Chapter 496: Chapter 496: Hanging Axe Plan on New Year’s Eve

"Nolan?"

Eliza was surprised to hear Isabella’s voice and looked up.

When she saw her brother, her eyes immediately lit up with happiness.

"Brother Nolan!"

She jumped out of her seat and ran toward him with her arms wide open.

Nolan smiled, crouched down, and opened his arms as well.

Eliza leaped into them and hugged him tightly.

"You’re finally back! I missed you so much!" she sobbed, burying her face in his neck.

It had been more than three months since she had last seen him, and it would be a lie to say she hadn’t missed him.

Moreover, Nolan was her only sibling besides Elina, who had always kept her company whenever she was lonely.

Because of that, she loved him dearly and wanted to see him again as soon as possible.

Nolan stood up and gently rubbed her back.

"I miss you too, Eliza. Have you been a good girl while I was away?"

Eliza wiped her tears as she loosened her embrace.

"Um! I’ve been a good girl, Brother Nolan!" she replied enthusiastically.

"Good!" Nolan nodded in satisfaction. He gently pinched her cheek and asked again, "How’s your job with Shion? Does she treat you well?"

Eliza smiled sweetly, then began to tell him, "Sister Shion is very nice to me, Brother. She always takes care of me and gives me lots of delicious food! Sister Luna is also nice and often plays with me. Other than that..."

The little girl continued recounting her experiences enthusiastically.

Nolan didn’t interrupt her and listened until she finished.

From her expression, it was clear that she truly enjoyed the work.

Once Eliza was done, Nolan ruffled her hair and praised her. "Very good. If you have any difficulties, or if anyone bothers you, let me know, okay? I’ll take care of it."

He patted his chest proudly, making Eliza laugh.

"Okay~" The little girl squirmed happily.

Afterward, Nolan walked over to his mother and helped Eliza back into her seat.

Nolan looked at Isabella gently and said, "Mother, I’m back."

Isabella smiled in response. "Welcome home, my son. How was your journey? Did everything go smoothly?"

She was not a woman who was easily moved to tears by touching moments.

But this time, she couldn’t hold back a few tears when she saw him return safely.

Nolan noticed her emotions and smiled back. He sat down beside Eliza and lifted the little girl onto his lap.

"The journey went well, Mother. The mission Father gave me has also been completed. You can rest easy," he said casually, stroking Eliza’s chubby cheek.

The little girl enjoyed his touch and leaned affectionately against his chest.

"That’s great. I’m glad to hear it." Isabella wiped the tears from her right eye and nodded in relief. "Then tell us about your journey. I’m sure it must have been a lot of fun, right?"

"Um! Tell us, Brother! I want to hear it!" Eliza chimed in eagerly.

Knowing that refusing was futile, Nolan shrugged helplessly. "Alright. But the story is a bit boring, so don’t complain."

With that, Nolan began to recount everything to his mother and Eliza.

...

In a dim and silent hall, the Demon Emperor Zerathos sat upon his throne with an indifferent, calm expression.

Kneeling before him was an old man clad in a blood-red cloak.

His posture was deeply respectful, and his face was filled with adoration.

"Tell me, Riddel. Do you think now is the right time to attack the Great Velmora Empire?" The Demon Emperor Zerathos asked indifferently.

Riddel raised his head and shook it slightly.

"No, Your Majesty. If you attack them now, you will surely suffer losses," he replied respectfully.

If the members of the Underworld were to see this, they would surely be shocked.

After all, this man was the current leader of the Underworld organization—the God of Death, more commonly known as the Divine Apostle.

His name and appearance were always shrouded in mystery. Even the cardinals had never seen his true form.

Yet here he was, kneeling respectfully before the Demon Emperor Zerathos, without concealing his identity.

But this was only natural. The Underworld Organization existed solely to await the arrival of the Demon Emperor.

And now, that figure had finally appeared.

It was only right that the power he wielded be handed over to the Demon Emperor so he could lead them along the path to glory.

The Demon Emperor Zerathos’s expression darkened. He drew a slow breath and asked, "What is the reason?"

Riddel straightened himself and explained, "At the moment, the Great Velmora Empire is on high alert. They have stationed many of their strongest soldiers throughout the capital, supported by the four dukes. On top of that, they have seven extremely powerful Celestial Mages. If you attack recklessly, it will only bring losses."

Demon Emperor Zerathos considered his words and found them very reasonable.

Because of his actions, the entire central continent was on high alert.

If he forced himself to act now, it was not impossible that he would die a foolish death.

"Then when exactly can I attack?" he asked again in a heavy voice. "I need fresh blood to fully revive. If this continues, my recovery will be greatly slowed, and that would be dangerous for both me and all of you."

Riddel chuckled and replied reassuringly, "Do not worry too much, Demon Emperor. In fact, the right time to attack is not far away."

"Oh?" Demon Emperor Zerathos looked surprised. "When?"

"On New Year’s Eve."

"New Year’s Eve?" Demon Emperor Zerathos’s eyes widened.

"Yes," Riddel confirmed. "As the year comes to an end, everyone on this continent will be celebrating, including the Great Velmora Empire. It will be the happiest time for their people, but also their most vulnerable. Most will be occupied with festivals across various cities. That is when you should launch your attack."

Hearing this, Demon Emperor Zerathos could no longer suppress his excitement.

Riddel’s reasoning was flawless, especially regarding the timing.

Most people would lower their guard during moments of happiness.

What’s more, he had not appeared for the past few days, so they would surely begin to think he was afraid or merely hiding.

Unfortunately, what they did not know was that he was lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment.

"Hahaha!" Demon Emperor Zerathos could no longer hold back his laughter. "Excellent! Your suggestion makes perfect sense. I like it very much. You deserve a fitting reward."

With that, he opened his right palm.

The next second, a black sphere of light formed and shot toward Riddel.

Boom!

A surge of black aura erupted from Riddel’s body, completely enveloping him.

He could feel his power multiply many times over.

When the light faded, Riddel was unable to restrain his laughter. He cupped his hands respectfully toward Demon Emperor Zerathos.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. I, Riddel, will serve you with my heart and soul!"

Demon Emperor Zerathos simply smiled and nodded slowly.

He could hardly wait for the new year to arrive. The faces and cries of those fools would be so beautiful... hehehe...