Devouring Monarch: Rebirth of the Profane Phoenix

"Aren\'t you two beautiful, haha?"

"Asura, you seem rather cocky," Lucia whispered, her body like smoke vanishing before she wrapped around his arm—today, they would be spending the afternoon together because many rumoured the ships were arriving later today.

Lorem quickly reacted, hugging Asura\'s arm and smelling his intoxicating scent as they began walking behind the Valkyrie. She heard him murmur in a voice she couldn\'t make out, and although she tried her best to listen, all she caught were several words, \'delightful aroma\', \'cute\' and \'my wife\'.

His words caused her to blink before her face flushed red.

"Lorem, your face is very red. Are you feeling ill?" Asura asked, leaning down a little to inspect her face while Lorem ducked her head and covered her face.

Lucia chuckled softly and whispered in an enchanting tone, "You do not know how adorable she is. Last night, I had to stop myself from giggling. At how this old woman is like a young virgin thinking about you so much she couldn\'t sleep."

"What are you saying, you snake..." Lorem murmured in a soft voice. "And who are you calling an old woman?"

"Haha, don\'t argue. We should have some fun," Asura chuckled, his eyes wandering up to the sun before they descended the stairs.

The Valkyrie guided the trio to the city centre before vanishing from sight, though because Asura became the prince, they would always guard him from the shadows.

[Hey, little elf, you\'ve been quiet for a long time!]

Asura wondered why Celine stopped messaging him for a few days. It was strange that she didn\'t answer quickly, so he felt she might be busy.

[You said you would come to my room! Hmph!]

\'I did...?\'

Asura pondered her words. He then remembered the item she gave him that could teleport him into her bedroom and realised she didn\'t give it out of a social meaning.

[You really wanted me to visit you in your room?]

He couldn\'t help but feel strange. However, thinking of her slightly flushed cheeks and lovely curled ears, it might have been the case.

After all, he remembered her every expression during their \'hunt\', and even though she liked to act like a mature woman, she was likely a maiden in real life.

[Idiot! I waited all night!]

[Then I\'ll come right now?]

\'Forget it...\'

[No!? I am not ready for a week! Come in a week. Mother is annoying because she knows I can use magic now! Hmph... don\'t be sad if someone steals me away!]

Asura wrapped his arms around Lorem and Lucia and ignored the chirping of the princess as she mentioned she read princesses got kidnapped in the books she owned.

The three walked down the grand avenue, and the citizens greeted and cheered at Asura, who walked by. Several onlookers then approached them, offering produce or fruits, but Asura insisted on paying for them while Lucia and Lorem snatched them all with bright smiles.

Soon, the trio arrived in the city centre and looked over at the high-class buildings and the vibrant streets.

The bustling of the city soon quieted down as a robust, middle-aged man in blue robes with gold borders appeared from the gate and began walking towards them.

"Greetings, Prince Asura and his attendants. I am the new bishop of the Church of Valos. Thank you very much for sparing us all and helping rebuild the cathedral when we suffered substantial loss. I hope our goddess will find her way here to bless you well."

The man bowed slightly.

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Lorem observed him with a frown since she heard he was the leader of the local belief of Varos, one that professed that other religions were evil and had to be destroyed.

Yet, seeing him today, that ferocious nature seemed to have vanished; instead, he looked kinder and more gentle than before; she noticed him buying bread for commoners and children from the local orphanage.

"Your speech and acts prevented my heart from being forever biased if I had not heard them. I might have remained a horrible person who only saw myself above others."

Asura\'s eyes narrowed at him for a second, and the Bishop\'s skin froze before cracking. "It\'s my pleasure, bishop. May I ask your name?" He couldn\'t stand the feeling of religious people being so friendly to him after the cultist\'s mind controlled the last archbishop.

"My name is Orpheus."

Asura smiled and nodded. "Understood. Do you mind letting me and my future wives enjoy our date? Soon, we will depart to help the people of Silvara prosper and welcome the light of Varos down upon this kingdom."

"Of course, Prince Asura," Bishop Orpheus respectfully replied with a smile.

He quickly left the trio alone to do as they wished and continued his afternoon strolls into the city.

"Haha, he looked rather skilful," Asura muttered in a soft voice before guiding the two girls, his hand caressing their heads gently.

"Hmph, aren\'t you being too friendly? He\'s a Valos believer!" Lucia muttered in a hushed tone, yet her eyes wandered down at his hand on her head and blinked, her thoughts beginning to become somewhat muddy.

"So? They\'re all a bunch of hypocrites, haha. It\'s no wonder false believers worship a false god," Lorem added.

However, Asura shook his head, "that priest truly changed. I believe he will be a wonderful member of the clergy."

"You did a great job changing his heart. I wonder how the higher echelons are doing," Lucia finally said as they continued on their stroll through the city, stopping to buy food before walking on and enjoying themselves.

"My lovely Lucia, who cares? Shall we find your parents and have an enjoyable meal? They missed you a lot," Asura asked, looking around at the tall buildings before pausing in front of a bustling restaurant.

"That\'s a Good idea. I miss them as well, especially the food," Lucia replied as she hugged Asura\'s arm, her mind turning soft as she laughed brightly.

Lorem watched them before a smile grew on her lips.

Inside a dark and gloomy meeting room, silence descended. A man shrouded in shadows glanced at a circular table where various other men in dark robes sat with a deep frown.

"Our scouting mission was a failure. I recommend we act according to the original plan. If not, the new prince will lead his army to our doorstep within weeks."

Once, a large room with many people was now half empty after the tragedy of the day before.

"What numbered three?" Ace asked, his voice hoarse with a sense of loss, his former sense of vibrance and energy now gone.

"Dead!" Number two, the rabbit-masked member said with an energetic voice.

"I see... so he\'s dead. What about numbers Five and Six?"

"Six betrayed us and turned in several agents, while number five is in hiding after the duchess changed her actions."

"It looks like we failed..." Ace whispered, his voice even drier than before, until a sudden blade pressed against his throat.

Number two suddenly attacked him before slicing his throat.

"Well, you were too weak and ended up costing us far too great, so now~ please step down."

The rabbit-masked person with the fake voice turned to the rest of the group with a strange pose. "Now I am in control, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the winning team!"