After the long pillow swordplay, Vex and Velryna started getting along better. In fact, they even smiled at each other, which was surprising, considering that previously any kind of interaction was marked by tongue clicks and forced stares that seemed like colliding plasma rays.
Unfortunately, Dante couldn't indulge in such jokes anymore. In fact, if he did something like that again, he wouldn't be able to hold himself back.
It was a strange dilemma, actually. In his mind, everything was a mess and confusing, especially how he should treat Vex. He simply succumbed to the temptation of that little Succubus too quickly, and it bothered him, but at the same time, he was comfortable, as if it were common to have touched her in that way, something familiar.
But for a moment, he decided to sweep it under the bed and focus on what really mattered at the moment.
The Engagement Ball of Princess Velryna Smith.
Actually, he was furious about this event, just the thought of her being auctioned off to any man other than him enraged him.
Velryna was his! And no one, not even the emperor himself, would change that fact, even if he had to use everything he had to wipe out the Empire just to be with her.
Velryna thinks Dante would save her empire on his own, but she still doesn't understand that he does what he does only for her.
"Aaralyn," he said, and she appeared from the window. "Master."
"How was your mission? Did Lady Nafiri agree to help us?" Dante asked. Aaralyn was tasked with getting close to the Black Jackal to ask him a simple favor, on behalf of Dante, of course. Fortunately, Jackal was in agreement with the plans; after all, it wasn't too much for her.
"Yes, she agreed," she replied.
"Good job, Aaralyn. We're going. Enter my shadow when we enter the Palace." Dante said while stroking the head of the green-haired youth who seemed to adore these caresses like a spoiled kitten. Thus, from the spatial ring, a new attire appeared.
A Victorian suit, looking noble. Completely black with a purple tie and some gold embellishments perfectly matching his eyes. He turned to the invisible woman in the room and asked, "How long do I have with the body?" In the past few hours, more and more, his body has increased in energy and the duration of his transformation. In fact, every second, minutes, and minutes began to emerge.
Dante's energy was already almost twice that of his Ziriel-shaped body.
"Twelve hours," she said, and Dante was surprised, but at the same time relieved. It was enough time for him to put on a show.
He started getting ready. Using magic, he modified his hair and hid his demonic horns, making his hair completely messy and black, but at the same time, quite charming.
"Let's go," he said, and Aaralyn jumped into his shadow. She was also ready to make the Emperor bow down.
Hours passed and Vex flew in her bat form around Dante as they rode inside a carriage.
"You don't need to hide," Dante said, and Vex transformed again in front of Nafiri, who looked at Dante.
"A loyal servant, I am the Demon King, remember?" Dante said, and Nafiri, who had been silent, continued to watch the little Succubus hop to Dante's side.
'This man... is extremely dangerous,' Nafiri thought. In fact, she had known that for a long time, but she thought the human world would be easy for Dante, but she was completely wrong. And she didn't even know about the two Dragons he carried within him; if she knew, she would surely be even more frightened.
"Don't look at me like that, it was she who wanted to make a contract with me," Dante said with a smile, while Vex, like a mischievous beautiful Succubus, rubbed against his arm.
"I'm surprised you can disguise yourself so well," remarked Nafiri, and he laughed. "I know, my beauty is incomparable," he said.
"That's not what I meant," she said seriously. Nafiri was quite arrogant about men. "Of course," Dante said smiling as he stroked the little Vex.
"Any news about the Werewolf War?" Dante suddenly questioned, even catching Vex's interest.
"How do you think I would?" she retorted. "I did my research... well, my Empress did... Black Gold in... how long are you going to keep hiding behind that strange mercantile guild facade? Your main focus is information, or do you think I fell for that nonsense of moving to the Empire?
Please, your organization is more powerful than the Royal Knights, you wouldn't shy away from a war, Nafiri, you're not a coward," Dante said, leaving Nafiri completely uncomfortable. The Black Jackal was read completely.
"I see the future Empress is indeed intelligent," Nafiri said. "Nah, she's too cute," Dante said, waving his hands in denial.
"Siren has dominated the entire desert, while Velkan has the greener part; she already has control over all Arian cities, she has about 45% of Devhar's territory," Nafiri said and looked at Dante.
"Alexander is in control of the Royal Army of Velkan," Nafiri said, and Dante nodded. He already figured that would be a problem, but he would worry about Alexander later.
"I understand, thank you. The main Valkyries were in the Devhar desert, or near it, with the civil war I was worried," Dante said and she understood.
Soon, the carriage stopped and they got out, with Vex using invisibility magic flying beside Dante. He left his arm slightly open and Nafiri passed her arm through, as if they were partners.
"It's only for today," Nafiri said, cold. Quite different from the person he had previously known, in fact, she had always been a "character"; now she's being herself.
"Yes yes, let's see if your coldness will continue after what will happen," Dante said as he entered with Nafiri into the hall, receiving various looks, after all.
Nafiri was dressed as an Egyptian Empress, with golden Egyptian clothes and adornments, a white dress open at the back, and golden bracelets with several rings.
"You look beautiful," Dante commented, seeing how the lustful gazes of the guests were affecting her. "Shut up, you're the one who asked me to come like this," she said, genuinely angry.
Dante looked around, trying to analyze everything as best as possible. He then saw the main hall after descending a few flights of stairs with Nafiri by his side; a gold-plated table was filled with finely crafted culinary delicacies, from delicate canapés to extravagant pâtés and pies.
Crystal glasses were clinked with bubbling champagne, everything was extremely luxurious, while the guests chatted animatedly about the rumors circulating the royal court.
The cream of society of the empire was gathered there, not only the dukes and grand dukes, but even barons and baronesses had come to this event.
Outlandish gowns, well-dressed men, and the like, it was truly an interesting party for the imperial high society, but at the same time, Dante only saw malevolent smiles.
Dante first observed the highest places, where security was really reinforced, with several knights near the windows and doors watching everything keenly. He felt slightly uncomfortable, but none of them saw Vex or sensed her presence, so he was calm until then.
He stood in a corner separating from Nafiri; they had entered with a royal invitation from the princess herself.
Dante focused his hearing to listen to what they were saying and thus... well, he heard some undesirable things.
"Have you seen Princess Velryna? They say she lacks the grace of a true noble. A true disaster for our reputation," a woman said, while chatting with a group of well-dressed women, of course, daughters of high-ranking nobles.
"Yes, it's a shame that she represents our royal family. With her common appearance and vulgar warrior ways, I doubt she can attract any suitable suitors today," the woman with the strange hairstyle said as she laughed softly with her hand over her mouth.
"Does she really think she can find a groom at this party? With her lack of charm and elegance, she's better off settling for anyone who shows up."
"Probably that's why she's here, desperate for any chance to secure a decent marriage. But I doubt anyone would be willing to commit to such an... unsuitable princess, unlike Ethan who is a hero, she is completely overshadowed."
As Dante listened to these things, which made him want to summon a meteor to strike these people, the sound of the salon doors opening resonated. A soft melody filled the air, announcing the entrance of the Princess.
"From the Royal Family of the Empire, Princess Velryna Smith." The announcer of the party said, and all eyes turned to her.
The initial reaction of the people was more soft murmurs about the rumors surrounding her; at the same time, she, with dignified steps, advanced along the red carpet laid out before her, with confidence.
Today was the day the Emperor would see the worst side of Velryna.