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.

to..Kek…see a day where you all look so

during which time none of the demons displayed any reaction

"Are you done laughing?"

of melons. Briefly glancing at Prince Arian, he looked toward Prince Valling of the House of Sloth and paused his gaze on

His eyes immediately narrowed.

gaze, Prince Valling called

Aton? You seem to be looking at my

face as he addressed Prince Aton. He didn't seem too

be

been displaying up until this point as he

matter? Have you all been

"Charm?"

and crystalline floated through the air. Instantaneously, the two demons who were standing behind Prince Devot and

them 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

the time for your

not be described as anything but the word 'beautiful', Princess Rhan, the head of the Charm House, covered her

of pearls being clinked together. It was crisp and pleasant to

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

her hand from her mouth, the smile on

want to know, however, is why she

turned to look at Priscilla, who looked around in

that

at her, Prince

unamused. Her eyes extremely

like you didn't

gaze in all directions. To be more specific, toward the vacant seats behind

and out of everyone present, your

on an iciness as she turned

"…Is that a coincidence?"

the one responsible

across Prince Valling's face vanished, and he looked

really think I have the

"That's not it."

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

know that it's impossible for you

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

felt everything turn on her

'Wh-at's going on?'

mind was a complete

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

turned out this way? She had

was being

is the one responsible for

looked behind him, taking a good look at

impossible. I'm well aware

leaned forward and carefully looked at everyone. Seeing their eyes, he knew that their accusations