West of the Empire, the Beelzebub Kingdom.

This is the land ruled by the Rose Royal Family, and also the birthplace of the Red Apple Church. Even though it is now the depths of winter, roses can be seen blooming throughout the country.

Both the aristocracy and the common folk hold a profound love for roses. This affection runs in their blood, stems from culture, customs, and faith, and has been ingrained over millennia, perhaps even longer.

In the north of the kingdom, at the center of the Snow Fox Territory, stands a luxurious yet ancient villa perched on a mountainside. The vast clusters of maroon structures stretch across the hillside, with vibrant, thriving roses growing in and out of the spire-like high walls.

This is home to Duke Holm and his family.

The villa is situated at a height, affording a commanding view of the entire town. It appears isolated from the world, the locals are unworthy of setting foot here, and the duke’s family rarely descends to the town.

Today is a sacred day, for the duchess has given birth.

At 9:45 in the morning, a baby girl let out her first cry.

The infant’s cries echoed through the villa, yet strangely, there were no hurried footsteps, no cheers, not even normal conversation.

In the cold and deathly silent villa, only the cries resounded.

Waa—

Waa—

The sound reverberated as if foretelling something, with the roses around the villa swaying in sync with the cries.

In the villa’s hall, all normal furniture had been moved out, leaving an extremely spacious area. In the center was a complex array drawn with fresh blood, above which a bed and a cradle were placed. The crying came from within the cradle.

However, the duchess lying on the bed had been dead for some time. She wore a white gown, her abdomen stained red with blood, resembling a rose blooming in the snow... Her eyes remained open, her amber pupils vacant, yet a peculiar and devout smile lingered at the corners of her mouth.

A man dressed in a formal red ceremonial robe and wearing a tilted hat knelt on both knees, bowing to the cradle.

In his left hand, he held an open "Rose Bible," and in his right, a red rose. He recited doctrines and blessings with fervor, his gaze steadfast.

This was none other than Duke Holm, the master of the villa and the entire Snow Fox Territory.

Behind him, dozens of priests in red robes knelt solemnly, bowing their heads in silence, not daring to glance at the cradle.

Further back, monks crowded but orderly, knelt on the ground, nearly filling the entire villa.

Soon, everyone followed Duke Holm, chanting prayers in unison:

"God said, hunger is man’s primal desire; consumption is to follow one’s heart..."

"God said, flesh is the root of humanity, to become stronger for life’s continuation..."

"God said, disease is merely a path to be endured, we must bear the trials..."

For some unknown reason, someone suddenly began to weep.

It was as if they shared in the emotions of the gods, absorbed by pain.

Everyone’s voices gradually grew louder, nearly deafening. A frenzied and devout atmosphere filled the entire villa.

"Loyal gardeners in the Rose Divine Kingdom, the harvest men at the Scarlet Ceremony... The great Doromy Purness, we welcome your resurrection, offering sacrifices for your birth!"

Swish!

Swish swish!

Each monk in red robes drew a dagger from their bosom and, without hesitation, plunged it into their left chest, piercing their hearts.

Scalding blood flowed freely.

The priests forcibly tore off their own heads, their expressions twisted in pain and tears, holding their heads high towards the cradle.

Duke Holm remained indifferent to everything around him. He placed the rose within the Bible and then set the Bible aside, bowing intensely.

Thud!

Thud thud!

His forehead struck the floor heavily, blood seeping from the impact, yet he remained unmoved... until his face was covered in blood, and Duke Holm finally fainted with a blissful smile on his lips.

The baby’s cries continued for a long time before ceasing suddenly.

The villa returned to its deathly silence once more.

Only the strong scent of blood mingled with the fragrance of roses.

*

*

*

"Master Jack, here is the intelligence you required."

In the room, the Faceless Servant placed a sealed stack of documents on the table solemnly and added:

"The Speaker personally went to the Beelzebub Kingdom to investigate, the credibility of the intelligence is extremely high. He also asked me to convey that everything went smoothly."

"Thank you."

Chen Lun nodded and placed two Gold Pounds onto the servant’s tray.

After the Faceless Servant completed his bow and left, Chen Lun opened the enveloped parchment and began to peruse it carefully.

This is the critical intelligence he gathered by summoning the Strength of the Generous Council and having Speaker Azjiluo personally intervene.

Information about the Cocoon of the End.

In the document, it was the Speaker’s personally written words, the black calligraphy flowed smoothly, detailing the whereabouts of this Esoteric Cult and its current location.

The current leader of the Cocoon of the End is named Elsey, a Sequence Four [Sin Eater], and a newly ascended Flesh Saint... although she is a female, her behaviors and even her sexual orientation lean towards masculinity. At the same time, she is a devout follower of the Dim Lady.

Immediately after the end of the Scarlet Battle, the Cocoon of the End was also purged by the Empire. The organization was not large to begin with, and after a bloody fight, few members remained.

In the end, the leader Elsey led dozens of remnants and withdrew from the Empire along with the Red Apple Church, eventually making their way to the Beelzebub Kingdom.

Now, the hideout of the Cocoon of the End is hidden in the eastern part of the Kingdom, near the border of the Empire’s new state... However, according to the intelligence recorded by the Speaker, the Rose Royal Family has apparently contacted Elsey and intends to incorporate this force.

Although the Cocoon of the End now only has a few remaining members, with less than five Mid Sequence members, the leader Elsey is a high-ranking Saint. It is not surprising that the Rose Royal Family would take an interest in them.

’This Elsey, to be involved with the Rose Royal Family? The Dim Lady and the Lady Rose do not get along. Logically, the two forces that worship these two Deities should be enemies...’

Chen Lun pondered calmly and then shook his head.

’When the Red Calamity raged before, the two sides collaborated somewhat. It is no wonder the Dim Lady dislikes this group of believers, even to the point of loathing... but it is this loathing that I need to use.’

He thought in his heart, silently reciting a lullaby. An ivory white pen appeared out of thin air in his hand, and he began to write on the blank manuscript paper.

Rustle...

Elegant black curly letters filled the paper, quickly forming paragraphs, but these were not Chen Lun’s "script," rather "materials," for the intelligence he gathered was in preparation for the official writing.

Philip Howard is Chen Lun’s archenemy, but also his mentor and friend, having "taught" him many things... Reviewing Howard’s past schemes, Chen Lun discovered that every tiny detail needs to be carefully maneuvered to stir Destiny. Perhaps an insignificant coincidence could bring about monstrous waves, triggering a tsunami.

’Decades ago, because of the Desecrated Duke’s provocation, the Dim Lady personally killed Doromy Purness and several Ten Core Archbishops... logically, the person Doromy Purness hated most would be the Dim Lady!’

Chen Lun stopped his pen, his eyes deep in thought.

’But getting the Dim Lady to step into the game is incredibly difficult and fraught with danger... what I need to do is stay as hidden as possible, only allowing the Incarnation to guide gently. The Cocoon of the End is a good pawn, potentially very effective...’

*

*

*

Three days later.

A mountain villa in the Snow Fox Territory.

Within the vermilion high walls, more than a dozen maids quietly and obediently trimmed the branches in the garden. The day was snow-free, and the weather was bright, perfect for tidying up the villa’s chaotic environment.

Not far in the garden, white roses bloomed in abundance.

A girl in a yellow floral dress sat serenely on a high chair, holding a doll in her arms.

She was Doromy, the daughter of Grand Duke Holm, now around ten years old, looking adorably, with fair skin, long eyelashes, and a pair of distinctive red eyes of the Rose Royal Family.

"Great Doromy, please issue your decree."

Grand Duke Holm, the girl’s father, knelt on the ground, looking fervent.

Next to him, more than a dozen stewards and servants from the villa also prostrated on the ground, silently.

The girl Doromy lay bonelessly on the chair, her eyes closed, head tilted, gently rubbing her face against the doll in her hand with a look of intoxication, her delicate features resembling an artwork.

She did not speak, remaining in this state for a while.

Seeing this, Grand Duke Holm felt a surge of inexplicable emotion, his eyes showing a similar intoxicated, dazed look. Even the stewards and servants nearby raised their heads, staring at the girl blankly.

The Duke slowly stood up, walked to his daughter, quietly reached out his hand, trembling with anticipation, gently caressing her smooth and delicate cheek.

Calling affectionately:

"Doromy..."

The next moment.

Grand Duke Holm’s eyes widened, his mouth gaped open.

He saw his fingers bloom like roses.

The nails and skin cracked and peeled off in layers, the finger bones stood like flower pistils, and the flesh blossomed. The Duke’s body disobeyed him as the "Flesh Flower" spread from his fingers, palm, wrist, forearm, and even to his shoulders...

Eventually, Grand Duke Holm transformed into a blood-flesh rose, blooming in place... the stewards and servants pounced uncontrollably, devouring the Duke completely.

Afterwards, more than a dozen people ate and drank to their fill, revealing satisfied yet intoxicated expressions, before their own bodies quietly also blossomed into rose flowers.

The scene was bloody and eerie, but the distant maids seemed oblivious, continuing to trim the flower branches...

At this moment, steps approached along the garden path.

A group of people in dark red robes arrived, led by a mature woman, particularly noticeable for her bright red hair.

They walked directly into the garden.

The red-haired woman glanced lightly at the blood-flesh roses on the ground, clearly understanding that Grand Duke Holm’s far cousin, Holmfeld, was dead beyond resurrection.

But the woman was indifferent, only slowly approaching the blonde girl, bending down, and speaking gently with affection:

"Brother, Louisa is here to see you, do you need your hair combed today?"

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