In the end, staring at his nearly depleted mana bar, Xia Xin could only submit to being chained up by Tia.

Solitary confinement… If things truly turned dire, he’d have no choice but to unleash another spell—blasting them all to ashes.

Though that would drain his mana to absolute zero.

Well~ at least he had a safety net.

Having no sword at all was different from choosing not to draw yours.

Belle stepped forward, taking the chains binding Xia Xin. "Commander Tia," she said smoothly, "leave the rest to me. And that Demon Spy—I’ll handle her too."

"Very well. I’m counting on you," Tia nodded.

*So reliable! This interrogator, Belle!*

Tia was deeply moved. Such talent wasted in a tiny prison—it was a tragic waste of potential.

She’d never imagined finding a pillar of humanity right here.

Her decision was made.

Once the Calamity Witch incident ended, she’d recruit Belle into the Holy Knights. Beyond interrogation, she’d forge her into a blade piercing straight into the Demonfolk’s heart!

Belle’s ever-present calm was an exceptionally rare quality.

As for the Calamity Witch… Tch. No matter how she thought about it, she was a catastrophe waiting to happen.

That earlier spell had screamed one message: *"Killing you all—or reducing this prison to rubble—is child’s play for me."*

Tia had to admit her fear of the Calamity Witch had reached a dangerous level. She couldn’t face her directly anymore. She needed solitude to regain her composure.

She’d leave this problem to the capable interrogator.

Tia turned away, already daydreaming about nurturing this talent for the future.

What she’d never suspect was Belle watching her retreating back, lips slowly curving into a meaningful smile.

*Commander Tia… so young.*

Triumphant, Belle felt her tail practically bristle with glee.

Yes—a tail!

Behind her, a slender, demonic tail flickered beneath her oversized robes.

This trait confirmed she wasn’t human.

No one knew the Sword of Damocles hanging over interrogation circles was wielded not by a human, but by the Demonfolk—their sworn enemies.

Belle was a deep-cover spy planted in the Empire of Enpearl.

Answering directly to the Demon King himself, her identity was known to none. Her flawless acting had deceived everyone—even Holy Knight Commander Tia.

*"Calamity Witch…"* Belle studied Xia Xin and Xila, lost in thought. *"Is this truly the Demon King’s target?"*

While no human knew she was a spy, she knew most Demonfolk undercover among humans—including their true identities.

In this westernmost region, where the Church’s power reigned supreme, Demonfolk spies were scarce.

Only about twenty or thirty thousand.

Xila, bound before her… Belle knew her mission: observe human movements from Nobles Town.

But the Calamity Witch? An infamous figure known to all. Belle recognized her instantly.

That casual fireball spell had revealed the Witch’s terrifying depth.

Strong. Unnaturally strong.

That was just a basic Fireball Spell—likely cast without even draining her mana.

If she unleashed a Forbidden Spell? Reducing the entire Empire of Enpearl to a hellscape wouldn’t be hyperbole.

On battlefields, her power could single-handedly decide wars.

Belle understood now.

The Demon King—and spy Xila—aimed to recruit the Calamity Witch. Her strength would shatter the fragile balance between Demonfolk and humans.

Xila’s repeated mentions of the Witch during interrogation? A subtle reminder of their true mission.

And the roundabout approach? Necessary secrecy in a prison teeming with humans.

Direct communication was impossible—they’d be discovered.

A safe method was essential.

This was where Belle’s months of scheming paid off. Her hard-won position as interrogator granted her the perfect tool:

Locking both the Calamity Witch and Xila in that soundproof solitary cell.

No one would hear what happened inside.

Xila would have ample time to break the Witch’s defenses—with both body and mind—swaying her to the Demonfolk’s side.

Belle’s role? Delay everyone else—especially Tia. That woman’s monstrous strength could derail everything if she met the Witch.

This entire plan had crystallized in Belle’s mind the moment Xila’s interrogation ended.

*Hmm? The other details Xila spilled? Irrelevant.*

Who’d willingly stand near the Calamity Witch without orders? One touch risked inviting calamity!

Belle was certain now: this was the Demon King’s will.

Soon, Belle escorted them to their destination.

Descending the stairs, the air grew icy. At the end loomed a pitch-black door, wrapped in chains and etched with ominous runes—like the gates of the Styx itself. Chilling to behold.

Belle swung the cell door open, shoving Xia Xin and Xila inside. "In you go!" she barked. "Don’t expect to see daylight for ten days—or a month!"

*Translation: I’ll buy you all the time you need.*

"Hey! Why lock me up with *her*?!" Xila’s face paled. "My crimes don’t deserve this!"

*Such a truly commendable performance,* Belle mused inwardly. *Alone with only me here, yet still acting… Yes, she’ll be worth recommending to the Demon King later.*

*But that’s for after the mission.*

With a heavy *thud*, Belle slammed the door shut.