Having suppressed the indiscriminate murderous intent of the girl who had been so thoroughly sealed, and officially recognized as a research collaborator by Selene, she was able to gain access to a variety of information as a reward.
It started with the shocking revelation that the soul embedded in the mechanical doll belonged to none other than Kaiser, the worst hero who had terrorized all demons ten years prior.
Through their ongoing exploration of souls, they were working to uncover the source of the hero’s power that had been passed down through generations, tormenting the demons, and to find a way to harness it.
As part of this effort, they had successfully transplanted Kaiser’s soul into a military automaton, but even after erasing his ego and resetting his memories, the resistance was so strong that it defied all principles.
Selene explained that, for the past ten years, progress had been frustratingly slow.
The entire backstory delivered a shock to her that was beyond imagination.
Not only was Kaiser’s soul, which was believed to have completely disappeared, still present, but the existence of a military automaton, and the study of souls—a research effort that could create massive ripples simply by being known—were overwhelming.
While invoking her abilities, she had glimpsed the immense power residing within the girl and suspected something extraordinary, but she had never expected anything of this scale.
The realization that she had become involved in something she perhaps should never have approached, coupled with fear of the future, weighed on her.
However, at the same time, her mind became filled with interest and ambition at the thought of the overwhelming force she had acquired—albeit by chance.
***
When asked why the military automaton had the appearance of such a young girl, Selene’s response at the time had been so ridiculous that it remained memorable.
“At the time, I was testing whether resistance could be mitigated by transplanting a soul into the most obedient type of mechanical doll—a maid model. Well, it was a complete failure, though…”
Selene had laughed helplessly, suggesting that the overwhelming strength of the hero’s ego had likely caused the maid model’s original self to vanish instantly.
That image of Selene’s defeated smile still lingered vividly.
However, the experiment Selene conducted back then played a decisive role in shaping her plans later on.
Looking back now, the fact that Kaya—or rather, that child—took on the appearance of a maid at the time was almost like a godsend for her.
“When I first entrusted that child to the Princess, I was quite uneasy. But now, even the cruel fragments of the hero have disappeared entirely, and she’s become a gentle and lovely maid doll.
Thanks to that, I’ve been able to make significant progress in the study of souls, so I don’t regret the decision back then.
However, as for the plan you’re currently considering, well… I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Selene’s voice carried concern as she returned to reality after reminiscing.
***
Yuria, who had also finished reflecting, narrowed her eyes at Selene’s reaction.
It seemed the main topic was about to begin.
This moment was a critical juncture that would determine the success or failure of her future plans.
For her to attend “that banquet,” the help of the demon before her—specifically, the power of Selene as one of the Four Heavenly Kings—was indispensable.
As long as she could get her hands on that invitation, the rest would be her solo performance.
Resolving herself firmly, Yuria spoke in a confident tone.
“So, you’re finally getting to the point. As I mentioned in my previous letter, I’m confident. As you’ve observed all this time, that child is now completely dependent on me. She’s a perfect captive who cannot live without me. She only looks at me, craves my love… my one and only adorable maid.”
“Moreover, even if the hero’s ego gradually awakens due to the events that are about to unfold, I can fully control it. Unlike ten years ago, when control was barely achieved, I’ve continually surpassed my limits and grown stronger since then.”
“I’ll admit that much. But you’re underestimating the danger of the monster slumbering within that child. If used well, she could be the perfect card, but she’s also a double-edged sword that could destroy everything with a single misstep.”
“Even if it seems manageable under normal circumstances, the path you’re about to take… no matter how lucky you are, it’s bound to be a road of carnage. There will surely be moments of danger. And in the worst-case scenario, we demons might have to face that ultimate monster once again.”
Selene’s previously lighthearted demeanor vanished as she stared at the young demon before her with a hardened expression.
Her vigilance was, of course, justified.
For a mere novice who had never faced the unprecedented worst hero to confidently claim that she could fully control such an overwhelmingly powerful being—one comparable to the current Demon King—was audacious.
If the roles were reversed, Yuria herself would never have allowed such a reckless attempt.
Anyone with rational judgment would refuse without hesitation.
The reason she made such a bold proposal was simple.
The demon before her was an existence that had long since strayed far from the bounds of common sense.
“…I know. I know it’s not an easy task, and I know that even the slightest mistake could lead to instant death without any chance for redemption. But you must realize this too. Even if I cling to this fragile peace and live like a mouse in hiding, that will only last as long as my mother firmly holds the throne.”
“Someday, the inevitable issue of succession will arise, and when the virtually predetermined war for the throne begins in earnest, this peace will vanish in an instant. The nobles would never leave someone like me, the one and only stain on the royal family, alone.”
“So, if my end has already been decided as a death at someone else’s hands, then I would rather raise my sword first. A short and bold life suits me better than a long and drawn-out one.”
Yuria stared at the Four Heavenly Kings before her, simultaneously recalling certain faces in her mind.
Her siblings, who had regarded her as a thorn in their side since childhood, baring their fangs as if ready to strike the moment she showed any vulnerability.
For now, they were preoccupied with checking each other and building their own factions, but when the time came, they would not hesitate to point their weapons at one another.
In that inevitable conflict, she would undoubtedly become the primary target.
Her death would serve as the shameful signal fire for a long and bloody feud, etched into history.
As a mixed-blood princess with no support base, no substantial strength, and no political backers, her fate would be to quietly disappear from everyone’s memory.
But she refused to accept such a miserable end.
She would not kneel to those who dismissed her and sought to trample over her existence.
***
“Besides, if my proposal was entirely baseless and absurd, Selene, you wouldn’t have come here yourself. Honestly, you’re interested too, aren’t you? In my power, the limits of my demon’s eye, and the true potential of a military automaton imbued with a hero’s strength.”
“Hmm.”
“At the same time, the outcome and process of where I’m heading could serve as meaningful research data for your study of souls. In other words, this is a gamble—one where the risk is unimaginable, but the return matches it. It’s the kind of situation you like best, isn’t it? If I were to guess, the only reason you’re here is to gauge my resolve. So, how did I do…? Am I wrong?”
Drawing on their long-standing relationship, Yuria analyzed the character of the Four Heavenly Kings standing before her and arrived at this conclusion.
Though she spoke with confidence, there was a trace of worry lingering in her mind, reflected in her firm expression as she awaited Selene’s response.
It didn’t take long for Selene’s answer to confirm that Yuria had been correct.
“Hmph… Haha. To think our princess understands me so well. You’re right. If I had no interest at all, I wouldn’t have come here in the first place. Your tenacious demon’s eye, the unyielding will of a hero even after their body has perished… In the end, which will prevail? Just imagining it makes me unbearably curious. It’s also a perfect opportunity to confirm the true potential of that child I created.”
Selene’s sapphire eyes shone with a madness that suggested she hadn’t even considered the possibility of failure.
As she slowly moved past Yuria and toward the garden’s exit, Selene tilted her head slightly and revealed a seductive smile, expressing her decision.
The very answer Yuria had been waiting for.
***
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll make sure to deliver the invitation within the given timeframe. Whether that event will become your grave or an unexpected and delightful rebellion that no one could have foreseen… I can’t wait to find out. I’ll sincerely pray that you survive and satisfy my curiosity this time as well.”
Licking her crimson lips under the moonlight and flashing a final alluring smile, Selene departed shortly after.
Left alone, Yuria remained rooted to the spot for a long time.
As the night deepened, the red eyes of the princess, filled with firm resolve, burned with a darker flame than ever before.