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 where you all look so troubled. Such

minutes, during which time none of the demons displayed any reaction to the behavior he was displaying. It

"Are you done laughing?"

size of melons. Briefly glancing at Prince Arian, he looked toward Prince Valling of

His eyes immediately narrowed.

gaze, Prince

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

didn't seem

to be more precise,

been displaying up until this point as he looked

the matter? Have you all been charmed by her

"Charm?"

air. Instantaneously, the two demons who

to themselves by a wave of Prince Devot's hand, and he then turned to address the person

isn't the time for your little jokes,

but the word 'beautiful', Princess Rhan, the head of the Charm House, covered her

laughter was like the sound of pearls being clinked together. It was crisp and pleasant to

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

mouth, the smile on her

know, however, is why she is totally

to look at Priscilla, who looked

you implying that she shouldn't

at her, Prince Valling's voice

at him, unamused. Her eyes extremely

pretend like you

specific,

while we were having our meeting, and out of everyone present, your

took on an iciness as

"…Is that a coincidence?"

you implying that I'm the one responsible

across Prince Valling's face vanished, and he

month. Do you really think I have the ability

"That's not it."

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

you to have done it

the sentence, but the meaning was crystal clear as everyone's focus once again shifted toward Priscilla who shuddered

everything turn on her at that

'Wh-at's going on?'

was a

so quickly that before she knew it, she had been indirectly accused of killing four Dukes and severely injuring two

this way? She had no recollection of this ever

being set

is the one responsible for all of

good look at her.

impossible. I'm well aware

everyone. Seeing their eyes, he knew that their accusations