The Author's POV

Approximately fifty feet beneath the grand hall was a separate space.

Typically, discussions between the parties would be held above the surface, in the main hall. Only rarely would the lower level ever be used.

...and when this occurred, it almost always indicated that something of an extremely grave nature had taken place.

The atmosphere of the bunker was cold and tense. Ten people surrounded a large oval-shaped table that was lit by a single spotlight that shone down on the table's center point.

The tension in the room was almost palpable.

Everyone's attention was directed toward a demon who was dressed in a long black robe and a hood and stood at the opposite end of the table.

He was, Prince Devot. The current Patriarch of the House of Envy.

He silently surveyed the room with a look of contempt. As the others looked back at him expressionlessly.

Behind Prince Devot was another demon, similarly adorning a black hood to cover its features. The demon seemed somewhat out of it, as they held onto the chair to support themselves.

In spite of that, their gaze was currently focused on Priscilla, who was standing behind her grandfather.

Their gaze wasn't a friendly one.

Prince Devot spoke again.

"Judging from how there's only ten of us, the situation is a lot more serious than anticipated."

His voice resounded throughout the room as soft, repeated whispers that uncomfortably tickled the ears of those present.

It caused Priscilla a great of discomfort, but all she could do was remain standing in silence.

"More serious than anticipated?"

One of the seated demons spoke, his voice bordering on amusement. Similarly, there was another figure standing behind him, but compared to the one standing behind Prince Devot, he wasn't wearing a hood, and everyone was able to see the state he was in.

…It wasn't good.

His skin was as white as paper, and he could hardly keep his eyes open. He appeared to be in a lot of pain. It was likely that he would have collapsed to the ground had it not been for the thin white film that was covering his body.

It also seemed like he was being forced to stay awake.

Another demon glared at the demon that spoke.

"Is there something funny about the situation, Prince Arian?"

"I do, I do… Prince Serling."

Prince Arian covered his mouth to hide his smile while addressing Prince Serling.

"You may not find it amusing, but it's nothing short of amusing to me."

Unable to hold it in anymore, he started cackling out loud.

would've expected to..Kek…see a day

displayed any reaction to the behavior he

"Are you done laughing?"

the size of melons. Briefly glancing at Prince

His eyes immediately narrowed.

Prince

Aton? You seem to be looking at my successor an awful lot. She's

as he addressed Prince Aton. He didn't seem too bothered by the fact that everyone

to be more

same cool demeanor he had been displaying up until this point as he looked around

something the matter? Have you all been charmed

"Charm?"

through the air. Instantaneously, the two demons who were standing

were instantly brought back to themselves by a wave of Prince Devot's hand, and he then turned to address the person who was responsible

time for your

long black hair and a face that could not be described as anything but the word 'beautiful', Princess Rhan, the head of the

pearls being clinked together. It

is indeed beautiful, she still has a

from her mouth, the smile on her face disappeared and

however, is why she is totally

look at

you implying that she

staring at her, Prince Valling's

looked at him, unamused. Her eyes extremely

you didn't

more specific, toward the vacant seats behind

night while we were having our meeting, and out of everyone present, your successor is the only one that

soft tone suddenly took on an iciness

"…Is that a coincidence?"

I'm the one responsible for all

Valling's face vanished,

was with all of you for the past month. Do you really think I have the ability to go undetected by the

"That's not it."

Serling interjected. He was a rather lanky demon with short green hair

that it's impossible for you

was crystal clear as everyone's focus once again shifted

felt everything turn on her

'Wh-at's going on?'

was a complete

before she knew it, she had been indirectly accused

way? She had no recollection of this ever

being set

you're saying that Priscilla is the one responsible for

Valling looked behind him, taking a good look at

impossible. I'm well

forward and carefully looked at everyone. Seeing their eyes, he knew that their accusations had some ground behind