Multiverse's Holy Right

"Thank you so much, Erica! We of the Bronze Black Cross have been pondering how to earn the King's forgiveness and recognition. What happened last time at the She-Wolf headquarters in Rome has led to our teacher facing considerable criticism within the Bronze Black Cross. Some of the elders have voiced their dissatisfaction with her actions, even suggesting she should step down from her position as Commander."

"...My behavior that time was also somewhat out of line. Fortunately, in the end, the King forgave us."

Liliana spoke gratefully to her friend beside her.

Though her sharp-witted friend had played a trick on her at the She-Wolf headquarters, compared to the survival of the Bronze Black Cross and the consolidation of her teacher's position, her own honor and losses were insignificant.

Erica and Liliana walked along the path toward the villa. Since Roy hadn't given Erica a strict deadline, she wasn't in a hurry. Instead, she had taken the opportunity to bring Liliana along and use the journey to thoroughly explain the matters to be mindful of when meeting the King.

"If the King says he has forgiven the Bronze Black Cross, he won't cause trouble afterwards, so you don't need to worry, Lily. Besides..."

Erica paused, leaving the rest unsaid. Her friend was far too politically naive, still unaware that the King hadn't truly intended to punish the Bronze Black Cross that day. The King had merely been looking for an excuse to bring the Seven Sisters Alliance of Italy under his control.

The Bronze Black Cross, to which Liliana belonged, had simply been an unfortunate example the King chose to make. It was just bad luck.

But since Liliana couldn't see through these things, Erica decided not to elaborate further.

The mischievous girl blinked playfully and said, "...Lily, considering I 'risked my life' to advise the King this time, don't you think you should thank me?"

"How would you like me to thank you, Erica? As long as it's within my power, I'll do it."

The pure-hearted knight spoke earnestly.

Yet Liliana couldn't help but feel uneasy. Why had Erica described it as 'risking her life'? Was the King truly that cruel?

In truth, after their old rival, the Copper Black Cross, had fully pledged allegiance to the new King, the Bronze Black Cross had also considered seeking survival by aligning with another King—even deciding on the candidate: the oldest Demon King, Marquis Voban.

But Roy's forceful actions in Rome had compelled all Seven Sisters of Italy to swear loyalty to him, cutting off any path of betrayal for these mage associations and binding the entire Italian magical community to him as vassals.

Just as Liliana was reflecting on their recent misfortunes, Erica's eyes sparkled with amusement as she grinned and said, "...Lily, why not repay me with the romance novels you've been writing? I've always wanted to read your stories. Don't worry, I'll be your most devoted fan!"

"Y-you—Erica! How did you know I write novels?!"

Liliana turned pale with shock at Erica's words, nearly jumping out of her skin. Her fair skin flushed a deep pink from sheer embarrassment.

"I just happened to overhear your maid Karen Jankulovski mention it, but judging by your reaction, Liliana, it must be true."

Erica seemed thoughtful.

Only then did Liliana realize she'd been teased. Her face flushed red as she carefully reconsidered everything that had happened since meeting Erica. Suddenly, it dawned on her. "...Erica, you lied to me! It wasn't you who advised the King to give our Bronze Black Cross a chance to redeem ourselves—it was the King himself who needed me!"

"My, my, I knew I couldn't fool you, Lily. You might look a bit silly, but there's wisdom beneath that foolish appearance!"

Erica sighed dramatically, though she knew full well her friend was sharp—it was just the current circumstances and atmosphere that had clouded her judgment.

"You're terrible, Erica! No wonder everyone calls you the Devilish Woman!"

Amid their playful bickering, the two fourteen-year-old girls arrived at the villa where Roy resided.

...

"Liliana Kranjcar of the Bronze Black Cross pays homage to our Seven Sisters alliance leader, Roy the King!"

In the luxurious residence, Liliana knelt on one knee, performing a flawless knightly salute as she greeted Roy.

She wore a practical knight's outfit, a black-and-blue mantle draped over her delicate shoulders, with a glimpse of soft, fair skin visible between her skirt and white riding socks—the famed "absolute territory."

Unlike Erica's noble yet charming voice, Liliana's carried a stern, dignified air, easily associating her with knightly virtues like "honesty" and "valor."

"Liliana Kranjcar, I remember you well. At the She-Wolf headquarters, you were the only one who dared to draw your sword against me."

Roy's tone was calm, neither angry nor amused, as if merely stating a simple fact.

Yet those words alone made Liliana break into a cold sweat. Her kneeling figure trembled slightly as an indescribable fear gripped her heart—amplified infinitely by Roy's divine authority. Had her will not been strong enough, she might have fainted from sheer terror.

"Liliana has offended the King's majesty. I am willing to accept any punishment."

Despite her fear, her voice remained firm, unwavering.

Erica, standing to the side, kept her eyes lowered and remained silent.

"Willing to accept any punishment?"

Roy chuckled lightly. He rose from his chair behind the mahogany desk, stepping across the plush carpet until he stood before Liliana. Then, to her surprise, he crouched down to her level.

They were now close—so close that Roy could clearly see Liliana's youthful, delicate features, even the flawless details of her smooth skin.

The sweet, girlish fragrance that clung to her softened the otherwise cold atmosphere.

Liliana's nose twitched slightly, uncomfortable with Roy's proximity, but she remained solemn. "...Yes, my King! I will endure any punishment, if only to change your view of our Bronze Black Cross and prove our loyalty!"

"Then, lift your head!"

Lilyana obeyed, only to feel Roy gently blow on her slender neck.

A faint warmth brushed against her sensitive skin, causing Liliana to let out a soft "Mm~" as her body went weak, even breaking out in goosebumps. She had to brace herself against the ground to keep from collapsing.

"Hahaha!! Erica said Liliana's neck was extremely sensitive—seems she wasn't lying."

As if he had found a fascinating new toy, Roy burst into laughter.

Liliana didn't dare voice any complaints toward Roy, but she did shoot Erica a covert glare, blaming her for this humiliation. Erica, meanwhile, blinked innocently, feigning ignorance.

"Alright, forget about punishment. Since I've already forgiven you both, I won't dredge up old grievances. Now, I have a task for you, Liliana!"

"...Accompany Erica and me to England. Once we've gathered all the necessary materials, use your witch's bloodline and magic to conduct a ritual for me!"

"Yes!"

Liliana didn't know what Roy intended, but she didn't question it—she simply agreed without hesitation.

...

A plane took off from Rome's Fiumicino Airport, bound for England.

***

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