Chapter 49: The Crooked-Mouthed Demon King

Inside the alchemy room of the Cathedral, Morning Light stood before the alchemy furnace, her long skirt covered in herb fragments and multicolored powders.

She was currently leafing through a booklet titled *Alchemist: Required Course 6*.

Today, she intended to attempt the solid-block refining method for the high-grade Youth Potion.

“Mix the Piao Piao Bug powder with Moonlight Flower Dew and toss them into the alchemy furnace…”

She muttered softly as she took a small pinch of powder from a ceramic jar and dropped it into a stone mortar.

She poured a few drops of Moonlight Flower Dew from a crystal bottle, mixed it, and placed the mixture into the boiler.

“Boil at a high temperature…”

She twisted a nearby crystal, and the furnace fire surged instantly.

The boiler began to bubble violently, looking as if it might explode at any moment.

Morning Light, however, remained calm, appearing completely unfazed by the sight.

“Calming Grass Essence…”

A few drops of shimmering purple essence fell into the furnace, and the liquid inside immediately grew calm.

An intoxicating fragrance began to permeate the air.

Next came the second step…

‘Hmm… pour in the boiling Rejuvenation Potion… add the Crystal Mushroom powder…’

The potion merged with the previous mixture, and multicolored bubbles rose from the furnace.

After adding the powder, the medicinal liquid became crystal clear.

“Tap the wall of the furnace nine times with a silver spoon infused with mana… silver spoon, silver spoon…”

She rummaged through a pile of cluttered tools and grabbed a polished silver spoon.

One, two… until the ninth tap, nothing particularly special happened, except that the bubbles had decreased.

The third step… hmm, let me see…

“Grind the Hundred-Ginseng Grass… merge it with Moonlight Petals… add… one drop of Stael Flower root juice…”

She continued following the instructions.

The liquid in the boiler changed from clear to a deep, dark hue, as if something were brewing within.

‘Hmm… I need to wait 15 minutes.’

She decided to check what the fourth step was in the meantime.

She wiped her hands, sat on a nearby wooden chair, and flipped the booklet to the next page.

“Mix the Rotten Root juice… with Goblin skull powder… add obsidian powder… at high temperature…”

Wait?

What is this?!

Her eyes narrowed.

Wasn’t Rotten Root juice highly toxic?

And Goblin skulls were…

This wasn’t right!

*Flip—*

She turned the page quickly.

The correct answer was Option 1.

“Dammit!!!”

***

At the same time.

A member of the Regent’s personal guard—a meticulous girl—was approaching the monastery under the escort of four Royal Knights.

She carried a letter bearing the seal of The Order.

Passing clerics of The Order stepped aside one after another, bowing respectfully.

She politely stopped a nun and smiled.

“Hello, Miss Nun. May I ask, do you know where Morning Light is—”

*BOOM!!*

Before she could finish her sentence, a loud explosion erupted from the direction of the Cathedral, making the ground tremble.

“What’s happening!”

Her expression shifted, and her hand instinctively moved to the hilt of the sword at her waist.

The four knights also raised their weapons, entering a state of high alert.

They all turned their gaze toward the Cathedral and saw billowing black smoke rising from the side hall.

A slender figure, shrouded in a Magic Barrier, fell into a nearby thicket in a perfect parabolic arc.

“Agh! It exploded again!”

“The noise was okay—not as big as last time!”

“How tragic…”

“That’s why Alchemists are so rare—they can practically kill themselves for fun.”

Passing clerics pointed and whispered, looking completely used to the scene.

“My Lady…”

Upon seeing Trish and the knights, they quickly silenced themselves and bowed.

“Lady Trish… that… that is Morning Light… haha…”

The nun who had been questioned earlier smiled awkwardly and pointed toward the bushes.

“I see… all right… thank you.”

Trish’s expression grew strange.

She released her sword hilt and led the knights quickly toward the spot where Morning Light had fallen.

***

“Hiss~ My back~ ow, ow, ow…”

A disheveled figure crawled out of the bushes.

The hem of her plain robe was slightly scorched and curled, and her nun’s habit was nowhere to be found.

She adjusted the sheer veil eye mask that had almost slipped into a headband and looked down to check the booklet in her arms.

After confirming it wasn’t damaged (even though it was a copy), she let out a long sigh.

She simply lay back on the grass and stared blankly at the bright blue sky.

“Are you Morning Light?”

A pretty face entered her field of vision.

“Huh?”

Morning Light blinked in confusion.

“Come with me.”

“Huh~?”

“This is your letter.”

“Oh…”

She took the letter and opened it on the spot without hesitation.

Trish led the knights back a few paces and waited quietly.

[✧ Little Morning Light~, you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about that Floating Skiff… or rather, the Annihilator, would you?

I owed Raymond a favor back in my younger days, so Little Morning Light, help me pay it back. I won’t take the Annihilator back; consider it your payment.

Ohohoho~

Great Archbishop Alpha of the Kingdom of Lunes ✧]

“…”

Morning Light’s lip twitched.

She silently stuffed the letter into her torn pocket.

She stood up and casually brushed the grass from her skirt.

“I’ll go let my sister know.”

Her tone was as casual as if she were just saying hello.

“We will wait for you outside the monastery,” Trish nodded, turning to lead the knights out.

Morning Light narrowed her eyes, staring at the sky as she walked.

‘Why do I feel like… I’m being watched by something?’

***

Torches burned with eerie blue flames, and the air was thick with the faint scent of ink and the resinous aroma of burning incense.

The wind whistled through the high windows, bringing a low, moaning sound.

The hanging iron chandeliers swayed slightly, occasionally making a deep metallic clinking sound.

The whispers of noble ministers and the rustle of parchment felt like an undercurrent.

A meeting that should have ended had been extended for some reason.

The crisp echo of boots on marble approached.

The hem of a nun’s robe occasionally brushed the floor, accompanied by a soft sound of friction.

Adrian clenched his fists uneasily, his metal gauntlets letting out a light click.

The two were led into the reception room by Trish and two guards…

And they came to a halt.

Regent Raymond was already seated at the head of the table.

He wore a well-tailored, dark-toned coat that looked like a general’s battle uniform.

Beneath his silver-gray hair, his sharp-featured face was expressionless.

He rested his elbows on the heavy wooden table, fingers interlaced, scrutinizing the two people who walked through the door.

“Adrian.”

Raymond didn’t bother with pleasantries.

His gaze, tempered by years and sharp as cold steel, landed on Adrian.

“Explain why you appeared in the slums with muddy clothes and a panicked expression, deeply embroiled in a fight alongside a… praiseworthy nun.”

His voice was not loud, but every word carried the weight of a thousand pounds, bearing an unquestionable authority.

Adrian did not try to make excuses or show cowardice.

Instead, he took a step forward and straightened his posture.

Though his face was still somewhat pale from the previous exertion, his jade-green eyes were as calm as ice.

“Uncle Raymond,” he responded clearly, using the formal address.

“I left the palace without permission and am willing to accept punishment. However, my journey to the slums was intended to observe the relief efforts firsthand to compensate for the shortcomings of my studies. As for the fight…”

He paused, his voice lowering with a trace of lingering fear and the clarity of a survivor.

“It was my own stupidity. I failed to notice the long-premeditated assassination attempt. If not for Sister Morning Light’s timely intervention and heroic struggle, I would not be standing here now.”

Raymond’s knuckles tapped lightly on the table…

His gaze turned toward Morning Light, the scrutiny deepening.

“Sister Morning Light.”

He slowly repeated the name, as if weighing a rare asset.

“The Inquisitor has already informed me of the details. Now… please allow an old man to express his most sincere gratitude to you. Your decisiveness not only saved the Prince’s life but also avoided a tragedy that would have brought shame to the Kingdom.”

He nodded slightly, his etiquette perfect and his words extremely solemn, elevating Morning Light’s merit to the level of national security.

This caused several nobles who were about to speak to shut their mouths.

Morning Light took a half-step forward and performed a standard nun’s bow.

Her posture was humble without being fawning as she spoke steadily and clearly.

“Serving the Light and protecting life is the duty and honor of a cleric, Lord Regent.”

“Hmm…”

Raymond unclasped his interlaced fingers, brushed his hand over the Storage Bracelet on his wrist, and placed the dagger Morning Light had given to the Inquisitor on the table.

“A Standard-issue Dagger from the Shadow Society, tainted with the aura of the Abyss. Everyone, what are your thoughts?”

…The council hall fell into a brief silence.

“It seems a bit too intentional. Would those lunatics who value their daggers more than their lives just throw one away?”

“Those Nightingales will do anything for the sake of assassination efficiency.”

“The evidence is insufficient. We should focus on investigating the assassins first.”

“Who knows with those guys who treat gold coins as their creed~”

“It’s time to drain some poisonous blood, Raymond.”

“Hehehe…”

Someone was staring at the dagger, letting out a meaningful laugh.

“To be able to chip a Standard-issue Dagger forged by the Shadow Society, your strength is not simple, Miss Nun. Can a nun who only possesses the Mark of Prosperity with a Logic Magic Affinity really achieve such a feat? Why don’t you temporarily remove whatever tool you have that blocks Appraisal? How about it?”

“Keep your curiosity to yourself, Minister. The Church has already checked in.”

“Raymond, drop the act! Now is not the time for your roundabout games. Assassins have entered our home!”

The minister slammed the table and shouted.

He took a page of an investigation report from his subordinate and spoke with a cold sneer:

“Morning Light, an Adventurer who successfully registered in Echo Territory of the Kingdom of Lunes only last month… a Half-Demon. All other information is blank. Suddenly appeared within the borders of the Versadis Kingdom… quiet and cute… likes to… ‘hunt’ lechers in the streets and alleys… causes alchemy accidents… and, seemingly intentionally, seduced our disguised Prince…”

As the ministers listened, their expressions grew more and more peculiar.

The voice of the minister reading the report also grew quieter, and his face became increasingly unsightly.

Finally, he crumpled the paper into a ball and shot a cold glare at the confidant who had brought the report.

“In short, she is very suspicious…”

“So, Miss Morning Light, what do you think?”

Raymond’s face remained normal as he looked at Morning Light.

“I think… this can prove it.”

Morning Light maintained her humble posture, brushed her sleeve against her bracelet, and took out a shimmering branch, holding it in her hand.

Then, several high-level Appraisal Arts were cast directly onto it.

The next second…

*BOOM!!!*

It was as if a thunderbolt had exploded in the minds of everyone in the meeting hall!

“What!?”

“That… that is…?!!”

“A branch… of the World Tree!!!”

The ministers, who had been indifferent and arrogant just a moment ago, suddenly sprang from their seats!

Pairs of eyes were pinned to that branch.

Their throats moved with difficulty as the sound of swallowing echoed through the room!

The gaze they directed at Morning Light gradually turned into respect and a deep, irrepressible longing…

Even the rock-steady Raymond’s pupils contracted violently!

He took several deep breaths before he managed to suppress the stormy emotions in his heart.

Beside Morning Light, Adrian was so shocked his jaw nearly hit the floor.

…The meeting hall fell silent.

The ministers suppressed their shock and sat down quietly.

There was no longer any need for suspicion.

Only a Saint who was most deeply blessed by Divine Grace could hold such a divine object.

This nun’s status within the Church was likely no different from that of a Saint.

As for her Imprint?

No one dared to question it anymore.

And there was no longer any need to extend the meeting.

“The meeting is over, everyone…”

Raymond’s calm voice broke the silence.

“Yes…”

“Lady Morning Light, I apologize for my previous rudeness…”

“We are deeply honored by your presence…”

The ministers had complex expressions, filled with deep awe.

As they passed Morning Light, they all bowed their heads in respect, offering apologies or farewells.

Morning Light was so amused she almost struggled to keep a straight face.

‘Is that it?! If I activated the Imprint on my palm, wouldn’t you all be crawling on the floor? This feels great!!’

Once only three people remained in the hall, Raymond’s majestic aura suddenly vanished, replaced by that of a gentle uncle.

He smiled kindly, stood up, walked over to Morning Light, and extended a broad hand.

“No wonder that arrogant woman, Alpha, was so certain… you’ve truly given me a wonderful surprise, Miss Morning Light.”

“I wonder what Lord Raymond needs me to do?”

Morning Light politely reached out her hand.

“Ahaha~ no rush, no rush~. Why don’t we chat over dinner?”

“Very well.”

“Please follow me.”

After Raymond spoke, he turned his gaze toward Adrian.

His smiling face instantly became stern.

“Adrian! As for you, we will talk ‘slowly’ later! Now, go back and reflect on your actions!”

“Yes…”

Adrian stole a glance at Morning Light, looking dejected as he moved with sluggish steps.

“What have I always taught you!”

Raymond shouted.

“Yes!!!”

Adrian jerked upright, immediately puffing out his chest and lifting his head.

He marched away quickly with powerful strides.