Meanwhile, the empress took her place, watching the various nobles and the emperor mingling with others. She awaited the eventual arrival of the dreaded church. Although she felt interested in Asmodeus, her interest was fleeting at best as she focused on the upcoming banquet.

''That bastard, he puts pressure on me using my children, and that fool keeps listening to their lies. Our family were devout believers of Serena for hundreds of years, almost thousands!''

Frustration filled Aurelia''s heart as she gazed across the vast imperial halls, only to realise there were only a handful of people she trusted. ''To think that all the hard work of my mother would become such a waste, now I understand why the ancestors desired for us to change every five years.''

To avoid stagnation and corruption.

Her gaze noticed a couple dancing to a romantic song; an orchestra was playing a beautiful ballad of the past. It was a tale of love and joy, a tale she had not heard of for many years.

Many years ago, a songwriter composed a song that detailed the romance of a noble from one of the ruling clans and a human she met at a royal ball. Even though all her surroundings rejected the man, he charmed her and came to love her deeply.

Thus, after overcoming various challenges, the pair eventually wed.

This was the tale about Aurelia''s great-grandmother. However, the tales of her marrying a human carried a stigma due to the church of death, which replaced Serena''s believers using dark magic and violence.

''Maybe I''m the one to blame. The same as my mother, I wanted a longer-term ruling them. My beloved people...'' Tears almost flowed from the empress'' eyes as she looked at the various people dancing and enjoying their lives.

"Aurelia," a voice called to her. She turned her face to see the emperor holding out his hand. "shall we join the others on the dance floor?"

However, she couldn''t bring herself to accept the man who came from a family that would one day destroy this beautiful empire. She knew his goals and that their son, the crown prince, already believed the pope of death over her. "No, I will await the pope."

"Why do you always make me feel inferior compared to your father? Am I that shameful? Do you detest me so much for being a believer in Mephisto, the one true god? After all, everyone dies." The emperor asked.

The empress gave him a frown before moving to the side, "Don''t you even dare compare yourself to him!" A low growl, hidden from the outside world using magic. She tried her best to respect this man. A once kind and loving young noble, yet the moment she married him and let down her guard.

''His true nature appeared, but the church of Mephisto doesn''t allow divorce of royals or high-nobles....''

This became well known AFTER the change from Serena became widespread. However, this led to more freedom for the commoners, who didn''t care if it was the nobles who couldn''t divorce. They could now, and it saved many people suffering in silence.

"I''m sorry for angering you, my love," the emperor spoke in a mocking tone as he stroked her cheek, an icy hand void of heat. Then, in a huff, he turned and left her alone with a couple of servants. He moved towards a group of nobles and began laughing.

Aurelia didn''t notice, however. She kept looking at the various high nobles and royals from the various realms. ''Why did I have to marry such a snake, dooming many of those who once supported me, to become the pawns of that bastard?''

In reality, she loved Cassian; otherwise, they wouldn''t have married. Yet the betrayal, when she learned of their plot, and it was she who destroyed everything her family and this empire stood for. It crushed her.

Now, she didn''t search for love or even forgiveness... Only someone who could change this stagnant and crumbling empire, filled with corruption.

''Damn it, I am struggling to hold back...'' he thought when gazing at Yuina.

"What''s the matter, Brother-in-law?" Her lovely gaze peered at him, lifting her chin as she twirled in his fingertips, their bodies pressing together as she leaned close to his chest.

''This little...'' Asmodeus grinned as the pair resumed their dance until the song stopped and horns began to sound; it seemed the official announcement of the pope would start.

At that moment, everyone bowed towards the empress, who was watching with a calm expression. However, she looked in Asmodeus and Yuina''s direction, causing them to stare at each other for several moments.

"Is she looking at us?" Yuina whispered while clasping his palm with both hands, an action that stirred feelings and desire within him.

"Who knows? But, it seems our banquet and dance with the church has already begun." Asmodeus muttered as he glanced toward the top of the steps. He watched the pope carefully.

An old male with pale skin and dark rings around his eyes, a black robe with runes made of pure death energy that pulsed outwards from every step.

"Please show respect, and worship to his excellency the pope. Johan Vidus Pontymare and the crown prince Julias Melpha Des Fenrir."

"It is good to see so many people gather here to welcome my presence! Today, I came here not just to give a lecture on the greatness of my god. But to extend his gracious and loving embrace to all." His voice carried a harsh tone, but as Asmodeus listened to the old man, he couldn''t help but laugh internally.

Yuina saw his lips curl into a smile and pouted, "Why are you smiling?"

She pinched his hand playfully, which caused Asmodeus to rub her soft cheek and wink, and then she suddenly gasped. "Ah?!" Because Yuina felt his hand slip into the back of her dress.

The rough sensation of his palm now wrapped around her left cheek, squeezing her with an aggressive caress.

"..." Yuina blushed so intensely that she lowered her head while panting, the feeling of excitement as the old pope spoke his sermon. She felt herself getting wet from the demon king''s pleasant hand.

"To make it easier for you all to understand the truth and reality. Death is the gateway to the beyond, and our souls must enter the embrace of the god of death before returning to life once more. We call him Mephis-" The popes'' speech paused abruptly as his eyes caught sight of Asmodeus.

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Pope Johan seemed shocked to see him groping Yuina''s ass underneath her dress as they swayed side to side, lost in their desires. Yet his speech continued after a hiccup, but he remembered the face of Asmodeus... a man who disrespected Mephisto!

''There are always troublemakers.'' Johan thought as he continued to speak. "Death is essential; without death, there is no rebirth or growth. While Serena is a weak and powerless goddess... Our mighty god of death has helped lead thousands of lives through death to immortality!"

''This old guy sounds so fucking convincing...'' Asmodeus narrowed his gaze while noticing the empress looking at the nobles with a dark, hopeless face.

"Nn~ Asmodeus... please... stop, okay?"

''After all, there is always more than meets the eye to people... even Baberu and Juliet. No one is inherently pure evil, except this old father, maybe...''