As you walked up the hill overlooking Kente Village, you could see a large building that loomed benevolently over the village, like a god gazing down upon the earth.
This was the Church of the Telmere, where Brukin, the protagonist of the Holy Devil War, and Priestess Emily, renowned for her genius in creating holy water, both served.
This place was the childhood home of Julius, Krail, and Thalia.
A woman slowly made her way up the hill, breathing in the crisp autumn air.
Her brown hair, well-suited to the season of harvest, framed her dark blue eyes, which held a decadent charm that seemed at odds with her innocent face.
This was Cecil, Julius’s only wife, and a high-ranking devil known as “The Emperor’s Nightmare,” who had once made a wager with him.
She wore a pleased smile as she climbed, her thoughts drifting to the day before, when she had shown Julius the secret flower garden she had created. It had been the first time he had greeted her since she became one with a devil, and the acknowledgment made her feel content.
A mix of emotions stirred within her—a sense of validation as his wife and a thrill of immorality as a devil corrupting an inquisitor. She knew Julius was slowly becoming unfit for his role as a priest, but she didn’t care. He had never been particularly devout to call himself a true servant of God, anyway.
Now that God had once claimed her life and left a void, Cecil was determined to reclaim her place.
Feeling a sense of fulfillment as both wife and devil, she stopped before the large doors of the church.
Inside was Priestess Emily Ridina, once hailed as the next saint of the church. She was a remarkable figure who had distanced herself from the termination of devils, choosing instead to look after the children of Kente Village under Brukin’s guidance.
Emily had raised Julius from a young age, effectively becoming his mother.
Cecil, amused at the thought of calling her “mother-in-law” from now on, chuckled softly and opened the door.
The reason for her visit was complex, but her main purpose was simple: to secure a future favor. Though she knew Emily would try to punish her, she was certain the priestess would not ignore her request.
As Cecil entered, she was greeted by a statue of the god Rom, depicted tearing apart a devil with a solemn expression.
She found the statue amusing. “The problem was that Uncle Rom was too lenient. Has he been quiet lately because he’s embarrassed by this?” she mused, tilting her head and speaking irreverently.
As a high-ranking devil who had once encountered a god, Cecil felt compelled to comment on the statue’s exaggerated menace.
A kind but cold voice broke her thoughts.
“Are you speaking as if you truly saw him?”
Turning, she saw Priestess Emily, a graceful woman with silver hair. “Good morning, Mother,” Cecil greeted cheerfully.
“I believe I asked you not to call me that,” Emily replied, frowning.
Cecil covered her mouth, her eyes dancing with amusement. “You raised my love, Julius. I’ll keep calling you ‘Mother’ from now on,” she declared.
With a sigh, Emily asked, “So, why are you here so early?”
She looked at Cecil intently, her instincts alerting her to a lingering darkness within this visitor. Just as Emily began probing, Cecil’s next words took her by surprise.
“Today, as a high-ranking devil, I have come to ask a favor from Priestess Emily.”
Emily’s mind raced. Did Julius’s wife just openly claim to be a devil? She had always suspected Cecil, but Julius’s evasiveness had led her to hold back. Now, here she was, openly revealing her identity. Emily’s hand tightened as she drew on her divine power, her intent clear.
“What do you want? Are you here to take my life in exchange for revealing your identity?” she asked, her purple eyes flashing with intensity.
Cecil merely smiled, unfazed. After a moment, she spoke calmly. “I wouldn’t harm my mother-in-law. I came today to request a favor from you, Mother.”
“There’s no such thing as negotiating with a devil. Do you think I’ve forgotten how many lives were lost to your deceitful words?” Emily retorted, her suspicion unwavering.
Cecil sighed and snapped her fingers. Instantly, the interior of the church shifted, and the two of them found themselves in a small, black-painted room. She gestured to a table with a steaming teacup, inviting Emily to sit.
With reluctance, the priestess followed.
“So, what could a powerful devil possibly want?” Emily asked, her elegant demeanor momentarily giving way to exasperation.
Taking a sip of her tea, Cecil looked at her carefully. “First, let me assure you, I have no intention of harming Julius.”
Emily replied bluntly, “The devil always speaks truthfully, but how can I be sure that isn’t just wordplay?” She scrutinized Cecil, who continued calmly.
“I am Cecil Lionelta, daughter of a saint and high-ranking devil known as ‘The Emperor’s Nightmare.’ My only wish is to build a normal family with Julius and share love with him.” Her words, as a devil’s, held no lie, yet their sincerity left Emily speechless.
After a contemplative pause, Emily shook her head. “Well, it doesn’t seem like you’ve lost your sense of self. But… what are you, really?”
“I am Julius’s wife and one of the 24 ancient devils released by the saint. I differ from the typical devils that the church battles.” She demonstrated a small flame in her hand. “I once died while wielding sacred fire in a tavern, but now, I can wield it without issue.”
Emily’s suspicion deepened as she asked, “Devils may mimic perfectly, but is this possible?”
Cecil shook her head as the flame grew stronger. “As I said, I’m on a different level. I have revived, not merely mimicking. Now, I am Cecil, with the memories of a devil.”
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