The story begins in the demon kingdom's northern castle. A woman approached the guards, who noticed her beneath their well-crafted iron helmets. They bowed and moved aside to let her pass.
As she neared the large doors of the castle, the guards once again bowed and opened the way for her. Upon entering, two maids greeted her with bows. One of them inquired, “My lady Reyanna, how may we assist you?”
Reyanna, her long black hair cascading around her, smiled and spoke with the commanding presence of a high-ranking noblewoman. "Where is the queen?"
One of the maids responded, "My deepest apologies, my lady. The queen departed two days ago for a meeting with the king of humans, my lady."
Annoyance flickered across Reyanna's face. She remarked, "Peace with them? Jane is such a hopeful girl, to a degree that vexes me."
With a sigh, Reyanna proceeded towards the stairs leading to the second floor. One of the maids hesitated, then spoke, "My lady?"
Reyanna replied, "I am going to see that fool Mahin."
The maid cautioned in fear, "My lady, Lord Mahin is not in a good..."
Reyanna waved her hand dismissively. "I don't care. I’ll call you if I need anything."
Reyanna reached Mahin's chamber and passed by it, heading for one of the empty rooms along the hallway. It remained vacant, as none of his siblings or the maids dared to stay near Mahin due to his irksome nature. Only Yoranios had once slept beside his brother's room before ascending to the king's chambers.
Reyanna slipped inside unnoticed and quietly shut the door behind her. Standing by the bed, she started chanting in an unfamiliar language, her mana swirling around her. Then, she directed her hands towards the walls, and the mana formed a door-like shape.
After a few moments, a voice spoke, "Lady Reyanna, good day to you, my esteemed lady." It belonged to a mysterious hooded man with flowing white hair.
Reyanna smiled and remarked, "Your incantation proved potent indeed. I was able to breathe life into a deceased dragon."
The mysterious man grinned widely. "I assured you, my lady. We possess everything that witches require in this realm - from rare creatures to ancient incantations. You seek power, and we desire the fall of the demons. What is your decision?"
Reyanna's smile held a steely determination as she responded, "The witches have always suffered persecution at the hands of humans, from the unjust trials that led to my sisters being burnt alive, to the demons' contemptuous treatment of us, as if we were mere pawns in their wars."
Reyanna was smiling, though her face was red with anger, while the mysterious man smiled and said, "You can't forget, right?"
While gazing at the old painting of her sisters that she held, Reyanna declared, "NEVER! They will suffer, both of them, and we will finally carve out a name and prestige for ourselves. And remember Rolf, if you betray me, I will show you things you never dreamed of in your worst nightmares. UNDERSTOOD!?"
The mysterious man, named Rolf, remained silent for a few moments before responding with a serious expression, "Of course, I am with you until the end."
Reyanna acknowledged, "Good. Let's proceed cautiously and securely. Now, let's arrange a magnificent banquet for the queen because it will be her last."
Rolf bowed, and both of them exited the room with determined eyes, ready to carry out their mission.
Meanwhile, back in Renolva's kingdom at the castle, Jane conversed with King Ralondo, flanked by her twins and two generals, while Prince Riyo stood beside the king. Monroe, on the other hand, was at the party on the lower floors, surrounded by well-known nobles. The noblewomen cast romantic glances in Monroe's direction, and some even approached him to strike up conversations.
One noblewoman, eyeing Monroe, remarked, "Handsome, you don't have a lady by your side. May I accompany you in this lively party?"
Monroe smiled, but another noblewoman interjected, "Miss Galia, we were in the middle of our conversation."
Miss Galia smiled, covering her mouth with her hand, and apologized, "Sorry, I didn't notice. This gentleman is truly captivating."
Another noblewoman joined the conversation, suggesting, "Handsome warrior, I believe they have wearied you with their tales. Let's retire to a garden or a charming balcony."
Monroe smiled and replied, "Thank you, ladies, for your kind offer, but now is the time for me to meet my sister."
Miss Galia raised an eyebrow and quipped, "At least tell us when we might have the pleasure of seeing you again, lord handsome."
Monroe nodded, "I'm sorry, ladies, but I am married and content with my wife. I hope you each find your soulmates. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Monroe departed, leaving the noble ladies in surprise. Some wore disappointed expressions, while Miss Galia sighed and muttered, "Of course, handsome gentlemen like him are a rare breed, and most are either engaged or married. Damn luck."
After an hour, the meeting came to an end. All the nobles filed into the room, facing Jane and Ralondo. King Ralondo declared, "We shall always strive for a peaceful and prosperous relationship with our friends from the demon kingdom."
Jane added, "And I hope we can maintain this good relationship and work towards a better future for all the people in both kingdoms."
They both nodded and exchanged smiles. The nobles erupted in cheers and applause. Generals, Monroe, and Kunvy stood and bowed to Jane and Ralondo, who then approached the nobles to greet them.
Following the festivities, Prince Riyo escorted Jane and her family to the carriage. When they reached it, Riyo bowed to Jane and said, "My queen, we hope to welcome you again."
Jane nodded and entered the carriage with her family. The driver began chanting, "nəqliyyat sehri: şimal qalası."
The carriage vanished, and Riyo smiled, radiating pure happiness. *I hope to see you again, dear Jane.*
At the northern castle, Jane arrived, and the eight maids bowed in unison, saying, "Welcome home, Jane Gray Gyovani, the demon queen."
Jane inquired, "Any news or reports?"
The head maid informed her, "Miss Reyanna is here, my queen, and she wishes to meet you."
Jane replied, "Yes, of course. Tell her to meet me tomorrow night."
The head maid bowed and left to deliver the message. Jane turned to Jasmine, who was still asleep in the carriage like a bear. She instructed Kunvy, "Sister, when she wakes up, have her share everything she learned from the humans with me."
Kunvy nodded, and Monroe asked, "You seem upset, Jane. What happened?"
Jane replied, "This meeting—every handshake and smile—was a complete waste of time!"
Jane began to stride towards the castle, with two maids trailing behind. Monroe watched his sister and said, "I hope you succeed in your role, sister. I'm with you all the way."
Kunvy guided Jasmine to her room while Monroe headed towards Mahin's room to check on him, as any brother would.
The next morning in Undvik city, Christana the nun walked with Mother Elora towards the carriage, accompanied by eight sisters.
Mother Elora spoke in her calm, casual voice, "Christana, we have a task to bring food and fruits to a poor village near Brilfax city. We'll be leaving today, and we hope to reach them within two weeks."
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Christana nodded, and one of the sisters raised her hand to ask Mother Elora a question, mother Elora acknowledged, "Yes, dear Eyva?"
Sister Eyva, a tall young girl with blue hair and white eyes, dressed in typical nun attire with red accents on the shoulders and back, addressed her, "But reaching Brilfax city takes longer than that, Mother Elora."
Mother Elora smiled and explained, "We have excellent horses, and we'll be taking faster routes. Merchants opt for longer paths to maximize their profits, but we have a specific destination and people to assist. Do you understand, my child?" Eyva nodded in agreement.
Following that, they boarded the carriage. Christana retrieved a sizable book from her bag and immersed herself in its pages. Meanwhile, Mother Elora filled the air with a sweet, melodic hum, and Eyva continued to peer out of the carriage window.
After two long weeks, the nuns arrived at Lavender Village with numerous carts filled with food and fruits for everyone. Mother Elora announced with a broad smile, "There's no need to rush or argue. There's plenty for everyone, and I'll even give you my golden ring if the food runs short."
The villagers formed a line, with families with young children going first, followed by families with elderly members, and finally families with adults. People collected their share, and some nuns, like Eyva, assisted the elderly in carrying the heavy bags. Christana intervened to prevent any disputes among the villagers. Meanwhile, Mother Elora tended to the sick and injured villagers who lacked the means to seek help.
After a long day, Christana and even Eyva, who was resting on the grass, were exhausted. The other nuns either sat in the carriage or on the empty wooden boxes, catching their breath.
Eyva, filled with frustration, exclaimed, "Why didn't the temple in Brilfax city help us? They're so unkind!"
Christana replied, "We don't know about their financial situation, Eyva. Don't be angry. Perhaps they need financial assistance as well."
Mother Elora remained calm and cheerful, as always. She remarked, "Christana, you make a valid point, and I'm very pleased with your open-minded approach to life."
Christana nodded, and Mother Elora continued, "Thank you all for your help. Tomorrow, one of the fathers from the temple in Brilfax city will come to offer us rewards and other missions to undertake. Have a good night, everyone, and feel free to take a walk or engage in any activities."
Christana inquired, "Mother Elora, may I go to the library to study?"
Mother Elora smiled and said, "Of course, my daughter. The library of this village is at your disposal."
That night in the library, Christana sat at a large table surrounded by many books. She selected those that appeared old and read the title of one, which read, "The Demons, from Origins to the Profound Understanding of Dark Magic."
Christana thought as she opened the book, "I’ve been researching dark magic for my brother. It’s a whole different world and I am surprised from all the differences between light and dark magic are more significant than I expected."
At that moment, Christana opened her bag and extracted a glass capsule brimming with dark soil. She examined it and remarked, "My brother sent this to me. It's filled with dark magic."
With a pensive expression, Christana closed her eyes and fell into deep thought. After a stretch of silence, she spoke with concern, "In my brother's letter, he mentioned a knight who met his end in Quinn village at the hands of a merchant. If we consider it for a moment, my sister Avilyn was in that village, and that sickly-looking man was with her. I was certain I sensed traces of dark magic from him. It's all intertwined, and that man is the one who killed the knight. The problem is, I don't know his identity."
Christana pondered further and then said, "He could be a dark sorcerer, a devil, or even a demon."
Examining the glass capsule filled with dark dirt, Christana added, "He entered the temple of light unscathed, so he can't be a demon."
She then turned her attention to the books, saying, "But he could be a devil. Devils possess extensive knowledge of magic and tricks to shield themselves from the light magic in the temples. The only unlikely option is that he’s a demon, as they would combust upon entering temples or other holy places.”
Christana delved into her reading, spending the night in the chilly library.
Come morning, Eyva gently prodded the sleeping Christana, who was surrounded by a multitude of open books. As she stirred awake, Christana mumbled, "Devils! Breakfast! Some fish!"
Eyva chuckled and, once Christana settled down, inquired, "What happened, sister? Did you fall asleep on those hard chairs?"
Christana, rubbing her eyes, replied, "I was engrossed in research, and... What time is it now?"
"It's still morning. I'm here because Mother Elora has already gone to Brilfax City. She asked me to see if you'd like to join her in purchasing provisions for the sisters here," Eyva explained.
"Of course, of course. Give me half an hour, and I'll be ready," Christana responded.
Eyva nodded, and Christana set about tidying up and returning the books to their rightful places.
An hour later, Christana and Eyva arrived in Brilfax City. After the carriage came to a stop, Eyva alighted, joking, "I fear that one day this carriage will be the end of me. I can't feel my arm."
Christana smiled and began to say, "Sister..." but stopped short when she spotted the market. The first cart belonged to Yory, with Joe in conversation beside him. In response, Christana quickly grabbed Eyva, and they both sought cover behind the cart.
Eyva asked, "Sister, what are you doing?"
Christana, while observing, replied, "You see that merchant there? Not the handsome one, the other sickly-looking man."
Eyva remarked, "Yes, but he's also a good-looking man because I'm fond of that type."
Christana commented, "Your taste is weird. Nevertheless, that man could be a devil... or a dark sorcerer."
Eyva inquired, "Or? Sister, what are you talking about? Look at him, he's just a merchant, and I don't sense anything from him. Maybe you've made a mistake?"
Christana playfully cupped Eyva's face, looking at her with wide eyes, and said, "Don't ever utter that word. I'm always right and I never make mistakes, because I am the most perfect nun in the world, and also because I've done some research."
Eyva freed herself from Christana and briskly walked towards Yory's cart. Christana tried to stop her, but Eyva was too quick.
Joe asked Yory, "How did you manage to get the best spot in the market when we’re so late?"
Yory responded with a large, unsightly grin, "I'm a shrewd merchant, and you need to start learning a thing or two from me, my lad."
Joe was about to reply, but Eyva interrupted him and said with a polite bow, "Good morning, merchants. I'm Eyva from the Temple of Light, and I'd like to offer some free treatment for all the poor, hard-working people of this kingdom."
Joe responded, "Thank you, but we're in good health," while Yory remained silent, giving the nun a serious glance.
Eyva smiled and approached Joe and Yory. "Sir, even if you feel fine, illness can strike suddenly. That’s why we offer precautions and protection before it’s too late."
In that instant, Eyva moved towards Yory, got close, and in swift motions, touched Yory's hand. Then, silence fell. Joe wasn't pleased with her forceful approach, but he became perplexed when he saw her staring at Yory with widened eyes, as if in shock.
Eyva found herself in a pitch-black void, utterly alone, with no sounds or signs of anyone. She was trembling, desperately searching for anything or anyone, but she froze when she spotted a dark, grotesque creature staring back at her. Eyva trembled, on the verge of tears, consumed by fear.
At that very moment, Mother Elora rushed over and embraced Eyva. Tears streamed down Eyva's face as she clung to Mother Elora. Joe gazed at Yory and whispered, "What's happening here? Is this nun unwell or something?"
Yory whispered, "I don't have a damn idea."
Mother Elora addressed Yory and Joe while hugging Eyva, saying, "I am sincerely sorry for interrupting your business."
Joe nodded, "No problem, madame. Please take good care of this nun."
Mother Elora began assisting Eyva in walking to the carriage. Meanwhile, Christana remained hidden until Mother Elora had settled Eyva in the carriage. Mother Elora turned to Christana and asked, "Daughter Christana, why did you call for me but didn't help your sister?"
Christana replied, "If I had done that, my cover would have been exposed to the enemy."
Mother Elora, both puzzled and calm, inquired, "What enemy, my dear daughter?"
Christana responded with a mixture of pride, sadness, and a comical expression, "THE ENEMY!!!" in hushed tones.
In Lavender Village, Eyva was asleep, while Christana was in the library, engrossed in reading books and preparing some scrolls. She murmured to herself, "Now, I am ready to face that man."
Determined, Christana boarded the carriage, heading toward Brilfax City. Along the way, she silently contemplated, "The magic I've learned from these books will expose him. If he's a devil, his horns will be revealed, and a small fire will ignite from his head. But if he's a sorcerer of black magic, his tools for creating dark magic will burn. I'll need to be near his carriage to witness the fire."
After entering the gate of Brilfax City, the pressure made Christana break a sweat. After half an hour of searching, she spotted Joe and Yory in front of the inn. Christana, with an irritated expression, remarked, "You need to be near your cart so I can see your tools burn if you're a sorcerer. But if you're a demon, which is highly unlikely, a great fire will start, and you'll burn. But I'll stop it. Not that you're a demon anyway."
Afterwards, Joe and Yory went into the tavern for breakfast. Christana followed them but paused in front of the tavern, her face showing clear disgust. She commented, "There's a restaurant much better than this questionable place with unholy forces."
After waiting for an hour, they emerged, heading to the market. Christana, with relief, exclaimed, "Finally, now let's not waste any more time."
Upon reaching the cart, Yory began untying the ropes and displaying his goods to the customers. It was then that Christana approached Joe and greeted them with a proud expression, "Good morning, gentlemen."
Joe studied her for a moment and then recalled, "I think I've seen you before... (pausing in thought while stroking his chin) ... Ah, you're the childhood friend of Avilyn, aren't you?"
Christana smiled, "Yes, I'm Christana, and I'm here to reveal the truth."
Joe appeared perplexed, asking, "What truth?"
Yory, with a serious expression, fixed his gaze on her. Christana pointed at Yory and stated, "The truth about this lad."
At that moment, Christana began chanting magic words, and a light emanated from her hands. She then pointed towards Yory, commanding, "Light magic: aşkar etmək."
Suddenly, everything fell silent. A small flame materialized on Yory's left hand, which he extinguished with a swift motion. Joe, bewildered, questioned, "What just happened?"
Christana was stunned, her magic had failed. She stammered, "How??? Your horns didn't appear, and your cart is intact, so..."
Then, Yory's power surged from his left hand, dark and foreboding. Both Christana and Joe were left in awe at the sight. Yory spoke with cold, serious eyes, "Your trick did work, but I am no devil or sorcerer. I am a DEMON!"