What should he do?
Several options flashed through Cui Ciyou's mind.
Fight his way out?
With his strength, breaking through the soldiers' encirclement would not be difficult.
His Magic Nullification gave him a natural advantage against Demonfolk warriors who relied on magic power.
Combined with the swordsmanship and combat instincts he had honed over the years, he could easily carve a bloody path out.
But what then?
Would Atofe let it go?
Once that Demon King, notorious for her willfulness and refusal to let things go, discovered that her personal guards had been injured or even killed, she would probably come after him herself.
It was not that he feared her. He still needed to get Sokasi Grass afterward to save Nanahoshi Shizuka's life.
Making a mortal enemy of a Demon King here would only create more trouble.
While Cui Ciyou was still wavering, unsure what to do...
Click.
A soft sound rang out.
The soldier leading the squad raised a hand and removed his helmet.
Beneath it was a typical Demonfolk face-deep purple skin, short horns on his forehead, and several crisscrossing scars on his cheeks that looked years old.
He was a gray-haired Demonfolk man who looked like a battle-hardened warrior.
Tucking his helmet under his arm, he stepped forward and bowed deeply.
It was not a perfunctory nod, but a proper bow, bent almost ninety degrees.
The movement looked somewhat clumsy in full armor, but the sincerity behind it was unmistakable.
"Please, my lord, my lady."
"If you refuse to come, Lady Atofe will punish us."
He raised his head, his gaze moving between Cui Ciyou and Kishirika before finally settling on Cui Ciyou's face.
"We absolutely will not harm any of you. Lady Atofe's orders were merely to 'invite' Lady Kishirika to the castle for a