CELAENO—also known as the Demonic Empire—was situated on the northernmost tip of the continent. Many knew that over 90 percent of the population was made up of demons, but other than that fact, the land was shrouded in mystery.
The Celaenic government discontinued all diplomatic relations with neighboring countries several hundred years ago, and the demon race had command of both magic and physical prowess far surpassing any human. Thus, the rumor that they were planning to take over the entire continent had been floating around for a long time.
A few countries had attempted to send in spies to collect information, but those missions eventually ended in failure. Apparently, any spies who attempted to infiltrate the empire never stepped foot in their home country ever again.
“We did almost conquer the continent, so I suppose you can’t really blame them for thinking that,” Sirius shrugged.
“Oh, my. Really?” Marialite blinked.
The two of them were making casual conversation among the gentle sway of the carriage on their way to Celaeno. On Sirius’ other side, Raven had his face glued to the window, watching the vast scenery pass them by. There were several other carriages filled with soldiers running alongside, surrounding them.
Isn’t this all a bit much?
She couldn’t help but think it was unnecessary, but she then remembered experiencing similar treatment when she headed to distant lands for work.
“Around two hundred years ago, the emperor at the time was after a large number of slaves. So, he decided to invade countries with large human populations.”
“Why would he do that?” she gasped.
“Slavery doesn’t exist in Celaeno. As such, he thought it would be a good idea to go to war and make the enemy soldiers they imprisoned his slaves. Apparently, he only wanted them so he could build a new palace structure faster. How idiotic,” he sighed.
“Couldn’t he have just waited for the building work to be finished at a usual rate?” she asked in bemusement, echoing Sirius’ sigh.
Evidently, some of the country’s old emperors were of a troublesome character. Sirius frowned in discomfort, seemingly ashamed of his country’s dark past.
“There’s a saying in Celaeno: ‘those with strength must not become drunk on power.’ They were the words of the country’s founder,” he recalled. “As far as demons are concerned, humans are weak, feeble beings. Their lifespan is short, and they can’t even use magic. That’s why it’s considered taboo among demons to even try to overpower them. And, if anyone commits that taboo… Well, let’s just say it’s not pretty.”
“Really? What happens to them?” Marialite asked, encouraging him to continue.
“Knowing how much you value peace and quiet, I thought you wouldn’t want to talk about this, but…” A fond smile tugged at his lips. “You’re surprisingly curious. I’m surprised, but…that just makes you all the more attractive.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong; I don’t like hearing about these things, but I just have to know the whole story,” she laughed, her usual smile bright on her face.
“All right, then,” he nodded. “I suppose you did spend five whole years in that disgusting palace. You must’ve built up a resistance to this sort of talk.”
“Exactly. I’ve heard people talk about war and politics many times—including things that I’m sure I can’t talk about in public.”
As a part of her education as the crown princess, she’d studied the history of the land. Among the affairs she’d studied, there was no shortage of tales that would make anyone’s hair stand on end.
As she reminisced about her days in the palace, Raven gave her a curious look.
“Sorry, but I was told never to utter a word of it to anyone, so I can’t tell you,” she reiterated.
“No, no, that’s not what I was thinking about. I don’t even want to know,” Raven assured her, shaking his head. “It’s just…I was taken aback by how lax your country is about their security.”
“…I thought the same thing,” Sirius said in a subdued murmur. “They just let you go unchecked after telling you confidential information about the state? Are they even sane?”
“What if you sold that information to another country? Or…did they really not think about that?” Raven added.
“That’s a good point, actually,” Marialite agreed. “His Highness never said anything about it.”
They haven’t come after me so far, but…will I be okay?
It had been over half a year since she left, though—if they had a problem with her living freely, surely they would’ve hunted her down by now.
“That idiot prince…” Raven mumbled, taking another look out the window. “Oh—we’re just entering the outskirts of Celaeno!” His tone brightened significantly. “You gotta look outside, Marialite. You’re gonna like this.”
She leaned forward to stick her head out the window alongside Raven and took a look around. There was nothing but a neglected, wild-looking road without a building in sight; she had no idea what he was referring to. Then, it happened.
The whole area began to blur and warp, as though she was looking at it through a pool of water. The landscape swayed and refracted, until eventually, it morphed into something entirely different.
That day, the sky was the same pale blue as Marialite’s eyes. However, within those few seconds, it was suddenly dyed a dark, shadowy black, while the ground was now littered with flecks of light.
“Wow…!” she gasped in amazement. “Why’s it night all of a sudden?”
“In the Demon Kingdom, it’s always night. Our sky isn’t blue like yours,” Sirius said. With a snap of his fingers, several orbs of light appeared above their heads. Thanks to that, the carriage was illuminated once more.
“This is the reason why those spies could never infiltrate Celaeno,” he continued. “To protect us from invasion, the country’s borders are hidden by a disguise. No one can enter uninvited.”
“But, what about those spies who never returned to their home countries…?” Marialite wondered.
“That’s no more than a myth, concocted by humans to instill the idea that demons are a cruel race.”
“Long ago, it didn’t used to be like this. We had soldiers placed around the borders to drive away intruders, just like any other country. But, with the development of mystical barriers, we didn’t have to worry anymore. There are still a few soldiers stationed at the borders just in case, though,” Raven said, poking at the globes of light hanging in the air.
“So, that means no one has to get hurt. I think it’s a wonderful invention,” Marialite beamed.
“You think so, Lady Marialite?” Sirius grinned. “Celestine will be pleased.”
“Is that who invented them?”
“Yes. He’s a little bizarre, but he’s a very competent architect of magical devices.”
“He sounds like a wonderful person. I’d love to meet him,” she suggested eagerly.
“Very well. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, too. Let’s pay him a visit!” Sirius bellowed happily.
Meanwhile, Raven gave a wry smile as he listened to their conversation.
“‘A little bizarre’ is definitely putting it mildly…”