A Demon's Journey

In the next couple of days, the Dragon Tiger Palace remained silent. They were gathering their Dragon Squad and Tiger Squad. Many members of these two squads had scattered as they lived in different parts of the Glerian Kingdom.

The Dragon Tiger Palace had issued a Platinum Command and ordered them to return. Upon receiving this Platinum Command, the members of the Dragon Squad and Tiger Squad were on their way to Veninza City.

Azaroth didn't exactly know why the Dragon Tiger Palace hadn't continued their attack. Maybe they were waiting for something, or they had decided to act a little intelligently.

Whatever the case, he remained ready for them.

Azaroth was in his room as Yrellea massaged his feet. She had entered his room and offered this service.

Azaroth knew that she had been working hard in setting up the Misty Flower Pavilion during the last couple of days. It wasn't a bad idea to let her experience some benefits.

So, it wasn't like he'd be losing anything.

He asked her, "How have those formalities been going? How long would you need to set up a Pavilion here?"

Yrellea was happily massaging his feet when she heard his question. She responded while remaining focused on kneading his feet gently, "I met with a real estate agent who gave me a mansion in the northern part of Veninza City. It's right opposite to our current location."

"He was a shady real estate agent and has prepared documents to make it seem as if I held that property for 10 years or so. Also, I already hold the documents for my property in Vlashire City."

"I plan to use the same background story I used the last time before. If anyone tries to verify it by using their contacts in Vlashire City, Sargan would be able to use his contacts and confirm it," Yrellea informed as she squeezed his legs.

Azaroth nodded his head, "That's good. You have the basic structure of your identity prepared then. Have you investigated that Real Estate Agent, though?"

Yrellea was startled to hear that question. She paused and asked him, "W-Was that necessary, master?"

Azaroth didn't mince his words, "That's correct. Not investigating him was foolishness on your part. You should know whether this guy had any previous dealings with the Dragon Tiger Palace. If he does have some connections within the Dragon Tiger Palace, this basic structure you have created will become a joke. The Dragon Tiger Palace will find out the truth soon enough."

"…Do I silence him?" Yrellea asked Azaroth.

Azaroth remained silent for a short period. He then replied, "No. If you kill someone like him, it will grab attention. Especially his connections in the Dragon Tiger Palace. It would be better to find his weakness and grab hold of it. People like him love their own life, money, lover, wife, child, or parents."

"If his weakness is any of the ones I mentioned, he can easily be controlled. His connections will become ours, and he can become a useful pawn," Azaroth devilishly smirked.

"I see. I will do as you order, master," Yrellea spoke with a devoted look on her face.

"Hmm," Azaroth soon closed his eyes and was lost in thought.

In the meantime, the King was discussing this matter with his Prime Minister.

According to the latest reports, the King realized that 30% of raw resources would be prepared within a week.

The rest would take a bit more time, but their reproduction would be a lot faster than normal. Moreover, they had created another mine specifically for these resources that Azaroth had provided him.

They would be able to produce this and mine it out as well.

The King ordered his Prime Minister, "Keep this information concealed from all sects. Don't let them find out that we have the resources. I want us to keep a low profile."

"But how will we use these resources if we keep a low profile?" The Prime Minister asked with a confused expression.

The King responded, "It will only be for a short period. Just make sure to conceal all information about these resources."

"I have noticed that ever since I exhausted nearly all resources of the Glerian Kingdom, these sects have become unusually active. They think that the Glerian Kingdom is poor and needs to rely on them, so I will ignore these acts. I want them to keep on thinking along this direction and become even more big-headed."

"What is His Majesty planning?" The Prime Minister asked curiously.

"I need to strengthen my control over them. But if I want to use force, I need a good reason to act against all of them. Thus, I want them to commit a blunder first. They won't do anything if they remain cautious. So, they must become arrogant and believe that the Glerian Kingdom is weak right now."

The Prime Minister spoke respectfully, "This humble servant shall follow His Majesty's plans."

The King wasn't worried that the Prime Minister would betray him. If he was smart, he wouldn't attempt such a thing. And the Prime Minister was indeed smart enough to understand what was best for him.

The Prime Minister went away while the King also stood up and walked to his harem palace. He was going to relax over there and have some fun with his wives and concubines.

~~

Bianca's cousin was known as Piero Lewis. He was an advisor to his brother, who was leading the Lewis Family.

He belonged to the same generation as Bianca and was only 7 months older than her. Because of their small age difference, they completed their studies together.

His cousin was the school belle, and just like any other hormonal teenager at that moment, he had a crush on her.

However, he was far more impulsive and foolish than any other teenager at the time.

He proposed to Bianca and told her that he loved her greatly. Their relationship as cousins didn't bother him, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Bianca had already fallen for Spencer at that moment. She rejected him and informed him of the truth.

When Piero knew that Bianca had fallen in love with a commoner, he tried to subtly deal with Spencer.

He sent contract assassins or used his influence to send Spencer on dangerous missions. Unfortunately for him, Spencer would return every time. Those trials made him stronger, and before long, the Lewis Family caught wind of Bianca's relationship with Spencer.

By that time, Spencer had displayed his talent and showed that he was worthy to date Bianca. And after Spencer reached the 6 Star Rank, he was forever out of reach for Piero.

Even though he was extremely unwilling, he had to give up on Bianca for eternity.

At least, this was what he was thinking. However, after such a long time, Bianca had suddenly begun to talk to him.

She would talk about business with him, but he was extremely gratified to hear her voice and talk to her.

He would answer anything she wanted to hear. He knew that despite their somewhat awkward relationship, she wouldn't betray the Lewis Family.

He had no idea that this was actually occurring right now. Bianca was actively betraying the Lewis Family.

Moreover, Piero was so excited that his heart could leap out of his chest in the last couple of days.

Bianca had asked him to come to the capital. She wanted to meet him! He was extremely excited to know this and had immediately departed for the Capital City on his trusted mount.

~~

A/N: I hope you all like the chapter.