"Morale building," Urgak replied without shame. "People like having something light to discuss. 'Will the chief end up with the administrator, the healer, or both' has been the favorite topic for weeks. Most of the smart money was on 'both,' for the record."

Satou laughed—he couldn't help it. Even in the middle of an emotional moment, his settlement was being... well, themselves. Practical, direct, and finding entertainment in their leader's romantic complications.

"Fine," Satou said. "Then let me make it absolutely official. Lyra is my first partner. Jessica is my second. Both are equally important to me, both have my love and commitment, and anyone who has a problem with that can bring it up directly with me."

He let a hint of his aura leak out—not threatening, but making it very clear this wasn't up for debate.

No one objected. A few people actually cheered.

"Alright then!" Urgak's voice boomed across the courtyard. "Our chief has returned victorious, claimed two beautiful partners, and marked a demon lord! Tonight we feast! Tomorrow we get back to work! But tonight—we celebrate!"

The crowd erupted in cheers. People dispersed quickly, heading to prepare for the feast Urgak had promised. Within minutes, the courtyard had cleared except for Satou, Lyra, Jessica, and a handful of close advisors.

Cassius approached, bowing formally. "Lord Satou. Lord Loki sent additional message through our communication crystal. He says to inform you that your actions today have 'stirred the hornet's nest quite thoroughly' and that you should expect increased attention from other demon lords. Some good, some less so."

"Seraphine," Satou said with a grimace.

"Among others," Cassius confirmed. "But also potential allies. Volcanus apparently expressed interest in meeting you properly. Grimfang sent word that he approves of your 'spirit' and may visit to test you personally. And Malakor..." Cassius paused. "Malakor sent no message, but Lord Loki says that silence from the first seat is actually approval. He doesn't comment on those he considers beneath notice."

"So I'm not beneath notice anymore," Satou said.

"Apparently not, my lord." Said Cassius

Kelvin, who'd been waiting impatiently, finally burst out: "Okay, now can you tell me everything? Please? I need to know how you beat Richard Clay! Was it the sword? Did you use all your dungeon abilities? What happened when Chronus interfered?"

"Kelvin," Lyra said in her administrator's voice. "Satou just returned from a potentially fatal duel. He needs rest, food, and time with—" she glanced at Jessica, "—with us. The full story can wait."

"But—"

"No buts," Jessica added, joining Lyra's administrative command. "Big brother needs to be checked for injuries, needs proper food, and needs to decompress from what was undoubtedly an incredibly stressful experience. You can hear the story at the feast tonight when he's recovered."

Kelvin deflated slightly but nodded. "Fine. But I want every detail tonight!"

"Every detail," Satou promised. "I'll make sure to include the part where I made a ten-seat demon lord kneel."

Kelvin's eyes went wide. "You WHAT?"

"Tonight," Satou repeated with a grin. "Now go help with feast preparations. I need to talk with Lyra and Jessica. Alone."

Kelvin ran off, practically vibrating with excitement at having such a story to look forward to.

Cassius bowed again. "I'll coordinate security for the feast and ensure everything proceeds smoothly. Congratulations on your victory, Lord Satou. The settlement is stronger for having you return."

He vanished into shadows, leaving Satou alone with Lyra and Jessica.

The three of them stood there for a moment, the weight of the new dynamic settling over them. This was the first time they'd been alone together since everything had been made explicit. Since Satou had admitted his feelings for Jessica. Since Lyra had given her blessing for this unconventional arrangement.

It was simultaneously comfortable and awkward—like putting on a new piece of clothing that fit perfectly but still felt strange because it was unfamiliar.

"So," Lyra said, breaking the silence with typical administrative efficiency. "We should probably talk about how this is actually going to work. Boundaries, expectations, practical arrangements. Because I refuse to let this become a source of settlement drama or personal misery."

"Now?" Satou asked. "Can't it wait until after the feast?"

"No," both women said simultaneously.

"We've been thinking about this for hours," Jessica added. "While you were fighting. We need to establish things clearly so there's no misunderstanding later."

"Alright," Satou agreed. "Then let's go somewhere private. My quarters?"

"Too obvious," Lyra said. "Everyone knows those are your quarters. If we all go there together, the entire settlement will know what's happening."

"The entire settlement already knows what's happening," Satou pointed out. "I just announced it publicly."

"True," Lyra conceded. "But there's knowing conceptually and knowing specifically. We don't need to advertise every detail."

"Then where?"

Jessica spoke up. "The healing hall has a private back room I use for difficult cases. No one will interrupt us there, and it's not associated with anyone's personal quarters. Neutral ground."

"Perfect," Lyra said. "Let's go."

The three of them walked together toward the healing hall, drawing a few knowing glances from settlement members but no comments. When they entered the hall itself, Jessica led them through to a small room at the back—barely twelve feet square, with a single bed for patients who needed observation, a desk with medical supplies, and not much else.

Jessica closed the door and activated a small privacy ward she'd apparently set up—basic magic that would muffle sounds and alert her if anyone approached.

Then she turned to face them, and Satou saw her transform from nervous potential partner back into competent healer.

"First things first," Jessica said. "Satou, sit on the bed. I need to check you for injuries. I know you have incredible regeneration, but I want to make sure nothing is degraded or compromised from fighting someone whose entire ability is decay."

"I'm fine—"

"Sit," both women commanded.

Satou sat.

Jessica's hands began glowing with soft healing light as she examined him, her professional focus absolute. She checked his arms, his chest, his back—looking for any signs of lingering decay, any wounds that weren't healing properly, any contamination that might cause problems later.

"You have some minor scarring," Jessica observed, her fingers tracing a line across his ribs where Richard had landed a glancing blow. "The decay damaged you on a deeper level than normal wounds. Your regeneration has healed the physical damage, but there's still some... disruption in your essence. Like static in your life force."

"Can you fix it?"

"Yes, but it'll take several sessions. The contamination is minor—it won't affect your daily function—but if it's left untreated it could interfere with your regeneration ability long-term. I'll schedule treatments starting tomorrow."

She continued her examination, and Satou noticed Lyra watching with interest rather than jealousy. When Jessica's healing touch moved across his chest, her fingers lingering slightly longer than strictly necessary, Lyra just smiled knowingly.

"He's attractive, isn't he?" Lyra said conversationally. "The transformation made him even more so. Those scales catch light beautifully."

Jessica blushed but didn't stop her examination. "He's... yes. Very attractive. I was trying to be professional about it."

"You can be professional and attracted," Lyra replied. "I certainly am. Though I've had more time to get comfortable with it."

The casualness of the conversation was helping. What could have been awkward—Jessica touching Satou while Lyra watched—became just a moment of honest interaction between people who cared about each other.

"You're clean," Jessica announced finally, pulling back. "No major contamination, just minor scarring that will heal with treatment. You were lucky—Richard Clay's decay is absolutely lethal if it connects properly."

Author Note :

It's author here ,sorry for the late uploads today ,got sick when I wake up this morning ,when I was able to feel myself once more ,I decided to write today chapter ,so there may be some gramatic errors ,but I will fix all of them when I get better ,Thanks ♥️

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