“The Crown Prince of the Sirius Empire, Theron Stella Sirius. It’s an honor to meet you.”
While conversing with Theon, I had to give my all to maintain a neutral expression.
At the same time, I subtly widened my field of vision.
“Hmm… where? Exactly where is it coming from?”
It was too faint to be certain.
This place was deep within the Argon Kingdom.
The fact that the foul smell of Demon Energy was present here was far from a good omen.
“I would also like to hear the names of the two individuals standing behind you. If they’re close associates of the Crown Prince, they must be quite extraordinary. Would you mind introducing them if it’s not too much trouble?”
My focus wavered at the soft voice.
Sara, was it?
A strange aura surrounded this woman who was supposed to be the queen of a nation.
“Archmage Erias Saturn, in charge of the Infantry Palace among the 12 Palaces of the Imperial Capital.”
“Ah, really… Do you address the Emperor this way as well?”
“…Hmph.”
The atmosphere grew chilly.
Though her smile was gentle, the meaning behind her words was clear.
Sara was demanding respect from Erias.
Even the Emperor dared not treat the Archmage lightly, yet here was the Queen of a minor kingdom presuming to criticize him.
Was she unaware of who he was?
Or was this a deliberate act to preserve her pride despite knowing better?
Either way, it was clearly absurd.
And what about Erias himself?
After briefly losing his words, he soon spoke with a bewildered expression.
“Right now, you dare…”
“Aha-ha!”
Theron quickly cut her off.
While it was technically rude on her part, it wasn’t outright provocation either.
Perhaps it was just genuine curiosity.
Even if it was meant as a provocation, it lacked sufficient justification.
If Erias were to say everything he wanted, the mood would undoubtedly turn hostile.
We were allies, after all, and any protest should be made diplomatically.
“This seems to have caught him off guard completely. Even the Emperor, who oversees countless subjects, doesn’t reprimand the actions of the Infantry Palace. How could he have expected such a question here? Please kindly overlook this.”
In simpler terms: “The Emperor doesn’t criticize him, so why should you?”
That he could deliver such a long sentence without pausing was impressive.
Such small details truly showed what an exceptional person he was.
“Hehe, apologies. Though you’re indeed remarkable, I was genuinely curious if you speak this way to the Emperor as well. If I’ve been disrespectful, please accept my apology.”
Sara bowed with a seductive expression.
Her hand covering her cleavage during the greeting created an oddly provocative atmosphere.
She didn’t seem like a proper queen.
To put it bluntly, her gestures were those of someone trying to allure men.
Indeed…
This queen was currently flirting with Theron, even with King Argon IV right beside her.
“…It’s fine. Aren’t we ‘allies’? We can overlook each other’s minor faults.”
Theron answered slightly delayed, likely suppressing a distorted expression.
From my position behind him, I couldn’t see clearly, but Erias had tightly pursed his lips – a sign of irritation.
“And may I inquire about the name of the person next to you?”
Fortunately, the atmosphere didn’t worsen further.
I cleared my throat and began speaking.
“Colonel Allen, commanding officer of the Empire’s Special Task Force within the Special Forces.”
“Ah, Allen… Could you be the famous ‘Barbarian Massacre’?”
Word of that nickname had spread far and wide, apparently.
I smiled faintly and nodded.
“An embarrassing title, but yes. That’s how I was referred to on the battlefield.”
“Oh my~ So young! By the way, does ‘Allen’ mean ‘commoner’?”
“Yes.”
“My goodness, my goodness! After achieving such great merit in war, you’re still a commoner? Doesn’t your empire value those who sacrifice for their country?”
With her innocent and playful expression, her intent was clear:
She was deliberately provoking us.
What an absurd situation… Was she insane?
“Hmm. I’m satisfied as I am. I receive better treatment than most nobles anyway… Being a commoner causes no inconvenience.”
I maintained a calm demeanor, refusing to engage in her provocations.
But this madwoman wasn’t done yet.
“Still, there’s a big difference between being noble or not, isn’t there? By any chance, how about the Argon Kingdom? We currently lack a duke-level family.”
“I decline. I’d rather be the tail of a dragon than the head of a snake.”
Without realizing it, I responded coldly.
There was no choice.
If I hesitated, my loyalty might be questioned.
“Don’t you think you should consider it deeply…”
“Sara, Queen. Do you wish to declare enmity with the Empire?”
Theron’s voice echoed through the royal audience chamber.
“I do have limits to my patience. My will here represents the Empire’s. Unless you want another war, stop this nonsense.”
“We’ve barely recovered from the last war. Would you start another one with the Eastern Union?”
“That’s none of your concern. The Empire doesn’t shy away from its battles.”
“Hmm…”
Making a nasal sound, Queen Sara leaned back in her chair before bowing again.
“How could I ever stand against the Empire? Please forgive my rudeness.”
“…We’ll take our leave. Hopefully, you won’t seek us out until the alliance conference.”
Giving a cold reply, Theron turned and walked out.
As Erias and I followed him, I glanced back.
“…Heh-heh.”
Sara was smirking unpleasantly while waving at me.
I narrowed my eyes in response.
Why was this queen acting so strangely?
While pondering this, I realized something shocking:
King Argon IV hadn’t spoken a single word since the initial greetings.
If someone unfamiliar saw this scene, they might mistake Sara for the ruler of the kingdom.
I was certain now:
This madwoman was actually the High Priest of Lust.
***
Watching their retreating backs, Sara smiled intriguingly.
“Hmm, what a desirable man. ‘Singularity’ indeed.”
Stretching lazily, Sara immediately summoned her Demon Energy.
Sssshhh…
Surrounding herself with Demon Energy, she soon revealed her true form.
“Really, these formal robes are too stifling.”
A revealing crimson dress that barely covered her ample chest.
Her outfit, showing more skin than it concealed, was fitting attire for the High Priest of Lust.
Despite the excessive exposure, it didn’t appear vulgar due to her formidable power.
The Queen of Argon, Sara, had transformed into Libido Urtica, the High Priest of Lust, licking her red tongue across her lips.
“As rumors say, the Crown Prince is quite the man, completely unaffected by my charms.”
Though her alluring influence was minimal due to the presence of a Master and Archmage nearby, it would have driven most men wild.
However, the Crown Prince of the Empire resisted effortlessly.
Recalling this, Libido sighed.
“The Empire truly isn’t easy to handle. A direct confrontation would be impossible.”
Especially the Archmage was monstrous.
While expecting danger when he contained ‘Rage’, seeing it firsthand was terrifying.
“You seem to have provoked them quite enthusiastically despite your thoughts.”
A nearby Handmaiden asked.
“Well, what can I do when faced with such a handsome man? I’m still feeling warm down below.”
“Even so, you should have restrained yourself. If the Crown Prince had lost control, your life would already be gone.”
“That’s exactly why I provoked him. An preemptive attack would give us perfect justification.”
Libido controlled only Argon Kingdom so far.
To move the Eastern Union, legitimate reasons were necessary.
There wouldn’t be a better justification than the Empire attacking the King and Queen of their host country.
Of course, Libido initiated the provocation, but outsiders wouldn’t know that.
“And… Wouldn’t your death benefit you? The next High Priest would be yours.”
Libido gave a seductive smile.
When the High Priest who contracted with the Demon King dies, the next contract goes to the next ranking priest.
The Handmaiden beside Libido was of that rank.
She was stronger than Libido.
However, lacking the crucial ability to allure people, she ranked lower.
Even with such a bone-chilling comment, the Handmaiden replied calmly.
“If you’re going to die, please commit suicide quietly. Getting captured like the High Priest of Rage would be troublesome.”
“Oh dear, how sad~ How could my only Handmaiden say such things?”
“It’s just that you seem eager to die. You shouldn’t right now.”
If Libido died, all mind-control over Argon Kingdom’s leadership would be lifted.
This would weaken the influence of Lust, which the next High Priest didn’t desire.
“True, true. Please protect me then. If you want to inherit full power.”
“That’s my intention. Please remain calm.”
Demon Energy flared between the two women’s gazes.
While sticky black energy filled the historically rich audience chamber, King Argon IV continued staring blankly into space.
The fate of a man consumed by lust.
