Chapter 34: The Dragonfeeder’s Audacious Demand

“Many aspire to forge history, yet only after their demise are they truly etched into its annals.”

Beatrice led the way, casting a frigid glance their way, her calm tone devoid of even a hint of irony.

“Coming from your lips, that’s surprisingly persuasive, Lady Frozen Witch.”

Silvya, her hostility unconcealed, taunted with a sneering laugh.

“……”

Beatrice, seemingly finding no amusement in this, once again dismissed Silvya, not even bothering to spare her a glance as she calmly continued her task of leading the way.

Watching Beatrice’s utterly unresponsive figure, so serene it provoked ire, a flicker of annoyance stirred within Silvya.

Yet, it was but a fleeting expression, swiftly concealed thereafter—for she had not forgotten the true purpose behind leading her army to cause trouble within the Demon Lord’s castle.

Facing the hostile and wary gazes of the soldiers, they swiftly reached the central palace of the Demon Lord’s castle.

Reclining on her throne, Letitia Tanis’s eyes were languidly closed, her posture of serene repose exuding an invisible aura of majesty.

By her side stood only Abraham, impassive and holding a white paper, and Noah Autolinde, whose tail swayed gently, a natural smile gracing her lips, her hands clasped before her in a surprisingly elegant and demure manner.

Below the dais, arrayed in readiness, were all the maids of the Demon Lord’s castle, along with Avril, the executive officer gripping her command saber, awaiting Letitia’s orders, and a small contingent of elite guards, bodies taut, maintaining order within the main hall.

A pervasive, overwhelming aura descended upon them; a mere mortal would likely have collapsed instantly, their internal organs rupturing from sheer terror, utterly devoid of any thought of resistance.

Yet, this tidal wave of oppressive power was met and halted by the towering presence of Silvya, who advanced step by step into the great hall, a ferocious smile twisting her lips.

Her gaze burned with fervent intensity, instantly locking onto the pure white Dragon Princess beside the throne, a figure she coveted beyond measure.

Upon seeing the exaggerated swell of her chest, Silvya visibly froze for a moment, then quickly recollected herself, realizing that the large-breasted maiden was the very dream she had long pursued.

She couldn’t help but ravenously lick her parched lips.

“Your Majesty, the Demon Lord, as per your decree, I have brought the individual.”

The Tower Knight bowed slightly, reporting to her mistress with an impeccable demeanor and tone that left no room for critique.

“Very well, you may withdraw.”

Letitia Tanis gave a slight nod, her softly closed eyes remaining utterly still until Beatrice offered another bow, her striking figure disappearing amidst the elite guards. Only then did Letitia slowly open her eyes.

Her dark crimson eyes held an incomparable blend of nobility and arrogance, and the crushing weight of her ‘sole sovereign’ presence suffocated Silvya’s two confidantes, leaving them gasping for breath.

“Therefore, Silvya, is there a matter of such grave importance that you would disturb this queen at such a time?”

Letitia Tanis rested her jade hand against her fragrant cheek, while the jade fingers of her other hand tapped twice, ‘thump-thump,’ on the armrest of the jade throne, a hint of displeasure marring her indifferent and languidly beautiful face.

Though soft, those two taps resonated clearly in the hearts of everyone present.

It was a warning, a truly terrifying admonition: ‘If you fail to provide a satisfactory explanation, then you shall have no need to ever leave this palace.’

Her chilling words carried neither malice nor murderous intent, yet they instilled an even greater fear, as if facing insignificant ants, their very lives and deaths hanging precariously on her merest whim.

“Esteemed Demon Lord, your humble subject has come to request an item from your possession.”

Despite a myriad of disdainful thoughts, Silvya knew she had to maintain appearances; neither the royal court nor other demon lords would tolerate the whims of a madwoman. She strove to project an image of cunning and calculation.

Accordingly, she offered a standard vassal’s bow, though a discernible hint of sarcasm permeated her tone and choice of words.

“……Intriguing.”

Letitia Tanis’s eyes narrowed slightly, the two words she uttered simple, yet utterly chilling.

“Those who dare to demand from this queen are typically subjects who fancy themselves capable of great deeds. Silvya, tell this queen, what grand undertaking do you intend?”

“Should Your Majesty grant me this item, you will gain the sharpest and most loyal blade in all these lands.”

“You will become the unparalleled sovereign of the entire empire, indeed, of the entire continent, compelling all races to submit to your glorious might.”

“I trust this prospect holds sufficient allure for you, does it not?”

Silvya lifted her head, her gaze burning intensely, yet it was not directed at Letitia Tanis on the throne, but rather remained fixated on the pure white Dragon Princess by her side.

That extreme fervor and craving, bordering on a state of obsession, suggested less a gaze upon a long-desired delicacy and more the ravenous hunger of a beast unable to distinguish between lust and appetite.

Silvya’s eyes devoured the pure white Dragon Princess’s breathtaking form, seeing only her noble and beautiful lineage, and the perpetually swaying, immense mounds that filled her vision.

Two facets of madness were violently stirred within Silvya by the pristine white Dragon Princess, her boiling dragon blood surging through her veins like molten lava.

Had it not been for the chilling, oppressive presence emanating from the throne, which anchored a shred of her rationality, she might well have unleashed the rampant beast within.

Silvya stared raptly at the voluptuous figure, consumed by an urge to savagely pull that sublime beauty into her embrace, defile it, and devour it.

It wasn’t that she was unaware of the appearance of the Saintess of Healing, but in her current state, it was difficult to reconcile the two.

“Oh? And what is it, pray tell, that you desire?”

Letitia Tanis neither hastened to refuse nor to agree, but merely continued the conversation with a casual, even tone, letting Silvya speak freely.

“I wish to borrow the dragon maiden by your side.”

Having finally broached the true subject, Silvya could no longer contain her inner elation. She cast a fierce glare at the luscious dragoness, seemingly already envisioning the delightful repast that awaited her.

“With her, I can undergo apotheosis and become a true dragon! I shall transcend all limits!

I shall evolve into a higher, ultimate being! From that pinnacle, I will gaze down upon all the insignificant things across this entire continent!”

Silvya proclaimed her intentions with fervent zeal, like a deranged scientist utterly convinced of their theories.

Her fanaticism caused her bloodshot eyes to bulge, and the surging dragon blood made the veins on her arms throb visibly.

“Is that so.”

Yet, in the face of this plea, brimming with fervent hope and desperate yearning, Letitia Tanis closed her eyes as if she had suddenly lost all interest.

She let out a soft sigh, as if lamenting a minor, regrettable trifle.

“It appears further discussion is unnecessary. Beatrice, see our guest out.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Tower Knight, still retaining her lithe, doll-like maiden form, materialized and stepped forward.

She knew that the Demon Lord would now have to arrange a small ‘accident’ for this particular demon lord.