The Emperor was standing in front of Ezekiel.
Rumble!
Dressed in heavy armor and a lion-headed helmet, he flaunted an intense energy that left the demons clueless.
Grrr!
It was the pinnacle of energy control. To think such a strong aura could be revealed only to a worthy opponent.
Whoosh!
Ezekiel instinctively sensed where the Emperor was looking.
Blink!
Even amidst the chaos, Ezekiel promptly bowed. It was to show respect towards the Emperor.
Bow!
“There’s no need for such courtesy here,” the Emperor’s voice was low.
Hmm…
They likely found each other’s appearances strange.
Huh?
Though familiar faces, the Emperor was clad in armor while Ezekiel dressed like the mage’s spouse. The saying “clothes make the man” truly fitted.
Ding!
“Let’s have a chat, Ezekiel.”
Chirp!
“Yes, Your Majesty the Emperor.”
Yay!
The conversation between Ezekiel and the Emperor unfolded amidst the bustling demons who were confused by the flaring energies.
Zing!
The Emperor asked first.
“You look like someone married in the Demon Realm. Quite fitting—are you planning to settle down here?”
Gasp!
“It’s a misunderstanding. This is just…”
Uh-oh!
As Ezekiel attempted to clarify, the Emperor shook his head.
“Ah, no need to explain. I know you haven’t betrayed the continent.”
Phew!
“…Thank you for that consideration.”
Smile!
Yet, Ezekiel felt it was peculiar.
Hmm?
‘Could he be joking?’
Giggle!
Though they had known each other for a long time, it was the first time seeing the Emperor joke. What a surprise!
Whoa!
Anyway, when the Emperor’s gaze shifted to his attire, Ezekiel felt thoroughly embarrassed. He must’ve looked like the husband of a demon.
Hehe!
“I’ve received reports. There was a betrayal with the Magic Tower, and the Goddess forcibly brought you to the Demon Realm.”
Shock!
“Your Majesty has heard correctly.”
Ding-dong!
Ezekiel nodded.
“By the way, since you’ve heard, are the mages of the Imperial Tower and Blue Tower safe?”
Whew!
“All of them are safe. No issues with their bodies.”
Yay!
“Oh.”
Shweeet!
Finally relieved, Ezekiel had now fully confirmed that Arcne kept her promise to dispel the curse of loneliness. It felt like a heavy burden had lifted from his heart.
Whoosh!
The Emperor said to Ezekiel.
“Since your situation is special, I intervened. We’ll discuss the rest after moving to the continent.”
Snap!
The Emperor gestured as if to leave.
Whoosh!
Returning to the continent from the Demon Realm was a moment Ezekiel had desperately hoped for.
Hallelujah!
“….”
However, surprisingly,
Hmm?
Ezekiel found it hard to take a step.
Stuck!
“Why, is something keeping your feet stuck?”
Zap!
The Emperor inferred and continued speaking.
“I see you’ve realized the Goddess’s identity. No need to worry. Move on from the past’s misunderstandings. The child from back then and the current Goddess are absolutely different.”
Whoosh!
Yes, the reason was undoubtedly Goddess Arcne.
Ooh!
That’s what kept Ezekiel’s feet shackled.
Chains!
Every time he recalled, deep regret surfaced.
Ugh…
If only circumstances hadn’t conspired against him in the past, Arcne would’ve held the title of Princess now, not Goddess. That felt regrettable.
Sad face!
Ezekiel thought it was certainly possible to reform Arcne, despite her being different now.
Think!
“The past is like fog that obscures the future. If you don’t push through, you’ll wander endlessly until you run out of breath. Such a frail heart…”
Whomp!
“Your Majesty.”
Halt!
He interrupted the Emperor’s words.
Stop!
Him appealing to the Emperor with emotions surely wasn’t right. It was an utterly ineffective approach.
Duh!
Thus, Ezekiel knew the method. How to obtain what he wanted from the Emperor.
Light bulb!
Finished with his thoughts, Ezekiel spoke up.
“I do not harbor a frail heart.”
Ba-ding!
“Really? Then why the hesitation?”
Hmm!
At that question, Ezekiel’s expression turned serious.
Grim face!
“I’ve contemplated my heart countless times, yet this isn’t some weak concern or confusion. It’s a strong will.”
Grrr!
The Emperor slowly crossed his arms.
Crossed!
“A strong will… for what purpose?”
Ding!
“Please give me just a bit of time.”
Time ticking!
Ezekiel got straight to the point.
“Requesting time? Sounds like something a spy would say.”
Whisper!
“…While it’s true I seek to live like a spy, I certainly do not plan to betray the continent. You know that.”
Truth!
“Keep talking.”
Go on!
“As always, I propose a deal.”
Deal!
In the end, Ezekiel’s choice was a deal.
Deal done!
Appealing to emotions or making requests was futile.
Kaboom!
The only option was to strike a bargain, achieve something that would please the Emperor, and get what he desired.
Cha-ching!
“A deal, huh….”
Hmm…
The Emperor murmured lowly before bursting into laughter.
Ha ha!
“You really must be mad. You were abducted in the treacherous Demon Realm, and yet you want to make a deal?”
Chuckle!
“It’s possible. I have the confidence to succeed.”
Fist pump!
Ezekiel pushed with determination.
Roar!
“If this was a joke, then I’d say I’ve succeeded. It’s been ages since I laughed like this. Now can we head to the continent? There’s little time to hide my aura completely. Hurry up.”
Quickly!
“This is serious. It’s more interesting than any joke though.”
Oh for real!?
The Emperor did not turn his back as he spoke of going to the continent; it seemed he was at least willing to consider.
Okay!
“I intend to stay a little longer in the Demon Realm and accomplish many things.”
Mission!
“What you do will be important.”
Clue!
“I plan to extract key intel from the Demon Realm and annihilate the cities that exploit humans. Will that suffice?”
Boom!
“Hmm.”
Hmm…
The Emperor began to deliberate.
Thinking!
Ezekiel was certain it would work.
Win-win!
Just moments ago, the Emperor himself said one couldn’t hide his presence completely in the Demon Realm for long.
Yikes!
In other words, Ezekiel’s spying would gain even more significance. Staying here for a long time while extracting intel was the continent’s only means.
Finders keepers!
And indeed, Ezekiel’s prediction was correct.
Bingo!
“While saying it’s easy with words, it’s difficult to actualize. Especially when it comes to annihilating cities; while it would be good for the continent to damage the Demon Realm’s forces… how?”
Tell me how!
“…Even if it’s difficult, I will try.”
Grit teeth!
Ezekiel spoke with a determined gaze.
Focused!
Though Han-shin’s strength seemed overwhelming, there must be a way to find it. If not, he’d make one.
Gotta try!
The Emperor continued to ponder.
Scratch head!
“It’s truly unpredictable. You weave absurd tales yet they are always intriguing…”
Ha ha!
He murmured softly and asked.
“What, then, do you seek in return for this deal?”
Gift!
“First, of course, the Sun Elixir.”
Yay!
“First, so there’s more you desire.”
Uh-oh!
“Correct. I believe that’s warranted.”
Smart move!
“Go ahead and tell me.”
Spill it!
Ezekiel hesitated for a moment.
Think!
Along with several drops of the Sun Elixir, what Ezekiel wanted to demand from the Emperor was simply….
Do tell!
“…If given the chance, may I take Arcne to the continent? I wish to reform her.”
Whoa!
“Denied!”
Boom!
The refusal came immediately.
Ding!
The Emperor shook his head resolutely.
No way!
“It’s simply out of the question.”
Not allowed!
“Why so firmly against it?”
Frown!
“Is there anything more absurd than trying to reform a Demon? If she pretends to be reformed and brings disaster, can you bear the responsibility?”
Eek!
“….”
Silence!
“She’s already killed countless humans; surely she won’t stop. With her upbringing as a demon, treating her as anything but a demon is the best course.”
Deal with it!
“Doesn’t she remember the time she was abandoned? You’d suggest abandoning her yet again? That’s incredibly cruel.”
Harsh reality!
“If you don’t treat her harshly, someone on the continent will die. Will you ignore that because it isn’t visible? I’ll provide the Sun Elixir. That’s all.”
Thud!
Ezekiel then shut his mouth.
Silence!
The Emperor’s stance was so firm that convincing him immediately seemed impossible. No matter how much he talked, it seemed like he’d go in circles.
Round and round!
‘After all, I bought some time.’
Clock ticking!
Having secured time to extract intel from the Demon Realm and confront Han-shin, he could at least try to reform Arcne a bit during this period.
Grow!
If he could create something that would change the Emperor’s mind, he’d eventually have no choice but to grant permission.
Fingers crossed!
Ezekiel thought, settling his heart.
Calm down!
It was then that the Emperor continued speaking.
“And Ezekiel, you must know how significant the success of this deal is.”
Success!
“I understand it’s very serious.”
Got it!
“No, I’m not just talking about the importance of the task itself.”
Huh?
The Emperor shook his head.
Uh-uh!
“If the task fails, the princesses will never let go of you. They will look for you in any manner. Almost like a war.”
War drums!
His voice bore an unusual severity.
Doomsday tone!
“Your failure could lead to the death of all princesses. Act with utmost caution every minute and second.”
Tick-tock!
The Emperor’s words rang true.
Truth bomb!
This task was more dangerous, significant, and demanded success than any task ever undertaken.
First priority!
Ezekiel, feeling a surge of determination, asked.
“How shall I contact you upon my return?”
Ping!
“Take this.”
Whip!
The Emperor swiftly tossed something to Ezekiel. It was a bead that felt like it could crumble with just a nail’s pressure.
Fragile!
“Once you break this bead, I will descend to your location. Use it when you need to return after successfully completing your tasks.”
Magic!
With that, the Emperor vanished.
Poof!
Ezekiel continued to closely examine the bead afterwards.
Glimmer!
For quite a while, too.
Tick-tock!
This bead—he’d come up with quite a significant method of utilizing it.
Plan!
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