Cassius continued looking at her for a moment, something like curiosity in his expression. Then he smiled slightly. "Well, regardless of your reasoning, you have my gratitude, Commander Lilith."

"Lilith is fine," she said quickly, still not meeting his eyes. "No need for... for titles."

Satou watched this exchange with growing amusement. The way Lilith was avoiding eye contact, the slight flush that wouldn't leave her face, the way Cassius seemed genuinely intrigued by her reactions…

Oh, this is too good to pass up.

Satou smiled mischievously. "You know, Cassius, you should thank Lilith properly. She did spend hours working on your injuries. That's quite a personal investment of time and energy."

"I just did thank her," Cassius replied, confused.

"No, I mean really thank her," Satou said, his grin widening. "Maybe offer to take her to dinner sometime. As a proper thank you. For all that personal attention she gave you."

Lilith's head whipped around, her eyes wide. "That's not—he doesn't need to—!"

"Actually, that's not a bad idea," Cassius said thoughtfully, completely missing Lilith's panic. "I am quite grateful, and I don't know much about this city. It would be interesting to learn more about the Fallen Spires from someone who's defended it for so long. Commander Lilith—I mean, Lilith—would you be willing to show me around when we next visit?"

Lilith opened and closed her mouth several times, looking like a fish out of water. Her wings fluttered nervously. "I... that is... I suppose... if you really want to..."

"I do," Cassius confirmed, his expression genuinely interested rather than flirtatious. "You're a skilled warrior and clearly a capable healer. I'd enjoy learning more about your techniques and the city you protect."

"Oh," Lilith said, her voice small. "Oh. Okay then. Yes. I could... I could do that."

The other commanders were staring at their military leader in shock. They'd never seen her this flustered before. Even Veronica looked like she was trying very hard not to laugh.

Before Satou could tease further, a familiar voice interrupted from behind him.

"Stop teasing my subordinate."

Everyone turned to see Seraphine standing in the doorway of her chambers, now dressed in a flowing dark gown that somehow managed to be both elegant and practical. Her corrupted wings were partially regenerated, and her hair was arranged perfectly despite having just woken up.

But what caught everyone's attention was her expression—soft, warm, and completely different from her usual seductive mask. This was the real Seraphine, the one only Satou had seen until now.

"And," Seraphine continued, her mismatched eyes fixed on Satou with amusement and affection, "were you thinking of leaving without giving me a kiss when I'm awake?"

Satou smiled, his heart warming at the sight of her. "Nope. I wouldn't dare."

He walked toward her, ignoring the stares of the commanders, and cupped her face gently.

"Good morning, beautiful."'

"Good morning," Seraphine replied, her voice soft. "Sleep well?"

"Best sleep I've had in months," Satou admitted. "You?"

"I had the most wonderful dream," Seraphine said, her smile turning slightly mischievous. "Though I think reality was better."

"Flatterer," Satou teased.

"Only when it's true," Seraphine replied.

Then Satou leaned in and kissed her—not a quick peck, but a deep, lingering kiss that made it very clear to everyone watching exactly what their relationship status was now.

Behind them, there was a collective sound of several people trying very hard not to react.

Lilith made a strangled sound and covered her eyes. "Oh gods, they're doing it right here."

"I think it's sweet," Veronica whispered.

"I think it's making me uncomfortable," Morgana muttered, trying to look anywhere else.

"I think we should give them privacy," Carmilla suggested, but none of them moved.

The Seraphine clone just smiled knowingly. Of course she knew—she was an extension of Seraphine herself.

When Satou and Seraphine finally broke apart, both of them were smiling.

"I love you," Satou said quietly, just for her.

"I love you too," Seraphine replied, her voice carrying three centuries of loneliness finally finding its answer. "Come back to me. After you've reunited with Lyra and Jessica, after you've reassured your settlement... come back."

"I will," Satou promised. "This isn't goodbye. Just see you later."

"I'll hold you to that," Seraphine said. Then, louder, she addressed her subordinates: "We've prepared a carriage for Lord Satou and Cassius. Fully stocked with supplies and provisions for their journey home."

"Thank you," Satou said, then turned to the assembled commanders. "All of you. Thank you for defending your home. For standing against The Reaper even when it seemed hopeless. That kind of courage is rare."

"Thank you for showing us that impossible opponents can be fought," Veronica replied. "You've given us something we lost somewhere along the way—hope."

Satou and Cassius began walking toward the exit, and Seraphine accompanied them, her hand finding Satou's naturally. The commanders followed at a respectful distance, whispering among themselves.

As they walked through the corridors of the central spire and out into the city proper, Satou saw the extent of the damage for the first time in daylight.

The outer districts were devastated—buildings reduced to rubble, streets cratered, entire sections of the city simply gone. But already, civilians and warriors alike were working on reconstruction. Clearing debris. Salvaging materials. Beginning to rebuild.

And when they saw Satou, they stopped.

One by one, people turned to look at him. Warriors he'd fought alongside. Civilians who'd been evacuated. All of them staring at the demon lord who'd wounded a legend.

Then someone started clapping.

The sound was quickly picked up by others. Within seconds, the entire street was applauding. People were shouting thanks, blessings, promises to remember his name.

"Thank you, Lord Satou!"

"You saved us!"

"Hero of the Fallen Spires!"

Satou felt his face heating up with embarrassment. He wasn't used to this kind of open adulation. In his own settlement, people respected him, but this was different. This was gratitude from people who'd genuinely expected to die.

"Wave to them," Seraphine suggested quietly, squeezing his hand. "They need this. Need to see you acknowledge their thanks."

Satou raised his free hand in a wave, and the cheering intensified. Cassius, walking beside him, looked equally uncomfortable with the attention but was handling it with his usual vampire composure.

Author Note :

And with this close this arc

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