Fallen Demon Lord

The chamber of council stood tall and silent, draped in silken banners bearing the crest of House Valemorth. Lord Darian sat at the head of the long obsidian table, his gaze calm but sharp. Beside him, Lady Rovena sat stiffly, a polite smile plastered on her face like a mask. But behind that forced serenity, her mind raged.

"That insolent child… how dare he humiliate the knights like that?" she thought, grinding her teeth inwardly. Her eyes flicked to Kaelen, who stood unbothered and confident, his posture more befitting a seasoned war general than a ten-year-old boy.

And yet, with Darian seated beside her, she said nothing.

"Kaelen," Lord Darian said, his voice warm and filled with pride. "Today, you've truly astonished me. You're… more extraordinary than I ever imagined."

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. Extraordinary? Was this how a head of one of the strongest families acted? Honestly, it was kind of irritating.

Still, he bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Father."

But Lord Darian wasn't done.

"The technique you used in the duel… it was brilliant. I've never seen a form quite like it. So refined, yet devastating. Where did you learn it?"

Kaelen blinked, then put on the most innocent look he could muster — one that belonged to a curious child rather than a reincarnated demon god.

"I just… made it up!" he chirped, swinging his arms dramatically like a clueless boy trying to imitate a swordsman. "Swish-swish, and bam!"

Darian raised an eyebrow.

Nice try, kid.

Realizing he might be pressing too hard, Darian cleared his throat and stood. "This concludes today's meeting."

One by one, the council members departed. When only Kaelen remained, Darian gestured.

"Walk with me, son."

They soon reached a secluded hill behind the estate, a gentle breeze playing with the leaves around them. A stone bench rested under the old redmoon tree. Kaelen looked around, confused, but sat silently.

Darian exhaled slowly. "I owe you an apology. I wasn't there to watch you grow up… after your mother left, I drowned myself in duty."

Kaelen blinked in surprise. Wait… is this man really the same stern family head?

As Darian's voice softened, Kaelen's sharp senses picked up something odd — a faint hum of magic. A protective shield? So he's even prepared against eavesdropping. Interesting.

Kaelen's inner monologue churned. He's at Level 7… in this Empire, that's rare. But the other family heads are all Level 8. No wonder House Valemorth lost standing after Ardyn vanished.

"Why did you remarry after my mother died?" Kaelen asked, half-jokingly.

THWACK!

Darian lightly bonked his son on the head. Kaelen yelped and rubbed it with exaggerated drama, plopping on the ground like a squashed tomato.

"Silly boy," Darian chuckled. "Who told you your mother died?"

Kaelen stared. "W-What?"

Darian's expression shifted — fondness, sorrow, pride — all mixing in his eyes.

"Your mother… she's still alive. And she wasn't human. She was an elf — one of the seven renowned beauties of the world."

Kaelen's jaw dropped. Wait… an elf?! So that's why this body is stupidly handsome!

His mind reeled with questions, but only one came out.

"Then why isn't she with us?"

"When you're strong enough," Darian said gently, "I'll tell you everything. But not yet."

In his mind's eye, Kaelen imagined himself flopping on the ground, clutching a handkerchief in his mouth, sobbing and wailing like a drama actor.

"Why does everyone keep secrets from meeee?!"

But then, he looked at his father and smiled.

"I'll grow stronger, Father. I'll find her, wherever she is."

Darian laughed — not the chuckle of a noble, but the full-hearted laugh of a father.

For the first time in years, he laughed like that.

Hidden behind a distant tree, the old family butler wiped tears from his eyes.

Kaelen sat quietly beside his father, eyes reflecting the crimson hues of the sunset.

"So this is what having a family feels like… warmth, love, connection."

His past life had been filled with power, conquest, and emptiness. But this… this was different.

And precious.

"I need to grow stronger," he thought. "Not just for me… but for them."

Darian glanced at his son, then lowered his voice.

"Kaelen… there's no one around. Will you show me your technique?"

Kaelen smiled.

"…Maybe."