Sword of Salvation-Chapter 63: - Walking Disaster (4)

As soon as Mariel left the palace, he dashed straight to Ultores building.

After hearing King Maggio’s story, there was one thing Mariel truly understood. Finding the book titled Flower of Levia wasn’t due to luck or destiny—it was planned. Levia awaited him on Roa Island not just to greet him but to pique his curiosity.

This was all part of Levia’s plan. The existence and actions of Doctor Lergen were mere coincidences. Even if the doctor hadn’t acted, the king’s daughter would still have lost control of her mind and turned into a monster, causing destruction.

Heh, no wonder she told me not to disappoint her. The ability to create, control, and manipulate Levia flowers... what a dangerous Devil Curse. She’s like a walking disaster.

However, one thing Mariel didn’t understand was why Levia paid so much attention to him. Was it because of Sword of Salvation? Or perhaps because of his spirit?

Mariel didn’t know. He was certain he wouldn’t get an answer unless he asked the demon herself. Even then, Levia could easily ignore his question.

"Mr. M, you truly return here just as Master Nea said."

Mariel wasn’t surprised to hear the café maid greet him that way. That was exactly why he had come. Nea... no doubt that woman was Levia’s follower. The demon had manipulated her mind through Levia Flower. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"I’ll meet her myself," Mariel said and walked straight into Nea’s room.

"Please sit," Nea said as soon as Mariel stepped into the room. "I’ve been waiting for you, Mr. Mariel."

Mariel closed the door tightly and sat across from Nea. He knew this was all part of Levia’s plan. Being here meant letting Levia’s plan unfold. But Mariel would ignore that for now. He was already caught in Levia’s game. As the saying goes, if you’re already wet, you might as well swim.

However, that didn’t mean he’d let the current carry him wherever it pleased. Mariel would swim however he wanted. Being in Levia’s game didn’t mean he had lost. He just needed to adapt and take control of the playing field. He might not win, but he certainly wouldn’t lose.

"The reason your Ultores doesn’t sell devil hearts is because of Levia’s orders?" Mariel asked bluntly.

"Of course. Lady Levia wants Ultores to maintain a healthy relationship with Sterminatore. We can’t sell devil hearts if we want that."

That answer confirmed Mariel’s assumption as completely correct. He instinctively used his spirit power to remove Levia Flower from Nea’s body. However, there was no change in her expression. She simply smiled, amused, as if she knew what Mariel was trying to do.

"There’s nothing you can do to stop me from following Lady Levia. My loyalty comes purely from the heart—there’s no spell or influence manipulating me."

Mariel understood. Nea’s brainwashing process was complete; Levia no longer needed to leave a Levia Flower in her body. That’s why his power didn’t work. As Nea said, she followed Levia by her own will, no longer under the demon’s influence.

"I don’t want to leave C working alone for too long, so I’ll be direct. What does Levia really want?"

Nea shrugged. "You’ll have to ask Lady Levia herself. Oh, but if you read that book to the end, you might get your answer. Lady Levia is brilliant and wise; perhaps she left a special message for you in that book."

"I figure as much." Mariel sighed deeply and stood. "Tell Levia: if she doesn’t plan on killing or controlling my mind, I wouldn’t mind sitting down for dinner with her. I’m curious about the thoughts of an old demon like her."

"Hah, you make me jealous, Mr. Mariel. This is the first time I see Lady Levia trying to get someone’s attention. I don’t know what she sees in you, and I don’t care. What’s clear is, I don’t like you. I don’t like anyone who gets more attention from Lady Levia."

In line with her words, Nea’s expression showed pure hatred. If looks could kill, Mariel would have already become a corpse. He didn’t know how long Levia had been manipulating this woman’s mind, but it was clear Nea was entirely in Levia’s grasp. Unless someone manipulated her mind, there was no way to save her.

"That’s not my problem, Master Nea."

Mariel immediately turned around and walked away. He left Ultores building and headed northwest. He didn’t want Celinee to arrive there before him.

Mariel didn’t care if Nea didn’t deliver his message to the demon. It was up to her whether she did or not. However, if there were insects in that room that had fallen victim to Levia’s flowers, they would certainly relay his words even if Nea didn’t. The message would get through—Levia would understand what he meant.

Still, the thought of Levia controlling all humans on the Western Continent sent chills down Mariel’s spine. Forget Romero or even Nessthanovla. Levia was far more dangerous than any of them. Mariel couldn’t think of anyone more dangerous than the demon. Nessthanovla’s power might be awe-inspiring, but what Levia could do was terrifying.

Yet Mariel wasn’t afraid of the demon at all. Levia’s flowers weren’t a danger to him. Even if the demon discovered the weakness of his special power, it wouldn’t mean much. What Mariel worried about was the worst possible outcome. Levia could annihilate the entire population of the Western Continent all at once.

Nothing was more terrifying than that.

However, considering demons needed human souls, Mariel doubted Levia would take that path. A hundred percent impossible. At least, that was true in normal circumstances.

But stressful situations and conditions could force someone to make different choices and decisions. So, even though he was certain Levia wouldn’t annihilate the Western Continent’s population, the possibility wasn’t zero.

"I don’t know what you want. I also don’t understand why you dragged me into your game. What’s clear is that I won’t be the one to fall into your trap—it’s you who will fall into the trap you made yourself. Take pride, Levia, I’ve chosen you to be the queen on my game board. I hope you won’t disappoint."