As Xing Chen and Theresa rode Kannout's Camel towards Tara, the messengers they dispatched were also completing their tasks.
The Blood Demon, holding Theresa's handwritten letter, paced back and forth at the entrance of the River Valley.
The relationships among the Sarkaz were not as harmonious as those of other races; if it weren't for the pressure of external races, the various tribes would tear each other apart.
Relatively speaking, races like the Banshees and Liches were considered more peaceful among the larger Sarkaz category.
A Blood Demon Grand Duke only needed a very simple reason to kill a Blood Demon Prince.
"Sigh, I guess besides the Flame Demons, we Blood Demons have the most intense infighting."
Waiting and waiting, the envoy from the Death Knell Court still hadn't appeared. Her supplies had long since run out, and she had been traveling on an empty stomach for days. Hunger suddenly gave her the idea to "force her way in."
"At least they'll provide one meal, right?" After all, she was the Demon Lord's messenger; Lama Lien Your Highness surely wouldn't make things difficult for her.
Blood Demons were only called Blood Demons because their innate Originium Arts were related to blood; they were a different concept from vampires who could only survive by drinking blood. They could both bask in the sun and eat normal food.
However, this Blood Demon lady's physical condition was a bit too poor; she fainted after only a few days of hunger.
Just as she was about to close her eyes, she heard this conversation.
"Aifaneer Your Highness, when you go to Rhodes Island, please be sure to be safe. Our sisters will always be ready to assist you."
"I understand, sister. But shouldn't you go help that dying Blood Demon over there first? She... looks like she's about to die."
When the Blood Demon woke up again, the sky above had turned into a black curtain, and two Banshee attendants stood on either side of the bed.
"Uh, hello," the Blood Demon fumbled around, her cloak and backpack no longer with her, "Did you read that letter?"
"We have already delivered your letter to Lama Lien Your Highness," said one of the Banshees, who looked younger but was actually older. "We are ordered by the Lord of the Royal Court to take care of the messenger. After your body recovers, you may meet with the Lord of the Banshees."
"I'm fine, really. I want to see Lama Lien Your Highness now."
The Blood Demon had not forgotten Theresa's instructions before she left. The reason she was eager to see Lama Lien was to confirm that the letter had reached her hands.
The two Banshee maids whispered to each other and agreed to the Blood Demon's request.
Donning the Banshees' black long dresses, the Blood Demon boarded the River Valley's ship.
The Banshees used their flutes to drive the water flow, moving deeper into the River Valley. Passing through an Originium Arts barrier, she successfully arrived at the Death Knell Court's royal tent.
Lama Lien was currently sitting in a chair, reading Theresa's letter through her veil.
The maid brought a chair for the Blood Demon and then withdrew.
"Welcome to the Banshee River Valley, the ship by the Rose River," Lama Lien's voice sounded very ethereal, but recalling that she had once used her singing to bury countless foreign enemies, the Blood Demon couldn't help but feel a sense of heaviness.
"I apologize, as you can see, my sisters and I are not in very good condition. I hope you can relax and let me perform a test."
The Blood Demon did not speak, quickly nodding to express her agreement.
Lama Lien summoned her bone flute and played a piece of music. As the Blood Demon listened, it felt as if her soul was being drawn out.
"It seems the letter you delivered is true; Theresa has actually returned," Lama Lien's performance did not last long. "I already know Your Highness's intentions. The River Valley will dispatch personnel to fully support Your Highness's arrangements."
...In the grand cathedral of Londinium, Theresis concluded his meeting with the Blood Demon Grand Duke and the King of the Rot Eaters. Manfred approached him after the two Lords of the Royal Court left.
"How is the situation in the underground royal mausoleum?"
"As stated in the letter, a Steam Knight indeed survived. After eliminating him, we only rescued one former Babel Assassin from the pile of corpses." Manfred began to show a troubled expression as he spoke, "Regent Your Highness, do you really believe Theresa Your Highness's statement?"
How could Theresis mistake his sister's Originium Arts? As for her mention of "the collective souls manifesting," whether he believed it or not wasn't important. What secret could be more significant than his sister's resurrection?
The divergence between these siblings was a dispute over their path, not personal hatred. Since Babel's dissolution, this issue had already been resolved.
"Alright, I understand. So, regarding the news of Your Highness's return, should we..."
"Don't worry about it; let it spread freely. If anyone asks, just say 'no comment,'" Theresis said, gripping his sword. "Let's go, let's have a good talk with the Sin Eater."
Just as the two were heading to the Royal Academy of Sciences, the Camel was preparing to cross the Londinium blockade line boundary.
However, as a mad cackle sounded, he pulled out his dagger, ready for battle.
With a loud "bang!", the ground beside him exploded. The Camel dodged the shockwave with an agile roll, then raised his dagger to block a blade aimed at his vital points.
"Stubborn to the core, (Sarkaz slang)"
As the smoke cleared, the figure of a female Sarkaz appeared before him.
"Committing such heinous acts and continuing to work for that (Sarkaz slang), you truly are unique." W said, toying with the detonator in her hand, her voice venomous.
"You are not Ascalon."
"She's not the only one who wants revenge for Your Highness," she said, pressing the button, and a series of violent explosions severely wounded the Camel's body. "All of you, every single one, you killed Your Highness and don't want to live, yet you refuse to just die quietly."
"Cough, cough," seeing the blood he coughed onto the ground, the Camel knew his life was almost over. But he still had an uncompleted mission; he couldn't die just yet.
He leaped up, attempting to counterattack with his dagger. He was almost able to stab her in the chest, but a greatsword blocked his attack.
"W, don't act alone. Those Assassins, regardless of their stance, are the most elite warriors."
"I know, I'm not stupid." W was a bit displeased with He Deli's nagging. "Don't interfere next; I want to stab him myself. He's the last one."
"No need, I'll handle it myself." The Camel stood up under their wary gazes and threw the package sewn by Theresa over. "I will atone for my mistakes; the rest is for you to resolve."
With that, he used the dagger in his hand to cut off his own head.
"What a strange person," W cursed, kicking the package with her foot. After confirming there was no danger, she opened it. Inside, besides supplies, there was only a letter, crumpled from the kick.
"Hey, what does this say?"
"Let me see... This seems to be a letter from Your Highness to Rhodes Island. And it was only recently completed."
"What did you say!" After hearing He Deli's words, W's world collapsed. She quickly picked up the Camel's head and placed it back on his neck. "Hey! You bastard, don't die! Ines, hurry up and sew him up..."