23 Chapter 23: Countess Cristene

"You're finally here, count and countess!" A tall man in his early 40s greeted them with a smile. "Have a seat, have a seat."

"Greetings, the moon of the kingdom. Greetings to the other nobles as well. Please excuse us for being late," Lareia said and they both bowed down to the Queen, who is sitting at the center of the table.

"It's alright, Cristene. There is no need for formalities, we are sisters, have you forgotten?" The Queen wore an evil smirk as she looks directly at Lareia (Countess Cristene).

"Even so, you are still the Queen, older sister, Gresilda. I am more comfortable to speak formally to your grace, but if she wishes for it, then I must follow." Lareia smiled politely at her and sat on the chair in front of the Queen. Clint stayed silent the whole time and sat beside Lareia.

"Oh, is that so, Countess Cristene? If you feel uncomfortable with my request, then you may do as you wish. After all, we really are sisters," Gresilda replied, putting more emphasis on the last words.

They looked at each other with fake smiles, their gaze both sharp and polite at the same time. This lasted for a couple of seconds, creating uncomfortable tension around the meeting room. Almost a minute has passed when they both forced a chuckle.

"Let's keep the formalities then, Countess Cristene. Shall we proceed with the agenda?" Gresilda asked.

Everyone nodded in agreement, some heaving out a sigh of relief. Lareia is used to this kind of thing, so she acted naturally as if she is Countess Cristene. Meanwhile, Clint never really paid attention to meetings, making him similar to Count Abel, the guy he is disguised in.

"Princess Lareia is indeed very smart, she considers every single detail and makes sure the plan will proceed perfectly. Should I ask her hand for marriage if she can't marry that angel lover? It would benefit both of us, I will prepare the contract then!" Clint thought while keeping a neutral expression as they talk about political matters.

"So, about the matters regarding the Tranquil Kingdom, shall we start discussing it?" Viscount Hernias asked. He is the old man who greeted them when they arrived.

"There is nothing much to discuss. With their old man bedridden, and them being completely clueless, is already advantageous for us," Chancellor Ludovicus answered, a cocky smile on his face. "We are the only ones who know of the cure, am I right? With these circumstances, they will have no other choice but to form an alliance with us. Once the first part of the plan has succeeded, we can poison that old man in the pretense of curing him."

"That is indeed true, but do we really have the cure?" Duke Gauter asked. He looks like a man in his early 30s, quite handsome, except for his tanned skin that doesn't match his dark hair and eyes.

"We do, we are actually very rich in it," Ludovicus stated with full of confidence. Gosh, his cockiness is so irritating, just like his handsome face. A not-so-tanned skin and bright orange eyes and hair, he is quite good-looking for someone who has weird color combinations.

Lareia glanced at Clint, who is trying to control his rage. When their eyes met, Clint clearly understood the warning look. Her eyes clearly stated, "CONTROL. YOUR. ANGER. IF. YOU. DON'T. WANT. TO. DIE." With this warning, Clint somehow relaxed and kept his composure throughout the meeting.

They took a short break and split into two groups, based on gender. The men kept talking about politics, while the women sat comfortably, drank tea, and gossiped. Clint and Lareia made sure to keep their exposure as little as possible as if they only exist to listen to their nonsense.

"I have a question, your grace," Duchess Alicia said hesitantly. She is a beauty with golden hair and eyes, and pale skin.

"Go on." Gresilda takes a sip of her tea and waited for Alicia's question.

"Well, forgive me for my impudence, but may I ask where his majesty is?" Alicia finally asked her, eyes closed, afraid of Gresilda's wrath.

"There is nothing much to worry about, he is in good hands." Her last words confused Lareia, what does she mean by it?

Out of curiosity, Lareia blurted out the question and they both looked at her, quite shocked.

"F-Forgive me for my impudence, but I'm just curious about who these people are. As someone devoted to Tranquil, I am only worried about the sun of the kingdom." After uttering those words, that's when it dawned on her that she made a terrible mistake. SHE TALKED TOO MUCH!!!

"It's fine, Countess Cristene. You're my sister, of course, I will tell you." Griselda paused for a couple of seconds, a smirk formed on her face. "The salvation of our kingdom, none other than, the almighty demons!"

At the mention of the demons, Lareia immediately felt the presence of multiple demons all over the room, even from the people in front of her.

"No way..." she mumbles. Demons have taken full control of the whole kingdom, the citizens are either possessed or brainwashed. "I'm a fool for believing that Tranquil is the safest place. It is too safe that everything went smoothly! This is a trap!" she thought to herself, her blood boiling.

"Now, now. Shall we figure out who you are, my so-called sister, Countess Cristene?"

That's when Lareia knew, for the second time of her life, she fucked up.