Mohe wanted Lisidorwei dead, of course, this plan would require delicate handling. Any slight misstep could lead to Doro turning against her. Thus, while the intention was there, Mohe had to ensure that none of it could be traced back to her.

Even that wasn't enough, for anyone losing their cool would risk blaming those around them. Mohe needed to act as if she tried her best but couldn't save Lisidorwei, allowing Doro to wallow in his grief over Lisidorwei's death and thus further his resentment toward humans.

And who was the main culprit? Naturally, it was Saintess Charlette and her reinforcements~

Therefore, noticing everyone else had begun gathering materials to craft the gargoyles at Lisidorwei's behest, Mohe decided to attack Doro in the dead of night.

Doro, of course, resided in his little cabin. Usually, Rose would visit him, though she preferred to appear openly at broad daylight rather than stealthily at night—reflecting that she might not fully embody the traits of her kind, known as Charming Demon.

Hence, when Mohe showed up, Doro was utterly bewildered, unprepared for such an event to occur.

"Mohe, you!"

Mohe pressed down on Doro, motioning for him to be quiet with a 'shh' gesture.

Doro could feel the surprisingly light weight of the girl, nothing like the Demon King's devastating fists he remembered. The refined, delicate girl before him seemed completely unrelated.

Observing Mohe's actions, Doro couldn't help but lower his voice, "What's the matter?"

"Look for an opportunity to escape with Lisidorwei and Rose."

As Doro widened his eyes, Mohe halted his attempt to speak with just a look.

She indicated that he should just listen.

"The coalition Charlette and others have formed this time, defeating me isn't their primary objective—honestly, I could be captured, imprisoned, sealed, but I certainly won't die." Mohe's face displayed a concern Doro had never witnessed, "Even if you're inexperienced in such matters, you should sense something amiss with this coalition."

Doro's eyes were filled with confusion.

In Mohe's mind, she thought he was truly skilled at acting, perhaps even more than she was—is he really that unaware? Yet, she remained committed to her performance, "There's no need to go to such lengths to crush me; you should be aware of my strength after regaining eternity and a mere few drops of blood. Even with a few trump cards, any member of your Hero team could easily kill me."

She candidly stated this fact, "You wouldn't even need someone at your level; someone much weaker could suffice—discounting 'Saint' titled ones—some renowned masters would also pose a significant threat to me. So, the grand mobilization isn't for me."

It seemed reasonable... Doro mused, then if the target isn't Mohe, then might it be me?

"...Neither is it you." Mohe could see what Doro was thinking, though perhaps it was part of Doro's act too? She wasn't sure, "Their goal is to fulfill their political agendas; war is an extension of politics, serving politics inherently—some of your humans say this. Though I don't quite agree with that notion, it does seem applicable here. While I'm unsure about others, Charlette's battle certainly isn't aimed at killing me, nor you."

"She's using this opportunity to expand her realm of influence or the reach of the White Church. This touches on the internal conflicts among humans and beyond to diverse races, hence I say humans are flawed for such reasons... Nevertheless, that isn't our concern now. Ultimately, us existing in a semi-destroyed state—neither dead nor alive—is optimal for her. Therefore, we aren't in great danger, but Lisidorwei and Rose are."

Mohe half-jokingly stated, "If this war progresses, we probably won't die, but Rose and Lisidorwei surely will. They'll be perfect trophies for the united army, while the existence of Demon King and Hero will justify the next cooperative war—Charlette wouldn't expand the White Church's influence to the maximum with just this one conflict."

She wore a solemn expression, "So involving them in battle with us is as good as sending them to their deaths. We two are adequate for this war."

Doro grasped the essence of Mohe's rationale, though his doubts weren't quelled, "But Mohe, why are you disclosing this to me? Wouldn't it be more beneficial if I remained oblivious? If Rose and Lisidorwei perished, wouldn't it be advantageous for you?"

This is exactly what he should be thinking.

Inwardly, Mohe silently praised him while externally casting an annoyed glare at Doro, "At this stage, we're severely lacking in battle strength—I initially planned that course of action, yet sacrificing Rose and Lisidorwei is exceedingly wasteful. If events unfolded as such, would you destroy the world? Doro?"

"..."

Silence was Doro's response.

"You see, just as I thought, so why not sacrifice them both, and instead let me be willingly captured, putting my trust in you, Doro? We can bet big on this."

"What?"

"I'm wagering you'll rescue me, either with or without them. Either way, this approach better preserves our strength—if you consider us allies."

Doro was moved, unexpected by her words, that as the Demon King, she entrusted him so deeply?

No—was it true that one's enemy knows them best?

However, if he didn't rescue her... A former A·Gedora certainly would, even knowing she was the Demon King... but current Doro might not possess such courage...

As if perceiving Doro's hesitation. Mohe's dissatisfaction grew more intense, "I'll say it now: If you don't rescue me, I'll endure until you all die, then return to seek out your descendants and kill them all."

Should I say, truly worthy of being the Demon King? Such a threat is something only she could deliver, yet somehow it carries a strange sense of endearment.

As this notion emerged from Doro's heart, he was dumbfounded—using 'cute' to describe Mohe seemed inappropriate. The Demon King seemed like she was joking, though she probably meant it seriously. Thus, this visit seemed to offer him a favor, indicating, "See, I could easily remain silent, let things progress naturally, but for your sake, I'm offering a more merciful option. You owe me one."

That was likely what Mohe meant.

Doro, while not adept at scheming, wasn't a fool either. He understood Mohe's implications, acknowledging the perilous position Lisidorwei and Rose were in.

Yet was Mohe's plan entirely laid bare?

She mentioned the worst-case scenario of outlasting this era, then seeking an opportunity in the next—Doro didn't doubt Mohe's capability to achieve this. But Mohe herself also mentioned Charlette's near-godlike properties, walking a path toward eternity.

And what if Charlette truly attains eternity? She sure wouldn't leave any opportunity for Mohe to escape.

Moreover, is Mohe's plan fully transparent? Might she have hidden parts, planning to utilize Doro and the others to gain further advantages?

Their eyes locked, unspoken meanings shuffled between them.

Mohe was aware of Doro's doubts, which was precisely favorable.

Doro not being just a hot-blooded fool was indeed ideal. He'd instinctively consider possible underlying schemes—of course, she had some. But precisely because of his suspicions, it opened more avenues for beneficial leverage.

"Mr. Doro, the link between a Demon King and a Hero shouldn't be built on trust. Trust shouldn't exist between us; however, I am now a human girl, and you are no longer the Hero. We are not Demon King and Hero, just Mohe and Doro."

The girl's eyes radiated with a blazing light, stirring shame and guilt within Doro, "Mohe..."

"Under these circumstances, can we try to trust each other a little? As an unprecedented choice. I also want to see further possibilities!"

She sat atop Doro, extending her hand toward him.

Doro hesitated for quite some time before finally raising his hand, clasping it with Mohe's.

As Mohe mentioned, this cooperation wasn't between the Hero and Demon King but solely between Doro and Mohe.

Mohe, with a cheerful smile, got off Doro, "Speaking of which, Mr. Doro's hands are quite rough, yet they give a reassuring feeling."

With that, she ran off.

What did she mean by that?

In our partnership, was there a need to say something like that? It seemed filled with ambiguity and a hint of suggestion... What did she truly mean?

Doro lifted his hand, examining its fingerprints.

Rough, is it?

He couldn't help but recall the feel of Mohe's palms—indeed, small and exquisite, somewhat cool. The texture was pleasant, like a finely crafted artwork.

As he reminisced, Lisidorwei emerged from the shadows.

"Does the Demon King's hand feel nice?"

Even jealous of the Demon King? Doro helplessly glanced at Lisidorwei, "What do you think she means? I can't figure it out. She seems a bit too nice to us."

"I...I don't know. I can't understand the Demon King's thoughts. She, she's too different from before."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.