Multiverse's Holy Right

"Relax, relax. There's no need for such tension. But to evoke such a strong reaction from you, Erica, this Liliana girl must be quite important to you."

Roy chuckled, pressing his hands downward in a calming gesture to ease Erica's distress.

His soothing words gradually settled Erica's nerves. Whether it was his voice, his expression, or even the subtlest of his movements, they all made Erica feel as though she were standing before a gentle priest in a church or an angel descending from the heavens—compelling her to instinctively obey Roy's words.

This was the passive ability of Roy's newly acquired authority, "The Face of God." When he was angry, he became more fearsome than ever, like the wrath of a deity; when he was gentle, he exuded a tenderness surpassing all past moments, akin to the ocean of divine grace.

As a great knight, Erica faintly perceived the curse-like power emanating from Roy's face, which could be described as "beautiful." Yet she felt no fear or resistance. On the contrary, she was even more satisfied to receive the King's comfort.

After a brief hesitation, Erica spoke without concealment.

"...Liliana and I are around the same age. Though she belongs to the Bronze Black Cross, a rival organization to the Copper Black Cross, we've always been on good terms. She is one of my few true friends. If possible, I don't want her to suffer any harm."

"...O King, I dare to request—there are many miko and witches in this world. I will find you a suitable candidate. Please do not let Liliana bear a burden she should not endure."

Erica knelt on one knee, her head bowed, not daring to look at Roy. Though nervous, her words were firm and resolute. This "demon-like" woman now displayed an admirable righteousness in standing up for her friend.

"Erica, you're also worried that if Liliana comes here, my favor toward you might diminish, aren't you?"

Roy said leisurely.

"That is indeed part of my concern. I fear Liliana might steal your 'love' from me. Though I am confident, I must admit Liliana is a rare beauty with an irresistible charm. I do not seek to monopolize the King's affection, but within my power, I hope to prolong this 'love' as long as possible."

Erica spoke sincerely. Having spent much time with Roy, she knew it was best not to lie presumptuously before this King. He preferred honesty, no matter how harsh the truth might be.

"I appreciate your honesty, Dame Erica... I also understand your worries. It's because two years ago, during Marquis Voban's ritual to summon a heretic god, though he succeeded, many miko and witches lost their lives. You fear I might make Liliana one of the witches presiding over the ritual, putting her life at risk."

Roy stepped out from behind the mahogany desk and approached Erica, placing his hand on the smooth, delicate face of the young girl.

Hmm, he was a Campione, a Demon King. Possessing such a beautiful maiden was his right, wasn't it?

Erica neither shied away nor resisted Roy's teasing touch. She had long been prepared for everything, merely waiting for the cruel King to make his demands.

Taking a deep breath, Erica said solemnly.

"...That is precisely my concern, O King. On Ponza Island, I witnessed the greatness of a Campione and the calamity of a heretic god, which made me fully aware of the world's truth. To summon such a terrifying existence willingly would surely come at a great cost."

Generally, the appearance of a Heretic God is either a coincidence or the result of people's prayers. After all, gods are products of faith.

Under such coincidences or prayers, the information of the Realm of Immortality would traverse the Netherworld and descend upon the material world, absorbing the essence of the earth and the magical energy in the air to form a spiritual foundation, thus manifesting as a wandering deity on earth. In their initial state, these Heretic Gods would typically fulfill certain tasks based on people's prayers. Once this "contract" was completed, they would enter a state of complete wandering, bringing endless calamities upon the world.

Whether they were benevolent gods who protected the people or malevolent gods who slaughtered them, once they began to wander, they became disasters for humanity.

"I fear that Liliana will become the price to pay. I beg you to reconsider!"

Erica pleaded earnestly. The fact that she would plead with the tyrannical Demon King for the sake of her friend was proof enough of her feelings for Liliana.

Roy withdrew his hand from Erica's delicate face and chuckled. "...Who would have thought that the girl known as the Crimson Devil harbored such a fragile and kind side within her? Truly unbelievable. Ah, I haven't congratulated you yet on earning the title of Crimson Devil."

"This was always mine to claim. It was only a matter of time."

Erica showed no humility regarding her victory over her competitors to obtain the title of Crimson Devil, her lips curling into a confident smile.

"Still, I must congratulate you here... As for the ritual to summon the Heretic God, you need not worry. Unlike that uneducated old man, Marquis Voban, my mastery of magic is exceptionally high—something you, Erica, should be well aware of. Therefore, my ritual will proceed without any issues. The only thing missing is a witch to perform the ceremony. So rest assured, your friend Liliana will not suffer any harm... as long as she does not defy my orders."

Roy lifted a strand of Erica's golden, sand-like hair with a finger before releasing it, watching the beautiful locks cascade back onto the girl. Then, he turned and returned to his seat behind the desk. "...I've explained all that needs to be explained to you. Now, all you need to do is follow my instructions, Dame Erica."

"I understand, my King! Thank you for your kindness."

The knightly maiden, kneeling on one knee, knew this was Roy's final decree. All she could do was obey. Yet, deep down, Erica felt a flicker of gratitude. Roy could have simply issued a forceful command without explanation, but he had taken the time to clarify everything to put her at ease.

'Though the King is domineering and brooks no defiance, beneath that unassailable demeanor lies an indescribable sense of reassurance and gentleness.'

With this thought, Erica bowed and withdrew, following Roy's instructions to summon Liliana.

...

"Lily, this time, I risked my life to plead with the King on your behalf, securing you the chance to serve him and allowing him to reconsider his opinion of your Bronze Black Cross. You'd better think of a way to repay me~~"

The Crimson Devil flashed a mischievous grin, leading the pure-hearted knight princess astray with deliberate misdirection, ensuring she would owe her a great favor.

***

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