Italy, in a hotel converted from the residence of a princess of the House of Savoy, a meeting was being held in a spacious room.
Although it was daytime, the curtains in the room were tightly closed, completely blocking the view from outside.
There were four people gathered around the specially transported large conference table, including Erica.
First was she—Erica Blandelli, sixteen-year-old Erica was the youngest person present.
There were two elderly people; they were the leaders of "Olden Dame" and "Female Wolf," both ancient and powerful knightly orders even in this country where the world of magic flourished.
And the last, the fourth person, was a young man. He was the young leader of the knightly order "Capital of Lilies," likely in his early thirties.
This man held the same status as Erica; like Erica, who represented "Bronze-Black Cross," he was a knight who had attained the rank of "Great Knight."
"Well then, esteemed seniors of the magic world, you have summoned this humble girl from the King's side from afar. Can you now tell me what this is all about?"
Sitting gracefully to the side, with a polite yet elegant smile, Erica looked at the three people opposite her and spoke softly.
"Hehe, Miss Erica, there's no need to be modest. It is we who are being impolite by inviting you, the knight and lover of the Seventh Demon King, from so far away."
"However, there is indeed a very important matter we wish to ask of you this time, which is why we had no choice but to resort to this."
The one who replied was the leader of the magic society "Olden Dame," an old man who appeared to be seventy or eighty years old.
Although Erica was the genius girl of "Bronze-Black Cross," in terms of seniority and rank, everyone present was higher than her. However, because of Erica's relationship with the Seventh Demon King, no one dared to show her the slightest disrespect.
"Oh? Please explain."
Stroking her golden hair, Erica's expression remained unchanged as she replied indifferently.
Erica had often been snubbed by these so-called seniors before. Seeing them now treating her with respect and a hint of fear, although she knew it was all because of Sora, the girl couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction in her heart.
The leaders of the three societies exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously. Then, the leader of "Capital of Lilies" took something out of his bag and handed it to Erica.
At first glance, it seemed like a very ordinary object, shaped like a medal made of obsidian, with the portrait of a Gorgon engraved on it, and it looked quite worn. However, when she saw this object, Erica was instantly stunned.
Grimoire! From the magical power fluctuations emanating from it, she could tell that this was actually a Grimoire!
The surprise in her eyes flashed and disappeared, and her originally calm heart couldn't help but become excited, but Erica was a girl who could keep her composure, and her expression quickly returned to normal.
"Hehe, the three seniors are truly generous, to be able to produce such a precious item as a Grimoire. This is something that even Demon Kings desire!"
Without showing much surprise, Erica said casually.
Grimoires often sealed the power of powerful gods. Once a Grimoire appeared, it would quickly attract the descent of a Heretic God.
The preciousness of Grimoires goes without saying, but for ordinary humans, they are merely things that bring disaster. However, for those God Slayers who crave to fight gods and usurp their authority, Grimoires are invaluable treasures!
She had already guessed the purpose of the three, but Erica was not in a hurry, because she believed that the other party would be the first to speak up.
As expected, the next moment—
"Miss Erica, please don't make fun of us. Although this Grimoire is very precious, it is not something that we mortals can handle."
With a helpless bitter smile, this was the voice of the leader of the magic society "Female Wolf," another old man.
"Heh… Then why not give it to Lord Salvatore, the Alliance Leader? I think that lord would be very happy to accept it, fighting the god whose power is sealed in this Grimoire—the Gorgoneion."
As a genius girl who had been specially trained since childhood, Erica naturally recognized the identity of this Grimoire at once. A slight curve appeared at the corner of her mouth as she suggested to the three.
"This is indeed the best possible solution, but unfortunately, our alliance head Lord Salvatore is not here at the moment. Judging by the increasingly powerful magical fluctuations emanating from this Grimoire, an Heretic God will descend within a few days. For us, who cannot rely on a Demon King at this time, this is nothing short of a devastating disaster."
"Therefore, after deliberation, we have finally decided to entrust this Grimoire to Miss Erica, who serves the Seventh God Slayer. With the strength of that person, who once defeated the Sword King Lord Salvatore, there will surely be no problem."
With a hint of helplessness in their tone, the three finally revealed their true purpose.
"This humble girl understands the meaning of the three of you. Although Erica is also happy to help with this, however—"
"Besides my King, there are several other Kings in this world, right? Why did the three of you choose the King that Erica serves instead of them?"
Although she was already very interested, Erica did not immediately agree. Instead, she asked the three with great interest.
The three commanders secretly cursed Erica in their hearts for being so shrewd and composed at such a young age, but now that they were asking for help, they had no choice but to patiently say:
"The Gorgoneion is a symbol of the ancient Earth Mother. Obtaining it means confronting the most ancient goddess. If we were to ask Marquis Voban, although he would most likely be very willing, the conclusion is that even if we escape from the 'Heretic God,' attracting that Demon King of the Balkan Peninsula would still be a net loss."
Once that Demon King unleashes his full power in battle, it is likely that one or two cities would be easily reduced to ashes. This is because the authorities he possesses are almost all abilities that completely crush, tear, and shatter everything standing on the earth.
Moreover, there is one more point that the three did not mention: their alliance head, the Sword King Lord Salvatore, is not on good terms with that person! Even if they invited that Demon King to stop the disaster, they would probably have to face the wrath of the Sword King!
"As for that Holy Guardian in Los Angeles, it is said that he is already too busy just protecting the West Coast from the 'King of Flies,' so he probably doesn't have the extra energy to agree to our request."
"Madame Aisha's whereabouts are erratic, and we cannot find her at all. Finally, there are only the Cult Master Luo Hao in Jiangnan and the Black Prince in Cornwall left, but they each lead societies that worship them. Unless we join their ranks, they will not help us, right?"
Listening to the three analyze the situation of all the current Demon Kings, Erica couldn't help but nod, thinking to herself that it was indeed difficult for these old fellows.
"Since you seniors have said so much, Erica will not be pretentious anymore. I will first agree to your request on behalf of my King!"
With a glimmer of wisdom in her emerald eyes, after weighing the pros and cons, Erica stood up, put away the Gorgoneion, and said to the three with a smile.
Looking at each other, seeing that they had finally sent this troublesome thing away, the three couldn't help but breathe a long sigh of relief.
However, the next moment, Erica's voice sounded again:
"But, my King never does a losing business either. If you want him to take action, you had better prepare the corresponding price."
With a hint of playful cunning, Erica's voice echoed in the room.
"I wonder what that Demon King's request is…"
The three, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, couldn't help but become nervous again, their brows furrowed. The commander of "Capital of Lilies" couldn't help but ask.
"Well… who knows. But don't worry, although my King is a little willful at times, he won't make such an excessive request of you."
A wicked curve appeared at the corner of her mouth, and a hint of a smile flashed in Erica's eyes as she replied ambiguously…