This chapter is broken. Please report this on discord.
Hello everyone! We've picked up the novel again because we've noticed there seems to be a renewed interest in it. For now, we are releasing one chapter per week, every Friday. Happy reading!
=====
July 9, 187
7:29 a.m.
Death Confession Countdown: 29 days left
=====
The sky over the Hell Abyss Empire was perpetually gray, and even in the early morning, the golden sunlight was not visible.
The 'One and Only Demon God Whose Name Cannot Be Spoken' arrived at the Prison Demon Hall as agreed, while the Lord of Eternal Winter was already waiting for her in the inner hall.
It had been a full thirteen days since their last meeting (June 27).
During these thirteen days, the Lord of Eternal Winter went into seclusion, immersing himself in preparation, solely to fulfill his promise to the 'One and Only Demon God'.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise."
The 'One and Only Demon God' took her seat on the high throne, her every gesture imbued with dignity.
The world's most powerful force and the most breathtaking beauty, combined in her like a divine intervention.
"Lord of Eternal Winter, the time you promised has come. Have you done what you were supposed to do?" the 'One and Only Demon God' asked calmly.
"Please review this."
The Lord of Eternal Winter lifted a large box of scrolls and slowly approached before placing it at her feet.
He could have used magic to manipulate the box, but out of respect for the 'One and Only Demon God', he chose the most primitive method.
The 'One and Only Demon God' glanced at the box. It contained at least fifty or sixty scrolls.
Then, under her control, the top ten or so scrolls soared and floated around her, unfolding for her to examine.
Thirteen days ago, the Lord of Eternal Winter expressed his desire to personally capture "Banning, who bore a striking resemblance to himself," but the 'One and Only Demon God' refused.
The reason for her refusal was simple: the demon army could not do without this military advisor.
To convince her, the Lord of Eternal Winter promised that before setting out, he would formulate a three-month strategic plan for each division of the army and return to the Hell Abyss Empire within seventy days.
At first, the 'One and Only Demon God' thought the Lord of Eternal Winter was joking, but he never expected this madman to actually follow through.
Looking at the carefully detailed strategies and plans in the scrolls, the 'One and Only Demon God' knew it was now her turn to fulfill her promise.
"Lord of Eternal Winter, what will you do after you capture him?"
"If he can be used by the demon army, I will bring him back to the Hell Abyss Empire to present him to Your Majesty. If not, I will dispose of him directly."
"What if you're no match for him?"
Her question made the Lord of Eternal Winter laugh.
The 'One and Only Demon God' expected the Lord of Eternal Winter to say, "There's no such thing", but the Lord of Eternal Winter offered a different answer.
"If I'm no match for 'him,' then I'll come seek Your Majesty's help."
"Heh... you'll really cause me trouble."
The 'One and Only Demon God' accepted this answer for the time being. As long as the situation didn't get out of control, she would allow the Lord of Eternal Winter to leave for a while.
Besides, she herself was somewhat concerned about this 'Banning,' who bore the exact same aura as the Lord of Eternal Winter. If the Human Alliance acquired a talent like the Lord of Eternal Winter, it would be a devastating blow to the Hell Abyss Empire.
"Are you leaving today, Lord of Eternal Winter?"
"Yes, I'll arrange some things with my subordinates later, before I depart."
"...Alright, then."
The 'One and Only Demon God' waved her finger, and all the scrolls floating in the air automatically returned to their boxes.
The strategies contained in the scrolls didn't need to be personally implemented by the 'One and Only Demon God'; they could simply be distributed to the corresponding demon cadres.
However, even though the Lord of Eternal Winter had gone this far, the 'One and Only Demon God' still felt a bit uneasy when he finally left.
Even the wisest man could make mistakes. Even if the Lord of Eternal Winter made the most detailed plan, there was no guarantee that there would be no accidents.
The Lord of Eternal Winter seemed to sense the 'One and Only Demon God''s concerns and, rather than simply leaving, took the initiative to kneel on one knee, extending a hand to her.
"Your Majesty, I have come so far. I request Your Majesty to grant me the 'Blood Bond.'"
With these words, the Lord of Eternal Winter drew his dagger and slashed his palm, letting the blood pool in his palm.
The 'One and Only Demon God' was somewhat surprised. Normally, the Lord of Eternal Winter didn't have to accept this bond, but since he was willing to demonstrate his loyalty in this way, Her Majesty naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Then let me witness your loyalty to the end."
The 'One and Only Demon God' extended a finger and dripped a drop of blood, which merged with the Lord of Eternal Winter's blood and flowed back into his body.
Immediately, a blood-red mark appeared on the Lord of Eternal Winter's arm, marking the completion of the 'Blood Bond'.
From this moment on, the 'One and Only Demon God' could instantly take the Lord of Eternal Winter's life, regardless of his location or condition, if she so desired.
So far, this 'Blood Bond' had only been used on subordinates who were difficult to control. This was the first time the 'One and Only Demon God' had encountered a "fool" like the Lord of Eternal Winter who had voluntarily accepted the 'Blood Bond'.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Go, and bring me some good news."
There was no need for further parting words. The 'One and Only Demon God' was confident that the Lord of Eternal Winter would not let her down this time.
…
Meanwhile, in the Wester Kingdom, Lord Green Lizard's Territory, Dris Town, at the Red Leaf Inn.
Vanessa woke up with a lingering sense of unreality.
Before last night, she had never imagined she'd suddenly have a Dragon Shadow to "serve," and now, she could write a cooperation agreement with him.
—Opportunities, after all, must be seized.
Brimming with energy, she sat down at the table, barely dressed, to begin drafting the agreement.
While crafting the agreement, she recalled last night's performance of "Deer Spirit Concerto, Movement 9, Buddha's Light."
Vanessa initially had some expectations, hoping that Fick would fall in love with her after hearing "Buddha's Light" and seeing the "Sacred White Deer," as it happened in the story passed down by the Snow Deer Clan.
However, after the performance, Vanessa realized that the "old story" was
nothing but a lie.
The so-called "attraction" was not a kind of spiritual enchantment, but the performer's elegant temperament when performing "Buddha's Light", which could touch people's hearts.
This wasn't the "truth" Vanessa desired.
—Oh, forget it.
—...It's only a matter of time before Fick falls for me, anyway.
Vanessa was confident in her appearance, figure, and feminine charm.
She and Fick would continue to work together as partners for a long time.
Vanessa believed that, with daily interactions, as long as Fick's sexual orientation was straight, he would eventually fall in love with her.
Vanessa's latest plan for the future was to devote all her energy to assisting Fick, helping him gain the King of Wester's recognition and regain his princely status.
If all went well, Vanessa would remain by Fick's side as his princess consort.
Then, she and Fick would work tirelessly within the royal family until, years later, they will ascend the throne!
By then, she, Vanessa, would be the legitimate princess, completely shattering the fate of the "Exchange Child"!
Thinking of this, Vanessa was practically drooling from the corner of her mouth!