Chapter 58: Viretta’s Arrangements

Within the Human Empire, inside a secret chamber hidden deep underground.

Viretta sat upright in the depths of the shadows.

Floating before her was a projection—Sword Saint Kayla, now clad in the skin of a succubus.

“Lady Viretta,” Kayla’s voice carried a trace of the succubus’s innate allure, though she strove to keep it steady.

“I have successfully infiltrated demon territory.
For now, there are no abnormalities, and my identity has not been exposed.”

Viretta listened quietly.

Her fingertip tapped lightly against the armrest, her tone unchanged.

“Kayla, you’ve done very well.
Remain vigilant and do not reveal yourself.”

“Thank you for Lady Viretta’s approval.”

Kayla bowed respectfully, hands folded before her.

Her posture was humble, yet strength lingered beneath it.

Viretta gave a slight nod, then moved straight to the point, her voice low and clear.

“Kayla, have you obtained any intelligence regarding the Hero?”

Hearing this, Kayla paused briefly to think before speaking carefully, weighing every word.

“Lady Viretta, I have indeed uncovered information concerning the Hero.”

Viretta’s eyes, calm as still water, finally rippled with the faintest disturbance.

It vanished in an instant, as though it had never been there.

“Speak.”

Kayla continued.

“Based on my investigations within the Demon King’s castle, the Hero appears to be imprisoned deep within the inner palace, her whereabouts extremely secretive.”

“Her range of movement is very limited, and she rarely appears in public.
Within demon society, very few know her true appearance or identity, and even her name has been deliberately obscured.”

After hearing this, Viretta fell silent for a moment.

Her fingers touched her temple lightly as she murmured.

“So… her situation is far from clear.”

She lifted her gaze, piercing the darkness as though looking toward the distant Demon King’s castle.

“It seems the Demon King has major designs for her.”

Turning back to Kayla, her tone became stern.

“Kayla, remember this well.
Your primary task is to gather intelligence on the Hero.
Everything else is secondary.”

“I will always remember Lady Viretta’s task,” Kayla bowed again, her voice firm.

Seeing her restrained and respectful demeanor, a trace of approval flashed through Viretta’s eyes, quickly replaced by cold composure.

“Kayla,” her tone softened, yet grew heavier.

“You must remember—act less on impulse, and do not lose yourself.
The succubus skin alters more than the body; it corrodes the will.
I am relieved that you can still control yourself.”

“Thank you for Lady Viretta’s reminder,” Kayla replied softly, her heart stirring.

She knew those words were both a warning and the only trust she had been given.

After a brief pause, she added.

“Lady Viretta, there is one more matter.
The intelligence division of the Demon King’s castle has reported that the demon front lines are preparing to gather large forces and reinforce the western battlefield where Rivina is stationed, intending to defeat her in one decisive strike.”

Hearing this, Viretta actually laughed softly.

A cold curve formed at the corner of her lips.

“Rest assured.
You should trust that monster.”

Her tone was full of confidence, as though speaking of something already decided.

“These so-called armies are nothing more than snacks delivered to Rivina’s doorstep.
The more she devours, the stronger she becomes.”

Kayla did not argue.

She merely committed the information to memory.

Then she continued her report.

“Additionally, the intelligence division has spread rumors regarding Bain, leader of the Skeleton Clan.
It is said he has betrayed the demon race and secretly pledged allegiance to the Human Empire.”

Viretta showed no reaction, replying calmly.

“There is no need to involve yourself in such matters.
Simply observe and wait.”

Her gaze sharpened like a blade as it fixed on Kayla.

“Kayla, remember this.
You have only one mission—the Hero.
The movements of other factions will be handled by others.
You need only focus on your duty.”

“I will remember my mission and dare not forget,” Kayla bowed once more.

“Good.”

Viretta slowly rose to her feet and looked at the mural on the wall.

“That will be all.”

She spoke softly, and the projection vanished.

Gazing into the endless darkness beyond the window, her thoughts churned.

She murmured inwardly.

“The situation is becoming more and more complicated…
The Demon King, Bain, Rivina, and that modified Hero…
All sides are wrestling beneath the surface.”

She gripped the window frame, her knuckles turning pale.

“But I believe that as long as I seize that thinnest thread, I can tear open a crack and change something.
Melorin, I hope you still remember who you are.”

On a quiet forest path.

Viretta, dressed in a neatly tailored brown coat, walked steadily ahead.

Beside her was a woman in a pure white nun’s habit—Eluhisis.

She had golden hair and azure eyes as clear and gentle as a morning lake.

Her entire presence radiated a reassuring, holy serenity.

“Eluhisis,” Viretta suddenly turned her head, a rare smile lifting her lips.

“It’s been a long time since we last met.”

Hearing this, Eluhisis smiled warmly.

“Lady Viretta, it really has been quite a while.”

She looked at Viretta’s slightly pale complexion with concern and asked softly.

“How have you been lately.
Have you been staying up late working again.
You always push yourself so hard—it makes me worry.”

Viretta laughed lightly at her words, her tone calm.

“My rest has been fairly regular recently.
After all, the situation on the human front line has turned around, so I can finally breathe a little easier.”

“Rivina…” Eluhisis murmured gently, her eyes full of concern.

“You really do think about work every day.”

“Because,” Viretta looked toward the winding path ahead, her voice firm.

“The meaning of my work is the safety and happiness of the Empire’s people.
That is my duty as an Inquisitor.”

Listening to her, Eluhisis smiled faintly, adding with a touch of playfulness.

“With Lord Rivina so devoted to the people, I believe the God of Light will surely bestow blessings upon you in secret.”

“I believe so too,” Viretta nodded.

This time, her smile carried a bit more sincerity.

After a brief pause, Eluhisis spoke again in a low voice.

“This matter of the preparatory Saintess selection… it really has troubled you.”

Before her words even finished, Viretta naturally reached out and gently took her hand.

It was a hand accustomed to gripping a sword—defined knuckles, faint calluses—yet at this moment, it was incomparably gentle.

“Eluhisis,” Viretta looked at her, her voice low and earnest.

“There is no trouble or lack thereof.
After all… you are special to me.”

She paused, her gaze deepening.

“Helping you is helping myself.”

Eluhisis’s heart trembled, her cheeks flushing faintly.

She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously tightening around Viretta’s hand.

Of course she knew where this “special” bond came from.

Years ago, it was Viretta who saved her from chaos and war.

It was Viretta who repeatedly cleared obstacles for her within the Church.

It was Viretta who silently protected this seemingly gentle, yet fate-burdened girl.

Without realizing it, gratitude had already taken root and grown into something deeper.

“Lady Viretta…” she murmured softly, her voice tinged with shyness and affection.

Viretta continued.

“I believe the new Saintess selection will begin before long.
The Pope is advanced in age, and the current Saintess, Servia, has been missing for quite some time.
A new Saintess must appear to soothe the faithful and stabilize the Empire’s foundation of belief.”

After hearing this, Eluhisis nodded instinctively, praising her sincerely.

“Lord Rivina, you are as perceptive as ever.”

Viretta turned to look directly into her eyes, her tone solemn.

“Eluhisis, this time, I will make sure you succeed in becoming the Saintess.”

Her words were resolute, without the slightest hesitation.

Eluhisis felt warmth surge in her chest, her eyes growing faintly red.

She looked up at Viretta and spoke softly.

“Such favor from Lady Viretta is impossible to repay.
It seems I can only offer my body and soul entirely to you.”

A breeze stirred through the forest, lifting her golden hair and unsettling her heartbeat.

Rather than being startled, Viretta raised her hand and gently lifted Eluhisis’s chin with her fingertip.

A rare, almost playful smile curved her lips.

“If you are willing, then of course I can accept.”

“Viretta!”

Eluhisis flushed bright red, quickly pulling her hand back and lowering her head, too shy to meet her gaze.

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz.

“I was just joking.
You don’t have to take it seriously.”

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Viretta finally let out a low laugh.

“Isn’t this rather interesting?”

Her tone was gentle, yet carried an indescribable depth.

“What do you think, Eluhisis?”

She paused.

Her gaze gradually grew deep and complex.