24 January 2024 part 2

I like the idea of Mela. Largely inspired by a combination of Nerissa Ravencroft’s vtuber lore and Uta from a One Piece movie (though I haven’t actually watched it myself; just saw this).

“Now, why would I want to do that?”

The old priest froze, then turned to look at Mela. “She’s the demon king! You heard her just now. She could ruin everything we’ve worked for!”

“You mean everything you’ve worked for.” She stepped forward, a sinister smile on her lips. The old priest paled, but before he could say anything, Mela said, “You see, from my perspective, there’s nothing to gain from antagonizing her. Either she keeps herself under control and does nothing, in which case attacking her and spouting accusations only makes us look like fools, or worse. Or perhaps she does lose control, as all you old codgers claim she will.” Mela’s grin turns vicious, and her arms spread wide. “Wonderful! Then people will finally remember why they need a saintess. And if she follows through on her threat…” Mela stepped right up to the old priest and whispered in his ear, “Then I’ll finally be free of you, won’t I? Free to pull my own strings.”

The old priest backpedaled away. “You, you can’t be serious! You’re the saintess! You’d sacrifice everything for power?”

“I did learn from the best, after all.” Mela turned around and started to walk away. “I should probably thank you for that lesson.”