The maid squad is too strong, what use is there for me, the Demon King?

time flies.

The afternoon sun filters through the sparse leaves above the orchard, casting dappled shadows. These shadows dance on the orchard paths, the grass, and even the fruit trees, creating a dynamic panorama of light and shadow.

Where the sunlight shines directly, the intense and bright light makes the red apples even more vibrant and dazzling, as if each fruit is radiating an alluring luster. The pears and peaches, on the other hand, take on a golden hue from the sunlight, as if coated with a layer of gold dust, shimmering and sparkling.

Under the shade of the trees, the light and shadow appear soft and warm. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the leaves, creating dappled patterns that sway gently on the ground, adding a touch of mystery and poetry to the orchard. On the grass, light and shadow intertwine with the greenery, forming a lush and vibrant scene where light and shadow play together.

In a corner of the orchard, where the sunlight couldn't reach, a quiet stillness prevailed. There, the fruits and leaves displayed varying shades of green in the soft light, as if silently telling their stories.

A gentle breeze stirs, and the light and shadow shift with the swaying leaves, bringing the orchard to life. Every moment presents a different combination of light and shadow, a feast for the eyes. On such an afternoon, the interplay of light and shadow in the orchard weaves a silent hymn, praising the wonders of nature and the vibrant vitality of life.

Gray admired the scenery of the orchard, strolling leisurely in the bright sunshine.

The orchard was owned by Ed Brandt, Gray's adoptive father, and the two had a good relationship.

It was at the invitation of the orchard owner that Gray was able to get a free day off to wander around the orchard.

Gray didn't come alone. After all, the safety of the Azure Peak Territory is comparable to the three safest places in the entire anime—Academy City, the 13th District, and the side of a certain Shinigami elementary school student. It's impossible to disregard Gray's safety and let him come alone.

Gray brought some guards and maids with him.

The guards stood watch outside the orchard, while the maids followed Grey into the orchard. However, Grey felt uncomfortable being watched all the time, so he shook off the maids.

These maids must still be looking for him all over the orchard, right?

Anyway, Gray isn't afraid of being attacked.

Even if there is any danger, the danger lies with those who want to harm Gray.

The leader of the Shadow Court, who has annihilated countless criminal organizations, is not someone to be trifled with.

However, Gray did not display much talent or strength at Brant's house, only showing some magical talent, but not much, and a slightly above-average level of swordsmanship talent.

One should be more low-key in life, especially when it comes to one's public identity as a Shadow-level powerhouse.

However, we can't be too low-key.

After all, he was just an adopted son. If he acted too uselessly, he would definitely not have a good time in the Brant family.

Inheriting the family business will definitely fall to Leah Brant, the legitimate heir of the Brant family. Gray can just slack off and help out his adopted sister.

When Grey thinks of Leah Brandt, he pictured a clingy little girl.

The little girl had bright, sparkling eyes and inherited all the best features from her parents.

Lia, a six-year-old noblewoman, had long, dark brown hair that cascaded gently over her shoulders like fine silk. Bathed in sunlight, her hair shimmered with a soft sheen, as if each strand radiated warmth and vitality.

Her face was round, her skin fair and translucent, with a healthy blush. A few playful freckles dotted her cheeks, adding a touch of liveliness to her innocent face. Her eyes were large and bright, like the purest amber in autumn, sparkling with curiosity and innocence. Her long, curved eyelashes seemed to tell of her joy with every blink.

Leah's nose is small and straight, with a slightly upturned tip that makes her look even more adorable. Her lips are rosy and full, and she always wears a sweet smile. When she laughs happily, two deep dimples appear on her cheeks, infecting everyone around her.

She wore a delicate lace-trimmed dress in a soft light purple, embroidered with intricate floral patterns. The skirt flowed lightly as she ran, highlighting her liveliness and elegance. She was petite, with slender limbs and small hands and feet, exuding a childlike innocence.

She looks like a delicate porcelain doll, which makes people want to touch and play with her.

The siblings have a harmonious relationship and there is no situation where they dislike each other or are always thinking about killing each other.

Of course, a harmonious relationship could also be due to the fact that they are not biological siblings, or that there is a large age gap, or that the younger sister is still young.

Speaking of which, this girl is the same age as I was six years ago, and she's also started receiving an education.

Of course, we won't go into the fact that when Gray was that age, he was already running around with several girls late at night.

Gray stopped walking, and the figure of the girl under the apple tree pulled him back from his thoughts.

Deep in the orchard, beneath a newly planted apple tree, stood a red-haired girl. Her hair, as vibrant as flames, shone even brighter in the afternoon sun, like a dancing fire. Her fair skin contrasted sharply with her red hair, giving her a refreshing appearance.

The girl's eyes were a deep blue-green, like clear lake water in summer, revealing a hint of innocence and curiosity. She wore a simple white dress, the hem swaying gently in the breeze, creating a harmonious contrast with the surrounding greenery.

The girl stood there, fiddling with the apple in her hand, her eyes revealing a mixture of curiosity and confusion, as if she were deep in thought.

"That must be the orchard owner's daughter, right?"

Before entering the orchard, the orchard owner had told Gray that he might meet his daughter, who was about Gray's age, under one of the trees.

Moreover, the orchard owner's words implied a desire to promote his daughter.

Although they owned an orchard, the orchard owner was still a commoner, and his status was certainly lower than that of a lord or nobleman.

Perhaps they wanted to curry favor with Gray, to strengthen the ties between the orchard and the Brant family, and to maintain a close relationship between the two families?

The orchard was protected by some guards assigned by Ed Brandt; otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to remain safely in this bandit-ridden territory of Bifeng.

The Brant family was helpless against the thieves within their territory, and similarly, the thieves dared not provoke the Brant family.

Having always been under the protection of the Brant family, it's not surprising that the orchard owner wanted to curry favor with him.

Thinking that there was no harm in getting to know her, Gray strode briskly to the girl.

"What are you thinking?"

The girl's eyes remained fixed on the apple in her hand.

"Why do you think apples fall from trees?"