Ch.343It’s Dangerous Outside (1)

While Issac was receiving training from Hawk, the situation outside his bubble was developing rapidly.

The fact that Issac had been attacked by demon worshippers was significant. With just this one incident, the political situation would predictably deteriorate.

The Empire of Minerva faced an awkward situation, while other countries found a perfect excuse to launch attacks.

However, despite having a good excuse, they couldn’t inflict much damage. They could criticize but not condemn.

The Kingdom of Teres, traditionally hostile to Minerva, was too preoccupied with the recent transfer of power from Fredrick to worry about this. Other countries were similarly busy with their own affairs.

Both Alfheim and Helium criticized the incident but focused more on the demon worshippers than Minerva’s mistake. These two needed to pay more attention to each other than to the Empire of Minerva.

The harshest criticism came from the Stavirk region, which constantly demanded independence and needed to attract attention somehow.

Despite national criticism, Issac remained unharmed, and hostility was directed primarily toward the demon worshippers.

Two countries were particularly sensitive to demon worshippers. First was the Papal Kingdom of Sabre, whose reputation had plummeted due to a corrupt Cardinal.

Second was Helium. While demon worshippers were predominantly human, they included various races.

To be precise, most who dwelled in the shadows were connected to demon worship.

Among them, the demon race—specifically the hardline faction—held the most power. Like the dark elves who were exiled from Alfheim long ago, they harbored sinister intentions.

They wanted to bring destruction to the world that had made them what they were. If they were treated as demons, they would become true demons and destroy everything.

They had been carefully developing their plans, but the unexpected appearance of the Biography of Xenon had ruined everything.

In this twisted situation, there was little the hardline demon faction turned demon worshippers could do.

Attacking Issac, the author of the Biography of Xenon, was no easy task.

After the corrupt Cardinal Bark’s ridiculous death, an enormous amount of evidence had surfaced—

Where the demon worshippers’ key officials were hiding, which individuals had allied with the hardline demon faction, and more.

Though not publicly announced, a purge was currently underway in Helium under Cecilly’s direction.

Anyone connected to the hardline demon faction or demon worship faced immediate execution without proper justification.

Originally, Cecilly had less authority than the current king, Deskall, but things changed after her speech. Deskall had delegated some authority to her.

While Deskall focused on external matters like diplomacy, Cecilly meticulously checked for potential internal problems.

Though it would be a long time before she became queen, the situation demanded reliable personnel. That’s why, like Arwen, she was constantly caught up in state affairs.

“I miss Issac.”

And with that, her desire to see Issac grew stronger. It had been over a week since she’d seen his face after the public announcement.

She wanted to run to him immediately and bite that handsome face. Sometimes Marie bit Issac’s face, and now she understood why.

After biting his face to her heart’s content, she wanted to embrace him tightly to release her pent-up desire. She wanted to feel his warmth and inhale his uniquely intense scent.

And naturally, the final destination would be the bed. With her cycle approaching, she planned to share plenty of love soon.

‘Marie and Adelia must be having fun with him.’

Cecilly pouted as her happy imagination gave way to jealousy. Desire was replaced by envy building up inside her.

While she was busy with work, the other two were probably enjoying time with Issac, which infuriated her.

Moreover, this work was taking much longer than expected. There were more people allied with the hardline demon faction than anticipated.

Helium was founded by the moderate demon faction with “moderation” as its virtue, but over time, this belief had faded somewhat.

Fortunately, the race’s core beliefs hadn’t been corrupted, but the establishment of the state and society inevitably led to various problems.

‘I never expected there would be so many.’

Cecilly checked the list of hardline demon faction members and demon worshippers who had been eliminated.

These were individuals found through clues obtained when the corrupt Cardinal Bark was captured—people hiding in darkness, preparing to incite rebellion.

If they had gone unnoticed, they could have eventually shaken Helium’s foundations, not just been a nuisance.

‘Using moderation for something like this…’

But she had turned it against them. Cecilly frowned deeply as she looked at the list.

Demons naturally had more patience than other races and rarely got angry. Thus, when a demon did get angry, it was generally the other party’s fault—a good example that was accumulating.

The demons who had allied with demon worshippers were using this to plot rebellion. The timing would have been when Deskall stepped down and she became queen.

Without the Biography of Xenon, Helium would have remained isolated, and the rebels would have fueled the desires of demons who wanted to see the light.

If the incitement had succeeded, the consequences would have been clear. She would have fallen from power, and then…

‘That plan would have been activated.’

The demonization of all demons, as plotted by Gluttony in the Biography of Xenon. The plan to corrupt the black mana unique to demons and forcibly transform them into demons.

To achieve this, they first needed to remove her with her formidable military power. The rebels had been moving steadily toward this goal.

Demons, like elves, were long-lived, so they had plenty of time. Combined with patience and experience, there was nothing they couldn’t do.

“Now it’s all meaningless.”

Cecilly raised one corner of her mouth in a sinister smile. Even that smile was seductive enough to captivate many men.

The bastards on the list had already been eliminated. After Cardinal Bark’s death, the “Reapers” had moved swiftly to capture them all.

However, to avoid social chaos, the announcement would come later. The plan to demonize the entire nation had already been exposed (?) through the Biography of Xenon, so announcing it or not didn’t matter.

‘All thanks to Issac.’

He hadn’t just changed the world with one book; he had saved it. Could anyone else achieve such a feat?

Saving the demon race alone was enough to steal her heart, but he had also saved Helium from extinction.

Essentially, all demons in Helium admired Issac. People willing to give their lives for him were everywhere.

‘Fortunately, I met him first as a woman.’

If another female demon had discovered his identity, she would have taken her place by his side.

Of course, being the princess of Helium, she could have found a way in somehow. But it wouldn’t have been as comfortable as now.

Meeting Issac was a series of coincidences, but at times like this, being the princess of Helium was truly beneficial.

‘That’s why I must protect him. Even at the cost of my life.’

Cecilly’s red eyes shone with fierce determination. If he were in danger, she would throw herself in harm’s way; if he died, she would complete her revenge and follow him.

To protect the man she loved. And to protect the savior of the demon race and the world.

When she heard that Issac had nearly been attacked by demon worshippers, she almost exploded with anger but managed to suppress it. Now was not the time for anger.

Someday, after capturing all the demon worshippers, she would torture them cruelly and throw them to the dogs.

This aggressive side resembled Kate somewhat. Both women revered Issac almost as a god.

The difference was that Cecilly’s “love” was much stronger, while Kate’s “faith” was more prominent. Still, their love for Issac was identical.

Knock knock knock-

Just then, Cecilly heard a knock. Having already deployed detection magic, she had known someone was coming for a while.

She looked toward the door and spoke in her characteristically seductive voice.

“Who is it?”

“Princess. The guest you mentioned earlier has arrived.”

“Ah. Please show them in.”

Hearing that the “guest” had arrived, Cecilly brightened and immediately granted permission. As soon as she did, the office door opened, and someone slowly walked in.

Wearing a white robe that covered their face, the small figure’s curves revealed it was a woman.

Cecilly gestured briefly as the woman approached. The wide-open door quietly closed.

As the woman reached the desk, Cecilly rested her chin on her interlocked fingers and smiled brightly.

Her red eyes contained a hint of mischief and a sense that she found the visitor cute.

“You must be tired from your long journey.”

Cecilly greeted her with a soft, seductive voice. Though formal, her tone was friendly.

This indicated that the woman before her was an acquaintance. In response to Cecilly’s greeting, the woman slowly removed the robe covering her head.

As she did, silver-gray hair cascaded down to her shoulders. Along with pointed ears proving she was an elf.

Finally, silver-gray eyes shining with embarrassment revealed her identity.

The Queen of Alfheim, who would become a major political rival.

Arwen Elidia had appeared in Helium, unofficially, before Cecilly.

Snap!

Cecilly lightly snapped her fingers, activating magic. A table and two chairs materialized in the center of the office.

The table was set with light refreshments and freshly brewed tea.

While Issac would find this magic fascinating, for Arwen as an elf, it was merely the use of a tool.

“Shall we sit over there and talk?”

“…Alright.”

Arwen accepted Cecilly’s hospitality. Cecilly smiled once at her response and slowly rose from her seat.

The two women sat in their respective places. While Cecilly appeared relaxed, Arwen fidgeted awkwardly.

Though she had visited Helium during the speech, this was her first time coming directly to the palace. Fortunately, being an unofficial invitation, it hadn’t caused much commotion.

“This tea is unique to Helium. It’s excellent for calming the mind, like a soothing medicine.”

“Th-thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

Quite nervous, Arwen drank the tea without thinking about maintaining her dignity.

The queenly solemnity she usually displayed had vanished completely, replaced by behavior more typical of when Issac was present.

And Cecilly knew exactly why. It was also the reason for Arwen’s visit.

“So, you want me to tell you how to spend your first night together?”

“PFFT!!!”

A direct question while drinking tea. The bluntness made Arwen spray her tea violently.

Fortunately, she didn’t spray it on Cecilly’s face, but her shock left the surroundings messy.

“Cough! Cough! Cough!”

Arwen coughed roughly and waved her hand. Instantly, the messy table and area around her mouth became clean.

Such simple magic was permitted even in the palace.

Then, with a reddened face, Arwen looked at Cecilly and spoke. Her voice contained reproach and blame.

“Th-that’s right, but did you need to bring it up so directly…”

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? You came all this way, swallowing your pride for the man you love. I’m willing to teach you gladly.”

That’s right. The reason Arwen had unofficially visited Helium.

It was to receive “lessons” for her upcoming first night with Issac.

Born a half-elf, Arwen had traveled through human society and knew about sexual intercourse. Last time, the first night was described in the Biography of Xenon.

Honestly, if she followed what was described in the Biography of Xenon, the first night would pass without issues.

But Arwen wanted to give Issac a “gift,” so she needed more in-depth education. Since Arwen was enthusiastic, there was no reason to refuse.

“But I wonder why you chose me instead of Marie or Adelia. And I thought I offered to teach you remotely through a communication orb?”

“I-I don’t have much time. The holy water made from the World Tree’s dew loses its effectiveness quickly… so I need to proceed quickly.”

“Holy water?”

Hearing something unfamiliar, Cecilly raised an eyebrow questioningly. Arwen slowly explained about the holy water.

As the explanation continued, Cecilly’s reaction was quite amusing. She looked as if she had never heard such a thing.

Finally, when Arwen finished her explanation, Cecilly’s reaction was…

“Queen Arwen.”

“Speak.”

“I didn’t realize you had such a lewd side. Using something like that on your first night.”

“Wh-what?”

When Cecilly expressed genuine admiration, Arwen’s face turned bright red.

She thought she was explaining elven tradition, but Cecilly interpreted it differently.

“Th-then it can’t be used…”

“No, that’s not it. It’s elven tradition, so I won’t stop you. I’m just a bit envious. If I had something like that…”

She could have spent a more intimate night with Issac. Cecilly deliberately left the rest unsaid.

What mattered now was giving Arwen her lesson. But first, there was something to confirm.

“Alright. Before I teach you, Queen Arwen.”

“Y-yes?”

“When you unite with Issac, we must not fight until he returns to the gods. Whether politically or personally.”

At those words, Arwen immediately adopted a serious expression. Her reddened face exuded a cute charm, but Cecilly paid no attention.

As Cecilly said, once Issac united with Arwen, Helium and Alfheim would have to maintain good relations, whether they liked it or not.

If Issac distanced himself from one side, it would surely have a negative impact on that country. The reverse was also true.

“Issac would feel the same, and crucially, he doesn’t discriminate in love. He will love us all, and he has the capacity to do so. But if cracks appear, major problems will arise.”

“I-I know that.”

“Even knowing it, it will be difficult. The human heart doesn’t always obey our wishes. Someday, Queen Arwen, you might feel neglected. Neglect leads to jealousy, and when that intensifies, problems arise.”

No matter how much Issac built up his stamina, he still had only one body. In other words, focusing on one person naturally meant neglecting others.

Historically, there were cases where emperors or kings neglected their official wives for concubines and ruined their countries.

Although Issac wasn’t a king, he held much higher authority. Moreover, his lovers played crucial roles in their respective countries.

“So it’s best to abandon any thoughts of monopolizing Issac. I used to harbor such feelings, but now I only joke about it. Understand?”

“I’ll keep it in mind. Being united with him is enough for me.”

“Good. This is a matter of trust, so I won’t bind you with an oath. Now then…”

Cecilly smiled brightly and rested her chin on her interlocked fingers. Her deep red eyes stared directly at Arwen.

As Arwen tensed under that smile, Cecilly’s red lips parted.

“Shall we begin the lesson? First, about the underwear you’ll wear on your first night…”

“I-I prepared that long ago.”

“What color?”

“Red.”

Hearing that answer, Cecilly admired and evaluated:

“I see you’re not just lewd but lascivious. Are all elves like that?”

“L-lascivious?!”

“I’m joking. Now, next… how to use your strengths. Shall we stand up for a moment?”

The collaborative gift from the demon and elf races was gradually taking shape.