Chapter 801: Melogarth's Covenant

Chapter 801: Melogarth's Covenant

In the northern reaches of the Demon Realm, on the island of Neka, within the grand halls of the Demon King's Palace, the first rays of dawn pierced through the clouds, casting their light upon the Regent's Hall to the east. There, seated upon a throne adorned with obsidian and crimson rubies, Regent Merogarth attended to the affairs of the realm.

With an air of icy dignity, her features were as cold as sculpted stone, and between her brows, an aura of authority befitting a queen of her domain lingered.

"Ah..."

Before long, she heaved a sigh, closing the documents before her and setting them aside.

Merogarth rested her cheek on her hand, boredly glancing over the official correspondence.

Having set aside her duties for the moment, the usually composed regent seemed to be in a state of intermittent restlessness over the past two days.

Time passed, its duration unknown.

"My Lady Merogarth."

A figure, cloaked in black, silently appeared at the far end of the grand hall. It was a demon spy, her slender form moving with the agility of a black panther, blending seamlessly into the shadows.

Merogarth, keenly aware of the presence, lifted her head with casual indifference and fixed her gaze upon the spy.

"Speak." Merogarth addressed her most trusted subordinate, wondering what business could have brought them here. She had given no recent orders that would require such an interruption.

The princess was no longer within the walls of the Demon King's Castle, and the other great demons were behaving themselves. Even the relations between the Holy Spirit Randor Nation and the Honing Empire were surprisingly harmonious.

The spy took two steps forward, kneeling on one knee and bowing their head in respect.

"My Lady, I bring urgent news." The spy dared not carelessly cast a privacy barrier without permission, so they spoke in a hushed tone meant only for Merogarth's ears.

With the casual tap of her finger on the table, Merogarth, her face a mask of calm, personally cast the privacy barrier, concealing their conversation from prying ears.

"Proceed." Her voice was devoid of emotion.

"The principal of the Inferno Corridor Academy, the one you instructed us to keep an eye on, has made a move within the Demon Realm." The spy kept their head lowered, their voice tense and hurried.

"Oh?" Merogarth, usually unflappable, fixed the spy with an intense stare. She had indeed instructed her subordinates to keep a watchful eye on the principal and ensure no foolish demon caused him any trouble, offering him every convenience.

However, Merogarth had not anticipated that just a day after her return to the Demon King's Castle, this newly appointed principal, who was also the disguised Pope of the Holy Spirit Randor Nation, would be on the move.

Upon further reflection, she realized it was Cardinal Kaliera who had summoned the Pope to assume the role of principal temporarily. Now, the Pope was likely returning to the Holy Spirit Randor Nation to resume his duties.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, a twinge of disappointment crept into Merogarth's heart.

Although her pride would prevent her from seeking out the principal anytime soon, if enough time passed and he remained in the Inferno City of Pascual, there might come a time when official business would compel her, as regent, to journey to Inferno City and encounter that man once more.

"That man, the Illusion Demon, left Inferno City alone last night. He rode a demon world dragon from Inferno City, speeding towards the Demon King's Castle here in Neka." The spy's forehead glistened with a thin layer of cold sweat as they observed Merogarth's darkening aura, continuing their report with feigned calm.

"Furthermore, early this morning, the secretary of the Inferno Corridor Academy sent a message. It seems the principal has expressed his desire to meet with you."

Crack! As Merogarth heard these words, the white knuckles of her clenched hand turned pale, and the pen she held was snapped in two by the force of her grip.

She parted her lips slightly, her eyes clouding with a mysterious darkness.

The grand hall fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the erratic beat of her heart.

The spy dared not lift their head, feeling the cold sweat soak through their back and dampen their clothes.

Their master, Merogarth, was known for her unpredictable moods when it came to taking lives, and they could not guess whether her overly emotional state would lead to an outburst.

"You say... he wants to see me?" Merogarth's hand flew to her chest, as if to keep her heart from leaping out.

The Pope had come alone, not to return the princess, and more importantly, he had specifically asked for her?

"Yes, my lady. Shall I decline the meeting on your behalf?" The spy replied in a short, assured tone.

They understood that Merogarth had been in a less than pleasant mood since her return from Inferno City.

Fortunately, the news of the princess's escape had not spread beyond their small circle, for it would have been a scandal that could shake the very foundation of the royal authority, undermining Merogarth's influence and standing among the demons.

It seemed that the Desecration Lord had come to an agreement with the princess, allowing her to remain in Inferno City.

This turn of events was undoubtedly the cause of Merogarth's irritability, and her subordinates dared not put a foot wrong during this sensitive time.

"Refuse? What nonsense! Invite him to the Demon King's Palace at once, and ensure he is treated with the utmost respect." Merogarth's eyes widened in surprise at her subordinate's suggestion, her long fingers tapping restlessly on the table.

"Yes, my lady Merogarth!" The spy's words were like a pardon, and they hurriedly accepted the task, despite their confusion.

Though they were bewildered by the turn of events, it seemed that Merogarth's mood had improved, and they knew better than to question her orders.

"Go." Merogarth waved her hand dismissively.

The spy withdrew, their form melting into a wisp of black smoke that vanished from the grand hall.

Once again, the vast chamber fell into silence.

Merogarth, her face a blank canvas, turned her gaze towards the window, looking in the direction of Inferno City. The brief interruption seemed like a minor ripple, but the fidgeting of her scorpion tail-like fingers betrayed the turbulent emotions swirling within her.

She glanced down at her attire, then, after a moment's thought, set aside the documents and rose from her throne, striding with purposeful steps down the corridors of the Demon King's Palace towards her private chambers.

After several dozen minutes had passed, two hours had elapsed since sunrise, and clouds filled the sky above Neka Island in the Demon Realm.

Mists and fog enveloped the island, while a thin veil of twilight shrouded the ancient demon city, as if it slumbered at the edge of time, awaiting the dawn of a new day, forever lingering in the final moments of night.

The majestic Royal Palace loomed in the central district of Nekalis, near the coast of Neka Island.

The base layer of the front plaza served as a reception and security checkpoint area, connected to the coastal road and usually open to the public, allowing demons to visit and learn about the history of the Demon Realm.

While order was typically stringent here, on this morning, the buildings surrounding the Nekalis Demon King's Palace were closed to the public, with only a select few allowed entry.

Only the most important demon nobles were permitted to ascend the lengthy steps leading to the Demon King's Palace, traversing its long corridors to attend to their indispensable routine duties.

The first floor housed the Regent's Hall, offices, and a resting area for the nobility, serving as the core zone for internal work and conferences.

As for the second floor and above, only royal family members, those summoned, and the Regent were granted access.

At this moment, on the second floor...

"Mr. Principal, Lady Merogarth is already waiting for you."

The court attendant, who was also a spy, led Cardinal Lanchi down the corridor, their footsteps accompanied by soft conversation.

Previously, she had been dressed as a spy, but at times, her work required her to disguise herself as a court lady-in-waiting.

Regarding this Principal of Inferno Corridor Academy, she treated him with respect. Setting aside his position as principal, the fact that Desecration Lord had instructed her to take good care of him was reason enough.

However, even before she could guide him, the Principal seemed to instinctively know the correct direction, as if he had been here before and was now merely revisiting familiar grounds.

"Thank you, you've been a great help."

Cardinal Lanchi expressed his gratitude to the court official.

The corridor was spacious and bright, adorned with ancient Demon Realm oil paintings, sculptures, and antiques that Cardinal Lanchi found oddly familiar.

The previous evening, after seeing Sigil off, he had dined at the Demon King's restaurant before setting off for the Demon King's City.

Cardinal Lanchi had left Huberian at the Inferno Corridor Academy with her best friend, Lysandra, and he had even granted Lysandra a week of paid leave, telling her to simply play with the princess each day.

He had placed his family in the safest position, bringing only a portable cat bag and keeping Talia in a state of possession.

Early that morning, upon his arrival in Nekalis, someone had come on behalf of Merogarth to escort him to the Demon King's Palace.

This court official, whom he had never met before, seemed highly competent, not falling short of Lysandra's capabilities in the least. However, while Lysandra exuded a kind of Kaliera-esque gentleness, this official bore the subdued and restrained air of a special forces member of the Demon King's Army, characteristic of Merogarth's faction.

"You're welcome."

The court attendant relaxed slightly as he expressed his thanks.

The Principal wore a long overcoat, with a formal suit underneath, and at his waist hung a silver-white mask—an accessory seemingly rooted in some foreign custom.

He was of the Illusion Demon clan, and like the former regent, Cardinal Kaliera, he had naturally silver-white hair, exuding an enchanting aura of magical power.

The silver-white mask he wore was clearly not in the style of the Demon Realm; even from the side, it bore a religious aesthetic more reminiscent of humans. Its lines were soft, its expression serene, and between its brows was a look of compassionate pity.

The spy had initially been concerned about how this Principal, whom Desecration Lord treated as a friend, might also be a formidable figure. Yet, contrary to her expectations, he was surprisingly easygoing, not at all like the typical upper-echelon demon.

As they chatted casually, they turned a corner, and a figure came into view, standing at the far end of the corridor.

Illuminated by the corridor's lighting, Merogarth wore a deep black dress that resembled the night sky, her hands covered in black silk gloves, and her long hair neatly braided and draped over her shoulders.

The court attendant's steps faltered, and she had to blink to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her.

She almost didn't recognize her own master, Merogarth, the Desecration Lord.

Just two hours ago, Merogarth had looked completely different.

"You can leave him here."

Merogarth's voice was indifferent as she glanced at the court attendant.

She noticed her subordinate's slight lapse in decorum but chose not to dwell on it today.

"Yes, my lady."

The court attendant bowed respectfully and then quickly retreated.

"Come, follow me to the reception room from here."

Merogarth showed none of the slight familiarity she had displayed with the Pope during their previous encounter.

She reverted to her usual cold and distant demeanor.

She treated the Pope of the Holy Spirit Randor Nation as an enemy.

Turning, Merogarth walked forward.

"Miss Merogarth, you can now treat me as a fellow member of the Demon Realm. I won't fight you."

Cardinal Lanchi smiled and followed closely behind her, speaking in a gentle tone.

"Calling me 'Miss Merogarth' again? Never mind, I can't be bothered to argue with you. I can't beat you anyway."

Merogarth feigned aloofness and distance in her response.

Without turning her head, she continued walking.

To be honest, she had never permitted other demons to address her so informally.

Thinking about it carefully, it would be unrealistic to expect the Pope of the Holy Spirit Randor Nation to call her "Lady Merogarth." So, she could only settle for "Miss Merogarth."

Merogarth strode directly toward the reception room in the palace's east wing.

The Illusion Demon followed two steps behind her.

As she walked, her long skirt trailed gracefully across the chalk-white stone floor, each step smooth and steady, befitting a Demon Regent.

She extended her slender, pale hand and brushed her fingertips lightly against the surface of the door.

Merogarth was curious about this Illusion Demon's intentions, but she maintained the composure and vigilance befitting a regent.

The reception room was located at the farthest end of the palace's east wing, separated from Merogarth's Regent's Hall by only a single wall.

The two massive doors, inlaid with magic-world titanium crystals, slid open automatically, revealing the interior of the reception room.

Meroargas gestured to the side, inviting him in with a distant yet polite manner.

Lanci nodded slightly and stepped into the negotiation venue chosen by Meroargas.

His eyes quickly scanned the room's furnishings.

The floor of the reception room was paved with black marble, engraved with intricate silver patterns that resembled the boundless starry sky of the Demon Realm. In the center of the room stood a long table carved from demon dragon bones, covered with a dark velvet tablecloth.

Food and drinks were already prepared on the table, including crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside hell lava bread served with demon beast cheese and a fruit jam made from black roses of Nekalis, filling the room with a sweet and savory aroma.

Lanci sat on the sofa, while Meroargas bent down and sat on the chair opposite him.

Meroargas shifted her body slightly, adjusting the position of her round hips, moving her scorpion tail behind the backrest so that the stinger wasn't pointing at him.

"Speak, what brings you here to see me?" Meroargas said indifferently as she gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the garden outside.

"Why are you acting so normal?" Talia asked, full of doubt, in Lanci's mind.

In her impression, the Desecration Lord Meroargas was a crazy bitch that night.

Today, she looked completely normal and acted like a cold and rational Demon Regent.

Could she be pretending to be dignified and ladylike in front of Lanci?

"You seem to have too much malice towards Meroargas." Lanci replied to Talia with a smile, through his thoughts.

"I hate her so much! Don't be fooled by her act!" Talia felt extremely uncomfortable just thinking about Meroargas.

If it weren't for Lanci wanting to ask Meroargas for help, she wouldn't want to see her at all.

Even now, hiding inside Lanci's body, Talia felt very uneasy, not daring to reveal herself or leak her magical power, which might give away her scent to Meroargas.

How could Lanci think of Meroargas as younger than her, Talia?! Talia's heart was filled with resentment, but now she found herself in a dilemma, unable to vent her frustration.

She felt so miserable!

Lanci seemed to have a bug in his card!

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the humid garden was filled with exotic magic-world plants. There were blood-red roses that could devour magical power, purple violets that released hallucinogenic poison, and mandrakes that could peer into one's heart. Magic-world butterflies fluttered among the flowers, and the sound of insects could be heard in the reception room.

Meroargas waited for the Pope's response, sipping her tea nonchalantly.

"Meroargas, can you help me?" Lanci asked solemnly, his hands clasped together and resting on his knees.

"Huh?" Meroargas tilted her head in a melancholy manner, as if she hadn't understood his words, her dark hair falling silently.

She never expected that the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor would come to her for help, which made her both surprised and a little bored.

Could the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor still need help from other demons?

"I need your help," Lanci repeated, his eyes fixed on her, seeking confirmation.

"That's impossible. I am the regent of the Demon Realm, and I could never betray the interests of my people, even if you forced me. I absolutely won't agree to your request." Desecration Lord Meroargas sized up his attitude, her voice intentionally carrying a hint of hostility, as if she was ready for a fight at the next moment.

The Pope had come to her personally to discuss matters, and to ask for her help, no doubt, he would be making some outrageous demands. Perhaps he wanted them to waive tariffs for Saint Spirit Randor, or lend them an outrageous sum, or even directly ask for their technology and resources.

"But I'm also a member of the Demon Realm. How could I possibly ask you to do something harmful to our people?" Lanci smiled helplessly, feeling that Meroargas was overly tense today.

"Uh."

"The Demon Realm is my second home. Without it, I wouldn't be who I am today."

"Then I believe you."

Meroargas was relieved to find that the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor still held some affection for their realm and had a sense of belonging.

But at the same time, she felt a hint of disappointment.

She had already imagined a scenario where she was defeated and subjected to all kinds of humiliation by the Pope.

And now, it seemed that such a situation would not come to pass.

"What exactly do you want me to do?" Meroargas asked after a moment's thought, her index finger gently tapping the rim of her cup as if the question was merely an afterthought.

After all, it was probably about strengthening the cooperation between the Demon Realm and Saint Spirit Randor, rather than imposing one-sided demands.

She had made up her mind that as long as the terms didn't harm the interests of the Demon Realm, even if the benefits to their side were close to zero, she would reluctantly agree. After all, she couldn't win against the Pope yet, so she would have to endure the humiliation for now and seek revenge later when she became stronger.

It would be foolish to expect the Pope to foolishly break the peace treaty with the Honing Empire, giving them, the Demon Realm, a chance to benefit.

"Come with me to destroy the Honing Empire.

"Cardinal Lanchi spoke bluntly, stating his request.

"Pffft!"

Merogarth nearly fell off her seat. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, having never lost her composure like this before.

"Pope, have you gone mad?!"

Merogarth adjusted her posture, covering her mouth with both hands. If she hadn't been reminding herself to maintain her poise in front of this man, her eyes would have been wide open, blinking incessantly.

Seeing the serious expression on the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor, she knew he wasn't joking. He had worn the same earnest expression and tone when he let her go in the Inferno Corridor.

"Merogarth, do you know about the Tebiri Mirror?"

Lanchi asked.

"Of course," Merogarth narrowed her eyes, her expression turning solemn.

She had been curious about the whereabouts of this super ancient divine artifact, but aside from the former Demon King, only Cardinal Kaliera was likely to know the answer.

Now, after a moment's analysis, it seemed that the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor before her might also be aware of its location.

"It's actually beneath the Inferno Corridor Academy. That's why Kaliera asked me to come. From now on, I entrust this divine artifact to your care. I've used the Tebiri Mirror three times, and I've seen the horrifying things that the Honing Empire is brewing..."

Lanchi candidly shared the answer with her, divulging most of the intelligence he had gained from the Tebiri Mirror.

"..."

Merogarth stared wide-eyed, listening with a sense of disbelief.

Although these words seemed absurd and crazy, tearing at the facade of world peace, she believed that the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor spoke nothing but the truth. Everything he said seemed to align with reality, and the more she listened, the more astonished and enraged she became.

Or perhaps the Pope had no reason to deceive her. In just a few days, she could investigate and uncover the truth, and even if she did nothing, the Pope would personally go south to reveal the truth to her.

Those damned vampires actually intended to destroy the Demon Realm!

For a long while, the parlor was enveloped in silence.

"I can understand that Saint Spirit Randor wants to fight the Honing Empire and drag our Demon Realm into it. But what if I refuse?"

Merogarth asked, as if negotiating with Lanchi.

In her opinion, the optimal plan was to let Saint Spirit Randor fight to the death while the Demon Realm reaped the benefits.

"No, I will publicly sever ties with Saint Spirit Randor and act solely in my personal capacity to destroy the Honing Empire. However, my power is limited, and I need you high-ranking demons to disguise yourselves as my minions and help me."

Lanchi explained to Merogarth.

Merogarth was taken aback.

After some thought, she realized that if the Pope had undergone the simulation in the Tebiri Mirror three times, his understanding of the future might surpass anyone else's. Perhaps he had discovered that only by doing so could he break the vampires' scheme and minimize casualties.

Merogarth analyzed the situation from every angle and concluded that it was indeed the case. Only by the Pope going crazy and the vampires tolerating his rampage in the Honing Empire, misjudging his situation, and waiting to hunt him down when he was exhausted, could their plan succeed.

"In the end, the large-scale northward invasion of the Honing Empire will occur, and Saint Spirit Randor will stand between you and the disaster. We will buy you at least a century of time to recuperate, and I assure you that for a hundred years, Saint Spirit Randor will never do anything to harm the Demon Realm. The Twilight Lands will be yours."

Lanchi added, presenting his complete proposal to Merogarth.

The Twilight Lands, serving as a buffer zone between the Demon Realm and Saint Spirit Randor, originally belonged to the Beastmen. Now that the Beastmen had gone extinct, the human population was concentrated in the Little Stone City, while the demons resided mostly in the Little Night City. However, neither city belonged to the Demon Realm or Saint Spirit Randor.

Although neither side had disputed the ownership of the Twilight Lands over the years, both were aware of its value to their respective realms, and conflict over its ownership and division was inevitable.

For Merogarth, who aspired to become the Demon King, the importance of this transaction was no less than that of a demon princess like Talia. Once agreed upon, she could be trusted to honor the pact.

"But what's in it for you?"

Regent Merogarth pondered for a while, puzzled by Lanchi's motives.

Even though this plan could reduce casualties, the lives of ordinary people were of little consequence to a being like the Pope of Saint Spirit Randor, who had entered the realm of the divine. There was no need for him to debase himself like this.

He would gain nothing but a bad reputation.

"As long as it can protect Saint Spirit Randor and the Demon Realm for generations to come, I am willing to do so."

Lanchi gazed at Merogarth, conveying the heart of Lancarus.

He extended his hand, covered in a white glove, towards Merogarth, as if further words were unnecessary, awaiting her final answer.

This was both a testament to their pact and the Pope's vow.

Time seemed to stand still.

Merogarth bit her lip, tilting her head without giving her consent.

"Merogarth, please help me, for the sake of our friendship in the Demon Realm," Lanchi pleaded, lowering his stance a little.

"You..."

Hearing his voice, Merogarth felt a pang in her heart.

Why was he still humbly pleading with her?

And at this moment, the only one who could help this man was her.

"Alright, I agree. But Pope, don't mistake this for a collaboration between the Demon Regent and you."

Finally, Regent Merogarth nodded, "I'm merely agreeing to this madness as your friend."

Merogarth took Lanchi's hand.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end