TBR CH213.2 [End]

Before facing the new batch of uninvited guests, it’s essential to mention the uninvited guest who arrived at the demon palace much earlier.

Even with the Archmage’s vivid imagination, he would have found it hard to foresee his modern-world phone flying up and down towards him in the air, as if it had grown a pair of wings.

Looking closer, one would notice that the screen displayed the Black Book’s iconic page, adorned with a dazzling array of white characters.

The World Consciousness had too much to tell him.

Especially during the period when it was intercepted by Kriesmeier and couldn’t contact the human—though Roland wasn’t entirely blameless either. The demon palace had once explicitly stated that the Black Book was unwelcome, but now the witch had finally remembered to return to the Milal Continent and, by the way, gave it a new vessel. The Black Book decided to try its luck.

It seemed to have arrived just in time.

The white characters on the screen flickered rapidly, large paragraphs of text appearing and disappearing. Kriesmeier watched for a while then moved his gaze away, uninterested. For Roland, this speed didn’t cause any stress.

“The aftermath has subsided…” The human generally scanned through it. “Hilda decided to pursue further studies between the two worlds… Shan Bin decided to take on more responsibilities at the Zero Distance Internet Cafe, so there’s no need to hire an internet cafe manager anymore… The Child of Fortune was expelled… Everything is fine, and even a passage has been preserved…”

Roland smiled, skillfully selecting “black cat clapping.jpg” from his emojis and hitting send.

“I have to say, you did a good job while I was away.”

The Black Book couldn’t help but vibrate in the human’s hand when praised; this was another new function it had added for itself. However, it still humbly expressed, “Not really, it would be better if you were here.”

Although this was merely polite talk, Roland simply gave people that impression. The human silently saved the world on the other side, a credit truly worthy of grand commendation, but then he happily allowed himself to be imprisoned for a long period, and seemed to enjoy it.

“One person saving the world once is enough,” Roland said. “I think so anyway.”

The Black Book was just about to cautiously ask the human if he’d mind helping out if there was ever a need for him in the future, when the human very happily made this statement. It had no choice but to awkwardly delete the words it had half-typed out.

Roland’s amber eyes curved, pretending not to notice.

However, he continued as if nothing had happened, “But if a friend needs help, of course, I don’t mind helping.”

“Am I a friend?” The World Consciousness cautiously confirmed.

“If it weren’t for you,” Roland said gently, “I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

The human’s implication was clear. The Black Book was once again affirmed, and instantly became happy again, the phone screen continuing to vibrate in the human’s hand for a few seconds.

Roland guessed this function was mainly used to add some emotional color to the Black Book’s text.

Infected by the other party’s emotion, Roland’s voice also carried a hint of a smile. “Kriesmeier and I plan to hold a wedding soon. It would be great if you could attend. But I know you’re the World Consciousness; if other planes need anything—”

He happened to touch on the Black Book’s most pressing concern at the moment.

“I observed the remaining data of the system,” words popped up on the screen. “The purpose was to figure out why, even though I eliminated its main body, it still had backups continuously trying to make a comeback. But the experience in this plane gave me a lot of inspiration. Two worlds connected, attackers and targets placed in different locations, almost no need for the Child of Fortune to make their own judgments… In short, my next step is to take the initiative and directly destroy the system’s old lair. That might be a node connecting many planes.”

It did not respond to Roland’s invitation.

However, Roland did not press the issue, but patiently understood it.

“I understand,” the human quickly nodded. “In that case, you plan to stay here for a while. Firstly, because this is precisely a sample of two connected worlds, and secondly, because a tough battle awaits, and you want to be fully prepared.”

“Cat head nod.jpg”

The Black Book quickly sent an emoji, then realized it was a little rude. “Hmm, so what I mean is… I can absolutely attend your wedding! I must formulate an effective plan before proceeding with the next steps. Fortunately, the system currently has no power to cause any further damage in a short time. Will there be wedding candy?”

“Kris says the Lord of Gluttony will be responsible for that,” Roland mused. “I think it should be fine. Do you want me to forward you an e-invitation?”

“I want it!” the Black Book said happily, practically already taking its seat in the VIP section. “And if you’re planning it, you can also go to another world for your honeymoon. Roland, you deserve this.”

To express its excitement, the screen in Roland’s hand vibrated continuously for several more seconds.

This was indeed a good idea.

“However, I might have to wait until the wedding to come back,” the Black Book originally wanted to continue rambling, but Kriesmeier had already stopped. His Majesty the Demon King had reached the end of the corridor. At this moment, he was quietly looking at Roland with those dark golden eyes, waiting for them to finish talking.

But the World Consciousness had long since learned how to be a discerning Black Book around couples. “I still have many problems to solve, and the technical difficulties are actually quite numerous. So—see you at the wedding!”

“See you at the wedding!” Roland said with a smile, waving his hand.

The phone screen dimmed, and the Black Book app icon also turned gray. However, the Black Book did leave the phone with the Archmage; it was a very interesting invention.

Roland held the phone; he also stopped at the door leading from the corridor to the main hall.

Someone was opposite.

And more than one.

It seemed they had their own problems to solve.

Kriesmeier walked through the demon palace’s obsidian corridor with a cold expression.

When he reappeared before the white bone throne, he didn’t know how many astonished screams he heard. His god-like dark golden eyes looked down contemptuously at the prostrate intruders.

They had boldly sneaked in first, attempting to get a share of the spoils.

No matter what happened, they firmly believed that the starlight fireworks from earlier must signify that in the final duel, the tyrant of the Demon King’s City was the losing side.

Therefore, when the Demon King’s footsteps clearly approached, and his dark cloak appeared in their line of sight, the invaders all revealed expressions of “we’re completely doomed,” clearly feeling that they couldn’t possibly leave this place alive. The only thing worth considering was whether their death would be too gruesome.

Kriesmeier stood still before the throne. They had already heard the tooth-grinding scrape of his scythe dragging on the ground.

The Demon King looked displeasedly at the people who had appeared in the demon palace, including even his subordinate lords. The side chamber had collapsed, but this group had still managed to rescue many treasures from the ruins.

His finger slowly stroked the white bone scythe—

Everyone waited with bated breath for the final verdict, but then they heard a faint meow from the direction of the tyrant. This was like a hallucination before death, they thought, but then came another clear “meow.”

Finally, an intruder couldn’t help but look up.

At this moment, a wobbly black cat’s tail emerged from the collar of Demon King Kriesmeier’s greatcloak. The Demon King’s expression miraculously softened for an instant. The next second, an entire black cat seemed to miraculously leap out of the Demon King’s arms.

Its smooth fur was as black as night, and its two pupils sparkled like amber.

It boldly rubbed against the Demon King’s cheek.

For these trembling, prostrate intruders, Kriesmeier had always been merely a symbol of terror. And when this symbol stood flesh and blood before them, they felt the weak’s utter vulnerability before the strong, trembling from the depths of their souls, realizing they had made the most regrettable decision of their lives. Such a Demon King, clearly, could not possess mercy or a heart.

Yet, at this moment, he indulged this black cat as it stepped on his silvery-gray long hair, meowing. He even reached out and rubbed the black cat’s head. The feel of the cat’s fur looked quite comfortable, surely a warm, soft mass nestled in the Demon King’s fingertips.

The black cat’s meow contained a peculiar rhythm, as if it was telling the Demon King something. Kriesmeier’s dark golden pupils flickered slightly, then looked down at the steps again.

“It’s too noisy outside,” the Demon King’s voice was bone-chillingly cold. “Tell me what happened?”

A momentary silence, but then voices eagerly scrambled to speak.

Many wanted to atone for their sins.

“Many races have sent envoys, and are now observing the situation—” one person said.

Another demon instantly interrupted: “Our lord sent us in first, to seize the demon palace’s treasures if possible—”

“Many people are saying this is the work of the late Archmage Roland Xavier!”

The person who said this nervously glanced at the Demon King’s face, immediately adding, “Of course, I’m not saying I agree with that view.”

The black cat somehow shook its head.

“But Archmage Hilda, the Archmage’s chief disciple, has also rushed here upon hearing the news,” another demon continued. “Now this witch has almost become the leader; those envoys who abide by the rules are waiting for her to lead the way. She seems to have insider information.”

As these words fell, the great gate of the demon palace quietly opened a crack.

This time, the one who rushed in hastily was the demon lord originally responsible for delivering messages. Upon seeing the state of the palace, it was clearly greatly astonished. There could hardly be a more terrifying sight:

The ruler of the Abyss staring at it with a gloomy expression, the scythe “Demonic Eye” in his hand.

No matter what it had originally intended to do, the lord’s mind raced at this moment. It immediately pretended that it had simply been too anxious, and so had rushed in to deliver the news without even requesting permission.

The messenger bowed respectfully, almost touching its forehead to its toes, towards Kriesmeier:

“Your Majesty, a large number of uninvited guests have arrived at the Demon King’s City, and should be reported in order. But the personnel are now too chaotic, and many spies have infiltrated. I humbly request Your Majesty to make an appearance as soon as possible; rumors will naturally subside, and no one will dare to cause trouble. There is also something else that needs to be reported to Your Majesty: the Western Witch Hilda has stabilized most of the visitors and wishes to briefly visit the demon palace.”

“I understand,” Kriesmeier narrowed his dark golden eyes slightly.

The black cat that had been resting on his shoulder was now silently curled into a tight ball, cradled in the Demon King’s arms. Its tail wagged, softly hooking around His Majesty’s wrist.

The lord watched the scene before him, not daring to breathe.

However, His Majesty the Demon King was unexpectedly in a good mood today. “Demonic Eye” had not yet tasted blood, which was truly a rare miracle. At this moment, the Demon King merely stroked the black cat from its ears to the tip of its tail, then said:

“Tell her I will bring her teacher to the appointment.”

“Also, the wedding will be held soon. Tell them to prepare.”

“Oh, okay…” The demon lord paused. “My liege, whose wedding are you referring to?”

“Roland Xavier.”

Their Majesty said expressionlessly. The lord felt a slight sense of relief, but before he could sigh, he saw the other party looking at him coldly, his tone chilling:

“Who else do you think he would be marrying?”

Half an hour later, the main hall of the demon palace was once again silent.

Since Demon King Kriesmeier was still alive, he did not wish for other living beings to set foot in his palace.

The surviving demons or whoever else walked with dazed steps, unable to believe they were still breathing with open mouths, hurriedly left the Demon King’s palace as if a moment’s delay would mean death.

Of course, they now had an incredulous task.

—To announce the Demon King’s wedding date.

To announce it to all visitors, to all races, to the entire Milal Continent.

His Majesty the Demon King probably intended to host the grandest wedding the continent had ever seen, and to convey the news of his union with his eternal beloved with thunderous momentum to every corner of the continent, allowing no living being to remain ignorant of the matter.

It just so happened that most races had sent envoys to the Demon King’s City.

The demon lords who first learned the inside story thought numbly that when they arrived here, they must have expected to witness a change in power, or at the very least a conflict. They never expected to be guests at the Abyss Tyrant’s wedding.

Next, no one would be waiting for bloody news; not only that, but they would also be waiting for wedding candies brought by hellcats.

The wedding would be held soon.

Or rather, His Majesty the Demon King wished it would be held immediately.

However, his demands for the wedding were too strict, and the black cat in his arms would occasionally “meow” in agreement during their conversations, which finally made Kriesmeier change his mind and decide to grant some leeway.

These survivors who had just walked out of the demon palace still felt their hearts pounding like drums.

However, a kind of fervent excitement also surged through their emotions.

This stemmed from the fact that they were probably the first group of insiders on the Milal Continent to learn a certain piece of news. And this news was explosive enough that even under Kriesmeier’s gaze, they were so shocked that they temporarily lost control of themselves, with only the thought, “Could it really be that human?” in their minds.

Wasn’t that human already dead?

That human had long been killed by the Demon King; this was an unquestionable fact.

Moreover, that human was always a symbol of light and could absolutely not mingle with cold darkness.

So why, then, would the wedding invitation have that name written in gilded script? That name as well-known and familiar on the Milal Continent as Kriesmeier’s own—

Archmage Roland Xavier.

They were eager to spread this explosive news, partly because of His Majesty the Demon King’s command;

On the other hand, they absolutely could not tolerate this secret being suppressed in their hearts. They urgently wanted to see people equally stunned and disbelieving by this news, creating an unprecedented wave across the Milal Continent.

When they finally scattered, only the Demon King and the black cat remained in the demon palace.

No, to be precise,

It was Demon King Kriesmeier and Archmage Roland Xavier.

The black cat wrapped its tail around the Demon King’s wrist and happily meowed at him. Black Cat Roland’s deceptiveness was still very excellent; Kriesmeier’s hand barely left the black cat for a second.

Roland had transformed into a black cat using polymorph.

It wasn’t time for his grand reveal yet; the Demon King had arranged his appearance for the lavish wedding ceremony.

And his polymorph had also given him a bit of a black cat’s癖性, making him clingy and rubbing his fluffy head against the Demon King’s embrace.

Before, it was only through a screen, unable to truly feel the touch, but now the Demon King gently stroked the black cat’s fluffy fur. That pale hand, which terrified countless demons, now carefully controlled its strength to part the black cat’s tail wrapped around his wrist.

Very comfortable—

Roland couldn’t help himself for a moment. A purring sound came from the black cat’s throat, contentedly half-closing its amber round pupils. Its light and soft tail rolled in Kriesmeier’s palm, and soon naturally curved again.

The cat’s tail suddenly slipped from his control, and the Demon King felt a slight regret, reaching out to try and grasp it back.

However, the tail was unusually agile.

“Roland,” His Arrogant Majesty the Demon King couldn’t help but speak, “Let me touch it again—”

But his voice stopped.

The black cat’s tail first folded naturally, then changed direction with some difficulty, then slowly curved into an arc, exceptionally difficult and unusually flexible. Then, its amber pupils blinked, and it lowered its ears, a little embarrassed.

Though it was messy and a little deformed, it was undoubtedly a heart shape.

Roland’s painstakingly written special skill finally had its moment, and he actually felt a little nervous. It wasn’t as easy to execute as he had imagined; he had to carefully control every nerve in the tail, otherwise, it would all be for naught.

The Archmage carefully controlled the black cat’s body with the precision of casting high-level magic, but the Archmage, who always held himself to strict standards, was still not entirely satisfied with the messy heart shape.

“My dear,” Roland whispered, “This time doesn’t count, I’ll definitely…”

The Demon King’s voice, however, sounded low: “I like it very much.”

Kriesmeier’s eyes practically lit up the moment he saw the heart. He held the black cat as if a dragon had finally firmly protected its treasure sought for hundreds of years. Any being daring to steal its treasure would suffer terrifying retaliation. The Demon King almost forgot that he originally disliked cats.

Roland sighed in relief, thinking he hadn’t performed too badly.

His originally drooping ears wiggled and stood up again.

Kriesmeier, however, had not finished his praise. The Demon King paused, his gaze lingering on the black cat’s ears, and then said, “I like it very, very much.”

He repeated the exact same words twice.

And he looked like he wanted to speak again. Roland couldn’t help but smile. He still diligently maintained the messy heart shape: “I still think it’s far from good enough, Kris, but I’m still happy you like it. Though I didn’t expect you to like it this much.”

The Demon King’s voice immediately followed.

“Not just this,” Kriesmeier seemed to be pondering his words, the demon’s possessiveness almost overflowing the space. His eyes unblinkingly watched it, trying hard to find a suitable human-understandable phrasing,

“I like… you.”

The black cat froze.

The result was a complete failure; the long-prepared tail performance ended.

Sometimes Roland almost forgot that all emotional vocabulary was taught by him to Kriesmeier. The Abyss demons themselves were pitifully lacking in emotions.

The word “like” is less intense than “love,” and he and the Demon King had always been on a love-hate intertwined path from the beginning, rarely hearing this simple yet light word, which didn’t quite fit their temperament.

But after so much had happened, being stared at while slowly saying “like” was a very peculiar feeling.

“I like you too.”

Since the performance was over, Roland simply transformed back from a black cat to a human, wrapping his arms around Kriesmeier’s shoulders and staring into his eyes. Those amber pupils sparkled. The Demon King’s gaze did not waver.

“I like you,” Roland said. “I love you very much.”

The human was never stingy with emotionally intense words.

The Demon King’s wings slowly curled up from behind him again, tightly encompassing the human before him. Kriesmeier wanted to be with this person forever, until the end of time, which was so long that no end could be seen. He had never desired such a thing so strongly, but more important than desire was—

“I believe it,” Kriesmeier said softly.

Whether it was love or hate, life or death, a smoke-filled duel or a gentle kiss exchanged between lovers. Since neither of them would let go of the other, since miracles had appeared and continued to this day.

Filling the gap in the white bone scythe was the third rib from the human’s heart. Adorning the starry staff was the Demon King’s vividly beating heart.

They would surely be forever intertwined, inseparable.

And eternally in love.