Mistress Of The Evil Forest

C̵ase 183̴: Movi̵ng ge̴ar̷s.

Something is coming.

These days, my heart hasn't calmed down a bit. It's not only unusual that I experience this when nothing seems wrong, but it is also the first. Thanks to Chloe, I've been able to face challenges in a relatively calm and prepared way. This time, however... nothing is predictable anymore.

Something is definitely happening inside the capital.

Something is coming, and it's rapidly accelerating. I can almost feel it.

At this critical time, every bit of new information is invaluable. Of course, we have deployed manpower across the territory, and I have also utilized all of my connections to further prepare for the inevitable.

''...Absurd.''

''God's apostle? Is this some sort of religious tactic?''

''You think so?''

''I mean, they're using Neveah's name to spread influence... if everything proceeded as you said and we beat that dragon, they would have the excuse to attack us, no?''

Becky's right. This is likely what Efil does to counter our strategy. But then, what about those ominous crystals? Are they Efil's work, too?

No, something doesn't seem right.

''Hah...''

Letting out a tired sigh, I lean back in my seat.

Against the moldy yellow walls of the Backrooms, with static light flickers ringing in my head, I once again rethink my approach. At this point, I've already left the guise of the maid entirely, piloting my main body instead.

Thankfully, Becky is here with me to discuss strategies and to give me general information about the situation. With her surveillance covering most of the capital, that is certainly possible. Her robots are quite useful for infiltration, too, as every major publishing company has been compromised by us, meaning we can get the raw version of the news a day before it even sells.

One such piece is the Church of Neveah's claim, which states that the goddess's apostle is bound to descend in the near future and 'eradicate' all evil. Of course, this is a convenient excuse to turn everybody against us, and I have an inkling as to who this 'apostle' is by now.

A separate problem is the red crystals we saw on the streets a while ago. For some reason, I felt repulsed whenever I got close to it. Not just me, but other people like Claire have also begun to notice it.

Maybe I'm imagining it, but there are a lot of forces beneath this case.

Like moving gears beneath a clock, maybe it will all tick toward a conclusion sometime soon. Until then... perhaps the best I can do is to wait and give it my all.

*****

June 13th, Imperial Palace.

Nighttime.

Efil calmly gazes at the enlarging moon, its eyes blurry of the Heavenly Demon's majesty. Almost in a trance, the demon lets out a hum, drunk on the moon's light shower.

''Why do I always get nostalgic at times like these...''

The time is nigh.

Soon, the Heavenly Demon's influence on this continent will reach its peak, and the beast of forgotten glory will emerge, heeding HIS order. Then, wouldn't it be such a pleasure to soak in the sight of those mortals finally meeting their ends?

Such are the thoughts of Efil, a high-ranking demon whose loyalty is only dedicated to one entity—the Heavenly Demon.

Under HIS wings, Efil has destroyed nations and leveled mountains, even wiping out entire continents with its ability. And it enjoys every single bit of it.

''Fufu... maybe a youngster like you wouldn't understand.''

''Ugh...''

Lying on the table beside Efil is, once again, the fair maiden with pale blonde hair and green eyes. At this point, even her clairvoyance isn't needed anymore.

Since... perhaps the path forward has been wholly illuminated—perhaps right from the start. After all, this pitiful continent has never been without HIS influence—HIS light.

''But aren't you worried...?''

Efil is a rational being. It evaluates situations based on real, relevant data, which even the lesser demon knows. Yet, somewhere within its juvenile mind, doubts creep up.

Faithful to its role, Efil calmly and gently combs the demon's hair—like a mother consoling her offspring, ''Not one bit, my child.''

What Efil holds close to its core isn't blind trust but a certain conviction. It became so adamant precisely because it had seen HIS wraith and destruction.

Yes. If nothing arises, everything will be taken care of.

Aside from the seeds of Neveah themselves, some other forces are also moving underneath the surface. Of course, those are minor—nothing more than afterthoughts for Efil, but are worth taking notice of nonetheless.

''Now, whether they will be their enemies or ours...''

For a brief second, Efil's gaze snaps to an obscure corner of the city outside the window. A knowing smile blooms on its face.

Meanwhile, at the destination of the demon's gaze.

''Hahah... oh, wow. That person is truly quite scary, isn't it?''

A sleazy voice sounds in the pitch-black room. The man, clad in a white lab robe and an out-of-place fedora, lightly shakes his shoulders. Within the room's immense darkness, an even dimmer silhouette slowly opens its eyes.

''Valstein. Are you certain of this plan?'' The shadow speaks. ''There's no coming back if we fail.''

''I know.'' 

The man—Valstein, replies.

''This season allows the moon to be the brightest, meaning HIS influence will be significantly more potent. Moreover, HIS subordinates are already here. There is no better time than now.''

''...''

Fiddling with a shining red crystal in her hand, the woman's shadow remains silent.

At the academy.

Grandmaster Bianca's office is still lit with a warm, soft light, despite it being deep into the cold night. Putting away the stacks of documents, she lets out a rare sigh.

In the corner of her eyes, a petite figure sticks out, snoring on the couch seemingly without a care in the world. Such is the carefree life of Ulaika, her co-worker.

''...''

Chewing the silence for a while, Bianca eventually pulls out the communication device from her desk's drawer. She briefly contemplates whether to call, but ultimately, she decides that it will connect.

''How are the preparations on the other side?''

[...Curt as always.]

On the line is Grandmaster Graham, who shoulders the responsibilities of safeguarding the palace. Based on a certain source of information, a crisis will soon befall the empire, to which not even a thought of sparing any effort is tolerated. Thus, a dozen or so plans have been considered, revised, and constantly updated just during the last few days.

Coordination between the five grandmasters is of utmost priority if the information is to be trusted. This, too, is a statement directly from the emperor.

[We're doing fine here. Somehow. Well, at least Ivan is competent. I'm more worried about that woman...]

''Silaerob?''

[No. Ulaika.]

''Oh.''

Once again, the snoring brat enters her vision. Still, what makes Bianca so amused to the point that her expression mellows is undoubtedly Graham's trust for Silaerob.

'I supposed it's a good thing.'

Leaving the warmth of the lamplight, she slightly turns toward the bright moon.

With so many moving gears, like meshing cogs, at least she can find some comfort in that girl.