In the Sokal Empire, an unexpected guest had arrived at the Royal Castle: Orihime, the representative of the Mizuho Kingdom, along with her entourage.
"This is the Imperial Castle, huh? Quite impressive!"
"We pride ourselves on having the best in the continent, Princess Orihime."
"Ah, but the Adarasia Imperial Castle was more impressive. I can vouch for that."
Orihime stated this without malice, but her eyes darted around, making the guiding minister nervous. She was the Celestial Princess, the best barrier user on the continent. The minister worried she might be looking for weaknesses.
"Don't worry, Minister. We won't do anything," said a tall man behind him.
"If you say so, Sigmund-dono..."
"Why would you feel relieved by Sigmund-dono's guarantee? I don't understand!"
"I'm a famous, handsome adventurer."
"Famous at S-rank...?"
"Talking to you hurts, Princess..."
Orihime genuinely questioned Sig's claim, making him sigh. To her, a famous adventurer would be SS-rank.
"So, who's your type, Princess? Someone who doesn't fall for me must have high standards."
Sig was about to say she had a unique taste but held his tongue. Everyone seemed to be falling for that secretive prince.
"Chloe once said she liked Silver! I think she has good taste!"
Siegmund wondered if secretive guys were more popular. To his knowledge, Silver was the epitome of secrecy. If he weren't strong, he'd just be a weirdo. ȓἈꞐƟ𝖇ĚȘ
The minister led them underground, where a large space was filled with magicians preparing ritual magic. Among them were the elite court magicians of the Sokal Empire.
"Elite magicians gathered from all over the Sokal Empire. Truly a group of powerhouses," Sig muttered.
Among them, one stood out.
"Welcome, Princess Orihime."
"Ah, you're here, No-Name!" ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel※fire.net
No-Name greeted Orihime and walked with her to the center.
"Reports say the demons have appeared. Let's hurry."
"Alright! We're ready!"
Orihime had brought about ten elite magicians from the Fairy Kingdom. The rest were left behind as they'd be more of a hindrance. Even these elites were questionable against the formidable enemy they faced.
"Then, Your Majesty, we shall proceed."
"Go on, and stay alive until we return, Your Majesty!"
The Emperor then waved them off and they were teleported away through the Imperial Kingdom's ritual magic.
A pillar of light appeared in the royal capital. Elna and Jack, realizing its destruction would be difficult, had the allied forces retreat and kept watch. They were waiting for reinforcements, but the enemy acted first. The pillar of light collapsed, and figures appeared on the city walls.
Jack knew instantly. They were all demons. Among them was Lucian, the crown prince of the kingdom.
Lucian felt his body and looked around. His fellow demons were on the walls. A man ran up to him and knelt.
"I'm relieved you've arrived safely, Your Highness."
"Drop the 'Your Highness.'"
"My apologies, Lord Asmodeus."
"Good work, Duke Stras."
Asmodeus praised Stras, his loyal subordinate who had been working as the head of the secret organization Grimoire. They had prepared for this day while living and operating in the shadows. Now, their efforts have borne fruit.
"Lord Wepar didn't come after all?"
"He's from a different faction. No matter, we alone are more than enough for these humans. Let's prove that my power surpasses that of the Demon King by defeating the descendants of the hero who defeated him."
With that, Asmodeus, inhabiting Lucian's body, slowly swung his arm.
Why do I hear boss music?