Case 153: To carry the world’s sin.

'Azrael Lilith Vermillion.'

As soon as it was uttered by Valerie, a sharp tension arose in the banquet hall. Though lesser known than Lilith, the once formidable demon queen, 'Azrael' as a name was still studied among the mass public. After all, it was the given name for the one and only princess of the royal demon lineage—the succubus princess, now a proper demon queen.

At least... that was what the fourth princess implied with her damning words.

Somewhere, at the back of the observers' minds, doubts lingered. Cecilia de Orleans was a known public figure for years, and despite her scandalous dating life, she was generally adored. On the other hand, Valerie was a young and immature princess. Many had assumed that this was a dramatic play, or the princess had simply misunderstood Cecilia's nature.

Whatever it was, none dared to intervene.

The confrontation didn't last long, yet it felt like an eternity to those within the hall. Cecilia closed her eyes, letting the tension shimmer, then, before anyone could steal her spotlight, she spoke, ''Well done, little one.''

Her voice, clear as spring water, resonated. It carried a feel distinct from that of her usual soft tone, firm and unyielding, enough to make those familiar with Cecilia realize the discrepancy.

In half a moment, Cecilia's demeanor had completely changed. From top to bottom, the woman's figure now stood straight, her cold expression radiating intense authority. The moment her crimson eyes were revealed again, they shone a different, stifling light.

''I intended to play longer tonight, but it seems...''

Cecilia's words trailed off. Letting out an inaudible sigh, she released the power that had been dormant within her heart—the demonic might bestowed by Astaroth.

The hall was drowned in a dreadful, suffocating wave. Something sharp lingered in the air, pulling out one's dullest sense of danger. Most froze directly, unable to conjure up even a movement.

Amidst such an atmosphere, Cecilia snapped her finger, sending a crisp sound across. Immediately after, invisible forces slammed into the combatants around her, rendering them incapacitated. Meanwhile, as the demonic power once again flooded her veins, Cecilia's appearance started to change.

Valerie, who was directly in front of Cecilia, couldn't stop shaking as she witnessed the demon queen's transformation.

Still in her shoulderless black dress, the queen's sky blue hair receded its color, tugging a gloomy ashen grey. A pair of dark horns manifested on the sides of her head, curling forward in a crown shape. Behind her, a long, swirling tail spurted, dancing playfully.

If it wasn't obvious from the unmistakable pressure that spread across the room, now the spectators realized—they were dealing with the real demon queen. In the minds of those who were unable to flee, it was, without a doubt, an entrance befitting someone of that caliber. Terrifying, yet somehow enchanting.

The demon queen's figure seemed to draw eyes helplessly. She calmly approached Valerie, her steps astute and confident, tail swaying, before lifting the paralyzed girl's chin with her fingers, ''What should I do? This little princess spoiled my plan for today.''

''...!''

It was a threat.

Valerie felt fear penetrating deep into her bones as she stared into those emotionless eyes. She was afraid that her body would collapse if her muscles hadn't tensed up.

'So this is the demon queen...' She thought.

Though Valerie's heart was trying to escape her chest, she didn't regret exposing Cecilia. If anything, she had saved lives by ruining the queen's plan. Even if she were to be slain here, it was well worth it.

At the same time, Cecilia stared intently at the little detective. Thankfully, Valerie was naive enough to believe those lies. Thankfully, she made Cecilia's plan work. The only step left...

Cecilia's crimson eyes peeked at the second floor's balcony. Her heart ached as she saw her lovers' devastated faces. After all, they had been devoted to her for years, even willing to go against the world for her sake. If reincarnated...

'Someday...'

Someday, Cecilia wished she could meet them again.

Suddenly, she felt like crying, though her facade betrayed no such flutter. And then... there was Lyra. The heroine's usual cold expression was replaced with that of grief. Longing. Anger. Pain.

Her gaze toward Cecilia carried a world's worth of emotions, heavy and possessive. Even now, Lyra was silently asking Cecilia a question—why?

Why would you do this?

Why do you not believe us?

''...''

Cecilia averted her gaze toward the window. The full moon hung high in the sky this night. Even at this moment, her mind wandered between dream and reality. Perhaps... this was just a dream of hers. Perhaps when she woke up, she would find herself still tied to that bed. Or she would find herself lying beside the little heroine after a long, long dream as the two dozed off in the garden.

Cecilia's silent thoughts were soon interrupted.

From above, a figure lunged at her, baring their blazing sword. Cecilia summoned her crimson blade and held it up to block the strike. Once the initial surprise passed, the assailant's identity became clear.

''You... why are you here?!'' The former heroine gritted her teeth.

''Jeanne.'' Cecilia mused.

She was actually waiting for someone to confront her so that the play could go on. She couldn't have just laid her hands on Valerie, after all.

So, under the banquet light, a short exchange between the two began.

Jeanne employed rather modest techniques, for she feared she'd hurt the bystanders despite the other party members already helping with the evacuation. Cecilia matched that energy, seeming amused.

To those who had never seen the former heroine fight directly, it appeared as though she was struggling to reach the queen's prowess. Others, even if they were familiar, only sensed a faint recognition, but could not quite put their fingers on it.

It was because Cecilia indeed didn't hold back. If she wanted to make it convincing, she had to fight seriously.

Though in the end, neither was able to hurt the other.

Standing on one side, with the world now against her, Cecilia boldly pointed her sword forward, ''At this moment, I, Azrael Lilith Vermilion, formally declare war on the entirety of humankind and its allies. In exactly ten days, we shall strike with everything we have, so... if you so desire to live, prepare well.''

Sparing half a glance at the grimacing crowd, Cecilia sank her figure into the shade. Before she completely vanished, an uncharacteristic smile tugged at the queen's lips.

'Happy birthday.' She mouthed.

''Wait—''

Lyra's extended hand did not reach. It lingered in the air, then tremblingly retreated.

Yet again, the scene fell into a suffocating silence. None uttered a word even as the tension eased.

Only the heroine's quiet sobs remained in the vast hall that night.