Sword of Salvation-Chapter 42: - Allies and Enemies (2)

Not long after, Lasyana finally exited the inn, with Delphia faithfully accompanying her. Behind them, Nico walked with an unburdened expression. It seemed he had been convinced to trust Lasyana, with Delphia playing a major role in persuading him.

Turning his gaze to Lasyana, Mariel once again felt relieved to see the empress not wearing revealing clothes. Perhaps his words that morning had truly made Lasyana realize. She was too enchanting; her beauty was not meant to be enjoyed by worthless, vile men. The only person who should enjoy Lasyana’s beauty was himself—

Mariel jolted. What... what was I just thinking?

"Girhamvell will think I betray him."

Nico’s voice saved Mariel from his disturbing thoughts. He silently thanked him. If Nico hadn’t spoken, Lasyana might have noticed his lingering gaze. So might Celinee. That half-demon woman wouldn’t stay quiet if she realized. Mariel still found it difficult to understand what went on in the ninja’s head.

"If Girhamvell truly wants the best for Neiracia, he will understand," Mariel said. "Both Lasyana and I want to save the empire. That’s why Lasyana hired us, and that’s why we accepted. That’s also why I brought her here today. What about you, Nico? Am I wrong in thinking you want to save this land too?"

"No," Nico answered quickly. "I now understand the true state of this land. My desire to save it has only grown. We can’t let Zagabob succeed. If Primordial Demon Levia takes the throne, only destruction awaits."

"Then there’s no reason for you to worry about Girhamvell’s response. Just as Lasyana and Delphia convinced you, we only need to convince Girhamvell. If he still refuses to understand, it means he values his pride over the empire."

Nico frowned but didn’t argue.

"Now do your job. Lead us there. Tonight, we’ll take down Zagabob and his forces. The sooner we convince Girhamvell, the sooner Zagabob falls."

Nico said nothing, merely nodded and began leading the way.

Mariel followed about two meters behind him.

Lasyana walked to Mariel’s right, with Celinee on his left. Meanwhile, Delphia positioned herself to the right of the empress. Though her identity could be guessed easily, people wouldn’t immediately believe she was Lasyana. Delphia’s presence was crucial to keep the citizens from approaching.

"I noticed your gaze earlier. Twice."

That sly whisper slipped smoothly into Mariel’s ear, soft enough that Celinee didn’t hear.

It startled Mariel. He nearly stopped walking but thankfully kept moving. Luckily, he wore a mask. Though his lips betrayed his stoic expression, but that was the extent of it. Mariel quickly returned his lips to a neutral line.

"Yeah. I just couldn’t believe you listened to my advice."

Mariel’s voice was just as soft, but their close proximity ensured Lasyana heard him.

"You’re too young. Come see me in two or three years."

Mariel’s eyes widened slightly before narrowing as he shot a sharp look at the empress. What did she mean by that? Was she implying what he thought she’s implying?

Mariel had three possible responses. First, he could stay silent and pretend not to hear. Second, he could feign ignorance. Third, he could play along and tease her back.

"Won’t that just make you two or three years older?" Mariel asked, choosing the third option.

The question surprised Lasyana, who clearly hadn’t expected Mariel to play along. She likely thought Mariel would ignore her or pretend to mishear. She must have truly considered Mariel too young for this matter.

"I may not be 16 yet, but age is just a number. Love doesn’t care about trivial things like that, especially when I’m healthy and all my organs are functioning perfectly."

Mariel delivered his ultimate response. Now Lasyana couldn’t counterattack. There was nothing she could say to strike back. Mariel had once again won the empress’s game.

"Are you sure all your organs are functioning perfectly?" Lasyana refused to back down, launching an unguarded attack.

Mariel was cornered. He hadn’t expected Lasyana to act so boldly. Now he had no choice but to retaliate without a shield as well. But if he did, the situation could escalate into what Celinee feared. If that had been Mariel’s plan all along, it would be perfect. But it wasn’t.

Ah... is this what they call being hoisted by your own petard?

No, no. This isn’t that. This is... hm... a plan that exceeded expectations.

A plan that was too perfect.

Should Mariel retreat? Or press on? Was either option the right choice?

"It’s useless if I prove it myself," Mariel said with determination, refusing to concede. "If you doubt it, there’s no choice but for you to prove it yourself. But I doubt you can."

Mariel’s response sealed Lasyana’s lips. Even their shoulders had slightly distanced. Mariel took that as the empress’s admission of defeat. He didn’t fully understand what, how, or why this happened, but a win was still a win.

About an hour after sunset, they finally reached their destination. The meeting place Girhamvell had chosen turned out to be the residence of one of Libertania’s top spies. Nico admitted it outright. It seemed he had made up his mind.

"They may have seen our arrival and set a trap. I wouldn’t be surprised if Girhamvell brought all of Libertania’s strongest fighters. Even so, will Your Majesty still enter? It’s not too late to turn back."

"There are only four people inside," Celinee said before the empress could respond.

Delphia nodded in confirmation.

Nico exhaled in relief. The worst-case scenario he feared wouldn’t happen.

"Let’s go in," Mariel led the way. "Let’s finish this conversation quickly. We can’t let Zagabob take another breath."

—Underground Cave, 11 km North of Norania—

Zagabob showed no excess emotion upon hearing the report from one of his servants. The brown-haired, yellow-eyed demon with a lean, muscular frame maintained a neutral expression, neither interested nor disturbed by the information he had just heard.

Lasyana’s actions were not surprising to him. He had long predicted them. The woman wanted to become the absolute ruler, holding full control over Neiracia. Anyone who threatened her power or opposed her would be eliminated. Her actions in dealing with the foolish nobles were entirely expected.

Zagabob would only take action if Lasyana dared to eliminate the noble he had made his pawn. However, the noble’s nephew had already been appointed as prime minister. So, Zagabob wasn’t worried that the empress would challenge him, at least not in the near future. He still had plenty of time to take full control of Neiracia.

But there was one thing he needed to know.

"Who did she pay?" Zagabob asked, his head held high and his hands gripping the armrests of his throne tightly. "Did she hire Shin?"

Shin was very powerful. While Zagabob had never fought the man himself, he had heard of Shin defeating two Super Demons at once. Though both were young, they were still Super Demons.

Zagabob had also lost many demons in Marzaretha because of Shin. Although there was no direct proof that Shin was responsible, he had been present at the time. Zagabob didn’t believe anyone else could have wiped them all out. Shin’s power was undeniable.

Zagabob wasn’t confident he would win in a fight against Shin. Of course, Shin was nothing compared to his master, Primordial Demon Levia. Still, Zagabob didn’t want to be seen as incompetent. He wouldn’t report anything, no matter the risk. But if Lasyana had managed to hire Shin, the situation would become dangerous for him.

"No, my lord."

Zagabob exhaled in relief. That was the answer he wanted to hear. If the response had been the opposite, he might have been forced to take drastic action. Perhaps he would have had to accelerate his plans, or maybe even delay them until Shin left.

"So, who did she pay?" Zagabob asked again, irritated that his servant hadn’t answered directly.

"I don’t know, my lord. We couldn’t get close without being detected. One of them can sense our presence. If we had pushed forward, the people would have realized there’re demons in Norania."

Zagabob snorted but couldn’t blame his servant. As a result, he said nothing and simply waved the servant away.

"Make sure no Ultimate Demons leave the cave," Zagabob ordered just before his servant vanished.

Although his servant had said that Lasyana hadn’t hired Shin, Zagabob couldn’t dismiss the possibility of Shin attacking. He had already wiped out all the demons in Marzaretha. Who could guarantee he wouldn’t suddenly appear here?

At the very least, if it were Doctor Lergen, Zagabob could negotiate. He could sacrifice a few Ultimate Demons in exchange for his heart. But if Shin wanted his heart? There would be no way out but to fight.

Zagabob was strong and arrogant, but he wasn’t foolish.

-----ooOoo-----

...Girhamvell sighed heavily, not expecting to hear something so surprising.

He had feared that his assumption would become reality when he saw the empress, but the opposite happened. The empress had no plans to capture him; instead, she wanted Libertania to become part of the empire’s military. She even asked him to become the chief general of her soldiers.

"You can consider Lasyana’s offer," Mariel spoke again after Delphia, Lasyana, Nico, and Girhamvell had taken control of the conversation. "Tonight, we plan to eliminate Zagabob and his forces. We need your help and your three comrades."

Girhamvell refocused his attention on his guests. At the same time, Lasyana and Delphia stood, followed by Mariel and Celinee. Nico was the last to rise. At that moment, Girhamvell understood. No matter what his decision was, Nico would still assist the empress.

"Of course, we will help eradicate the demons from this land," declared the leader of the rebels. "But do you know where Zagabob is hiding? What about the size of his forces? We can’t act recklessly."

"Don’t worry," Lasyana answered firmly. "As empress, I will personally kill Zagabob. His army is large, but that’s not a problem. Even if you refuse to help, Girhamvell, we will still go. Delphia, M, and C are enough to handle Zagabob’s subordinates. But we will be greatly pleased if you join us."

Although Lasyana still wore her mask, the intensity in her eyes showed her deep seriousness. Girhamvell recognized it, as did his three comrades. The four of them nodded to each other and stood as well.

"Libertania will do whatever is necessary for the empire."

Lasyana’s lips curled into a smile upon hearing that declaration, and she reached for her sacred scythe. "In that case, obey my orders as the ruler of the empire. Together, we will restore this land to its former glory. Let’s go!"

And so, Lasyana led eight individuals to the northern side of the city. Zagabob did not anticipate their arrival, but it wouldn’t have mattered even if he had. Lasyana’s resolve was firm. She would destroy anyone who stood in her way.

For Mariel, the discussion just now wasn’t all that important. Putting aside his desire to make Neiracia his base, Lasyana’s sacred scythe was his primary target. He would obtain it no matter what.

Everything was going according to plan.

Mariel only hoped no unforeseen variables would suddenly arise. It would be extremely annoying if another party appeared, more so if they also seeked to own Lunar Scythe Zesteria.