Chapter 7

"My name is Mephisto Satanford. I am the Grand Prince of the Grand Duchy of Satanford. Nice to meet you, Holy Maiden."

Iris couldn't help but gasp. The Grand Duchy of Satanford, which had gained independence from the Empire and was once part of it, was a country known for its fertile soil and abundant resources, often referred to as the "Paradise on Earth." She wondered why the Grand Prince of such a country was in this dungeon.

"What happened?"

"It's a long story, but can I get out of here first?"

Seeing the Grand Prince Mephisto stretch, Iris panicked.

"Of course! I'll immediately request the Emperor to release you from here."

Just as Iris was about to turn and hurry away, Mephisto's calm voice stopped her.

"There's no need. I can break these iron bars anytime."

"Huh...?"

Confused by Mephisto's words, Iris turned around and was stunned. The sturdy iron bars began to melt where Mephisto touched them, creating a gap large enough for a person to pass through. Mephisto slowly stepped out and stopped as he approached Iris.

"I'm not dressed properly to appear before a lady. Please wait a moment."

Mephisto, looking down at his wrinkled shirt and dirty body, released magic from his fingertips to cleanse himself. The refreshing magic of water and wind passed through the dark dungeon, and the young man who had been in the dirty cell was instantly transformed into a handsome prince.

"Are you a magician?"

Surprised, Iris asked, and Mephisto tilted his head.

"Hmm? Oh, the Empire's magic dried up a hundred years ago. In Satanford, it's not unusual to have magic. Well... I'm a bit of an exception. But let's move to a different place."

Mephisto naturally took the lantern from Iris and, supporting her body to avoid danger in the dim light, led her down the dungeon corridor.

"If you could leave anytime, why were you captured?"

When Iris asked, Mephisto answered as if it were nothing.

"Because I lacked a reason. I came to this country for diplomatic reasons. If I had escaped on my own, it would have been disadvantageous diplomatically. You, as the Holy Maiden, gave me the best reason. The worship of the Holy Maiden in this country is abnormal. ...I see. Because there's no magic, the people of this empire worship the Holy Maiden even more. I understand why a woman like Mina was so popular."

As they turned a corner, Iris, who lacked strength, stumbled. Mephisto caught her without any trouble.

"I'm sorry."

"No, I was walking too fast. ...You look quite weakened. It's no wonder, given that you were imprisoned for so long."

"You know a lot."

"I have slightly better hearing than most people."

Pointing to his well-shaped ears, Mephisto paused before continuing.

"...Actually, I heard what Mina said to you in front of the dungeon. Her cruelty made me want to vomit."

"! You heard that?"

"Yes. ...It must have been hard. I heard you sobbing, even though it was involuntary. Your voice was so heart-wrenching that I seriously considered breaking out of the cell to come to you. I even thought about escaping together."

"You were thinking about that!?"

Iris was astonished, and Mephisto chuckled.

"I had my reasons, so I waited until the last moment. If you had been taken to the execution platform at dawn, I would have broken out of the cell."

Iris looked at Mephisto in disbelief. The Grand Prince of the neighboring country, whom she had just met, had been worried about her and even considered escaping with her.

She had thought no one would be on her side, feeling utterly alone in the dungeon. She wanted to tell her past self, who was so isolated, that someone was thinking about her. Realizing this, Iris suddenly thought of something.

"Could it have been you... who was singing?"

Mephisto's voice, which was strangely familiar to Iris. She had managed to keep her sanity in the dungeon because of that song, which she couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality. The voice she heard then was very similar to his.

"Even a small amount of magic can be infused into a voice. I infused healing magic, so I'm glad it reached you."

Iris looked at Mephisto's beautiful face, which was smiling softly. She couldn't express in words how much that song had comforted her in her despair.

Mephisto, noticing her thoughts, picked her up effortlessly.

"Kyaa!"

"Hold on?"

Iris hadn't felt the warmth of another person in a long time. She entrusted herself to the strong Mephisto, who seemed far from the man who had been imprisoned just moments ago, and they emerged from the dark underground dungeon once again.

When they reached the surface, the moon was out in the twilight sky. Iris, who had felt the day was incredibly long from the early morning to the late night, exhaled as she looked up at the moon.

"The sky is always beautiful."

Mephisto murmured the same thing Iris was thinking.

"I'm sorry for rushing you. I didn't want to keep you in that dungeon any longer."

"It was for me...?"

Mephisto, who had set Iris down, smiled softly in the moonlight.

"I've always wanted to meet you under the sky. Let me introduce myself again."

As Iris placed her hand on the black-gloved hand Mephisto extended, he elegantly pulled it towards him and kissed the back of her hand. Despite the formal greeting, his emerald eyes softened when they met hers.

(What a mysterious person...)

Even though they had just met, Iris realized she had no sense of caution towards Mephisto. On the contrary, just being next to him gave her a strange sense of security.

Iris had been burdened with the thought that she would have to fight alone for revenge, believing no one would stand by her. But now, looking at the man in front of her, a faint hope began to show on her face.

(I can't. I promised myself I wouldn't trust anyone anymore.)

Suppressing the hope that had sprouted within her, Iris tried to regain her composure. Mephisto then spoke to her.

"Where should I start? First, let me explain my purpose. I, or rather my country, Satanford, wish to rejoin the Empire."

"What...?"

Iris was taken aback by Mephisto's unexpected words.

"I'll explain the details later. For now, I came to this country to meet the Holy Maiden as a step towards that goal. However, the Holy Maiden Mina, who was selfish, screamed and called the guards as soon as she heard my proposal, and I was thrown into the dungeon as a troublemaker. I could have broken out, but I was observing the situation in this country."

Hearing Mephisto's story, Iris, who was surprised but trying to understand the situation, asked him.

"What did you want from the Holy Maiden?"

"Thank you for asking. It's not complicated. I just want her to form an alliance with me. While we wish to rejoin the Empire, we don't want to hand over our territory recklessly. We want to negotiate for the peace and safety of our people. However, if the negotiations go wrong, the future of being exploited by the Empire is clear. To prevent that, I wanted the Holy Maiden, who has absolute power in the Empire, to be on our side."

Iris began to see the flow of the story and understood why Mina had sent Mephisto to the dungeon.

"Mina is a devious and cunning woman. She must have judged that your proposal would not benefit her but would harm her."

Mephisto looked at Iris with a pleased expression, appreciating her understanding.

"Exactly. She was concerned that if Satanford rejoined the Empire, the Empire would become prosperous, and the importance of the Holy Maiden, the 'Savior,' would diminish. What kind of Holy Maiden is she? She's just a greedy woman interested only in her own benefit."

Iris, who fully agreed with Mephisto's frustration, reconsidered the situation. Meeting Mephisto, guided by the divine rabbit, the rich land and people of Satanford, the emperor who despised Satanford, and the absolute authority of the Holy Maiden.

"...What's the return? What will you give me if I, the Holy Maiden, cooperate with you?"

"I will help you achieve what you are trying to do. My body is special, so I'm sure I can be of use."

Looking at his serious expression, Iris quietly asked.

"Do you know what I'm trying to do?"

"Somewhat. I told you, I have better hearing than most people. I have a good grasp of what happened in the dungeon and your situation. The answer is clear."

With that, Mephisto extended his hand to Iris again.

"Let me help you with your revenge."

Seeing the neatly aligned black leather gloves, Iris made up her mind. She was impressed by his ability to change her, who had thought she couldn't trust anyone anymore, so easily.

"I will help you achieve your goal."

By taking his hand, a secret agreement between the Holy Maiden and the Grand Prince was formed under the moonlight.

Just as Iris was about to talk about the future, Mephisto stopped her.

"The High Priest is looking for you."

Sure enough, a sweating High Priest ran towards them from the direction Mephisto was facing.

"Iris! I've been looking for you! Where have you been?"

"Your Holiness. I was just enjoying the fresh air outside. Can't I have a little freedom?"

"I understand your feelings, but... the Emperor and the Crown Prince are calling for you. Can you come quickly? ...Who is that person?"

The High Priest, noticing Mephisto next to Iris, looked at him suspiciously.

"Perfect timing. I also have something to discuss with the Emperor about him. Where are they?"

"They are at the Crown Prince's palace. ...You're not going to bring him with you, are you?"

"Yes. He is very important to me."

Iris's words, spoken with a gentle smile, left the High Priest speechless.