Divine Intervention (III)

"Berry. I'll be leaving Elcro here with you." The king replied.

"So, you're not going to force me to go?"

"I see no point in taking you. Instead, we will be moving over some of our people here."

More Divines in this city? My head started to spin. This would definitely create some kind of upheaval to have so many angelic beings in one place. They far outclassed an elf by a long shot. It's already quite a ruckus when an elf walks around the street. Phil is a prime example of that. Girls would flock him like a bird, but then again, he rivals in looks with the Divines standing here that it's not much of a surprise anymore.

What is with this world with the spectacularly handsome and beautiful beings. I sighed, giving in to the thought of not overthinking about it.

"Where exactly would they be living?" I carefully asked.

"In this castle, of course. You are our priority."

My cheeks twitched. He just pushed all these people here without asking if they are allowed to stay or not.

"This castle is not simple. No one can walk in without my permission or Coco's."

"Interesting, this place is definitely a safe haven for you to live, though having our kind watch over this place will ensure your survival."

I don't think the king gets it that I don't want anyone to protect me and keep me couped up in this castle. This whole castle was already filled with fifty types of different humanoid monsters, maids, and butlers. So it really wasn't necessary. Before I could speak my outburst, the king got up and started to walk towards the door.

"I will be sending more in the next couple of weeks. Your father will be leading them here. I know you might be interested in having a familiar figure with you to help speed up the process of remembering your past," replied the king

All of us went towards the front gates. I couldn't help but sigh so many times that Coco was staring at me worriedly. An elegant carriage that looks like it came out of one fairy tale was standing, waiting for the king.

"We shall meet again." The king entered, following after my father, who looked back once and went in. Only Elcro stayed behind as we watched them leave.

I swear it felt like a tornado had touched down and created havoc, before leaving. My head and heart were in a turmoil that made me feel like the fight with the Black Gryhpon's children was nothing. This was a whole different scale of stress that I wished never happened.

I pulled out a single piece of gold, popped it into my mouth, and waited for it to melt into liquid. The sweet nectar of it was dissolved entirely in seconds, leaving me feeling more relaxed. Stress is the number one killer of my health, and I'm getting a full dose.

"So…..was that really your father?" Phil's words cut through my turbulent mind. I gave him the most dead expression that could answer his question without speaking a word. "I take that as a no."

"Well, I think he is, but it's not that simple."

"How so?"

"I really don't know where to begin."

"You don't have to explain yourself, my lady," Elcro replied brashly, giving Phil a disdainful look. "The house of Leaves is just a dying house, and you, my lady, don't have to associate yourself with them."

What the heck with this sudden hostility? I turned my head towards him, confused. "That's a bit too much, don't you think?" I couldn't help but give Elcro a funny expression.

"Hardly. Even though the house of Leaves is considered one of the twelve major noble families, they are in a rapid decline. Their last successor had died off from war, and their daughter was married off to another family. The head of the house is but an old man with a couple more years left to live. They have no relatives that can take up the name of the Leaves. Plus this man here won't be qualified, even if the king said that he should join, without passing the trials of every Leaves household must go through to become a true Leaves, he won't be considered a Leaves."

"What is your problem?" Phil hissed. "Did I do something to you?" He stepped up, squaring face-to-face with Elcro.

"Yes, you smell strongly of dark magic, enough to taint this very ground.

What the heck?! I was surprised that Elcro could feel the heavy dark magical energy that all Demon Lords seem to give off. I didn't notice it as much until I was next to an Earth Demon Lord. Not only that, who the heck is he to have the balls to step up to Phil, the future Demon Lord. With one snap of his fingers, I wouldn't be surprised that his head would topple over if Phil wanted too.

"How did a monster like you even exist next to our pure lady."

"Be careful of what you say." Phil hissed.

"I am cautious of what I say, and I mean every word of it. You should leave."

"No. I think you don't understand the situation here at all. It would be wiser for someone who is…how should I put it…a rude bastard like you to leave."

"I am from the household of Rafflegasia. The second-highest household in all of the Divine Race and her personal guardian."

"I don't care about any Divine noble household. An asshole like you doesn't deserve any respect.

Let's go, Berry."

Phil grabbed my hand, tugging me through the gate. I wanted to know how he was able to figure out the heavy dark magical air that no normal person or being could sense. I knew that Phil had excellent control over his magic, but so far, the only two people in this world who had somehow sensed Phil's potential was Elcro and the King. The king didn't seem bothered by Phil, while Elcro did. Why was that?

"Wait." I pulled apart from him.

"Berry?"

I cleared my throat. "How can you tell?" I asked Elcro, searching his face for an answer.

Elcro gave me a gentle smile. "Like I stated. I am from the household of the Rafflegaisa, we are known for our ability to check one's hidden potential. The king only has the basic ability to sense strong people, but the Rafflegasia can see more. This demon in front of me is a bane to this world." He pointed towards Phil. "It would be better that you die here and now to let this world be more at peace."

This meant he could see people's stats or skills. I knew that there doesn't seem to be many who can do what Elcro could do.

With a drawing of swords, Elcro advanced forward.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Phil's words were deadly and concise.

"Begone demon for you is not needed here." With a hiss, he jumped forward, and their swords locked in place.

Phil had summoned the Legendary Laurel sword in front of him. Both metals against metal clashed upon each other, but the most surprising thing about it was that Phil's sword was slowly cutting through Elcro's sword.

"This is not possible!" Elcro shouted out in complete dismay.

"What isn't? That I am more powerful than you or that this sword is going to cut off your head now!"

"How could you have the Legendary Sword of Laurel? This is preposterous!" The sword that was being chopped up in half finally broke. A large metal piece flew across open space and embedded itself into the ground. Elcro stare in complete disbelief.

"Now, with this done. Leave." Phil kept the blade at the tip of Elcro's throat.

"So, it's true," Elcro growled under his breath. "The dragon slayer of darkness is born anew." He spat.

"Huh?" I couldn't help but catch Elcro's words. Dragonslayer of Darkness? What did he know about all this, or was the Legendary Sword not supposed to fall into Phil's hands? Then again, I wasn't the one that 'gave' him the sword, making it a lot more complicated.

"How could an elf-like you hold the sword that only humans can hold? The better question is, why are you needed now? You elves don't live past two thousand years, compared to the Divine that lives five thousand years it's too early."

"Well, for starters, I'll be using it to slay you if you keep being rude. Plus, I am half-human."

Elcro frowned when he heard that he was half. "So that explains why Laurel listens to you, but still." He turned his head towards me as the blood dripped down his neck. He didn't look at the small cut. "Why did you pick him?"

"I didn't." I flatly denied. "The sword chose him."

With a grim expression, he glanced towards Phil. "This is an ill omen." The cold and angry air around Elcro was gone, but instead, worry seemed to replace him. The combative nature that Elcro had was no more, but even still, Phil didn't put away his sword.

"I can't take any more of this today." I sighed. My stomach was growling, telling me to feed now. "Coco, can you tell Tart to get all of us something to eat?"

"Yes, young mistress. I will get it done." Coco, who has been quietly watching the whole ordeal before her, quickly left to get the food ready.

The beating hot sun made me want to crawl back into the castle and sit under a shade. Standing any longer made me feel a bit toasted and sweaty.

"Let's go." I turned around to enter.

"You're letting him in?" Phil cried out in displeasure. "This bastard?"

I sighed. "Look, right now, My brain is overloaded. I'm hungry, and this bastard will still follow me around even if I say no."

"You could still kick him out of this castle."

"I could, but that would be impolite to my guest. I need answers, Phil. I don't want to go around chasing him for months again. This is the best time to use this to our advantage."

Phil didn't say anything, and he understood exactly what I was talking about. Elcro gave Phil a smirk that was on the borderline of a smile and happiness. He put away Laurel and frowned at what I had just said.