Creatures... Devil.... Demon....

They're all beasts in various guises. If things went wrong in an Empire where Demons are sought by creatures, a war may erupt.

Due to complications in birth, a little girl from the Imperial Family was born and became a demon vessel. The Emperor realized it would be dangerous for her to be discovered, so they hid her inside the palace walls and provided her everything she desired in order for her to enjoy a happy life even though she was isolated from the outside.

Except for a few close family and acquaintances, no one knew she existed. Empire citizen assumed she perished shortly after birth.

She is Nashtassia Freya Marqueza, the youngest daughter of the Emperor and Empress Marqueza, as well as the new vessel of the demon, Raum, the son of the Demon Lord.

"I'm all set, uncle,"

Nash was dressed in a simple white dress and a black cloak over it, in her hand was a black glove. Dopey, her dog, was following her into the backyard, where her Aunt and Uncle were waiting. Behind her guardians, she saw a portal.

I suppose this is it.

As she prepared to leave, she wore her glove to her right hand and tightened it.

Terry, her aunt, approaches her with teary eyes. She treats Nash as if she was her own child since she and Vicor have yet to have a child.

She slipped a necklace around Nash's neck with a gemstone as its pendant. "Make a promise to me that you'll wear this all the time. This is where half of my power resides. In case you're wounded, all you have to do is wish for it to heal, and it will. Even if it won't heal a serious wound, it's best to have it on as a first aid."

"I promise. Thank you, Aunt Terry"

"Remember everything I taught you!" She giggled and embraced her aunt. "We'll return when the time is right."

"Nash," Vicor called and nodded.

She responded with a nod, indicating that she comprehended what Vicor was attempting to say.

"There's a letter under my bed. Read it. However, I'd like to apologize in advance...," she chuckled as the two were consumed with curiosity.

She bid her last farewell and walked through the portal, carrying her dog.

...

Terry and Vicor went straight to her room after Nash left to search for the letter. Once they saw it they took a seat next to each other and began reading the letter they had found.

After reading the last section of the letter, both of them sighed in disappointment.

"She tricked me," Vicor mumbled.

Auntie, Uncle, I've decided to join the knights. Thank you so much for all of the valuable lessons you've taught me over the years I've spent with you. I'm sorry, uncle; I know you think I lied to you when I said it was for self-defense, but I didn't... It's purely for my own safety.

Auntie, don't get mad. I figured you'd be disappointed if I told you that uncle and I were training in swordsmanship and martial combat, so please accept my apologies for not informing you.

...

After a couple of glimmers of light, Nash finds himself in a dark alley with no one else around. She put Dopey down and strolled outside the rear entryway to confirm where she was.

She drew her hand up to shield herself from the sun and look around. She noticed a slew of market stalls and carriages transporting goods from other towns.

"Grey Town," she murmured after reading the signage. She had to carry Dopey once more for fear of him being separated from her.

She searched for a carriage that could take her to the capital city, but all she found were carriages for trading goods.

"I guess we have no choice but to walk under the scorching heat," she sighed as she spoke to Dopey.

After she adjusted her hood to conceal her white silver hair, she started walking.

After nearly an hour of walking, she finally sees the entrance to the Capital City, where the Imperial Palace is located. Despite this, the Imperial palace is quite a distance from the entrance.

After entering the capital city, she took another look around and saw a few nobles and their opulent carriages. She also noticed various boutiques and shops frequented by nobles.

"Arf," she looked at Dopey, who seemed to be on the verge of collapsing. She took out her water and let Dopey drink.

"Can you please excuse," Nash lifted her head and squinted her eyes, trying to figure out who was talking. "Hey, I said move while I'm trying to be nice,"

"Oh, sorry," Nash took a stride back. The noblewoman flipped her hair and rolled her eyes at Nash.

"Grrrr," Dopey growled.

"Shhh... don't make a fuss. Let's go now. It's noon, and I'm starving!"

In an old, bumpy carriage, they ride to the Imperial Palace.

...

"At long last, we've arrived!" Nash exclaimed. The bumpy carriage ride hurts her buttocks.

She was walking towards the front gate when four spears were pointed into her throat. Dopey barked and growled at them.

"State your name,"

"Nashtassia Freya Marqueza" She stated. Her neck has come into contact with the spears.

"We haven't heard of anyone with that name."

"Wait, what?"

She was about to counter when a familiar voice interrupted her.

"What is going on here?" Nash's eyes sparkled as she saw someone she recognized.

'Thank heavens... but who are you again?' Nash thought to herself. She has a hard time recalling names, but she does recall faces with whom she has interacted...

…sometimes.

"Sir, this man over here claims to be a Marqueza."

'Do they think my name is masculine?'

Nash then took off her hood to reveal her identity.

"I'm a woman, by the way."

The familiar guy was taken aback and fixed his gaze on her. When he realized who she was, he told the knights to put down their weapons and quickly apologize.

Nash breathed a sigh of relief and gently stroked her neck, looking for a wound, which she found none. "Thank you, sir."

"Your welcome, princess. Open the door! Hurry!" The guards followed and opened the front gate with confusion written on their faces.

"Don't be too harsh with them, sir. And oh! Please don't tell the citizens that another Marqueza, with a name you don't recognize, has arrived at the Imperial Palace. You won't like what will happen," she warns, flashing her red demonic eyes as she slips back her hood to cover herself from the sun. Dopey was right behind her, trailing her.

After a few minutes of walking, she arrived at the main gate, where the Imperial Palace could be seen clearly. The Knights can be seen patrolling the palace, the gardeners mowing the grass, and the maids going about their duties.

"Please remove your hood and identify yourself. The guards at the front gate didn't inform us about a guest," One guard said. There are two guards, one of whom is asking the question and the other of whom is dozing.

She then did as the guard requested.

"I'm Nashtassia Freya Marqueza," she says as she pulls off her hood.

As she said it loudly and clearly, everyone inside turned their heads to the main doors. The guard who had been dozing had also awoken.

"I've never—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the workers dashed toward the main gate and caught the bars.

"Princess!"

"Princess!"

'It looks like I'm in prison and they're all my visitors'

"Open the gate!" The workers yelled.

"But—"

"She's the Imperial princess! There's no reason for you not to open the gates!" The snoozing knight said. The guard then opened the gate and let her in.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me."

"What's all the commotion about?" The staff who had surrounded her had split into two, with Nash remaining in the center. "Princess?!"

"I'm home, sir butler," she said with a smile.

"Welcome back, Princess," the butler said as he brushed away his tears.

Before assisting Nash inside the Palace, he instructed the knights to station guards on every corner of the Palace.

'He must be thinking that I will leave again', Nash thought to herself.

The butler assists Nash in entering the palace. In just a few minutes of walking, the butler had already told her about a slew of events that had occurred since she had left the empire.

"Then, two years ago, the crowned prince was chosen as the Knight Commander of the White Knights. Princess Celeste is assisting the Empress with her financial endeavors. Prince Daniel is planning to take over as Knight Commander from the crowned prince Vincenzo, who plans to retire and focus on becoming an honorable crowned prince," the butler explained.

"I see..."

Since then, all of her older siblings have their own obligations and duties, while she, on the other hand, does anything she desires and doesn't care the slightest bit about politics and such because no one but the people in the palace are watching her, which she doesn't mind as long as she has fun.

That was the case before...

She has now figured out a means to assist the empire, particularly since a future crisis is inevitable. Her only fear is that her parents will disapprove of her decision.

She turned to face the butler before entering the dining room. "After we eat, please prepare a bath for me and Dopey."

"As you wish,"

Before the guard announced her name, she pushed the door as strong as she could. She walked in with a big grin on her face.

"How insolent!" she chuckled at his oldest brother's voice.

"I'm home!"

Few minutes before Nash enter the room.

"Is Nash still planning on staying there for a year?" Ivelisse asked her husband. "Perhaps I should go to Earth."

"Just let her," Roven responded. Ivelisse's brows furrowed as she looked at him.

"Roven!" Ivelisse exclaimed, suppressing her anger. "It's been almost five years since we last saw her, and you're telling me to just let her be?! There are already lots of 'what ifs' in my mind... I don't want more 'what ifs'"

"Mother, you're overthinking stuff. I'm sure Aunt Terry and Uncle Vicor are looking after her." Celeste said, reassuring her mother. She did say that, but she also had thoughts in her mind, 'I do hope she won't change even though she's slightly annoying'

"You think so?"

Celeste smiled and nodded.

"But what if she won't return this year?" Daniel unintentionally said. Celeste glared at her twin brother.

"Stop making mother worry!" she telepathically told her twin brother.

"Roven..." Ivelisse looked at her husband.

"Should we force her to return?" Vincenzo remarked. "I could go there and force her home, what do you think, mother?"

'Tsk. That brat... making her mother worry.'

Before Ivelisse could respond, the door swung open.

"How insolent!" Vincenzo yelled as he glared at the one who barged in the dining area.

"I'm home" Nash entered the room, her voice brimming with joy.

Her family was taken aback, as they had not expected her to return just as they were discussing how to force her back. Silent air has surrounded the hall with the people's shocked faces, facing the door where Nash was.

Vincenzo was the first one to break the silence that had descended upon the room as he maintained his serious face, "Oh look... we were just talking about you. And you even brought a dog."

"Arf!"

He pretended to be uninterested, but he felt relieved that her annoying little sister was finally back and healthy. 'Thank the highest, she's still the same.'

"You're finally back," Ivelisse embraced her daughter, trying not to cry because she didn't want her daughter to regret her life choices.

Ivelisse wanted to appear unconcerned about her daughter's absence from her family during the four years she was away from them. She knew Nash would get swallowed by regrets and may lead her to stuff she didn't want her to do.

"I'm sorry, I took too long to return."

"No, it's fine. As long as you're well and unharmed."

Ivelisse escorted Nash to a seat next to Celeste.

"Tell the guards to station themselves on every side of the castle 24/7 and increase the patrolling knights" the emperor whispered to the butler.

"I already told them, your majesty."

"I had intended to return in a month, but something compelled me to stay longer. I didn't expect it to last for almost five years though." She explained. "Don't worry, I'm not dumb. I went to a regular school and learned proper etiquette under Aunt Terry's tutelage."

She didn't mention her training with Vicor.

She faced her father and smirked, "Don't you miss me?"

"I don't,"

Nash's lips pressed in a thin line in disappointment. Yeah right, I bet you felt my demon awaken as I trained.

"So, what are you talking about before I come in?"

"We were planning on taking you by force, but since you're already here, that won't happen anymore," Celeste explained.

"Eh? Why did you think that I wasn't going to return?"

"Sister, you've been there for nearly five years, and you're about to turn seventeen, it's already your coming of age. What do you expect?" Celeste continued.

All of the events that were about to occur entered her mind and she began to think about them. Oh right... the coming-of-age ceremony.

Coming of Age Ceremony...

It happens every 1st day of the year. It is a ceremony for ladies turning 17 in that year. Noble or not they will be blessed by the high priest.

It's only April 2nd, so I still have time before the coming of age. But I don't think I may be able to attend. If they accept my decision then I won't be attending the ceremony; but if they do not, I won't still attend since I'm considering a contingency option.

"Father, I have a request for which I would appreciate your approval."

"Don't. It's only trouble, as usual." Vincenzo interrupted.

"It isn't!" Nash exclaimed. She glared at her older brother. I'm not a kid anymore.

Her oldest brother Vincenzo has always hated her because of how spoiled she is. She acts as though she isn't the Imperial princess, and doesn't take anything seriously.

"Vincenzo," Ivelisse scolded her son. The twin siblings simply keep their mouths shut and wait for Nash to talk.

"Tsk,"

"It depends on what you want," Roven answered.

"Later, I'll tell you. I'm too hungry to talk." She just used that as an excuse because she feels anxious about saying it now.

In the middle of their meal, the butler, Vernon, noticed something that made them glance at Nash. "Princess, I apologize for interrupting and I don't mean to disturb you,"

"Sure, what is it?" She resumed chewing as she looked at the butler, waiting for his question.

"Why are you wearing gloves in your right hand?" Nash coughs and drinks her water immediately.

"I apologize! Please forgive me for noticing such a thing!" Nash waved her hand, trying to stop him.

"What happened?!" Celeste grabbed her right hand and removed the gloves off. "Eww!"

Hiding inside the gloves is her burnt hand. It's wrinkled and pinkish red in color. It doesn't look disgusting since it's already an old burn so it's mostly just loose skin.

"What happened?" Finally, Roven asked. He had noticed it earlier but didn't bother to ask. He thought it was merely a piece of accessory.

Nash hesitated for a moment before telling them what happened. "I lose control of my demon right after I get to Aunt Terry's. Aunt Terry's healing abilities failed to suppress it, at the same time that day, they were boiling water so I thought that it could help. I put my hand in it and immediately passed out. My hand was dressed when I woke up."

In the past, if I lost control of my demon, it was father who would suppress it because he, too, has a demon inside.

How did Nash become the demon vessel?

Nash was on the verge of death due to a lack of inner power, or PNEUMA, as they call it. An individual's PNEUMA should be balanced, but Nash's only consumed 50%. As a vessel of a demon, Roven has a demon inside him, so he pushes half of it inside her daughter, who would die if she failed to have a balanced PNEUMA, and turns her into a vessel as well to balance her PNEUMA.

While having just 50% demon, Roven is still alive because he was able to balance it. Since Nash was just an infant then, she can't regulate her Pneuma, so she can die from an unbalanced Pneuma. Also, the only one who can balance a PNEUMA is the one who owns the PNEUMA.

Roven can now only use half of his demonic power at this time, but he is still powerful even without it.

Nash has gravitational power, which accounts for the other half of the equation.

Pneuma is not present in some individuals, referred to as "ordinary people". Because of the strength of their life force, they were able to survive.

...

"Should a doctor be summoned to cure your hand?" The butler asked but Nash shook her head.

"Of course she'll say no," Nash chuckled as Daniel said, "She must think it's cool to wear a glove"

Her family let out a sigh.

...

Nash excused herself and went to her room to take a bath because they started talking about politics, which she didn't understand.

"Later. Dinner." Roven said, "Your request"

"Of course, dad. It's my request, and if you accept my decision, I'll be satisfied for the rest of my life." She bid her goodbyes and went straight to her room to take a bath with the help of the maids' assistance.