S-Class Dungeon’s Mistress - Chapter 218

Chapter 218

Lisianthus, his face detached, gazed at Adelaide with his crimson eyes. The heated affection and resentment traversed the empty space and reached her.

Adelaide humbly accepted his gaze and gave a slight smile. Her expression only made him feel more heartbroken.

"What the hell. Kissing only this little wimp."

Could this coward actually like her more than me?

Caladium and Lupinus, who had been bickering just moments ago a few steps away, had now approached behind her and were wearing dissatisfied expressions. Caladium's murmuring voice was tinged with jealousy, though not as intense as before. He had now somewhat adapted to this system.

"My turn is next."

Lupinus quickly wedged himself in front of her, looking as if he were about to press his lips against hers at any moment. However, his boyish face couldn't quite get close to her and remained rooted to the spot. Someone had strongly grabbed the back of his neck.

"Stop talking nonsense, you half-breed bastard. Didn't she say I was her main wife?"

"Stupid demon, if you don't let go right now, I'll interpret that as you wanting your hand to be cut off."

"Hah, try it if you can."

Watching another battle about to erupt, Adelaide clicked her tongue again. Then she turned her gaze to Lisianthus and whispered:

"How could you leave me among these fools?"

How annoying, seriously.

Lisianthus could only offer a bitter smile in response to her small additional remark.

________________

It had been three days since the warning was issued from the Demon King's Castle. The time they had permitted Greenville was three days. In other words, if they did not convey their intentions to the Demon King's Castle by today, there would be no way to avoid further war.

However, the situation remained far from good. There was still no reply from Eligos, the only one they had been counting on. The unanswered letter after two days of waiting spoke volumes about their stance. It was a bitter outcome.

And in the early dawn, while all the dungeon members slept, Raham and Pia had left Greenville. And they had taken a sizeable gold ingot from the treasure room.

Adelaide, who woke up early, maintained her composure while hearing the report. She already knew. She was not someone who would fail to detect even the slightest movement carefully prowling through the dungeon at dawn.

Although she had noticed them visiting the treasure room, she chose not to come out. Her heart wanted to tell them to take even more, but out of respect for their desire to move without her knowledge, she refrained.

Meanwhile, the remaining Durahans seemed to feel a sense of guilt and came to find Adelaide early in the morning, bowing their heads.

"Actually, actually... we had been constantly urging them! To have just the two of them leave this place."

"As you know, Pia is weak, and Raham worries so much that he can't sleep if Pia gets even the smallest scratch. And, they are truly a couple connected by incredible coincidence and destiny... so we hoped they would not risk danger."

"We're truly sorry, Adelaide!"

David, Peter, and Christopher simultaneously bent their waists and apologized. Adelaide, looking at them with round eyes, slowly shook her head.

"I see. You don't need to apologize to me. Staying or leaving is each person's choice. How could I possibly criticize that?"

"B-but we heard that Raham secretly took the treasure..."

"I knew he was taking the treasure. It's a bit disappointing that he didn't tell me... but it's not something I can't understand. You can change your choice anytime. I just hope you get the chance to say goodbye before leaving. I won't stop you. I'll give you the gold ingots or treasures as you wish."

Everything was fine, but she felt only regret about not being able to bid a final farewell to Raham and Pia. She had received so much from them, and she was sorry and disappointed that she couldn't even properly express her gratitude.

I hope we can meet again after the war is over. Adelaide muttered with a bitter expression.

"What? No, no!"

"Absolutely not! We will always remain by your side!"

"That's right! How much have we received from you...! Don't say such things, Adelaide. Even if I die, I will never leave Greenville."

The Durahans jumped up and waved their hands urgently. Though their faces weren't visible, from their voices, it seemed they were wearing very resolute expressions.

Thank you. Adelaide expressed her gratitude softly. Her voice didn't rise loudly due to their death-defying attitude.

The Durahans continued emphasizing that they would absolutely not leave her side until the very moment they exited the room. They seemed worried because she appeared somewhat melancholic.

Lisianthus did not miss this opportunity and approached to share his opinion.

"The same applies to Adel."

What nonsense is he going to say now. Adelaide rested her chin, looking utterly tired. Though she clearly showed she didn't want to listen, he did not back down.

"You can change your mind even now. I won't feel the least bit disappointed or regretful. In fact, I earnestly hope you do."

"Lisianthus never gets tired."

"The number of dungeon members is decreasing daily, and Eligos has responded with silence. Engaging the Demon King's Castle with our current strength is tantamount to suicide. Even with Caladium and Lupinus, the opponent is the Demon King's Castle. Before subduing four devils, just repelling the Demon King's army will deplete half of our energy. Their troop numbers are enormous."

Judging from his serious expression, he seemed to have meticulously investigated the Demon King's army's forces without her knowledge.

'He had been confined, so he probably didn't have time. Our manager is quite diligent even during his imprisonment.'

Adelaide couldn't help but chuckle at Lisianthus's abilities. Her relaxed attitude made Lisianthus's eyebrows twitch in frustration. His voice became softer.

"Adel, at this rate, everyone will die. Don't you understand?"

"No, I know."

She nodded and responded.

"If we go to war like this, we'll really all die. I know that very well."

I'm not a fool, after all. Adelaide flipped through the documents in front of her and added.

Her confident response left Lisianthus momentarily speechless. His gaze seemed to be looking at something he completely could not comprehend.

"So Lisianthus, give me a strategy."

Adelaide boldly met his gaze and demanded.

"Isn't the strategist of our dungeon you?"

Her clear and gentle eyes curved softly, forming an arc. Who would think these were the eyes of someone facing an impending war? Lisianthus still couldn't find his words and just quivered his lips.

"I've already made my choice and been given the path. So Lisianthus, help me. Help me complete this journey safely."

You promised, didn't you? That you'd fulfill what I desire. Her whispering voice was warm like morning sunlight.

Lisianthus stared at her without even blinking. He dug his nails into his palm, scarred from previous wounds. The fact he had been trying to deny forcefully entered his mind like the nails tearing open his wounds.

Adelaide would never change her mind. Even if it meant his own death, absolutely.

Moreover, if he tried any useless tricks, she would really seek out Agapanthus for revenge. She would endure everything to do so.

Checkmate.

A hot sigh escaped between his rough lips.

"Really..."

Lisianthus said, furrowing his brow as if in pain.

"Master, you are truly unbeatable."

A helpless smile crossed his lips. It was a signal of surrender.

"You're only realizing that now?"

Adelaide laughed brightly and tugged his wrist. Now that she had obtained his surrender, she had grounds to stop his self-harm. Why does he keep hurting his pretty hands? She grumbled and firmly grasped his wrist.

As a result, after several sighs and furrowed brows, Lisianthus reluctantly presented the strategy Adelaide wanted. It was as if he had prepared it in advance, incredibly detailed. Adelaide confirmed this and smiled contentedly.

Furthermore, she had hoped he would share his honest feelings, but unfortunately, he never uttered the words "I want to live."

'I'll definitely make him say it someday.'

She made this promise to herself and slowly began writing the letter.

That evening, her letter arrived at the Demon King's Castle. The content was simple:

Tomorrow afternoon, I will hand over Belial to the Lord.

Your faithful servant,

Adelaide.

---

The next day.

Adelaide faced Agapanthus, accompanied only by Caladium and Lisianthus.

The location was the Great Hall within the Demon King's Castle, and the time was several hours earlier than she had suggested—in the morning. All of this was a unilateral decision by the Demon King.

'Just as they said he would dislike being seen by other demons.'

According to Lisianthus's explanation, Agapanthus would not want Belial's existence to be exposed to the public. The name 'Belial' still carried a power that was feared. Moreover, there were still supporters of the previous Demon King.

As he said, Agapanthus had ordered her to come in the early morning when fewer demons would be watching. Since there was no reason to antagonize him, Adelaide followed his instructions.

"Oh great King. In accordance with your command, I have brought the wicked traitor, Belial."

She bent one knee and greeted Agapanthus politely. Caladium stood firmly beside her, and Lisianthus was bound by a bright red rope created by Caladium's power.

Agapanthus appeared thoroughly satisfied with the disgraceful state of the former Demon King, now bound like a prisoner.

That proud Belial, now tied up with ropes! And betrayed by the succubus he loved!

A thrilling pleasure spread throughout his body. Agapanthus narrowed his snake-like eyes and looked Lisianthus up and down with a gratified expression.

Nothing particularly strange was noticeable. Belial's once-great power was as calm as a sea without a single breeze, and his face was cold and vacant, looking disappointed by the betrayal of someone he had trusted.

Agapanthus swallowed the laughter that was about to burst out carelessly and turned his gaze. The image of Adelaide bowing her head humbly entered his field of view.

"So, have you thought about the proposal I made last time? About becoming my queen."

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