Chapter 1189: The Restless Factions
That was a girl who seemed to have stepped right out of mythology.
Her silver hair was as holy as a goddess's, her clear blue eyes exuded an unattainable nobility, and her entire being radiated a cold beauty that could only be admired from afar—untouchable and divine. Even the exquisite white gown she wore seemed dull in comparison.
La Folia Li Havain.
The girl introduced herself with a perfect smile, yet her tone carried a humble grace, her attitude leaving no room for criticism.
There wasn't the slightest hint of affectation; everything about her felt utterly natural.
Sayaka suddenly snapped back to reality.
"Li Havain... isn't that the royal family name of Aldegia?"
A small Nordic country, though modest in size, possessed world-leading magitech, and its royal family was the Li Havain household!
La Folia.
If she remembered correctly, this should be the eldest daughter of the Aldegian royal family, the crown princess of that nation, and the future heir to the throne!
As the first in line for the throne, this princess had entered the political arena early and demonstrated remarkable talent. Her clever mind and saintly, beautiful appearance earned her the reputation of "Freya Reborn," garnering widespread acclaim internationally!
"Why would the Silver Princess appear on Itogami Island and attend Duke Oldior's banquet?"
The current situation seemed anything but ordinary, and Sayaka warily asked Misaki Fuuse about it.
"According to Her Highness herself, she came to Itogami Island for personal matters."
This time, Fuuse didn't beat around the bush—or perhaps, even she found the situation suspicious.
"Since it concerns the dignity of the Aldegian royal family, even though I'm her personal guard, she hasn't told me... Of course, I doubt her motives are that simple."
What kind of personal matter would require a crown princess, no less the first in line to the throne, to come here in person?
After all, this was a Demon Sanctuary, far more dangerous than other places. Even if there were personal matters, sending subordinates would suffice—there was no need to take such risks.
"Then why do you think she came?"
"Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you."
Fuuse smiled faintly without saying more.
Sayaka's expression soured.
"However, I do have a shallow guess."
Before Sayaka could lose her temper, Fuuse spoke again.
She subtly gestured toward a corner of the banquet.
"Look over there."
At the same time, she sighed inwardly.
Kousaka Sayaka, such a straightforward and unpretentious girl, completely under her thumb.
If only this girl were her colleague—work would never be boring, and she could play with her for a year without getting tired!
"Achoo!"
Eiji suddenly sneezed.
Why did it feel like someone was trying to steal something of his?
"Isn't that...?"
Following Fuuse's direction, Sayaka spotted a short figure.
Just the sight of that figure made Sayaka gasp sharply.
He was a boy of about twelve or thirteen, dressed in a white robe and adorned with gleaming gold jewelry. His black hair and tanned skin clearly marked him as Middle Eastern, while his golden eyes held a chilling intensity far beyond that of ordinary people.
Sitting alone in a corner, he held a wine bottle, pouring and drinking by himself, completely indifferent to those around him. Intimidated by his forbidding aura, the nearby guests kept their distance, leaving a wide empty space around him.
"The Ninth Prince of the Erinyes Empire! Iblisbel Aziz! Even he's here!"
Sayoka was nearly numb by this point. It felt like every guest at tonight's banquet was a heavyweight figure!
"Rumor has it that a few months ago, he defeated and devoured his second elder sister, Mavea. Now he's evaluated as a monster on par with Duke Vatler—in other words, the vampire closest to the True Ancestor."
Kiriya Fias, seemingly feeling considerable pressure herself, provided the introduction.
The Erinyes Empire, located in the Middle East, was a night empire under the command of the Second True Ancestor, the Eye of the End. Its internal forces were extremely chaotic—not only did they frequently wage war with foreign nations, but even among themselves, conflict was constant.
Even among the children of the Eye of the End, killing each other was common. A prince dying today, a princess tomorrow—none of it was particularly surprising.
Among all the princes of the Erinyes Empire, this Ninth Prince was unquestionably in the top tier. After devouring his own sister, he might very well be one of the strongest beings beneath the True Ancestors.
"So many heavyweight figures gathered together—there's only one possibility that comes to mind."
Kiriya Fias smoothed the black hair at her temple.
"Are they all here for the Fourth True Ancestor?"
Sayoka clutched her head, her mood growing exceptionally heavy. She wasn't a fool, of course she could guess why.
A week ago, the Fourth True Ancestor had made a high-profile appearance on Itogami Island. This information must have reached the three great night empires, and it was only natural they would send people to investigate the situation, or even make contact with the Fourth True Ancestor.
The First Primogenitor's domain had sent Dimitrie Vatler.
The Erinyes Empire had sent Iblisbel Aziz.
Princess La Folia's arrival on the island at this time likely meant she too was here for the Fourth True Ancestor.
That left only the realm of chaos.
One could imagine the Chaos Bride was also preparing to send someone—the only question was who it would be.
In the venue.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Vatler, Princess La Folia parted ways with him, then greeted the Ninth Prince with neither arrogance nor humility—an attitude that won much favor. Even the cold-faced Ninth Prince didn't speak harshly to her.
Soon after finishing her greetings with the heavyweight guests, a large crowd of attendees swarmed around her, vying to strike up conversations. Their words were full of flattery, and many clearly coveted her beauty.
To avoid the horde, Eiji had long since retreated to the sidelines. He didn't even entertain thoughts of chatting up a few girls.
"Vatler."
Midway through the banquet, the Ninth Prince approached Vatler with a stern expression.
"It seems the Fourth True Ancestor doesn't favor you with their presence."
"So it appears, Your Highness Aziz."
Vatler sighed, not bothering to hide his disappointment.
"My invitation to the Adyrad Monastery was completely ignored. I originally wanted to show a bit of affection to the Fourth True Ancestor—what a pity."
Eiji shuddered violently.
His hearing was so acute that he couldn't help but overhear those words, even if he didn't want to.
Should he find an opportunity to take out Vatler?
"Your affection is certainly heavy-handed. But with the Fourth True Ancestor as the target, I'm more concerned about whether I'll need to attend your funeral."
Iblisvel let out a cold laugh, his tone dripping with mockery.
If you want to do something, you should first understand your own limitations.
That was the implicit meaning of his words.
"Since the Fourth True Ancestor isn't here, this Highness has no desire to stay any longer. I hope I'll still see you in one piece next time."
After leaving these words, Iblisvel chuckled lightly and departed from the banquet hall.