Do It. Kill Her.
Iver did nothing else.
Whether it's reporting back to Bishop Mathers that everything is alright, searching for the Grand Guardian might still be using the "Eye of Avalon" to find Isabel, searching for the missing Countess Emma, or asking Isabel what happened...
As for what exactly went wrong with him last night, Iver no longer cared at this moment.
After returning to the Silver and Tin Palace, the first thing Iver did was to find Ligeia, briefly explain what had just happened, and hand over Isabel in her "Yulia" form.
"Don't worry, kid! With me watching over you, nothing will go wrong."
Ligeia narrowed her eyes slightly and said decisively, "Do whatever you want! If you need help, come back to me anytime!"
The implication is that there's no need to worry about Emma's identity.
Kill her.
It wouldn't matter if we directly declared war on Star Antimony.
If war breaks out, she will stand at the forefront.
This world-class powerhouse, nearing three digits in age, and a free-spirited woman who had dedicated her life to the cause of peace, was now truly enraged by the despicable actions of the Stibnite Person.
However, she did not suggest that "Iver should protect Isabel while she personally killed Emma."
That would certainly increase the success rate— Emma could never defeat Ligeia.
Even though they are all Fifth Level Fifth Level, there are still differences between them.
The gap between the Fifth Level and the Fifth Level is even greater than that between the Fourth Level and the First Level.
If her "father" were to come, Ligeia might be a little more wary. But against Emma, Ligeia wouldn't even need to ask for the Scepter and Crown; the Dragon Blood Geas alone would be enough to curse her to death.
However, Ligeia knew that Iver would not agree.
Although Iver didn't appear angry—his skin wasn't flushed with agitation, and his face wasn't contorted with hatred. His body was relaxed, and his hands hung naturally at his sides. His neat clothes were in perfect order, and even his bow tie was properly tied.
His voice was calm and gentle, and his eyes were clear and bright.
It looked more like someone was about to give a speech on stage, or solemnly sing a hymn to the candle keeper in the chapel.
However, Ligeia knew perfectly well that Iver was going to kill someone.
The elegant man was utterly enraged. Ligeia had never sensed such a clear and calm killing intent emanating from Iver.
It wasn't about wanting to murder someone. It was more like wanting to complete a task for himself.
Just as a storm is about to break and a flood is about to rise, he wanted to kill his opponent, as inevitable and justifiable as a natural disaster.
Although Ligeia had no children, she had been married. She lived for many years, and usually pretended to be confused, but she wasn't truly confused.
She understands men.
At this juncture, she wouldn't unnecessarily interfere as an elder. She would only offer Iver the utmost respect and support.
Iver nodded and then solemnly went to his bedroom, taking all the equipment he hadn't brought with him.
Fortunately, I made preparations in advance last night, Iver thought to himself.
In this way, even if you want to kill someone, it won't interfere with your work.
He picked up another Ritual Knife, tied a cord to it, and used it as a necklace, hanging it directly in front of his chest. From a distance, it looked like a shining cross.
only...
After Iver left, Ligeia looked at "Yulia" and asked in a low voice, "Why haven't you changed back yet?"
—Were you so scared that you forgot?
This is the unspoken subtext hidden at the end of her words.
But Isabel simply shook her head.
"Iver kills Emma, it will inevitably lead to war."
"But if war breaks out, Avalon will never be the one to be declared war on—we have nothing to defend ourselves with, nothing to argue about. We are the ones who are far more furious."
"If there must be a war between Avalon and Star Antimony, it must be initiated by me. It cannot be that Iver killed Emma, but rather that Emma tried to attack me."
Although this is indeed the case, Isabel has been safely rescued by Iver.
"Not many people know what happened before. I became Yulia and was attacked, which then triggered a war. This could bring trouble and controversy to Yulia."
Isabel said calmly, "Besides, those things were too convoluted and complicated, which made them difficult for people to understand and spread. Audiences crave simpler stories that can stir their emotions and be understood by those who are not well-educated."
"Therefore, I need to perform another play. And I will be an actor—that's why I didn't [remove my makeup]."
"I think Iver probably already guessed it. That's why he handed me over to you."
She was rational and clear-headed.
She felt her mind had never been so clear before...
This is the first time Isabel has attempted to use her own will to achieve a strategy that can be described as a "conspiracy".
Even if its goal is so simple and its methods so clumsy...
But this is at least the first script that Isabel wrote with her own will.
Isabel earnestly asked Ligeia, "Can you protect me? Even under Emma's attacks, sneak attacks, and manipulations, can you protect me?"
The Dragonborn girl, even shorter than Isabel, just laughed heartily.
Without hesitation, she casually replied, "Of course..."
Ligeia suddenly laughed as she said this, "Ah, it seems you don't need to rush to the event."
"—They've come. How proactive of them."
Ligeia's brows furrowed slightly, yet her youthful face exuded an air of authority.
"Let's go out and take a look."
She said in a low voice.
At this very moment, Iver hadn't even left the Silver and Tin Palace —he had only walked into the Round Table Hall when the howling of a storm came from outside.
Outside the Silver and Tin Palace, the winds of war shifted dramatically. Sensing hostility, the griffins on the Griffin Bridge took flight, attempting to intercept them.
However, amidst the storm stirred up by Philip, he single-handedly tore through the storm's web, carrying the Grand Guardian and a somewhat unfamiliar demonic being, and fearlessly stormed into the Silver and Tin Palace! Iver stopped on the Glass Staircase and looked up.
When Philip was far away, he called out a warning, "George and I may be under control, Iver... but even so, I must stand with George, I'm sorry..."
Immediately afterwards, it was suddenly whipped.
He then emitted a low gurgling sound and immediately lost consciousness and the ability to speak.
"I know, it's not your fault."
Iver said calmly, "Emma is one thing... but a true Fifth Level succubus is definitely beyond the Grand Guardian to withstand."
He slightly raised his left hand. As the blue magic circle appeared, the Book of Law floated above his palm, appearing out of thin air.
He looked at the devil who was embracing George.
With just a glance, Iver felt his soul tremble at the stunning beauty.
Her skin was a flushed, intoxicating red, and she had a pair of bat-like wings on her back. She had long, silvery-white curly hair that reached her thighs. She had a pair of small, delicate ram's horns and a tail that resembled both a scorpion's and a lion's.
She was completely naked except for a very long, silvery-white snake coiled around her body. It resembled underwear, ropes, or shackles, covering the less important parts, but leaving her vital areas completely exposed.
Her pupils were pink at the base and a dull black. Scarlet thorns hung limply from her wrists, resembling chains or whips. She was a demon at least three times more beautiful Emma, her appearance entirely different.
The controller of the mark of "lust," the favorite concubine of the Fallen Angel. Greater Phantom Demon on par with the Night Demon and the Punishment Demon.
—The real "succubus".
As soon as she appeared, she looked at Iver with incredibly fervent eyes.
The Grand Guardian was shirtless, with several clear, pink whip marks on his back that flickered with his breath. His pupils had completely lost their luster, and he stood motionless before the succubus like a puppet, staring blankly at Iver.
It's completely different from the previous gentle "seduction" and "hint".
Those who are lashed by this whip will offer their complete loyalty.
Iver stood on the Glass Staircase and sighed, "I didn't expect you to dare to attack the Silver and Tin Palace directly."
"Why wouldn't I dare? I'm not her."
The succubus giggled, her voice softer than Emma's. "Emma wouldn't dare, and what does that have to do with me? She serves her 'father,' while I only serve my own pleasure—"
Iver understood.
The succubus implied that it wouldn't matter if war broke out.
She is neither Child of the Moon, nor Stibnite Person, nor does she have a deep affection for her parent Child of the Moon.
Rather, the succubus harbored a deep hatred for the Red Spirit—a hatred that had been sealed within Emma for so long, a hatred that could never truly hatch.
She will never be able to get out unless Emma is killed.
She was eager to cause trouble for Xingti in order to get revenge on the "Red Prime Minister" who had sealed her away and kept Ma Wei a stable state.
"You don't have your destined demon yet, do you?"
The succubus gazed eagerly at Iver, one hand cupping her breast, a bright smile spreading across her face, "Why not take me in...? After all, I was awakened by your blood... my master, the one I love. You are my father, my benefactor, my lover..."
The succubus's eyes were brimming with tears and overflowing with emotion, yet the sheer volume made it seem somewhat affected.
She reached out her hand to Iver as if singing an opera. "When I woke up, I remembered who had awakened me. I went through so much trouble to finally get her to release me... I came here to find you."
"I swear to the Fallen Angel, I have come to make a pact with you... as long as you are willing to grant me that sacred blood..."
The succubus's voice softened. "I am by no means your enemy..."
Even just a sound can be enough to bewitch the mind.
But Iver remained silent.
He simply extended his right hand and gripped the Ritual Knife before him. Blood seeped from between his fingers.
His gaze turned compassionate, and the Book of Law he held in his left hand began to turn its pages rapidly on its own.
"I see," Iver said softly. "I understand."
So you mean—
"—As I said before, I'm going to give you a Tarot Card."
Iver said calmly, "Although the subject seems to have changed, the promise is still valid."
"But... I must first sincerely confess to the candle keeper, for I fear I may disrupt His ceremony."
As soon as Iver finished speaking, the raven perched on his shoulder suddenly opened its eyes, its blood-red, jewel-like pupils staring at the succubus with intense killing intent and malice.
It shattered instantly, countless black, phantom-like feathers scattered, and the sun, which had just passed noon, was abruptly replaced by Blood Night.
A cloud of chaos and fear gradually spread across the entire Glass Island.
Clear water had turned into blood without anyone noticing. Fine rain of blood fell from the sky.
The Night Demon, resembling a broken Doll, stood before Iver.
"I've held this grudge for a long time."
Viennes spoke in an ethereal yet malicious voice, "Whether you are her or not... just pay the debt for her."
The succubus was taken aback. "Night Demon?"
Countess Emma doesn't recognize "Raven," but the succubus certainly does recognize her Greater Demon kin.
But soon, the succubus's expression changed drastically. "Sixth Level? How is that possible—"
"Be careful, Viennes. Don't kill George and Philip."
Iver interrupted the succubus, "Do it... kill her."
Update complete! Thanks to Ze Ze for the Silver Alliance donation, here's an extra chapter~ a total of over 10,000 words!
I'll be getting my card tomorrow, please vote! (loud)