Every time I read that post about doing things out of spite I remember that C. S. Lewis put that fucking street lamp in Narnia because Tolkien once said that no good fantasy story would have a lamp in it.
What if Iblis kinda like, fused with Elise’s personality as she grew up, or they some how interacted.
Then when Mephiles finally got to Elise, she recognized him and was like “Mephiles! Iblis talks about you all the time! It’s nice to finally meet you! Please come in for dinner.”
Then Iblis, Elise, and Mephiles become bffers. Turns out just by being near Elise, Mephiles can have more power, but her friendliness toward him catches on, and they all become good friends, and protect Soleanna and through the power of friendship everything is OK.