Chapter Thirty-One: Heading to England / Chapter Thirty-Two: The Kidnapping of the Princess

This was the passive ability of Roy's newly acquired authority, "Beholding the Face of God." When he grew angry, he was even more frightening than before, like the raging tide of divine wrath. When he gentled, he also seemed more tender than ever, as though he were the sea of divine grace.

As a Great Knight, Erica could faintly sense the curse-like power radiating from Roy's beautiful face, but she felt neither fear nor resistance. On the contrary, receiving comfort from the "King" made her even more satisfied.

After hesitating briefly, Erica said without concealing anything, "...Lilian and I are around the same age. Although she belongs to the 'Bronze Black Cross,' an organization opposed to the 'Red Copper Black Cross,' we've always had a good relationship. She's one of my few friends—a true friend. If possible, I don't want her to suffer any harm."

"...King, I humbly request this of you. There are many shrine maidens and witches in this world. I will find a suitable candidate for you. Please don't make Lilian bear pain she shouldn't have to endure."

Erica knelt on one knee, lowering her head and not daring to look at Roy. Though nervous inside, her words rang out with force. At that moment, this woman who was like a "devil" displayed an uprightness worthy of admiration as she stood up for her friend.

"Erica, you're also worried that if Lilian comes here, my favor toward you will decrease, aren't you?"

Roy spoke leisurely.

"I have considered that possibility. I'm afraid Lilian will take away your 'love.' I'm confident in myself, but I must admit that Lilian is an exceptionally beautiful girl with a charm that's difficult to resist. I don't ask to monopolize the 'King's favor,' but if it's within my power, I still hope to make this 'love' last a little longer."

Erica's tone was sincere. After spending so much time with Roy, she knew it was best not to presumptuously lie before this "King." He liked hearing the truth, even when it was unpleasant.

"I like your honesty, Lady Erica... I also know what you're worried about. It's because two years ago, when Marquis Voban performed the ritual to summon a Heretic God, he succeeded in summoning one, but many shrine maidens and witches also died. You're afraid I'll make Lilian one of the witches presiding over the ritual, putting her life in danger."

Roy stepped out from behind the redwood desk and came before Erica, placing his palm against the girl's smooth, pretty cheek.

Yes, he was the Devil King of the earth. Having such a beautiful girl belonged to his rights, didn't it?

Erica neither blushed nor dodged as Roy's hand toyed with her face. She had actually prepared herself for everything long ago, merely waiting for the cruel "King" to make his demands.

After taking a deep breath, Erica said solemnly, "...That is precisely what I'm worried about, King. I witnessed the greatness of a Godslayer and the disaster of a Heretic God on Ponzare Island. It made me understand the truth of this world completely. To make such a terrifying existence descend willingly, the price must be enormous."

Heretic Gods generally appeared by coincidence, or through the people's prayers. Gods were, in essence, products of faith.

Through such coincidences and prayers, information about the "Undying Realm" crossed the Netherworld and descended into the material world. It then absorbed the earth's essence and the magic power in the air to form a spiritual foundation, becoming a god wandering the earth. At first, these Heretic Gods generally fulfilled a certain request according to the people's prayers. Once this "contract" ended, they would completely enter a state of wandering, bringing endless disasters to the world.

Whether it was a benevolent god who protected the people or an evil god who slaughtered them, once it wandered, it was a calamity to humanity.

"I'm afraid Lilian will become that price. Please think this over carefully!"

Erica pleaded sincerely. For her friend's sake, she had appealed to the tyrannical Devil King. That alone was enough to prove her feelings for Lilian.

Roy withdrew the hand ravaging Erica's lovely face and said with a laugh, "...So the girl known as the 'Red Devil' has such a fragile and kind side inside her after all. That's truly hard to believe. Oh, right—I haven't congratulated you on earning the title of 'Red Devil' yet."

"It was something I deserved. It was only a matter of time before I obtained it."

Erica was not modest in the slightest about defeating her competitors and earning the title of "Red Devil." A confident smile curved her lips.

"But I still have to congratulate you here... As for the ritual to summon a Heretic God, you don't need to worry. I'm different from that ignorant old man Marquis Voban. My level of sorcery is extremely high, and you should know that better than anyone, Erica. Therefore, there will be no problems with my ritual. The only thing missing now is the witch who will perform it. So don't worry. Your friend Lilian won't suffer any harm—as long as she doesn't disobey my orders."

One of Roy's fingers lifted Erica's golden hair, fine as grains of sand. He then released it and watched the beautiful strands spill over the girl's body. After that, he turned and returned behind the desk. "...I've explained everything I needed to explain. From now on, you only need to do as I ask, Lady Erica."

"I understand, King! Thank you for your kindness."

The girl knight kneeling on one knee knew that this was Roy's final word. All she could do was carry out his orders. Still, Erica felt faintly moved inside. Roy could have simply issued a forceful command without explaining anything, yet he had explained the whole matter to put her at ease.

Although the King is domineering and allows no contradiction, beneath that inviolability there's also a reassuring and indescribable gentleness.

Thinking this, Erica saluted and withdrew, following Roy's instructions to bring Lilian before him.

"Lili, this time I risked my life to petition the King before he gave you the chance to serve him. This will let him change his opinion of your 'Bronze Black Cross.' You should think about how to repay me, okay~~"

The Red Devil wore a malicious smile as she lured the innocent knight princess into a mistaken conclusion, making her owe Erica a huge favor...

Chapter Thirty-One: Heading to England

"Thank you so much, Erica! Our 'Bronze Black Cross' has been thinking about how to earn the King's forgiveness and recognition. After what happened at the 'Huntress' headquarters in Rome, my teacher has faced considerable criticism within the 'Bronze Black Cross.' Some elders are quite dissatisfied with what she did and even believe she should give up her position as commander."

"...My actions that time were also somewhat excessive. Fortunately, the King forgave us in the end."

Lilian thanked her friend beside her gratefully.

Although her clear-minded friend had tricked her at the "Huntress" headquarters, compared with the survival of the "Bronze Black Cross" and the consolidation of her teacher's position, her own honor and losses were insignificant.

Erica and Lilian walked along the road toward the villa. Since Roy had not given Erica a time limit, she was not in a hurry. After finding Lilian, she used the journey to the villa to carefully explain the things Lilian should pay attention to when meeting the King.

"Since the King said he has forgiven the 'Bronze Black Cross,' he won't cause trouble afterward, so you don't need to worry, Lili. Besides..."

Erica paused, but did not say the rest. Her friend was simply too politically insensitive. Even now, she had not realized that the King had not been trying to vent his anger on the "Bronze Black Cross" that time. He had merely been looking for an excuse to absorb the Italian Seven Sisters Alliance.

The "Bronze Black Cross," to which Lilian belonged, had merely happened to be used by the King as an example. It could only be said that they had been unlucky.

But since Lilian could not see through certain matters, Erica did not plan to explain further.

The girl like a little demon blinked and said mischievously, "...Lili, considering that I risked my life to advise the King this time, shouldn't you thank me?"

"How do you want me to thank you, Erica? As long as it's something I can do, I'll definitely do it."

The innocent knight princess answered straightforwardly.

Still, Lilian felt uneasy. Why had Erica described it as "risking her life"? Could the King truly be that brutal?

After the old rival "Red Copper Black Cross" had completely pledged allegiance to the new King, the "Bronze Black Cross" had also considered whether to submit to another "King" to survive. They had even chosen a candidate—the oldest Devil King, Marquis Voban.

But Roy's coercion in Rome had made all seven Italian sister organizations swear allegiance to him, completely cutting off these magical societies' path of betrayal and forcing every magical society in Italy to follow behind him as a vassal.

Just as Lilian was thinking about her recent string of disasters, Erica's beautiful eyes lit up. She grinned and said, "...Lili, why don't you use the romance novels you write as payment? I've always wanted to read your novels. Don't worry, I'll become your loyal fan!"

"You—you—you—you... Erica, how did you know I'm writing novels?!"

Lilian was so shocked by Erica's words that she nearly jumped. Her crystal-clear skin flushed pink with embarrassment.

"I only happened to hear your maid, Kallen Yankolovsky, mention it. But judging by your reaction, it's true after all."

Erica looked thoughtful.

Only then did Lilian realize she had been teased. Her face reddened. After thinking carefully about everything that had happened since she met Erica, she suddenly understood. "...Erica, you tricked me! It wasn't you who advised the King and earned our 'Bronze Black Cross' a chance to redeem ourselves. The King needed me from the beginning!"

"Oh my, I knew I couldn't fool you, Lili. Although you look a little silly, you're actually wise in an understated way!"

Erica sighed dramatically. She knew that her friend was extremely clever. It was only the current atmosphere and circumstances that prevented her from thinking rationally.

"You're awful, Erica! No wonder everyone calls you a 'devil of a woman'!"

Amid their noisy bickering, the two fourteen-year-old girls arrived at the villa where Roy lived.

"Lilian Kranjčar of the 'Bronze Black Cross' pays her respects to Roy, King and leader of our Seven Sisters Alliance!"

Inside the luxurious residence, Lilian knelt on one knee and offered Roy a perfect knight's salute.

She wore a knight's uniform suited for movement, with a black-and-blue cloak draped over her fragrant shoulders. Between the hem of her skirt and her white knight's stockings, a section of tender, pale skin was exposed.

Lilian's voice lacked Erica's noble softness and allure. Instead, it carried a sharper, more austere quality, easily bringing to mind knightly virtues such as "honesty" and "bravery."

"Lilian Kranjčar, I remember you well. At the 'Huntress' headquarters, you were the only one who dared to draw your sword against me."

Roy's tone was relaxed. He was neither angry nor smiling, as if merely stating an ordinary fact.

Yet those simple words made Lilian break into a cold sweat. Her delicate body, kneeling on one knee, even trembled slightly. An indescribable fear surged into her heart. Under the enhancement of Roy's authority, that fear was magnified without limit. If Lilian's spirit had not been strong enough, she probably would have frightened herself unconscious.

"Lilian offended the King's dignity. I'm willing to accept any punishment."

Though frightened, the girl's words rang out firmly, without the slightest retreat.

Erica merely lowered her eyes obediently and said nothing.

"Willing to accept any punishment?"

Roy asked with amusement. He rose from the chair behind the redwood desk, stepped across the soft carpet, and came before Lilian. Then, to her surprise, he half-crouched.

The two were very close. Roy could clearly see Lilian's still-developing, delicate features and even make out every detail of her fine, flawless skin.

The girl's unique fragrance entered Roy's nose, adding a trace of sweetness to the cold atmosphere.

Lilian's delicate nose flared slightly. Though she was unaccustomed to Roy standing so close, she still said solemnly, "...Yes, King! I'm willing to accept any punishment. I only ask that you change your opinion of our 'Bronze Black Cross' and believe in our loyalty!"

"Then raise your head!"

Lilian obeyed. Immediately afterward, she saw Roy gently blow against her slender neck.

The faint warmth brushed her sensitive neck. Lilian let out a soft "Ngh," and her body went limp. Goosebumps rose all over her, and she had to brace herself with one hand against the floor to keep from falling.

"Hahaha! Erica said Lady Lilian's neck was extremely sensitive. It seems she wasn't lying."

Like a child who had found an amusing toy, Roy burst into laughter.

Lilian did not dare resent Roy in the slightest. She merely shot Erica a secret glare, feeling that Erica was the one bullying her. Erica innocently blinked, signaling that she knew nothing.

"All right, forget about the punishment. Since I forgave you long ago, I won't dredge up old accounts afterward. I have a task for you now, Lady Lilian!"

"...Follow Erica and me to England. After all the materials have been gathered, use your witch bloodline and sorcery to perform a ritual for me!"

"Yes!"

Lilian did not know what Roy wanted her to do, and she did not ask for details. She agreed immediately.

A plane took off from Rome Fiumicino Airport and headed for England..

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Kidnapping of the Princess

At a café beside a London street in England, Roy, Erica, and Lilian sat by the window, sampling the commoners' coffee and the overly sweet cake that seemed a little too rich for the imposing lady Erica.

Erica and Lilian sat on either side of Roy. This trio of one man and two women attracted the attention of the English gentlemen as well. Many men working on laptops in the café kept sneaking glances over.

Erica possessed the characteristic passion of an Italian. Her golden hair, proud noble-girl bearing, exquisite and dazzling face, and impressive figure made her seem as elegant as a jewel. A woman like her was enough to become the center of attention wherever she went.

And beside Erica was another beautiful girl with an entirely different style, yet equally breathtaking. As an Eastern European, Lilian had fair skin and resembled a lovely doll. Her austere knightly bearing when she put on a stern expression displayed a different kind of beauty.

Naturally, Roy, surrounded by two girls of contrasting styles, also became the object of others' furtive glances and envy.

Roy, however, had no interest in the attention of the "commoners." He merely watched through the window and across the street a building grand enough to be called a palace.

"So this is Duke Goddin's residence, is it? To possess such a palace as a home in London—even if it isn't in the central district—shows how powerful this duke's ancestors must have been."

Roy smacked his lips appreciatively and took a sip of the ordinary coffee in his cup.

"Duke Goddin is closely connected to the royal family. This palace belongs to the royal family and is merely being used by him. As the duke's only daughter and a princess famous throughout Europe's magical world, Princess Alice currently lives here... King, why are we observing from here instead of going over?"

Hearing Roy's remark, Erica wanted to point out that he now treated the entire Vatican as his property, making Duke Goddin's palace look insignificant by comparison. But she suppressed the urge and briefly explained the glory of the duke's ancestors to Roy.

"Before kidnapping a target, we naturally need to scout the location. Only then can we ensure everything goes smoothly. That's what we're doing now."

Roy casually explained himself to Erica.

"King, weren't we supposed to request a meeting with Princess Alice and ask her to assist you with the ritual?"

Lilian could not help asking.

"What if Princess Alice refuses to perform the ritual for me?"

Roy asked in return.

"I don't think Princess Alice would dare refuse the King's request, would she?"

Lilian spoke according to her understanding.

"Haha, Lili, you're clever, but still rather innocent. Even a 'King' isn't respected by everyone. Not everyone will obey simply because he speaks. This 'White Princess' has interfered with Alexander Gascoigne's affairs several times. With that 'Black Prince' as precedent, I don't want to meet a princess who pays me lip service."

Roy gave a hearty laugh, but immediately restrained his expression and turned cold. "...Therefore, when dealing with certain people, you must be forceful. You must make them fear you and understand that you can commit the most evil acts without any limit. Only then will they be too frightened to resist."

"...Besides, I'm a 'King.' Why should I request a meeting? Wouldn't that damage my dignity? When I came here, our princess should have rolled out the red carpet to welcome me. I'm not Alexander Gascoigne, someone this princess might think she can handle."

"Hmph. Why did Marquis Voban insist on going to the Far East to find a shrine maiden two years ago? If he had come to London for this princess back then, I wouldn't have had to work so hard. I'm sure this White Princess would have learned the proper attitude for fawning under the Marquis's 'guidance.' Come, let's go meet this princess whose fame surpasses everyone else's in Europe."

With that, Roy stood and pushed open the café door, heading across the street. Erica followed close behind, while Lilian hurried to get up and pay the bill.

"King, according to the information we received from Oceania, Lord Salvatore has failed to find a Heretic God and may return to Italy soon."

Erica spoke softly as she followed behind Roy.

"What do you think of Salvatore Tony, Erica? Do you think he'll become angry because I took what belonged to him?"

"Based on my understanding of Lord Salvatore, he probably won't care about that... However, he'll very likely come challenge the King. He's a battle maniac obsessed with the sword."

Erica answered without thinking, clearly having considered this possibility long ago.

"Mm, you're right, Erica. That man's missing a few screws. If he comes looking for me, I'll simply fight him. I understand what you mean, so don't worry. I'm not a devil, either. I don't like meaningless killing when it isn't necessary. If he wants to fight me, I'll choose a quiet place."

Erica smiled faintly at Roy's assessment of the King of Swords, but she had to admit he was right. At the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief. After the Seven Sisters Alliance learned that Salvatore would be returning to Italy, they had urgently notified Erica, hoping she could persuade the new "King" not to cause too much destruction in Italian cities.

If two Godslayers fought in a major city such as Rome or Milan, it would be nothing short of a war!

Erica had been worried about how to persuade this "King," who was supposedly violent and self-willed. But now it seemed that although the King's thoughts and actions were somewhat unusual, he was not the sort of person who treated human lives as worthless.