Divine Right of Various Anime and Manga

This is the passive ability of Roy's newly acquired Authority, "Face of God." When he is angry, he becomes more awe-inspiring than ever before, like the wrathful tides of a god; when he is gentle, he is softer than at any time in the past, like the Sea of Divine Grace.

As a Great Knight, Erica could faintly sense the curse-like power radiating from Roy's face, which could well be called "beautiful." Yet she felt no fear or resistance. On the contrary, Erica even felt that receiving the "King's" comfort made her all the more satisfied.

After a moment's hesitation, Erica spoke without any concealment: "...Liliana and I are about the same age. Though she belongs to the 'Bronze Black Cross,' an organization hostile to my own 'Copper Black Cross,' our relationship has always been good. She is one of the few friends I have—a true friend. If possible, I would not wish to see her suffer any harm."

"...My 'King,' I humbly beg you. There are many witches and mikos in this world. I will find you suitable candidates. I implore you not to let Liliana bear a pain she should not have to endure."

Erica knelt on one knee, head bowed, not daring to look at Roy. Though nervous inside, her voice rang out with conviction. This woman, like a 'demon,' at this moment displayed a praiseworthy integrity in standing up for her friend.

"Erica, you're also worried that if Liliana comes here, it might lessen the favor I show you."

Roy said leisurely.

"I do have that concern—that Liliana might steal the 'love' you have for me. I am confident, but I must admit that Liliana is a rare and beautiful maiden, with a charm that is hard to refuse. I do not seek to monopolize the 'King's' 'affection,' but within my power, I hope to make this 'love' last a little longer."

Erica's tone was sincere. Having spent time with Roy, she knew it was best not to tell lies before this "King," thinking herself clever. He was someone who liked to hear the truth, even if it was unpleasant.

"I like your honesty, Lord Erica... I also know what you're worried about. Two years ago, when Marquis Voban held a ritual to summon a Disobedient God, he succeeded in calling one forth, but it also caused the deaths of many mikos and witches. You're afraid that I'll make Liliana one of the presiding witches in the ritual, putting her life in danger."

Roy walked out from behind the mahogany desk. He came before Erica, his palm landing on the maiden's smooth, pretty face.

Well, he was the Demon King of the land. Having such a beautiful maiden was his right, wasn't it?

Erica neither blushed nor avoided Roy's mischievous hand. In truth, she had long been prepared for everything, merely waiting for the cruel "King" to make his demands of her.

Taking a deep breath, Erica said solemnly, "...That is exactly what I fear. My 'King,' I witnessed the greatness of the Campione and the calamity of the Disobedient God on Ponza Island. It made me fully understand the truth of this world. To make such terrifying beings descend willingly would surely come at a great cost."

Ordinary Disobedient Gods appear either by coincidence or through the prayers of the people. Gods are, after all, products of faith.

Under such coincidences and prayers, information from the 'Immortal Realm' crosses the Astral World and descends upon the Material World. It then absorbs the earth's essence and the mana in the air to form a Spiritual Foundation, becoming a wandering god on earth. In their initial state, these Disobedient Gods generally fulfill some task according to the people's prayers. When that 'contract' ends, they enter a state of complete wandering, bringing endless calamities to this world.

Whether a god is benevolent, protecting the people, or evil, slaughtering them, when they wander, they are a disaster for humanity.

"I fear Liliana will become that price. I beg you to reconsider!"

Erica pleaded earnestly. Pleading for her friend before a tyrannical Demon King was enough to prove her feelings for Liliana.

Roy withdrew his hand from Erica's delicate face and said with a wry smile, "...The maiden known as the 'Crimson Devil' actually has such a fragile and kind side to her heart. Hard to believe. Ah, I haven't yet congratulated you on earning the title 'Crimson Devil.'"

"It was mine by right. It was only a matter of time before I obtained it."

Erica showed no modesty about defeating her rivals to claim the title 'Crimson Devil.' A confident smile curled at the corner of her lips.

"But I still congratulate you here... As for the ritual to summon the Disobedient God, don't worry. Unlike that unlearned old man, Marquis Voban, my magical skill is quite high. You know this well, Erica. So there will be no problems with my ritual. I'm only lacking the witches to conduct it. So you need not worry. Your friend Liliana will not be harmed, as long as she does not disobey my orders."

Roy's finger lifted a strand of Erica's fine, golden-sand-like hair. Then he let go, watching the beautiful locks fall back onto the maiden's body. He turned and walked back behind the desk. "...I've explained what needed to be explained. Now, just follow my instructions, Lord Erica."

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

The maiden knight, still kneeling on one knee, knew this was Roy's final word. All she could do was carry out the order. Yet, deep down, Erica felt a touch of gratitude. Roy could have simply commanded her without explanation, but he had chosen to clarify the matter to ease her mind.

'The "King" is forceful and brooks no argument, but beneath that inviolability, there is also an indescribable sense of reassurance and gentleness.'

Thinking this, Erica bowed and withdrew, following Roy's instructions to find Liliana and bring her here.

"Lili, this time I risked my life to petition the 'King' for you, giving you the chance to serve him and change his view of your 'Bronze Black Cross.' You have to think about how you'll repay me, you know~~"

The Crimson Devil wore a mischievous smile, leading the pure Knight Princess astray, making her misjudge the situation so that she would owe a great debt.

Chapter 31: Go To England

"Thank you so much, Erica! Our 'Bronze Black Cross' has been racking our brains over how to earn the 'King's' forgiveness and recognition. After what happened last time at the 'She-wolf' headquarters in Rome, my teacher has come under considerable attack from within the 'Bronze Black Cross.' Some of the elders have criticized her actions, even suggesting she should step down from her position as 'Leader.'"

"...My own behavior that time was also a bit excessive. Fortunately, in the end, the 'King' forgave us."

Liliana said gratefully to her friend beside her.

Although, at the 'She-wolf' headquarters, her sharp-witted friend had schemed against her, compared to the survival of the 'Bronze Black Cross' and the consolidation of her teacher's position, her own personal gains and losses were nothing.

Erica and Liliana walked along the path to the villa. Since Roy hadn't set a time limit for Erica, she wasn't in a hurry. Instead, after finding Liliana, she used the time walking to the villa to thoroughly explain the precautions Liliana should take when meeting the "King."

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

Erica paused, leaving the rest unsaid. Her friend was simply too politically insensitive. Even now, she hadn't realized that the 'King' hadn't been targeting the 'Bronze Black Cross' that time. He had merely been using it as an excuse to bring the Seven Sisters of Italy under his control.

The 'Bronze Black Cross,' to which Liliana belonged, had simply been unlucky enough to be made an example by the 'King.'

But since Liliana couldn't see through it, Erica decided not to say more.

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

"Erica, how do you want me to thank you? If it's within my power, I will definitely do it."

The pure Knight Princess said straightforwardly.

But inwardly, Liliana was also uneasy. Why did Erica have to describe it as 'risking her life'? Was the 'King' really that brutal?

In reality, after the rival 'Copper Black Cross' had fully pledged allegiance to the New King, the 'Bronze Black Cross' had also considered whether to seek survival by turning to another 'King.' They had even chosen a candidate: the oldest Demon King, Marquis Voban.

But Roy's coercion in Rome had forced all Seven Sisters of Italy to swear loyalty to him, completely cutting off any path of betrayal for these magical societies. The entire Italian magical community could only follow behind him as vassals.

Just as Liliana was thinking about the recent troubles, Erica's beautiful eyes lit up, and she said with a grin, "...Lili, why don't you use your love novels as payment? I've always wanted to read the novels you write. Don't worry, I'll be your loyal fan!"

"You, you, you, you... Erica, how do you know I write novels!!"

Liliana was shocked by Erica's words, nearly jumping out of her skin. Her translucent skin flushed pink with shame.

"I just happened to overhear your maid, Karen Jankulovski, mention it, but judging by your reaction, Liliana, it turns out it's true."

Erica said thoughtfully.

It was only then that Liliana realized she'd been teased. Her face flushed red, and after carefully recalling everything that had happened since meeting Erica, she suddenly understood: "...Erica, you tricked me. It wasn't you who advised the 'King' to give our 'Bronze Black Cross' a chance to redeem ourselves—it was the 'King' himself who needed me!"

"Oh dear, I knew I couldn't fool you, Lily. Even if you look a bit dense, you're actually wise beneath that foolishness!"

Erica let out an exaggerated sigh. In truth, she knew her close friend was quite sharp; it was just that the current environment and atmosphere made it hard for her to think rationally.

"You're so wicked, Erica! No wonder everyone calls you a 'demonic woman'!"

The two fourteen-year-old maidens bickered as they made their way to the villa where Roy was staying.

"'Bronze Black Cross' Liliana Kranichar greets the leader of our 'Seven Sisters,' Roy the 'King'!"

In the luxurious residence, Liliana knelt on one knee, executing a perfect knight's salute as she offered her greetings to Roy.

She wore a knight's outfit well-suited for action, a black-and-blue cloak draped over her shoulders, and between her skirt hem and white knee socks, a glimpse of tender, fair skin was revealed.

Liliana's voice lacked the noble softness of Erica's; instead, it carried a crisp, resolute tone that easily linked her to knightly virtues like 'honesty' and 'valor.'

"Liliana Kranichar, I remember you well. At the 'She-wolf' headquarters, you were the only one who dared to draw your sword against me."

Roy's tone was calm, neither angry nor amused, as if he were simply stating an ordinary fact.

But this simple sentence made Liliana break out in a cold sweat. Her delicate body, kneeling on one knee, trembled slightly. An indescribable fear gripped her heart, amplified infinitely by Roy's authority. If not for her strong will, she might have fainted from sheer terror.

"Liliana has offended the 'King's' dignity. I am willing to accept any punishment."

Though fearful, the maiden's words were firm and resolute, showing no sign of retreat.

Beside her, Erica kept her head lowered and remained silent.

"Willing to accept any punishment?"

Roy asked with a hint of amusement. He rose from his chair behind the mahogany desk, stepped across the soft carpet to stand before Liliana, and then, to her surprise, crouched down.

They were very close. Roy could clearly see Liliana's still-developing, lovely features, even the fine details of her smooth, flawless skin.

The maiden's unique fragrance wafted into Roy's nostrils, adding a touch of sweetness to the cold atmosphere.

Liliana's delicate nose twitched. Though she was unaccustomed to Roy being so near, she replied solemnly, "...Yes, 'King'! I am willing to accept any punishment, if only it might change your view of our 'Bronze Black Cross' and let you believe in our loyalty!"

"Then, lift your head!"

Liliana obeyed, raising her head, and immediately saw Roy gently blow on her slender neck.

A faint warmth swept across her sensitive neck, causing Liliana to let out a soft "mm," her body going limp and goosebumps rising all over. She had to brace herself with her hands to keep from falling.

"Hahaha!! Erica said that Lady Liliana's neck is very sensitive—it seems she wasn't lying."

As if he'd found an amusing toy, Roy burst into laughter.

Liliana dared not complain to Roy, but she shot a glare at Erica, feeling that it was all her friend's fault for teasing her. Erica just blinked innocently, as if she knew nothing.

"Alright, forget the punishment. Since I've long forgiven you, I won't dredge up old grudges. Now, I have a task for you, Lady Liliana!"

"...Follow Erica and me to England. Once we've gathered all the materials, use your witch's bloodline and magic to perform a ritual for me!"

"Yes!"

Liliana didn't know what Roy intended for her to do, nor did she ask further. She simply accepted directly.

A plane took off from Rome Fiumicino Airport, heading for England.

Chapter 32: The Kidnapping of a Princess

At a café on a street in London, England—nothing luxurious, just a common chain store—Roy, Erica, and Liliana sat by the window, tasting 'commoner' coffee and cakes that Erica, as a noble, found a bit too sweet.

Erica and Liliana sat on either side of Roy. This trio of one man and two women drew the attention of English gentlemen in the café, many of whom, working on laptops, would occasionally glance their way.

Erica had the typical Italian passion. Her golden hair and proud noble maiden aura, combined with her exquisite, radiant face and striking figure, made her shine like a gem. A woman like her would be the center of attention on any street.

And beside Erica sat a maiden of a completely different style, equally admirable in her beauty. As an Eastern European, Liliana had fair skin, like a lovely doll, especially when she put on her stern, chivalrous expression, showcasing a unique elegance.

Roy, sandwiched between two such distinct maidens, naturally became the target of others' glances and even envy.

But Roy had no interest in the 'commoners'' stares. He simply gazed through the window across the street at a building grand enough to be called a palace.

"This is Duke Godding's residence, isn't it? To have a palace like this as a home in London, even if it's not in the city center, shows the power of this duke's ancestors."

Roy clicked his tongue in admiration, taking a sip of the ordinary coffee.

"Duke Godding is closely tied to the royal family. This palace belongs to the crown, and Princess Alice, the duke's only daughter and a renowned figure in European magical circles, lives here now... 'King,' why are we observing from here instead of going over?"

Erica, hearing Roy's remark, wanted to point out that he now treated the entire Vatican as his own, making this palace seem trivial in comparison, but she held back and gave him a brief overview of the duke's ancestral glory.

"Before kidnapping a target, you always need to scout the location to ensure nothing goes wrong. That's exactly what we're doing now."

In response to Erica's question, Roy casually explained.

"'King,' aren't we supposed to request a meeting with Princess Alice, then ask her to help you complete the ritual?"

Liliana couldn't help but ask.

"If this Princess Alice is unwilling to perform the ritual for me?"

Roy asked in return.

"I imagine Princess Alice wouldn't dare refuse a 'King's' request, would she?"

Liliana offered her own understanding.

"Haha, Lily, you're clever, but still a bit naive. Even a 'King' isn't respected by everyone, and not everyone will obey just because you say so. This 'White Princess' has repeatedly meddled in Alexander Gascoigne's affairs. With that 'Black Prince' as a precedent, I don't want to meet a princess who only pays me lip service."

Roy laughed heartily, but then his expression hardened, turning cold. "...So when dealing with some people, you have to be forceful. You have to make her fear you, make her know you're capable of the most heinous acts without any bottom line. Only then will she be too afraid to resist."

"...Besides, I'm a 'King.' Why should I have to request a meeting? Wouldn't that be a blow to my dignity? When I arrive here, our princess ought to roll out the welcome mat. I'm not Alexander Gascoigne—I won't let this princess think she can handle me."

"Hmph. Why did Marquis Voban go all the way to the Far East to find a Miko two years ago? If he'd come to London to find this princess back then, I wouldn't have to work so hard now. No doubt this White Princess would have learned, under the Marquis's discipline, what attitude to use when flattering. Let's go. We'll go see this princess whose fame outshines all of Europe."

With that, Roy stood up, pushed open the café door, and walked across the street. Erica followed closely behind him, while Liliana hurriedly got up to pay the bill.

"Your Majesty, according to news from Oceania, Lord Salvatore hasn't found a Disobedient God and may return to Italy soon."

Erica, following behind Roy, spoke in a low voice.

"What do you think of Salvatore Doni, Erica... Do you think he'll be angered that I took something from him?"

"From what I know of Lord Salvatore, he probably won't care about that... However, he's very likely to challenge you, Your Majesty. He's a battle maniac obsessed with the sword."

Erica answered without hesitation, clearly having already considered this answer.

"Mm, you're right, Erica. That guy's got a screw loose. If he comes looking for me, I'll just fight him if I have to... I know what you mean. Don't worry, I'm no demon. I don't like pointless slaughter when it's unnecessary. If he wants to fight, I'll pick a quiet place."

Hearing Roy's assessment of the King of Swords, Erica couldn't help but smile, though she had to admit Roy was right. At the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief. The Seven Sisters Alliance, upon learning that Salvatore was about to return to Italy, had urgently contacted Erica, hoping she could persuade the new "King" to avoid causing too much destruction to Italian cities.

If two Campione fought in a major city like Rome or Milan, it would be nothing short of war!

Erica had been worried about how to persuade this "cruel-tempered," "willful" King, but now it seemed that while his thinking and actions were somewhat peculiar, he wasn't the kind of person to treat lives lightly.