It had been close to a month and a half since the fall of Lithandrel and Cresundia. The world was concerned by the growing influence of the Demons but didn't make a lot of fuss. The fall of Cresundia made them realize that they should forge a stronger bond with each other. The tactic used to bring Cresundia down was internal discord, so they focused on developing a strong integrity for their respective nation.
They withdrew their army from the frontlines, giving the Demons a breather. The war ceased indefinitely, but there was a rumour that the retreat was a preparation for a bigger war. Regardless, it was quite peaceful for both sides. It was a great opportunity for the developing Cresundia as it could concentrate its manpower on rebuilding the kingdom.
The massive relocation of the citizens inhabiting Cresundia was close to an end. Just like what Layland planned, the people who could stay there were Warriors, Artisans, and those who possessed the skills to support the army. There was also a quota for the people who possessed the skills to tend to matters unrelated to the military. Cresundia was a military headquarters, but Layland didn't want to fill the land only with weapons and blood.
The kingdom's resources were spent on rebuilding it in the first three weeks. It didn't generate any extra money during those three weeks, making it prone to unexpected situations that required money. Fortunately, nothing happened during those three weeks. The economy flourished the next week, generating a considerable amount of money that could be stored in the vault.
The rebuilding process was quick thanks to the help of Elves who were good at buildings. The Magic-using builders could do the job just fine, but the Elves helped greatly. The short-term projects were 80% finished because of their collaboration. The development rate was astonishing and alarming depending on which side you were on.
"Peace is an illusion. Layland has that mindset and that is the reason why we have always been winning. Those bastards are planning something out there. We need to explore the masterless regions more."
"It's a unanimous agreement that we should never meddle in the affair of masterless regions. No matter how unethical the humans are, they won't stoop so low. Furthermore, some of those masterless regions can rival a Kingdom. I think there is no need to worry about our enemy setting a base there."
"What a na?ve thinking. Did you doze off during Layland's lecture?"
"I paid rapt attention to everything Lord Layland said. That is why I suggest you not unnecessarily stoke a flame we can't bother to put out."
In the throne chamber of Cresundia which had been turned into an office, Shanifa and Millonia argued heatedly. As usual, Millonia was confronting Shanifa after being denied permission to go on a quest. Shanifa worried that Millonia would bring unnecessary trouble to Cresundia given her tendency to indiscriminately kill people. On the other hand, Millonia was irked that Shanifa had so little trust in her.
"I understand your concern, Lady Millonia, but we can't risk getting into trouble given our current situation. I would have not stopped you if our territory had completed its development," Shanifa said placatingly.
"I am not going to cause any trouble, damn it! I just need to ki— blow off some steam!" Millonia rebuked, inwardly cursing for her slip-up.
Shanifa shot an unamused at Millonia. She wasn't surprised by the slip-up. She could always see the crazed twinkle in Millonia's eyes whenever she got her permission to go on a quest. It still irked her that Millonia was so direct about it, though. Heaving an exasperated sigh, she looked at the fiery female Warrior pleadingly. The said female Warrior merely crossed her hands, not showing any intention to back down.
Sighing for the umpteenth time since Millonia entered the room, Shanifa felt a portion of her life force escape out of her mouth. She assumed a contemplative look, thinking about a way to appease Millonia while making sure she wouldn't cause trouble. She honestly believed that Millonia wouldn't spoil Layland's hard work, but it wouldn't hurt to be more careful.
"You are going to bring Winerva with you."
"Agree."
"…"
Shanifa was about to explain her reason for making Millonia bring Winerva when Millonia cut her. Already, she could see the crazed twinkle in Millonia's eyes. She sighed and then gestured for Millonia to proceed. She didn't bother to explain herself as she was sure Millonia understood that Winerva was a reminder that she shouldn't eat more than she could stomach. In short, Winerva was a hindrance.
There was a specific reason why Shanifa had assigned Winerva. She was the weakest among the women who were close to Layland. Millonia wouldn't dare to mess around with someone like Winerva with her. Layland wouldn't be pleased if she got hurt, after all.
"I hope they won't encounter anything they can't handle," Shanifa quietly prayed, strangely feeling uneasy.
Three hours later, Millonia and Winerva could be found riding a Wyvern in the sky. They were four hours away from their destination. Millonia grumbled about how faster it would have been if they had ridden Aurelia, causing Winerva to shake her head. It was unfair for the Wyvern to be compared to a Dragon.
The flight was mostly quiet. Winerva was not that talkative around Millonia. She had gotten over her fear of Layland but was still quite apprehensive around Millonia. After all, Millonia hadn't been that pleased when Layland brought her to Verniculos. Millonia had never been hostile toward her but also not amicable either. She could understand Millonia's disapproval, though, since she had loathed Layland for quite a long time.
"Do you hate me, Millonia?" Winerva choked out.
"Why?" Millonia responded with a frown.
"Uh…for how I treated Layland."
Surprising her, Millonia cackled. "All you did was distance yourself and call him a pervert. I am sure Layland thought it was cute." Millonia scoffed. "I have done worse. I had gutted him, played with his organs, and smoked him. I had insulted him, stomped him, and spat on his face. Damn, I would have even violated him if his body wasn't so disfigured each time our spar ended."
Seeing how calmly Millonia described the atrocity she had done to Layland made Winerva stare at her with wide eyes. She was planning to bridge the gap between their relationship, but she only became more afraid of Millonia. Millonia noticed her stare and grinned madly at her. She seriously contemplated jumping down from the Wyvern then and there.
"Relax, lass. Layland and I are in an amicable relationship now…well, kind of," Millonia said reassuringly as she put her hand on Winerva's shoulder. "What I am saying is, I don't hate you and neither do Layland. You were quite annoying back then with how hypocritical you were back then, but you are cool now."
"Uh…thanks."
"You are still weak, though."
Winerva grimaced and squirmed under Millonia's appraising look. Her prowess was the reason why she could never be honest around Layland. The women surrounding him possessed great powers. She was ashamed of how insignificant she was compared to them—compared to him. Therefore, she had always been an admirer; a side character in a romantic epic.
Millonia retracted her hand and turned back to the front. She knew what bothered Winerva but didn't want to help her. She was not great at dealing with emotional matters. On top of that, she wanted Winerva to get over her insecurity by herself. Convincing Winerva that she was enough would only encourage her to run away. She needed to accept her shortcomings and live with them.
'That bastard is very fond of making women fall for him, isn't he?' Millonia grumbled inwardly. 'Well, I guess it's also hard to not fall for a decent guy like him in this fucked-up world. Why does he have to be so handsome, by the way?'
Millonia was about to complain about how unfair the world was for giving Layland not only the looks but also the power when the Mana in the surroundings spiked. Her heart skipped a beat and a chill ran down her spine. She had had the misfortune to encounter the owner of the Mana pressure in the past. He was the last person she wanted to meet given her current state.
"Down, boy!" she shouted toward the Wyvern.
They dove down, cutting the air in a flash. Winerva yelped and hugged Millonia tightly. Fear gripped both of the women's hearts as the Mana pressure was getting more fearsome. Millonia gritted her teeth before deciding to risk it all. She tapped into the power which she had come to fear. Her vision tunnelled as Demonic power coursed through her veins.
[Bottomless Abyss]!
As her body changed, her limiter was lifted. She didn't become a complete Demon but still possessed the prowess of one. How strong she was, however, was still debatable. When they were close to slamming into the ground, Millonia pulled onto the rein. The Wyvern stopped diving down and then shot forward in the opposite direction. They were intent on getting home.
Unfortunately, they weren't so lucky in their endeavour. A white-haired man stood in their way, cutting the path of their escape. Millonia didn't think twice about jumping at the man and ordering Winerva to return alone. She ignored Winerva shouting her name as her clawed hand was making contact with the white-haired man's neck.
Clank!
She felt like hitting an unbreakable wall. The man's skin was as thick as Infragilium, one of the strongest metals in the world. Immediately, she retreated by kicking the air. She knew what the man could do and what she could afford to exert. One hit from the man was enough to kill her.
"It has been a long time, Millonia Trelova the Crimson Maiden," the man exclaimed with a smile while holding a few strands of her crimson hair which was quickly turning blue.
"Rusceus Consio. I thought you understood the ethics that Demon Kings should obey," Millonia replied spitefully.
"I see you have regained the reign over some of your power. What Levantine did will no longer affect you, it seems. Must be great living without fear of your dangerous power getting out of hand."
"You would have been squashed if I unleashed this power."
"But you won't, will you?"
Millonia bit on her lips in irritation. She was quite befuddled. She didn't know what she should do. She was even afraid of fighting to death since Rusceus might do something to her body afterwards.
"There is nothing frown so hard. My purpose today is not you."
"Huh?"
At this moment, a blonde woman teleported next to Rusceus. She got the unconscious Winerva on her shoulder. Millonia's eyes widened in shock. She knew the blonde. Layland had told her about what the blonde had done to him. Her blood boiled and her vision turned red.
"Send my regards to Layland Kleinhaus. I will see him in the Demon Kings Summit," Rusceus said before disappearing with Winerva.
The blonde looked at Millonia coldly before spitefully saying, "Tell that bastard this is a payback."
As the blonde disappeared, Millonia roared wrathfully.
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