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.

day where you all look so

displayed any reaction to the behavior he was

"Are you done laughing?"

He was a burly looking demon with muscles the size of melons. Briefly glancing at Prince Arian, he looked toward Prince Valling of the House

His eyes immediately narrowed.

his gaze, Prince

seem to be looking at my successor an awful lot. She's pretty,

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

be

demeanor he had been displaying up until this point as he

matter? Have you

"Charm?"

the air. Instantaneously, the two demons who were standing

Prince Devot's hand, and he then turned to address

the time for

be described as anything but the word 'beautiful', Princess

of pearls being clinked together. It was

lady is indeed beautiful, she still has a long way to go before reaching the point where she can charm

her mouth, the smile on her face disappeared and

know, however, is why she is totally

to look at Priscilla, who

that she

her, Prince Valling's

unamused. Her eyes extremely

you didn't

be more specific, toward the vacant seats behind a few of

having our meeting, and out of everyone present, your successor is the only one

took on an iciness

"…Is that a coincidence?"

you implying that I'm the one responsible for

across Prince Valling's face

past month. Do you really think I have the ability to

"That's not it."

a rather lanky demon with short green hair and the head of the Pride

you to have done it

as everyone's focus once again shifted toward

on

'Wh-at's going on?'

mind was a complete

had been indirectly accused of killing four Dukes and

out this way? She had no recollection of this

was being set

you're saying that Priscilla is the one responsible for

him, taking a good look

I'm well aware of her

at everyone. Seeing their eyes, he knew that their accusations had