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Chapter 564: Sybeline's Wait
Chapter 564: Sybeline's Wait
One week later.
In the hazy midsummer night of July, the vast lands of the Demon Realm boasted of its capital, the Nakaris, also known as the City of the Demon King.
Nestled near the inland strait, the city was embraced by winding rocky mountains, forming a natural fortress.
At its heart, on an island named Nyka, stood a colossal palace crafted from obsidian and deep blue demon crystal, its spires piercing the clouds as it overlooked the bay.
Across the water lay the outer ring, Lis Island, equally prosperous and vibrant.
The streets of Nakaris were a labyrinth, with narrow alleys and spacious squares intertwining. A myriad of demons roamed these paths—some tall and formidable, others cunning and diminutive—along with countless non-humanoid demons. They traded, conversed, and even fought, only to be arrested by the demon realm's enforcers.
At that moment, within the Demon King's Palace, the main hall on the first floor was an expansive circular chamber, dominated by a majestic black throne surrounded by a fiery halo.
Above, the upper floors were reserved for royalty, complete with studies, bedrooms, and conference rooms befitting a regal abode.
Aside from the Fallen Cardinal, Kaliella, and those demons she permitted, no others were allowed into these higher realms of the palace.
On the second floor, in a spacious bedroom bathed in the purple-red glow of the setting sun filtering through sheer curtains, there sat Sybeline quietly by the window, gazing beyond the court gardens and the distant barrier to the inland bay of the royal capital.
"Miss Lissandra, you can leave for the day." Sybeline's soft voice carried a hint of quiet strength.
"But it's not time yet. I can't leave early, and if I disturb Your Highness, I can wait outside." Lissandra, a young demon clad in the elegant attire of a court official, replied gently.
"No, stay with me." Sybeline put down her book and gestured for Lissandra to join her.
Sybeline considered Lissandra, who stood like a devoted attendant, and patted the spacious cushion beside her, inviting her to sit closer.
"Yes, Your Highness." Lissandra nodded and obediently took a seat a respectful distance away.
Her full name was Lissandra Pukli, descended from a once-noble lineage of pure-blooded demons that had fallen into decline by her generation.
The Pukli family was esteemed in the Demon Realm, as descendants of the ancient Duke Pukli... although her great-granduncle was technically the first of their line.
Fortunately, Lissandra had managed to scrape through the rigorous demon realm's school, and with her family's slight connection to the Fallen Cardinal, she had been assigned to work in the Demon King's City after graduation.
Perhaps the Fallen Cardinal feared that the princess would languish in solitude within the palace, and so she tasked Lissandra with ensuring the princess's well-being, tending to her requests as long as they did not conflict with the cardinal's principles.
Lissandra's sole duty was to prevent the princess from falling into depression.
Failure would mean replacement, or perhaps even worse—elimination.
Thus, with each visit, Lissandra had the opportunity to engage in brief exchanges with the princess.
To her surprise, the princess possessed a gentle demeanor, devoid of the haughtiness one might expect from royalty.
Perhaps it was due to her half-human blood and the time she had spent living among humans.
"Thank you, Lissandra. These books you bring me are a welcome distraction during these long days." Sybeline offered a sincere expression of gratitude.
"Most of Sybeline's time in the palace was spent perusing the magical tomes within its walls. The demons she interacted with were limited, as Kaliella kept her guarded and protected.
'It's work for me... ' Lissandra said helplessly.
It was all the Fallen Cardinal's arrangement. She was chosen for this task because she understood noble etiquette, and her weak and gentle nature meant she wouldn't intimidate the princess. Perhaps it was also because she had studied art and achieved the highest score in art appreciation that Kaliella thought she might have something in common with the princess.
However, after spending time with the princess, Lissandra realized that she didn't seem to have much interest in art. Whenever she tried to initiate a conversation on the subject, the princess would respond with a few monosyllabic noises before trailing off and gazing out the window again.
It was at these moments that Lissandra felt a twinge of pity for the princess. While she admired her lofty status, the princess, in turn, seemed to long for the freedom that Lissandra embodied.
Contrary to the perception of the greater demons, the princess didn't seem as strong as they believed, her stubbornness a mere front.
'I brought these treats from outside,' Lissandra said, reaching into her bag and producing a black box containing a box of Demon World pear butterscotch pastries, preserved with a magic device.
Upon opening the lid, Sybeline beheld a unique dessert: a pear-scented butterscotch ice cream cake, accompanied by crisp vanilla wafers and shards of Nakaris dark chocolate. The tangy flavor of the poached pear intertwined with the sweetness of the butterscotch, while the wafers and chocolate added a delightful textural contrast.
'This pear butterscotch ice cream is quite popular in the Demon King's City, so I bought some to bring into the palace. It's been tested by the court magic, so it's safe for you to eat.' Knowing the consequences of poisoning the princess, she added hastily, 'It's definitely not poisonous!'
Sybeline took the black box, her eyes fixed on the ice cream within. She scooped up a small bite and savored it, remaining motionless for a long moment.
'You don't like it?' Lissandra asked, concerned.
'...' Sybeline shook her head.
Looking at this unique delicacy of the Demon World, she wished she could share it with Tata. Eating alone, no matter how delicious the treat, only accentuated its loneliness.
'Are you thinking of someone?' Lissandra asked softly, having interpreted Sybeline's expression. She could read this obvious emotion plainly.
'To me, she was like a mother and an older sister,' Sybeline replied, setting down the small black box.
'Is... is she no longer with you?' Lissandra inquired, her worry evident.
'She's still there! She's still there!' Sybeline snapped out of her reverie, clarifying with a hint of urgency.
Though Tata rarely appeared, Sybeline always felt her presence, especially in Lanchi's heart.
'Sorry! Sorry!' Lissandra quickly nodded her apology.
A quiet moment passed between the two demon girls. Then, Sybeline resumed her tasting of the special treat that Lissandra had brought for her.
'Lissandra,' Sybeline asked, leaning in closer to her companion and lowering her voice, 'have there been any new great demons arriving in Nakaris, the Demon King's City, recently? If there have, please don't blink for two seconds.'
'...I can't talk about that kind of thing. Cardinal Kaliella warned me,' Lissandra whispered, lowering her head."
(End of Chapter)
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