The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

The Demon King, Nama Karenla, has come here in person.

"...Arise, Udoni."

The familiar voice completely confirmed Udoni's guess. It was none other than the Demon King's voice. Udoni immediately obeyed and stood up.

but....

"what?"

Upon witnessing the magnificent sight of the Demon King, whom he hadn't seen for months, Udoni couldn't help but utter a sound of bewilderment.

The Demon King's face was covered in crimson blood. Her wounds hadn't healed, and blood continued to flow. She leaned forward to avoid dripping blood onto her clothes, resulting in a strange posture.

"Your Majesty, your head... is in trouble. Could it be my men who did it...? They deserve to die! I will find the soldier who harmed Your Majesty and execute him!"

At first, Udoni thought one of his subordinates had accidentally injured the Demon King during the battle. But the Demon King denied it.

"No, this has nothing to do with you, I did it myself."

"...Huh?"

"Hey, what? I already said, I did it myself, don't worry about the reason."

"Ah, yes..."

Udoni felt as if he were repeating the words he had just spoken to his subordinates.

Now that he's calmed down and thought about it, he feels somewhat relieved.

Because it's absolutely impossible for his subordinates to injure the Demon Queen. They couldn't even scratch her, let alone make her bleed; they couldn't even remove a single hair from her head.

After all, shortly after the current Demon King ascended the throne, the five generals had once joined forces to fight him in a five-on-one battle. Komre, with his earth-shattering strength; Diaz, with his impenetrable armor; Udoni, capable of tearing opponents apart at lightning speed; Sachibath, who could strike directly at the Demon King's mental world; and Heimers, who could freely change shape and manipulate the weather underwater… Even with all the generals pushing their abilities to the limit, they still couldn't inflict any damage on the Demon King and suffered a defeat… Their subordinates even circulated rumors that the Demon King had visited the core of the sun, a temperature a million times higher than the surface temperature of their world. He walked and explored the sun's core without experiencing the slightest discomfort.

Then how could there possibly be anyone in this world who could harm the Demon King?

Therefore, the only possible explanation for the Demon King's injuries is that she harmed herself. There is no other possibility.

Since the Demon King had commanded him not to ask, Udoni had no choice but to ignore his suspicions about the Demon King's actions in harming him. He tentatively asked...

"So...may Your Majesty, what is the purpose of your esteemed visit this time?"

"Because of this"

"Snap"

With a snap of his fingers, the Demon King conjured a black spatial rift. Within the rift, countless tentacle-like objects tightly bound a naked girl. The girl seemed to have lost consciousness, helplessly at the mercy of the tentacles, offering no response.

More importantly, the girl had the exact same appearance as the Demon King.

Udoni immediately realized the girl's identity and quickly lowered his head. Even a single glance would be an undeniable offense.

Because he knew the identity of the girl imprisoned by the Demon King.

"...Congratulations. You have captured Her Majesty the Princess."

The person in the spatial rift was none other than the Demon King's only daughter: Princess Meera.

As for who the princess's father is, no one knows. There are even rumors that the princess is merely an avatar created by the Demon King using his magic... But the truth is a secret that even the Five Generals are not qualified to know. However, since the Demon King has bestowed upon her the title of princess, then she is a princess. Everything is governed by the Demon King's will.

He had also heard that Princess Meera had escaped from the Demon King's castle, and that the Demon King and his advisor, Fan, were having a major headache trying to bring her back. But now, it seemed the Demon King had succeeded in recaptured his runaway daughter. That's why Udoni offered his congratulations.

But his congratulations drew a somewhat displeased reply from the Demon King.

"...I don't want to arrest her."

"Wh-what did you say?"

"This is not something you should know, Udoni. I've only come to you for one thing... About sixty miles from this prison, closer to the human kingdom's territory, there's a branch... right?"

"Ah...yes, that's true."

There couldn't possibly be only one prison holding human prisoners. Within the Demon King's territory, there were also smaller prisons and detention centers scattered throughout various locations. The one the Demon King mentioned was the branch closest to human territory. It held only utterly insignificant people, so almost no one went there to rescue them.

That's why the Demon King mentioned that place.

"I need to take Mayella there. A team will be heading there to rescue people afterward. So, I need your help with a small favor..."

..........

"Wh...what...Little Ai, she..."

As Mayajie bandaged Naka's bleeding head wound, her hands holding the bandage trembled uncontrollably.

She couldn't believe it. Meera had been captured by her own mother and was now imprisoned. She would be sent back to the Demon King's castle in a few days.

If that happens, I will be separated from Mayera forever, forever apart...

Thinking of this, Ma Yajie's hand holding the bandage went limp. With a thud, the bandage fell to the ground.

"...What should we do, Tatsia?"

Saintess Pais picked up the bundle of bandages from the ground and, though reluctant, took the place of Marjane, whose body was trembling uncontrollably, and began bandaging Naka, who had once teamed up with her deceased brother. At the same time, she also asked Tatya, who was sitting opposite them, for her opinion.

Now, Tatia is the leader of this team, and everyone in this room, and no one disagrees with that.

Even Jasmine, the female warrior Ruri, and the female knight Lucius, who had been called in to help and were also aware of the matter, thought so.

"....."

Tatia was silent for a moment. Then she stood up and walked to the shelf where the weapons were placed.

"Swish"

In a mere instant, Tatia adorned herself with two gleaming elven swords, one large and one small.

"I've made a promise with Meera. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone again, I'll protect her and prevent her from being captured... I will absolutely not break my vow. The Demon King wants to take his daughter? No way! Meera is free. Her life should be decided by herself. That Demon King, who doesn't even treat his own daughter like a daughter, has no right to interfere in Meera's life. Besides..."

At this point, Tatsia's fists clenched tightly, trembling with excitement and anger.

"...I haven't settled the score with that Demon King yet, not even for the last time, not for my country, not for my people... How could I possibly let this go so easily...!"

"So, that means?"

"No need to wait until dawn!"

With that, Taqia resolutely walked toward the door.

"Tonight we'll raid that prison and take Meera back from that Demon Lord!"

"Well said! Little girl! You're definitely a good person, and you know your stuff! Food should be eaten while it's hot, and fights should be fought when you're really annoyed! That's what makes it fun!"

The female warrior who loves fighting the most, Ruri, naturally agreed wholeheartedly. She patted Tatya on the shoulder. Now, the two had completely shed the somewhat tense feeling from their first meeting and were acting like close friends.

"I...I think I'll...not go..."

Jasmine seemed somewhat resistant. Or rather, it felt like she was hiding something.

"Anyway, I'll just be a burden, so going... is worse than not going at all..."

Then she started to laugh at herself, feeling a little disappointed.

Whether it was the recent exam or the earlier events when Naka and her group took action against Malthus, she could only be a bystander. She didn't want to continue like this. But she also understood that her abilities were waning. She could use about 80% of the magic she used to have, but now she probably couldn't use any at all.

What's the point of a saintess if she can't heal her teammates? It would be better to bring another herbalist.

No one said it, but that's what Jasmine thought. Besides, she had absolutely no connection or feelings for that girl named Mayra. Even if she looked exactly like her best friend.

So, she eventually sat down. She didn't intend to participate in the operation.

"Really? Then I'll take care of the support and healing... Sigh, I've heard that the Demon King's people are really tough to deal with. But after all, Meera and I are quite close, so I can't just leave her to fend for herself... Since you're not going, I'll go."

Looking at the distraught Jasmine, Pais sighed and then took on the responsibilities of a saintess. He patted his chest, which was practically nonexistent.

"Takia, I was unconscious when you and Meera fought the Demon King last time, so I couldn't help. This time, I'll make up for that."

"Okay."

Tatia had no objection to this. So she gave the order.

"Naka... no, Naka is injured, so she'll stay home. The team will consist of me, the hero; Ruri, the warrior; Pais, the saintess; and Lucia, the knight, as the four of us to rescue Mayera! Naka, Maya, and Jasmine will stay home! Is that alright?"

"oh!!"

Liuli and Pais both expressed their agreement.

Even if the opponent is a demon king, there are brave individuals who are not afraid of his intimidating reputation.

Now, they've all gathered here...

At the same time, it wasn't just them.

"Um, that..."

Malyajie slowly raised her right hand.

"Could I come along on this mission?"

"What...?"

The person who should have stayed home said the most unexpected thing. Everyone looked at the wealthy young lady, who seemed completely defenseless, in astonishment.

Her hands were trembling. Even though she had never seen a monster or a demon king, she could tell from their conversation that they were about to face what was probably the strongest enemy in history. So fear and tension were inevitable.

Even so, Ma Yajie understood that there were things she couldn't do without, things she absolutely had to do.

"I...I want to go rescue Xiao Ai too!"

Because the person who needs to be saved is none other than Mayella.

To have her favorite person taken away, while others fight to the death and she just waits silently at home—Malayajie could never do such a thing.

Even knowing that her combat abilities were practically nonexistent and that she would cause trouble for her teammates, Ma Yajie still held onto her raised hand and refused to lower it.

"I won't stay home obediently... Even if you don't want me to go, I'll sneak out after you leave..."

"...Are you serious?"

"Miss Tatia, even if you object, it's no use... I have to save Xiao Ai... I... I must save Xiao Ai!"

Even when faced with Taqia's doubts, Malya Jie refused to back down.

"I absolutely cannot allow my tragedy to repeat itself in Xiao Ai's life!"

Her life was forcibly arranged by her father, she was forced to learn knowledge she didn't want to learn, and even the freedom to leave her room was taken away... Now, Mayajie has said goodbye to that kind of life. But Maya seems to be different.

Even at the cost of her life, Mayajie absolutely did not want Maya to repeat her mistakes, to be ordered and forced to live that hellish life.

Mayera should be free. Just like she is now. To defend her freedom, Mayajie would pay any price.

This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. Rather, it was a well-thought-out decision made by Ma Yajie, a decision that allowed her to stand tall and be proud of anyone.

"....All right"

Seeing that Malya was so determined, Tatiya didn't try to stop her. Just as she said, even if she tried to stop her, Malya would probably act on her own. In that case, it would be better to just bring her along.

"You can come with me, Malya. I only have one request... that you cherish your life and don't do anything reckless. If you die, even if we save Mayera, she will be heartbroken for the rest of her life, understand?"

"....Um!"

Ma Erya nodded firmly.

"Yes, yes, yes! That's the spirit! Fighting isn't just about who's stronger! If you show weakness just because your opponent is bigger and stronger, you've already lost from the start! I admire your spirit, Miss! I always thought people like you were spoiled brats, but you've really changed my opinion of you!"

The passionate Liuli clapped excitedly. Clearly, she admired Malya's resolve. Taqia glanced at Pais, who simply waved his hand helplessly.

"Okay... let's go! We must rescue Mayella... the five of us will do it!"

With that, Tatsia pushed open the door...

.......

Actually, among these five people, there was one who seemed to be completely out of sync with the others. When everyone was excited, she remained calm; when everyone was calm, she still seemed to be in her own world, isolated from the world.

That person was the female knight, Lucy.

Regarding Malya's intention to come along, the female knight Lucius neither agreed nor objected. She simply stared strangely at the silent Naka. This had been the case from the moment they were summoned until their departure...

Author's Note: Sorry to keep everyone waiting so long again. I've had a little more free time lately, so I'll try to update more often.

Operation Mayella (Q&A)

Since leaving the capital, countless days and nights have passed.

Although, according to Naka, the prison where the Demon King imprisoned Meera was the closest to human territory, it was still quite a distance from the royal capital. Even traveling in a straight line, it would take three days to arrive. Not to mention, there simply wasn't a direct road for them to travel on. As for why the Demon King didn't take Meera directly back to the Demon King's castle but instead imprisoned her in such a place, Tatya and the others had discussed this along the way. However, they ultimately couldn't reach a reasonable conclusion.

The reason why the person who had even a slight clue never offered any correct opinions from beginning to end—either remaining silent or changing the subject—is that without a single truthful word coming from someone who truly knows the situation, no amount of discussion can get close to the truth.

By the fifth day, the discussion had stopped. Since they couldn't figure it out, they decided to stop thinking about it. As long as Naka's information was accurate, all they needed to do was go to that place, defeat the monster guarding it, and then rescue Mayera. Nothing else mattered.