The Author's POV

The bald man took a step back and stared at Angelica. Heavy solemness tinged his face.

"...On the same side?"

He asked in an uncertain tone.

"That's correct."

I nodded my head and spoke right away.

On the inside, I was trying to sort out my thoughts, but what I showed on the outside was an impassive face that held slight traces of contempt.

"We're on the same side. Let us go unless you want us to resort to force. You've clearly already felt our strength. The three of you are not our match."

This part may have been true.

But that was not what worried me. What worried me was the possible problems that the trio before me could pose.

They may be weaker than the demons, but they were all about the same rank as me. They were no easy opponents.

The bald man glanced back and forth between Angelica and me.

"Honestly, it's hard to believe the fact that you two are on our side."

"How so?"

"Isn't it obvious? What are the two of you doing here? We've received no reports of anyone coming. That is already the number one cause of concern."

"...And why should we announce our presence?"

I raised my chin up and looked down on the group.

Once again activating the effects of 'The one' to add impact to my voice, the trio's expressions stiffened.

"Do you not know who the demoness before you is?"

Subjected to such pressure, the trio was unable to answer.

Walking next to Angelica, I lowered my head and took a knee.

"This over here is Countess Angelica Von Doix, a directed descendant of the Lust Clan, and...kh...the Matriarch of a major Lust clan Sub-branch."

Midway through my sentence, I almost fumbled with my words. The cringe was too much for me to bear.

Unfortunately, I had no choice but to continue.

"Follow my example, and pay your respects to the Matriarch."

Following my cue, Angelica removed the mask from her face, revealing her appearance.

The trio stumbled a little bit. This action wasn't voluntary, but in fact due to the bloodline impression that came out from Angelica's body.

It had to be noted that Angelica was currently suppressing her bloodline.

She didn't want to alert the demons inside the castle.

Sweeping her gaze over the trio, Angelica closed her eyes and no longer looked at them. Her demeanor, coupled with her cold exterior gave her a noble aura. One reminiscent of that of an aristocrat from the old era.

I secretly raised my thumb.

'Great acting, Angelica!'

[Shut up.]

Angelica crossed her arms and replied in an irritated tone.

[I've played along with your little games, what do you need me to do now?]

Lowering my head, I touched the bottom of my chin. Staring at the trio that was slowly recovering from the shock, I shared my thoughts with Angelica.

'Listen up Angelica, after thinking for a bit, I came up with three different scenarios. The first scenario is the scenario where they believe in our story. A story in which you're a high-ranking demon assigned to overlook the dungeon for a bit and make sure that everything is working correctly. Their story is not bad, and there is a chance for them to buy it, but...'

As I paused, I noticed Angelica looking at me with eyes asking for more. I

[But what?]

'The keyword is chance.'

[Chance?]

'Yeah.'

I sighed.

most likely scenario in my opinion is the second one, the scenario in which they eventually figure out that we're actually pretending to be on their

of infiltrating the place. However, that wasn't part

work

think things will turn out this

a hint of

explain. From the corner

Although the fact that you're a demon can add credibility to our lie, at the end of the day, once the three

weren't stupid. They knew that they

Angelica was a demon, there was no way they would instantly believe that she was

up out of nowhere

be very arrogant

will realize this soon, and bring us to the castle in the distance whilst pretending to have bought our story. Once we arrive at the castle, the three of them alongside the demons

put it bluntly, we were screwed if this scenario

[Sounds reasonable.]

replied with a short nod, but the middle of her brows was still tightly knit. She eventually voiced

case, what do we do

and

mean what should we do?

of action fairly obvious by now. Or maybe it

That aside.

didn't seem like my blunt words were very appreciated by Angelica,

[Spit it out.]

demanded in a

I shrugged my shoulders.

is obvious. We play

[...]

face froze. A look of realization soon dawned

[I understand.]

'I'm glad you do.'

I smiled in appreciation.

The goal was simple.

toward the castle. Since the place was riddled with traps and all sorts of methods designed to hinder our way, I thought that by playing along we could get rid of most of those problems and

that we were coming? In the first place, from the moment we entered

just didn't know that Angelica was a

threatened to escape from my lips, but I tried my best to hide it. This was

three of them got on one knee. This was normal

We hope

glance,

be a

She then ordered.

I would like to have

their eyes flashed for a brief moment. This did not escape my

up, with an amiable smile on her face, the lady of the group raised

happened

my eyes, I was able to see a small lump of black-headed in the lady's direction. Because it was far, I couldn't quite see what it was. However, it wasn't long before I was able to tell what the lump of

spiders from before. All of them walked together

a bug I hated

would

tamer like Ava? I

for the

that was around us, the lady smiled seductively my

My body shivered uncontrollably.

we get

I'm wearing

"..."

an impassive exterior and ignored her. Taking a step forward, I followed her

as

way,

what about