Chapter 229: Cleanup (5)
Chapter 229: Cleanup (5)
The meeting with the American officials lasted longer than Kang Yujin had anticipated.
While she had already planned to provide information regarding the demons and demonic humans, the officials were far more enthusiastic with their questioning than she had expected, which consumed a significant amount of time.
Naturally, Sitri was the one who had to handle most of the questions and provide the answers.
As a former Demon Duke of Asmodeus, she knew more about demons than anyone else, allowing her to answer and explain everything without a single hitch.
Just as the Awakeners from the US Branch of the Awakener Association—who had escorted Sitri while she surveyed the site of the destroyed Black Spire before the meeting—had unconsciously treated her as a superior, those questioning her now were no different.
Initially, they had viewed her simply as a helpful Otherworlder Awakener who had come to assist them. Nothing more, nothing less—just someone delivering information.
However, as they questioned her and listened to her responses, they became captivated by the innate dignity she exuded.
Though Sitri was a self-made figure who had risen from the bottom, she had spent a vast amount of time as a Demon Duke under Asmodeus, holding a position so high that no one dared to oppose her.
Perhaps because she had reigned over other demons for so long, her old habits naturally bled through when dealing with people outside of Han Shin’s inner circle.
Sitri was trying her best to be mindful, speaking cautiously to avoid causing any trouble for Han Shin. In truth, she felt no need to lower herself or use respectful language with ordinary humans; doing so felt awkward to her.
She was now Han Shin’s woman and a follower of Tiamat, but she was still a demon who had once been a cold-blooded killing machine.
Yet, to the American officials facing her, it felt as if they were addressing a highly competent and brilliant superior. She answered every question perfectly and spoke fluently, making her words incredibly trustworthy.
She spoke with such conviction that there was no room for doubt. Even though she wore silver full-body armor that concealed her features, her beauty was palpable, leaving the American officials utterly charmed.
This had nothing to do with her being a succubus. Sitri had absolutely no reason to use her charm abilities on these ordinary humans. Her heart was already occupied by Han Shin; he was the only one she cared for.
During the meeting—which could be considered either short or long—it was the grace and intelligence radiating from her words and actions that proved so alluring.
Most of the American officials present were responsible for researching and analyzing supernatural abilities, demons, demonic humans, and Awakeners. As such, they were people who prided themselves on their intellect and hated being outmatched.
For such people to admit that someone else was smarter than them was an incredibly difficult feat, yet Sitri had inspired that very thought. Even without intending to, she had inadvertently gained a following of fans.
This was the first time Sitri had stepped forward to fight in front of others since becoming a follower of Tiamat. Naturally, the Association Awakeners, who possessed full information on the Moon Shadow Party, realized that Sitri was a member they hadn't seen before.
Thus, before the meeting began, a representative from the analysis team had approached Sitri with extreme caution to ask for her name.
Sitri had expected this question. It was something she had agonized over for quite some time.
Even though she had been a demon of Asmodeus and was now a follower of Tiamat, the fact remained that she was a succubus. Revealing her true name, Sitri, to the humans of Earth carried significant risks. It was obvious that other demons would try to exploit that information.
While she couldn't keep it a secret forever, there was no need to volunteer information that would provoke wariness or rejection from humanity. Furthermore, it hadn't been long since the demonic humans' invasion of London had resulted in countless casualties.
Public hostility toward demons and demonic humans was at an all-time high. The general consensus was that anyone even slightly suspicious should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of the inconvenience.
Sitri didn't care if she was attacked or exiled by the humans around her. However, she loathed the idea of Han Shin being targeted or suffering because of her.
So, she had searched for the best possible solution and discussed it with Han Shin.
It wasn't an easy decision for Han Shin either. Just as Sitri worried for him, Han Shin worried for her. He had accepted her as his woman and loved her, but he knew that, objectively, she was someone the public would likely revile.
After much deliberation, he told her he would support whatever she decided.
In the end, Sitri chose to hide her name. Though it would likely be revealed someday, using an alias seemed better for the time being.
*
"Ms. Griffin, your help was invaluable! Thank you so much."
After the meeting concluded, the American officials expressed their gratitude.
When deciding on an alias, Sitri had chosen "Griffin," after her favorite animal-type monster.
"I hope you achieve good results."
"We will!"
Kang Yujin and Laysia, who had essentially become bystanders watching Sitri’s performance halfway through the meeting, felt relieved that she had successfully established a positive image among Earth's Awakeners.
Taking Laysia’s hand, they moved back to her Sanctuary.
With the sensation of their bodies floating, the three of them entered Laysia’s Sanctuary. Grace was asleep after receiving treatment from Laysia, and since Han Shin had been told to get some rest as well, Laysia led them into the training grounds in case he was sleeping.
More than anything, she wanted to tell Sitri she had done a good job.
"You worked hard, handling all those questions by yourself."
"Not at all. It was something I had to do."
Just moments ago, the American Awakeners had admired her, proactively showing respect and treating her as a superior—a role Sitri had accepted naturally. But now that the outsiders were gone and only Han Shin’s women remained, her attitude shifted instantly.
Sitri immediately humbled herself, maintaining a low posture. She responded to Laysia’s praise with formal, modest language.
It was hard to imagine that Sitri, who had once stood at the pinnacle as a Demon Duke of Asmodeus, would act this way after becoming Han Shin’s woman.
Whenever she was with Han Shin’s other women, she always placed herself at the bottom of the hierarchy.
From Han Shin’s perspective, she was his woman and someone he was responsible for. He wanted all his women to be on equal footing, but Sitri herself insisted on acting as a servant devoted to Han Shin. She was determined to show the utmost respect and courtesy to those who had become his women before her.
This attitude had helped Sitri integrate into Han Shin’s group. The fact that a former enemy—a cold and cruel demon—was "knowing her place" and showing a selfless desire to serve helped dissolve the other women's suspicions and even evoked a bit of sympathy.
Following Laysia, Kang Yujin also praised Sitri.
"No, you did better than expected. There are a lot of arrogant people there, but things wrapped up much more easily than I thought."
"Yujin is right. Plus, you fought well alongside Han Shin today..."
Sitri felt a surge of happiness at being acknowledged by the other women.
She was particularly close to Kang Yujin, as they shared similar personalities and got along well. In contrast, things were still quite awkward with Laysia whenever it was just the women.
Once, when the two of them were preparing a meal, they hadn't exchanged a single word, the only sound being the clattering of dishes.
Laysia was someone who had protected her world, Bürg, as a follower of Tiamat. She had clashed with demons countless times and harbored deep-seated animosity toward them.
Therefore, even though Sitri had become Han Shin’s woman and a fellow follower of Tiamat, it wasn't easy for Laysia to accept her emotionally.
However, having carried out the operation to destroy the Black Spire together, and seeing how much of a help Sitri had been, Laysia’s perception of her was beginning to improve.
The three of them chatted with smiles on their faces as they walked slowly toward the bedroom where Grace and Han Shin were resting.