Chapter 7: Future Development

The masses are ignorant and uninformed, especially in a thousand-year-old empire like this, where nobles and the church undoubtedly hold the reins of power.

Spreading rumors and misleading the public is all too easy for them.

Even with Emilia’s methods, she couldn’t immediately wrest control of the narrative from these entrenched nobles.

She could only start by changing the empire’s current state, believing that actions speak louder than words.

Yet, unexpectedly, the nobles and the church seized the opportunity.

This became one of the catalysts for her downfall, leaving Sieg stunned as he slightly furrowed his brow. To avoid unnecessary trouble, it was best not to act impulsively.

He glanced sideways, lowering his voice.

“It looks like you should cover up a bit. In this empire, you’re quite the celebrity. If you’re exposed, it’ll likely cause a huge commotion.”

“Alright, no problem.”

She had no objections to the situation, nodding obediently.

Seeing this, there was no expected sadness; instead, she seemed relieved, perhaps truly letting go.

Her crimson eyes were calm as still water, focused only on the man beside her and the desire to return home.

Their gazes met.

Sieg, once the Demon King Hakimi, was the first to break, unable to hold her stare.

Whether it was simple dislike or discomfort from being watched by a woman, he turned his head slightly, still muttering complaints as usual.

“You’re not going to pull that gravity trick on me again, are you? Please, don’t talk about forming a band for life or—ugh—following me to atone for a lifetime. Even I’d feel pressured by that.”

Before she could respond, perhaps knowing what she’d say or simply not caring, he walked off on his own, casually buying a straw hat.

He turned back, placed the hat firmly on the silver-haired girl’s head, ruffled her hair a bit, and said with a serious face, though his lips betrayed a smirk.

“Emilia, you’re destined to become the man who rules gravity.”

“Well, as long as you’re happy.”

She gave a faint smile, not arguing, just responding gently.

She lifted her small hand to adjust the hat’s brim, her voice so soft it seemed only the two of them could hear.

This set off alarm bells in Sieg’s mind.

Something felt off—a flutter of the heart. He sensed danger, his brows knitting together.

This woman was tempting him, yet he had no proof.

Had he been too lenient with her lately, giving her the illusion she could get closer?

The more he thought, the worse it felt.

He quickly stepped back, waving his hands with a twisted, disgusted expression.

“Emilia, don’t act like that! It’s like we’re close or something. You know I have a thing about cleanliness—I don’t like using things others have touched. Don’t try that little boyfriend act on me; it won’t work.”

As he spoke, he brushed off the goosebumps on his arm,

telling himself to calm down.

“Let me make this clear: even if I die, even if I jump off here, I won’t fall for you. We’re just using each other. You atone, I use you—because right now, you’re still very useful to me.”

Why say so much?

Why not just ignore her or give her the cold shoulder?

Wouldn’t that be simpler?

From the start, he’d been cold and indifferent, treating her like air.

But he couldn’t keep it up.

Maybe he’d been lonely too long, or maybe it was his nature.

In this other world, he had no one to talk to, and Emilia just happened to fit—another transmigrator with no cultural gap, someone who knew him inside and out.

“That’s not what I meant, Sieg. I’m just happy. It feels like we’re back to how things used to be…”

Biting her lip lightly, Emilia grew helpless, awkwardly fidgeting, her slender hands gripping her wrist as she stood rooted in place.

Whether it was a system task or her own heart, she hoped to reconcile with him, which made her a bit carried away just now.

“…Alright, let’s go.”

Sieg didn’t press further or make a fuss.

She’d said her piece—what more could he say?

Perhaps it touched a soft spot in his heart.

To hide it, he scratched the back of his head, feigning irritation.

But the favorability meter above his head didn’t lie—it was slowly rising, though still far from zero.

Pausing, he moved on to business.

“Follow me. You’ll be useful soon. I scouted several slave traders and finally found one with good quality and quantity at a fair price.”

As if struck by a thought, he raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk, trying to regain some ground.

He pointed at the slaves nearby.

“How about it? Should I save them? They were just praying for your help. You can’t turn a blind eye, can you, great Saintess?”

“No need, Sieg. If you think they’re useful, buy them. But saving them out of kindness? Pointless. Without land, work, or a recognized identity in this country, they’ll just end up slaves again or die at the hands of nobles.”

Her words cut straight to the point, clearly deducing what had happened based on the situation.

It was just a guess, but likely close to the truth.

“Fine, let’s go.”

Finding her reasoning sound, Sieg stroked his chin and nodded.

With funds tight, there was no need to spend recklessly.

They passed through desolate streets, entering a dark alley and arriving at their destination—a rusted iron gate.

Inside, the air carried the stench of blood and screams.

Soon, a greasy, overweight man in lavish clothes greeted them, rubbing his hands like a fly.

“Young Master Sieg, it’s been a few days, and you’re looking even more dashing!”

“Likewise. Show me what you’ve got. You know my demand is high, so I hope you can keep up.”

Sieg returned the pleasantries with a smile, extending a hand while keeping the other behind his back, leaning slightly forward.

In his mind, he thought: The art of socializing, the secrets of human nature, dark psychology.

Emilia, somewhat confused, followed closely behind the young man. She didn’t understand what he meant by “you’ll be useful soon” and felt utterly lost.

Once the fat man left to prepare the goods, she reached out, gently tugging Sieg’s sleeve.

Standing on her tiptoes, she whispered in his ear, wanting to clarify things to avoid holding him back later.

“What did you mean just now, about needing me?”

“Oh, that? Simple. With your Saintess abilities—even if you’ve been stripped of the title—you can still sense potential, right? Check the slaves for anyone with the makings of a magic apprentice or a chosen one. I want to train them up. It’s like panning for gold in a cesspool, but it’s better than nothing. I don’t exactly have other options.”

He couldn’t help but laugh as he spoke.

“Man, I can’t just go kidnapping people, right? That’s too much hassle and would stir up trouble. If certain people notice me before I’m strong enough, it’ll be bad. Better to play it safe for now.”

He didn’t hold back, laying it all bare.

To achieve great things, one shouldn’t sweat the small stuff.

He needed to build his own forces, and these slaves were the perfect starting point—his first step toward domination.

Pausing, he decided to go all in, reassuring her.

“Don’t worry, I still need you for now. No need to fear being abandoned—at least not yet. I value your abilities. With your skills, building and managing a Demon King’s castle should be a piece of cake. You managed an entire empire flawlessly, after all.”

“But before that, I’ll grant you one wish. Nothing too outrageous, though. I don’t like freeloading. You work, you earn. We’re equals, each getting what we need.”

The girl fell silent for a moment, her eyes carrying a hint of sincerity.

“I want to visit my hometown once. And I hope you’ll come with me.”