Chapter 24: Encounter at the Gate

Having achieved what she wanted, Lara turned back with a majestic stride. She even made sure her short brown wig, styled like a determined headband, swayed behind her ears.

The company commander shot a sidelong glance at her retreating figure, as if to say, ‘Is that all there is?’ yet relief softened his expression; had he endured that piercing, high-pitched tone and murderous glare for another five minutes, fate might have been sealed.

‘…I probably wouldn’t have made it this time.’

With a grim set to his face, the company commander stifled his trembling fists with his other hand. It had been 13 years since he’d felt such lethal determination.

‘What?’

Just as Lara was about to step through the Knight Order’s main gate with commanding confidence, she noticed a young man lingering around like a casual tourist.

He wore a sharply set collar paired with a burgundy cravat, and his suit sleeves boasted fanned-out black lace. His long, jet-black hair, cascading smoothly to his waist, shone as if meticulously maintained.

The man, dressed in a drab outfit from head to toe, suddenly turned around.

‘He seems oddly familiar…’

At the moment his striking crimson eyes caught her attention, Lara recalled a man from a past ducal ball.

‘Ah, that delusional madman I encountered before…’

Hmm?

Lara’s eyes widened in shock. In that brief moment, she questioned her own ears. Demon King? Wasn’t he supposed to be just a delusional patient?!

He undoubtedly exuded the intense and decadent aura of a demon king, yet something about him made it hard to believe he ruled over all the vicious underworld beasts and demons.

“Um, hello? Didn’t we meet before?”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Pereus greeted cheerfully. For a fleeting moment, Lara almost mistook him for one of the young men who had just moved in next door.

‘He doesn’t seem to have come to kidnap the Demon King’s bride, does he?’

<...How remarkably polite.>

Even the normally outspoken God fell silent as he listened.

“Ah, I’m sorry. You seem to be in disguise as a man… I hope me spotting you doesn’t cause any trouble…”

“No, it’s completely fine.”

“Oh, by the way… is the female lead here?”

“And why are you looking for her?”

“Ah, well… let’s say it’s a personal matter. Haha, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know if you catch any wind of her…”

As Pereus bowed repeatedly in deference, Lara managed a reluctant smile. At that moment, a cold, indifferent voice spoke from behind her.

“I’m the female lead. What business do you have?”

It seemed Elina III had come along, lightly stepping beside her. Pereus, momentarily taken aback by her appearance, quickly recognized his misstep and bowed his head.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m a demon from the Demon Realm, working here. My name is Pereus, and I serve as the Demon King at Demon King Castle.”

He extended a black business card with both hands, as courteous as a freshly recruited salesman. His evenly parted hair added to his refined appearance.

“Actually, I’m here on a journey to find the Demon King’s bride.”

‘Demon King, huh? He looks so unimpressive…’

It was a quest that transcended international marriage—Lara even wished he were a mere imitation.

“Didn’t you mention not long ago that you were once a demon who served as Demon King?”

“Ah, yes. I still hold the title, but I hesitated on first meeting because ‘Demon King’ might seem too imposing—haha.”

Pereus chuckled sheepishly and cast a sidelong glance at Elina III. Despite everything, his focus appeared to be more on the female lead than on his own title.

“By any chance, aren’t you interested in becoming the Demon King’s bride?”

“Demon King’s bride? What exactly is that?”

“Simply put, it’s a service role. In the Demon Realm, we’re recruiting new candidates. Initially, you’d spend a month or two at Demon King Castle acclimating as the Demon King’s bride. Once you become a permanent hire, promotion to Demon Queen is immediate.”

“What about the pay?”

‘You noblewoman… are you short on cash?’

Oblivious to Lara’s inner discomfort, the two continued their earnest discussion.

“Wages are disbursed on the same day. You’re free to return to the surface on weekends, and flexible hours are an option… So, will you consider applying? I can hire you on the spot.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“…Ah, alright then. I’ll stop by again. Please contact me here if you change your mind.”

Pereus bowed courteously at a perfect 90 degrees before turning and walking away. After a short walk, he looked back once more and nodded politely.

‘Well, the Demon King’s bride sure finds her way easily.’

With that thought, Lara boarded a carriage headed for Daeshin Shrine.

Upon arriving at Daeshin Shrine, Lara proceeded to the reception. Since divine power is tightly regulated by the state, even a simple treatment by a priest was handled with utmost scrutiny.

After verifying her identity and explaining her shoulder injury, she was promptly directed to the Waiting Room. The problem, however, was that the room was packed to the brim.

‘What the heck, why is it so crowded…?’

It didn’t seem like everyone was seriously ill or injured. The line was so enormous that it looked like a five-hour wait for her turn.

‘Is that really all there is to it?’

Lara was suddenly reminded of just how important Elina V was. At that moment, a voice calling her snapped her out of her musings.

“Please, follow me. I’ll show you the way.”

“Eh? Already?”

Though it had been less than three minutes since the wait began, Lara tilted her head in surprise but gracefully followed the paladin. The envious glances from onlookers only made her stand a little prouder.

‘Haha! They’d think I’m the noble daughter of a grand duke, backed by wealth and power.’

Despite her haughty chin held high, anyone could tell she was a battle-hardened, headband-wearing knight.

“Then, please come in.”

After a long 10-minute walk through a labyrinthine corridor, she reached a door more lavish and imposing than any she’d seen before. Passing the marble lintel, she entered and spotted someone standing inside.

A long white cloth cascading from the back of a cylindrical hat concealed most of the person’s features. However, judging by the expensive robes and accessories, it was clear they were no ordinary priest.

The individual, dressed in a pristine white robe richly embroidered with ascending gold patterns from the hem, turned to face her as golden sunlight bathed them in a holy glow.

“Hand over my loaned clothes.”

The command was so abrupt that Lara froze in panic. Recognizing the man as Mikhail, she quickly regained her composure.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t bring them since I’m here for treatment…”

“Enough. Next time, come back and return them in person.”

Mikhail, burdened by the weight of his elaborate attire, furrowed his brow and sat down with a noticeable thud on a chair. Dressed so impeccably, he truly resembled a pope.

Lara, who had been curiously scanning the pope’s study, suddenly turned toward a voice that had just spoken.

“You can reach the guesthouse next to the garden, right?”

“I found it by accident when I got lost that day; if you want me to find it again, I’m not so sure—I’d rather you just guide me…”

“Are you stupid? You know the way from the garden exit.”

Already annoyed by God’s incessant nagging, Lara bristled at being openly called stupid. That Pope—God himself—irritated her, and a mischievous thought flickered in her mind.

“More importantly, treatment.”

“…?!”

As Lara’s eyes widened in surprise, Mikhail beckoned her over with a lazy gesture. She wondered if he could read her thoughts, but before she could scrutinize his expression, he abruptly stood up.

“What’s the matter, not going to offer it?”

“Offer what?”

“The treatment, of course. It’s getting frustrating…”

When Lara casually shrugged her right shoulder, Mikhail grabbed her left arm and gently forced her onto a sofa. Was he about to examine her injury? As she looked up in astonishment, he suddenly began unbuttoning his shirt.

Caught off guard by the sudden exposure, Lara’s face turned as stiff as stone. When his smooth abdomen was revealed, she blushed furiously, unsure where to look. Then, a white radiance condensed around his navel, releasing divine power.

‘Are you seriously letting that out from there?!!’

Just like with Elina V and even the Pope, this cursed religious group never seems to understand where divine power truly emanates from. Perhaps sensing Lara’s dismayed look, Mikhail offered a self-deprecating smile.

“It does sound odd. Usually, divine power emanates from areas near the heart—like the eyes, mouth, or hands. But in my case, as I was told, it gathers in the bladder and is expelled through my navel.”

“So, am I supposed to laugh at that?”

“Well, from the side it does resemble a melon’s belly button… Ridiculous, isn’t it? People used to mutter that I was cursed whenever they saw me like this.”

“Is that the part where I’m supposed to laugh?”

“At least it’s a small mercy. If it came out any lower than the navel…”

Mikhail’s warm hand brushed briefly against Lara’s temple. The gentle stroke, as his hair swept past her ear, sent a tantalizing shiver through her. At the same moment, her mind was flooded with an intense rush of crimson.

“…What are you thinking?”

“Ah, ah, I—nothing at all!”

“Now, raise your arm.”

“Okay.”

Lara raised her right arm, and the burning pain that had plagued her earlier vanished completely.