Chapter 169: Entrance ceremony (03)

I wasn't particularly looking forward to the speech Isabella's brothers had prepared. At most, I'd use it as fuel to make fun of them whenever I got the chance.

However, I had promised her that I'd stay by her side to help her if she needed anything today, and going back on my word like this was the worst.

Still, she should be safe with Mia and Anna around. It would be worse for her in this state if I was around.

Thankfully finding somewhere empty wasn't hard at all due to all the students and most of the staff gathering in the halls.

Miwen: "How comfortable are you with curses, Liz?"

Elizabeth: "It's not my specialty, but I should be able to handle most of them. Especially if they are blood-focused."

Most curses use Dark Magic as the basis or at least imbue some of it in them. As a Devil, I was pretty confident Liz would be knowledgeable about this.

Even though her best affinities are in Lightning and Blood Magic which don't seem to relate to this curse, she's still hailed as a genius so she should be able to handle almost any element.

Miwen: "Alright. Can you take a look for me then?"

Elizabeth: "I preemptively did so due to your sudden inquiry. But... You seem to be under the wrong assumption. You're afflicted with a saint's charm. It's not a curse."

As always, she's quite quick-witted.

But she made me curious. I had not heard of something like a saint's charm before.

Elizabeth: "You've been under the effects of a succubus' whisper before, right? That's a curse all succubi are capable of unleashing. Each of their words carries power, and they can twist your views and desires until they control you... Thus, they can trick you into acting in a way you'd normally see as abhorrent or disgusting.

Your will succumbs to them and you become a puppet, no matter what your views are, you will obey."

What happened with Erika before was quite close to today's situation. So much so that I was under the impression it was the same thing.

Since Sabrina is decidedly not a succubus, I thought her Gift allowed her to simulate that power.

But Liz corrected me on that.

Elizabeth: "Saints are slightly different. Their aura is soothing and inspiring. Under their influence, you will seek to do your best according to your already existing virtues. If you happen to be charmed by one your efforts will be directed at them. Being good and helpful to them will make you happier and strengthen your feelings until you fall madly in love or worship them."

Miwen: "Then that means she cannot change or control my actions, right?"

Elizabeth: "Essentially. A Gift might change that, but... it seems like her charm is acting like any other. You're simply directing your selflessness and care toward her. How that makes you act towards others is due to your own predisposition."

I see... so this is what happened then.

She made me care about her more than anyone.

I ignored Isabella's existence and stopped feeling anything towards her because she became someone I didn't care about.

I already tend to do my best to those I cherish, and I fully accept that this means neglecting those who I have no interest in.

Perhaps this was also strengthened but... it was just the result of my selective selflessness.

It's quite bad considering the way I act, but at least she's unable to control me into suicide like Erika did with the people from that time.

Miwen: "But then... Does that mean Gabriella was lying about her status as a saint?"

I've thought about her as fragile and innocent before. Although much weaker, I think she might have a similar aura.

But I don't believe I ever had such strong feelings toward her.

I treat her way more poorly than any other citizen. I'm not cruel towards her, but I rarely make time or give her any attention whatsoever.

Being around her actively annoys me too.

At most, I'm a little too soft on her considering how much she opposes some of my girls. Perhaps if this was anyone else I'd already thrown them out of the Kingdom.

However, I always excused my behavior towards her due to her inherent value and the fact that she might be redeemable since she's just stupid and short-sighted.

But I do know better than to try and cross the line with someone who's not interested.

Since the charm doesn't make me act in ways I normally wouldn't, there's no chance I would abuse the [Orders] or something like that to force Elizabeth into something she doesn't like.

Miwen: "Hm... you do look cuter than before."

Elizabeth: "..."

I approached her and then raised my hand.

She kept staring directly into my eyes as I moved slowly, approaching her face.

I grabbed her shoulder and...

Miwen: "I'll be in your care then."

Elizabeth: "It goes both ways."

Not even a reaction... I feel like she would at least be surprised before...

Perhaps it's because she can read my feelings better now... which means teasing her became even harder.

Perhaps I've chosen the wrong target after all...

Elizabeth: "Before we part, I must report on a matter regarding your world."

Due to the time dilation, even though a month has passed here, only a day went by on Earth.

Thus, there wasn't much movement on the frontlines with other worlds.

However, Elizabeth wanted to talk about something else entirely.

Elizabeth: "I've noticed people watching over your house. I've yet to take action against them, but how would you like me to proceed?"

...It's probably that guy from the AOTG.

In which case...

Miwen: "Can you resist the power of a contract if it's someone's Gift?"

Elizabeth: "Yes. Pacts are part of my nature as a Devil, so the same way a succubus can resist being charmed, I should be able to resist the effects of any contract."

Miwen: "Then you can keep going to the frontline as you wish..."

Elizabeth is probably our biggest trump card against Erik.

There's no way for him to attack us without incurring heavy losses once she enters the battle and I'm sure he knows that.

As such, he must be looking for a weakness he can exploit or a trap he can lay. With her out of the picture, he'll be able to walk over us.

Thankfully, it seems like his power is not suited to trap Elizabeth.

In this case, continuing to show off her power should be enough to scare him away for the time being.

Once my business with Liz was done, she returned to the Kingdom as promised, and then I went ahead and joined back with Isabella in the hall.

Her brothers had finished their speeches, and it was time for her to participate in the tests for the newcomers.

Isabella: "Where were you?"

Miwen: "Solving an issue. Don't worry though. I won't leave your side anymore. Also, I'm sorry about earlier. I'll explain things to you later."

Isabella: "Hmph... You better. And who said I was worried?"

Although she says that, it was obvious she was anxious without me around.

But since no other incidents had occurred, we made our way to the room where the new students would take a few tests.