The Lord Who Levels Up by Devouring - Chapter 112

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Chapter 112. The Royal Society (1)
After Queen Marceline and the Royal Knights had all departed.
Only then did I cautiously move my body.
…It had truly been perilous.
The title 【Sovereign of the Underworld】 [Effect 2].
Under the effect of [Blessing of Darkness], I could silence my presence.
However, the interior of the Royal Palace was quite bright, so the effect had been wavering.
I had barely managed to avoid detection by hastily deploying Mucus Cells [B-].
‘I nearly got caught.’
Of course, I hadn’t fully consumed the Chameleon’s complete genetic factors.
Yet even the Royal Knights had been deceived by Assimilation [C+].
But the woman who had made contact with Queen Marceline had found the flaw. This meant the woman possessed skills far from ordinary.
According to the Predator’s Instinct [S], the information about the woman was as follows.
==【Character Information】==
Name: Luseria
Classification: Animalia, Mammalia, Hominidae, Cambion
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Characteristic: Mind Penetration [E]
◆Mind Penetration [E]
: The user can penetrate deep into the target’s mind, allowing manipulation of the target’s memories, thoughts, emotions, and psyche.
Luseria could penetrate and manipulate the human psyche.
An ability remarkably similar to the Authority of Oblivion.
But Luseria was not The Darkness Lord.
She belonged to the Dark Merchant Company.
In other words, she was one of the Fallen Soul Worshippers.
The Enchantress of Lust, Luseria.
As could be seen from her classification, she was not human.
The bastard child of human and nightmare.
A Cambion.
Mind Penetration [E] was an ability inherited from the nightmare bloodline.
Combined with Luseria’s bewitching beauty, it became an irresistible weapon of seduction.
Thus she had been chosen by the ‘Abyss Spider pregnant with fifty thousand offspring’ and reigned as one of the legion commanders of the Abyss alongside Iratum—
‘She hasn’t been chosen yet.’
At this point in time, having returned to the past, she remained unchosen.
In any case.
‘For Luseria to take direct action, the situation must be quite urgent.’
The Empire too was in dire straits.
And for good reason.
‘Obscura has collapsed, or so it was said.’
Yet I had merely confiscated laundered funds.
I hadn’t touched Obscura’s system itself.
Then how did Obscura collapse?
‘Isolde must have done it.’
It was clear that Isolde had orchestrated this.
It seemed she had thoroughly dismantled Violess alongside the Azure Silver Knights.
‘That explains it.’
I had found it strange that there were virtually no rumors about me.
I had wondered why the Dark Merchant Company and the Empire hadn’t detected my existence at all.
Now I understood—they simply weren’t looking.
Isolde’s exploits had drawn all the attention toward her instead.
Isolde truly was remarkable.
Thanks to her, an exceptionally favorable situation had unfolded.
In any case.
‘Luseria isn’t the one orchestrating this plan.’
The evidence of the Darkness Lord’s involvement in Battenberg Kingdom was unmistakable.
The Darkness Lord was the one who had ultimately devised everything.
Yet he had only pushed Luseria to the forefront—which meant—
‘He won’t intervene at this level.’
He had judged that a mere disturbance in the Royal Palace didn’t warrant his direct involvement.
This, in turn, suggested that he couldn’t wield the power of oblivion recklessly.
Regardless.
‘I’ve grasped the entire plan.’
Queen Marceline, whose every move I could see through.
She rested in the palm of my hand.
What remained was simple.
Dismantle the plan piece by piece and completely overturn the intended outcome.
Then.
‘He won’t be able to remain in the shadows forever.’
The Darkness Lord would inevitably be forced to act.
* * *
A chandelier adorned with delicate patterns.
Ivory-toned walls and marble-finished flooring.
The Guest Chamber of the Royal Palace, where grandeur and refinement achieved an exquisite harmony.
Within the chamber, a head of silver hair swayed back and forth restlessly.
Seraphia paced anxiously before the door.
‘Why is my brother taking so long to return….’
I couldn’t remain still, consumed by worry for Adrian, who was imprisoned in the Underground Dungeon.
I had been released and returned long ago.
Yet Adrian still hadn’t come back.
Beyond the window, night had already fallen, casting the world in darkness save for the gentle glow of moonlight.
Could something have happened?
Now that I thought about it, Adrian had said he would bear even Seraphia’s sins.
Perhaps Seraphia’s early release was possible only because of Adrian’s sacrifice.
As that thought took hold, my imagination spiraled into countless dark scenarios.
Adrian being tortured.
Bound in chains, his face twisted in agony.
Terrible scars being carved into Adrian’s body.
And finally, his head severed for the crime of treason….
“No!”
“What do you mean, no?”
“Ahhh!!”
I felt my heart nearly stop.
“Uaaaah…!!”
I was so startled that I lost the ability to form words.
But the moment I recognized the figure standing before me.
“Brother!!”
My heart rushed back into place, and my voice returned in an instant.
“A-are you alright?! You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?!”
Seraphia’s eyes darted across Adrian’s form, searching for any sign of injury.
With each confirmation that Adrian was unharmed, my worry dissolved, replaced by overwhelming relief and joy.
Whether Adrian noticed my feelings or not.
He simply spoke with an indifferent expression, his words falling like a stone.
“Why did you do that?”
“…Pardon? Ah, I was just… so startled.”
“I mean, why did you fight the Royal Knights?”
“Ah, well… that was….”
Seraphia hesitated, avoiding Adrian’s gaze.
“It was just that you….”
Seraphia’s voice trailed off into silence.
Adrian seemed about to become furious.
I feared he would despise me as he had with Chameleon before.
That we would grow distant once again.
That fear was overwhelming.
“I was afraid you’d be in danger… so I just….”
Seraphia couldn’t find the words and bowed her head deeply.
And yet.
“Don’t do that again.”
Adrian’s response came unexpectedly calm and measured.
Seraphia’s head snapped up in surprise.
And my goodness.
Adrian was not angry.
His expression was not twisted.
It was not the look of someone regarding a creature so abhorrent and hateful that it transcended mere disgust.
It was not the face of one confronting a malevolent spirit.
It was not a countenance forged from every negative emotion that existed in this world.
“Eh…?”
A dissonance occurred in my perception.
The reality before my eyes felt like a dream.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, no! It’s nothing at all!”
Seraphia hastily waved her hands in denial.
But her lips kept twitching, so she clamped down hard on her lower lip.
“In any case.”
Adrian then spoke, looking at Seraphia.
“It appears there are no signs of improvement in His Majesty’s condition.”
“…Ah.”
“It seems the Royal Society will likely be held sooner than expected, so prepare yourself in advance.”
Seraphia was momentarily at a loss for words.
I had been too busy marveling at the grandeur and beauty of the Royal Palace.
Meanwhile, Adrian was assessing the situation with cold clarity.
…Truly, he was remarkable.
Seraphia’s eyes gleamed as she steeled her resolve.
“Yes! I’ll prepare diligently!”
“Then go inside. It’s getting late.”
Adrian left after saying those words.
Seraphia quietly returned to her room as well.
But she did not retire to bed immediately.
The Royal Society, where the kingdom’s high nobility gathered together.
As the eldest daughter of House Whitewolf, I would attend to represent my family.
My bearing, my manner of speech, my attire—everything.
Every aspect of me would symbolize the dignity and honor of House Whitewolf.
I sat before the mirror and practiced the various courtesies and etiquette required in high society.
Though there were still many aspects where I fell short and lacked refinement, I would surely become a sister Adrian could be proud of.
‘I must work hard so my brother won’t be embarrassed!’
I made this vow to myself again and again.
And so the moonlight beyond the window gradually grew dim—
‘I can do this. I must do this.’
Until the morning of the Royal Society dawned, I did not cease my efforts.
* * *
Morning sunlight cascaded gently across the Royal Garden.
The tea reception hall brimmed with subtle elegance.
Attendees adorned themselves in resplendent attire.
Women draped themselves in elaborate gowns and exquisite jewelry, while men presented themselves in immaculate formal wear and dress uniforms, each adding their own polish to the gathering.
The reception hall thrummed with vitality, each person radiating their own allure and fragrance.
Seraphia drew a deep breath.
Yet her heart still trembled.
‘Breathe… breathe…’
She exhaled repeatedly, attempting to soothe her anxiety.
She reminded herself of the days and nights spent in relentless practice.
But.
The Royal Society proved far more intricate and demanding than I had anticipated.
On the surface, it appeared to be nothing more than light social encounters and pleasant conversation between men and women.
Yet beneath that veneer lay a cold calculation of political alliances and mutual interests between noble houses.
“Have you heard about the Emberlynn Count’s mining contract this month?”
“Of course. But I understand they’ve monopolized the mining rights… is there room for negotiation?”
“It won’t be easy, but I heard the young lady of the Emberlynn house is attending this reception.”
“I should make an approach.”
The nobles were absorbed in their calculations, each pursuing their own agenda.
“There’s much talk of the specialty goods from Belgard Territory gaining popularity.”
“A most welcome development, though the challenge lies in transportation. With the recent ogre sightings, conditions on the central roads have deteriorated considerably.”
“What if our house were to collaborate with you?”
“The Graybern house, you mean?”
“Our patriarch has recently invested in establishing new trade routes. Rather than discuss it here, why not meet with him directly?”
“Hmm, perhaps we should have that conversation.”
Mutual interests and vulnerabilities.
They probed for exchangeable resources while conducting discreet transactions and negotiations.
Thus, no noble approached Seraphia.
Whitewolf Territory possessed nothing of value.
Seraphia lowered her head.
…This was far too difficult.
The Royal Society felt utterly foreign and overwhelming.
Beyond the borders of the territory, the world was far too complex and harsh.
Yet Seraphia clenched both fists firmly.
‘I must be of help to my brother.’
To become Adrian’s admirable sister, and ultimately to win back Adrian’s heart, I had no luxury for such despondency.
Seraphia straightened her shoulders, which had been hunched in defeat.
And just as I began walking slowly toward the nobles at the reception, it happened.
“There you are.”
A clear voice reached my ears, and I turned my head.
“Your Majesty, the Queen!”
The atmosphere of the tea gathering transformed in an instant.
The nobles bowed their heads in unison and offered their respects.
“We greet Your Majesty, the Queen.”
“We pay our respects to Your Majesty, the Queen.
Queen Marceline moved with elegant grace, accepting the nobles’ bows.
Queen Marceline came to a halt directly before Seraphia.
“Would you mind having a brief conversation with me?”
At the sound of her voice, everyone in the tea gathering held their breath.
“Gasp…!”
“The Queen herself…?”
Unable to hide their astonishment, they exchanged glances with one another.
And with good reason—the Queen’s direct intervention was extraordinarily rare.
The Queen, representing the Royal Court, merely orchestrated the stage of high society.
She maintained an absolute distance from the nobility and had never once sought out a specific individual in this manner.
In other words, being singled out by Queen Marceline was no trivial matter.
“The Queen herself is taking action….”
“Who is it? Who received the Queen’s designation?”
Whispers rippled through the assembled nobles.
Seraphia, too, was caught off guard and hesitated for a moment.
But soon her eyes gleamed as she recalled the countless movements she had practiced.
Lifting her head with grace—
Composing her expression with dignity—
Offering her respects with propriety—
“Seraphia Whitewolf of House Whitewolf. I offer my greetings to Your Majesty, the Queen.”
The words she had memorized and rehearsed all night flowed naturally from her lips.
“Moreover, I am truly grateful for this glorious opportunity you have bestowed upon me.”
The nobles stirred with interest.
“I thought they were merely a reckless provincial house….”
“Yet they possess considerable grace and refinement as nobles.”
The murmurs gradually transformed into admiration.
Seraphia exulted inwardly.
‘That was absolutely perfect!’
Even by her own assessment, her etiquette had been flawless.
“There happens to be an empty seat over there.”
Queen Marceline smiled and led Seraphia forward.
The nobles dared not approach and kept their distance.
Yet all their gazes and attention remained fixed upon this spot.
As I held my breath in the peculiar tension, Queen Marceline spoke.
“Have you grown accustomed to the atmosphere?”
“…Ah, yes. A little.”
“This tea gathering is quite a complex affair. It may appear to be nothing more than casual conversation, but within it lies a tangled web of countless interests and calculations.”
Seraphia nodded lightly.
Because that was indeed the case.
“Meanwhile, Whitewolf Territory remains distant from the center of politics.”
Queen Marceline paused for a moment, studying Seraphia’s expression.
“However, Whitewolf Territory plays a very important role for our Royal Court. I speak of its role as a strategically vital domain.”
“Pardon?”
“It means a crucial territory capable of monitoring and controlling the kingdom’s northern border.”
“Ah….”
Was that so…?
“The Whitewolf Family has served for generations as a loyal fortress to the Royal Court. However….”
Queen Marceline continued with a somewhat darkened expression.
“Our Royal Court has failed to adequately repay that loyalty.”
“No, you mustn’t say such things—.”
“That is why this invitation was also an occasion to reconsider the value of the Whitewolf Family.”
“Ah, I see….”
Seraphia’s expression turned momentarily blank.
I had no idea such was the case.
Indeed, the Royal Society was far too difficult and complex.
“Though it comes late, I would appreciate it if you would regard this as the Royal Court’s repayment for the loyalty the Whitewolf Family has shown.”
“The Royal Court’s repayment?”
Suddenly?
Queen Marceline gestured with her eyes toward one side instead of answering.
At that, the palace attendants standing to the side began to move—.
“…Eh, what? It was definitely here?!”
Something was clearly amiss.
Soon the palace attendants came rushing over, their faces drained of color.
Queen Marceline’s eyes widened as she asked—.
“What is the matter?”
“That is to say….”
With each whisper from the attendant, Queen Marceline’s face and expression grew increasingly grim.
* * *
Queen Marceline’s face and expression grew increasingly grim.
Looking at her now.
‘She’s finally realized it.’
My apologies, but that money.
I placed it in my inventory quite some time ago.
And yet she’s only now noticing.
‘Of course, she couldn’t openly verify that she’d received a bribe.’
That amount alone was a staggering 10 million gold.
Luseria’s words had not been without purpose.
-If we burden her with debt, she won’t be able to refuse our requests, don’t you think this amount is necessary?
With 10 million gold at stake, anyone would find it difficult to refuse any request.
Such a sum disappearing constituted a grave incident.
Therefore, it would not have been strange if the entire Royal Palace was thrown into upheaval—
‘But she can’t possibly claim it vanished.’
After all, it was received as hush money.
If someone pressed her about where it came from?
Queen Marceline would have nothing to say.
Moreover, it wasn’t even her own money.
The gold in my inventory was the cleanest money in the world.
In other words, it was a criminal’s money.
And as it goes, money possesses not even a shred of integrity or honor.
Once it enters another’s pocket?
“W-what are you saying…!!”
Its previous owner becomes irrelevant.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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