Chapter 343: Outside the blanket (1)

    When Isaac was training under Hawk, the world outside his blanket was in turmoil.

    Isaac was attacked by a demon worshiper.

    This incident alone made it clear how the situation would unfold.

    The Minerva Empire found itself in a difficult position, while other nations used the incident as a convenient excuse to launch criticisms.

    However, the criticisms were not particularly severe; they could point fingers, but outright condemnation was out of reach.

    The Kingdom of Ters, long hostile toward Minerva, had no room to interfere as Friedrich had recently abdicated.

    Other nations were similarly preoccupied with their internal matters.

    Although Alvenheim and Helium expressed criticism, their focus was less on the Minerva Empire’s failure and more on the demon worshipers.

    After all, these two nations had to keep an eye on each other more than on Minerva.

    The harshest criticisms came from the Stavirk region, which constantly demanded independence and used any opportunity to attract attention.

    Despite the international outcry, Isaac himself remained unharmed, and the situation only fueled hostility toward the demon worshipers.

    Among the nations, two were particularly sensitive to the demon worshipers.

    The first was the Saviour Papacy, whose prestige had plummeted due to a corrupt cardinal.

    The second was Helium. Demon worshipers were mostly humans, but their ranks included a mix of various species.

    To be specific, many who dwelled deeply in the shadows were linked to demon worshipers.

    Among them, the radical demons held the greatest influence.

    Like the dark elves of Alvenheim long ago, they had been exiled, harboring ominous goals.

    Their mission: to destroy the world that cast them aside.

    If the world branded them as demons, they would become true demons to bring it to ruin.

    With such intent, they had meticulously planned their actions, but their efforts were thwarted by the sudden appearance of the Chronicles of Xenon.

    Amid this upheaval, there wasn’t much the radical demons—now demon worshipers—could do.

    Even attacking Isaac, the author of Chronicles of Xenon, was no simple task.

    After the corrupt cardinal, Bach, met an absurd death, an avalanche of evidence was revealed.

    Details about the whereabouts of the key members of the demon worshipers and those colluding with the radical demons came to light.

    Although Helium kept this information discreet, under Cecily’s leadership, purges were underway.

    Anyone associated with the radical demons or demon worshipers was executed on the spot unless they had an undeniable reason to be spared.

    Initially, Cecily’s authority had been modest compared to the current king, Descal.

    However, after a pivotal speech, Descal delegated some of his power to her.

    While Descal focused on diplomacy and external affairs, Cecily meticulously handled internal issues.

    Although it would be a long time before she could become queen, given the circumstances, a capable figure like her was indispensable.

    Consequently, much like Arwen, she was overwhelmed with state affairs daily.

    “I miss Isaac.”

    As her longing for Isaac grew, Cecily felt her desire intensify.

    It had been over a week since she last saw his handsome face after his public announcement.

    If she could, she would rush to him, sink her teeth into his beautiful face, and understand why Mari occasionally nibbled on him.

    After satisfying her craving, she would embrace him tightly, feeling his warmth and inhaling his distinct scent.

    And naturally, their next destination would be the bed.

    The thought of indulging in their love made her heart race.

    ‘Meanwhile, Mari and Adelia must be having all the fun with him.’

    Cecily pouted as her thoughts turned envious.

    Instead of desire, jealousy welled up inside her.

    The thought of being stuck with work while the others spent time with Isaac made her blood boil.

    To make matters worse, her work, which she thought would be over quickly, took longer than expected.

    The number of people colluding with the radical demons had been greater than she anticipated.

    Although Helium was founded by moderate demons who valued restraint, time had eroded their beliefs.

    Fortunately, the faith of the demon race itself remained intact, but the rise of a society introduced inevitable complications.

    ‘I didn’t expect there to be so many.’

    Cecily checked the list of radical demons and demon worshipers she had dealt with so far.

    These were the ones uncovered thanks to the evidence from the capture of Cardinal Bach, individuals who had hidden in the shadows, preparing for rebellion.

    Had these individuals gone unnoticed, they wouldn’t have been mere obstacles but threats capable of shaking Helium’s foundation.

    ‘Using restraint for such treachery...’

    Yet Cecily turned the situation to her advantage.

    She furrowed her elegant brows as she reviewed the list.

    Demons, by nature, had greater patience than other races and were slow to anger.

    Hence, when demons expressed rage, it was widely acknowledged that the other party must have been at fault.

    The radical demons who sided with demon worshipers exploited this to incite rebellion.

    Their timing was set for Descal’s abdication and Cecily’s ascension to the throne.

    Without the Chronicles of Xenon, Helium would have remained isolated, and the rebels would have fueled the desire of demons yearning to see the light.

    Had the rebellion succeeded, the aftermath was self-evident.

    Cecily would have been overthrown, and...

    ‘Their plan would’ve been enacted.’

    The plan to corrupt all demons into true demons by defiling their unique black mana.

    To accomplish this, the rebels had to first remove Cecily, whose overwhelming power posed the greatest obstacle.

    “This tea is unique to Helium. Like a calming tonic, it’s excellent for soothing the mind.”

    “Th-thank you. I’ll drink it well.”

    Seemingly nervous, Arwen sipped the tea without even trying to maintain her usual regal poise.

    The dignity she displayed as a queen was nowhere to be found, her actions reminiscent of those she exhibited only in Isaac’s presence.

    And Cecily knew exactly why.

    She understood the reason behind Arwen’s visit to this place.

    “So, you want me to teach you how to handle your first night together?”

    “Pfuh!!”

    The bold remark, delivered while Arwen was mid-sip, caused her to spray tea violently.

    Fortunately, none of it hit Cecily’s face, though the surrounding area ended up a mess due to Arwen’s embarrassment.

    Cough! Cough! Cough!

    As she coughed and waved her hand, the dirtied table and her tea-splattered mouth were instantly cleaned by a simple spell—a type allowed even within the royal palace.

    Arwen, her face flushed red, glared at Cecily with a voice full of reproach and indignation.

    “Y-you didn’t need to bring that up right away...”

    “What’s there to be embarrassed about? You’ve swallowed your pride to come all this way for the man you love. I’m more than willing to teach you.”

    Indeed, Arwen’s unofficial visit to Helium was for one purpose—to receive “lessons” for her first night with Isaac.

    Born a half-elf, Arwen was knowledgeable about human customs, including matters of intimacy, and her understanding was further enhanced by the detailed accounts in The Chronicles of Xenon.

    Though following the descriptions in The Chronicles of Xenon would ensure a successful first night, Arwen wanted to offer Isaac something truly special.

    For that reason, she sought more in-depth guidance.

    Even Cecily couldn’t help but wonder why Arwen chose her instead of Marie or Adelia. However, Arwen offered a logical reason.

    “I-I was pressed for time. The holy water made from the dew of the World Tree loses its effectiveness quickly... It’s urgent.”

    “Holy water?”

    Hearing this for the first time, Cecily raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    Arwen patiently explained the details about the holy water.

    The more Arwen explained, the more Cecily’s expression changed, gradually reflecting her disbelief at hearing something so unexpected.

    When Arwen finished, Cecily finally responded.

    “Queen Arwen.”

    “Yes?”

    “You have... quite the bold streak. To think you’d use something like that on your first night.”

    Cecily’s unexpected words of admiration turned Arwen’s face an even deeper shade of red.

    From Arwen’s perspective, she had merely conveyed a traditional elven practice, but Cecily seemed to interpret it differently.

    “S-so, is it unusable...?”

    “No, no. It’s an elven tradition, so I won’t criticize it. Honestly, I’m just a bit envious. If I had something like that...”

    She trailed off, suppressing the thought that she might have shared even more intimate nights with Isaac if she’d had such a custom.

    Setting that aside, Cecily focused on the present matter—teaching Arwen.

    But before starting, there was something she needed to confirm.

    “Alright, before we begin, Queen Arwen.”

    “Yes?”

    “When you and Isaac become a couple, we must ensure one thing: neither of us should fight over him until he returns to the gods. Whether politically or personally.”

    Hearing this, Arwen’s expression turned serious.

    Though her flushed face radiated a charming allure, Cecily remained unfazed.

    She continued, her tone sincere and unwavering.

    “Isaac will love us all equally. He has the ability and the heart to do so. But if that balance falters, it could lead to significant problems.”

    “I understand.”

    “Even so, it won’t be easy. Feelings can’t always be controlled. At some point, you may feel neglected or jealous. That’s when things get dangerous.”

    Cecily’s gaze turned somber as she referenced historical examples of rulers who destroyed nations by favoring one partner excessively.

    Though Isaac wasn’t a king, his influence surpassed that of many monarchs.

    His lovers were vital pillars of their respective nations, making balance crucial.

    “So, don’t try to monopolize Isaac’s love. I’ve learned to let go of such thoughts and treat it as a joke. Do you understand?”

    “I’ll remember that. I’m content just being with him.”

    “Good. Since this is a matter of trust, we won’t need a formal vow.”

    Cecily’s lips curled into a radiant smile as she rested her chin on her interlocked fingers.

    Her crimson eyes met Arwen’s as the tension in the air grew.

    Then, just as Arwen grew nervous under that gaze, Cecily’s soft, alluring voice broke the silence.

    “Shall we get started? First, about the lingerie you’ll wear on your first night...”

    “I-I already prepared that long ago!”

    “What color is it?”

    “R-red.”

    Cecily’s eyes widened, and she offered an amused evaluation.

    “Well, I take it back. You’re not bold; you’re daringly sensual. Are all elves like this?”

    “S-sensual?!”

    “It’s a joke. Now, let’s move on... Shall we stand? It’s time to teach you how to use your strengths.”

    And so began the collaboration of demon and elf—a partnership producing a rather unique “gift.”