The overlord Cleppe (2/2)

''I know where you are getting at'' Louis said '' It's common knowledge that all powers must balance each other so that no civil war may ever befall on us.''

He continued ''But assuring it isn't our function… Alain, don't let your curiosity gets the best of you. The world is big: there bound to be things we won't be able to interact with.''

''Cleppe isn't far'' Alain retorted '' if the church overtake Cleppe, we too will get affected''

''I understand what's you're saying, but we don't have the strength to even participate in this conflict. Even with all of us, affronting a Knight isn't possible, yet more than a dozen knights exist at Cleppe. It's best if we just avoid it''

''Can we? The numbers can still put some pressure on them. I wouldn't dare said with a 100 % certitude that no one may look for us.''

''You aren't wrong yet you're still underestimating Cleppe,''

Louis told him

Cleppe wasn't just a border territory it was a real power second only to some big cities. Heck, if it wasn't for the low energy rate, it may surpass them.

Not only has Cleppe a good part of the demoniac weapons market, they sold enormously luxury products, be it magic devices – commons or uniques – but also all types of fabrics.

A part of their income also comes from the territory in their control. For example, Nirl's poggerino was a famous wine, who could be sold at a hefty price when energized.

(energized = adding pure energy to benefit the body)

Louis voluntarily omitted Cleppe's connections with the demonic creatures.

''More than that, Cleppe isn't easily touchable as they have many contacts with merchants and within the army''

Cleppe was considered fair as they would take all merchants the same way. The 10 % taxes weren't removed which proves how profitable was Cleppe for them.

But if a territory was that lucrative, how could he resist the desire of the imperial power? Even with all of its characteristics, only strength would protect them.

''Well…'' Alain couldn't answer him yet didn't seem completely convinced. He didn't want to risk his villager's life no matter how small the risk was.

''Then let me illustrate it with an example. Take the revolution as

example.''

Alain briefly thought of it. No one would forget its date as the current calendar was based on it. 645 years ago, the empire was in its lowest state. The revolutionaries helped by some nobles and a part of the army decided to make a coup d'état.

But the imperial power resisted showing the might of the regalia. Even outnumbered in a 1 to 10 ratio, they still win – if one could call this a victory: the revolution had cost more than 50 million lives.

'' No village near Cleppe has been destroyed for more than 900 years.''

Surprise filled Alain's face. Though he knew Cleppe wouldn't allow one of his main sources of income to disappear, to be able to still created order during the revolution was a feat worthy of praises.

Though, even if Cleppe was strong and has a bit of honor left – some help being given against taxes - it didn't mean they cared about their life. They would just do the most profitable things, even if it costs a few hundred life. Anyways, the population didn't lack, talents on the other hand were precious.

Alain left convinced by Louis' words.

- - -

Once the prison door closed, the priest began to examine the demon.

''A nice catch I would say'' The priest began '' And a rare one at that''

''Thanks. Hopefully, the gods allowed me to detect her before she could make damage.''

''The gods, huh ?'' He wondered his face showing a thoughtful look ''Sadly, even them can't resolve all sins in this world: there are just too many of them'' he sighs, glancing towards Emilie.

He then starts analyzing the demoness.

''A bit rude I would say. Destroying her energy center? I hoped you'd have shown more concern to a prisoner.''

''This was the only way to apprehend her''

Emilie didn't understand why he seems to make things difficult for them. They couldn't just let her free right?

He continued to examine her as he let out some grumble in a low voice.

…

From the beginning, I had noticed it. This girl… has some demonic energy on her. Not only that, he sensed angelic and human energy in her. If he guesses correctly, then it means she practiced the '3 perfections technique'

But wasn't this a high-grade technique? That even some Paladin didn't succeed using it?

One of the few techniques worthy enough to be taught of the emperor and his family? One of the few techniques that weren't made public as both angelic and demonic energy was scarce?

''I would advise you to take care. Although possessing demonic energy isn't forbidden, humans aren't rational beings, and I wouldn't like to see a danger befall on you.''

Emilie's body freeze

Hadn't she absorbed all of the demonic energy? Or had he been able to sense the few residues that have yet to fade away?

The priest continued ''Even if it's not forbidden, meeting intruders in this empire is… ''

''I wouldn't dare ! I -''

With a snap of his finger, the walls of the prison turned orange. The priest used his sacred energy to set up what she assumed to be a sound barrier.

'' I don't care. Your business is yours alone. Even if you're in contact with this group I won't say anything. But -'' His voice turned cold ''IF you ever dare to make trouble in this region, you're done for. And it won't just be you or this. All the people involved in all of your crimes shall be executed.''

This was the first time she panicked that much. Before him, she seems

nothing more than an ant.

''Is it clear enough ?''

''Yes it is'' she responded a bit trembling.

''Good.'' He smiles '' Then I shall count on you to make this world better.''