Chapter 193
The human world before dawn was dark, chilly, and utterly quiet.
Four succubi, cloaked in the shadows, slipped toward Medialle and whispered among themselves.
“All right. So, how do we get in?”
“Should we go invisible for now?”
“How did you find Payne last time?”
“Oh… we lured in a follower and slipped inside with him.”
When nobles or wealthy commoners visited the temple, they often brought attendants along.
By using simple mind control magic and persuading one to vouch for them, they could gain access to the temple.
But the effects wore off quickly, and once the spell faded, the humans would realize what had happened—so it was a trick that could only be used once or twice.
“For now, it’s so early there are only guards around.”
At this hour, there wouldn’t be any followers wandering about.
“Sue, what if you use your shapeshifting?”
“They’ll use holy water at the checkpoint.”
“And drinking holy water would hurt you—almost kill you, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Should we call in another sister?”
“That sounds good. If we’re doing this, let’s ask Carmen for help.”
But even Carmen’s magical tools had their limits.
“…Wait, who are you?”
Ashtel jumped and spun around.
That last voice was unfamiliar.
She turned and saw someone grinning and waving at them.
“Have you already forgotten me?”
Roman, the wizard, pulled back his heavy robe and greeted her politely.
“It’s been a while, youngest princess.”
“Ro-Roman?”
“Oh, right. I forgot about the wizard.”
Liz said, speaking slowly.
They had used Roman’s appearance before to their advantage—he’d conveniently shown up when they needed to kidnap Van. At the time, they thought it was a stroke of luck, but in hindsight, he was quite a suspicious character.
“How can you see us, anyway?”
“Carmen gave me a device—a demon detector that’s on my body.”
“Carmen gave you something like that?”
“Yeah, I guess she worries about me.”
Was Carmen really worried he’d fall victim to demons?
Ashtel, Liz, Chacha, and Hela eyed Roman with curiosity.
Would any demon dare mess with someone with a reputation as a genius wizard, who had a secret contract with Carmen?
They all shook their heads and clicked their tongues. Carmen really was overprotective.
“More than that, isn’t it a bit suspicious that we keep running into you? Did Carmen give you any special instructions?”
The always sharp Liz, narrowed her eyes and lifted Roman’s chin with her finger.
He forced a sheepish smile.
“I’ve been waiting here to deliver a message.”
“What is it?”
“About Father Payne…”
“We know about Payne’s execution.”
“No, it’s not confirmed yet.”
“…Huh?”
What was that supposed to mean?
Ashtel glanced back and forth between Liz, Chacha, and Roman, sensing she needed an explanation.
The others, already in the know, frowned and questioned him.
“What do you mean? We overheard that ugly cardinal sentencing him to death.”
“Ugly… Well, yes, but the actual verdict happens during the trial.”
“A trial?”
“Yeah. The execution has been scheduled, but for formality’s sake, there will be a religious trial to cast Father Payne out. That’s where they’ll officially sentence him.”
Damn them. If the decision had already been made, what was the point of the trial?
Though irritated, Ashtel kept a cool head.
“So if we stop them from sentencing him at the trial, Payne could live?”
“For now, yes.”
“But if the higher-ups have already decided on the punishment, it might not matter.”
“They’ll list every crime Father Payne is accused of. You’ll need to prove that all those charges are false.”
Payne’s supposed crimes… The Asti sisters fell into thought.
“But first, we should ask him if he even wants to live.”
“…Does Payne not want to live?”
“I don’t know for sure—I haven’t spoken to him—but that’s how it seems.”
Ashtel stared up at the imposing towers of Medialle, dazed.
Payne didn’t want to live? Why? How?
She thought all humans wanted to live, deep down…
She knew there were people who wished for death. But even those people, when they stood at the edge, would realize they wanted to live after all.
And Payne knew he was to be executed; he was closer to death than anyone.
Yet he still didn’t want to live?
Ashtel blinked, lost in thought, then spoke to Roman.
“You came here because you knew we’d show up, right?”
“Yes.”
“So you can get us inside?”
“That’ll be easy.”
“Please do.”
She clenched her fist slowly.
Seeing Payne again would be both joyful and painful.
She didn’t want to see him sad or see him push her away—not ever again.
But more than ever, she felt she needed to see him.
Before, she’d only wanted to whisper words of love to Payne; now it was different.
Ashtel wanted him to live—even if it meant she couldn’t be by his side.
“Ah.”
Now she understood, clearly.
It was a strange feeling for a demon to have.
* * *
Because of the daytime rain, the underground prison was damp.
The moldy, humid walls nearly overwhelmed his sense of smell, but the prisoner made no complaint as he lay on his bed.
When the iron gate creaked open, he lifted his head.
There hadn’t even been any footsteps.
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