Chapter 225: White Palace 3

After spending some time attending to Elena's injury, I reluctantly bid her farewell.

She squirmed in protest as the templars arrived to fetch her, their sudden appearance interrupting our moment together.

However, upon learning that the Pope had requested her presence, Elena reluctantly acquiesced, albeit with a pleading look in her eyes that tugged at my heartstrings.

As much as I wanted to defy the Pope's orders and keep Elena by my side, I knew that openly disregarding his authority was not an option.

With a heavy heart, I reassured her with a gentle head pat, silently conveying my support and understanding.

Despite the distance that would soon separate us, I knew that our bond remained unshakeable.

"Goodbye, Elena," I murmured softly, offering her a brief farewell before she was led away by the templars.

Returning to my room, I was surprised as I could feel no presence in both my room and Ana's and Louise's room.

I was pretty sure the three of them would likely play around together, considering this is their reunion after a few short days.

"Did they go somewhere?"

Even though I wanted to borrow Aria's staff, I guess that would have to wait for now.

I'm sure they wouldn't go to some faraway place.

....

Deep beneath the dungeons of the icy White Palace, Queen Mavis reluctantly ate the meager food that was given to her, her once regal bearing diminished by the harsh conditions of her captivity.

"Kikiki, to think that this pig was once the ruler of this place," a demon jeered, his spiky head bristling with disdain as he regarded Mavis with contempt.

Beside him, Gazef, another demon, licked his lips in anticipation, his grotesque form exuding a sinister aura.

"It's truly disappointing, don't you think so, Grazef?" the first demon continued, his voice dripping with mockery.

Gazef's eyes gleamed with hunger as he replied, "Really? I don't think she's disappointing at all, Manmas. She looks absolutely delicious~"

His tongue darted out, tracing the contours of his lips, while the mouths that covered his bloated belly moved in sync, adding to his eerie demeanor.

Manmas, exasperated by his companions' obsession with food, rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to their captive.

'Gluttonous bastard' as someone from the Sloth faction within the demonic realm he really didn't want to be partnered up with this demon.

Despite their orders to keep Queen Mavis in check, a part of him wished for her demise, longing for the respite that would come with her death.

As Manmas surveyed the dismal surroundings of their dungeon, a heavy sense of disillusionment settled over him.

The dank, filthy floors, the scurrying rats, and the stench of decaying corpses were constant reminders of the monotony and drudgery of their existence.

Guarding Queen Mavis was proving to be more tiresome than he had anticipated.

Despite their recent victory in capturing the city, he found himself unable to enjoy the spoils of their conquest.

How he longed for the comfort of his luxurious bed above, away from the suffocating confines of the dungeon.

Lost in his thoughts, Manmas was startled when Queen Mavis called out to him, her voice cutting through the silence of their dismal surroundings.

"What, pig?" he replied, irritation lacing his tone.

"Water," the queen requested, holding out a bowl in her hands with a humble bow.

"Oh, how rude of me," the woman replied with a graceful bow. "My name is Kaina, personal secretary of the High Queen of the Elves of Kaksan Forest, Elaniel Elaris. My master wishes for your presence."

The mention of Elaniel's name sent a wave of confusion through Mavis's mind. Elaniel was not only a familiar name but also one of her few trusted friends.

She served as the queen of the elven forest in the deep Kaksan Forest.

Mavis couldn't fathom why someone associated with demons would be under Elaniel's employ.

The circumstances seemed surreal, leaving her struggling to make sense of it all.

As Kaina clapped twice, the door to Mavis's cell swung open, revealing the woman's enigmatic smile. With a gentle gesture, her tentacles raised the weakened queen to her feet.

"It's truly deplorable how they've treated a queen of your stature," Kaina remarked sympathetically. "This won't do at all. My queen would be furious if she saw you in such a state. You don't mind a little detour, do you, Your Royal Majesty?"

Queen Mavis squirmed in the grasp of Kaina's tentacles, her futile attempts to break free met with frustration.

Despite her struggles, she found herself powerless against the strength of the demon before her.

Though Kaina's demeanor appeared benign, the palpable aura of demonic energy surrounding her betrayed her true nature as a formidable adversary—a high-ranking demon with power beyond measure.

"Hehe~ Don't worry, Your Majesty. My queen is quite kind. Let's go now, shall we?" Kaina's words rang hollow in Mavis's ears as they moved forward, her movements dictated by the whims of her captor.

With each step, Mavis felt the weight of her helplessness bearing down on her, a stark reminder of her precarious situation.

A snap of Kaina's fingers was all it took to reduce Grazef to ashes, the sudden display of power sending a shiver down Mavis's spine.

Despite her resolve, she couldn't help but gulp at the sight of the devastation wrought by Kaina's command.

....

Hmm...?

The ceiling?

I murmured groggily, blinking as I slowly regained consciousness.

It seemed I had dozed off without even realizing it. Yawning, I sat up in bed, taking in my surroundings—the darkening skies outside the window signaling the onset of night.

I had only intended to take a short nap while waiting for Aria and the others, but it seemed exhaustion had gotten the better of me.

Shaking off the remnants of sleep, I prepared to rouse myself from bed when I felt something soft against my right hand.

With a gentle touch, I realized that Meralda, my lazy spirit companion, was curled up beside me, still fast asleep.

My hand rested softly on her chest, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"Did she sleep with me?" I mused aloud, bemused by her unexpected presence.

It was a curious turn of events, witnessing how Meralda, once harboring thoughts of vengeance, now sought refuge in the warmth of my presence.

As I observed her peaceful slumber, I couldn't help but reflect on the tumultuous journey that had brought us to this point.

Months ago, Meralda had been consumed by thoughts of revenge, driven by the desire to avenge her brother's death—my own handiwork.

Yet, despite the blood that stained our past, it seemed that time had softened her heart, forging an unexpected bond between us.

With a gentle sigh, I allowed Meralda to continue her peaceful rest, unwilling to disturb her newfound comfort.

Slipping into my jacket, I sensed the presence of three familiar beings in the adjacent room—a sign that Aria and the others had returned.