Chapter 98 - Masterful (2/2)

”Come on Dahlia, papa is going to let you have a sip of my spicy soup before anyone else okay.”

This would become one of the many memories Simon forged with Dahlia and his disciples across his lifetime. Whether it was events such as these or basic training and lessons, Simon always maintained a reasonably warm relationship with his disciples. They admired him and he wanted them to continue being like such.

He knew that he would have to leave soon enough to take care of more pressing matters and that would also mean that there would not be many eyes and ears he could trust in the realm. Sure he had the Blood Guardians and Light, but he wanted fresh blood. He needed young followers that would be eternally loyal and look up to him rather than fear him. If he could have his disciples become powerful and reasonably upright people, it would be easy to manage the realm and he could finally leave for extended periods of time without having to worry about coming back to a massive war zone.

He of course cared deeply for their wellbeing, although not as much as he did for his daughter, he still cared for his disciples well. In response, the kids liked Simon a lot, thinking of him as a big brother as well as their master. The big brother being the first thing that came to mind.

Since devils physically m.a.t.u.r.e at age 10 and stop aging from then onwards, they could basically pass off as young a.d.u.l.ts for the rest of their lives. The only distinguishing factor was the length of their horns, which grew until age 100 and then it would become a game of guessing. Age would then be more about wisdom and insight.

In all actuality, Simon had already made some arrangements for several different herbs and alchemical devices to be purchased in bulk for a certain purpose.

Simon started at Malece and smiled. ”It is true that humans cannot live nearly as long as devils. So I used some of our funds and research the old methods of our ancestors. I found many interesting things and I am here to tell you that I am about to do something that cultists can only dream of.”

”Darling, what is it that you have planned.” Malece asked out of curiosity.

”Blood Rite Ceremony.” Simon answered with a straight face.

”When they all reach the 8th rank of visionary, I will take them to Hell and safely guide the willing ones to a special spot where they can kill demonic pests as they wish. Once they all manage to kill 1000 each, I can begin transforming them into devils.”

”Doesn't that ceremony require a Devil's blood? The recipient would also take on the lineage of said devil, wouldn't they?” Malece confirmed, knowing about the ceremony beforehand.

”Yes, it would require a devil's blood, but only a drop. And the one giving blood has to be willing, otherwise the blood rots and the recipient dies horribly. Is there a better way to raise a mighty force? I do not think so. Before I go to the higher realms, I will produce the most powerful disciples known to the realm.”

”I think I will give some of my blood to a certain someone. He has been working extra hard lately; above and beyond. His sparring partner is also working extraordinarily hard. Whatever the case, those that work hard will be rewarded.” Simon finished.

”Those that work hard will be rewarded?” Malece repeated with a grin.

”Is this what you are talking about?”

Malece stared at Simon who was lying next to her in bed. It was a long night, and she was exhausted.

”This is the only thing you ever want. This is the only thing I can give you. I cannot go any further than this for now. I appreciate your efforts in raising Dahlia and I appreciate your sincere apologies.”

”While I cannot forget, I will forgive. That is all. Just remember one thing.” Simon looked straight at the ceiling and did not move an inch.

”I give you my trust now, but I will not forgive you if you try ANYTHING. So please prove that people can change. I am willing to go this far for Dahlia's sake, so do not take advantage of this.” With that, Simon got up and left the room.

Malece gave a smile and a tear drifted down her eye. She felt some self-loathing for a while now, but it all changed when Dahlia was born. Malece could only thank Dahlia for all of this. At the very least, She could slowly work her way into Simon's heart correctly. She did not know if Simon would ever be that magnanimous, but it did not matter.

A goal is not something she can give up on.

This is why she was the sole Blood Monarch.