While Isaac was undergoing training under Hawk, the situation outside his cozy blanket was becoming increasingly turbulent.

Isaac had been attacked by demonic worshippers—a development that was bound to have significant repercussions. It was clear how this event would shape the current state of affairs.

For the Minerva Empire, it was an embarrassing predicament, while other nations saw it as a perfect excuse to press forward with criticisms and subtle attacks.

However, these criticisms, though pointed, didn’t cause much damage. The nations could criticize, but outright condemnation was a step too far.

The Teres Kingdom, which had always been at odds with the Minerva Empire, was currently preoccupied following Friedrich’s recent abdication of the throne. Other nations, too, were embroiled in their internal affairs.

Even Alvenheim and Helium, though they issued criticisms, focused more on condemning the demonic worshippers than blaming the Minerva Empire for its failings. After all, the two nations had more pressing concerns with each other than with the Empire.

The harshest criticisms came from the politically unstable Starbirke region, which was always seeking opportunities to push for independence. Naturally, they sought to exploit the situation to garner attention.

Despite the political criticisms, Isaac himself remained unharmed. Instead, the incident only heightened hostility toward the demonic worshippers.

Two nations were particularly sensitive to the issue of demonic worshippers. The first was the Saviore Papacy, whose prestige had plummeted due to the scandal surrounding the fallen cardinal. The second was Helium, where the population was a diverse mix of species, including demons.

To be specific, many of those deeply rooted in the shadows were found to be connected to demonic worshippers. Among these, the extremist faction of demons held the most influence. Much like the dark elves of Alvenheim who had been exiled long ago, these demons harbored malicious intentions.

Their ultimate goal? To bring destruction upon the world that had rejected them. If the world deemed them demons, they would embrace that identity and destroy everything.

They had been carefully laying out their plans when Zenon’s Biography suddenly emerged and upended everything.

With their schemes in disarray, the extremist demons-turned-demonic worshippers found themselves with few options.

Attacking Isaac, the author of Zenon’s Biography, was no simple task either. Following the death of the fallen cardinal, Vark, a wealth of information had come to light.

Key intelligence included the locations of high-ranking demonic worshippers and the identities of those who had allied with the extremist demons.

Although this wasn’t publicly disclosed, Helium, under Cecily’s leadership, was in the midst of a sweeping purge.

Those connected to extremist demons or demonic worshippers faced immediate execution unless they could provide a solid justification for their actions.

Initially, Cecily had limited authority compared to King Descal, but this had changed after her impassioned speech. Descal had delegated significant powers to her.

While Descal focused on external diplomacy, Cecily meticulously tackled internal issues.

Although she was still a long way from ascending to the throne, the situation required capable leadership. Like Arwen, Cecily found herself constantly burdened with state affairs.

"I miss Isaac."

Amid her busy schedule, Cecily found herself yearning for Isaac more and more. It had already been over a week since she had last seen him after her public announcement.

She wanted nothing more than to rush over to him, hold his handsome face in her hands, and shower him with affection. Sometimes, she understood why Mary would occasionally nibble at his face—she felt the same urge.

After indulging herself with this imaginary scenario, Cecily envisioned cuddling him tightly, basking in his warmth and distinct scent.

Naturally, the final destination of her fantasies was the bed. With a certain time of the month approaching, she anticipated sharing her love with him very soon.

"Mary and Adelia must be having the time of their lives with him."

Her jealousy flared up as she imagined the other two enjoying Isaac’s company while she was stuck with endless paperwork.

What frustrated her even more was how long the current task was taking. The number of individuals found to be colluding with extremist demons was unexpectedly high.

Although Helium had been founded by moderate demons who valued restraint as a virtue, the passage of time had eroded their ideals.

Fortunately, the fundamental beliefs of their race remained untainted. However, the establishment of a nation and the emergence of society had naturally introduced various issues.

"I never expected there to be so many."

Cecily reviewed the list of extremist demons and their associates that she had dealt with so far.

These individuals had been uncovered using the clues left behind after the fallen cardinal Vark's capture. They were agitators hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to incite chaos.

Had these individuals remained undiscovered, they wouldn’t have been mere obstacles but threats capable of shaking Helium to its very core.

"Using our virtue of restraint for something like this..."

Cecily scowled at the list, her delicate brows furrowing deeply.

Demons, by nature, were known for their patience and rarely succumbed to anger. If a demon was enraged, it was usually a clear sign that the other party was at fault—a principle well-supported by examples.

However, these extremist demons had exploited this virtue to plot rebellion. Their plans were set to unfold when Descal stepped down and Cecily took the throne.

Had Zenon’s Biography not existed, Helium would have remained isolated, leaving these insurgents to fan the flames of ambition among the demons yearning for change.

If successful, the consequences would have been dire, potentially leading to the very downfall of Helium.

"Their plan would’ve culminated, no doubt."

The extremist plan from Zenon’s Biography—to demonize all of demonkind—was built around corrupting the unique black mana that only demons possessed, forcibly transforming them into fiends.

For such a plan to succeed, the first step was to remove Cecily, whose overwhelming power made her the greatest obstacle. The insurgents had been steadily working toward this goal.

As a long-lived race, much like the elves, demons had an abundance of time. Combined with patience and experience, there was little they couldn’t achieve with enough preparation.

"All of it’s meaningless now," Cecily murmured, lifting one corner of her mouth in a sly smile. Even such a casual expression could easily steal the hearts of men.

The names on her list of insurgents had already faded into oblivion, their lives claimed by the executioner’s blade. After Cardinal Vark’s death, the “Reaper” had efficiently rounded them all up.

To avoid inciting public panic, Cecily planned to reveal this information at a later time. As for the plan to demonize the entire demon race, Zenon’s Biography had already exposed it to the world, rendering its secrecy irrelevant.

"This is all thanks to Isaac."

He didn’t just change the world with a book—he saved it. Could there truly be anyone else capable of such feats?

The fact that he had secured demonkind’s survival alone was enough to win Cecily’s heart. But to think he had also rescued Helium from near ruin—it was no wonder the entire nation of demons revered him.

"If not for the fact that I met him first..."

Had another demon woman discovered Isaac’s identity, Cecily might not have been the one standing by his side.

Of course, as Helium’s princess, she could have fought her way into his life somehow. But it certainly wouldn’t have been as smooth or comfortable as it was now.

A series of fortunate coincidences had led her to meet Isaac. In moments like this, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for her royal status.

"I must protect him. Even at the cost of my life."

Cecily’s crimson eyes glowed with unyielding determination. If Isaac were ever in danger, she would shield him with her body. If he were to die, she would avenge him thoroughly before following him into death.

To protect the man she loved. To safeguard the savior of demonkind and the world.

When she first heard about the attack on Isaac by the demonic worshippers, her rage had nearly erupted. But she had suppressed it, knowing that this wasn’t the time to let anger cloud her judgment.

One day, once all the demonic worshippers were captured, she vowed to exact a brutal and merciless revenge, casting them aside as fodder for dogs.

Her ferocity in moments like these reminded her of Kate. Both of them worshipped Isaac, albeit in slightly different ways. For Cecily, her devotion stemmed from love, while Kate’s was rooted in faith. Yet their feelings for Isaac were equally deep.

*Knock, knock.

The sound of a knock at the door interrupted Cecily’s thoughts. Thanks to her detection magic, she had sensed someone approaching long before they arrived.

"Who is it?" Cecily asked, her voice laced with its usual seductive charm.

"Princess, the guest you mentioned has arrived."

"Ah, let them in."

Upon hearing that her ‘guest’ had arrived, Cecily’s expression brightened. She granted permission without hesitation, and the office door creaked open, revealing a figure slowly entering.

Draped in a white robe that obscured their face, the guest’s petite frame and subtle curves hinted at their gender.

Cecily gestured with a flick of her wrist, causing the door to close silently behind the visitor. As the guest approached her desk, Cecily rested her chin on her interlocked fingers, her lips curling into an amused smile.

Her crimson eyes gleamed with a mix of mischief and affection.

"You’ve traveled far. Thank you for coming," Cecily greeted in her characteristic melodious tone.

The guest, hearing her words, reached up and lowered the hood of her robe, revealing silvery-gray hair cascading to her shoulders. Pointed ears marked her as an elf, while her shy, silver-gray eyes shimmered like a galaxy.

The guest’s identity was unmistakable: Arwen Elodia, the Queen of Alvenheim and a future political rival, had come to Helium in secret to meet Cecily.

Cecily snapped her fingers, casting a spell that summoned a table and two chairs into the center of the office. The table bore tea and light refreshments, the tea still steaming as if freshly brewed.

"Shall we sit and talk?" Cecily suggested.

"…Yes," Arwen replied hesitantly.

The elf queen accepted Cecily’s invitation and took a seat. While Cecily remained composed, Arwen seemed awkward, fidgeting in her chair.

Although she had visited Helium before for an official event, this was her first time inside the royal palace. Thankfully, the meeting’s unofficial nature meant there would be no political repercussions.

"This tea is unique to Helium," Cecily began as she poured. "It’s excellent for calming nerves, much like a tonic."

"Th-thank you. I’ll enjoy it," Arwen replied, sipping the tea without her usual regal composure.

The commanding presence she typically exuded as a queen was nowhere to be seen. Instead, her actions resembled those she displayed when she was flustered around Isaac.

Cecily knew exactly why Arwen was here.

"So, you want advice on how to handle your first night?" Cecily asked bluntly.

"Pfft!!!"

Arwen spat her tea in shock, coughing violently as she waved her hand to clean up the mess with a simple spell.

"T-that’s true, but was it necessary to bring it up so abruptly?" Arwen stammered, her cheeks burning bright red.

"What’s there to be embarrassed about? You’ve put aside your pride and come all this way for the man you love. I’m more than happy to help," Cecily said, her tone a mix of teasing and sincerity.

It was clear that Arwen had come to Helium for a specific purpose: to prepare for her first night with Isaac.

Given her mixed heritage, Arwen had spent time in human society and was familiar with certain traditions. Additionally, Zenon’s Biography had described a first-night scenario, giving her a foundation to work from.

However, she wanted her first night with Isaac to be a ‘gift’—something special and unforgettable. To achieve that, she needed Cecily’s guidance.

"Why did you choose me over Mary or Adelia? And didn’t I suggest you consult me through a communication crystal?" Cecily asked curiously.

"I-I don’t have time for that. The holy water made from the World Tree’s dew loses its potency quickly, so… I need to proceed soon," Arwen explained, her voice flustered.

"Holy water?" Cecily tilted her head in confusion, intrigued by this new information. Arwen proceeded to explain the significance of the holy water in elven traditions.

The more Arwen elaborated, the more Cecily’s expression shifted, her face a picture of both astonishment and amusement.

Finally, when Arwen finished her explanation, Cecily couldn’t hold back her reaction.

"Queen Arwen," Cecily began, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

"Speak," Arwen replied warily.

"Who knew you had such a mischievous side? Using something like that on your first night…"

"W-what?!"

Cecily’s teasing remark turned Arwen’s face an even deeper shade of red. While Arwen had described the holy water as part of elven tradition, Cecily seemed to interpret it differently.

"So, it’s not allowed…?" Arwen asked cautiously.

"Oh, no. It’s a part of elven tradition, so I won’t object. I just wish I had something similar. If I did…" Cecily trailed off, a wistful expression crossing her face.

She quickly shifted gears, focusing on the task at hand. After all, Arwen was here for guidance, and Cecily intended to provide it.

"Very well, before we begin, Queen Arwen," Cecily said, her tone serious.

"Yes?"

"Once you and Isaac are united, we must promise never to let personal or political conflicts arise between us. Not for Isaac’s sake, nor for our nations’."

Arwen immediately understood the gravity of Cecily’s words, her expression turning serious.

"I know that Isaac’s love isn’t exclusive to one of us. He has the capacity to love us all equally. But if fractures appear in this balance, it could lead to significant problems."

"I understand. I’m content just to be with him," Arwen replied earnestly.

"Good. This is a matter of trust, so I won’t demand an oath. Now then…" Cecily’s lips curled into a radiant smile as she rested her chin on her hands, her crimson eyes fixed on Arwen.

As Arwen nervously awaited what was to come, Cecily spoke again.

"Shall we start the lesson? First, let’s discuss what you’ll wear on your first night."

"I’ve already prepared something," Arwen replied, her face still flushed.

"The color?"

"Red."

Cecily chuckled, nodding in approval.

"Not mischievous—bold. Are all elves like this?"

"W-what do you mean by bold?!"

"Just teasing," Cecily said with a grin. "Now, let’s move on to using your strengths. Shall we stand for a moment?"

Thus began the collaboration between demon and elf—a unique partnership to create an unforgettable gift for Isaac.