Chapter 166 - ENTERING THE PALACE (1)
Chapter 166 - ENTERING THE PALACE (1)
The demon follower groups in Pleiades could be largely classified into five.
The Devil’s Hand served Asmodeus, the overlord of lust.
The Devil’s Eye served Belial, the overlord of corruption.
The Devil’s Mouth served Lilith, the overlord of love and hatred.
The Devil’s Ear served Belphegor, the overlord of cruelty.
The Devil’s Horn served Behemoth, the overlord of violence.
In Hell, the five overlords were virtually equal in power, but in the mortal world, their followers were not equal in power.
After a fierce battle with the Guardians of the Holy Cross, the Devil’s Ear was pretty much destroyed, and the Devil’s Horn and all their demonic humans were also annihilated, except for the demonic human called ‘Jabberwock,’ who was also known as ‘Behemoth’s avatar.’
“But the remaining three are still quite powerful.”
In particular, the Devil’s Hand boasted of a wide sphere of influence, being active in both the Argon Empire and the S?len Kingdom. They also had the highest number of demonic humans under their command.
“The leader of the Devil’s Hand.”
A long blue-haired woman whose identity was unknown.
She was believed to be the avatar of Asmodeus and a mysterious person whose identity was not fully revealed in the second or third episodes of?Legend of Heroes.
“She is probably the strongest among the demon followers.”
But fortunately, she rarely made a direct appearance on the battlefront.
She would always be sitting and watching from behind the scenes.
“The Devil’s Eye is in the west of the Argon Empire, and the Devil’s Mouth is in the distant east.”
Therefore, only the Devil’s Hand and the Devil’s Eye were the main enemies in?Legend of Heroes 2, which was set on the western continent.
“Between those two, the main enemy of the S?len Kingdom was the Devil’s Hand.”
Three of the six branches of the Devil’s Hand were located in the S?len Kingdom, and their headquarters were also in the center of the kingdom.
“They cannot get close to the royal capital because of the barrier, so they’re probably in the capital’s outskirts.”
Specifically, it was located on the edge of the border with the Argon Empire, and the demonic human in charge of the central branch was the aggressive Koros, one of the six key executives of the Devil’s Hand.
Like the other key executives, he longed for the favor of their leader, so he devoted himself to the ‘S?len Royal Family Genocide Plan’ in order to destroy the barrier in the capital.
It was to the point that he would be willing to ask for the help of Saluzia, the head of the northern branch whom he did not get along well.
***
“Saluzia.”
At the call of Koros, Saluzia took off her hood and revealed her face.
Her fair face and purple eyes in between her very dark ebony-like hair made her look impressive under the dim light.
“Koros.”
Wearing a white robe, Saluzia deeply sighed as her shoulders slumped a bit.
The two were both key executives who usually fought for the favor of their leader, so they were actually rivals, but it had slightly changed because of their current situation.
“Your pretty face looks haggard. You must have had a hard time.”
The demon followers who served Asmodeus of lust generally had outstanding looks.
Koros was no different since he had a very handsome face, well-defined features, and a masculine appearance. But his eyes were so intense that it seemed fierce even if he smiled quietly.
On the other hand, Saluzia was an elegantly beautiful woman with a feminine and delicate appearance, but her purple eyes had an intense look too. Instead of answering him, Saluzia looked around and sat on a chair that seemed appropriate.
“Everything had gone wrong since they appeared.”
Saluzia spoke in a low voice, and Koros understood right away on who she was talking about.
“Are you talking about Jude Bayer and Cordelia Chase?”
It was not an exaggeration to say that the entire S?len Kingdom knew of the two as the couple of the century. But for Saluzia, they were known as the two who had escaped from the difficult situations she had put them in several times.
“They must be in the royal capital now.”
“I know.”
She had tried to kidnap the two while on their way to the royal capital.
“Is it hard to touch them now?”
At Koros’ question, or rather, at his half provocation, Saluzia frowned.
Aside from what he said that it had become difficult to touch Jude and Cordelia now, she also found Koros’ current attitude as annoying.
“Koros, isn’t it you who’s asking for help and not me?”
“Of course it is. Should I say that I’m just concerned for my?mate?”
Koros shrugged and Saluzia sighed again, but she no longer said anything.
It was true that they were?mates?as Koros had said, but the reasons on why she sighed were because of her relationship with Koros and that they both wanted to please their leader, so they had cooperated like this.
‘Since Koros had asked for my help, I’ll have to do my best with this task… but it’s also to help me after my recent failure.’
You could say that we’re just mutually helping each other.
The relationship between Koros and Saluzia was quite long and deep.
Because the?mate?that Koros referred to was not limited to the Devil’s Hand.
‘Orphanage mates.’
Their childhood days that she didn’t remember much anymore.
T/N: The word ‘mate’ her refers to a person who entered the same company/institution in the same year as you. So in the Devil’s Hand, the two are workmates who joined the group at the same time. As for the orphanage, the two probably entered it at the same time.
Saluzia bitterly smiled without realizing it, and she opened her mouth as she made a face that she would never make in front of Kanos or her subordinate demonic humans.
“So Konny, are you asking for more help?”
“Yes, Sannie. I think I need all the help I can get.”
A smile had spread on the faces of the two when they called each other by their orphanage nicknames after a long time, but it was also because they were both demon followers. The story they wanted to share now was a terrible conspiracy that would cause the sacrifice of innocent people.
“The Lord Protector’s limbs are being cut off.”
The Black Moon and his subordinate nobles were being attacked.
If the aristocrats’ offensive continued, there was a possibility that they could not proceed as planned on the day of the anniversary.
“So you want me to help you?”
“To make it bigger. I’m going to do things more boldly.”
Koros opened his arms as he looked at Saluzia, and she realized what he was talking about. That was why her shoulders slumped again.
“Konny, are you betting your life into this?”
“Because it’s worth it.”
The barrier in the royal capital.
The divine sword, Claíomh Solais, maintained that barrier.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if it screwed up the couple of the century as a bonus?”
“…That is a bit pleasing.”
When Saluzia spoke frankly, Koros laughed out loud.
“Our leader has given us permission.”
To combine all the forces of the central and northern branches.
“Do you have anything in it for me in order for me to accept it?”
“Yes, that’s why I’m begging you like this now.”
At Koros’ words, Saluzia loudly laughed and said.
“I’ve thought about this for a long time, but you really don’t know how to ask for a favor, Konny.”
“But I can do this because we understand each other, right? You know me, Sannie.”
“Well, I’m the only one who knows you.”
“That’s why I’m only doing this to you. What do you think? Are you not happy that you know?”
“Ha, you’ve really set your mind on doing this plan.”
Saluzia spoke sarcastically, but she wasn’t in a bad mood.
Or rather, in order to make up for her past failures, she had no other choice but to work together with Koros and make this plan to exterminate the royal family successful.
“But I won’t agree if you don’t give me an explanation. Tell me about it in detail.”
In what way and the amount of work she would do.
When Saluzia asked him about it, Koros grinned and drew closer to her. He began to tell her about it in a low voice.
***
In the afternoon, after Jude’s match against First Sword was over.
Cordelia sat on the sofa and happily smiled as she stared at the sword glimmering in the sunlight.
“Ah, it’s so pretty no matter how many times I look at it.”
How can its color be so beautiful?
How can the gem in its handle be so brilliant?
Cordelia’s face became ecstatic, and she unknowingly hummed. Jude was sitting next to her and said in quiet voice as he gazed at her.
“Cordelia, my love. I dedicate to thee what thou had asked for.”
Instead of being embarrassed by his dramatic and romantic lines, Cordelia giggled and tapped Jude on the shoulder with her hand.
“Yes, yes, good job. Continue to devote yourself and be loyal as you are now. Do your best always, okay?”
“No, Princess. Isn’t it time for you give me a prize or say thank you?”
“I can’t. If I continue to be nice to you, you’ll become spoiled. Don’t you know that the carrot-to-stick ratio is important?”
Cordelia said with a mischievous look as she snorted, and Jude smiled again at her appearance.
“Well, if it’s a carrot, I already got it.”
Carrot.
It was so sweet that my teeth seemed like it would melt.
Cordelia flinched again because she quickly understood what Jude meant, but she didn’t immediately say what it was. Because complicated thoughts filled her mind.
‘As I thought, d-do you like me?’
Did he do that because he liked me?
Did he do that because I asked him to do it?
‘Well… they do say that people do a lot of strange things because of that.’
But it was typical of Cordelia to straightforwardly change the topic.
‘A-anyway!’
But if it is true…
If Jude really likes me…
Cordelia glanced at Jude, who faced her with his usual sly face.
And it was at that moment.
“His Excellency, Duke Spencer, wishes for you to enter.”
The two where currently in the waiting room of Duke Spencer’s place.
Jude and Cordelia were guided by a classy old butler, and they passed through the splendid and beautiful hallway before they reached Duke Spencer’s drawing room.
“Mr. Jude Bayer and Lady Cordelia Chase have arrived.”
Soon after the butler spoke in a solemn voice, the clear ringing of a bell was heard from the inside, and the old butler opened the door very politely.
And the sight that was revealed.
The drawing room with beautiful glass windows was filled with the scent of flowers, and two people were sitting on the fancy sofa in the center.
‘Duke Spencer and Princess Darianne.’
Duke Spencer was a tall and thin old man, and he was comfortably sitting while dressed in purple clothes. Princess Darianne was sitting next to him and she gently smiled as she slightly waved her hand.
“I am Jude Bayer from the Bayer family.”
“I am Cordelia Chase from the Chase family.”
When Jude and Cordelia courteously greeted them, the highest-ranked person in the room, Princess Darianne, greeted them with a big smile.
“It’s nice to see you both. This is my grandfather, Duke Spencer.”
Duke Spencer cleared his throat a bit at her friendly introduction that seemed to have brushed aside her manners, but instead of scolding her, he said as he faced Jude and Cordelia.
“I am Duke Spencer. The two of you may sit down.”
The two of them bowed again after being allowed to sit, and Jude escorted Cordelia to the sofa. While remaining courteous, they gently sat in front of Princess Darianne who was looking at them in joy.
The two were the children of nobles, so their manners weren’t lacking, so Duke Spencer had a satisfied smile on his face.
“Indeed, you two are children from the 12 northern families. But the princess wants you to sit comfortably, so you don’t have to be so nervous. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
When Jude and Cordelia answered formally again, Duke Spencer nodded with a satisfied smile again, and Princess Darianne said as she pulled Duke Spencer’s sleeve.
“Grandpa is really… If you keep doing that, unnie and oppa will have no choice but to act formal.”
Could there be a person who’d really act informal just so that the person higher in rank than them would feel comfortable?
Rather, they would only feel burdened.
“Unnie, oppa, it’s really okay. Grandpa isn’t that strict. So you can be informal with us.”
“Haha… Yes, I understand.”
“Yes, Princess.”
But the same was true for Princess Darianne who was a higher-ranked person.
Moreover, unlike Duke Spencer’s words that were actual formalities so anyone could quietly listen and respond appropriately, it was a problem that Princess Darianne truly wanted Jude and Cordelia to act comfortably.
You could say that they feel more troubled acting comfortably with Princess Darianne.
As a result, Jude and Cordelia answered formally and did not loosen their postures.
Fortunately, Duke Spencer was not as strict as Princess Darianne had said.
He fully understood Jude and Cordelia’s difficulties.
“Haha, I give up. The princess’ stubbornness is strong. Let me apologize instead. I want you to understand.”
“Grandpa?”
Princess Darianne’s eyes widened, and she seemed to be asking what he was talking about, but Duke Spencer just grinned while Jude and Cordelia also faintly smiled.
‘He’s a good person.’
‘Yes, it seems like he really cares for Princess Darianne.’
In the original, Duke Spence had never made a proper appearance because he was sick.
Of course, they could guess his personality to some extent from various indirect information, but they felt relieved after meeting him in person and confirming that he was a good person.
“Now, let’s get to the point. First of all, let me express my gratitude. Thank you. Thanks to the two of you giving me the Seven-Colored Herb, I was freed from my chronic illness and regained my health.”
“Thank you very much.”
When Duke Spencer expressed his gratitude, Princess Darianne also broadly smiled and thanked them again, and Cordelia beautifully recited the greetings she had prepared.
“We are also very pleased to see the princess be happy and His Excellency to have recovered. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to do good, Princess Darianne.”
As she finished her words with a bright smile, Princess Darianne unconsciously blushed and said as she pulled the sleeve of Duke Spencer again.
“Look, isn’t Cordelia-unnie really pretty? She has a pretty face and a beautiful heart.”
“Indeed, it’s more than the rumors.”
Duke Spencer spoke with a satisfied face, and Cordelia was delighted but had some questions at the same time.
‘What rumors are they talking about?’
‘It must be the rumor that you’re as pretty as an angel. Let’s thank Lady Emma Ficus for that.’
Thanks to her, he was able to show the world the full beauty of Cordelia.
‘Of course, it would be even better at the day of the founding anniversary.’
He would let Cordelia wear the Fairy Dress, an item that would enhance her beauty, so that the S?len Kingdom, and even the world, would know about Cordelia’s beauty.
‘Hey, are you thinking of something wicked again?’
‘No, I’m not? I’m just thinking of something that is nice and true.’
The two had their usual prolonged eye conversation, but the other two didn’t mind it.
Duke Spencer opened his mouth again.
“If you’ve done something good, you should be awarded. I cannot reward my benefactors with nothing when they have helped me this much.”
Having said that, Duke Spencer lightly rang a bell, and the old butler waiting at the door then put down a silver platter on the table.
“You two are my benefactors, so you can use my name anytime and anywhere.”
Duke Spencer said that in a serious tone unlike before, and the two focused their attention on the silver platter, or to be exact, on the rose emblem of Duke Spencer on it.
It was actually a token of his willingness to treat the two as his people.
‘Bingo.’
Since they had the backing of one of the aristocrats’ leaders, they could do a lot of things with this emblem alone.
It was not an exaggeration to say that their act of giving the Seven-Colored Herb was returned to them several times more.
But Duke Spencer had no intention of stopping there.
“Well, I don’t think I should say this with my own mouth… but this alone can benefit you greatly. However, shouldn’t a reward have a material form? I’ve been wondering on what to give you, so I’ve decided that this is the best.”
Duke Spencer rang the bell again, and the old butler put down a new silver platter on the table. Jude and Cordelia then unknowingly opened their eyes wide in surprise.
“I will not allow you to refuse it. Please take it.”
On the silver tray was a white and rectangular paper.
It was a paper with a huge number of zeroes written on it.
‘Woah.’
A Royal Bank cheque.
In short, it was cash.
Moreover, the amount was enormous. It was equivalent to the total annual income of Count Bayer’s territory.
‘He really is a big shot among the nobles.’
One could count within three fingers the nobles in the S?len Kingdom who possessed such great wealth.
“There’s a lot of things I want to hear from you two. The princess has told me a lot of stories, so I’ve been quite curious. Like, what are you two actually like? I’ve been wondering if you two are really the characters of the story the princess has told me. But before we start talking, I think I should let her tell you something first. It seems like my princess is quite anxious to show it to you two quickly.”
Duke Spencer playfully spoke, and Princess Darianne pouted her lips but it was only for a moment.
She soon smiled childishly and brightly before she rang the bell to bring in a new silver platter.
“Please take it.”
What Princess Darianne had prepared.
What she wanted to give to Jude and Cordelia.
“My unnie and oppa also wanted to see you, unnie and oppa. They gave me a chance to show off unnie and oppa.”
Her words had a lot of repetitions.
But the people she was referring to as ‘my unnie and oppa’ were completely different, and Jude and Cordelia quickly understood on who she was talking about.
‘Princess Daphne and Prince Dion.’
The next queen and her younger brother who were both successors to the throne of the S?len Kingdom.
On the silver platter was an invitation to a tea party hosted by Princess Daphne.