The first had long, curling scarlet hair that caught the dim light like molten lave, tumbling down her back in heated waves. It almost looked alive—each strand shifting with an inner flame.
Her golden eyes—true dragon eyes—gleamed with shameless amusement, slit pupils narrowing as they fixed on him with bold, unsettling intensity.
Her maid uniform was black and red, tailored far too well to be innocent.
The bodice clung to her curves like it had been designed to test his restraint, the fabric stretched just enough to suggest without revealing.
Her hips swayed when she walked, unhurried.
Even standing still, she radiated warmth—her skin faintly flushed, as if heat simmered just beneath it.
When she smiled, it wasn't gentle.
It was daring.
Ignira. His most brazen maid.
"I coming with you," she said simply, that playful lilt in her voice making it sound like a harmless little adventure.
The second maid was smaller. Quieter.
Shoulder-length black hair framed a pale, delicate face.
Large dark eyes watched him with an intensity most people overlooked at first glance.
Where Ignira demanded attention, this one avoided it—until you noticed her.
And then you realized she had been watching the entire time.
Her uniform was pristine.
Perfectly pressed. Every ribbon aligned. Every frill immaculate. Hands folded neatly before her apron, posture straight, head slightly bowed.
Noelle.
She moved like a shadow cast by candlelight—silent, precise.
"…If you'll allow it," she added softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yet he heard it clearly.
He always did.
The third maid towered over the other two, solid. Built. The kind of strength that came from real combat, not decorative training.
Short, messy hair framed a sharp face lit by an easy grin. Her maid uniform had been subtly modified; sleeves rolled up to reveal toned arms, the skirt slightly shorter for mobility. She wore it like armor rather than attire.
She could probably break stone with her bare hands.
She had, once.
Brakka.
Subtlety had never been her strong suit.
"You'll need someone to watch your back!" she declared, entirely too loud for the solemn courtyard. "And besides, it'll be boring here without you!"
Several other maids twitched faintly at her volume.
Vael looked at the three of them.
Beautiful.
Powerful.
And apparently delusional.
"No. Stay here."
"We refuse," Ignira said cheerfully, stepping closer. Her hip cocked to one side, hand resting there with effortless confidence.
The movement pulled her uniform tighter across her chest in a way that was absolutely intentional.
"You can't order us anymore, remember? You just quit."
"I don't need you."
"That's not the point~"
She moved even closer, invading his personal space like she'd done countless times before.
The faint scent of something warm—spiced and dangerous—brushed against him.
Her fingers lightly traced the lapel of his new coat, testing the unfamiliar fabric.
"I want to come."
"…We've already decided," Noelle added quietly.
She was suddenly at his other side.
He hadn't seen her move.
Her sleeve brushed faintly against his hand—cool compared to Ignira's warmth.
"Come on, master" Brakka laughed, slinging an arm over his shoulders. It was slightly awkward due to their height difference, but she didn't care.
The contact was firm, solid. Protective.
"We've been with you for years! You think we're just gonna let you wander off alone?"
Vael stared at them.
They stared back.
Ignira's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Noelle's gaze was steady. Quietly determined.
Brakka looked ready to physically drag him if necessary.
Logic dictated refusal.
He was leaving to escape responsibility. Obligation. Expectation.
These three embodied all three.
They would draw attention. Cause trouble. Complicate everything.
They would require consideration.
…Effort.
But they were already positioned around him like orbiting forces.
He could force them to remain.
But that would lead to pursuit.
And he did not feel like starting his retirement by subduing his own maids.
"…Fine."
Ignira's smile widened into open triumph.
Noelle's expression barely shifted, yet something softened in her eyes—relief, carefully concealed.
Brakka whooped loudly, squeezing his shoulder in celebration. "That's what I'm talking about!"
"Don't expect gratitude," Vael said flatly.
Ignira leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear.
"Wouldn't dream of it~"
He exhaled.
A faint sigh.
Rare.
Almost human.
Then he started walking.
The three maids fell into step around him instinctively.
Ignira on his left, hips swaying with feline grace.
Noelle on his right, silent as death itself.
Brakka slightly behind, heavy footsteps confident and eager.
The palace gates groaned open.
Beyond them stretched the Demon Lands—jagged terrain, blackened soil, crimson skies. Twisted forests and distant volcanic ridges marked territory that had once bowed entirely to him.
Further beyond, far at the edge of sight—
Green hills.
Rolling. Alive.
The human territories.
A world he had conquered in fragments.
But never lived in.
They walked in silence for a while. Each step carried them farther from the palace, from centuries of rule. The oppressive aura of the demon realm gradually thinned, replaced by air that felt… lighter.
Fresher.
Different.
The wind shifted.
Vael glanced at his companions.
Ignira was still in her maid uniform, entirely inappropriate for blending in. Noelle wore her traditional outfit, equally distinctive. Brakka's modified uniform looked more like battle gear than servant attire.
"Change your clothes," he said.
All three looked at him.
"We're going to the human world," he continued. "Those outfits are too noticeable."
Ignira tilted her head, that playful smile never leaving her lips. "Oh? Worried about us, my lord?"
"...."
"Even in the human world," Noelle said softly, her dark eyes meeting his, "we'll still be your maids."
"We'll take care of you, no matter what you're wearing!" Brakka added with a grin, completely missing the point.
Ignira stepped closer, her warmth almost tangible. "We didn't follow you to blend in, my lord. We followed you to stay by your side." She leaned in slightly. "Maid uniforms and all~"
Vael looked at them. At their determined faces, their unwavering stares, their complete lack of concern for his logical arguments.
"...Do what you want."
"We will~" Ignira said cheerfully.
They continued walking toward the green lands, four figures crossing the border between realms—one retired demon lord in merchant clothes, and three maids who refused to be anything other than what they chose to be.
Behind them, the palace grew smaller.
Ahead, a new life waited.
Vael didn't look back.
He never did.