A Certain Multiverse's Holy Right

"Relax, relax. There's no need to be so tense. But seeing such a reaction from you, Erica, it seems that girl named Liliana must be quite important to you."

Roy smiled warmly as he gestured for Erica to calm down. His soothing words, combined with his tranquil demeanor, gradually eased Erica's nerves. His voice, his face, and even his subtle gestures carried an aura that felt as reassuring as a kind priest in a church or a descending angel. They compelled trust and obedience.

This was the passive effect of Roy's newly acquired power, Face of God. When he was angry, it made him appear as fearsome as divine wrath; when calm, he exuded a sense of gentle divinity, like the boundless mercy of a deity.

As a Great Knight, Erica could vaguely sense the curse-like quality emanating from Roy's "beautiful" face. Yet, rather than feeling repulsed, she found herself comforted and oddly satisfied by his reassurance.

After a moment of hesitation, she spoke with unreserved honesty:

"…Liliana and I are close in age. Though she belongs to the rival organisation Bronze Black-Cross to our Copper Black-Cross, we've always gotten along well. She's one of my very few true friends. If possible, I don't want her to suffer any harm."

"…Your Majesty, I dare to request this: There are many miko and witches in the world. I will find suitable candidates for you. Please spare Liliana from bearing a burden that should not be hers."

Erica knelt on one knee, bowing her head low to avoid meeting Roy's gaze. Though tension gripped her heart, her words were resolute and unyielding. At this moment, the "devilish" Erica Blandelli revealed an admirable sincerity and integrity in standing up for her friend.

"Erica, could it also be that you're worried Liliana's presence here might diminish my favor toward you?" Roy asked with a teasing smile.

"I won't deny that the thought has crossed my mind," Erica admitted with unflinching honesty. "I fear she might take away some of the affection you've shown me. While I have confidence in myself, I must acknowledge that Liliana is an extraordinarily beautiful young woman with an undeniable charm. I don't expect to monopolize your favor, Your Majesty, but if possible, I'd like to preserve it for as long as I can."

Her words were candid and heartfelt. Over time, Erica had learned that Roy valued honesty, even when the truth was uncomfortable. To lie or act coy in his presence was to court disaster.

"I appreciate your honesty, Lady Erica. And I understand what you're worried about—" Roy began as he walked out from behind his ornate desk. "Two years ago, when Marquis Voban conducted his summoning ritual for a Heretic God, many miko and witches lost their lives despite the ritual's success. You're concerned I might use Liliana as one of the key figures in such a ceremony, putting her life in danger."

Standing before her, Roy reached out and gently cupped Erica's smooth, delicate cheek.

Yes, as the Devil King of the earth, having such a beautiful maiden serve him was his rightful privilege.

Erica neither blushed nor recoiled from his touch. In fact, she had long resigned herself to whatever demands her King might one day make of her. She had simply been waiting for the inevitable.

Drawing a deep breath, she said firmly, "…That is exactly what I fear, King. At Ponza, I witnessed firsthand the grandeur of a Campione and the devastation wrought by a Heretic God. I have come to understand the terrifying reality of this world. To summon such a being willingly must come at a tremendous cost."

Ordinarily, Heretic Gods appeared by coincidence or through the prayers of the faithful. Gods were born of belief, their descent into the mortal world an echo of humanity's collective will.

This kind of coincidence or prayers cause the information in Realm of Immortality and will cross the Netherworld to descend onto the Material World, and then they absorb the essence of heaven and earth to form a spiritual base which then leads to the birth of Heretic God.

When summoned, a Heretic God would initially fulfill the purpose tied to its descent. Once that purpose was completed, the god would become a wandering disaster, bringing calamity to the world, whether originally benevolent or malevolent. All wandering gods were, ultimately, disasters to humanity.

"I fear Liliana will become that cost. I beseech you to reconsider."

Erica's plea was earnest, her words highlighting the depth of her affection for her friend. To beg mercy from such a tyrannical Devil King was a testament to their bond.

Roy withdrew his hand from her cheek, his lips curling into a light laugh. "So, the so-called Diavolo Rosso harbors such a tender and compassionate side. It's almost hard to believe. By the way, congratulations on earning the title, Diavolo Rosso."

"That title was always mine to claim," Erica said without a trace of modesty, her confidence shining through in her triumphant smile. "It was only a matter of time."

"Even so, congratulations are in order," Roy said with a chuckle. "As for the summoning ritual, there's no need for concern. Unlike that unlearned old man, Voban, I have a deep understanding of magic. You're aware of that, Erica. My ritual will not suffer any mishaps. I simply lack the witches and miko to perform it. Rest assured, Liliana won't come to harm… provided she obeys my orders."

Roy twirled a strand of Erica's shimmering gold hair between his fingers before letting it fall gracefully against her shoulder. He turned and walked back to his desk, signaling an end to the discussion.

"…I've explained what needed explaining, Erica. From here, I expect you to carry out my instructions."

"I understand, my King. Thank you for your kindness," Erica said, her voice tinged with genuine gratitude.

The knightly maiden on one knee recognized this as Roy's final decree. All that remained was for her to execute his orders. Yet, in her heart, she felt a faint warmth. Roy hadn't needed to explain himself to her at all. He could have simply demanded obedience, yet he had taken the time to alleviate her fears.

"He may be overbearing and unyielding, but beneath that impenetrable exterior lies a strange sense of warmth and reassurance."

With this thought, Erica bowed and exited to begin her task of summoning Liliana.

"Lily, I've put my life on the line to persuade His Majesty to give you and Bronze Black-Cross this opportunity to serve him," Erica said, her lips curling into a mischievous grin as she looked at the pure-hearted knight before her. "You'd better start thinking about how you'll repay me for this favor~~."

The Diavolo Rosso radiated a playful malice, determined to lead her virtuous friend into owing her a huge favour.