Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

Roy nodded in response.

"The Temple of Solomon? The First Temple ruins that archaeologists recently discovered in the heart of Ancient Jerusalem, as reported in the news? That caused quite a stir. Although King Solomon is hailed as a symbol of 'wisdom,' there's too little evidence of his existence. That world-renowned third king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel accomplished such great feats, yet the artifacts unearthed make people doubt whether he truly existed."

As a standout in the magic world, Erica was deeply fascinated by these ancient legends, histories, and even relics and antiques, speaking with animated enthusiasm.

"I was at that archaeological dig myself. I found it interesting, so I used my authority to destroy the site and retrieved this ring."

Hearing Roy's indifferent tone, Erica gave a wry smile. A Campione really did act as they pleased, casually destroying the legendary ruins of Solomon like that.

"Your first recorded sighting also appeared in Ancient Jerusalem. At the time, a magician from the 'Council of Sages' was following the archaeological work there and discovered the 'King's' trail. But your past, 'King,' remains a mystery. Many magic societies have investigated you, yet they've found no useful information."

Erica said this frankly, unafraid to tell Roy such things. Since the 'King' had granted her trust, she had to repay it. Moreover, after spending time with him, she believed that with Roy's intelligence, he had likely long known that these magic societies had investigated him.

"Does that investigation include the 'Bronze Black Cross'?"

"Yes, it includes the 'Bronze Black Cross.' But the most thorough investigation of you came from the 'Council of Sages.' Those sages conduct the most detailed inquiries into every living Demon King."

Erica answered honestly.

"Then let them investigate. Even if they bring in Miko and Witches for 'Spiritual Vision,' they won't find any information related to me."

Seeing Roy speak so confidently, Erica grew curious about his past, but she knew that as a subordinate, some things were best left unasked. Even with her curiosity, she didn't pry.

Roy came from another world, so no matter how much this world investigated, it could never uncover his history.

"'Spiritual Vision' of Miko and Witches is a peculiar ability. They receive 'revelations,' seeing scenes of the past and future. Do you know where these 'revelations' come from?"

Roy asked like a teacher testing a student.

Erica shook her head. "...My ancestor was a Demon King like you. Though I carry 'Witch's Blood' in my lineage, it's very thin, and I don't know the secrets of Witches."

"It's fine if you don't know. Just listen. This world is roughly divided into three layers: the Material World we're in now, the 'Realm of Life and Death' that magicians call 'Yomi,' and beyond that, the final world—the 'Realm of Immortality' where the gods dwell."

Under Aiwass's guidance and from studying books, Roy had learned much knowledge. He had also seen through the true nature of the Campione World. This world resembled a derivative of the 'Fourfold World of Kabbalah' theory—full of flaws yet logically self-consistent.

What was called the 'Realm of Immortality' where gods lived was, in Roy's view, this world's 'Throne.' There, the various information of the gods from myths was recorded, and this information changed based on the tales passed down by humans in the Material World.

If someone truly broke through 'Yomi' and reached the Realm of Immortality, they wouldn't meet any living gods. They would only encounter a mass of incomprehensible information, much like the concept of Heroic Spirits.

"...'Yomi' has a remarkable function. It's like an 'Akashic Record,' recording all information that has occurred in the Material World. The ability of Witches and Miko, 'Spiritual Vision,' is to see the information recorded in Yomi, allowing them to recreate the past. As for future information, it's the Witches and Miko organizing and compiling known data to deduce the most probable future events."

"...In truth, it's a simple 'Laplace's Demon'—predicting the future by obtaining and inferring all past information. This is what's called 'Clairvoyance.'"

Roy wagged his finger, his tone leisurely. Sometimes, the more you learn, the more you realize your ignorance. But other times, when you have enough knowledge, you see that things are just that simple.

"So that's the principle behind the Witches' secret arts. Your knowledge is truly vast and breathtaking, 'King'!"

Erica praised him, her tone filled with admiration and delight.

For magicians, gaining power wasn't the goal; knowledge was what they sought.

"The Vatican may lack many things, but the rare books and ancient texts it has accumulated over two thousand years are countless. That library is a treasure trove."

Roy smiled, then suddenly asked, "...Tell me, Erica! Where are the finest Miko and Witches in this world?"

Erica was taken aback, then answered without hesitation, "...If we're talking about the most powerful Witch in Europe in terms of spiritual energy, that would be the former chairwoman of the 'Council of Sages of Greenwich,' Duke Godding's daughter, honored as the 'White Princess,' Her Highness Princess Alice Louise O'Fafa Nafar!"

Chapter 28: Princess Alice

Greenwich is located in the southeast of Greater London, England, on the south bank of the River Thames. It's where the 'Prime Meridian' lies. In the Royal Greenwich Gardens along the Thames stands a world-famous comprehensive observatory—the Greenwich Observatory.

This observatory has a history of several hundred years.

Although the Greenwich Observatory was relocated fifty years ago, the original site remained. Ordinary people thought it was abandoned due to age, but only those in the mystical world knew the real reason: the original site was taken over by a comprehensive English magic society as its headquarters—the 'Council of Sages of Greenwich.'

The origin of the 'Council of Sages of Greenwich' was rather amusing. It wasn't founded by any one person but by a group of busybodies who, out of sheer 'gossip,' formed a small information exchange group. Who would have thought that such a tiny group, not even a magic society, would eventually develop into a very famous organization in the mystical world?

The Council of Sages had a highly diverse membership, including magicians, fairy scholars, occultists, technology experts, amateur researchers, clergy, artists, nobles, royalty, and wealthy individuals.

The Council of Sages could never be called a strict organization; it was a loose circle for exchanging information. It was also the best channel for those connected to the mystical world to get the latest news in the occult.

Today, at the Greenwich Observatory, a non-routine meeting was underway.

The Council of Sages was called a 'council' because its management consisted of a group of elderly sages, named after the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes. They made decisions on the organization's direction through council meetings.

"An emergency meeting today? Which Demon King has stirred up another big mess?"

Among a group of white-haired old scholars sat a remarkably unique woman. She had a slender figure, shimmering platinum-blonde hair, and skin as white as snow. She looked about twenty years old, but her composed demeanor carried an elegant, noblewoman's air.

The woman exuded a captivating charm like the world's rarest perfume. She wore a white velvet blouse with embroidered lace at the collar, a precious shawl draped over her shoulders, and her hands were folded on the armrests of her chair. Her clear voice carried a hint of helplessness as she spoke, yet also deep curiosity and enthusiasm.

She was the former chairwoman of the Council of Sages of Greenwich, now a special advisor, known as the 'White Princess,' Princess Alice Louise O'Fafa Nafar. People commonly called her 'Princess Alice.'

Though Princess Alice was the youngest in the council, she was Europe's most powerful Witch—not in combat, but in Spiritual Vision. Combined with her natural talent and vast knowledge, she became chairwoman at just over ten years old.

Though for the Council of Sages of Greenwich, the chairwoman's role wasn't particularly significant.

Later, perhaps because she lost interest in the position or truly grew tired, she resigned citing 'health reasons.'

This wasn't a false excuse. Due to her overwhelming spiritual energy, the princess was far more frail than an ordinary person—a weakness that neither magic nor science could cure.

"Princess Alice, this emergency meeting concerns the New King."

"Ah, venerable sage, please don't address me with such honorifics. It makes me feel embarrassed."

Princess Alice straightened up, speaking with elegant poise.

Then she revealed a look of eager anticipation. "...Our council's reports on the New King are still sparse. Is there something special this time?"

"The New King recently succeeded in slaying a Disobedient God on Ponza Island in Italy. According to our intelligence, this Disobedient God was the Archangel Metatron, as recorded in The Book of Enoch. We are currently unaware of the Authority gained from killing Metatron, but we have already probed some details regarding the Authority he obtained from his previous slaying of Michael."

"...This is a video of the battle on Ponza Island at the time, captured using a military satellite borrowed from the English government."

A Diogenes Elder Scholar directly played a video using a projector. The magi of this world held no aversion to technology; on the contrary, they were adept at utilizing it. For instance, when they knew they could not approach the battlefield of a Campione and a Disobedient God, they would resort to technological means to spy.

"The destructive force of Campiones causing trouble is still as formidable as ever, whether it's the Old King or the New King."

Seeing Ponza Island in the video completely annihilated under Roy's Authority, Princess Alice let out a sigh.

"Princess Alice, this video will be sealed in the archives afterward, accessible only to Diogenes-level Councilors. Any information concerning a 'King' must be carefully safeguarded to avoid provoking a certain 'King'..."

"...Based on known intelligence, the Authority the New King gained after slaying Michael differs from those of other Campiones. It is a single Authority with multiple uses. Currently, the New King has revealed four functions, while the number of unrevealed ones remains unknown to us."

"First, an extremely powerful close-combat Authority;"

"Second, a large-scale heavenly fire Authority that destroyed Ponza Island, along with a demonic eye Authority similar to Marquis Voban's;"

"Third, an Authority to summon the Angel Legion;"

"Fourth, an Authority to transform into an angel, which in effect should resemble the 'Divine Speed' of the 'Black Prince'."

"...It is impossible for a Campione to gain multiple Authorities from killing a single god. Therefore, we suspect these Authorities all have certain restrictions. The specifics are the 'King's' secrets, which we dare not pry into. The Authorities the New King has used are all related to Michael's deeds, but this Archangel's achievements are too numerous for us to guess the uses of the New King's remaining Authorities."

The elderly scholar explained to everyone present in a measured, rhythmic tone.

"Has that one... named the New King's Authority?"

Princess Alice asked demurely, her hands folded over her abdomen.

"We once inquired about the 'King's' opinion. At the New King's request, this Authority has been named 'Divine Right'... And, Princess Alice, please look at this. This is some personality data on the New King we obtained from your former knight, Paolo Brentari."

"...As for more specifics, those are secrets known only to Erica Brentari, the New King's sole exclusive knight. She will not leak them. This Great Knight recently earned the title of 'Crimson Devil' from the 'Bronze Black Cross'."

The elderly scholar handed a paper document to Alice.

After quickly flipping through the document, Princess Alice said with a headache: "...This is truly the type of Campione I dread most. Your report says the New King's personality resembles Marquis Voban's, but in my view, he is more like Alexander Gascoigne."

"...No, he is even harder to deal with than Marquis Voban or Gascoigne. Gascoigne has a calm temperament and prefers to plan before acting, but it is precisely his caution that gives him clear boundaries. As long as you grasp those boundaries, you can predict his actions. Marquis Voban is ruthless and merciless, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals, but he is arrogant and self-willed. With a conciliatory approach, it is not impossible to win his favor."

"But this New King is different. From his actions in Rome, it is clear that he is not only willful and unrestrained but also possesses wisdom and strategy. He is the type I fear most."

"...A terrorist with strategy and a love for planning is simply a disaster!"

Chapter 29: The Demon King Who Captures the Princess

"The White Witch Princess... Princess Alice?"

In an extremely luxurious villa estate in Rome, Roy was in an antique, opulent room in the Baroque style. He held a stack of documents, his fingers lightly tapping, a look of interest on his face.

A soft red carpet covered the entire room. Precious Renaissance-era murals and armor decorations adorned the space, while the chandelier overhead resembled a starry sky, fully showcasing what luxury and nobility meant.

To speak of the most famous ancient palaces in Rome, Italy, almost all belonged to the Church. However, those places were better suited for work or sightseeing than for living. For residential comfort, modern villas were far more agreeable.

Roy would not shortchange himself. Except when he needed to go to the Vatican for quiet reading, he spent most of his time in Rome living in this villa. For the local magi, having a 'King' stay so 'obediently' at home was truly a blessing to heaven and earth.

While Princess Alice in Greenwich, England, was studying Roy, Roy was also studying that princess.

"My 'King,' these are the materials provided by my uncle, Paolo Brentari. As for more detailed intelligence on Princess Alice, it can likely only be found in the archives of the Council of Sages of Greenwich."

In front of the mahogany desk, fourteen-year-old Erica stood in her signature red dress, lifting her chin slightly with confidence.

Her round, fair, and delicate shoulders supported the well-fitted dress, shining even more dazzlingly under the lamplight, as if coated in a layer of luster.

"I heard that your uncle used to frequently travel between England and Italy, fighting alongside the Black Prince as Princess Alice's knight. He even once protected the 'Sleeping Beauty' from a Divine Beast, rescuing the slumbering princess and staging a knight-rescues-princess scene?"

Roy tossed the documents aside, leaning back in his chair with a teasing smile.

Though the 'King' seemed to be joking, Erica dared not be flippant. She shook her head and said, "...Those were my uncle's youthful adventures. Now, the 'Bronze Black Cross' serves the 'King,' and my uncle is no longer Princess Alice's knight but your subordinate. If the 'King' has any orders, the 'Bronze Black Cross' will surely follow your commands."

Erica calmly expressed her loyalty.

"Did your uncle never develop any knight-and-princess romance with Her Highness the Princess?"

Hearing Roy's gossipy question, Erica felt somewhat helpless, but she still answered with a smile, "...My uncle is about twenty years older than Princess Alice. Those events happened ten years ago, when the princess was only about eleven, while my uncle was nearly thirty. I think such an age gap makes it impossible for anything to happen."

"No, Erica, you're wrong. There are always some deviants in this world who like little girls just over ten... Alright, enough of that."

Erica was now at a loss whether to laugh or cry. She wanted to say that her uncle really wasn't that kind of deviant, but seeing that the 'King' had already moved on, she perked up, waiting for Roy's next question.

"This princess has the strongest spiritual power in all of Europe. She belongs to the Council of Sages and has no 'Campione' protecting her. Let's start with her."

Roy tapped the photo of Princess Alice on the document with his finger, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

Erica recalled the 'Solomon Divine Artifact' she had seen Roy holding on that luxury yacht, and now seeing that Roy needed witches and priestesses with strong spiritual power, she immediately thought of an incident that had occurred two years ago. Marquis Voban had captured many witches and priestesses from around the world to summon a Disobedient God for himself, and that incident had resulted in the deaths of many witches and priestesses in the ritual.

She knew that Roy was likely trying to replicate Marquis Voban's brutal rule, and his first target was Princess Alice, who held immense fame across Europe and even the world!

Erica dared not say anything against Roy's decision. In the time she had interacted with Roy, she had come to understand his personality roughly. She knew that this 'King' allowed others to offer advice, but only if they had sufficient reason; otherwise, they would face the 'King's' wrath.

And Erica had no reason to advise against it now. Could she tell the 'King' that summoning a Disobedient God might cause many casualties? No, the 'King' before her would not care about that; it would only anger him.

Thus, Erica had no intention of offering advice. Instead, she followed Roy's line of thought and said, "...My 'King,' although Princess Alice and the Campione of England, Alexander Gascoigne, are openly hostile, their relationship is not entirely clear. Would capturing Princess Alice provoke this Campione's hostility? Should we adopt a conciliatory approach to make Princess Alice cooperate with us proactively?"

"No need to worry, Erica! Alexander Gascoigne is too cautious. When faced with something he cannot understand, he always chooses to wait. A person with such a temperament easily misses opportunities. Unless he is certain there is no danger to himself, he will not appear before me. And even if he does, what is there to fear?"

Roy laughed carelessly. "...Erica, do you know what a princess's role is? It is to live in a magnificent castle, waiting for a dragon to capture her. Though I am not a dragon, I am a 'Demon King.' The princess has been waiting in her castle for a long time. As the 'Demon King,' I cannot keep Her Highness the Princess waiting too long."

Hearing Roy's chillingly cold joke, Erica could only respond with silence.

"And there's also the miko named Yuri Wanitangi in the Far East. She was one of the survivors of Marquis Voban's Disobedient God summoning ritual two years ago, wasn't she? It seems Marquis Voban holds her in high regard. Since that's the case, let's trust the Marquis's judgment once and bring her in as one of the ritual's mikos. If she's unwilling, we'll treat her exactly as Marquis Voban did back then—she has no right to refuse."

Lord Erica gave a slight nod, indicating she had heard Roy's command.

There's a saying: 'Better the friend die than the self perish.' For Erica, she had no desire to concern herself with how Princess Alice or this miko named Yuri Wanitangi would be treated. As long as the "King" she served before her was pleased, nothing else fell within her scope of consideration.

"But having only these finest mikos isn't enough. I need more mikos and witches to conduct the ritual together, only then can I hope to summon that King Solomon..."

Roy toyed with the ring in his hand—the one symbolizing the wisdom granted to King Solomon by the gods—speaking unhurriedly.

As Roy's personal knight, Erica naturally had to relieve her master's burdens. She furrowed her finely arched brows in thought, then spoke with slight hesitation: "...In the Five Prisons Holy Cult of the Ancient Eastern Kingdom, there are indeed exceptional Taoist nuns who could rival the White Princess. However, that Patriarch would never allow 'Your Majesty' to go into her territory and capture 'mikos.' It would cause conflict between you and that Patriarch."

"...I'm not saying Your Majesty fears the Eastern Patriarch, but for the sake of your grand plan at this stage, it's better to slow down."

Erica spoke cautiously, carefully controlling her wording to avoid bruising Roy's pride.

"Your advice is sound, Lord Erica. Now is indeed not the time to clash with that Patriarch. My current actions have likely already caught the eyes of the Black Prince and Marquis Voban. Adding another Patriarch to the mix could indeed cause my plans to fail."

"...But for now, I don't need witches with 'quality' like Princess Alice—I just need quantity... Ah, that reminds me. That girl named Liliana from the Bronze Black Cross, the one I saw before at the 'She-wolf' headquarters in Rome—she's an excellent witch too, isn't she?"

For the first time, Erica, who had remained composed and offered Roy counsel without change in expression, finally showed a dramatic shift—she was utterly taken aback.

"Your Majesty, do you require Liliana?"

She asked nervously.

Chapter 30: Liliana Kranichar

"Relax, relax—there's nothing to be tense about. But for you, Erica, to react so strongly, that girl named Liliana must be important to you."

Roy smiled and pressed his hands downward, signaling Erica not to get overly anxious.

His soothing words gradually calmed Erica's mind. Whether it was his voice, his face, or every subtle gesture, they made Erica feel as if she were facing a gentle priest in a church or an angel descending from heaven, compelling her to instinctively obey Roy's words.