Chapter 152

Chapter 152

I Proposed While Drunk and Now the Princesses are Obsessed.

Episode 152: 0th Princess, Reunion, Forced Marriage (27).

The Emperor was standing before Jaekiel.

Wearing heavy armor and a helmet shaped like a lion’s head, he exuded such a powerful presence that none of the demons around him recognized him.

It was the culmination of a peak energy, a force that could only be shown to those who desired it.

Jaekiel instinctively knew where the Emperor’s gaze was directed.

Even amidst the chaos, he immediately bowed his head in respect, maintaining proper etiquette towards the Emperor.

“You don’t need to be so formal here.”

The Emperor’s voice was low and calm.

It was likely that both of them felt unfamiliar with each other’s appearance.

Though their faces were unchanged, the Emperor wore armor, while Jaekiel was dressed in the attire of the Spider Goddess’s spouse. The expression “clothes make the man” was quite fitting.

“Let’s talk, Jaekiel.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The conversation between Jaekiel and the Emperor took place in the center of the city, amidst the chaotic energy and bustling demons.

The Emperor spoke first.

“You’ve gotten married in the Demon Realm, huh? It suits you well. Do you plan to settle here?”

“It’s a misunderstanding. This is just…”

Before Jaekiel could explain, the Emperor shook his head.

“There’s no need to explain. I know you didn’t betray the continent.”

“Thank you for thinking that way.”

Jaekiel answered, but it was with a hint of uncertainty.

‘Could he be joking?’

They had known each other for a long time, but this was the first time Jaekiel had seen the Emperor make a joke. It was bewildering.

Anyway, Jaekiel was truly surprised when the Emperor’s gaze fell on his attire. He probably looked like he was casually strolling around as the Spider Goddess’s spouse.

“I’ve heard the report. There was a betrayal with the Purple Tower, and the Spider Goddess dragged you into the Demon Realm by force.”

“Your Majesty, what you’ve heard is correct.”

Jaekiel nodded.

“By the way, since you’ve heard the report… are the magicians of the Imperial and Blue Towers safe?”

“They’re all safe. There’s nothing wrong with them.”

“Ah.”

Jaekiel finally sighed in relief.

He had finally confirmed that Akne had kept her promise to lift the isolation, and with that, a great burden in his heart had disappeared.

The Emperor spoke to Jaekiel.

“The matter you’ve faced was exceptional, so I’ve come personally. We’ll discuss the rest once we’re back on the continent.”

The Emperor gestured as if to say, “Let’s go now.”

Leaving the Demon Realm and returning to the continent was, for Jaekiel, the moment he had longed for.

“…”

However, unexpectedly…

Jaekiel found himself unable to take a step easily.

“Why? Is something holding you back?”

The Emperor continued, as though he had guessed correctly.

“I see you’ve figured out the Spider Goddess’s true identity. Don’t worry about it. You need to break free from the past illusions. The Spider Goddess from then and the Spider Goddess now are nothing alike.”

Yes, the reason was indeed the Spider Goddess, the Demon God, Akne.

She had seized Jaekiel’s ankle.

Every time he thought of it, there was an undeniable sense of regret.

Had circumstances not turned so unfavorably in the past, the title attached to Akne’s name would have been “Princess,” not “Spider Goddess.” That was the true regret.

Although Akne was different now, Jaekiel believed that redemption was still possible.

“They say the past is like fog, blocking the future. If you don’t break through it, you’ll just wander aimlessly until you run out of breath. Such a fragile heart—”

“Your Majesty.”

Jaekiel interrupted the Emperor’s words.

It was certainly not wise to appeal to the Emperor with emotions. It would not be effective at all.

Jaekiel knew the way. The method to get what he wanted from the Emperor.

Once he had made up his mind, Jaekiel spoke.

“I do not harbor a fragile heart.”

“Really? Then why do you hesitate?”

At that question, Jaekiel’s expression grew serious.

“I have reflected deeply on my heart several times, but it is not a weak hesitation or confusion. It is indeed a strong will.”

The Emperor slowly crossed his arms.

“A strong will… a will towards what exactly?”

“Please grant me a little more time.”

Jaekiel got straight to the point.

“More time? Sounds like something a spy would say.”

“Though I live as a spy, I have no intention of betraying the continent. You must know this.”

“Go on.”

“As always, I propose a deal.”

In the end, Jaekiel chose to make a deal.

Appealing to emotions or making requests would not work.

The only way to get what Jaekiel wanted was to make a deal that would please the Emperor.

“A deal…”

The Emperor muttered softly and then smiled.

“You’re out of your mind. You were brazenly kidnapped into the perilous Demon Realm, and you still want to make a deal?”

“It is possible. I am confident I can accomplish it.”

Jaekiel pushed firmly.

“If this was a joke, then it has been successful. It’s been a long time since I’ve laughed. Now, shall we head to the continent? We don’t have much time to hide our presence. Hurry.”

“This is serious. It will be more interesting than any joke.”

The Emperor did not turn his back as he spoke of going to the continent. It seemed he was willing to listen first.

“I intend to stay a little longer in the Demon Realm and accomplish many things.”

“What kind of things will they be?”

“I plan to extract important information from the Demon Realm and destroy the cities that exploit humans. Will that work?”

“Hmmm.”

The Emperor began to ponder.

Jaekiel was confident it would work.

Just moments ago, the Emperor himself mentioned that he couldn’t hide his presence in the Demon Realm for long.

In other words, Jaekiel’s role as a spy had become even more critical. He was the only way the continent could stay in the loop, by gathering information in the Demon Realm for a long period.

And, as expected, Jaekiel’s guess was correct.

“Easier said than done. Especially the part about destroying a city. Damaging the Demon Realm’s forces would be a good thing for the continent, but… how?”

“Even if it’s difficult, I’ll try.”

Jaekiel said with a firm gaze.

Though the strength of Han Shin was overwhelming, Jaekiel was sure he could find a way. If not, he would create one.

The Emperor’s contemplation continued.

“Truly unpredictable. You always come up with absurd ideas, but they’re interesting every time…”

He muttered softly and then asked.

“So, what do you expect as the price of this deal?”

“First, of course, Sun Water.”

“First, huh? You want something else as well.”

“Yes, I believe it is only fair for such a great achievement.”

“Speak then.”

Jaekiel hesitated for a moment.

Along with a few drops of Sun Water, what Jaekiel wanted to ask of the Emperor was…

“If the opportunity arises, may I take Akne to the continent? I wish to reform her.”

“Denied.”

The rejection was immediate.

The Emperor shook his head resolutely.

“It’s not going to happen.”

“How can you be so firm about this?”

“Is there anything more absurd than trying to reform a Demon God? If she acts like she’s been reformed and then brings disaster, can you take responsibility for that?”

“…”

“She’s already killed countless humans, and she will continue to do so. She was raised as a Demon God, so treating her as one is the only way.”

“She still holds the memories of when she was abandoned. You wish to abandon her again after having already done so once? That’s too cruel.”

“If we don’t treat her harshly, someone on the continent will die. Just because it’s an unseen death doesn’t mean it can be ignored. I’ll provide the Sun Water. That’s all.”

Jaekiel closed his mouth immediately.

The Emperor’s thoughts were so resolute that it seemed impossible to persuade him through words. No matter what he said now, it would just go in circles.

‘At least I’ve bought some time.’

Jaekiel had bought time to gather information from the Demon Realm and resolve things with Han Shin, so he could focus on reforming Akne in the meantime.

If Jaekiel could create something that would change the Emperor’s mind, the Emperor would eventually have to permit it.

For now, he accepted that thought and let it go.

It was then that the Emperor continued speaking.

“And Jaekiel, you must fully understand how important the success of this deal is.”

“I know it’s a very important matter.”

“No, I’m not talking about the importance of the matter itself.”

The Emperor shook his head.

“If this fails, the princesses will never give up on you. They’ll find a way to reach the Demon Realm, most likely through war.”

His voice was more serious than ever.

“Your failure could lead to the deaths of all the princesses. You must act with caution every minute, every second.”

The Emperor’s words made sense.

This matter was more dangerous, more important, and more necessary to succeed than anything Jaekiel had dealt with before.

He steeled his resolve and asked.

“How should I contact you when I return?”

“Take this.”

The Emperor tossed something to Jaekiel. It was a pearl-like orb, delicate enough to shatter under pressure.

“Once you crush this orb, I will arrive at your location. Use it when you need to return after completing the task successfully.”

With those words, the Emperor vanished.

Jaekiel continued to examine the orb for some time.

He studied it for quite a while.

This orb—he had thought of an extraordinary use for it.