My Celestial Ascension Chapter 896: Duke Cedric Vaen

"I wonder what the Duke of Kharzûn City wants from us. It certainly doesn’t look like you’re here just to see us," Yuan remarked, fixing his steady gaze on the man ahead, his eyes scanning closely for the slightest shift in Cedric’s attitude.

Cedric delivered his words in an even tone, keeping his face serene while noting their every response. "I’m here on behalf of our great monarch—the Demon Emperor. And my lord has specifically ordered me to bring all of you to the Eternal Demon City."

"News of your presence has made its way to our Monarch’s attention. Humans and demihumans breaching the storm barrier to step into our realm... it’s entertained not just our ruler, but plenty of the nobles too."

"Entering our territory isn’t something minor. No one has ever managed to pass through the storm barrier successfully, from this side or the other."

"At this point, demons across the empire know you’re here. Our Monarch wants a personal audience with you all in the Palace before others come knocking," he clarified, his face staying impassive, his stare never faltering for an instant.

‘The Demon Emperor seeks an audience with us... this carries real weight. Do I consent to joining him?’ Yuan mused, still examining the figure in front of him intently.

Cedric Vaen—the ruler of Kharzûn City and leader of the Vaen Household. This individual was anything but ordinary; each stance and gesture brimmed with deliberate meaning.

Beyond that, he exuded the poise of a battle-hardened soldier. Furthermore, Yuan and his wives detected the immense Spiritual Energy surging in Cedric—on par with a Peak Spirit Warrior.

‘Though blindly obeying commands isn’t my way, the Demon Emperor intrigues me... I ought to encounter him directly before venturing elsewhere,’ Yuan reflected silently.

"What’s your take, darling? Do we trail this man to the Demon Empire’s Capital City?" Anna Grace inquired, her face showing curiosity as she awaited Yuan’s verdict.

"Let’s head there. The Demon Emperor piques my interest too. It’ll make for an enjoyable journey," Yuan answered with a subtle grin, shifting his attention back to Cedric.

"We’ll join you to face the Emperor... but there’s a single stipulation," Yuan continued smoothly, a faint smirk playing on his mouth.

"Is that so? Tell me what it is. Don’t hold back," Cedric arched a brow just a touch, evidently caught off guard by Yuan’s bold request.

"The stipulation is straightforward. We want no involvement in your dealings—whether fights, battles, or schemes. We’re not keen on getting mixed up in those, nothing more," Yuan stated evenly, as his wives gave affirming nods.

"Precisely. If you won’t agree to our terms, then scrap the Emperor meeting. Accept it or leave it—up to you entirely," Valeria declared with a broad smile, positioned right next to Yuan.

‘This human woman... she radiates the build and presence of a fighter. She’s surely seen endless clashes,’ Cedric mused, eyeing Valeria with surprise at her assured voice.

"Before I commit to your stipulation, could I learn why you insist on it?" Cedric probed, obviously seeking to grasp their intentions.

"It’s straightforward. We prefer handling our own matters and avoiding others’ troubles," Yuan responded steadily.

‘Understood... they’re extremely wary. Clearly not ones to tumble into traps. Anyway, I lack better options than agreeing,’ Cedric exhaled mentally.

"Your condition is accepted," Cedric announced shortly after, releasing a deep breath.

He couldn’t refuse Yuan’s request. After all, the Demon Emperor’s command had been clear: escort Yuan and the group to the palace.

"Then we’re set to leave whenever you’re prepared," Yuan shot back with a grin.

"Perfect. Follow me to my estate. We set off for Eternal Demon City in a couple of hours," Cedric replied, a trace of eagerness in his tone as he motioned to the carriage.

Yuan eyed the carriage for a second before commenting, "Proceed without us. We’ll trail right after. Plus, that compact carriage won’t fit us all snugly."

"Very well, I’ll await you at my estate," Cedric agreed with a nod, then climbed aboard the carriage.

Moments later, the carriage vanished from view, trailing a puff of dust.

"Is tagging along with him wise? Suppose the Demon Emperor harbors some secret plot against us?" Angela drew near Yuan, her features etched with concern after the carriage faded away.

Yuan offered a warm smile and drew her into a comforting embrace. "Ease up, Grandma. How could a simple Demon Emperor threaten us? Anyway, isn’t this an ideal chance to encounter him?"

"The Demon Emperor... I clashed with their forebear—the First Demon Emperor—on numerous occasions. He was a horrifying force, able to slay gods themselves," Selvariel stated in a chilly, remote tone as old recollections stirred.

"Really? You never mentioned battling the First Demon Emperor. What other secrets are you keeping?" Yuan questioned, looking toward the angel near Miss Zara and Little Zoe.

"It happened long ago, during the Holy Church’s war on the Demons. As God’s followers, we angels joined the Holy Church’s cause in that conflict," Selvariel answered promptly, her face staying icy and aloof.

Yuan stayed quiet for a bit upon hearing this. He observed her briefly, attempting to gauge if she still nursed profound grudge against demons.

"Do you harbor resentment still?" he inquired.

"I-I’m unsure... My emotions are tangled. I wouldn’t claim I resent them anymore, yet I can’t say I favor them either..." she answered, her voice a bit uneasy as she wrestled with her sentiments.

Having devoted her existence to the gods, she’d despised demons from her deepest core. She’d waged endless wars against them before.

She’d tasted triumphs and losses, seen her angelic comrades perish in combat, and struck down countless demons with her blade personally.

It’d be odd if she felt no animosity toward demons, and Yuan grasped her turmoil, given her angelic essence as a creature of holiness and radiance.

"Got it... anyway, just avoid a rampage if the Demon Emperor utters foolishness," Yuan laughed softly as his form gradually rose from the earth.

"No fears. I’m no blood-crazed lunatic," Selvariel responded with a gentle laugh. She extended her splendid wings fully and, with an elegant beat, ascended into the heavens.

Minutes passed, and they hovered over the imposing Vaen family estate, the view from above striking and grand.

Countless fighters drilled in the expansive training area next to the estate, pushing themselves with unyielding vigor.

Far off, a carriage raced toward the estate, stirring up swirls of dust in its wake—it was the earlier one.

"Looks like we beat him here..." Vanessa giggled upon spotting the nearing carriage.

"Mom, how do you stack a carriage’s pace against ours? That contraption crawls like a snail," Valeria scoffed, rolling her eyes in astonishment.

"True, I overlooked we’re airborne... flying feels utterly routine to me these days," Vanessa admitted bashfully, catching her error.

As the carriage stopped, Yuan and his wives descended leisurely beside it, stunning all onlookers—including Cedric.

‘D-Did they descend from the air?!’ Cedric yelled internally, gripped by shock.

"W-What’s this I’m seeing? Those folks... they soared through the air mere moments ago!!"

"Can this be real?! When did humans gain the power to glide freely in the skies? It must be an illusion!"

"And these strangers—who are they truly? They bear no resemblance to anyone from the Demonic Continent!"

The manor’s outdoor staff started murmuring, their expressions frozen in awe like they’d glimpsed phantoms.

They even abandoned their tasks, staring at Yuan and the group, whose looks differed sharply from locals.

Yet, spotting their Lord nearby, the staff quietly retreated from sight.

"I never anticipated such a travel style... I’m at a loss for words," Duke Cedric uttered soon, his tone laced with incredulity.

"We’re not aiming to startle you. This is our usual way to move between spots. It cuts down time and strain immensely," Yuan explained coolly, a light smile on his face.

"Anyway, enter my modest abode. Let’s head in," Cedric invited with a quiet exhale, still grappling with the spectacle.

‘Not even gods achieved what these beings do... what’s their true background? They seem far beyond typical humans,’ he contemplated as he guided them within.

While proceeding, his eyes sharpened a fraction upon noticing Selvariel trailing Yuan. He recognized her instantly—he’d battled the Heroes in those days.

‘That lady... she’s an angel who supported the Heroes in the war. What ties her to this human?’ That visage lingered in his memory, impossible to erase.

‘Provided she stirs no chaos for us, I’ll overlook past events... though I’ll watch her closely,’ he decided, flicking another look at Selvariel.

"I’ve assigned a few servants for your needs. Command them for any food you desire. Meanwhile, I’ll handle my duties," Cedric noted before departing the guest chamber.

Once out, Cedric directed his subordinates to ready the carriages for the trek to Eternal City. The path stretched far, demanding plentiful provisions.

On top of that, he had to gather a squad of top warriors, since the trip held perils.

The Demonic Continent stood as the world’s mightiest landmass. Cities lay separated by enormous expanses, and journeys between them often spanned days effortlessly.