Chapter 46

"Indeed, it was a disaster. We should have been more vigilant about the movements of the Imperial Nation. We must never again allow such ugly disputes among allied nations within the continent. In the future, we must keep a better eye on each other."

The woman, said to possess the blood of the legendary 'Long-eared Race'—a race known for their longevity—was dressed in a resplendent ceremonial robe adorned with numerous jewels, far surpassing her actual age in beauty. She had just finished inspecting the greatly damaged capital with a few guards.

Speaking in a dignified voice, the woman, whose attire clearly marked her as a special presence, was seated on a crude wooden chair in a makeshift reception room set up where the royal castle once stood.

──Less than a month after the attack by the Magic Empire.

The Kingdom of Crease, which had hastily decided to receive the important guest from the 'Holy Nation of Misra,' a nation with which they had a long-standing relationship, was now hosting the guest in a hastily prepared facility.

"I deeply appreciate the substantial support your country has provided for our reconstruction. Not only that, but for the High Priestess Astira herself to offer condolences—on behalf of the Kingdom of Crease, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude. I believe that not only the followers of the Misra faith but also many of our citizens have been encouraged by your presence."

As the king of the country bowed his head, the woman called the High Priestess smiled calmly on her beautiful face, which resembled a statue.

"There's no need for such formalities, King Crease. We have a long-standing relationship as neighboring countries. We simply did what was natural as neighbors."

"Is that so? It's a relief to hear you say that. We have nothing to offer in return at the moment, but I assure you that our country will certainly be of help to yours in the future."

"Your words are enough. I hope we can maintain a good relationship as always."

"Yes, that is my wish as well."

The king and the woman smiled at each other. To an outsider, it might have seemed like a casual conversation between close friends. However, beneath their pleasant expressions, the atmosphere in the room was tense.

The ruler of the Holy Nation of Misra, the 'High Priestess Astira,' was a figure who reigned at the pinnacle of the Holy Nation of Misra, which governed the Misra Church with bases throughout the continent, both as a symbol and as an authority. Now that the once-dominant Magic Empire's influence had waned, she stood as the most powerful figure on the continent.

"Is something the matter, King Crease? Is there something on my face?"

The High Priestess, who probably understood the meaning of his gaze, tilted her head as if nothing was amiss.

"No, I was just thinking that you still look youthful."

"Hehe, you're too kind. I'll take that as a compliment."

Since the Kingdom of Crease was attacked by the Magic Empire, she had been one of the first to offer support for the reconstruction of the capital. The king was not ungrateful for the substantial financial aid and materials provided by the Holy Nation of Misra, which had significantly aided the reconstruction efforts. However, the king was now on high alert in the presence of this long-standing neighbor.

──There was overwhelming evidence that the Holy Nation of Misra was involved in the recent attack by the Magic Empire.

"You're not flattering me. It's a fact that you remain beautiful. The blood of the 'Long-eared Race' is truly remarkable."

Indeed, she had not changed at all since the king first met her. She always looked youthful and beautiful, but she must have been over two hundred years old. The king thought that if she were a monster in disguise, it wouldn't be surprising.

──In fact, she might be even more troublesome than a monster.

The king had been deceived by her countless times, and he knew that believing her surface appearance and words would lead to trouble. Despite this, he knew that her facade was not easily penetrated, and no matter how much he schemed, he could never match her. With this in mind, the king cut straight to the chase.

"By the way, there's something that's been bothering me—during the recent attack by the Magic Empire, a surprisingly large number of your country's important product, 'Devil's Heart,' was used. Do you have any idea why?"

The tension in the room was palpable to everyone present. The High Priestess, still wearing a gentle smile, responded in a calm tone.

"──It was probably stolen. Although we strictly control the removal and export of this valuable item, there have been several thefts within the country. It's likely that these stolen items were used. It's truly regrettable."

This was the response the king had expected. She insisted that the items were stolen. The king thought that he should respond as planned.

"I see, they were stolen. That must have been a disaster for your country as well. Both of us have had our important resources targeted."

"Yes, it was a disaster for both of us."

The king and the High Priestess laughed quietly.

However, there was no warmth in their laughter. Their calm smiles were mere masks, and the air in the room was tense.

──A cunning old fox who had lived for two hundred years.

──A monster that thrived in the political world, never to be trusted.

This was the king's unshakable impression of the High Priestess Astira of the Holy Nation of Misra.

She was the leader of the religious force that united believers across dozens of countries, the highest-ranking priestess who connected with the 'God' worshipped by the Misra followers. She was also a 'half-immortal' born with the blood of the legendary 'Long-eared Race,' a sacred being with special powers, said to be the closest to the gods.

However, the king knew that the reality of his direct encounter with her was vastly different from the common knowledge circulating in the streets. His impression of her was that of something far more terrifying than a monster, a being in human form.

Whenever he tried to glimpse her inner thoughts, it was like peering into a dark abyss, where nothing could be seen. The king felt as if he were facing a creature from the depths of darkness.

"By the way, I heard a rumor—"

The High Priestess, as if reading the king's thoughts, cast a cold gaze and continued with a thin smile.

"–That your kingdom has accepted a 'Demon' as a citizen. Is that true?"

Instantly, the tension in the room froze, and those present felt the heavy pressure.

In the unusual atmosphere, the king maintained his smile and calmly responded.

"Ah... I see, you've already heard. As expected, with your network across the continent. Yes, it's true. We are temporarily protecting a young demon for certain reasons. Is there a problem with that?"

The High Priestess's smile faltered, and something seemed to touch a nerve.

"Is there a problem with that...?"

The next words that came from her mouth were chillingly cold, and the oppressive atmosphere from the High Priestess enveloped the entire room.

"──Especially... 'protection,' is it? King Crease, please choose your words more carefully. Treating a demon as if it were human could be a violation of the 'Demon Vigilance Clause' in the treaty between our countries. Immediate extradition is required. Demons are the enemies of all humanity. This is the view of all the treaty signatories on the continent—am I wrong?"

"The treaty doesn't have that much force. It was meant to respect the will of each country."

"But a promise is a promise—it's an international agreement. Ignoring it will not end well. As a member of the 'Hearth Continent Military Alliance,' your country is obligated to hand over any discovered demons to us."

"That's true, but our country is not currently a member of that alliance—due to your opposition, I believe."

The woman laughed out loud, as if saying, "Oh, I had forgotten that."

"That was my mistake—then, I'll write a recommendation for you to join now. You'll receive many benefits. You won't have to trouble your soldiers with monster hunting unnecessarily."

"I appreciate your consideration. I'll think about it."

The conversation proceeded smoothly, at least on the surface.

"You're just trying to delay again, aren't you? It's not good for a king of the prestigious Kingdom of Crease to be so indecisive. The previous king was more flexible."

"We will consider joining if there's a reason for us to do so. I understand your dissatisfaction, but there's no reason for you to interfere with our country's policies—no matter how much you desire the 'Demons' and want to monopolize the 'Devil's Heart.'"

The king's words made the High Priestess's cheek twitch. Despite her unchanged, composed smile, the intense emotions behind it were evident to everyone.

"──King Crease?

What kind of joke is this?"

A voice as dark as pitch-black darkness echoed in the room. Simultaneously, a cold, oppressive wave filled the room, making it difficult to breathe and lowering the temperature of the supposedly bright room.

"–We desire 'Demons'? What do you mean by that? And 'monopoly'? I don't know what you're talking about, but the production method of 'Devil's Heart' is our nation's top secret. Depending on the circumstances—"

"Depending on the circumstances, documents about the production method might circulate—forcing us to reveal things we don't want to. I'd prefer to resolve this amicably. Do you understand?"

Instantly, cracks appeared on the High Priestess's beautiful face, which resembled a work of art.

"──Who would

believe such nonsense?"

Her voice, deep and dark, as if coming from the depths of her being, was like darkness itself. Despite her smile, there was no warmth or humor, only a glimpse into a dark abyss. It seemed as if she was silently laughing, "Kaka."

"–So, you, the King of Crease, are threatening our church? Do you understand the implications of such words? It's not a wise move, King Crease. It's too arrogant. If you don't change your attitude, divine punishment will come, just like it did to those cursed fools who once opposed us."

The dark clouds in the room had turned into a storm of hostility, but the king maintained his smile.

"–We have no intention of openly defying the church's authority. We are already cooperating with your country to the best of our ability and will continue to do so. However, it's difficult when we are only subjected to the church's demands. Our country has always prided itself on maintaining its independence and autonomy without interference from other nations. If you respect that, there will be no problems. We have a long-standing relationship. I hope you understand."

"Is that so? Respect, you say. Respect—what an interesting word you use."

Suddenly, the anger from the High Priestess seemed to subside. For some reason, the dark atmosphere disappeared, and the room returned to a pleasant ambiance.

──Or so it seemed, if you only looked at their expressions.

"I understand. I'll overlook your minor indiscretions. This time, as a special favor. After all, we have a long-standing relationship—mutual respect is essential, isn't it, King Crease?"

The High Priestess smiled warmly, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor. The oppressive atmosphere vanished as if it had never existed.

"I appreciate your understanding. Indeed, a good neighbor is invaluable."

"Yes, given our long history, it's only natural to be accommodating."

The king was always impressed by the High Priestess's ability to change her expression so drastically. He marveled at how she could talk about 'mutual respect' without any shame, using such a facade.

"So—though it's a bit much to ask, I have a request. Can you hear me out? It's a very small request, really."

"Request?"

The king felt a sense of unease at the High Priestess's tone. He knew that when she spoke calmly and pleasantly, it often signaled something particularly unpleasant.

"Request? That's an unusual way for you to phrase it."

Feeling a chill down his spine, the king stiffened slightly. The High Priestess smiled, a mocking, amused expression that only made the king more uneasy.

"No need to be so wary. It's a personal matter, after all. It's a bit embarrassing, but—my son is feeling a bit lonely."

"Your son?"

The successor of the High Priestess, the 'Divine Child of the Soul Line.' The 'half-immortal' race, with the blood of the 'Long-eared Race,' rarely has children, and she had only recently been blessed with a son. He was about the same age as the king's daughter, Linneburg.

If he remembered correctly, his name was—

"His name is Prince Tylence, I believe."

"Yes. My son wishes to see your daughter again. He wants to meet her at his coming-of-age celebration."

"Your daughter? I heard they got along well during her studies, but I didn't know they were that close."

"Yes, I was surprised to hear this recently. My son is quite smitten with your daughter, Linneburg. He's so infatuated that his heart is about to burst. He really wants to meet her at his coming-of-age celebration."

The High Priestess spoke smoothly about her son, Prince Tylence, but the king detected a strong sense of deception in her words. She was lying, but he couldn't tell if it was a partial or complete lie. He responded cautiously.

"I see, he's coming of age. That's wonderful. We should certainly attend to offer our blessings—however, I must say, whether your daughter can reciprocate his feelings is uncertain. It depends on her willingness—"

The king, unaccustomed to such matters, hesitated, and the High Priestess chuckled, as if amused by his discomfort.

"Hehe... No, that's fine. I'm sure your daughter doesn't think badly of him."

"Still, that's sudden. Why do you think so?"

Reading his unease, the High Priestess's smile widened.

The moment the king saw her expression—

──Yes, that's it, she seemed to be saying.

A full, genuine smile, as if this was the question she had been waiting for all along. The being that seemed like a monster then emitted a sound that was ominous to the king from behind her bright facade.

"Because—they are 'betrothed.'"

──Betrothed.

The king had never heard anything about this from his daughter. It was probably a lie.

"──I've never heard of this."

But the king could barely manage to respond. The betrothal was likely a lie from this woman, but he couldn't immediately deny it in this situation. The princess wasn't present, and it might be true. The slight hesitation in his words betrayed his uncertainty. Knowing he was already in her palm, he had no choice but to respond this way.

The High Priestess, reading the king's confusion, nodded in satisfaction.

"Yes, I was surprised too. But it's a decision they made—there's no room for interference. Isn't it our duty as elders to facilitate the romance of the younger generation? What do you think, King Crease?"

She seemed to understand the king's thoughts, showing a demonstrative gesture of affection and continuing with a smug smile.

"Don't worry. I won't treat her badly. Her presence will make the celebration a grand event for the entire nation—this time, I plan to host a grand ball to celebrate my son's coming of age. The invitations have already been sent to graduates from various countries and important figures. All that's left is your daughter's response. Given our long-standing relationship, I kept it a secret until the preparations were complete. Can you give me an answer soon?"

Damn. The king realized his mistake. His inexperience in social matters had shown.

──This is clearly a trap.

A trap designed to exploit the weaknesses of his country, which wouldn't easily comply. It seemed there was an intention to ensnare them.

Of course, he could refuse the invitation. He could tell the princess not to go.

But—

"Please, don't even think of missing this social event. It would tarnish your reputation. It wouldn't be good for your daughter's future."

The invitations had already been sent to graduates and important figures from various countries. This meant that if the princess didn't attend, it would be easy to create a scandal.

──This woman would do it, and she was declaring it outright.

She was creating a situation where there was no escape, making it impossible to refuse.

──She had put the princess's 'future' on the negotiating table.

"If you're worried about the journey, please bring companions. We'll take care of their meals and accommodations. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the princess in her finest attire, so we'll be happy to provide for them. And—"

The High Priestess smiled again, a sinister grin spreading across her face.

"Since we're at it, let's invite that 'demon' child as a guest. Since they are