Chapter 62: A Father’s Command, Torn Marriage

Several weeks back...

Vritra stood in his chambers, arms behind his back, his head held steady. He appeared more rigid than usual, with no smile or even a word as he stared into the black rift before him.

He was speaking with his father.

Demon King Rohan.

Though Rohan wasn't physically present, his aura was so powerful that it made Vritra's chambers feel like they were trembling.

"Father, you' re looking well."

"I didn't come here for small talk, boy. You did well securing that alliance with Duranzia, but now I need you to go further. We can't let our enemies or the other Asura families get ahead of us."

"What do you need from me, Father?"

"I want you to take control of Duranzia's western vassal state, the Sword City of Gladius. I've been reviewing the reports you've sent me on Duranzia, and that city has more potential than most realize. If you manage to bring Gladius under our control, we could use the city's semi-independent status to cut ties with Duranzia.

That way, the [Conditional Magic] wouldn't affect you, me, or our family anymore."

"That's clever..."

"Of course, I didn't expect you to figure that out on your own. All you seem to know how to do is bring trouble and disgrace to our family in every way possible. Still, I approve."

"How kind of you, Father."

But Vritra already knew about this.

He learned about Gladius City's semi-independence during his date with Luciana.

In fact, he had already come up with six different plans to take control of the city. However, the main reason he was against it was because of the System and its rules.

『Knowing this bastard Rohan... as soon as I take control of Gladius City, Luciana and her family will almost certainly be dead. And I haven't triggered enough events to know how the plot will unfold once I take control.』

Though the thought were stressful, Vritra kept smiling.

Rohan ignored the odd smile and spoke.

"Back to Gladius. If you become its ruler and build your own power there, you'Il be free from the pact with Duranzia, and you won't even have to stay married to that human filth, Luciana. Isn't that right?"

"Hm, I suppose so."

"Mhm. I've always preferred Lilith for you. Luciana's too cheerful and submissive... it's sickening. I'd rather you kill her after you're done with this mission. Or better yet, bring her to the Hell Continent, say you want to introduce her to me. I'Il have Lilith deal with her; she'd enjoy it."

"And if I said I did't wan──"

"I'd kill both you and that human myself."

"Understood."

"Get to work..."

The rift sealed shut, and the shaking in the room finally stopped.

... Phew~

Vritra let out a deep breath, placing a hand over his chest, relieved that Rohan was gone.

"That guy really doesn't mess around, does he?"

He looked down at his hand and noticed it was trembling, which really took him by surprise.

『Ever since my soul was transported into Vritra's body, I've felt this godlike power and a sense of invincibility, like nothing could harm me. But I guess this serves as a good reminder that I'm still far from reaching my goals... very far.』

Slowly, a grin spread across his face.

The sharp clink of the cup made Edmond and Gordias fidget, but before they could react or say anything, the wine room was empty.

Vritra and Neron had vanished.

The nobles didn't question it... they were just relieved.

"Phew~ we're safe..."

━ ━ ━ ━

Vritra searched through most of the hall and the Redwood Manor for Cedric and Katherine.

Eventually, he found them in a small, luxurious garden on the other side of the mansion.

They were having their usual lovers' quarrel, and the dark prince just watched with a plain face and a secret smile.

『It seems my plan worked...』

The dark prince continued to observe.

Cedric swung his fist angrily and growled.

"So you still won't tell me the truth──?!"

Katherine, looking distracted and out of sorts, responded with a sigh.

"Sigh~ Truth about what now, honey?"

Since Vritra arrived, all Katherine seemed to do was argue with her husband.

She didn't want that.

But Cedric was a big otherwise.

He roared louder and waved his fists around.

"Don't you dare call me 'honey'! That name should only be used by a woman who is faithful to her husband! I saw you sneaking out of our bedroom last night, and when you came back, your dress was loose! I checked that dress before we left for this event, and I saw it was cut. Were you so eager to spray your legs open for that bastard god's little cock that you tore it yourself?!"

Katherine didn't know how to respond.

She hadn't done most of what Cedric accused her of, but she knew that answering would only lead to more twisted accusations.

"I can't do this, Cedric..."

She shook her head, disappointed, adjusted her shawl, and gave her husband a respectful bow before walking away.

Cedric was furious.

"Grrr! This bitch──!!"

He yanked her back and slapped her roughly.

... SMACK~!!

Katherine crashed to the grassy ground.

She was too weak and shocked to get up.

"Next time... don't you dare walk away from me..."

Cedric clicked his tongue in disgust then stormed off.

[Ding! There's been a great rift in the married couple's relationship. The host now has a chance to win over the target, but only if he can make her like him more.]

Love Saint Vritra has seen his chance.