Chapter 284

The "Wrath Pill" reached Menna's stomach, where it dissolved and began to spread throughout her body.

A powerful, tyrannical energy made her feel anger and pain; she felt as if her "demonic channels" of "demonic energy" were about to burst.

Her flesh seemed to be boiling.

"It hurts, it hurts," she thought, but she didn't say it; she clenched her teeth—she didn't want to seem pathetic.

At that moment.

Mart placed his left hand on her beautiful back, and with his own demonic energy, he strengthened her demonic channels and her body.

"Just focus on absorbing the energy and properties of the pill," Mart instructed her in a calm voice.

She nodded silently.

At that moment, the best thing was not to lose her concentration.

Mart helped her because he knew the pill's power was too great for a Third-Rank demon's body to withstand without assistance.

"After absorbing the pill, she'll benefit greatly," Mart thought as he used his "Perception of All Things" to observe Menna absorbing the pill's properties.

...

Although the sun had not yet risen,

demons were roaming the palaces that had been assigned to him.

The most powerful demons did not have a biological need to sleep often, so they spent their time on various matters.

But among those demons,

Balac Sevec was coordinating with his trusted commanders regarding border security and the Great Ceremony that would take place in a few hours.

He used demonic communication devices to coordinate with those who were far away.

And these commanders reported to Balac Sevec on every single movement occurring at the borders.

They reported even the tiniest details so as not to overlook anything.

Above all, because Balac Sevec preferred not to let his guard down against a possible retaliation by the Argariz Republic following the events of a few days earlier.

In a spacious room of the mansion, a map of the "Temple of Secrets" was spread out on a table.

On the map were markers indicating which deputy commanders would be patrolling which areas during the Grand Ceremony.

Teraz Sevec was also present; he had left the now-Commander Sitan Bokar and several deputy commanders at the borders.

They reported to Teraz Sevec every hour, whether something had happened or not.

"Father, chaos may break out during or after the Great Ceremony," said Teraz Sevec as he studied the map.

Balac Sevec poured himself some golden liquor and, after taking a sip, said to his son in a firm and solemn tone:

"If it has to happen, it will happen. We can only support him until the end. If he achieves his goal, he will have accomplished the greatest feat in the history of our lineage. Our ancestors would be proud."

Teraz Sevec sighed and nodded; he still felt some regret knowing that his other son was on the completely opposing side.

Balac chose not to comment further and sent messages to the other demon lords who had answered the call, warning them of the possible consequences that might arise during or after the Great Ceremony.

Since those demon lords had come with some of their strongest subordinates, they could be of great help in the midst of any potential chaos.

Furthermore, after witnessing the Marquis's power and relentless attitude toward our enemies, many of those demon lords no longer dared to harbor treacherous thoughts while within the Marquis's territory.

...

In the throne room.

Seated on his throne, Emperor Richard—with golden eyes, shiny brown hair, and fair skin—was dressed in an elegant and imposing black uniform with gold trim, and draped over his shoulders was a black cloak bearing a golden sun.

"Ministers present, we are all aware of the plans of the demon known as Mart Sevec. His ambition grows with each passing day; and as ruler, I cannot overlook anything that affects the security and stability of the Empire. Therefore, if today that demon claims the title of King, our treaty will cease to be legally binding, because the Venrac Empire made an agreement with a marquisate, not with a kingdom," Emperor Venrac declared in a firm and solemn voice.

Most of the ministers nodded in agreement.

The emperor looked at Minister of State Gerard Retriev.

The minister unfurled a golden scroll and read aloud in a voice infused with mana:

"Imperial Decree.

As soon as the demonic marquisate, under the command of the demon named Mart Sevec, becomes a Demonic Kingdom ruled by the Demon King Mart Sevec, the Venrac Empire shall declare war on that demonic kingdom..."

The ministers whispered secretly among themselves while the Minister of State continued reading.

Some of them supported the war.

Others were aware of the delicate situation regarding the Imperial Princess.

However, no matter what their thoughts might be, and no matter how great the differences between the various factions, they all agreed on the declaration of war against the potential Demon Kingdom.

Based on what the Minister of State was reading,

the impact of the Imperial Decree would affect not only the Demonic Marquisate but also the Presial Kingdom.

The Empire designated the Presial Kingdom as a direct ally of the demon Mart Sevec.

Therefore, the war would also extend into the territory of the Presial Kingdom.

Supreme Commander Olbert Venzick would lead the forces against the Demon Kingdom.

And Senior Commander Rasgar Relvin would lead the forces against the Presial Kingdom.

...

The sun rose, and Mart stepped out of his spacious room.

He had set up several high-rank demonic barriers to protect Menna, who was still meditating and absorbing the properties of the "Anger Pill."

Dressed in an elegant black suit and a red robe open at the front, Mart walked through the hallways of his mansion.

The servants bowed when they saw him.

He continued on his way.

Upon reaching the garden of his grand mansion, Mart began to levitate.

He rose as high as the clouds.

And once there, he cast a demonic enhancement spell on himself and then used his "Perception of All Things."

"I will not allow any unwelcome guests to plot on my territory so easily," Mart thought.

His perception extended throughout the Marquessate's capital and the surrounding territories.

And it didn't stop there; he continued to increase the amplification provided by the demonic spell he was using.

Only the High-Ranking Demons sensed the marquis's perception spreading far and wide across the marquisate's territory.

That also left a strong impression on them.