The story continues in the demon kingdom, precisely at the northern castle. Jane was adorned in a beautiful white dress, gazing at herself in the mirror. Impressed by her reflection, she turned to the female tailor and praised, ''Good job, Tailor Fyna. You have truly outdone yourself this time.''

Fyna smiled gratefully and replied, ''Thank you very much, my queen! I am delighted to see you satisfied with my work.''

Jane then turned her attention to the head of servants, Fulik, and instructed, ''Get me a contract. I will sign a deal to provide funding for this lady to kickstart her business.''

Fyna was on the verge of tears but managed to hold them back. With a bow, she said, ''Thank you, my queen!''

As Jane left the room, Jasmine entered, giving her sister a thoughtful look. "So, this is your new strategy for boosting the economy—supporting people with fresh ideas, helping them set up businesses, and sharing the profits. Impressive, sister."

Jane nodded seriously and said, "You’ve heard about Reyanna, the mother of witches, hosting a party at the southern castle next week. Be ready to attend."

Jasmine frowned and asked bluntly, "Why not just deal with her directly? Why waste time on this party?"

Jane met her gaze, acknowledging the concern. "If she's plotting against us, I want to know who her allies are and neutralize them. It's about protecting the kingdom. Her reasons for wanting us gone don’t matter or interest me. And if it's just a misunderstanding, we'll clear it up. Understood?"

Jasmine pondered for a moment, then scratched her head and said, "Who else will be attending the party, besides us? It's being held in our castle, after all."

Jane explained, "That's the peculiar part. Everyone has been invited, which raises some questions.''

Jasmine nodded thoughtfully. "The nobles will definitely turn against her. So why pick a day when all of the queen's allies are gathered together?"

Jane responded calmly, "Why pick a day when every demon in the kingdom will be on guard for the queen, plus the private security of the nobles?"

Jasmine frowned. "Who’s going to help her then? This isn’t a solo scheme; it’s a complex game with a lot of moving parts."

Jane turned to her and said firmly, "It’s just the five of us—Kunvy, Mahin, Nearf, you, and me. So we need to be sharp with every decision, understood?"

Jasmine nodded. "I'll inform the others about the plan, except Mahin."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "Why not Mahin?"

After a pause, Jasmine explained, "He’s reckless. If he knows too much, he might ruin everything. It’s better to keep him in the dark until the last minute."

Jane nodded, understanding. "Alright. You can go now."

Jasmine bowed and exited the room. As she walked down the hall, she spotted Kunvy deeply engrossed in a book. When Kunvy looked up and saw her, she asked, "Sister, you didn’t tell her what you saw, did you?"

Jasmine shook her head. "The queen has enough to deal with right now."

Kunvy gave her a serious look. "The day Reyanna, the witch, entered the northern castle and sneaked into Mahin’s room—she wiped the memories of the maids who saw her and even used concealment magic to hide herself. That's what you told me."

Jasmine sighed, nodding. "Yes, I know. I uncovered Reyanna’s actions thanks to the magic I learned from our elder sister, Lilithra. She’s taught me many things."

Jasmine fell silent for a moment, as if wrestling with her thoughts, then spoke, "Maybe it’s all just a misunderstanding… or maybe there’s some hidden love story behind it. I don’t know. Could Reyanna and Mahin be having an affair?"

Kunvy wasn’t convinced. "There’s no way she’s in love with Mahin. Just look at him—he’s practically lifeless, emotionless. Reyanna’s plotting something. All that secrecy? It won't end well."

Jasmine’s expression darkened. "Until we figure out what’s really going on, I don’t trust Mahin. Or that witch."

Meanwhile, in the witches' castle, a stronghold seized from the demons centuries prior to their defeat, King Taffer had bestowed it upon them as a gesture of peace and cooperation between the two nations.

A witch donned in a long black dress, possessing blue eyes, green lipstick, gloves, and a large hat, looked to another witch in a red dress with a petite sunhat and a radiant smile. The red witch complimented, her voice calm, "Zephoria, black suits you splendidly today."

Zephoria turned her gaze to the witch in red and replied with a smile, "Evangra, red could capture the hearts of devils themselves. Why don't you greet the guest? Perhaps he'd forsake his wife for a beauty like you?"

Evangra smiled and remarked, "No need. If our mother's plan goes as intended, he won't have much time left."

Zephoria nodded in agreement, affirming, "Our mission is clear: keep our guest entertained. Meanwhile, our other sisters will attempt to locate Yoranios and hinder any interference with our plans."

Evangra added, "They say he's become a merchant, and there are rumours of a demon aiding humans in their fight against ghouls. It's a lead, at the very least."

Then another witch entered the room, casting a wide smile. She wore a yellow dress, her hair a short golden hue, and her lips painted in matching yellow. She held a large enchanted wand with a shimmering purple crystal at its peak.

She announced, "Zephoria, Evangra, I believe I've located the king."

Zephoria fixed her gaze on her and urged, "Lysandra, don't keep us in suspense! Where is he?"

Lysandra beamed with pride. "If our deductions are correct, he's on the road between Daekrahm City and Hetry City. And it appears that Yoranios could be the demon who aided the humans in the ghouls' invasion."

Evangra raised a valid point, "But what if he isn't Yoranios? Perhaps he's just a demon wanting to assist the humans."

Lysandra's smile widened as she nodded. "If he isn't Yoranios, then where in Krogbakh's hell could he possibly be? This is sure to make things more complicated!"

Zephoria nodded in agreement, strategizing. "We do have alternatives. During our assault, we can employ magical barriers to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the castle via teleportation magic until the queen is eliminated. However, we must ensure that anyone proficient in teleportation magic is eliminated to avoid unwanted interference, especially from the Gyovani family."

Lysandra outlined, "We'll execute both plans. I've hired some adventurers to track down every demon merchant in Renolva and keep a close eye on them."

Evangra affirmed, "Once the attack begins, I'll take care of Olwyn and the head of servants. Both are formidable, and I wouldn't be surprised if they possess knowledge of teleportation magic's secrets."

Stolen novel; please report.

Zephoria addressed her sisters, instructing, "Inform our sister Azravene to prepare for the hunt of the demon merchant. The rest of you will accompany me to the party in the demon kingdom. And let our young sister Nyxaria amuse Monroe and keep him occupied. The others need to maintain vigilance on the remaining Gyovani members. Even if they're distant, they'll defend each other at any cost, and they pose a threat!"

The sisters nodded, and Lysandra bid them farewell with a cheerful smile. Both Evangra and Zephoria nodded back, their determination evident, as they strode towards the door, resolute in their mission to conquer the demon kingdom and establish their dominance over the land.

The next morning in Renolva kingdom, Joe and Yory awoke in their shared room at the inn. In the adjacent room, Lana and Tyva slept soundly, courtesy of Joe's fair victory against the innkeeper.

Yory rose and stepped outside for some fresh air. As he strolled towards the village, he noticed villagers gathering in the square. Curiosity piqued, he approached to see an injured young man with a big wound on his chest, likely from a short-range dagger. He was draped in a white cloak, a clear indication of his high-ranking status within the merchants' guild.

The village chief, using a white cloth, tended to the young man's injury and urgently called out, "Tell them to bring the nun quickly. This man's wound is severe!"

Yory kept his eyes on the young man as he began to approach, gently nudging people aside to make way.

When the panting nun arrived to tend to the injured young man, Yory intercepted her, cautioning, "Sister, using healing magic will harm him. He's a demon."

The nun was taken aback by Yory's words and inquired, "Then, how can I assist him?"

Yory was equally surprised by her willingness to help a demon, but he maintained his composed demeanour, concealing any signs of astonishment. He explained, "I'm a demon. I'll attend to him."

The nun nodded and positioned herself beside Yory. He extended his hand towards the young man and chanted, "Demonic magic: şəfa."

After a few moments, the bleeding ceased. Yory then remarked, "We demons and devils possess a natural healing ability. We can recover from the loss of limbs in battle, thanks to the magical essence within our bodies. This sets us apart from other races, for whom such injuries would be permanent."

The nun understood and added, "Yes, but this merchant's body hasn't initiated the healing process. Is there something amiss?"

Yory looked at the young man and explained, shaking his head, "No, you see the wound on his chest and face? The only thing that can impede our natural healing is holy magic. The attacker knew that a regular weapon could inflict severe harm or even kill him, but with the risk of the victim resisting."

The nun finished Yory's thought, "However, a holy dagger or a weapon imbued with holy magic could kill him and prevent any resistance."

Yory nodded and, rising to his feet, declared, "Very well. Boys, help me carry him to my room at the inn. We can't bring him to the temple."

Two young men and a slightly older one nodded and carefully lifted the injured man, carrying him into the inn and settling him onto a small bed.

Once the man was comfortably resting on Yory's bed, Yory gratefully handed each of them a golden coin. The men were surprised by his generosity, but their joy quickly surpassed their surprise as they left, satisfied with having helped someone in need.

Yory left the man to rest and stepped outside to breathe in the fresh air, his face stern as he pondered what could have happened to the demon.

Lana exited the inn and approached Yory, concern clear in her eyes. "Yory... are you........ alright?"

Yory smiled, lifting Lana up playfully. "When a beautiful little girl asks if I'm alright, I have no choice but to be alright—for the sake of the world!"

Lana giggled, replying, "I know... how to say other words!"

Yory grinned, praising her, "Well done, Lana! By the time you're four, you'll be having conversations with university scholars! I'm so proud of you."

Lana blushed as Yory gently set her back down. "Go tell Joe to take you and Tyva to enjoy the best food in the village. Let him know my purse is in the usual spot."

Lana beamed and rushed toward the inn, but paused at the entrance, turning back to Yory. "Yory... what about you?"

Yory kept his smile and reassured her, "I’ve got some business to take care of. You go and have fun, Lana!"

As she disappeared into the inn, Yory looked up at the sky, his expression turning serious. "Unfortunately, I’ve got other matters to handle."

Yory entered his room where the injured man, now awake, lay resting. He carried a plate filled with soup and meat. When the man noticed him, he nodded gratefully.

Yory placed the plate beside the bed. "Please, eat. I have some questions for you."

The man nodded, replying, "Wav. And you?"

"Yory," he introduced himself. "My first question—do you know me?"

Wav looked at him thoughtfully before shaking his head. "No, but you have an aura like that of a noble. Are you one?"

Yory gave a slight nod. "Have you ever lived in the demon kingdom?"

Wav shook his head again. "No, my family has always been here. I took over my father's work as a merchant while he's up north. I handle things down south, near the borders of the ghouls and demon kingdoms."

Yory studied him closely. "Who did this to you?"

Wav hesitated, clearly reliving the moment in his mind. He spoke, more composed than before, "I was travelling with five merchants toward Dyg village when a witch attacked my friend's cart—then mine. It was a massacre. I tried to fight, but she stabbed me with a holy dagger."

Yory listened intently, and Wav continued, "An adventurer saved me and fought against the witch while I ran towards the village until I lost consciousness. That's where you found me."

Yory turned his attention to Wav and inquired, "Can you describe what the adventurer looked like?"

Wav paused, as if grappling with a surge of memories, then spoke after regaining composure, "He was a man with a robust physique, white hair, and dressed in blue. Likely one of those high-level adventurers who receive special treatment. That's the man who saved me."

At that moment, realization washed over Wav, his eyes widening. Urgently, he asked, "What about my friends!? Are they dead!?"

Yory paused, considering his words carefully before speaking. "You're the only one the knights found," he said quietly. "So I’m assuming there were no other survivors."

Upon hearing those words, Wav covered his face with his hands, on the verge of tears, though none fell. Yory nodded solemnly before quietly exiting the room, granting Wav the solitude he needed to mourn the loss of his companions.

The following morning, Wav emerged from his room, his arms and legs still showing the marks of recovery. He felt ready to move forward, having fully healed. Meanwhile, Yory was engrossed in a book about witches.

Wav glanced over at Yory and greeted him, “Good morning. What are you reading so early?”

Yory replied without looking away from the pages, “This book explores various witches and their spells. And what do you mean by ‘early’? The sun is already up, and here I am, babysitting a young man.”

Wav smiled and said, “Thank you so much for taking care of me. I promise I’ll find a way to compensate you for your hard work.”

Yory raised an eyebrow and remarked, “With what? Your cart and belongings are all destroyed. You don’t have anything left.”

Wav smiled proudly and declared, "I'm a merchant! I know how to get back on my feet after a fall!"

Yory nodded, and Wav started to make his way towards the door. However, Yory stopped him, asking, "Going back? To where the witch attacked you?"

Wav halted, turning to face Yory, and replied, "I need to make sure that witch faces justice, or my soul will never recover from that nightmare!"

Yory returned his attention to the book and stated, "Have a good time."

Wav was surprised by Yory's response and implored, "Can't you help me? You're a demon like me, so can't you join me?"

Yory closed the book, fixing a cold gaze on Wav. "Why? Was there a demon among the group of merchants you were travelling with?"

Wav was taken aback by these words, but he managed to answer, "No, but..."

Yory interrupted him curtly, "Then I have no interest in the witch or her little games. I'm heading to Hetry City, and if she was foolish enough to attack me, then she's sealed her own fate."

This prompted Wav to shout in frustration, "They had families! They had loved ones! You don't have feelings!?"

Yory looked at Wav and said, "I have family and loved ones too, but no one cares except me. So stop shouting, or the innkeeper will reprimand us for disturbing the other guests."

Wav seethed with anger at Yory's response and stormed out of the room, making his footsteps intentionally loud.

Outside the inn, Wav encountered Joe, who looked at him and asked, "Have you recovered?"

Wav nodded and said, "Yes, I'm leaving now to track down the witch!"

Joe nodded and advised calmly, "That's a risky move. Witches are cunning and highly knowledgeable. You'll need a sturdy magical armour and some potions to counteract her poison magic. And you should have a companion to watch your back in case things go south."

Wav's disappointment was evident, prompting Joe to continue, "I can assist you. You can pay me later if you wish, but my services don't come cheap."

Wav's eyes lit up with hope, and he nodded eagerly. "Thank you! I'll pay whatever you ask!"

Just then, Yory emerged from the inn and declared, "No, Joe, you stay here."

Joe nodded and asked calmly, "Is there a specific reason for that?"

Wav turned to Yory, his anger evident at being unable to count on Joe as a reliable companion for his quest against the witch.

Yory looked at Joe with a cold expression and replied, "Yes, Joe. It's a problem, that kind of trouble."

Joe looked at Yory, understanding the gravity of the situation. Yory confirmed with a nod, then turned to Wav, his tone resolute. "I will assist you. This journey requires just two demons."

Wav beamed with gratitude, and Yory addressed him with a stern expression, "Prepare your belongings and your resolve. A journey like this is a one-way trip, with no turning back."