103 Eternal Partnership (1/2)

Even with that simple half-step Konrad's strength sharply rose. Today if he met the same Accursed Stolas Beast, he could obliterate it with one finger. Moreover, and Although he lacked an accurate way to judge his current strength, he firmly believed that mid-stage Transcendent level experts and below would crumble in a single blow.

As for those high-level Transcendent Rank experts, only after fighting one would he know where he currently stood.

Konrad's eyes opened to the sight of Iliana silently standing by his side.

”You seem a bit…different.”

She muttered while observing the aura fluctuating around him.

”How so?”

”Your aura is more…overbearing.”

Konrad restrained the pressure within his God Meridian and stood up.

”As for you, you look…concerned.”

There was indeed a hint of concern within Iliana's eyes, and regardless of how hard she tried to suppress it, she couldn't.

”Actually, it is nothing much. I just have misgivings.”

She paused, pulling in a deep breath to recompose her thoughts.

”I know it's just to deceive the imperial family. I know it's with you, but at the end of the day, the name ”Konrad” will not be on the contract. We are not truly getting married. Said coarsely, this wedding is nothing but a sham.

And that bothers me.”

The opportunity had finally knocked on the door. Konrad prevented his lips from curling into a victorious smile, maintaining a calm, understanding gaze on Iliana.

Although she'd vanquished her prejudices against demonkind, Konrad didn't believe that she would willingly sign a contract with him. At least not before some more time.

However, with her current mood and mindset, bringing her into the fold wasn't entirely impossible.

”I understand how you feel, but there is nothing we can do about it. This is the only way to protect you from the imperial family's grasp.

I wish there were a way for us to have a genuine exchange of vows but unless…no, never mind.”

Konrad stopped, mustering the all the acting skills he'd cultivated to present a face of genuine dismay.

Feeling that he was holding back words, Iliana pursued.

”Unless what? Finish what you were about to say!”

*Sigh*

”We could do this in the way of demons, and sign a Partnership of Equals, to forever be bound to one another. You will become a true member of my household, and we shall share mind and blood. To my knowledge, there is no truer pledge.

However…”

”However what?”

Iliana urged, barely able to maintain her composure.

”You will have to abandon the human part of you and become half-demoness.”

That was the critical part. And clearly, Konrad's worries proved right as Iliana floundered, taking a step back.