Chapter 7: Vera

“I won’t be angry… I’m even wondering what my image is in your hearts.”

Ira pressed his hand helplessly to the blade against his neck.

“I hope you know how many demonic creatures you’ve killed…”

“…”

For some reason, Ira felt that this voice sounded very familiar. His gaze looked in the direction of the complaint from between the Dark Knight and the huge Insectoid, then he saw a pale woman wearing a sorcerer’s hat.

“Vera…”

Ira shouted her name like this. He frowned, not knowing what to say.

“Miss Vera, do you know Mr. Ira?”

As she spoke, Satan Leaf walked out from behind Ira and waved his hand, indicating that the demon leaders should put away their weapons.

“She’s a traitor to the Empire,” Ira said.

However, Vera responded, “We worked together for ten years.”

“Lich… You said that you’re from the Empire, but you’ve never mentioned that you have a high status in the Empire.”

The person who said this was the huge Insectoid wearing an exoskeleton that was like armor. His small black eyes that reflected light stared at his colleague called Vera who had joined for decades in doubt.

“It’s not a high position…” Vera said simply.

“She’s the Palace Grand Mage, Isabella’s magic teacher. She only chose to become a lich later.”

Meanwhile, Ira exposed her.

“…”

Although it seemed calm, unknowingly, the atmosphere had already become extremely serious. Although the various leaders put down the blades in their hands, there was still a sharp knife in their hearts.

It was not that they did not want to let go of their hostility, but they did not dare to.

“So, the Demon King let you out? To take revenge on the Empire?”

There was cold sweat on Vera’s forehead. Although she did not understand the [Consul] very well, there was no doubt that Satan Leaf’s mana was flowing in Ira’s body now. This was not a good sign.

Either Ira snatched it or Satan Leaf gave it to him… The former was more likely.

“Or have you decided to join us? The Demon King is very cute, right? I remember that you’re a lolicon?”

Towards Vera’s nonsense, Ira immediately shook her head decisively and said, “What nonsense are you talking about? I didn’t betray the Empire like you, but I was betrayed by the Empire… I’m going to the Silver Moon Tree Court later.”

This was the best choice Ira could think of at the moment. Although the elves of the Silver Moon Tree Court did not have a good relationship with the Empire, their personal relationship with Ira was not bad.

It was clearly not a problem to seek help.

“I betrayed the Empire? Ira, you really dare to say it… Didn’t I plan to hide the fact that I’ve become a lich and continue working in the Empire?”

As Vera, who looked young and beautiful, spoke, she sighed, “I was also betrayed by the Empire. Why can’t the Empire tolerate liches? It’s just like how the Empire can’t tolerate you.”

“…”

These words made Ira fall silent.

The Empire could not tolerate residents transforming into demonic creatures. This was the foundation of the country. Vera was undoubtedly twisting logic, but at this moment, he could not think of a retort… nor could he find a meaning to refute.

“I’m leaving… No matter what, thank you for your help, Demon King.”

After such a short thank-you, Ira recited softly in the hall of this Demon King City, “First Wing Pillar—Scarlet Dragon—Wing Spread.”

Accompanied by a calm chant, scarlet wings appeared behind Ira. Under the vigilant gazes of all the demonic creatures in the hall, he looked at the starry sky outside the window.

This was a very beautiful scene. Mana turned into bones that turned into wings from his spine in colorful lights. Then, it quickly filled and took shape. Illusory wings scattered with specks of red dust along with a light fan.

On the battlefield, what accompanied that chant was often killing and death, so no one had the mood to admire it… It would only bring fear and deeply bury it in the hearts of every demon who had seen slaughter.

“Wait, Mr. Ira, you’ve been unconscious for three days. Don’t you feel hungry? The banquet the Demon King ordered earlier…”

The succubus called Celina stopped Ira from taking off, but it was not because he heard there was a banquet. It was just that he was indeed a little hungry now.

He did not care… probably.

…

He was so hungry and wanted to eat.

Embarrassed, Ira stopped taking off. The scarlet wings retracted behind him and returned to his body. He turned to look at the confused demonic creatures and said, “Thank you… I owe you a favor.”

“…”

Vera: Right, I remember Ira was a glutton.

The meal soon ended.

The banquet in the Demon King City… was a banquet that did not have any demonic aura.

Logically speaking, the various demon leaders would go to their respective areas to eat and do some work. Therefore, usually, only the Demon King’s bloodline, the butler, and the maids would deal with matters related to the banquet.

Rather than calling it a banquet, it was more like a family gathering… It was even more similar today that the various leaders had stayed. Otherwise, if only Ira and Satan Leaf ate, it would be more like a candlelight dinner than a gathering.

“The salad is not fresh enough, and the snake fruit tastes sour. What do you think?”

Ira commented on the salad, and the Insectoid he asked could only nod and admit this.

Ira was right.

“Your main food is mushrooms. This is too strange. No matter what race it is, they have to ensure a good carbohydrate and water intake.”

Regarding Ira’s words, Vera nodded in agreement…

“The steak is too chewy, and the side dishes are too bland. Even with the teeth of the scarlet dragon, it’s impossible to swallow!”

Ira frowned and complained. He could not understand why the chef could be so indifferent to the food the Demon King ate. He stood up under everyone’s gazes and asked, “Can anyone bring me to the kitchen?”

Although it was a question, his tone was unquestionable, as if he was the master of this Demon King City.

“Yes… Lord Ira, please come this way.”

The corners of Celina’s mouth twitched as she stood at the side. She respectfully left with Ira and went towards the room on the other side of the hall, leaving Satan Leaf and the other leaders looking at each other.

“Lich… Um, has Ira Alkaras always had that personality?”

A girl with small bat-like wings on her back asked Vera.

For some reason, everyone felt that it was different from the image of Ira as the enemy in everyone’s impression.

“Yes, he’ll indeed be serious in strange aspects… I hope Mr. Rhyme can fend for himself.”

As she spoke, Vera narrowed her eyes slightly and raised her thoughts, “I’ve always heard a rumor… Ira is not a loyal noble as the people of the Empire imagine, but a paranoid dreamer.”

“What are you talking about?”

Facing the question of a golem who spoke intermittently, Vera revealed a sly smile and looked at Satan Leaf. “Demon King, the future of the demons depends on you~”

“Huh?”

Satan Leaf tilted her head in confusion and revealed an innocent expression.