Chapter 74 (1/2)

Randel slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne. “What do you mean Johann is rampaging?” the king asked the sentry who was on his knees in front of him. “Get Exzenter and have him come over here. Immediately!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the sentry said. He stood up and sprinted out of the room without looking back. Randel exhaled and clenched his fist. The words of the pope echoed in his ears, ‘Imagine if a sacred spirit rested in his body instead of blessing it.’

His eyes narrowed and he turned to Gale. “Bring the pope here,” Randel said. “I need to ask him a few questions.”

Gale saluted. “Ye-“

“Your Majesty!” A sentry burst through the doors. “A black dragon has appeared outside of the temple along with the corrupted one! They’re just sitting outside, but that can change at any moment. The pope is still inside the temple with the winners.”

Randel’s face paled. “When Exzenter arrives, tell him to stop Johann with Geralt and his men. Johann must be subdued and not killed,” the king said to the sentry. He whipped his head towards Gale. “Come with me.”

Randel and Gale left the throne room, leaving the sentry to deliver the message to Exzenter. “Where are we going, Your Majesty?” Gale asked as the two descended down a spiral staircase.

“The Vault of the Spirits,” Randel said as he led Gale down an unlit corridor. He opened a plain wooden door at the end and stepped inside. Glowing white crystals littered the floor and illuminated the room.

Gale’s eyes widened. “These are…”

“Correct,” Randel said as he picked up a crystal. It looked similar to the ones in the cluster that the pope had lit on fire to summon the yellow smoke. “The pope is the capital’s strongest defender with these crystals in his hand. However, he’s cornered by a dragon and can’t access them.” Randel’s gaze locked onto Gale’s. “It’s up to you—the archbishop closest in line to becoming the next pope—to call upon our ancestors to defend the capital. I will try to negotiate with the corrupted one, but if things cannot be settled peacefully, then you are our last hope.”

Gale shuddered. “I understand, Your Majesty,” Gale said as he lowered his head. “I will do my best.”

“Of course. I expect nothing less,” he said and removed the ring he was wearing. He passed it to Gale. “This ring will shatter if I die.” Randel stared into Gale’s eyes. He pat Gale’s shoulder, then stood up to leave the room.

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“Who’s this Johann?” Grimmy asked as he poked the unconscious Rudolph. His snout crinkled and he turned away. “Such a bad smelling contract magic.”

“Johann’s the big blue do- dragon. He’s Rudolph’s contracted beast,” Michelle said. She turned towards Vur. “Please, you have to help him. Johann really respects you and you’re really strong. I don’t think Geralt can save him if he’s in danger.” A chill rolled down her spine as she stared into Vur’s eyes.

“Who are you?” Tafel asked as she narrowed her eyes at Michelle. Her grip on Vur’s hand tightened.

“I’m Michelle Heilig, daughter of the pope,” Michelle said with a slight curtsy. “You are?”

“Tafel Besteck,” Tafel said, her eyes sweeping over the group by the temple entrance. “Vur’s fiancée. Oh. And the current demon lord.” Every human’s body stiffened, except for Vur.

Vur turned to Tafel and tilted his head. “You’re my fiancée?” he asked.

“Am I not?” Tafel asked as she glared at him. “Don’t you remember what we promised each other when we were little?”

Vur smiled and gazed into Tafel’s eyes. “Then I guess you are.” The two stared into each other’s eyes.

“Ahem, ahem.” Lillian cleared her throat. “Johann. Danger. Help? Yes, no?”

“No.”