novelraw Chapter 151 : Those Who Know, Know
Chapter 151 : Those Who Know, Know
After Yvonne revealed this name, Ampu's attitude towards her changed immediately.
This was similar to a villager claiming to be a wolf in the game "Werewolf". While this move carried high risk, the potential benefits behind it were entirely worth it.
The thought of getting closer to the mastermind who had ruined her entire family and advancing her revenge filled Yvonne with excitement.
However, for now, she couldn't act rashly to avoid alerting her target.
She had to maintain her facade.
"Ahem."
Seeing that Ampu wanted to continue questioning, Yvonne crossed two fingers, making a gesture for 'quiet', then pointed outside the door, indicating that the walls had ears.
Although there might not actually be any eavesdroppers, these actions were just for show. However, it's worth noting that physical gestures can often influence others' emotions, making them believe she was truly a loyal infiltrator for the demon race.
In fact, Yvonne wasn't lying.
In the original story, she was indeed Ulo Bolos's subordinate and would turn to evil. It was also that person who had given her enough power.
"That's right, exactly so."
"When it comes to infiltration, I'm your senior."
"Is... is that so?"
He was somewhat doubtful, after all, he couldn't sense a hint of demonic aura from this human.
If anything, the magical girl behind her seemed to have some dark power aura.
Seeing his skeptical expression, Yvonne had to reveal that she was...
"The previous rebellion... I think you must have heard about it?"
Ampu showed a shocked expression, then fell into deep thought.
He had heard before that the Smollett family was involved with the demon race, but he never expected that one of the four families also had their own people embedded.
As expected of Lord Ulo Bolos!
Ampu nodded, then showed an expression of sudden realization, beginning to believe firmly in Yvonne's identity.
"So it's true? You're really an agent of the demon race?"
To prove her stance and identity, Yvonne gave Ampu a long self-explanation.
Yvonne didn't...
She said that after being suspected, she temporarily withdrew from the plan... but she never forgot her original intention and kept her mission in mind. Today, she finally regained Prince Michel's trust.
"...That's truly impressive, Miss Yvonne!"
Without realizing it, Ampu was moved by her infectious speech, almost to the point of being moved to tears by her unyielding spirit.
A human, touched by Lord Ulo Bolos's ideal of changing the world, traveling thousands of miles from exile back to the royal capital to help the demon race rebuild their great cause—what kind of spirit is this? This is the spirit of demon communism for jointly building a new demon race!
Elsa, standing behind, was trying so hard not to laugh that she almost choked.
In exchange, Ampu told the two that there were still many demons hidden within the royal palace. However, to maintain the best disguise, they didn't know each other's identities. Moreover, except for Ampu, the others were not of high rank.
The demon undercover agents didn't communicate with each other, but uniformly received strategic deployment through communication with "that person". So Yvonne guessed that Ampu must be the luckiest one who hadn't been discovered.
The downside of being undercover is that identities aren't transparent and open; they don't know each other's identities.
Could the demon race's true form be like the Black Organization from Detective Conan?
Come to think of it, wouldn't they fight each other to hide their identities, only to find out that the other party is also undercover?
Hehe... if that were the case, it would be interesting.
However, since there are so many agents now, couldn't the demon race just assassinate King Oz with a double strike? Then wouldn't a demon renaissance be just around the corner with a switcheroo?
But Ampu denied this idea:
"The guards around King Oz are not something someone of my level can break through... We still need to wait for the Witch's power and the treasures to be gathered."
And their goal was to find the treasures left by 'Oz'.
"...Treasures?"
Hearing this, Yvonne felt her ears perk up, her plot radar going "beep beep beep".
This was a brand new clue.
Ampu said that given the current power balance between the demon race and humans, even if they infiltrated the royal palace and had the opportunity to assassinate King Oz, it wouldn't bring about any substantial change. Moreover, the security around King Oz was practically watertight. Even though he had replaced Ampu and become his son, he still had no way to get close.
Yvonne was surprised; these demons seemed to see things quite clearly.
As the most powerful country on this continent, the Oz Kingdom has now integrated most of the elf race, all of the gnome race (little people), and half of the demi-beasts, with a total population reaching 5 million. In contrast, the surviving demon race numbers less than 100,000, giving them an overwhelming advantage in numbers alone.
The implemented system is also a feudal system of nobility, with local noble lords having full authority to manage their areas, making them relatively independent.
The legal system is also quite sound. The laws of the Oz Kingdom are somewhat similar to a constitutional monarchy. If the king falls and there is no heir, the next king will be elected by vote from the four dukes and leaders of various regions.
The Highest Goddess Church and, most importantly, the Upper Senate, are both entities that check the king's power. All major and minor affairs of this country must be approved and authorized by these two before implementation.
Additionally, there are organizations like the Magic Science United Society that have close ties with the royal palace.
Therefore, the king's authority over political affairs isn't that great.
Merely assassinating the king might cause difficulties for a short period, but it wouldn't really have much effect.
The Oz Kingdom is now like a solid foundation; external storms cannot shake it. To achieve a breakthrough and turn the tables, they need to dismantle it from within.
The demon race is already weak and isolated. With the previous internal rebellion, their morale has been greatly damaged. Even if these undercover agents have the ability to dismantle this country from within, the demon race doesn't have the military power to swallow up these large fiefdoms that would be split off.
Unless there's some way to make this number even smaller... but it's definitely not going to decrease further.
"So, we must find the 'Silver Shoes' to—"
'Silver Shoes'
In the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the protagonist wore these red shoes to escape the witch's magic and save the Munchkins.
These shoes were also the source of the protagonist's power, although she didn't realize it herself. It wasn't until the end that she discovered that by clicking her heels three times and repeating "There's no place like home." she could instantly return home. It's a magical treasure that can take its owner anywhere.
"Silver Shoes?"
Because she was listening so intently, Yvonne blurted out these three words.
She quickly regretted it.
Careless!
Surprised by this, her undercover identity would surely be suspected—
But contrary to Yvonne's expectations, not only did Ampu not suspect her, he even seemed to understand her 'lack of up-to-date information'.
"Miss Yvonne went into hiding two years ago... and was even exiled due to accidental exposure. It's quite normal that you don't know the specific details of the mission."
Ampu wore an 'I understand' expression and began enthusiastically explaining to Yvonne:
Having infiltrated the palace for nearly a year, rising from a tea-serving servant to become second only to the prince, only Ampu himself knew the hardships he had endured.
He could only swallow his blood and tears.
Every day, he met warriors, mages, and knights more formidable than himself. One wrong move and his life would be over.
So now, being able to meet a 'comrade' like Yvonne, he was truly moved, almost to the point of tears. He felt a sense of belonging and recognition, as if he had finally come home, and was especially happy.
The 'Silver Shoes'—legend has it that this magical artifact can break through the barriers of dimensions and time, allowing travel through time and space.
Time travel...
This ability is very similar to one possessed by someone Yvonne knows.
The witch from the future... Dorothy.
Yvonne felt as if something was connecting in her mind.
Was it because of this legendary treasure that she was able to come to this point in time?
But if that's the case... wouldn't there be two pairs of Silver Shoes at this time point?
However, when she asked this question, Ampu denied it:
"—The 'Silver Shoes' that King Oz keeps under heavy guard in the treasury is only the right shoe."
"Only the right shoe? Then where's the left one?"
This was really strange. As everyone knows, shoes generally come in pairs. It's impossible to have only a right shoe without a left one.
"I heard it was lost... I'm not sure about the specific situation."
"............"
"I understand. I'll help gather information about the 'Silver Shoes' too—I'll tell you if I get the chance."
"Mm, Miss Yvonne is different from us, being human. You should be able to find information faster than we can."
Fortunately, these demons are only cunning and deceitful on the surface; in reality, they're simpler than Yvonne had imagined.
Or rather, creatures from other worlds besides humans are too simple, which is probably why humans, being "cunning and deceitful." eventually dominated this continent.
"All of this is for the past and future of the demon race."
"We will not disappoint Lord Ulo Bolos's expectations!"
Sorry, disappointment is inevitable. It's just a matter of when and how to disappoint.
From an observer's perspective, setting aside the sense of justice, Yvonne would quite enjoy seeing a different story path. But now it seems...
...Looking like this, how on earth are the other races supposed to win?
It's because of this single-mindedness that they're on the brink of extinction... They're truly rare creatures.
Yvonne's goal isn't to exterminate the demon race. In the original storyline, there was a path for humans and demons to reconcile and coexist. It can be said that most demons aren't inherently evil.
They also have loved ones, feel tired, experience joy and sorrow, and understand emotions.
This is a game adapted from a fairy tale background, so Yvonne hopes that the story inside can also have a fairy tale-like ending.
That's why she wants to seek an ending without war or bloodshed... where everyone finds happiness.
"I just saw you writing a letter earlier. Were you preparing a regular report for Lord Ulo Bolos?"
"Yes, do you need me to add Miss Yvonne's matters to it?"
"No need..."
If it were really added, wouldn't that expose her on the spot?
If they inquired and found no such person, that would truly be spectacular.
"Speaking of which, Your Highness's sister... Princess Shirushi's coming-of-age ceremony is approaching."
"...Why suddenly bring this up?"
When Shirushi was mentioned, a hint of panic flashed across his face.
Yvonne pretty much guessed seven or eight tenths of it.
"You hiding out here... it's also related to that child, isn't it?"
"...Yes."
Ampu nodded in admission, his expression somewhat complex.
There was no help for it; who told that little girl to be so perceptive!
After the identity swap, Shirushi quickly became suspicious of him, scaring Ampu into moving out immediately.
Fortunately, Shirushi has been confined these past few days for going out without permission. Otherwise, Ampu would probably have to spend this vacation being pestered by this 'sister' to play with her. Just thinking about it gave Ampu a headache.
...It seems that child really has some skills. Every demon is helpless against her.
How does she manage it? Could she be a human-shaped, self-propelled anti-demon artifact? Or is her card characteristic double damage against demons?
But none of that matters now.
The most important thing right now is—
Yvonne took a deep breath and, according to the original plan, delivered her lines:
"I came this time... because I have a task I want to entrust to you."
"......"
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"Phew..."
Coming out of the noble temporary residence area, Elsa finally let out a long breath.
Ampu even offered to send a carriage to pick up and drop off the two of them.
But not wanting to expose their address, Yvonne politely declined this request, choosing to walk home with her girlfriend.
"Being by Evie's side, you never know whether tomorrow or an accident will come first..."
Elsa shook her head dramatically.
"...Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"
Yvonne was somewhat helpless.
Although she said this, Elsa was already admiring her to the point of prostrating herself.
Evie is truly amazing. To be honest, she was dumbfounded—
How on earth did she manage to converse so calmly with a demon? It was really courageous—
Just as Elsa was about to praise her capable girlfriend, she felt a heavy weight on her shoulder.
"...Evie?"
Yvonne stumbled and nearly fell.
Elsa hurriedly supported her.
"What's wrong?"
"My legs... are a bit weak."
After steadying herself, Yvonne said embarrassedly.
She wasn't originally the type who was good at speaking.
This time she truly exhausted herself...
In her previous life, she would feel short of breath just standing on a podium to speak. This time, facing an unfamiliar demon with unknown intentions, the pressure can be imagined.
Puff.
Elsa voluntarily put Yvonne's arm over her own shoulder, letting her transfer part of her body weight to herself.
Her girlfriend is very cool and tends to act tough, always managing to turn danger into safety.
She's the perfect hero in her heart.
"—Then lean on me."
Although she's perfect, sometimes Elsa also hopes she could rely more on her strength.
"I'll hold you steady, Evie."
"Thank you..."
"No need to thank me."
"Even when we both become old grannies, I'll still do this!"
"Hehe... you really know how to talk. The one whose legs will give out first will definitely be you!"
"Starting tomorrow, I'll exercise properly too! Who knows who'll be first!"
"Then let's start with 50 sit-ups and 50 push-ups when we get home tomorrow."
"Wait, wait, let's start from the day after tomorrow? Please? Evie—"