, retrieving two protein bars.
"Here, take these. They’re nutritional supplements that will help with your training. You guys are still young and growing, you need all the good stuff you can take," Noah offered one bar to each sibling with a smile on his face.
Lola’s ruby eyes widened with genuine shock as she watched him distribute legendary-tier enhancement items like casual snacks. Her expression carried disbelief that someone would give away items worth tier 5 treasure status, for free.
He’s giving them protein bars worth tier 5 artefacts like they’re cabbage. This man’s generosity defies all logic, insane.