Chapter 136: He is as Powerful as Her Majesty
A villa not far from Dior’s residence, which had recently changed hands to an alien merchant.
In the private yard, Shady, dressed in a sky-blue gown and a wide-brimmed sun hat, sat leisurely in a rocking chair.
She held a romantic novel and stirred a cup of black coffee with no sugar.
At this moment, based on her appearance, she looked exactly like a rich young girl in the City of Mysteries, enjoying the bright autumn sun and the endless leisure of long days.
Her past life in the slow-paced royal family of Veronica was much the same.
On another chair, Shaq, the Crown Prince of the Sea Kingdom, was not as calm as she was. His large tail dangled in a large basin of water, restlessly splashing the water.
During the preparation phase, Shady had been so nervously analyzing and speculating about every rustle of leaves that even her subordinates were on edge.
Now that the operation had begun, she had actually calmed down, leaving Shaq, who was a bit idle, unable to stay composed.
Shady ordered a cup of coffee and a dessert for Shaq and smiled, “We’ve done all we can. All variables have been accounted for. Now we just need to wait for the harvest.”
“Yes, we’ve prepared so much; we definitely won’t lose!”
Shaq forced a smile, trying to cheer himself up.
Although he was unaware of Shady’s two-month wager, this was a major event that concerned his ability to return home, and he truly couldn’t wait in peace.
In principle, capturing a target who, on paper, only possessed the strength of an advanced magician should not have caused such immense pressure.
However, facing Shady’s endless contingency plans, Shaq, bound by the contract, had committed all his available resources. The sunk cost was too high; he truly could not afford to lose.
After all, this City of Mysteries was the Empress of Eternal Night’s territory. That woman had achieved too many incredible feats, making her the most difficult variable to control.
As they spoke, the communication magic circuit in Shady’s ear never ceased:
“First Special Team is in position. Target confirmed to have left the room.”
“Sentries have been cleared. Spatial blockade and control traps are being set up.”
“Second, third, and fourth teams have reached their designated locations.”
“Room spirit ‘Big Smart’ has been successfully infiltrated and is rewriting control programs. Target location will be under full control shortly.”
One by one, the messages poured in. Because Shady’s investigation was thorough and her preparations were sufficient, every step of her subordinates’ execution went smoothly.
Any minor obstacles encountered were well within the scope of their on-the-spot adaptability.
With contingency plans for all variables, backup plans always yielded twice the result with half the effort at times like these.
“Report, Mentor, all preparations are complete. We await the target’s capture.” A core member of the Tianming Army stated.
“Received. Your teams are to remain concealed and await orders. Report any anomalies to me immediately.”
Shady calmly and composedly issued her commands, exuding a powerful confidence as if everything was under control.
Listening to her command with such composure, Shaq gradually stopped overthinking.
Perhaps this was leader’s charisma?
All our arrangements were made after precise calculations and thorough analysis. We have the advantage of foresight against their surprise; we surely won’t fail?
Mentor is truly Mentor, easily accomplishing things we cannot.
A mere Roger will absolutely not escape Princess Shady’s grasp!
However, in reality…
Shady was far less calm than she appeared.
If she were truly confident, she would not have intentionally worn the clothes she liked in her youth, trying to recapture the feeling of her glorious days.
She also didn’t know why, but whenever she thought of this operation, she felt a strange unease and had suffered nightmares for several consecutive days.
But she had no choice. The time pressure of the wager was upon her, and the plan had progressed to this point; there was no reason to retreat.
They had only one chance to strike. Once exposed, the security level of the City of Mysteries would be raised, exponentially increasing the difficulty of subsequent operations.
This was also why Shady had been so cautious. The Empress’s influence on her was immense, and operating under the Empress of Eternal Night’s watchful eye was no different from courting death.
Thus, Shady’s arrangements were not just around Dior’s residence.
A cross-plane communication from the Abyss connected: “Report, Mentor, the reconnaissance team ambushed by the Academy of Arcane Arts has been discovered. They are requesting reinforcements… The Empress of Eternal Night is responding to the call and has joined the battlefield!”
Before the voice finished, the magical communication became extremely unstable, as if countless spells were exploding simultaneously.
The communication then abruptly cut off.
Shady’s heart sank. Was this the formidable aura of the Empress of Eternal Night intervening?
The subordinates she had arranged in the Abyss as a diversion were elites of the Tianming Army.
The Tianming Army had also paid a high price, signing contracts with demons to act on their behalf, possessing strength that far surpassed the reconnaissance team from the Academy of Arcane Arts.
Yet, with the Empress of Eternal Night’s appearance, the situation immediately reversed.
It was unimaginable where the madness of that woman had reached in terms of power.
“I will not forget your sacrifices, nor will the Dynasty forget you.”
Shady sighed softly, knowing that her subordinates on the other side were unlikely to survive.
Now, she could only be grateful that the Empress of Eternal Night had been successfully lured away, allowing their operation here to proceed with ease.
Luring away the Empress of Eternal Night was a crucial step in her plan to capture Dior. She was the only combatant above the legendary realm in the entire Azurevine Empire.
As long as she was absent, Shady believed her own strength could offset any variables or unexpected events.
Although she couldn’t match the Empress of Eternal Night, she possessed at least a tenth of the Empress’s combat power.
As long as it wasn’t a monstrous being like the Empress of Eternal Night, whose magic power seemed limitless, ordinary legendary powerhouses were nothing to fear!
…
…
In another direction from Dior’s residence, a villa was requisitioned without compensation.
Hicks and the Night Watch had been stationed here for nearly a week, monitoring all the Tianming Army’s movements in the City of Mysteries, observing if they were acting according to his plan.
This was to avoid causing additional disruption to the lives of ordinary citizens once the operation commenced.
This area appeared normal, with no visible changes. However, the Night Watch had collaborated with the Academy of Arcane Arts to partially activate the city’s protective magic array.
As soon as the combat energy exceeded a certain limit, those not involved would be immediately teleported away.
“It’s a shame we’re not the ones reaping the rewards this time,”
The one-eyed Sword Saint idly fiddled with the eight-armed gauntlets, different weapons appearing and disappearing at his fingertips. He was somewhat disappointed with this arrangement, but he was also curious.
This time, the Night Watch was only responsible for the second-line forces of the Tianming Army responsible for support within the city. The enemy’s elite forces that would appear at Dior’s residence would be handled by a specialist, according to the Commander.
Roger’s command over the Night Watch and their respect for him were unquestionable. Hicks would certainly follow his orders resolutely.
However, Hicks was very curious about who this “specialist” was.
Given that we have everything under control, how great must this “specialist” be that our Commander personally arranged for someone else to take the lead and claim the credit?
Hicks was not bragging; the Night Watch held absolute superiority.
With their non-magical surveillance equipment, which was far ahead of the Eternal Night World, all the Tianming Army’s actions were under their watch.
Every day, watching the enemies meticulously prepare for battle, completely unaware, the Night Watch even felt pity and regret for these restorers.
“Ms. Xia, no matter how many layers of backup plans you prepare, they’re useless. We’re watching everything!”
“We’re so sorry, but… Oh well.”
If it weren’t for the order from above to catch the big fish in one go, many of them would have already started reeling in the net.
Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait much longer. Shady was also under time pressure, and today, the Tianming Army and the Sea Kingdom elites finally began their final operation.
A net of heavenly grace was being woven to capture Master Dior, with meticulous planning and interlocking layers.
However, the Night Watch, like a large man with scissors, stood by the net, ready to cut it to pieces and reuse the shredded net to exchange for a stainless steel basin for Her Majesty the Empress…
…
…
Starfall Palace.
The ministers of the cabinet waited until just before the meeting to receive last-minute notification that today’s cabinet meeting was canceled due to the Empress of Eternal Night rushing to the aid of the Abyss.
As a precaution, the battle of wits between the Tianming Army and the Night Watch was classified at a high level. Only Roger and the Empress of Eternal Night possessed the full picture; other departments merely cooperated in completing relevant intelligence.
Even within the cabinet, apart from Roger, who attended as Dior, Margaret was surprised by the Empress of Eternal Night’s sudden departure to the Abyss.
Little Fan couldn’t help but wonder, with so many enemies still around the Empire, were they already planning to conquer the Abyss?
【Once the Abyss is conquered and more demons are assimilated as imperial citizens, perhaps I won’t be so lonely…】
Inexplicably, she thought of the word “lonely” and instinctively glanced at Dior, who was sitting at the end of the conference table, then quickly looked away.
Margaret, you are still too weak. You’ve told yourself dozens of times, why haven’t you spoken about the alliance yet?
You can’t continue to be so weak!
Tomorrow will definitely be the last time!
With the Empress absent, the Secretary-General arranged for everyone to discuss urgent matters that required inter-departmental cooperation and then announced the adjournment.
As everyone filed out, Margaret called out to Roger, who was walking ahead towards the door, “Master Dior, wait for me.”
She wanted to discuss with Dior the likelihood of the Empress invading the Abyss.
Angelina, who was tidying up documents, suddenly paused.
She had heard reports from her subordinates that Margaret had been going to Dior’s residence for breakfast every day recently.
However, during the cabinet meeting, the two of them didn’t seem to interact much, and there didn’t appear to be much further contact in other private settings.
Therefore, it could be defined as this half-demon resorting to shameless and uninhibited entanglement with Dior.
Hmph, a demon’s sticky candy; like she shamelessly opposes me every day, this little demon, once she latches on, is endless.
A true lady of the Empire would never do something so bothersome!
Angelina suddenly felt sympathetic towards Dior, considering Margaret’s behavior as workplace harassment.
The Right Chancellor had always held Dior in high regard.
Because of his talent, and because he and his brother had such “close personal ties.”
From Angelina’s perspective, Roger began to exert himself after meeting Dior. In a short period, he transformed from a useless brother into an imperial hero, his abilities and insights seemingly like a completely different person.
This showed that Dior must have had a very significant influence on his brother, acting as both friend and mentor. The Charles family owed him a tremendous debt.
After the Bloody Night of Audo, when Margaret forced Roger to take over as the Commander of the City Guard, it was also Dior who actively stepped forward to shield his brother from disaster. The Charles family owed him yet another debt.
Angelina had given Dior several gifts, but these could not repay even a fraction of his help to her brother.
Therefore, Angelina had also, as a friend, asked Dior if he needed any help.
Unfortunately, Dior claimed that he had no worries about food or drink and no other matters that would require troubling the Right Chancellor.
Her attempt to repay the debt had failed. However, in Angelina’s eyes, Dior was a high-minded scholar who sought nothing and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Empire, further elevating her evaluation.
She picked up her documents and stood to leave. Seeing Margaret still clinging to Dior, chattering about something, a hint of anger stirred within her.
As the First Secretary of the Cabinet (the Right Chancellor was higher than the Left Chancellor, so this statement was not incorrect), she had a responsibility to maintain the atmosphere of the cabinet and prevent senior members from bullying newcomers.
So, Angelina walked to within three steps of them and cleared her throat a few times to announce her presence.
“Lord Right Chancellor, it’s not good to eavesdrop on others,” Margaret retorted provocatively, staring at the blue-haired saint.
Roger’s gaze also held confusion. His sister was not someone who would casually interrupt conversations.
Angelina ignored Margaret and said to Roger, “Dior, the cabinet is not outside the law. If you encounter any unfair treatment, please tell me, and I will ensure justice is served for you.”
“Angelina, you’re overthinking it. Nothing out of the ordinary is happening,” Dior replied with a smile, realizing she misunderstood and thought he was being bullied by Little Fan.
Margaret’s anger flared upon hearing this. What did this blue-haired saint mean, accusing her of bullying people?
However, more than anger, she felt a sense of panic.
This was the first time Margaret realized that Dior and the blue-haired saint were close enough to address each other by name?
When had it happened, so quietly, had the blue-haired saint once again gotten ahead of her?
On any other day, she would have fired back, arguing fiercely with Angelina. But at this moment, she was preoccupied with her own worries, contemplating the relationship between Master Dior and Angelina.
Angelina, after reminding him, saw Margaret lowering her head as if guilty, deeming her purpose of deterrence achieved. She gracefully curtsied, “It’s good if there’s no situation to worry about. I won’t disturb you any further. Dior, feel free to visit the Charles residence when you have time. I will be sure to entertain you well.”
Roger smiled awkwardly but politely, thinking that he was very familiar with the Charles residence and didn’t need her entertainment.
Throughout the entire exchange, Angelina did not cast a second glance at Margaret and left.
Margaret lowered her head, not bothering to dwell on Angelina’s flagrant provocation.
“Lord Left Chancellor, do you wish to continue discussing the Empire’s potential invasion of the Demon Realm?” Dior’s voice brought Margaret back to reality.
While she was lost in thought, no one was left in the Hall of Political Discourse except for the two of them.
She looked up, but compared to her usual proud and confident expression, the light in her eyes was extremely dim. She said softly, “Master Dior, can you walk with me for a while?”
“Of course,” Roger did not refuse.
He sensed that Margaret’s state was unusual. Could she be heartbroken by Angelina’s false accusation?
She wasn’t this fragile, was she?
However, he was just going back to act a scene with Mentor Tianming, so he might as well accompany her for a while. He shouldn’t truly bring down the child.
The two of them strolled towards the outside of the Imperial Palace.
But even after leaving the Imperial Palace, Margaret still appeared preoccupied, remaining silent.
“You’re not just dragging me along for a walk, are you?” Roger asked jokingly.
Margaret’s hesitant and conflicted expression shifted to one of resolve. She mustered her courage and said, “C-can I also call you Dior?”
Roger blinked.
He thought that this half-demon was too petty. Did she have to copy everything Angelina had?
He rubbed his forehead helplessly, “Of course…”
However, Margaret, sensing his mood, added, “Don’t pity me. If this causes you trouble, let’s just maintain our current relationship. I… I won’t disturb you for breakfast every day either.”
Because of her loneliness since childhood, Margaret rarely considered others’ feelings.
But Angelina’s reminder made her realize that her actions might be a burden in others’ eyes.
Her voice grew softer and softer, her head drooped, her tail also drooped, and her small hands gripped her skirt with such force that her skin appeared almost transparent.
It was the first time Roger had seen this seemingly prickly Left Chancellor so frail and petite. Facing someone she cared about, she seemed so lost as to be like a helpless child.
Perhaps because she had no childhood, in some aspects, she was an idiot, never having had the chance to grow, and thus so naive?
Roger suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for her. His voice unconsciously softened, and he said gently, “There might indeed be some trouble. That is, I already consider you a friend. I’m just not sure if you need a friend like me?”
“Of course… I need one!” Margaret blurted out.
So, eating and chatting like this already meant being friends?
Roger couldn’t help but chuckle, “Then calling each other by name is only natural, right, Mary?”
The little demon’s body trembled slightly. She slowly raised her head and saw Roger’s earnest expression. Her beautiful red eyes gradually regained their radiance, and she said with surprise, “Thank you, Dior… I-I’m so happy. I thought you would choose Angelina.”
Roger frankly spread his hands, “There’s no need to choose. She and I are also friends.”
Margaret immediately looked incredibly perplexed and instinctively revealed the truth, “How can you be like this? I won’t be friends with her! I initially sought you out hoping you could help me win more favor from Her Majesty than Angelina!”
“My friendship with her has nothing to do with whether you’re friends with her or not,” Roger said earnestly. “Just like how your desire to win Her Majesty’s favor has nothing to do with Her Majesty’s impression of Angelina.”
It was a simple truth. If anyone else had told Margaret this, she would have lost patience and stopped listening long ago.
They were like fire and water; sooner or later, it would be either her or the blue-haired saint!
But Dior was the friend she herself had chosen, her only friend in so many years. She truly listened to his words.
“It seems… it’s indeed like that? I don’t actually need to compete with Angelina?” The little demon followed Roger’s line of thought, realizing she had indeed been caught in a rut and begun to doubt herself.
If that were the case, what on earth had she been competing with Angelina for all these years?
Fearing that she might not be able to accept this reality and become too distraught, Roger interrupted her thoughts at the right time, “In short, as a friend, if you wish to win more favor from Her Majesty, I can help you.”
“Really? That would be wonderful! It won’t be any trouble for you, will it?” Margaret’s face lit up with surprise. She instantly forgot about Angelina.
Hadn’t she waited for so long, hesitated for so long, precisely for a promise like this from Dior?
“Friends help each other. Besides, it’s just a small effort,” Roger said dismissively.
He did not explain. It was the same principle: winning Her Majesty’s favor and suppressing Angelina were two unrelated matters.
But for Margaret, such a promise was enough to make her happy. She said earnestly, “I don’t seem to have anything to help you with at the moment, so please, let me treat you to lunch. You can pick any restaurant.”
Before Roger could reply, a sudden sense of alarm surged through him. He noticed that the surrounding streetscape seemed to be distorting, and the clamor of the marketplace was receding further and further away.
Oh no, they had been talking too intently and he had forgotten his scheduled meeting with the Tianming Army.
It seemed that because he had returned home too late, Shady had directly activated a backup plan and decided to intercept him midway?
And this way, she could also take down a half-demon?
“My dear Mentor, aren’t you being a bit too greedy?” Roger whispered softly.
Margaret also sensed something amiss. She tugged at Roger’s robe, her voice trembling slightly, “Dior, have you noticed that the environment here is not right?”
She could already see faint but powerful magical fluctuations in different directions, indicating brief but intense combat.
At the same time, she discovered that her guards were unreachable.
“Don’t worry. From now on, just cast shielding spells on yourself,” Roger’s tone was calm and composed.
“I’m a Magister, and you’re only an Advanced Magician. I should be the one protecting you,” Margaret said loudly, unconvinced, while also trying to bolster her own courage.
Not far away, Shady had appeared with the Tianming Army and the Sea Kingdom elites, their weapons dripping with blood.
Clearly, they had already dealt with the guards protecting Margaret.
“Are you sure I’m only an Advanced Magician?”
Roger asked softly, not just to Margaret but also to the encircling attackers who had revealed themselves in surprise.
At the same time, he no longer hesitated and directly activated the Demon Emperor’s Command.
“Grant Her Majesty possession!”
Magic power exceeding the legendary level surged through him, directly allowing his body to defy gravity and float into the air. His gaze locked onto Shady, who showed a surprised expression.
“Dior is so powerful, he actually possesses a bit of Her Majesty’s demeanor…”
Margaret looked up at Roger’s figure, her beautiful eyes shining with brilliance.
The familiar intensity of the magic gave her an inexplicable sense of peace and twelve parts of trust in Dior.
So, as he had instructed, she simply cast shielding spells on herself, not wanting to be a burden in his battle.
“Action!”
Although the target’s combat strength exceeded expectations, Shady’s appearance itself was meant to counteract such variables.
Abandoning the ambush and acting early was all about saving time, to prevent the Empress of Eternal Night from returning from the Abyss.
Besides her, no matter how strong anyone was, she, Shady, would suppress them one by one!
However, the magic power emanating from Roger continued to rise, as if limitless, until the smile of complete control on Shady’s face stiffened.
Oh no, could this be another limitless magical cannon?
Light flickered at Roger’s fingertips, and a playful smile appeared.
“My dear Mentor, you’ve finally revealed your health bar!”
