Sword of Salvation-Chapter 96: - Envoy of Denland

VIERTINO Moskvallha had been dead for six months. Anzu heard this information directly from Emperor Zalestino’s mouth.

Of course, she didn’t ask directly. Anzu eavesdropped on the emperor’s conversation with several people in a secret room within the palace. Unfortunately, Anzu couldn’t see the identities of those people because her presence (or rather, her split soul) was discovered. Because of that, she didn’t have the chance to hear more.

One thing was clear: Anzu didn’t mishear anything. Viertino was truly dead. The Viertino that Mariel saw in the palace earlier that morning was nothing more than a living corpse in a fresh condition with perfect memories and intellect. He was nothing but a living puppet.

The corpse would immediately die if Mariel used his spirit’s nullification ability on its body.

"After I found out that Viertino was already dead, searching for information about him became pointless. So, I started looking for the person who controlled that human corpse." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

It was the right decision. Learning everything about Viertino no longer mattered. The one controlling him could give different instructions at any time.

"Any results?"

Anzu shook her head. "No clues," she said. "I even split myself into five, but still found nothing. It will take time to find him. But I’m certain he’s still in this city."

"You’re a demon, right? Can you tell the difference between a real living human and Viertino?" Mariel asked. "I’m worried that Viertino isn’t the only living corpse wandering around."

Demons could devour human souls. So, there was a high chance Anzu could do it.

"I haven’t tried approaching him, so I can’t be sure. But so far, I haven’t found anyone with any particular oddity. Assuming I could tell the difference between Viertino and a living human, it’s unlikely there are other living corpses besides him."

"In that case, can you—aaah..." Mariel suddenly paused — he just realized something he shouldn’t have forgotten. "Er, Anzu, you don’t mind guarding the safety of the two women in this house for the next two or three hours, right?"

Anzu’s eyes glared at Mariel sharply, clearly unimpressed by the young man’s request. Mariel ignored the glare and opened a dimensional portal to his right. Anzu’s sharp gaze immediately shifted to the portal.

"Make sure you don’t kill them."

Mariel stepped into the portal right after saying that. Anzu tried to complain, but he had already disappeared into the portal before she could finish her sentence.

"I was just starting to think you’d forgotten about this half-demon woman, Mariel."

Mariel wasn’t surprised to hear the welcoming words. "There’s a serious problem," he said — he had an argument to defend himself. "I’ve been here since this morning if not for that problem."

The dimensional portal vanished; Mariel sat in a chair in front of Celinee, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Moskvallha Empire plans to invade Denland Kingdom," Mariel continued. "As soon as Denland falls, they’ll set foot here. Great Human Council is behind this plan. One of World Order members has also been deployed to back Moskvallha."

"That’s bad news."

Not really. This was actually good news, a perfect opportunity. Especially since the envoy from the Kingdom of Denland would soon arrive in Vallhamoza. Mariel could design the perfect stage to resolve this issue beautifully.

Mariel wanted to say that, but he held back. He could express his excitement by visiting the cave and moving a few pawns to adjust to the real situation. Yep, Mariel had to head to the cave in Camelot after leaving here.

"I can’t stay the night either," the young man added. "I need to handle this matter more carefully. Before Great Kingdom of Celtekhna and Urakhna Kingdom launch a massive invasion, Moskvallha must be crippled. Otherwise, stopping the Great Human Council’s efforts will be difficult."

Mariel stood from his chair and sat beside Celinee. "I want you to deliver this message to King Maggio," he said — both hands gently holding Celinee’s hands. "Tell him I’ll be there in five days. Until I return, Celinee, I want you to enhance your combat effectiveness without relying on demonic power."

"What are you planning?" Celinee asked. There was no longer any sign of displeasure on her face. Now, she was filled with curiosity.

"What do you think?"

"Knowing what kind of person you are, I’m sure you’ll try to create internal conflict within Moskvallha. At the same time, you want me and King Maggio’s soldiers to attack Moskvallha from their eastern territory. Since their focus will be on Denland and internal issues, our efforts will go smoothly. We might be able to occupy one or two cities before they react."

Mariel laughed at her explanation. "As expected of Celinee," he said while pulling her to lie down with him. "Is there anything else you can think of?"

Instead of answering Mariel’s question, Celinee threw another one: "Are you sure King Maggio will agree to send his troops?"

"I’ll come in five days so he’ll have time to think," Mariel admitted. "Besides, Camelot is currently under heavy pressure. Soon, Neiracia will also be attacked by Urakhna. If Neiracia and Camelot fall, and Moskvallha isn’t stopped, the Kingdom of Mangolla will have no chance of survival. King Maggio will understand that."

"That king isn’t stupid, so I can imagine he’ll agree. So, Mariel, how are you going to create internal conflict in Moskvallha?"

That was a question that would lead to his connection with Athenia Moskvallha. Not a good thing. Explaining it in detail was impossible. However, explaining it vaguely would make Celinee suspicious. What should he say?

"What do you think?" Mariel asked back, deciding that responding with a question was the safest solution.

-----[ ooOoo ]-----

Days passed without being noticed; morning greeted the world once again. At the large dining table occupied by only three individuals, Athenia’s eyes remained fixed on Mariel, who sat across from her.

No, Athenia was not mesmerized by the young man. Indeed, she admitted that he had a decent appearance—he had also saved and helped her many times. If her heart were to be drawn to him, Athenia would accept it without complaint. However, that was not the reason.

Last night, as Athenia passed by Mariel’s room door, she heard a woman’s voice from inside. She didn’t peek or try to find out, but Athenia was certain she hadn’t misheard. There was a woman in Mariel’s room last night. That was why she was now staring at him.

Mariel noticed her gaze. Athenia knew it was because she wasn’t being subtle. However, the young man pretended not to notice. Athenia felt that he wanted her to speak directly.

"...The woman in your room last night, who was she?" Athenia asked after realizing that Mariel wouldn’t comment unless she initiated the conversation. "Did you... hire a prostitute?"

Mariel put down his knife and fork, looking at Athenia without surprise.

Seeing that made the princess conclude that Mariel had no intention of hiding the woman. However, she didn’t take back her words. Most men would be proud if they could afford a prostitute. So, perhaps Mariel was no different.

Yet, to be honest, Athenia felt a bit disappointed. Mariel had saved and helped her. His appearance was pleasant, and talking to him wasn’t boring. Moreover, he was strong and intelligent. He fit the criteria of most women. So, Athenia thought he would be different from other young men.

"What do you think?" Mariel asked with an amused smile. "Do you think I need the services of a prostitute?"

"I’m asking because I don’t know, Mariel. But from what I’ve heard, men find it difficult to control their special urges. So, I can understand. It’s just unfortunate that you used such a woman. If you want, I—"

"Oh, you don’t mind helping me?" Mariel interrupted, his smile widening.

"Wha—N-No! Don’t just cut me off and jump to conclusions!"

"Then, are you suggesting Rea do it?"

Mariel’s question made Rea immediately look at the princess in horror. Her face was filled with disbelief. She stared at Athenia as if she had been betrayed by someone she trusted deeply.

"NO!" Athenia slammed the table, her face turning red with embarrassment, frustration, and anger. "Stop jumping to conclusions, Mariel! Don’t cut people off! And you, Rea, you know I’d never give such a crazy order, so stop looking at me like that!"

"Oh, really?"

Mariel asked casually, as if Athenia’s reaction had been an illusion. Meanwhile, Rea looked disappointed and mumbled unclear words.

Wait, why was she disappointed? Shouldn’t she feel relieved?

Athenia let out a long sigh. Her appetite suddenly vanished. "What I meant," she said, "is that if you want, I’m sure you could win the hearts of many women if you tried. So, rather than being with a prostitute, it would be better for you to form a relationship with one woman."

"Do you want to be that woman?"

"...Uuh?"

"I’m just kidding," Mariel waved his hand dismissively. "Besides, I don’t understand what you mean, Athenia. I don’t understand how you could hear a woman’s voice. I also don’t get what ’urges’ you’re talking about. Rea checked my room early this morning, and there was no sign of any woman. Right, Rea?"

Rea nodded.

"Besides, I’m probably not much older than you. If I can’t even enter a bar, how could I hire a prostitute? Ah, now I understand what kind of ’urge’ you’re talking about." Mariel’s lips curved into a different kind of smile. "I didn’t think you’d have such naughty thoughts, Your Highness. Could it be you hallucinated the voice because you were imagining things?"

Athenia’s jaw dropped, but she couldn’t utter a single word. Mariel’s unexpected accusation left her in shock. Her face turned red as Rea stared at her in surprise, covering her mouth with one hand.

"Your Highness, is that true...?" Rea asked.

"I-It’s not true!" Athenia exclaimed, though her defense didn’t sound convincing due to her stuttering. "I never thought of such things. Mariel, take back your accusation. You can’t just make baseless claims. I really did hear a woman’s voice from your room!"

"Rea can vouch that there was no woman in my room. But if you weren’t hallucinating, maybe you misheard? Or perhaps you were dreaming and mistook it for reality? Whatever it is, I don’t think we need to discuss this further. What’s more important is whether you’ve decided what to say in the upcoming meeting."

Athenia felt slightly annoyed that Mariel changed the topic. She was certain she hadn’t misheard. And it wasn’t a dream. If she pressed further, she might be able to force Mariel to confess.

However, he was right. There was a more important discussion ahead. Besides, it wasn’t her business what Mariel did with whom. More importantly, if she really wanted to catch him red-handed, she’d have to catch him in the act.

"I’ve already thought about what to do," Athenia said after a moment. "If the emperor decides to accept the proposal from..."