TSMFTDG 13

Episode 13 

Unexpectedly, silence filled the audience chamber.
The reason became obvious the moment I sat upon the throne.

Everyone was so consumed by rage that they were left speechless.

Some had eyes bloodshot from crying, while others struggled to suppress their original monstrous forms.

“How is the situation?”

“Everyone has been released from the holy barrier thanks to your blood, My Lord. But… none of the children have awakened yet.”

One demon answered me, voice trembling with the remnants of tears. The others’ eyes grew red as well.

…Even in this state, they’ve managed not to lose their composure. Impressive.

Those who lived within my castle regarded one another as family.
They were all outcasts, shunned everywhere else, and had only barely found refuge here. Because of that, they understood one another’s pain better than anyone.

To see them holding back tears, forcing themselves to remain calm before me, made my chest ache faintly.

“Felix said he’s giving the children medicine that may help them. If they can just absorb your power properly, they might still wake up,” the demon continued.

“…I see.”

Though the report was hopeful, the chance of their awakening was slim.

In truth, only two outcomes were possible:
either they would never open their eyes again—
or their breathing would simply stop.

“This was all our failure. Please, grant us the right to take revenge and atone with our own hands!”

Everyone in the chamber dropped to their knees, pressing their foreheads to the ground.

They were weak, cowardly beings who’d only ever been driven to desperation—but this time, their eyes burned crimson with fury and resentment.

“You really want revenge?”

“Yes…!”

Their united voices echoed as one. A faint smile tugged at my lips.

“And what exactly do you want me to do?”

At my question, they all looked confused.

They must have thought, ‘Of course we should repay them exactly as we were wronged.’

But I don’t like that kind of balance. I prefer to make them suffer several times worse than what I endured.

“Do you wish for me to tear human limbs apart and feed them to starving beasts? Or would you rather I annihilate an entire continent until no life can ever be born there again?”

“……”

“If that’s what you want, I could oblige you. After all, I haven’t been this angry in a long time.”

“…We do not know. What should we do, My Lord?”

Their courage faltered. Too afraid to act, yet too enraged to stay still.

“That’s enough. I wasn’t truly asking for your answer.”

The demons flinched, hesitating to raise their heads—worried they might have displeased me.

I let out a short laugh.

“It seems I’ll be going out for a stroll today.”

“Y-you mean…?”

Their eyes lit up. After all, when their ruler moves personally, who wouldn’t be thrilled?

“Watch carefully,” I said softly. “See how the world changes today.”

The demons lowered their heads even deeper, their voices united in feverish excitement.

“We shall await your glorious return, My Lord!”

❖ ❖ ❖

The Holy Temple in the capital of the Tesarus Empire—
It was the heart of divine authority, the only place where the oracle of the gods descended.

The one who governed it was the Pope, Melenis,
and beneath him, the saint who received divine revelation and fought beside the heroes—Ecia.

Their names alone had made the Temple unshakable.

Ecia walked quietly through the grand corridors, her heels echoing against marble.

“A mere demon dared to…”

She clenched Lian’s brooch in her palm, recalling the humiliating scene—
the moment the two of them had kissed.

Even from afar, she could read the look in Rehel’s eyes—
a look that screamed, ‘Don’t touch what’s mine.’

It had only lasted a second, yet Ecia had felt a chilling dread crawl up her spine, leaving her frozen.

Had it been anyone else, she would’ve found a way to seize Lian’s attention. But then—
she could do nothing.

“…It’s fine. By now, that castle must be in chaos. Maybe the demons are already dying.”

Her lips curled into a sweet, radiant smile—
a smile that could fool anyone into thinking she was genuinely happy.

“That’s what you get… for crossing me, you filthy beast.”

Ecia’s possessiveness was ferocious, and she hated losing more than anything.

Gently tucking Lian’s brooch into her pocket, she pushed open the massive doors before her.

Inside was the sacred altar where the Pope prayed daily.

“Your Holiness, Saint Ecia requests an audience.”

“…Ecia, I told you not to disturb me while I pray.”

“I apologize, Your Holiness, but this matter cannot wait. Please, grant me a moment of your time.”

She bowed deeply.

Before her stood Pope Melenis, a refined man with long navy hair tied loosely and glasses perched on his face.

“Speak,” he said, eyes still closed, hands clasped in prayer.

Ecia gripped the hem of her dress tightly.

“I wish to request the strength of the other heroes to rescue Lian Serius.”

“……”

“Sir Lian saved us when we were deceived by the Demon Lord’s lies. To leave him unrescued would be dishonorable.”

Melenis sighed quietly.

“I believe that matter has already been settled.”

“Please reconsider, Your Holiness.”

“There will be no reversal. If you came here to throw a tantrum, leave.”

“…Your Holiness!”

Ecia raised her voice—a rare loss of composure.

“Public sentiment is turning restless! The Imperial Court and the faithful alike are questioning why we haven’t sent aid. If the Temple remains silent, rumors will spread—and that will only stain your reputation!”

“Ecia,” he interrupted coldly. “For acting without permission, you will be confined for one week.”

“……”

Her pale hands trembled, veins rising against her skin.

“Acting rashly without divine guidance only breeds poison. Take this time to reflect on that.”

“…Yes, Your Holiness.”

After a long silence, she finally answered softly.

“Useless fool who does nothing but sit on his throne.”

She turned and left without a sound, but once the heavy doors shut, her footsteps grew sharp and furious.

Blood beaded on her bitten lip as she clenched her fist.

“Damn bastard…”

The curse slipped out between her pink lips.

The sight of a powerless man flaunting authority disgusted her.

“…I’ll wait. My time will come.”

And when it did, she would be the true master of the Temple.

Ecia forced a smile.

But just as she was about to head for her room, a thunderous bell rang from outside the Temple.

DONG—!

The sound vibrated through the air, making her face twist with fury.
That bell only rang when a divine oracle was being proclaimed.

Who dares…!

There hadn’t been a new oracle recently.
Only the Pope or the Saint had the right to ring that bell.

Ecia spun on her heel and stormed out.
She would see for herself who had the audacity to do such a thing.

❖ ❖ ❖

The Tesarus Empire was basking in its golden age.

The capital brimmed with life, as if in festival despite no special occasion.
From atop the Temple’s spire, the sight of their joy soured my mood.

They looked happier than I’d expected.

“What exactly are you planning to do?” Lian asked beside me.

“I received a gift,” I said simply. “I’m just returning the favor.”

He didn’t seem convinced, his brow still furrowed.

“What? Are you afraid I’ll do something reckless? Or perhaps you’re worried I’ll start killing humans?”

“Rehel.”

“Relax. You’d hate it if I started slaughtering people, wouldn’t you? I won’t.”

Even as a Demon Lord, senseless killing didn’t suit me.

“…Are you truly all right, Lady Rehel? Every Demon Lord must be waiting for you to act.”

“Of course. The moment I move, they’ll see it as their chance to strike.”

I brushed my hair back, letting the wind play with the strands.

By now, every other Demon Lord must have heard I’d left the Nievess Mountains.
They were probably watching closely, waiting for an opening.

They’d always wanted me involved in their schemes—
those cunning beasts wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.

“Don’t leave my side,” I warned.

“If you try anything strange, I’ll stop you.”

“Good. That’s exactly why I brought you along.”

After all, it would be troublesome if I lost my composure when I saw that saint’s face again.

I smiled at Lian and raised my hand.
A great sphere of ice formed in the air, and I used it to strike the Temple’s massive bell.

DONG—!

The deep sound echoed through the capital.
People in the streets froze mid-step, startled.

“The Temple’s bell!”

“What’s going on? There wasn’t any announcement!”

“It’s been ages since the last oracle! Maybe this one tells us how to wipe out all the demons!”

Their foolish excitement made me laugh.

The citizens hurried toward the Temple, while the priests tried in vain to hold them back.

“Please, everyone, calm down! We’re still confirming what’s happening! Maintain order!”

“There was no report of any oracle today—go find out who rang that bell!”

But chaos spread too quickly; the priests were powerless against the swelling crowd.

Then they all noticed me—standing atop the Temple, gazing down upon them.

“Huh? That’s… not the Saint?”

Confusion rippled through the masses.

It didn’t take long to find who I was looking for—
a woman with pale gold hair and glass-like golden eyes.

Ecia.

The moment our eyes met, her face contorted in anger.

I liked that look.

Smiling smoothly, I declared:

“Today, I shall speak in place of the Saint, and deliver the oracle to you all.”