The Devil's Cursed Witch

After leaving Ember’s bedchamber, Draven went back to his study where he received news of the unexpected guests.

“Sire, Lord Ailwin and Young Lady Isa request to be granted audience,” Erlos informed him.

Draven nodded, permitting him to let them enter the study. Not long after, the elf escorted two people to the study of the King.

“Ailwin of the Divine Fox Clan greets His Majesty the King of Agartha.”

“This Isa greets His Majesty the King of Agartha!”

One male and one female wearing elegant robes. The male was a handsome man carrying a calm and solemn expression, while the female, her youth visible on her pretty face, offered a wide smile to the King. While the man looked like a dignitary on a mission, she looked like an excited young girl who could not wait to talk to a longtime friend.

Her dark eyes showed how happy she was to see Draven.

Draven gestured for them to sit and the two sat in the chairs opposite to the king.

“When have you returned?” Draven asked her.

The lively girl took the chance to reply, “Guess?” And then when she received the side glance from her older companion, she immediately composed herself to sound more courteous. “I came back two days ago, Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, she came back bearing good news. Our Isa has completed the second level of her cultivation training and now she is a three-tailed red fox,” said the man with pride.

Though he was wearing nothing but a simple long white robe with an unadorned pale blue coat, his identity was not simple.

Divine Fox Ailwin. An eight-tailed fox and the leader of one of the shapeshifter clans living in Agartha. Although he looked like a human in his thirties, he was a powerful existence who was almost a thousand years old. Only his long grey hair gave away his age, the front half of the hair secured at the back of his head.

“Isa is the second female red fox who achieved it at such a young age of barely more than a hundred years old when it is difficult to have more than one tail at this age for a female fox. It won’t be long when she becomes the strongest fox in the clan. We look forward to having a Nine-tailed Divine Fox in the foreseeable future.”

The Divine Fox Clan. Unlike the Divine Eagles where they could call forth the divine power in their bloodline anytime and the difference between the purity of their blood would determine the duration of their battle forms, Divine Foxes were born weak, even weaker than their shapeshifter counterparts.

However, what made them unique among the descendants of divine beasts was that their growth would allow them to not only increase their strength but also their lifespan with each tail.

Draven nodded as he looked at Isa with his usual nonchalant gaze, “You did well.”

As Draven was Isa’s guardian, updates of her cultivation and wellbeing were given to him, and everything related to her was taken care of from the King’s palace. Draven made sure she was raised well and she would not lack in anything.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she replied politely.

Even if Draven praised someone, his expression would be the same, and people were so used to it that no one expected him to show a pleasant expression. Though both Isa and Erlos were raised under his protection, even though both of them were close to Draven, his behaviour was the same.

Draven and Ailwin continued to talk where Ailwin informed him about what was going on inside the fox clan and various other updates. After a while, Ailwin left, leaving Drayce and Isa on their own.

As she had returned from her outdoor training, it was common knowledge she would stay in the palace as it was like her second home though being a member of the fox clan. She would normally only be in Nomi City in the fox clan territory whenever there was a need to learn from the elders of her clan.

“How have you been, Your Majesty?” she asked with a pleasant smile that made her look even prettier.

Foxes were a race known for their innate charm. Female foxes are meant to be beautiful, and the addition of their tails would also enhance their appearance.

Rather than a seductive vixen, she looked more like an innocent childlike sprite. The light peach long robe she wore showed off her slender figure. Her waist-long black hair fell in waves, the front strands were woven into tiny braids and secured at the back of her head with a hairpin.

“I am good,” he replied. As the Divine Fox clan leader had already informed him about Isa, there was nothing more for him to ask.

“Soon, it’s Brother Harvey’s death anniversary. Will Your Majesty accompany me to his grave?” she asked, looking hopeful.

Draven agreed without a delay, “I will.”

Her lips curved in a happy smile. “Thank you so much, Your Majesty.” And then, she asked, “I have heard Your Majesty has a mate now. Can I see her?”

Once again, Draven nodded and called for Erlos.

Erlos entered the study as he bowed to Draven. “You called, Sire?”

“Take Isa to visit Ember,” Draven instructed.

Erlos looked at Isa who was sitting in the chair and then looked back at Draven. “To visit Miss?”

Draven nodded. “Take Isa to her chamber.”

“…Chamber, hmm?” Erlos mumbled as if he was trying to imagine something and then immediately nodded. Draven would never allow a male to go anywhere near his mate’s chamber, and today, he was telling him to escort this fox there? Erlos quietly looked at Isa. “Please come with me.”

The young fox smiled at him and stood up to follow Erlos after she bid farewell to the King.

Just as the two stepped out of the king’s study, Isa asked, “How have you been, Erlos?” Her voice was sweet and gentle.

“I have been well,” he replied dryly, as if he was answering her for the sake of it.

“Aww, I have returned after so long and you talk to me like this,” she said in a sweet but a little complaining voice.

“I don’t have to remind you again that I hate foxes,” he replied while walking forward.

“But I don’t hate elves.”

“Still hate foxes.”