Chapter 93: Cruelty

The scorching sun blazed like fire, the sky completely clear without a single cloud to shield it, shining down upon the devastated Demon King’s Castle below.

The battle between powerful warriors was truly terrifying to the extreme. Even the mighty barrier that once blocked out the sky had been obliterated, leaving behind only a pile of ruined wreckage and broken tools.

At this moment, three people quietly conversed in the center of the castle. They had uncovered a relatively intact, battered table with three broken chairs.

After all, Duke Orlay’s proposal was quite intriguing and interesting.

Naturally, Emilia decided to learn more about it. The young maiden sat upright in the worn chair, her slender fingers elegantly supporting a gilded porcelain cup. A soft shimmer of light fell upon her silver-white eyelashes.

The moment the rim of the cup touched her lips, the steaming red tea blurred her exquisite face. As she lowered her gaze, the reflection on the surface of the tea rippled slightly.

Suddenly, she paused, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint, subtle smile. Perhaps she felt the time was right. She finished the last sip, leaving half a pale red lip print on the rim.

Calm and unhurried, she spoke slowly, her delicate hand brushing aside a stray lock of hair by her ear. From beginning to end, she maintained a dignified composure, straightforward and businesslike, not caring for anything beyond the matter at hand. It was clear she wore two faces—the private and the public—likely a habit formed during her time as a Saintess.

“Duke Orlay, your proposal just now was quite convincing, but could you explain your reasons? I’m curious, after all, there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Even if you say it’s mutually beneficial, that reasoning feels a bit strained…”

“You really are the same as always, Lady Emilia. It’s precisely because of that that I find you extraordinarily perfect.”

Orlay exhaled with a trace of helplessness after being seen through.

Then he silently nodded, his gaze carrying a profound meaning. His voice was still as pleasant as ever.

“Alright, I do have a favor to ask, but it really can be considered mutually beneficial. It truly benefits you, me, and others alike—I can guarantee that. I just hope to place us on equal footing, which I believe is the most appropriate way to cooperate, and also the best way to express my sincerity.”

“Duke Orlay, no need for compliments. Let’s get straight to the point; the fewer unnecessary words, the better.”

The silver-haired maiden paid little mind to the praise, simply requesting him to continue.

Nearby, Sig, who had been silent for some time, crossed his arms and teasingly mocked the situation.

He even mimicked it with exaggerated flair, almost like chanting.

“Lady Emilia, you really are perfect.”

“You really are perfect…”

They both said it in such a way that made her blush slightly, the warmth rising to her cheeks making her usually stern expression falter.

She glared at her lover in mock annoyance, gently biting her lip and letting out a delicate hum, then prepared to continue the discussion.

If the negotiation went well, perhaps the process of rebuilding the Demon King’s Castle would accelerate significantly.

That would also mean his wish to return home could be fulfilled sooner, which was now her only true desire.

Her heart was filled only with him; everyone else was just background noise.

She placed her slender hand over her proud chest, her rosy lips moving softly.

“Alright, Orlay, your demands are…”

Halfway through, she suddenly heard Sig muttering to himself near his crotch, softly stroking it.

This crotch, which had followed him for a century, enduring countless hardships and battles, sharing both bed and life, now seemed to speak with a hint of affection.

“Crotch, you are so perfect.”

It was unclear whether he was being sarcastic or genuinely sentimental.

His behavior in such a serious setting was outrageously inappropriate.

“Sig, stop with the off-topic remarks. Let me finish speaking first, alright? Otherwise, you won’t get any rest tonight. Don’t even think about stopping. I promise.”

Somewhat irritated, Emilia frowned and raised her delicate hand to rub her temple. She had just gotten into the right mindset to negotiate, only to be interrupted again. Instinctively, she gave the man the most terrifying threat possible, as this matter was crucial.

It was all for his sake, yet unexpectedly, he kept meddling on his own. Perhaps “meddling” wasn’t quite right—at most, they were just on different wavelengths.

“No problem then, kids. Sig, I’m taking off now to find other survivors nearby. You two keep talking and just let me know the results.”

Sig did not refuse. He nodded with relief, knowing that Emilia understood him well.

He wasn’t suited for this kind of occasion—mumbling and whining was really just him tagging along with no excuse to leave.

But now, he had one.

Raising both hands above his head, he waved flamboyantly before ascending to the sky, searching for other survivors to help replenish the population of the Demon King’s Castle.

He didn’t know how many he could find, but some was better than none.

He paid no attention to what happened here, since everything was under his control.

If anyone dared cause trouble, they would lose their head—small or big, no exceptions. Any questions?

After he left in a way incomprehensible to humans, Duke Orlay came back to himself and smiled slightly with a hint of apology.

He remained courteous as always.

Based on the previous intelligence and current situation, he had roughly figured things out.

Beneath his expressionless face was a trace of pain, his smile hiding some unwillingness.

Everything was so calm, as if truly offering a blessing.

“Apologies, it seems I caused your husband some misunderstanding, Lady Emilia. I couldn’t help but compliment you—after all, I have a deep appreciation for beauty.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t misunderstand. He’s always been like this, quite eccentric. Now, let’s continue, it’s getting late. Tell me your demands and objectives. Hopefully, we can reach a satisfactory agreement.”

She waved off the matter carelessly, seemingly accustomed to Sig’s antics, treating them as casually as eating or drinking.

She quickly moved past the personal matters to business.

Her entire demeanor became flawless, like a lion ready to hunt its prey.

He, too, stopped wasting time and focused on the topic, though his eyes couldn’t tear away from the breathtaking maiden.

“Of course, Lady Emilia, I will do my best to satisfy you. You can rest assured on that point.”

He paused briefly, probing and observing her expression.

“By the way, you must have some understanding of the Empire’s situation and its predicament by now. I don’t wish to explain further unless there’s something unclear, which I’d be glad to clarify.”

“You want me to help with the Empire’s affairs, don’t you? Your intentions are too obvious. But I like that you’re straightforward about it—hiding things benefits no one, Duke Orlay.”

“Oh, and just call me Orlay. Duke sounds too formal. Umm… I apologize, Lady Emilia. My thoughts were scattered earlier, causing me to betray your trust, but now I’m no longer distracted—I can guarantee that.”

As he spoke, Orlay lowered his gaze to his bloodstained hands and lightly clasped them.

A flicker of panic crossed his face but soon faded.

Not only was his hand covered in Gerard’s blood, but also that of those who had misled his family.

That was why he claimed no longer being disturbed by distractions.

Now, he was truly unburdened, with only loyalty and admiration for Emilia remaining.

Along with a helpless guilt over the Empire’s current plight.