Chapter 83: Revelations in the Demon Realm
by xennovel“Let go of her hand—immediately.”
“Kraaak!”
The demon soldier, who had screamed in terror expecting calamity, opened his eyes when no pain came. The woman half-resting on the portal and the blonde man had vanished. The demon, now released from his bonds, scratched his head in confusion.
“Really….”
“Oh, what a shock!”
Then, startled by a voice from behind, the demon soldier spun around. The young demon—who had been standing like a folding screen—now hobbled forward on crutches.
“…A fearsome figure indeed, haha. With such an overwhelming aura, I nearly forgot my own existence.”
He mused that it was as if the author had simply forgotten to mention him—but he kept his thought to himself.
* * *
Up in the Demon King Castle’s upper levels, serious discussions were underway. Several Nomads had risen abruptly, ready to fight at a moment’s notice.
“Think about it. If D is Lady Elina III, then Elina II cannot be D…”
“No, haha—you’re the one spouting nonsense. I’m telling you: Elina II is D.”
“Heh, from what I hear, you two are idiots. The one we need to find is Lady Elina V!”
“No, haha—listen! We must first determine who Lady Elina III is, then we’ll know who Lady Elina V is!!”
“You fools! Haha! Hahaha!”
A short distance from the heart of the Elder Council’s dispute, Lady Elina I, Elina II, Lady Elina III, and Lady Elina IV sat slumped on the floor.
Lady Elina I was busy knitting a scarf with yarn she’d salvaged from somewhere, while Elina II dozed against her shoulder. Lady Elina III kept her guard up, her hand resting on the sword at her waist, and Lady Elina IV was engrossed in reading a book of the Demon Realm piled high on the floor.
“…Damn, at this rate, we might not even make it home.”
Surrounding the Elinas, the demon soldier muttered resentfully. If the superior didn’t leave on time, only the underlings would suffer.
Just as the demons’ expressions grew darker, a huge door burst open with a bang, flinging wide on both sides. Bathed in brilliant light, a woman entered, her silver hair billowing regally.
“The saint you seek is here. Release my sisters immediately—do not sacrifice even the innocent.”
“Whoa! We’re off to go home now!”
The demon soldiers cheered with bright faces, while the Nomads in the midst of their meeting wore grim expressions.
“How dare you deceive us—was it Elina IV you mentioned? For four years, you won’t be sent back alive!”
“……!”
Before Lady Elina III could even react, a Nomad unleashed his magic. In an instant, nearby demons lunged forward and grabbed him.
“Whoa, calm down! Now we’ve got someone!”
“Wanna end up in jail?! First, subdue that magic!”
“…Listen to the demon’s words until the end. Heh!”
The Nomad cleared his throat and let out a gentle sigh.
“Rather than sending a prodigy like this to the surface, it’s better to kill them outright. It shows just how invaluable they are.”
“Indeed… such profound intent.”
“Though it also means he wouldn’t mind killing immediately!”
“……!”
As the Nomad tried to discharge his magic once more, Lady Elina III swiftly drew her sword. With Lady Elina V joining in to channel Sacred Power, the Nomad responded with a gentle smile.
“God has a way of reaping geniuses quickly. After all, even heaven needs its geniuses.”
“Indeed… such profound intent.”
“Though what it really means is that he plans to kill them on the spot and send them to heaven!”
“……!”
As the Nomad again attempted to unleash his magic, Lady Elina III once more drew her sword with remarkable speed. With Lady Elina V joining to focus the scattered Sacred Power toward her eyes, the Nomad smiled gently once again.
“That way, she can soon bask in the proper honor and eternal bliss up above. A genius like her is more than we deserve.”
“Indeed… such profound intent.”
“Though in the end, it means death!”
Just then, as the mutated Nomad prepared to unleash his magic, both Lady Elina III and Lady Elina V were forced to halt their actions by a woman who stepped in with her arms wide open.
“Lies! All lies! The look in your eyes when you saw Elina IV was full of deep affection… Why deceive yourself to the point of inviting everyone’s hatred? Why…?”
Lady Elina I’s eyes filled with tears. Moved by her sincere crying, the Nomad released the gathered magic.
“Impressive.”
The Nomad expressed genuine admiration. As low clapping began and the surrounding demons slowly stood to applaud, the resounding applause filled the vast space, leaving the Elinas bewildered.
Lady Elina I wiped away her tears and adopted a pure, innocent gaze; Elina II awoke abruptly with drooling; Lady Elina III remained on high alert; and Lady Elina V silently gathered her Sacred Power.
At that moment, the Nomad strode over and halted in front of Lady Elina IV, who was absorbed in her book.
“In truth, this entire situation was our company’s interview—disguised as a kidnapping.”
“…….”
“We wanted to see how you’d act in a life-or-death situation. Lady Elina IV, by quickly devising that trick to protect not only yourself as the saint Lady Elina V but also your sisters, you ensured that no one was hurt.”
“I had a hunch all along.”
Amidst the surprise of the other Elinas, Lady Elina IV calmly replied.
“Once, one of your company’s employees approached me with a job offer. When I was dragged into the Demon Realm, I wondered if this was part of a grand recruitment plan. That’s why I took such a reckless chance.”
“I never expected… You truly are a genius. Moreover, Lady Elina IV, I now see how deeply you’re trusted and loved by everyone. It speaks volumes about your consistent integrity and sincere conduct.”
Without a word, Lady Elina IV nodded and glanced at both Lady Elina III and Lady Elina IV, her gaze softening as she looked at the sisters who had been ready to fight for her.
“Our investigation shows you have numerous magic-related certifications and awards. If you join our company, you’ll receive not only a high-ranking position but also lavish treatment. We’ll provide all the necessary books, research materials, and support from Demon King Castle.”
Truly, there was no better place to master magic than the Demon Realm. I dreamed of being a genius in every field, especially magic. But if I were to go to the Demon Realm…
As Lady Elina IV pondered her next move, a firm voice pierced the air.
“You are undoubtedly an indispensable asset to our company. Let me prove it.”
“Lady Elina V…?”
“We trust our Lady Elina IV. Though she might seem stiff from always holed up with her books, she has a tender heart—startled even by a ghost.”
“Go on. The surface is too small for you.”
Even Lady Elina III, who had now joined in, delivered a cool, confident line.
Before Lady Elina IV could speak, numerous hands pushed her forward. These included those of Lady Elina I, Elina II, and, inexplicably, demon soldiers whose expressions had brightened as they prepared to leave work.
“Everyone…”
Pushed from all sides, Lady Elina IV advanced. Each touch felt as warm as a dedicated teacher’s hand in a vocational school. It seemed they were determined to get her started on this new job. Surprisingly, a gentle smile graced her lips.
* * *
Lara opened her eyes to a lofty ceiling. The chandelier still hung above, yet the room remained dim—as if only candles were lit. In the near-darkness where objects barely took shape, Lara spotted a shadowy silhouette.
Not far away on a sofa, crossed-legged and relaxed, sat none other than Mikhail. Mikhail? She tried to call him, but only a faint mumble escaped her lips.
“Mmmph mmph!”
It wasn’t long before Lara realized that some fabric was tied over her mouth.
“Mmph mmphmm? Mmmph mmph mmph?! Mmph mmph mmph? Mmmph mmph mmph mmph. Mmph mmph mmph mmph mmph, mmph? Mmph mmph mmph mmph mmph mmph mmph!!”
“Mikhail!! What is going on?! Mikhail, are you listening? Who tied fabric over my mouth? Ugh, you little brat—surely? That brat was definitely here. I won’t let some scoundrel pull this stunt on me!!”
Lara ground her teeth at her so-called brother. When she looked up, she saw her wrists fastened to the bed. What a meticulous brat. And why was she even here? Judging by Mikhail’s presence, this was clearly his bedroom.
The thought made Lara uneasy. How on earth did that brat manage to get into the Pope’s bedroom?
Then, Mikhail—who had been sitting quietly on the sofa—rose up. Lara closed her eyes again, watching as Mikhail steadily approached.
“Mmph?”
“Mikhail?”
“Well, whose doing could this be, Lara.”
“Mmph mmph mmph mmph?”
‘How did he understand that?’
Without replying, Mikhail stood silently by the edge of the bed, watching her. His pale sky-blue eyes gradually turned red.
“Mmph mmph mmph…?”
‘Mikhail…?’
Something was off. As Lara jumped in alarm and her shoulders trembled, a hand reached up to grasp her chin.
“Stay still.”
Mikhail, now leaning forward, gently caressed her cheek. As his fingertips inched closer to her eyes, Lara’s chin shivered in fear.
“Mmph… mmph mmph? Mmph mmph mmph mmph. Mmph mmph…”