The Max Level Hero Has Returned!

"Brother!"

Winley spotted Davey and rushed toward him at an astonishing speed, embracing him. A few nearby nobles couldn't hide their startled expressions, but she wore a bright smile, seemingly unfazed by their reactions.

"Brother, I heard the news. Are you getting married now?"

"In a little while."

Davey's response was somewhat vague, but it still elicited a radiant smile from Winley, directed at Perserque.

"Congratulations, Perserque. Truly."

"Thank you."

"My brother Davey can be a bit rash and straightforward, but please take good care of him."

With a chuckle, Winley clasped their hands and implored them. Afterward, Davey spotted Baris in the distance, wrapped in the embrace of a young lady. She clung to Baris, her face adorned with a radiant smile and a slight blush.

"A wonderful moment."

Baris, taken aback and uncertain of his response, froze as he caught sight of Davey and Perserque. Then, he mustered an awkward smile and guided the girl toward the terrace, his arm gently encircling her.

"I was worried, but it appears you handled it gracefully."

"Baris, that girl feels somewhat inferior to you."

"Hmm..."

"It's only natural for someone to feel inferior when they admire and respect their elders so much, thinking they can never measure up. Where is there room for you in that?"

Perserque's advice was practical. Davey had done his part for Baris, and the rest was up to the young man himself.

"I'll go greet Tanya and Princess Maria. Davey, Perserque, enjoy your time."

As Winley waved and departed, Davey intended to take Perserque's hand, but someone approached them first.

"Ah, the lovely lady. I am Casanova Hechiman, the second son of the Hechiman Earl." The handsome man with an affable demeanor came over to Perserque with a bright smile. "Allow me the privilege of greeting you."

As Casanova Hechiman prepared to kiss the back of Perserque's hand, several ladies in the vicinity shot disapproving glances her way. Upon recollection, he appeared to be quite famous – renowned for sparking rumors with numerous women at every social gathering. Thanks to his good looks and smooth-talking manners, he had left many women weeping in his wake.

Perserque, whose hand he held, appeared slightly disconcerted, but Casanova confidently brought her hand closer to his lips.

Slap!

Of course, Davey wasn't just going to stand idly by.

"Casanova."

"Huh!"

Casanova furrowed his brows at Davey's interruption. Although Casanova's behavior might have appeared harmless, it didn't sit well with Davey. Their eyes locked, and Davey's grip on Casanova's shoulder tightened, prompting pain and surprise to flash across Casanova's face.

"You've got no fear, do you?" Davey's grin was far from comforting.

Casanova's face paled. "But... Prince Davey..."

"But what? Need me to ask again?"

"Uh..."

"You think I'm oblivious to your intentions?"

"I... I'm sorry."

"Don't let me have to remind you."

As Davey gently led Perserque away by her arm, some nearby nobles sighed in disappointment, having enjoyed the scene from a distance.

Perserque garnered numerous gazes, evoking both jealousy and admiration. Her beauty wasn't just top-tier; it was otherworldly. As a Demon King and Queen of the Abyss, she exuded an inherent allure that transcended mere physical beauty. Her charm captivated those around her.

Stepping out onto the terrace with Perserque, Davey drew her close.

"What?!"

"Let's go. There's somewhere I want to show you."

"Davey, you let him off easier than I expected," Perserque, still flushed, mumbled as she playfully expressed a sense of disappointment, her arms wrapped around Davey. "You'd usually make more of a fuss about it, wouldn't you?"

"Why would I let it go? I'm not a fan of pretty boys."

"You don't say... again?"

"Don't fret. I just carved a little alopecia into his mind. Does the size really matter? I left about an area the size of two thumb phalanges, so the effects should manifest soon."

"My goodness. Your malice knows no bounds."

"Do you know about the rumors surrounding him?"

"Rumors?"

"He's quite the renowned troublemaker." Davey shared, and Perserque appeared genuinely surprised.

"Do you have a profound understanding of the nobility and their traditions in this country?"

"..."

Davey took her hand, leading her in silence. They moved through the dimly lit forest and reached a concealed garden behind a stunning banquet hall illuminated by twin moons. Finally, he said, "I did some research. Well, it was part of investigating those Illuminati fellows."

She gazed up at him, her crimson eyes intently studying him before shifting to a playful expression. "Hm, are you worried about me?"

"..."

"What's the matter? Do you like me that much?"

She teasingly drew nearer, and Davey scratched his head. Then, abruptly, he pushed her against a nearby tree, her back hitting its trunk with a grin on his face. Although she flinched at the sudden move, her playful smile never wavered, as if she couldn't miss this chance.

"Don't provoke me so recklessly, Perserque."

"What?"

"No one's around."

As Davey spoke, Perserque fell into silence.

"If you want to get a rise out of me before you go all in," Davey trailed off ominously as he closed in on her.

At first, she was taken aback, but then she met his gaze with a confident smile. This reaction caught Davey off guard.

"You think you can outplay me here? Go ahead, give it a try."

Unexpectedly, the dynamics shifted. Blushing, Davey took a step back, covering his face with one hand. Perserque approached slowly, her playful grin never faltering. Normally, she would back down when teased, but this time, she was the one taking the initiative, leaving him feeling flustered.

"Uh... Just stay here."

In the end, Davey pushed Perserque away and made a hasty escape, with her laughter trailing behind him.

"Darn."

He only stopped after putting a considerable distance between them, gasping for breath with an irritated expression. His face was burning, and his heart raced uncontrollably. He wasn't young enough to be flustered like this, even though he was a lifelong bachelor.

"Wait, why am I running?"

Upon reflection, he couldn't come up with a good reason for fleeing. Neither of them had ever been in a relationship. In the end, he'd just lost a battle of wits. These thoughts brought a surge of frustration.

Perserque must have sensed it, as she'd managed to slip away, anticipating that if he returned, she'd be the one at a disadvantage.

"Where are you, Perserque? I'll make you regret it once I find you."

‘I've lived just for this moment.’

Cracking his knuckles, Davey infused himself with mana, giving off an eerie aura. She was nothing more than a flea. Locating her would not pose a challenge...

Swoosh…

At that moment, his senses detected the presence of someone else nearby.

"Oh my, Prince Davey O’Rowane."

A black-haired girl with an innocent and beautiful appearance emerged from the forest, her surprised eyes meeting his.

"Lady Yurbala of the Duke's household?"

Before the banquet, Davey had already memorized general information about related nobles, lords, and ladies, just in case. Thanks to his ability to remember things once he learned them, he was well aware of her existence. In the past, when the nobles had risen to power, she had been a countess. But after their rebellion, she became a duchess, elevating her family's status.

"Why are you here?"

"Ah... I... well..."

Seeing her stammer shyly, Davey felt a chilling sensation course through his veins.

"If you have nothing to say, you should go. It's dangerous to wander alone."

As he was about to turn away, she hesitated, then delicately grasped the collar of his clothes. Davey paused.

"I... Prince... If it's not too much trouble, could we talk for a moment?"

Davey silently stared at Yurba. His heart, which had been racing due to some earlier excitement, found its regular beat, and his face cooled once more. Then, he said, "Talk?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Yurba approached him, murmuring shyly.

* * *

After Davey had departed, Perserque couldn't help but chuckle mischievously for quite some time. She was fully aware that she was the only person in the world capable of flustering Davey, and while she found it somewhat embarrassing, she understood the unique power she held, rooted in Davey's feelings for her. Her playful decision to let him go had been nothing more than a spontaneous whim.

"Ugh..."

She felt the same way. Seated, her face flushed, she pressed her hand to her burning chest and covered her face with the other.

"I must be crazy... What was I thinking?" Her voice trembled as she murmured, clearly unsure of her own actions.

Wasn't she, just like Davey, a lifelong singleton? It was the first time she had ever been so drawn to someone of the opposite sex. Her heart raced, and her ears burned hotly as she bowed her head as low as possible, fearing that someone might see her blushing face.

She took deep breaths, trying to control the smile that involuntarily formed on her face. She exhaled briefly. Although she had retaliated against Davey in a moment of irritation, she felt the need to reflect on this matter. Some things would never change over time, like her own nature.

"Now then, shouldn't I provoke him? It's only polite," she murmured calmly and began walking with a determined step. Amid this, her hand trembled slightly.