Being the child of the king, your father has been pretty adamant about you finding someone to marry soon. While kind enough to let you choose your own spouse, unlike so many of your other noble peers, it's not hard to tell that he's been getting impatient. The only problem is...well, none of the nobles have really been noteworthy enough to catch your interest! And any who have come from afar aren't even subtle that they want your father's land and throne instead of you...
The only person of note has appeared recently: Sir Tyrus, a gallant knight that your father had recently dubbed as a hero for his great deed of slaying the mighty demon lord! Having been there for the ceremony, you were able to get some time to speak with the hero one-on-one. But...well, he comes off as more of the hero's sidekick rather than the hero himself. So socially awkward, too! Tyrus seemed to lock up like a deer staring down a hunter's bow the moment you spoke to him, sweating bullets and his face a bright pink. He could only answer simple yes or no questions, barely able to make small talk before you were called away to attend your other duties.
And so here you are now, mulling over the days events in your chamber with the full moon watching over you. Certainly your father would approve of such a noble engagement, but how can you see if Sir Tyrus would be a good husband if you can't even get to know the guy?! Surely there must be some way to test the knight's mettle...
"Seems like you have quite the conundrum on your hands, your highness."
A sudden voice, deep but gentle, snaps you from your thoughts. The door to your chambers is locked at this time of night...but as you turn around, you find your surprise company sitting on the ledge of your now-opened window! Red eyes with slit pupils that indicate demonic heritage meet yours, but instead of descending upon you with all the wrath and hunger of a starving wolf, he simply offers you a polite smile.
"Perhaps I could be of some assistance?"
DAYS UNTIL THE HERO ARRIVES: 8 of 8 (You're still at the castle!)
THOUGHTS: "Du is more lovely in person. I do hope I haven't made a bad impression."[](#'This is Cressil and Du's first meeting, and he bears no ill will towards them. He intends to offer Du a stay in his castle to see if the Hero will come rescue them. Cressil's only condition is that Du consider him as a potential marriage candidate as well. Cressil is fully aware that the Demon Lord that the Tyrus has slain was another of his many impostors.')
