LOGINTHE day of the Centum arrived. Almost the entire demon citizens of the Imperial City and its neighboring territories gathered outside the grand palace gates. Thousands of demons watched as the selected noble ladies prepared to depart, they were waving colorful flaglets while the children were throwing flower petals on the line of carriages along the way.
To outsiders, it looked like a grand celebration. There were even musical bands on the street playiTHEfollowing day, Nesca entered the room where Afei should be resting. She had a tray of food in her hands, but instead, she found her cleaning the balcony.“Afei! What are you doing? Do you truly wish to die?!”Afei smiled at her. “Princess, I should be useful since you took me in. Lord Harakel told me you have given me a very rare herb that restored my vitality. I can’t thank you enough.”When the ray of the sun touched Afei, Nesca noticed her complexion had improved significantly after the effects of the Moonstalk Herb, and although she was still weak, she no longer looked like someone standing at death’s door.The markof the curseon her neck, however, remained unchanged.N
NESCAstepped into her chamber with urgency. She had expected the room to be empty, thinking that Harakel found a way to escape while she and Valdrek were gone for the audience with the emperor.However, Nesca found him sitting calmly on the balcony as if waiting for her.“Harakel! Why are you still here? You could’ve run!” she scolded him.“I’m staying here. What happened, by the way?” Harakel appeared curious as he looked at the unconscious human girl on her back.For a second, she forgot her anger. She turned her attention back to Afei, whose breathing had become weaker.“I’ll lecture you later. Let’s help her first. She is dying.”
THE full moon shone above the royal residence of the crown prince in the city of Valgard, casting a faint silver glow over the gardens where only the most trusted members of the court were allowed to wander.Khaevin stood on the balcony, his hands clasped behind his back as he waited. He couldn’t hide his worries after the marriage talk.Until a soft sound of footsteps approached.“Your Highness...”Khaevin automatically turned to the direction of the voice.“Saintess…”Estrala walked toward him, her white saintess robe flowing gently with each step, revealing her cleavage. The holy aura surrounding her made her so beautiful in his eyes. She was the woman he loved that he’d wage war to any kingdom if necessary.“You came,” Khaevin said, his lips twitched up forming a proud smile.“You summoned me in the middle of the night. Of course, I came.” Estrala stopped in front of him, studying his expression. “But judging from your face, this is not a simple meeting. I missed you, by the way.”
MEANWHILE on the southern part of the Continent of Helvaris, the Kingdom of Lumienar was in disarray as the king called for an emergency royal meeting.King Belrus sat upon the golden throne, his expression heavy as he looked at the reports placed before him.The ministers in their uniform dark violet robe, in line below him were silent. Knowing the reason why they suddenly have an audience with the king at an ungodly hour.There were two portraits rested on the table with a label of their names. Both were high-ranking members of Lumienar’s secret magic council, chosen to represent the human race on the legendary sealing ritual.Unfortunately, both were dead.“Their mission failed.” The king’s voice carried disappointment and anger. He hardly clenched his fist.The ministers lowered their heads as if they didn’t know how to console their king.King Belrus spoke again. “Two of our High Mages was assassinated while on a mission. Can someone confirm it?”One of the ministers spoke, he loo
AS SOON as Valdrek touched Nesca’s shoulder, the world twisted into darkness before she could even react.The hand to the emperor used his teleportation magic again that made Nesca dizzy. But it was swift, when her feet touched the ground again, she almost stumbled.Nesca lifted her head trying to regain her composure. She immediately noticed they were inside the massive throne room. Each corner screamed luxury for human or demon eyes.Valdrek stood beside her, his expression as emotionless as ever.“Will you please give me a warning before dragging me to teleport?” Nesca complained, rubbing her temple. “Do all demons here enjoy throwing people around like this?"Valdrek glanced at her calmly. “Teleportation is a high level magic a normal demon can’t do.”“Just don’t drag me here again like a sack of sweet potatoes.” She rolled her eyes heavenward. She only stopped blabbering when a familiar figure materialized and his voice thundered.“Silence!”Nesca quickly grasped the situation. T
NESCA covered her ears as soon as she regained her consciousness because of the endless ringing of notificationsfrom the system.[Ding!][Ding!][Ding!]Her eyes fluttered open, and she stared blankly at the familiar ceiling of her chamber in the Black Palace.“What is your problem? Can’t I sleep more? You’re glitching when I need you the most!”For a moment, she wondered if she came back to her chamber after witnessing the Supreme Emperor’s killing spree on that cave.Then the pain in her body reminded herthat she should be thankful th







