Chapter 343: Outside the Blanket(1)
Chapter 343: Outside the Blanket(1)
While Isaac was busy training under Hawk, the situation "outside the blanket" was growing turbulent.
Isaac had been attacked by a demon worshipper. It was obvious to anyone how the political landscape would shift based on that single event.
The Minerva Empire found itself in an embarrassing predicament, while other nations saw it as the perfect pretext to launch a political offensive.
However, despite the opportunity, it was difficult to inflict any significant damage. They could offer criticism, but they couldn't outright condemn the Empire.
The Kingdom of Ters, once a bitter rival, was in no position to pay attention, as Friedrich had only recently abdicated the throne. Other nations were similarly preoccupied with their own internal affairs.
Albenheim and Helium also voiced their criticisms, but they focused more on the demon worshippers than on the Minerva Empire’s blunder. These two nations had to keep a closer eye on each other than on the Empire anyway.
The loudest criticism came from the Stavirk region. Stavirk demanded independence at every opportunity, so they needed to draw attention by any means necessary.
Thus, while there was international criticism, Isaac’s safety remained uncompromised. If anything, the incident only served to fuel hostility toward demon worshippers.
Two nations in particular were most sensitive to the issue of demon worshippers. The first, as everyone knew, was the Holy Theocracy of Savior, whose prestige had plummeted due to the fallen cardinal.
The second was Helium. While the majority of demon worshippers were humans—the most populous race—they were actually a mix of various races.
To be precise, almost everyone deeply involved in the underworld could be considered linked to demon worshippers.
Among them, the influence of the demons—specifically, the Radical Faction of the Demon Tribe—was the greatest. Much like the Dark Elves of Albenheim who were exiled long ago, they harbored a very seditious goal.
They sought to drive the world that had made them this way into ruin. If the world treated them like demons, they would become true demons and shatter the world.
They had been steadily establishing plans toward this goal, but the sudden appearance of the Xenon Biography had turned everything to ash.
In a situation where everything had gone awry, there was little the radical demons-turned-worshippers could do.
Attacking Isaac, the author of the Xenon Biography, was also no easy task.
After the absurd death of the fallen cardinal, Bark, a mountain of clues had poured out.
Information regarding where the key leaders of the demon worshippers were hiding, who had joined hands with the radical demons, and more had been uncovered.
Though not publicized, a purge was currently underway in Helium under Cecile’s leadership.
Anyone associated with the radical demons or demon worshippers was subject to immediate execution unless they had a justifiable reason.
Originally, Cecile had less authority compared to the current king, Descal, but the situation changed after her speech. Descal had delegated a significant portion of his power to her.
While Descal focused on external matters like diplomacy, Cecile was meticulously checking for internal issues.
It would still be a long time before she officially became Queen, but the situation demanded reliable personnel. Consequently, like Arwen, she was being tossed about by state affairs day in and day out.
"I miss Isaac."
And just as much as her workload, her desire to see Isaac grew exponentially. It had already been over a week since she last saw his face after the public announcement.
If she had her way, she would run to him right now and bite that handsome face of his. Occasionally, Mari would bite Isaac’s face, and now Cecile felt she understood why.
After biting his face to her heart's content, she wanted to hug him tightly to release her pent-up desires. She wanted to feel the warmth he radiated and smell his distinct, masculine scent.
Their final destination would, of course, be the bed. Since her demon cycle was slowly approaching, she planned to share plenty of love with him soon.
I bet Mari and Adelia are playing to their hearts' content, aren't they?
Cecile pouted as she indulged in her happy fantasies. Jealousy began to pile up where desire had been.
The thought of the other two playing with Isaac while she was buried in work made her blood boil.
Furthermore, she had expected this task to end quickly, but it was taking unexpectedly long. There were far more people who had conspired with the radical demons than she had anticipated.
Helium was founded by moderate demons who held 'restraint' as a virtue, but as time passed, that conviction had gradually faded.
Fortunately, the core beliefs of the race itself hadn't been corrupted, but with the establishment of a nation and the emergence of a complex society, various problems were bound to accumulate.
I never imagined there would be this many.
Cecile checked the list of radical demons and demon worshipper associates she had eliminated so far.
These were individuals found through the clues obtained after Cardinal Bark was caught—those who had been hiding in the shadows, preparing to incite rebellion.
If they had been overlooked, they wouldn't have just been obstacles; they could have shaken the very foundations of Helium in the future.
To use restraint for something like this...
But they had used it in reverse. Cecile furrowed her elegant brow as she looked at the list.
Demons naturally possessed stronger patience than other races and rarely lost their tempers. Because of this, a precedent was being set: if a demon got angry, it was because the other party was truly in the wrong.
The demons who had sided with the worshippers were using that reputation to plot a rebellion. Their planned timing was when Descal stepped down and she became Queen.
Had it not been for the Xenon Biography, Helium would still be isolated, and the rebels would have fanned the demons' desire to see the light.
If the incitement had been successful, the aftermath would have been unthinkable. She would have been ousted, and if that happened...
That plan would have been set in motion.
The plan devised by Gluttony in the Xenon Biography: the demonization of all demons. A plan to pollute the black mana unique to demons and forcibly transform them into actual devils.
To achieve that, they had to first remove her, as she possessed formidable martial power. The rebels must have been moving step-by-step for this very purpose.
Since demons were a long-lived species like elves, time was the one thing they had in abundance. With patience and experience added to the mix, there was nothing they couldn't do.
"It's all meaningless now, though."
Cecile curled one side of her lips into a cold smile. Even that smile was enchanting enough to steal any man's heart.
The bastards on the list had already vanished like dew on the execution grounds. They had moved busily after Cardinal Bark died, but the 'Reaper' had rounded them all up.
However, to avoid causing social chaos, the public announcement would be made later. The plan to demonize the entire nation had already been "leaked" through the Xenon Biography, so it didn't really matter whether it was officially announced or not.
This is all thanks to Isaac.
He hadn't just changed the world with a single book; he had saved it. Was there anyone else capable of such an achievement?
Saving the demon race was enough to win her heart, but he had even saved Helium from a crisis of existence.
In truth, the entire demon race of Helium adored Isaac. If he were ever in danger, there would be people everywhere willing to lay down their lives for him.
I'm just glad I met him first as a woman.
If any other demon woman had discovered his identity first, she might have been the one by his side instead of Cecile.
Of course, as the Princess of Helium, Cecile could have forced her way in somehow, but it wouldn't have been as comfortable as it was now.
It was a series of coincidences that led her to meet Isaac, but in times like these, she truly appreciated her status as the Princess of Helium.
That's why I must protect him. Even if it costs me my life.
Cecile’s red eyes glowed with intense resolve. If he were in danger, she would throw herself in the way to stop it; if he died, she would finish her revenge and follow him in death.
To protect the man she loved. And to protect the savior of the demons and the world.
When she first heard the news that Isaac had almost been attacked by demon worshippers, her rage nearly exploded, but she managed to suppress it. Now was not the time for outbursts.
Someday, after catching every last demon worshipper, she would torture them cruelly and throw them to the dogs.
In this aggressive aspect, she somewhat resembled Kate. Both of them worshipped Isaac to a near-divine level.
The difference was that Cecile’s feelings were driven more by 'love,' while Kate’s were more about 'faith.' Still, their devotion to Isaac was identical.
Knock, knock, knock—
The sound of knocking reached Cecile’s ears. Since she had a detection spell active, she had known someone was approaching for a long time.
She looked toward the door and spoke in her characteristically seductive voice.
"Who is it?"
"Princess. The guest you mentioned earlier has arrived."
"Ah. Tell them to come in."
At the mention of the 'guest,' Cecile’s face brightened, and she immediately gave her permission. As soon as she spoke, the office door opened, and a figure slowly walked in.
The person wore a white robe that obscured their face, but their small stature and the curves of their body made it clear they were female.
Cecile made a simple gesture as the woman walked toward her. The wide-open door closed quietly.
When the woman reached the desk, Cecile rested her chin on her interlaced fingers and gave a playful smile.
Her red eyes held a hint of mischief and affection.
"Thank you for coming such a long way."
Cecile offered a gentle greeting in her alluring voice. Though she used formal speech, her tone was friendly.
This meant the woman before her was an acquaintance. In response to Cecile’s greeting, the woman slowly removed her hood.
As the robe fell back, silver-gray hair cascaded down to her shoulders. Her pointed ears proved her elven heritage.
Finally, her shy, silver-gray eyes sparkled like the Milky Way, revealing the woman’s identity.
The Queen of Albenheim and a woman destined to be a major political rival.
Arwen Elidya had appeared in Helium—and unofficially, at that—before Cecile.
Snap!
Cecile lightly snapped her fingers, activating a spell. A table and two chairs materialized in the center of the office.
On the table were light refreshments and tea that seemed to have just been brewed.
It was a spell that would have made Isaac look on in wonder, but to Arwen, an elf, it was merely the use of a tool.
"Shall we sit over there and talk?"
"...Fine."
Arwen did not refuse Cecile’s hospitality. Cecile gave a small smile at the answer and slowly rose from her seat.
The two took their places. While Cecile appeared relaxed, Arwen looked awkward and fidgety.
She had visited Helium during the speech, but this was her first time coming directly to the royal palace. The only saving grace was that this was an unofficial invitation, so there would be no public outcry.
"This tea is only found in Helium. It’s excellent for calming the mind, much like a Cheongsimhwan."
"Th-thank you. I will enjoy it."
Perhaps because she was quite nervous, Arwen drank the tea without even thinking about maintaining her dignity.
The majesty she usually displayed as a Queen was nowhere to be found; she was acting the way she only did when Isaac was around.
And Cecile knew the reason well. It was the very reason Arwen had visited.
"So, you want me to teach you how to handle your first night?"
"Pffft!!!"
A direct hit delivered right as she was drinking. Arwen violently sprayed her tea.
Fortunately, she didn't spray it in Cecile’s face, but the surrounding area became a mess due to her sheer embarrassment.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Arwen waved her hand while coughing harshly. Instantly, the soiled table and the area around her mouth became clean.
Simple magic like this was permitted even within the palace.
Arwen then looked at Cecile with a flushed face, her voice filled with resentment and reproach.
"Th-that is true, but did you have to bring it up so bluntly...?"
"What’s there to be embarrassed about? You set aside your pride and traveled all this way for the man you love. I am more than willing to teach you."
Indeed. The reason Arwen had unofficially visited Helium.
It was to receive a 'lesson' from Cecile for her upcoming first night.
As a half-elf who had traveled through human society, Arwen was well aware of sexual acts, and the Xenon Biography had even described a first night recently.
Honestly, if she just followed what was written in the Xenon Biography, the first night would likely go smoothly.
However, Arwen wanted this to be a 'gift' for Isaac, so she felt she needed more in-depth education. Since Arwen was enthusiastic about it, Cecile had no reason to refuse.
"But I wonder why you chose me instead of Mari or Adelia. And didn't I say I could teach you remotely via the communication orb?"
"I-I don't have much time. The Holy Water made from the World Tree's dew loses its efficacy quickly... so we need to proceed fast."
"Holy Water?"
Cecile raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar term. Arwen then slowly explained the nature of the Holy Water.
As the explanation continued, Cecile’s reaction was quite a sight. She looked as though she had never heard such a thing before.
Finally, when Arwen finished her explanation, Cecile responded...
"Queen Arwen."
"Speak."
"You’re surprisingly devious, aren't you? To use something like that from the very first night."
"Wh-what?"
Cecile expressed genuine, if slightly mocking, admiration, causing Arwen’s face to turn bright red.
Arwen had merely been explaining an elven tradition, but Cecile seemed to have interpreted it differently.
"D-does that mean I shouldn't use it...?"
"No. It’s an elven tradition, so I have no intention of stopping you. I’m just a bit envious. If I had something like that..."
She could have spent an even more intense night with Isaac. Cecile didn't bother finishing the sentence.
The important thing now was giving Arwen the lecture. But before that, there was something she had to confirm.
"Alright. Before I begin, Queen Arwen."
"Y-yes."
"The moment you are united with Isaac, the two of us must not fight until the day Isaac returns to the arms of the gods. Whether it’s politically or personally."
At those words, Arwen’s expression immediately turned serious. Her flushed face still had a cute charm, but Cecile didn't pay it any mind.
As Cecile said, the moment Isaac was united with Arwen, Helium and Albenheim would have to maintain a good relationship, whether they liked it or not.
If Isaac were to distance himself from one side, it would surely have a negative impact on that nation. The reverse was also true.
"Isaac likely feels the same, and crucially, he does not discriminate in love. He will love us all, and he has the capacity to do so. But the moment a crack appears in that harmony, a major problem will arise."
"I... I am aware of that."
"Even if you know it, it will be difficult. The human heart doesn't always follow one's will. Someday, you might feel slighted, Queen Arwen. Slights lead to jealousy, and if that intensifies, it becomes a problem."
No matter how much Isaac built up his stamina, he only had one body. In other words, if he focused on one person, the others would naturally feel neglected.
Historically, there were many cases where an Emperor or King neglected his primary wife for a concubine and ended up ruining the country.
Though Isaac wasn't a king, he held far greater authority. Furthermore, his lovers were the pillars of their respective nations.
"So, you should give up any thought of monopolizing Isaac. I used to feel that way too, but now I only joke about it. Understood?"
"I will keep it in mind. Being united with him is enough for me."
"Good. This is a matter of trust, so I won't ask for a blood pact. Now then..."
Cecile gave a radiant smile and rested her chin on her hands. Her deep red eyes stared straight at Arwen.
Just as Arwen was growing tense under that smile, Cecile’s red lips parted.
"Shall we begin the lesson? First, the underwear you’ll wear on the first night..."
"I-I prepared that a long time ago."
"The color?"
"Red."
At that answer, Cecile marveled and gave her assessment.
"I see now—you’re not just devious, you’re positively lewd. Are all elves like this?"
"L-lewd?!"
"I’m joking. Next... how to utilize your strengths. Shall we stand up for a moment?"
The joint masterpiece (gift) of the demon and the elf was beginning to take shape.