Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 811 - 146: Puppet Show

The Imperial Capital has been quite peaceful lately.

So peaceful that many nobles find it somewhat unrealistic. The banquet hosted by Duke Ash that night seemed to them like the last calm before the storm. They were certain that Duke Ash would make the murderer who killed Baron Fulin pay for his crime. For this reason, they privately set up a betting pool to wager on when the Flayers would drag the culprit to the plaza of the Imperial Capital, where, as before, they would skin them alive in public.

But three days passed, and the Simpler Clan remained as calm as if nothing had happened.

Not only that, but the case of Lance, who was captured by the Imperial Army, and the case of the Great Summoner Haitia, who was murdered in Gear City, have both gone silent.

More strangely, the "pet" enthusiasts led by the Third Princess of the Empire have quieted down a lot. It's as if they've suddenly changed, becoming kind to others. Someone even witnessed Fabius, the young master, being hit on the head by a ball thrown by children on the streets of the Imperial Capital, yet he smiled and had his guard return the ball to the child.

The sun must be rising from the west, or perhaps something strange happened without their knowledge.

The only news the nobles of the Imperial Capital could gather is that Duke Ash's residence had two esteemed guests; their identities are unknown, but judging by their hair color, they don't seem to be Imperial People. Ever since these two moved into the Simpler Clan's mansion, the whole family seemed to have changed.

But no one felt happy about this; on the contrary, the sudden change made the people of the Imperial Capital uneasy.

Even the Flayers are at a loss. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

This group of bloodthirsty executioners gathered together, ready to mete out severe punishment to Lance. After all, the opportunity to torture a former member of the Hero Squad doesn't come often. Yet, even though they were all set, Duke Ash ordered them to treat Lance well with good food and drink.

The living conditions of other prisoners in the dungeon also greatly improved.

Their orders were that as long as the two esteemed guests remained at the residence, they were forbidden from using any torture.

This sudden change caught the Flayers' attention, and after some careful observation, they finally noticed the unusual aspects.

The interaction between Duke Ash and the two "guests" was really strange, especially when dealing with that white-haired girl. It seemed as if their identities had somehow swapped, as if the white-haired girl was the true owner of the estate, and the Simpler Clan could only maintain a facade of harmony before her.

But in reality, before making any decisions, Duke Ash would seek the white-haired girl's opinion.

Considering Duke Ash's status in the Empire, not to mention a young girl from outside, he held considerable sway even in the presence of the Royal Family.

These two uninvited guests might have used some kind of mind-bending witchcraft to control Duke Ash and his family.

This idea sent chills down the Flayers' spines because... it was simply too eerie. They found it hard to believe anyone would dare stride into the Simpler Clan's residence and play them for fools.

And on this very night, the Flayers found an opportunity.

The two "guests" were always sticking together, but tonight, they finally caught a moment when they were apart. For such unknown opponents, they knew they must be cautious and prudent, taking them down one at a time was the best strategy.

On another front.

The Demon King Meiliya, who had always been silently following along the Other Shore, also noticed the abnormalities in the Imperial Capital. After nearly a week of recuperation, her injuries had improved significantly. At least she could handle some Silver Radiance Empire grunts without any issue.

However, after spending a considerable amount of time with the Other Shore, Meiliya came to a conclusion.

This woman didn't need her protection at all. Don't be fooled by her cheerful demeanor every day; when it came to fighting, she was far more formidable than the Hero Squad combined. Meiliya witnessed firsthand the Imperial Army's attitude change towards the Other Shore.

After that day's assault by Duke Ash's assassins, she became someone the Imperial Army dared not provoke. Upon spotting the Other Shore from afar, they'd turn and flee, afraid to catch any "bad luck."

Meiliya had never seen anyone quite like the Other Shore.

She beat up the legitimate heir of a prominent family in the Imperial Capital in full view, yet not only did she not flee guilty, but she waltzed out to shop every day without the slightest fear. On the contrary, she heard that Fabius, who had his leg broken, seemed to have an epiphany and recently began to show kindness to others.

Meiliya, who often presented herself as a battle freak in the past, started to think for the first time after staying by the Other Shore.

Because she gradually realized her role in this makeshift squad.

—Absolutely useless.

This was the conclusion she reached after some contemplation.

Even if her injuries healed, Meiliya could not find any value in herself within the squad, and for the first time, she felt confused about her "Demon King" identity.

But the orphan from Riverside Town, whom the Other Shore rescued, was different. Though Lisi couldn't fight at all and had no ability to protect herself in this chaotic world, she made the bed neatly, was good at arranging things, and kept the inn organized. She spoke softly and could bring healing to others.

It's not that Meiliya didn't try to emulate Lisi the little maid in hopes of finding a new value for herself within the squad, but the effect of her imitation was not as desired.