Chapter 17: Ice…
“Kill the demon! Kill the demon!”
The impassioned cries echoed through Vikarn Port. Glaimond stood in a room atop the distant Clock Tower, looking down on the scene, his eyes narrowed.
“Things seem to be escalating a bit too quickly. That juvenile demon is rather impulsive. This is troublesome…”
Despite his words, his tone lacked any real concern.
Knock, knock, knock…
A knock came at the door, followed by the voice of a messenger.
“Reporting, sir. The demon girl has escaped, but another suspected demon has appeared alongside her… Should we deploy the Garrison Knights?”
“No. Hold our position. Let the City Guard handle it.” Glaimond replied calmly.
The messenger hesitated. “But, sir, the City Guard’s strength is insufficient against a demon of squadron leader level or higher…”
“That is an order.” Glaimond’s tone remained even, but now carried an undeniable authority.
“…Yes, sir.”
The messenger offered no further argument, bowing his head and exiting the room.
As an invisible wave spread out, only a few in Vikarn Port detected it.
“Did she attract a real demon?” Glaimond closed his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“If it’s a true demon… that would be even better.” Glaimond opened his eyes, looking down at the source of the clamor. “To dare venture alone into Vikarn Port, deep within the Empire… within the reach of the Empire’s authority. Unless it’s a demon legion commander, then… hmph…”
Glaimond touched an ornate ring on his finger, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
“Another demon slain would add to my credentials when I inherit the mantle of Legendary Knight…”
Despite the vast disparity in power between their races, humanity had stubbornly waged war against the demons for centuries, not due to demonic mercy, but because of the “Imperial Authority” wielded by the Empire’s Legendary Knights.
Within the Empire’s territory, Legendary Knights wielding this authority could exert power far exceeding their own, a force even high-ranking demons had to treat with caution.
However, when the Empire’s control over its borders weakened, so did the Imperial Authority. Without it, Legendary Knights couldn’t stand against the demon legions.
This was how the Abyssal Demon Realm had gradually chipped away at humanity’s territory and the Empire. Centuries later, only the once mighty North Empire clung to its remaining lands.
Although Glaimond hadn’t officially inherited the title of Legendary Knight, he had, by chance, obtained a ring containing a fragment of the Imperial Authority, allowing him to combat invading demons.
This was the source of his confidence in his plan to assassinate Lugner and usurp his position.
So far, everything was proceeding smoothly, according to plan. With Lugner incapacitated, Glaimond could finally make his move, extending his influence within the Empire.
Everything was ready. He just needed the silver-haired demon captured and executed publicly. Then, Lugner would “peacefully pass away,” his “vengeance” fulfilled.
With his prior preparations, Glaimond could then seamlessly inherit Lugner’s “authority” and become the new Legendary Knight.
It was all perfectly orchestrated. Now, Glaimond simply had to wait, patiently.
He looked up at the overcast sky, the shouts below seemingly growing louder.
Remembering the City Guard’s morning report, his smile faded slightly.
“Demon Hunters… what are they doing here?”
…
Xu Bai huddled in Ice Lily’s arms, quiet as a porcelain doll.
Ice Lily used her innate ability to create a field of light-refracting ice particles around them, effectively rendering them invisible.
They moved through the agitated crowd, reaching a secluded, deserted alley.
“Miss Ice Lily, you can put me down now,” Xu Bai whispered, her long eyelashes fluttering, a slight blush on her cheeks. She hadn’t expected Ice Lily to pick her up again in this embarrassing manner.
Even if Ice Lily weren’t a demon, being held like this by any girl would make Xu Bai uncomfortable.
But given the circumstances, she hadn’t protested.
Now, safe from immediate danger, Xu Bai couldn’t wait to escape the cold, faintly fragrant embrace.
“Alright.”
Ice Lily complied, bending down and gently setting Xu Bai down.
But for some reason, Xu Bai felt as if Ice Lily’s hands had lingered, brushing against her entire body as she was being lowered.
However, when Xu Bai looked up, Ice Lily’s gaze was straight ahead, her expression as indifferent as ever, as if nothing had happened.
Xu Bai hesitated, then spoke. “Miss Ice Lily, did you just…”
“No.”
Before Xu Bai could finish, Ice Lily quickly replied, her clear, unwavering gaze fixed on her.
Xu Bai: “…”
She definitely did! She definitely did!
Xu Bai clutched her clothes tighter, stepping away from Ice Lily, mentally placing her on the same alert level as Sasha.
What was it about her that attracted such attention? Two strange girls in two days…
Ice Lily remained expressionless, seemingly unaffected by Xu Bai’s distancing, but she also took a few steps back, maintaining the previous distance.
Xu Bai stepped back again, and Ice Lily followed.
“…”
“Miss Ice Lily, aren’t you in Vikarn Port looking for someone?” Xu Bai asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Although Ice Lily had helped her escape, she was still a demon.
And to Xu Bai, demons were mortal enemies.
“Yes,” Ice Lily replied. “But she might not appear for a while. I need to look after you.”
She paused, then added seriously, “The Ice Demon bloodline is rare. Although I don’t know your standing within the clan, I must treat you as a junior for now—by the way, what is your true name?”
“I… never mind.” Xu Bai decided against explaining, simply replying, “Just call me Bai. Nothing else.”
Like Little Sister Bai, for instance…
“Alright, Ice Bai.”
Ice Lily nodded slightly, indicating her understanding.
Understanding? Understanding what?!
Xu Bai twitched her lips. This Ice Demon seemed different from the demons she knew.
She seemed… a bit clueless?
Leave a Reply