The Young Demon Lord and her Maid-Knight

As they approached the gates, the city's gate guard captain, recognizing Garret, opened them without hesitation. While yelling at a guard, "Report to Lord Taitez that the second son has returned." The guard saluted the captain and ran into the city. The group approached the guard captain with Garret in the lead.

"Greetings, Captain Shinanos," Garret said.

Shinanos returned the greeting with a firm salute. "Welcome home, Lord Garret."

Garret just smiled and said, "Thanks, Shinanos. These people behind me are with me. You can let them enter as well."

"Yes, my lord," Shinanos said and shouted out commands. "Let them pass!"

All the gate guards stepped aside. As they entered the city, Garret walked over to Benjamin and all the adventurers who were now grouped around him.

"Thanks for the hard work, guys. Here are the tokens of completion." Garret handed out the tokens personally to each adventurer, thanking them, starting with Kai. When he stood in front of Elara, he smiled and said, "It is a shame that you will not serve under me, but I understand." He looked at Lilith and smiled, then gave them their tokens and walked back to Benjamin.

"Good work, Benjamin," he said as he stood next to him. "Here is the promised contract on the store your father asked for."

Benjamin smiled and bowed. "Thanks, my lord."

Garret just smiled and walked away. Kai and the other adventurers said goodbye to Benjamin too and left in search of the adventurers' guild. Benjamin, now only with his merchant group, walked over to Elara and Lilith and thanked them for a smooth journey. Then he said, "If you need anything, come to Santos' merchant group's new store. It should be close to the marketplace."

Elara smiled and thanked him. Lilith just yawned a little and bowed. Ella was already sleeping on Elara's head. It looked really comical.

"Take care, you three," Benjamin said, then left with his merchant group.

Lilith looked at Elara, then at Elara's head, and giggled. "I think we should wake her up," she said as she pointed at Ella.

Elara gently lifted Ella up and nuzzled her hair to wake her. "I'm awake, I'm awake," Ella said with a yawn.

"Good," Elara said.

Lilith yawned and said, "It's unfair. I'm tired too, and you just took a nap on Elara's head."

Ella just stuck out her tongue at Lilith with a grin. "So, you two, let's go find a inn where we can stay. We will be here for some time, and we can go to the guild tomorrow and deliver the tokens to get paid."

"Great idea, Elara," Lilith said with a smile.

Ella nodded in agreement. As they walked through the bustling street, they watched the people. There were demons everywhere, some humans and beastkin here and there, but mostly demons.

Lilith said with a smile, "I guess we are in demon territory now."

Elara just smiled and nodded. Some time passed, and then they saw a tavern called THE RED DEVIL. It was a drinking place with a side building that worked as an inn.

"Look," Ella yelled, "The Red Devil. That's a scary name."

Lilith nodded. Elara then said, "It might sound scary because we are not used to it, but around demons, it is a normal name."

Ella's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked.

"Yes," Elara said. "Let's go check it out. It looks like the side building is the inn. Let's go there first."

As they entered the inn side, a cheery female demon greeted them. "Welcome to The Red Devil's Inn. My name is Jizla. I'm the hostess of the inn. My father owns this place and works next door in the tavern. How can we help you?"

Elara walked over and greeted Jizla. "Hello. We would like a room with two beds, and could we get a fluffy pillow for our little companion?" She pointed over at Ella, who was looking around.

Jizla smiled warmly. "Of course! We have a lovely room that will be perfect for you. And a fluffy pillow for your little friend? Not a problem at all. Follow me."

She led them up a staircase and down a hallway to a cozy room with two comfortable-looking beds. There was a small window that let in the afternoon light, and the room was tastefully decorated with warm colors and soft fabrics. Jizla placed a fluffy pillow on a small table next to one of the beds for Ella.

"Thank you very much," Elara said.

Jizla nodded. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your stay at The Red Devil's Inn."

The trio settled into their room, finally able to relax after their long journey. Elara unpacked their supplies with ease, using her space-storage magic, while Lilith flopped onto one of the beds with a sigh of relief.

"Tomorrow, we can explore the city and visit the guild," Elara said, glancing out the window at the bustling streets below.

Lilith nodded, her eyes already half-closed. "Sounds good to me."

Ella, still on her fluffy pillow, yawned and snuggled down. "Me too."

As night fell over Bez'Eru, the trio drifted off to sleep, eager for the adventures that awaited them in the magical city.