n

n

n

"Where is she?

"

nThe mages could feel the sudden drop in the temperature. Haagenti's sharp eyes made them shrink as fear invaded their hearts. They were easily affected by his demonic aura, after all, they are just normal humans.

nFarren was the only one among them who was not frightened but seemed to delight even more after seeing that Haagenti was displeased. He shivered for some other reason and immediately bowed, a smile creeping to his mouth.

n

"We couldn't get her, master.

"

nHaagenti narrowed his eyes dangerously and sneered.

n

"There are a dozen of you and yet you failed on bringing a mere human?

"

nNot to mention that these people are equipped with a magic stone, there was Farren, a lesser demon who led them.

nFarren explained right away but got cut off by Haagenti.

n

"We didn't know that someone would jump in and help her. We were outnumbered--

"

n

"By humans.

" His contempt showed vividly on his face, making him look more and more devilish.

nThis time, his malice also affected Farren and almost choked him. The latter's glee gradually lessened after sensing that Haagenti was really mad.

n

"O-our magic was being intercepted by a high-level spirit so we couldn't touch a single one of them.

"

nFarren was surprised to see a spirit that time, and an extraordinary one at that. An eight-tailed fox. He could sense that the fox still hasn't reached adulthood and completed its transformation. Surprisingly, that fox is the legendary nine-tailed one that only existed in myths. And yet it was there beside that woman, fiercely protecting her.

nEven Haagenti was astounded.

n

"A high-leveled spirit?

"

nHe knew that this world's connection to magic and the spirit world was restricted. There were a lot of contracted spirits before but after Solomon sealed off everyone's magic, the link to the spirit world also disappeared.

nFarren nodded in affirmation.

n

"Yes, master. The black fox on her side blocked almost all our magic attacks. And that woman…

" he then frowned,

"she was breaking my curse unintentionally.

"

nAside from the fox's interference, his other attacks were rendered useless against her. She doesn't even look like she's aware of it either.

nHaagenti hummed, tapping his finger on the handle of the chair he was sitting on.

n

"Unintentionally, you say…

"

nRegina, who had been listening from the start, chose to pipe in at that moment. Her eyes were unusually bright and she looked extra thrilled, leaning forward after kicking off the maidservant below her.

n

"There is a high-leveled spirit on her side? Is that true?

" Excitement could be clearly heard from her voice.

nHaagenti looked at her and smirked, sipping his glass of wine afterward.

n

"Seems like it…

"

n

"Did she form a contract with it?

" Regina knows about spirits and contracts. She had been looking for spirits for a long time now but it's just unfortunate that they couldn't find any leads.

nAnd now she just heard that there is an appearance of a high-leveled spirit.

nThe corner of Haagenti's lips raised in a cynical smile, a clear meaning glinting in his devilish red eyes.

n

"High-leveled spirits won't associate themselves with humans unless they are contracted.

"

nRegina was amazed.

n

"That woman has it all? A mana reserve and a contracted spirit…

" she let out a thrilled sigh,

"She could even break curses without knowing how to use her powers. This…

" she met Haagenti squarely in the eyes,

"I really want it…

"

nIf she could have both her powers and the spirit, how powerful would she be? She would surely stand strong among the majority. The strongest witch not just in the Rosenthal empire...

nHaagenti could read her thoughts and snicker internally. Human greed is truly something else… This must be the reason why that devil is so strong, seeing as greed is his food and fuel.

nHe glanced at Farren languidly.

n

"You said that someone came and helped her.

"

n

"Yes. There were more than a dozen of them who came out of nowhere. I didn't sense any magic from them and yet they could fight us with only a dagger and a sword.

" Farren gritted his teeth.

nRemembering the ashy-haired man who almost scratched his face with a dagger. He was almost pushed back by a mere powerless human, how could he accept that?

nOne of Haagenti's eyebrows raised.

n

"There are such hidden experts in her team?

"

n

"Leon was a general so it wouldn't be impossible for him to have some expert men in hiding,

" Regina commented.

nHaagenti tilted his head to the side in question.

n

"And more than a dozen guarding her? Why didn't they jump in from the start?

"

nRegina was at a loss.

n

"That…

"

nWell, it makes sense…

nAfter seeing that Regina couldn't answer it, he brushed the matter off. He was 80 percent sure that those men are not with Nadia but he can't guess their identity entirely. He could only think that they are linked to the palace.

nWith that thought in mind, Haagenti clicked his tongue.

n

"It seems like we have to lay low for a while. The palace might be onto us now,

" his eyes landed on Farren,

"Did you shake them off?

"

nThe lesser demon bowed.

n

"Yes, we did.

"

n

"Don't follow Nadia for a while.

" Haagenti played with the ring in his finger for a moment, thinking of something.

nRegina bit her lower lip and casually asked.

n

"What about the thing? I already used most of it.

"

n

"Don't worry, queen. It's almost done. You will be able to grow stronger again.

"

nHaagenti's response was tepid, but it still brought a smile to Regina's mouth.

n

"Well, if you say so, Sir Haagenti.

"

nSensing that the conversation is finally over, Farren knelt on Haagenti's feet.

n

"Master, I failed on my task. Please punish me.

"

nThe demon snorted mockingly, staring at Farren with ridicule.

n

"Heh. How would I be certain that you didn't fail intentionally so you would be punished?

"

n

"I dare not!

" Farren immediately came to his defense.

nHaagenti sneered.

n

"Then your punishment is no punishment.

"

nFarren's heart sank.

n

"Master!

"

nHaagenti flicked his hand, not wanting to hear more from him.

n

"Leave us.

"

nThe other mages heeded and only Farren refused to leave and stayed at Haagenti's side, looking aggrieved and disappointed. This only amused Haagenti more before completely ignoring him, turning his attention to the queen.

n

"How's your plan going?

"

n