"I only want two things," he said calmly. "First, do you know a woman named Lofiel?"
Lilith frowned. "No, who is she?"
"My mother..." he murmured to himself.
"Did you say something?" she asked, curiously.
"Nothing important. Do you know, in the upper plane, people born with affinities very different from their lineage?"
Linfer wasn't very familiar with the upper plane, except for the major figures. His mother wasn't in the underworld nor the lower plane. Perhaps she was taking care of this brother about whom he knew nothing.
Linfer realized that his affinity was very different and bizarre compared to that of his family or even the Infernos in general, and if he could find someone with the same characteristic in the upper plane: this said brother, he would find his mother.
"That doesn't ring a bell, but... Luciel's twin brother had a strange affinity. King Morningstar has hidden him, apparently. I've never seen him, it's just rumors."
"Rumors, huh?" he replied, raising an eyebrow. "And Luciel's mother, have you seen her?"
Lilith shook her head. "No. So, what's the second thing you want?"
Linfer smiled, a charming glint in his eyes. He moved closer to her, whispering in her ear.
"The second thing is you."
Lilith blushed, taken aback. "What? But... why me?" she stuttered.
"You know, Lilith Stolas, daughter of Duke Balam..." he began.
"You don't seem to be well-informed about the upper plane. How do you know my identity?"
Linfer placed a finger on her lips. "Shh. Let me finish. I came here for a vacation, but also to find a woman..."
Suddenly, he grabbed her by the neck, tightening just enough to make her shudder.
"What I like even more than beautiful women are married women. And you fit all the criteria, Lilith Stolas... or rather Lilith Vapula."
His gaze turned cold and possessive. "You don't really have a choice. Either I deliver you to Belzebuth, and you become his undead slave forever. Or I help you get revenge on the mortal who humiliated you, and then you become my whore forever."
If Lilith had more time to think, she would have seen many flaws in his character and his words. But Linfer had maintained a calm facade, looking her in the eyes and using subtle illusions.
"But- Astaroth-"
"Astaroth? He won't do anything. Not even Duke Vapula would dare raise his voice against me, let alone his insignificant son."
Linfer had intentionally insulted Astaroth to gauge Lilith's reaction, but she was only disarmed by Linfer's face close to hers and not angry at his words about her husband.
Linfer took a bite of her lips, nibbling them slightly.
"Hm~"
She felt Linfer's bite, which slightly wounded her full lips.
She responded timidly, but the intensity of the kiss increased. 'Why is it always so easy?' Linfer thought, finally detaching himself from her. Lilith turned away, red with shame.
But Linfer grabbed her chin, locking eyes with her.
"You're mine now."
Lilith nodded weakly.
"Then, come with me," he ordered, taking her hand.
To onlookers, they seemed like an ordinary couple, unaware that these two were about to sow terror throughout the domain.
***
In a dark tavern, barely lit by the flickering light of candles, Lilith fixed Linfer with a look of doubt.
"How can I get revenge on Luna when I'm much weaker than her?" she asked, her voice strained.
Linfer, sitting nonchalantly, crossed his arms. "It's simple," he said with a tranquil smile. "Instead of focusing on the environment, concentrate on yourself or directly on living targets, like Astaroth does with his mind control."
Even though Linfer understood her ability better, the illusions he could produce were limited due to the little blood he had left. He could simply kill Lilith in secret and drain all her blood, but he had no confidence that he could defeat Luna when the time came.
Lilith furrowed her brows, attentive. "Is it feasible?" she asked.
"Of course. If you also use your speed and your affinity with the earth, you'll get optimal results. Don't let your doubts limit you," he explained patiently, while adjusting his seat.
"And Luna... you have nothing to fear from her. I'll bring her to your feet myself, dead or alive."
Then, with a theatrical pause, as if he were outraged, he continued his bluff.
"Her existence is an insult. I don't know how she can manipulate my crimson flame, but her fate has already been sealed."
Linfer shook his head in disgust, then added in a calmer tone: "I'll be by your side every step of the way. Just make sure to vent all your anger on her subjects."
Lilith slowly nodded, finally understanding the ins and outs. Together, they finally left the tavern.
...
Even though the capital was joyful and lively, the Crimson castle was another matter, imposing and majestic, a true bastion. The walls were high and bristling with turrets, guards patrolled in large numbers, their armor shimmering in the torchlight. The gates were firmly locked, and each entrance carefully watched. The atmosphere was tense, as if a threat loomed over the domain.
Under the cover of night, Lilith stealthily made her way to an isolated guard. With a quick and silent gesture, she ripped out his throat, his blood splattering the ground. Before the body hit the ground, she used her illusions to take on his appearance. Her silhouette disappeared under the guard's appearance, allowing her to move without raising suspicions.
Gradually, she eliminated the other guards one by one, using her blinding speed and power to transform into a servant or a simple patrolman, as needed. Each attack was precise, each death silent.
Suddenly, an alarm sounded. Trumpets blared, and hundreds of guards rushed in from all directions, charging at her. Lilith, though powerful, was only Origin 5, and her strength lay in surprise and confusion, but these guards, although of a lower level, were numerous and had already found her location. Using illusions, she made them fight each other, but her efforts began to weaken against this human tide.