Claytina left, her expression somewhat dazed.
Although this interrogation yielded important information, she felt as though she had also lost something in the process...
With the light returning to her eyes, Claytina clenched her fist. Regardless, this information must be used to conquer the Human camp.
She lightly dispersed into a deep shadow, seeping into the cracks of the bluestone bricks, and went directly to the core of the Demon King's Castle underground.
The grand and spacious hall lit up with clusters of pale white ghost fires. In the center of the hall stood a tall throne made of silver thorns and pale white skeletons.
Below the steps of the throne, at the side of the bronze-colored long table, Claytina's figure coalesced.
"Demon Joint Council, activate!"
Her voice echoed continuously within the hall. Then, clusters of ghost fires rippled, and finally, one ghost fire brightened sharply, as if gaining some sentience, and floated onto the seat opposite Claytina.
"Secretary Claytina, the Second Demon Svir, responding to your summons." A slender and gentle voice came from within the ghost fire.
"It seems your condition has recovered well." Claytina's eyebrows curved slightly as she smiled.
"Second Demon Official, Demon Strategist, Svir."
"Forgive me for not being able to attend in person. The injuries of the other Demons are more severe than mine, and they are temporarily unable to respond to your summons," Svir said politely.
"Could there be some urgent situation? Secretary Claytina?"
Claytina nodded, "I interrogated Brave Mino and obtained a vital piece of information. This is a good opportunity for us to act."
"Inside Second Prince of Ku'er's study, there are extremely rare maiden dolls. To Prince Otta, they are his most important possessions, the pillars of his spirit."
"I need you to find a way to destroy those maiden dolls. That way, it will surely strike a blow to Second Prince of Ku'er and shake the operations of the Human Kingdom."
Svir's questioning voice came, "Ota Cour? He actually likes those kinds of dolls. This doesn't match my information..."
Claytina's fair fingers lightly tapped the table as she asked, "What is your information?"
Svir patiently explained, "Based on the Royal Capital's behavior, Ota Cour is definitely a wise, calm, and extremely restrained monarch."
"I've even heard that he intensely dislikes products and creations related to the Demon Clan..."
"Is that so?" Claytina immediately felt suspicious. Could it be that Mino still lied in some places?
Just as she was about to recall the details carefully.
"Wait, I know!" On the other end of the ghost fire, Svir suddenly raised his head. Could it be... so that's how it is, that makes sense!
"That Prince must have deliberately released corresponding information to cover up his preferences and weak points! Claytina, this is an extremely crucial piece of information!!!"
Svir couldn't stop praising, "Crafting seemingly true rumors, making everyone in the world believe that's Prince Otta's real thoughts, that way, he can protect the maiden dolls he cherishes!"
"As expected of the next King of the Kuer Kingdom, he already possesses wisdom no less than yours or mine!!!"
"Uh... I see." Claytina nodded, accepting this explanation.
"Then, do you have a way to destroy those dolls? Svir."
"The Kuer Royal Capital's defenses are strict. If it were an assassination mission, it would be difficult to achieve. But if it's just some lifeless objects with magic... no problem."
A complete plan gradually formed in Svir's mind, his voice eager.
"Then, I look forward to your good news—" Claytina smiled.
She couldn't wait to let Mino know how much damage the information he gave away would cause.
Such a result would surely make him suffer immensely...
...
Kuer Kingdom, Royal Palace.
Night.
In the quiet courtyard, the pure white moonlight cast transparent silk, falling upon the neatly trimmed flower beds, condensing into pure dew drops on the full and soft petals.
On the path illuminated by silver moonlight, a young girl walked, dragging the hem of her long, soft white formal dress.
A lingering worry hung on the girl's delicate face, her emerald green eyes gleamed, and her innocent face was filled with a noble aura, yet she was as lovable as a deer in the forest.
She was the jewel of the Kingdom, the Second Princess, Prince Otta's younger sister, Princess Kalia.
"Sigh..." Suddenly, Kalia sighed softly.
The gentle sigh disappeared into the night sky with the wind, echoing under the moonlight.
Kalia's fingers gently stroked the dew-kissed petals, tilting back her fair neck, her gaze looking far, far away...
The head maid trailing her dress knew who Princess Kalia was worried about—that brave Hero who fought in blood, now separated from Princess Kalia... it couldn't help but bring to mind a poignant love poem.
"Mino—"
Kalia voiced his name with longing, but then a blush spread across her face, and she added two more words unwillingly: "Brother Mino..."
"Why, why are you trying so hard... you fool... so many people are waiting for you... waiting for you to come back... I am too."
With a misty haze gathering at the corners of her eyes, Kalia stood still for a long time. Finally, she prayed to the moonlight.
Her hands, encased in silk gloves, were clasped together, the transparent silk outlining the shape of her long, slender fingers. Kalia's fair, rosy fingertips tightened slightly:
"O God, I pray that Brother Mino is safe in the Demon King's Castle and does not suffer torment..."
The head maid sighed and slowly stepped forward, gently patting Kalia's shoulder. After a long while, the faint sobs faded into the night.
"Let's go back." Princess Kalia turned around, preparing to leave the courtyard.
"...Hehehe... Uh hehehe..."
A silly laugh drifted towards the courtyard, intermittent and unclear due to the distance.
"Is that... Brother Otta's study?" Kalia turned her head, her eyes showing confusion.
"What is Brother doing? I think I heard 'my dear', 'I love you' or something..." She blinked her eyes curiously.
Brother Otta shouldn't have a fiancée yet.
A few more strange "prpr" sounds came.
The head maid's eyes became a little strange. She subconsciously pulled Princess Kalia away.
"P-Princess, don't mind it... His Highness Otta is just a little sick... having an episode, yes! He's just having an episode!"
Kalia immediately lowered her eyelids with some pity.
Brother is so pitiful. It must be because Brother Mino was captured by the Demon Clan that his illness is so severe.
However, the most pitiful one is still Brother Mino...
Kalia raised her head, filled with worry and longing.
"Brother Mino must be in the Demon King's Castle right now, suffering inhuman treatment..."