“Those rumors… are they true?”
“They are. But you’ll understand soon enough.”
Rolls stood up, walked over to the bookshelf, and took a stack of documents he’d organized himself. He placed them in front of Celes.
“These are the kingdom’s official historical records. In all of Human history, the number of times a single Great Hero-level genius appeared in the same era is fifteen. Two appeared together four times, and only once did three appear at the same time. But four appearing together? That’s absolutely unprecedented.”
***
When they reached the outskirts of the royal palace, guards came to escort them.
After checking their identities, Ella noticed the guards kept sneaking glances at her.
Of course they’d notice. With that iron helmet on, it was impossible not to stand out when she turned her head.
Now it was certain, Succubus Secret Essence was real. Vina hadn’t lied, at least not about this.
Still, Ella felt things like this varied from person to person.
Look at Celes, she wasn’t affected at all.
Honestly, it just proved those brothers lacked resolve.
If they could be shaken so easily, how could they protect the King’s City for the Human Race?
The traps and mechanisms in the Demon King’s Castle were probably more reliable.
Soon, they were led to a place resembling the Council Hall.
Several high-ranking officials were already seated in the elevated seats above.
As the two girls entered, many gazes landed on them.
Ella could even sense some not-so-friendly…
“Since everyone’s here, let’s begin.”
The man with the square face sitting at the top spoke.
“Today’s agenda.”
He seemed like a proper person, his eyes didn’t even drift in their direction.
“We’ve long had a consensus. The Demon King Aio is the Human Race’s greatest enemy, a true schemer. He might not act aggressively, but his ambitions are vast, so he takes his time, step by step.”
He might not look, but everything he said was about her.
Got it. So you’re the old geezer who keeps spreading the Demon King Threat Theory.
I’ll remember that.
Just then, a portly middle-aged man sitting a bit lower spoke up, “Since Demon King Aio has lost, why are we still talking about him? I think we should return to the Special Squad. They brought back a girl from the Demon King’s Castle, and she’s been kept close ever since.”
The middle-aged man’s gaze turned malicious.
“I don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Ella felt a flash of annoyance.
The royal palace, the Council Hall, in front of all the officials, someone of such high rank letting his desires cloud his mind.
Honestly… this was great!
With such rot at the top of the Human Kingdom, what else could she say? Only one thing..
Demon Race, your time has come!
Hehe.
“Calm down, Taidin. The aftereffects of this are the real agenda today.”
The square-faced man spoke gravely.
“Listen carefully. If Demon King Aio was once our distant threat, then Wolfhead Feng Lie is our immediate concern.”
“Wolfhead Feng Lie? Who’s that?”
“The leader of a major Demon Race tribe. He has the head of a wolf and is reckless and fierce. As soon as news of Demon King Aio’s defeat spread, he declared the Demon King dead and crowned himself king.”
Ella’s smile froze.
No more ‘hehe’.
“Feng Lie isn’t a competent schemer, but he’s definitely a troublesome backstabber. More importantly, he doesn’t use his head,” the square-faced man said, a hint of helplessness in his tone.
“He only cares about gains, never losses. So, to raise his reputation among the Demon Race, he’ll definitely launch a full-scale attack, no matter the cost.”
That was spot on.
From what Ella knew of Feng Lie, he really was the type to do things that hurt others without helping himself.
If only she’d dealt with him back then… No, the political fallout would have been too much.
She’d have to send an assassin in secret… but she didn’t have anyone that capable under her.
When the nation is in peril, good generals are needed. But where are they?
“So, our suggestion,” the square-faced man looked at Zero, “is to send the Special Squad to the border with his tribe. If necessary, infiltrate and carry out a Decapitation Operation against Wolfhead Feng Lie.”
Ella’s heart skipped. Did she just get the perfect team for her rebellion suppression?
She looked at the square-faced man with newfound admiration.
Capable!
A good general indeed!
As for his earlier ‘Demon King Threat Theory,’ well, maybe that’s just one hero admiring another. No complaints.
But Zero hesitated.
“This is something the five of us need to discuss together. I can’t decide alone, at least Celes needs to be here…”
The middle-aged man snorted.
“After all this talk, the key person isn’t even here. Wasn’t this all for nothing? If we can’t decide big matters, let’s talk about small ones.”
This time, the square-faced man said nothing.
The middle-aged man turned his gaze back to Ella, unable to hide his eagerness.
“For someone with such an unclear background, I should be the one to make arrangements!”
“No,” Zero stepped forward, blocking his way, “Ella is still in her probation period. She’s about to become a member of our squad…”
“You have no authority to decide personnel changes for the squad! Zero!”
The middle-aged man suddenly stood up and shouted.
The girl’s slender frame trembled.
“Don’t forget, you’re still carrying…”
“What are you talking about?”
An icy-blue figure walked in from outside, making everyone in the hall tense.
“Miss Ella is a genuine human, personally verified by the Saintess of the Church of Light,” Celes said as she stepped forward, her voice gentle.
“I was the one who agreed to the proposal for her limited-time trial in the squad.”
She stopped beside the two girls.
“Taidin, are you questioning the Saintess’ abilities, or do you take issue with my decision?”
A flash of fear flickered in the middle-aged man’s eyes.
He slumped back into his seat, muttering, “No, I was just making a suggestion.”
“Raise objections if you have them,” Celes said. “But keep your suggestions to yourself.”
“……”
Just then, silvery laughter rang out from the edge of the hall…
“Hehe, good thing I arrived in time. I almost missed a great show.”
A petite girl took off her pointed wizard hat, revealing red twin tails.
Her tone was playful, “Miss Ella really is beautiful. No wonder the Demon King couldn’t resist, and had to hide her away in his golden house. Taidin, do you want to do what the Demon King did?”
Taidin broke out in a cold sweat, waving his hands frantically.
“No, no, don’t say that!”
Celes made him wary, but Vina was simply someone everyone kept at arm’s length.
Who hadn’t heard of the little witch’s reputation? She was pure chaos.
What was the Magic Court doing, letting her out so soon?
“Ahem.”
The square-faced man cleared his throat.
“Let’s not get sidetracked. Now that the Special Squad is nearly all present, let’s return to the main topic.”
He repeated the matter regarding Feng Lie.
After listening, Celes nodded.
“If there are no better suggestions, we’re willing to take on the mission. The Special Squad was formed for this purpose, after all.”
Ella nodded along.
Yes, yes, the hero squad was formed just to help me crush the rebellion.
Traitors, prepare to meet your end!