<CHAPTER 62>
A Match Made in Heaven
If the hand of one who possesses divine power touches the Holy Grail, holy water fills it.
The height of the water that rises in the Grail represents the total amount of divine power.
Whenever the noble hands of past Saintesses touched it, the Grail would overflow with an unbearable amount of holy water.
Not merely rippling, but enough to flood and soak the floor.
That alone was the absolute proof of a ‘Saintess’ loved by God.
Now, before everyone’s eyes, her true identity would be revealed.
But…
Even though Ehilie’s hand touched it, the Grail remained still.
Why?
His silver-white eyes trembled violently as they faced the dry cup.
This made no sense.
Even now, his heart was reacting fiercely toward the woman before him.
The burning tremor that throbbed deep in his lower abdomen was undoubtedly a yearning for her noble soul.
Why isn’t the Grail reacting?
While he was shaken in a way unlike himself, a damp sensation spread across his hand.
No, it wasn’t water.
“Th-that’s blood, isn’t it?”
Dark, wet blood seeped into the black veil.
Mikhail flinched and loosened his grip.
At the same time, Ehilie collapsed as if she had been waiting for it.
A faint groan slipped through her tightly bitten lips.
Trembling, she clutched her blood-soaked left hand.
Bright red drops of blood stained the marble floor.
With her head lowered and shoulders hunched, she looked every bit the fragile victim.
And Mikhail appeared as the perpetrator who had subdued a helpless lady through force.
“Come to think of it, didn’t the lady say she has a severe gold allergy?”
“You dragged her hand by force despite that…”
“That’s truly too much.”
Naturally, the criticism turned toward Mikhail.
Only then did he realize something had gone wrong.
Everything had gone exactly as Ehilie planned.
No, more precisely, as Rek and Ehilie had planned.
“Since he invited her to the banquet, Mikhail will surely gather as many nobles as possible.”
“He intends to reveal her divine power in front of everyone.”
“Is that based on the original story you said you saw in your past life?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“He may not look it, but he’s a man with a very dark nature.”
“He looked like that on the outside as well.”
They had already anticipated that Mikhail would bring the Holy Grail.
So they decided to use his plan against him.
“Rek, you said there’s a way to hide divine power, right?”
“Yes, it’s simple.”
“We cover Ehilie’s divine power with demonic energy.”
“Demonic energy…?”
“We can use my blood.”
Rek’s method was to dye the dress with his blood, covering the divine power with demonic energy.
They intentionally chose a pitch-black dress with thick fabric so the blood wouldn’t show.
But there was one concern.
“Mikhail might notice.”
“He’s sensitive to demonic energy.”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
“If we perfectly balance it with her divine power, it will neutralize completely.”
“Ah, so that’s possible.”
“But how do we match the ratio exactly?”
“We’ll use this one.”
Divine power and demonic energy.
The one who could detect the balance between these opposing forces was none other than the crow, Herond.
“Caw?”
“Did you know that crows are originally creatures of the demon realm?”
“Yes, I know.”
“Then this will be easy to explain.”
“They are extremely sensitive to divine power.”
“To creatures of the demon realm, divine power is like poison.”
“W-what?”
“But Herond listens to me well…”
“You don’t need to worry.”
“He’s healthy.”
“This one has particularly weak demonic energy among demon crows, so divine power doesn’t harm him much.”
“Caw! Caw!”
“It seems like Herond is protesting.”
“He’s probably insisting he isn’t weak.”
In any case, thanks to Herond, they solved the problem of balancing the energies.
Still, Ehilie felt uneasy.
Using Rek’s blood meant injuring him.
“Is this really the only way?”
“Ehilie, I’m fine.”
“For your sake, I can shed as much blood as needed.”
Rek dyed the dress where Ehilie couldn’t see, so she wouldn’t worry.
He paid special attention to the sheer gloves covering her hands.
After soaking them in strong brandy and perfume to mask the scent of blood, the preparation was complete.
“You worked hard, Rek.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
“Are you dizzy or hurt anywhere?”
“I’m fine.”
“Really?”
“I was going to hug you if you were in pain.”
“I actually feel a bit dizzy.”
Ehilie began to realize something.
Rek sometimes pretended to be weaker on purpose.
He’s really cute.
Even that side of him felt endearing.
While holding the clingy Rek, he added,
“There’s one more thing you should know.”
“What is it?”
“As you know, divine power and demonic energy are opposites.”
“If another divine power touches you, a violent clash will occur.”
“Then what happens?”
“If that man touches you, it will feel like being burned.”
“It could even leave a wound.”
Oh? If I use this well…
She already knew Mikhail would force her to touch the Grail.
That meant physical contact was inevitable.
This could completely ruin his reputation.
Everything had been planned.
Of course, she didn’t tell Rek this part.
“Rek, just in case, do not follow me.”
“No sneaking after me either.”
“Understood?”
“…I’m worried about sending you alone.”
“I know, but trust me this time.”
“I’ll come back safely.”
“To this home, where you’re waiting for me.”
“…Alright.”
Rek agreed to wait.
But he set one condition.
She would take Herond with her.
“How do you know all this?”
“I studied it from books since I was young.”
“I see…”
Perhaps, as a half-demon, he had struggled with his identity.
“Thank you for everything.”
Thanks to him, she could turn Mikhail’s trap against him.
And now, she had successfully struck back.
“Lady Terbaon, are you alright?”
“Your hand looks badly hurt.”
“Let’s take you to the infirmary quickly.”
The kind ladies comforted her.
“I’m fine…”
“I’m just… sorry for ruining the banquet.”
I think my acting is getting better.
Now came the highlight.
She forced tears into her eyes.
“I… will take my leave now.”
“I’m afraid I might upset His Highness again…”
Gasps spread through the hall.
Got it.
She staggered out of the hall.
“W-wait!”
Mikhail tried to stop her.
But the ladies blocked him.
“Your Highness, please stop!”
“She’s clearly terrified!”
“She’s even worried about the banquet…”
In everyone’s mind, Ehilie Terbaon became a strange but kind-hearted woman.
And naturally, Mikhail’s reputation plummeted.
It was a perfect victory for Ehilie.
Herond was impressed.
Until now, he thought she was just naive and kind.
But kindness alone wouldn’t survive the demon realm.
She’s not fit to be a Demon Queen…
That’s what he had believed.
But now, he realized he had been wrong.
Meticulous planning, the willingness to use even pain as a weapon, and perfect acting.
She resembled Redemberg eerily well.
Just like the Demon King who pretended to be weak to gain affection.
What do you call this again?
Birds of a feather flock together.
Herond nodded.
At this level, she wouldn’t be a bad Demon Queen.
Now, he had no choice but to admit it.
That Ehilie and Redemberg were a perfectly matched pair.
