The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 627: A True Miracle Bestowed by Heaven

At the same time.

While Capeline was visiting the Bigusler residence, an audience was being held in the Emperor’s bedchamber.

“Ah! Aah…!”

The Emperor’s mad cries echoed through the silent hall, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

Noble officials knelt on the ground, their heads lowered respectfully. However, they weren’t bowing to the raving Emperor, but to a woman slowly approaching from the entrance.

The woman wore a white dress, barefoot, without any makeup, yet exuding an eerie aura that captivated everyone present.

Their gazes held infatuation, fear, fanaticism, and respect, making her the center of attention.

The woman walked past them and stopped before the mad Emperor, who was kneeling and ranting meaninglessly.

“How pitiful, Your Majesty,” she said with a silver bell-like laugh, devoid of pity, sympathy, or even resentment, only cold amusement.

Hearing that laughter and looking at the woman, the Imperial officials finally spoke in unison:

“Welcome back to the palace, Your Imperial Consort!”

Mara had returned.

In this turbulent night, the woman who was the cause of all the disasters finally returned to the Empire, to the Imperial Capital.

Mara ignored the bowing nobles and reached out, gently caressing the mad Emperor’s face as if showing affection. Her movements were gentle, her expression tender, but her eyes were devoid of emotion.

“The plan to lure the phantom thief into the Imperial Palace and capture her failed,” she said.

“The plan to force Rockto to step down from his position failed.”

“The Raifurut family has been annihilated.”

“Even His Majesty has been cursed and driven mad.”

Mara recounted the recent shocking events in the Imperial Capital in a casual tone. But her words, instead of reassuring, were chilling.

“Without me, you truly are incapable of accomplishing anything.”

Her words, neither blame nor reprimand, made the officials lower their heads fearfully.

Mara ignored them and continued caressing the Emperor’s face.

“Someone, anyone, tell me what’s going on now.”

Her words were met with a long, oppressive silence.

Finally, someone stepped forward.

“Your Imperial Consort,” Saliro knelt before Mara, “It’s highly likely that Rockto has sought outside help, having a mysterious expert join their side.”

“That mysterious expert was the one who annihilated the Raifurut family.”

“Also, Princess Capeline has returned with the Broken Blade Knight Order.”

“We also discovered that the mysterious expert seemed to target the facility you secretly established, summoning a meteor shower there.”

“The current situation seems unfavorable to us.”

Saliro truthfully reported the situation. Among those present, only he, a Legendary-level expert and commander of twenty percent of the Imperial Knight Order, dared to speak to Mara in this situation.

Mara’s expression remained unchanged.

“A meteor shower?” she said, as if mocking something, “Indeed a mysterious expert, at least for the Empire.”

Mara wasn’t surprised or flustered, but rather amused, her tone mocking.

Saliro continued, his head lowered respectfully,

“What should we do next, Your Imperial Consort?”

He waited for Mara’s orders. The current situation was indeed tricky.

Although no one knew exactly what Mara had done, those present who belonged to the Imperial Consort’s faction could more or less guess that Capeline’s previous disappearance was her doing.

Now, Capeline had returned, and she returned aggressively, not only representing the royal family but also meeting with Harvis and visiting the Bigusler residence. These actions told everyone present that she was preparing to act against them.

And as Capeline said, everyone in the Empire knew who her patron goddess was.

With the blessing of the Goddess of Justice, after being persecuted by Mara, it was obvious what the princess would do.

The Imperial Consort’s faction, led by Saliro, was worried that Mara would be exposed.

If that happened, they would be in trouble.

But Mara didn’t seem to care.

“Don’t worry,” she continued caressing the Emperor’s face, saying nonchalantly, “Harvis is still under house arrest, and although that princess has some troublesome methods, she’s not the one we should be wary of.”

“Not Princess Capeline?” Saliro was stunned, then understood, hesitating before asking, “Do you think we should be more wary of that mysterious expert?”

Mara didn’t answer, instead saying with a smile,

“The descendants of Heroes are indeed amusing playthings.”

“But they’re just descendants who inherited a bit of blood. No matter how much fun we have playing with them, what can they really do?”

“This time, being able to encounter a true miracle bestowed by heaven is truly exciting.”

Mara’s laughter echoed through the hall.

“Anyway, the time is ripe. It’s time to drop the curtain and set everything in motion.”

After saying these cryptic words, Mara finally changed the subject.

“Mobilize the part of the Imperial Knight Order that you can command to the Imperial Palace,” she instructed Saliro.

“And the rest of you, summon your private troops to the Imperial Palace, cooperate with the Royal Knights, and fill the entire palace.”

Mara’s voice became clearer and louder.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be in the throne room.”

“If Capeline comes, saying she wants to see me and expose me in a public trial, then let her come to the throne room.”

“Oh, and if she brings anyone with her, don’t stop them. Let them all come to the throne room.”

“That place will become the perfect stage.”

Mara’s instructions reached everyone’s ears.

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat.

Because they realized that Mara wasn’t planning to act in secret, but to confront Capeline directly.

“Your Imperial Consort…”

Saliro wanted to say something. If possible, he wanted to avoid a direct confrontation.

Not just Saliro, but the other nobles as well.

They simply thought it wasn’t time yet, that there was still room for maneuver.

If the two sides clashed directly, it would be the biggest internal conflict in the Empire’s history. The impact and losses would be unimaginable.

Instead of such a large-scale conflict, Saliro and the nobles present preferred to act in secret.

Even assassinating Capeline secretly would be better than a direct confrontation.

That’s what they thought.

However…

“…Are you questioning my decision?”

Mara’s voice interrupted Saliro.

Her voice, still pleasant, was now chillingly cold.

Saliro felt a heavy pressure weighing down on him, making him break out in a cold sweat.

Although he was a Legendary-level expert, among the strongest in the world, whenever he faced this seemingly weak and powerless Imperial Consort, Saliro felt as if he was facing an extremely dangerous person, sending chills down his spine.

Saliro didn’t know how strong the Imperial Consort truly was.

Not just Saliro, but no one knew her true strength, or even if she had any combat ability at all.

But she was often elusive, appearing and disappearing without a trace, and every time, she brought a chilling pressure, like a ghost not belonging to this world, eerie and uncanny.

And she had also displayed various methods over the past ten years, making many nobles, including Saliro, submit to her.

Facing such a person, even Saliro often felt fear.

But at the same time, it was because of this fear that Saliro was truly convinced by Mara.

If she couldn’t make him feel awe from the bottom of his heart, then what qualifications did she have to make him submit?

So, Saliro lowered his head.

“I wouldn’t dare. I’ll go and give the orders now.”

Saying that, Saliro stood up and retreated.

The surrounding nobles exchanged glances, then all spoke.

“We will also give the orders as soon as possible.”

“Indeed.”

“Please give us a chance to redeem ourselves, Your Imperial Consort.”

Leaving these words, the nobles retreated in unison.

Only Mara and the Emperor remained in the hall.

Mara, seemingly unconcerned about the nobles’ actions, continued to caress the Emperor’s face, then suddenly spoke.

“Tomorrow, you will act in secret, waiting for the right opportunity.”

These words echoed in the hall.

And a voice responded to Mara.

“Yes, Lady Mara.”

The voice came from the shadows of the hall.

There, a young nobleman appeared at some point, smiling pleasantly.

Mara took out a weapon and threw it before the young nobleman.

“Although it’s just a boring replica, fortunately, it’s a replica, so you should be able to wield it.” Mara chuckled softly, “Use it and give Capeline Ragna and Diere Elvenbein a little surprise.”

“As you command,” the young man replied, his eyes burning as he looked at the weapon and took it away.

Mara had thus made all the arrangements.

“So, what will happen tomorrow?”

Her uncanny laughter echoed continuously.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

Chapter 628: The Day of the Decisive Battle

The next day.

As dawn broke, a heavy, indescribable atmosphere enveloped the Imperial Capital.

From the knight camps at the edge of the city walls, fully armed knight units marched towards the Imperial Palace, filling the streets and frightening the citizens, who hid in their homes.

Well-informed merchants and businesses, or those with connections to the nobility, seemed to have received advance notice, sensing the impending unrest, and closed their shops for the day.

Some nobles even sent their children out of the Imperial Capital overnight, as if escaping or preparing an escape route, increasing the oppressive atmosphere.

The Imperial Capital was unusually quiet and deserted, a stark contrast to its usual bustling activity.

Inside and outside the Imperial Palace, countless heavily armed knights stood guard, some in formation, some scattered, their faces serious, a murderous aura filling the air.

This news reached the Bigusler residence.

Capeline and Rockto, discussing their plans in the study, looked grim.

“Lord Rockto, what are your thoughts?” Capeline asked.

“Mobilizing troops only means one thing: war,” Rockto replied without hesitation.

Indeed. War. The current situation was no different from preparing for war.

“Is that venomous Consort planning to openly confront us?” Capeline frowned.

She wanted to expose Mara before the nobles and have her impeached. But Mara was preparing for war.

Rockto also frowned, but understood Mara’s move.

“Everyone knows Your Highness has the Goddess of Justice’s blessing, including Mara.”

Mara wouldn’t give Capeline a chance for a public impeachment. She was guilty, and the consequences were clear. It was better to start a war and claim Capeline rebelled if she won.

If Capeline went to the palace alone, without troops, to expose Mara, it would be suicide. Mara would simply silence her.

This was a checkmate.

“We can only attack the palace, defeat Mara, and then announce her crimes,” Rockto said calmly.

Capeline understood, but felt disheartened.

“Knights of the Empire fighting a civil war because of that venomous Consort…” She felt pained by the inevitable losses the Imperial Knight Order would suffer. A civil war was self-destructive.

Rockto was more pragmatic.

“It’s their choice, Your Highness. They chose to follow the Renitras, chose to follow Mara, and oppose us. They must bear the consequences.”

Twenty percent of the Imperial Knight Order supported the Renitras and Mara. They had either questioned the Biguslers’ and the royal family’s authority or harbored ambitions. There was no need for mercy.

“I understand,” Capeline said, “Today’s situation shows how many have been corrupted by that venomous Consort. We cannot ignore her any longer.”

If they let Mara continue, how many more would she corrupt? Would the Empire have a future?

Capeline’s resolve hardened.

“We must expose her today.” A short-term pain was better than a long-term one. She was willing to risk everything for the Empire’s future.

“I will follow Your Highness,” Rockto nodded.

“I’m grateful,” Capeline nodded back, then asked, “Don’t you need to be with that person?”

Harvis had instructed Rockto to unconditionally support Shien.

Rockto sighed.

“He doesn’t need me.”

Capeline smiled wryly, understanding the truth. Shien didn’t need Rockto. He had one of the world’s strongest beings with him.

“Then let’s prepare to depart,” Capeline stood.

Rockto picked up his greatsword and followed her.

…

Meanwhile, Shien’s group woke up early.

Holding the sleepy Lilith and Diere’s hand, Shien turned to Lasha.

“You stay here, Lasha.” Bringing her today would be dangerous.

“I’ll continue taking care of Miss Leni,” Lasha said.

“Good.” Shien glanced at the bed where Leni was still asleep.

“She still hasn’t woken up.” This was strange. She wasn’t injured or magically bound.

“The shock must have been severe,” Shien thought, feeling regretful. Leni was connected to Mara and likely held secrets that could threaten her.

But since Leni hadn’t woken up, her secrets were useless for now.

“Pay close attention to her. See if anything unusual happens,” Shien instructed Lasha, feeling she might be a key figure.

“Yes,” Lasha replied indifferently.

Shien hesitated, then kissed Lasha quickly on the cheek.

“Then… we’ll be going.” He left with Diere and Lilith, a strange excitement in his heart.

Lasha, seemingly unfazed, watched them leave, then called out,

“Aren’t you going, milady?” She turned to the side.

“…You want me to help your lover?” Leisha’s voice was resentful.

“I’m not overstepping,” Lasha replied.

“But that damned Hero did!” Leisha complained, “Why didn’t you protect yourself?” She was annoyed, not understanding why Lasha let Shien do as he pleased.

Lasha didn’t seem to understand Leisha’s concern.

“I’m not Mr. Shien’s opponent,” she said, as if she had resisted but failed.

If Shien heard this, he would curse. Resisted? She clearly offered herself willingly!

Leisha also felt cheated.

“That damned Hero…!” she gritted her teeth, resentful and frustrated.

Lasha silently apologized in her heart.

(Forgive me for this, milady. This is for our own good. Our connection with that man is destined.)

…

Bigusler Residence, Main Gate.

When Shien and the others emerged, the area was filled with people.

The female knights of the Broken Blade Knight Order stood imposingly.

The knights of the Imperial Knight Order exuded a murderous aura.

Capeline, Rockto, and Tilly gathered before their warhorses, ready to confront their opponents.

Shien, holding Lilith and Diere’s hand, walked towards them.

“Prepare a carriage for us,” Shien said indifferently.

“Alright,” Capeline nodded.

Soon, a large force marched towards the Imperial Palace.

Among them, a carriage followed, its wheels turning, carrying those who would decide the outcome of this war.