Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 932- Invitation for the Tea Party (2)

I thought it was about time we met, you and I. It's not every day a Demon Marquess with your... unique potential pops up. You've caught my attention, Simon. Consider yourself invited to one of my little 'get-togethers.' Don't worry, it's not just any gathering. Oh no, this is the Grand Tea—an event I host every… well let's say whenever I feel like it. Think of it as... a who's who of the Demon world. All the Demon Archdukes and anyone else who's anyone will be there. You'll fit right in—well, that depends on whether you can handle the heat.

Hehehe, three months from now, my darling. Mark your calendar. The Eternal Desire Palace awaits. I'm sure you've heard of it. If not, well... I suppose you'll find out soon enough. It's a place full of... temptation. It's located deep in the Demi-Human continent, far beyond the Dead Tide and the Burning Expanse. Oh yes, I'm well aware that it's a bit... out of the way for many. But don't worry, I'm nothing if not accommodating. There will be airships ready to carry my esteemed guests. They'll be departing from a few select locations on the Demon Continent. You'll need to make your way to one of these stations. Let's see, the closest to you would probably be Wailing Spire, nestled in the Forgotten Valley. It's not too far from your lovely forest, just a quick jaunt through the Sphinx Desert. If that's too much trouble, you could always head toward Abaddon's Maw, though I hear the locals can be a bit... unfriendly to newcomers. There's also Gehenna's Gate, over in the Black Sun Wastelands, but it's a bit of a trek from your side of the continent. Whichever you choose, the airship will take you directly to the Eternal Desire Palace. Just be sure not to miss your ride. After all, the Dungeon of Temptation doesn't host just anyone, you know. Not everyone who attends these... little gatherings leaves unscathed. Or at all. You could say the place has a way of... changing people. But someone like you should be fine, right? You're not the type to fall for a bit of temptation, are you? Hehehe, of course, I'll leave the choice up to you. Oh, and one more thing—are you sure you'll make it to the airship? I heard you've made quite a few enemies at the last Hexennacht. There are rumours that certain parties might not be too pleased to see you alive, let alone prospering. I wonder... will they let you board so easily? Or perhaps... we'll be seeing each other far sooner than expected if you fail to make it? Hehehe, wouldn't that be fun? Well then, deary, don't keep me waiting too long. After all, I'm ever so curious to see what makes you so... special.

See you soon, Lilith, Demon Lord of Lust, Mistress of Temptation... and a few other fun things."**

As he finished reading the content, Simon's face was mix of amusement and shock. His lips curled into a smirk as he read the final lines, this was no letter but a missive to temptation.

There was no denying Lilith's skill with words, every sentence dripped with teasing allure and mockery, but also, beneath that, was a challenge—a dare to step into her domain and see if he could survive the temptations of the Eternal Desire Palace. The seductive fragrance still lingered in the air as Simon's eyes moved back to the wax seal, the signature crest of Lilith, stamped in blood-red wax. It had been made to tease, to provoke curiosity, while her words held a faint sense of bewitchment, as if they sought to lure him closer to her world.

Simon knew well enough that Lilith was not one to be taken lightly, but he had to admire her boldness.

She clearly wasn't just testing his strength but his ability to keep his mind sharp and will intact. Lilith, the Demon Lord of Lust... Althoguh this would be his first time seeing her in person, he'd heard many things about her—most notably for her charm.

She wasn't merely a being of overwhelming power like some of the more brutish Demon Lords, but she was far more dangerous because of her cunning.

Lilith was known not just for her strength but for the subtle and insidious ways she manipulated others, bending even the most willful to her desires without lifting a finger. Just a few whispered word or a passing glance, and the strongest of warriors would be at her feet, yearning for her approval.

She was someone who not only uses strength, but also wits to fight her battles. Most importantly, it wasn't just her seductive prowess that made her a formidable force.

 Lilith was said to be one of the oldest beings in existence, a primordial demon, a being who had existed since the beginning of the world.

She was one of the few who held the "Complete Memory of the World," meaning she possessed the knowledge of its deepest secrets—truths that even other Demon Lords might not know. She held wisdom that went beyond mere power.

Such a being was someone who could not be underestimated or trifled with.

"What a cunning woman," Simon muttered under his breath, folding the letter and keeping it in his space ring.

The fact that Lilith had addressed him by name, a Demon Marquess, sent chills down his spine.

How much does she know about me? He had to wonder. He had been careful, meticulous even, about keeping his profile low while he grew his power and influence, yet it seemed the Demon Lord of Lust had taken notice of him.

For her to know his name... that in itself raised more questions than it answered.

How did she learn of me? And more importantly, how much does she know??

It was no secret that beings as ancient and powerful as Lilith had vast information networks, reaching into the farthest corners of the world. A being of her caliber could gather information about anyone or anything without breaking a sweat.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om