Stella is the first demon race I've met since I was reborn as a demon king.

　She was always there for me.
　She was always there for me, always doing her best to support me.

　There's no way to thank her enough.

　I used to be a human hero, but the reason I'm still doing my job as Demon King Fried is because of her.

　That's why I have a strong feeling that Stella is my best friend and partner.

　Of course, I'm aware of the fact that she's an exceptionally beautiful girl, and I think she's attractive as a woman.

　But when I think about whether those feelings are romantic in nature, I don't know.
　I don't know.

　How do I feel about Stella?

　It's true that my heart is tingling sweetly and sourly, my heart is beating and fluttering.
　But is it a definite romantic feeling?

　The more I think about it, the less I know.

　It was a fresh surprise to me that a man over forty years old could be as confused as a boy.

'I have had the most unbecoming feelings for my subjects. I beg you to punish me.

　Stella begs for punishment in layers.

'Why should I punish you?'

　I smiled at Stella.

'I'm glad you feel that way.'
'....You're very kind. Caring for me.
I don't care. That's not caring.

　While saying it, I think in a corner of my mind that I may be getting away with a safe answer.

　Would my answer be unfair?
　Is it just procrastination?
　But....

But... thank you.

　Stella returned a smile.

''──The battle against the brave will end at some point. At that time──please allow me to express my feelings again──.

　Stella's smile turns into a sly smile.

　I still think she's dainty.
　More than any other woman I've ever met in my life.

'Until then, not as a woman, but as a subject - I will serve you with all my might.
Okay.

　I looked at her.

'I will do my best to make that day come as soon as possible. As the Demon King.



'On a different note, what was the power Stella used that time?

　I asked Stella.

'Although it was noticeably different from your usual 'third eye'
It's just... I'm not sure what it is... because I'm not that crazy about it.

　Stella tells us.

'Probably The Eye of the Apocalypse (Apocalypse Notes),'

　The eye of the apocalypse...?
　It was a word that sounded familiar from somewhere.

'Well, in Stella's past...!

　In the course of Feria's search for the Dream Demon Princess, we were once trapped in Stella's hometown - the Duke of Arzelwein's territory.
　It's actually a world in a dream created by Feria.

　I experienced Stella's dream - the past, in that case.

　Her mother, the aide of the previous demon king - the visionary Marcella D. Arzelwein.
　In order to attract her busy mother's attention, Stella, as a child, continued to hone her power.

　Stella was a genius.
　She continued to learn all kinds of pupil techniques at a furious pace, and finally began to awaken to a power that was forbidden among eye demons.

　That was The Eye of the Apocalypse.

　Marcella suppressed Stella's growth and placed a powerful seal on her third eye.
　Because of this, Stella's pupil technique power was weakened.

''However, it seems that that seal is being broken.

　Stella tells us.

''The Eye of the Apocalypse is an invincible pupil technique that might even threaten the Demon King's position. Hence, the Eye Demon has held this power as a taboo. Because of their loyalty to the Demon King,''
Even the Demon King's throne...
My eyes are imperfect now but I may eventually awaken to the full 'Eye of the Apocalypse'.

　Stella suddenly looks like she has a thoughtful look on her face.

"Before that happens, you'll have to take me by the hand...
Stella?
In your hands, I don't have ... a shred of regret.
"Lay a hand on it?　You wouldn't do that.

　I shook my head quietly.

'Mostly, I owe Stella a great debt of gratitude. It was only because of your eyes that I was able to get an opening in the divinely empowered Reavert.

　I hug Stella's shoulder.

'All I can say is thank you. Not just this time, but all the time.
No, no...

　Stella spluttered, embarrassed.

'I believe in you. I need you to continue to be there for me.
"...as you wish. Master Freed.

　Stella looked at me with wet eyes.

'I will serve you with this life,'



　After finishing my talk with Stella, I headed to the top of the Demon King's Castle.

　It's been a long time since I've seen 'her' and to hear her out.

　The previous Demon King Yulisha.

　I have to ask her about that power that was hidden underneath the Demon King's Castle.