At the headquarters of the Female Wolf Magic Society in Rome, a critical meeting was about to convene.
A gathering that would determine the future of the entire Italian "Seven Sisters" alliance.
This meeting would shape the destiny of Italy's seven major powers.
As a result, the leaders of all other major magic societies were expected to arrive in Rome that day. After the meeting, they would decide how to face the New King - whether to submit to his command or...
Within the Female Wolf's headquarters, Italy's most elite knights and mages had already assembled. At the center of the hall stood a round table with seven seats, reserved for the leaders of the 'Seven Sisters'.
The so-called Seven Sisters...
Copper-Black Cross represented Milan, Bronze-Black Cross represented Milan, Olden Dame represented Turin, Capital of Lilies represented Florence, Female Wolf represented Rome, and Eagle of the Blue Sky represented Rome...
(TL Note: The wiki is very barebones so if something is wrong let me know.)
However, the seventh magic society was currently in turmoil, having not yet selected a new leader, so they were excluded from this meeting.
In this gathering, there was one person who couldn't be ignored - she was simply too young.
This was a genuine Italian young girl, appearing to be only about fourteen or fifteen years old. Yet her figure had developed well, with lustrous golden hair cascading down her back. She wore a red dress that accentuated her firm, upright chest, revealing snow-white shoulders and a tantalizing cleavage that drew attention with an unexpected maturity for her age.
Beside the girl stood a middle-aged man, likely in his forties, with features as noble as the David statue. He exuded an air of intellect and refinement as he observed the other attendees.
This was none other than the leader of the Italian magic society "Copper-Black Cross," Paolo Blandelli.
The young girl stood beside Paolo Blandelli, her delicate face bearing a stern expression like an unsheathed sword, yet radiating the grace and nobility of a highborn lady.
A faint excitement flickered in the girl's eyes. For the leader of the Copper-Black Cross to bring his niece to such an important conference was clear evidence of his favor. Perhaps the title of "Scarlet Devil" would finally be passed into her hands.
However... thoughts of the New King and the King of Swords brought a shadow of unease to the young girl's mind.
"Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin the meeting promptly. We shouldn't keep the New King waiting."
"What are your thoughts on Church of the Cross's notice sent in the New King's name?"
"..."
"I understand your concerns, but all magic societies in Italy operate under Lord Salvatore's command. If he discovers we've switched allegiance to the New King, who can predict the extent of his fury?" The commander of the Capital of Lilies spoke with growing anxiety.
"We've never formally pledged loyalty to Lord Salvatore. To him, we're merely bees gathered in a hive. He wouldn't harbor any suspicions," Paolo Blandelli shook his head.
"The King of Swords moves unpredictably, and the Demon Lord of Eastern Europe has long coveted Italy. Falling into his hands would prove far more perilous," Blandelli added.
The speaker was the commander of the "Olden Dame."
Marquis Voban was a cruel and ruthless ruler, his terror making all of Europe tremble.
Death alone wouldn't have instilled such fear in them.
But Voban possessed the power to transform those he killed into "Death's Servants," denying even the dead the peace of rest.
"...However, we know too little about the New King. But, but the messages coming from the Church of the Cross clearly carry a strong purpose. Therefore, we must quickly choose whether we will continue supporting our Southern European ally, Lord Salvatore Doni, or betray him and embrace the New King..."
"Additionally, if we refuse the New King, how will we endure her wrath? Or can we even withstand it?" After the Olden Dame's leader finished speaking, Diana Milito, seated across from him, stood up and solemnly restated the key points.
"Regarding the New King, we only know that she is Chinese, like the leader of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains and the powerful Martial King. The divine powers the New King wields include one belonging to the archangel Michael, and the other to an unknown God King..."
The young commander of the Capital of Lilies, known as the Purple Knight, continued his speech.
His understanding of the powers of Heretic Gods and Campione was limited because... he... and indeed all the mages of the Capital of Lilies had never encountered a Campione or a Heretic God.
Having only heard about them without ever witnessing them firsthand meant they didn't inspire true fear.
"I beg your pardon for interrupting your discussion, esteemed lords. Please hear me out. I have interacted with Lord Salvatore, the King of Swords. His temperament is unsuited for loyalty.
Moreover, the New King's stance is clear. Defying her orders could invite retaliation! Especially since Lord Salvatore is only our nominal ally. The 'Seven Sisters' are not his true subordinates, so this wouldn't count as betrayal. Therefore, I suggest..."
At this moment, the young girl beside Paolo Blandelli suddenly couldn't contain herself and began speaking.
Facing the gazes of numerous Italian magic world luminaries, she spoke with unflinching confidence. Her assured demeanor made the seasoned mages nod in approval, secretly envious that the Copper-Black Cross had such an exceptional successor.
Before the young girl could finish her sentence, the leader of the "Capital of Lilies" interrupted her: "...Lady Erica Blantelli, please be mindful of your surroundings. Though you are an exceptional successor of the Copper-Black Cross, you have no right to speak here..."
The young girl's face flushed crimson as she swallowed her words. After a moment of restraint, she sighed and bowed deeply. "My apologies, Lady Erica misspoke. I hope all present will forgive this oversight."
Seeing his niece being reprimanded, Paolo Blandelli couldn't help but offer her slight consolation, urging her not to take it too personally.
He was immensely satisfied with his niece's performance. He had already begun training her as the next "Scarlet Devil" of the Copper-Black Cross.
As Erica had surmised, the title of "Scarlet Devil" would soon belong to her.
"Hmph!"
In response to Erica's apology, the Purple Knight merely snorted without further comment. After all, he still needed to maintain some respect for Paul's position.