บท 20: Chapter 20: Well, Hello There...
Diablo trailed his fingers across his furrowed brow, his visage illuminated by the dancing flames of the roaring fireplace. The room enveloped in darkness, the flickering light created a mesmerising interplay of shadows. With a dissatisfied look etched upon his face, Diablo reclined upon the plush couch, his body sinking into its embrace. He shook his head as his gaze once again was drawn irresistibly to the crackling fire.
He was....annoyed.
The court hearing had gone precisely according to plan, devoid of any unexpected twists or bizarre diversions. After the startling revelation by Lord Naberius, the entire court was shook. It all was chaos afterwards, shouts resounded from every corner, demanding an explanation, some even caught on that something nefarious was on play, and pleaded with Lord Naberius to tell the truth
The Satans themselves cast fleeting glances Diablo's way, their eyes brushing against him like whispers in the wind. Yet, it was Zekram Bael's reaction that sent made Diablo furrow his brows. Zekram was looking at him directly, with a mysterious intensity, it was as if he knew everything. Finally, Zekram let out an amused huff and diverted his gaze
This was certainly unusual, yet, this was not the source was of Diablo's annoyance. It was what unfolded afterwards that was bothering him, something that was revealed to him...
Once the hearing had concluded, he and his group had headed to villa he had bought at the edge of the city. Once there, he was visited by Sirzechs. A meeting he was expecting.
Diablo's eyes darted to the vacant seat across from him, the cushion still slightly indented as if someone had just departed. Sirzechs, who had graced Diablo with his presence, had left mere moments ago.
During their conversation, Diablo had straight up asked him, the meaning behind his unexpected attempt of assistance back in the hearing and the method he wanted to use
In response, Sirzechs merely referred to their history that lay between them, stating his desire to rectify past misunderstandings. Though, Diablo was unsure of the sincerity. Furthermore, he also expressed his intention to resurrect the offer of the alliance between their noble houses, positioning himself as a mediator once again, this probably being the main purpose behind his actions
Diablo broke of his thoughts as his gaze landed upon a delicate document resting on the coffee table beside him. The contract lay untouched, Diablos still hadn't opened it and checked the new terms inside. Sirzechs had simply handed it to him, telling him to take some time and give it some thought and consideration.
He might have said something more, but Diablo wasn't paying attention. His senses had totally dulled from the previous information Sirzechs revealed to him. It was the method....Sirzechs had simply gone through it quickly and vaguely, not paying much attention to it, thinking it was of no relevance to Diablo as he proceeded on starting to convince him for the contract.
However, Diablo had paused....
Sirzechs had mentioned the presence of a sister, a white-haired Nekoshou in his custody...
Diablo scowled at the remembrance.
'Why the fuck was Koneko still with Sirzechs?' Such thoughts resounded in his head as he seethed internally, 'How the hell did she still end up there?'
For Diablo, assumptions had paved the way for complacency. With Kuroka's circumstances having deviated from canon, he had assumed that Koneko's situation would be the same. And to be even completely sure, when he had blackmailed Lord Naberius, he had asked him if, in case, he still had Koneko. He, surprised at first, had denied. Under some threats, his answer still remained the same. So with that insurance, Diablo even made sure that she wasn't with the Naberius anymore.
He had also refrained from asking Kuroka about her sister or past, and nor had she told him anything about it either. He had intended to tread cautiously and gently with the traumatized young girl, aiming to avoid unsettling her fragile state. He had assumed that in due time, when he earned her trust, she would eventually tell him everything. Then he could officially do something. After all, he was not meant to possess this knowledge.
But still, he had been making some moves behind the scenes. Since Kuroka was found in his territory, he had assumed that Koneko was somewhere in reach as well, somewhere wandering around aimlessly recovering from the devastating loss of her sister and grappling with her own feelings of betrayal and fear and whatnot, he had put trackers in place. These diligent operatives were scouring the Naberius territory and the surrounding regions, tirelessly searching for any trace of the white-haired Nekoshou. They were looking for her right this second
But by some miracle, she had found herself in the clutches of the Gremorys.
'How?!' Diablo thought in frustration. How the hell had she managed to travel all the way from the Naberius territory to the Gremory Territory, which was fairly far away. Not to mention, the one who did it was a weak, tired, and undoubtedly starved Nekoshou child, under the noses of her pursuers from the Naberius House and not to mention Diablo's own scouts.
He grit his teeth in annoyance. Yes, he agreed that it wasn't completely impossible, but the chance was extremely unlikely. He was seriously considering a factor such as fate at this point, and it made him totally uneasy.
Slowly Diablo's expression eased up, as he ultimately let out sigh. His head sank into his hand, shielding his eyes from the world as he allowed himself a moment of respite.
This wasn't the only thing....Since Koneko was in the hands of Sirzechs and the bunch, that meant they knew....They had knowledge that was meant to be only exclusive to Diablo.
Since Kuroka didn't know much, the information they had on the Naberius was probably low. Actually, considering the fact that Koneko was much less involved, that means the information they have is even lower.
This somewhat eased Diablo.
The extent of their knowledge probably revolved around mere suspicions, aware that the Naberius House was engaged in something, but not knowing what. A direct confrontation would not occur unless they obtained substantial proof. They wanted an excuse to check their land to find something. That's also probably why Sirzechs had offered him help, they wanted to use Diablo as the reason behind their forced inquiry of the Naberius. That, and also the fact of getting a chance to make an alliance again.
However, this discovery still didn't change the fact, that he was annoyed. Koneko had slipped of his grasp.
His mind raced with thoughts as he searched for something that would be able to help him get her. The straightforward approach of asking Sirzechs to give her to him or attempting to purchase her felt too conspicuous, likely to arouse suspicion and complicate matters further.
'Stealing her?' Diablo mused, carefully thinking over this, evaluating the risks and if she was even worth all the hassle.
One more thing, he had to make sure Kuroka and Koneko never crossed paths in the presence of Sirzechs or anyone affiliated with the Gremory House. The fact that Koneko, already known to have escaped from House Naberius for unknown reasons, were to acknowledge Kuroka as her sister, it would provide irrefutable evidence of Kuroka's connection to House Naberius, making his entire theatrics back at the court utterly useless.
Speaking of Kuroka, he had almost gotten her trust. His whole spectacle at the court had moved her a lot. Now, she is probably really worried about her sister, so if he revealed the fact that her sweet innocent little sister, Koneko, was in the custody of the Gremorys, another one of those 'disgusting distrustful Devil Clans', she would surely lose it and try to rescue her beloved sister at any means.
So, he can't reveal this to her.
Instead, he devised something else. With how everything is going, when she eventually opens up to him, either in actual trust or desperation, revealing the existence of her estranged sister, stranded and lost somewhere, he would feign ignorance. He would pretend that this revelation was news to him, concealing his knowledge of Koneko's captivity within the Gremorys' grasp. He would then 'send' his operatives to search for Koneko (a task he had already been doing). This gesture would earn him more brownie points with Kuroka, and finally grasp her trust and solidify his position
With a composed demeanor, Diablo withdrew his hand from his face, a newfound sense of clarity washing over him. The crackling sound of wood consumed by the fire filled the air
Well, he'll do what he had to....
Knocks from a wooden door resounded, their rhythm calm yet steady. Diablo's gaze went to the door which was to his right.
"It's alright," he reassured. No other noise came, but Diablo could now feel the palpable presence of someone stationed outside now, just beside the door, standing guard.
Diablo's lips curled into a fond smile at the actions of his adorable maid. Shaking his head gently, his attention shifted to a dimly lit corner, beside the shrouded heavy, velvety curtains. The corner seemed to absorb even the faintest glimmers of light.
"You can come come out now" He beckoned, his voice resonating in the silence
The shadows hesitated, clinging to the depths of the corner before finally surrendering to the flickering light of the crackling fire. As the flames danced and cast their warm glow, they revealed a breathtaking woman with cascades of long pink hair, accentuating her ethereal beauty. Two majestic horns gracefully emerged from her lustrous locks, adding an otherworldly charm to her visage.
It was none other than Roygun Belphegor.
Gracefully, she moved closer, her steps guided by a combination of elegance and unwavering loyalty. She knelt on one knee before him, a gesture of utmost respect and reverence.
"My Lord" she spoke, her voice a melodic whisper that carried the weight of her allegiance
Diablo's gaze met hers, his eyes betraying his amusement He gestured for her to rise, a silent invitation to abandon the formalities. "You do know you could have entered normally, right?" he remarked. Well, he guessed this was kind of good. Now that Roygun had come in secret, he didn't need to find a place away from Lavinia anymore
A teasing smile danced across her lips as she stood up, a glint of mischief flickering in her eyes. "But, my lord, where's the fun in that?" she retorted, her voice tinged with a playful charm. "Besides, I've always wanted to try this once—to emerge from the shadows like a super-secret and mysterious spy. Hidden from every eye, only to reveal myself unexpectedly, shocking everyone."
He couldn't help but let out a genuine chuckle, "Well, I must say then, you missed the mark on secrecy. Grayfia sensed your presence, and I, too, was aware of your arrival."
She pouted, "That's unfair, she's the Silver Demoness of Ice, while you are...special. I assure you no one else knew I was here" She ended almost proudly
Diablo just smiled, she had to come here in secret, of course. Their connection couldn't be revealed right now.
She was the most important reason why he had come to the capital in the first place, she couldn't come to him as it would attract attention, so he had taken the initiative to come to her. It was a perfect cover, for all everybody knew, he was simply just coming here for the hearing.
His eyes lingered on her, a silent cue for her to take a seat. With graceful compliance, she settled into a chair that faced him
"So, my Lord... I heard about the trial," she ventured
"Disappointed it wasn't entertaining enough?"
A giggle escaped her, as she leaned back in her chair, "Wasn't entertaining enough?" she repeated, savouring the words before continuing, "Surely you jest. You practically toyed with everyone in that court. I could barely contain my laughter at the scene."
"You were there?" He inquired curiously
"No, I managed to get a recording of the hearing," she confessed
Diablo nodded in understanding, not even bothering to ask how she managed to get something like that, "So, is it done?" he asked suddenly, his voice laced with slight expectation
"Yes, finding the location was a little hard but I managed to do so. My contacts are gonna bring it tomorrow" She replied as she straightened her posture, her tone shifting to a more serious demeanour.
"And, did everything go according to plan? Nothing went wrong?"
"No, bribing a few of them was surprisingly easy. The ones I bribed had looked away as we replaced it with a fake. It's been over a 100 hundred years now, very few are aware of this, most forgotten. In fact, it's so ridiculous, the ones guarding didn't even know what exactly they were guarding anymore." She revealed, a sense of irony colouring her words, "It also helped, that it's in a very inconspicuous place, since they were exiled. As we speak, it must be on its way at the assigned place, by my contacts"
Diablo's expression softened, a glimmer of satisfaction illuminating his features. "And these contacts of yours," he questioned, "Are there any who would notice their passing?"
Roygun shook her head in denial
"Dispensable?"
She nodded
"Good" Diablo nodded in satisfaction, at least something was going exactly according to plan. It had been a year since he entrusted this task to Roygun, but his patience remained steadfast, never wavering. He held unwavering faith in her capabilities, even considering the vague information he had provided and the scarcity of manpower at her disposal.
Actually, considering this, this efficiency was absolutely extraordinary. She was truly skilled, a master of her craft
As his mind dwelled on her exceptional skills, another matter surfaced within his thoughts. "Also," he began, his voice commanding her undivided attention, "Regarding the scouts searching for the white-haired Nekoshou around the boundaries of the Naberius territory, I want you to ease it up. Recall most of them, but leave a select few stationed there. Instruct them to adjust their pace, adopting a more relaxed approach rather than frantic search. They can calm their nerves"
Roygun looked confused, her brows knitting together in an expression of perplexity
Diablo clarified "She's not there anymore, someone else has her..." He failed to hide the annoyed twitch of his lips as he said it
Roygun's brow furrowed deeper upon receiving this unexpected information, yet she maintained her composure, merely nodding in acceptance. "You said leave some, why?" she inquired with genuine curiosity, "If you know she's not there anymore, why leave some of the scouts searching for someone who's already gone?"
"It's just something important for one of my plans right now"
Roygun looked curious but didn't question further. Yes, it was her men that helped him do the scout work as well. Roygun and him had frequently communicated throughout these years. She had been very useful and Diablo had also helped her establish her information network.
The moment Kuroka came into his possession, he had immediately given out the task of finding Koneko to Roygun. This was also the reason why it took so long for her to do her other task, the manpower was focused here. She had a limited number of individuals under her command, but they were all loyal. They consisted of the true loyal members of the Belphegor House, who knew the truth behind her uncle's ascension, these were the ones who stood behind Roygun.
While the reduced workforce resulted in diminished efficiency for both endeavors, Diablo remained unfazed, confident that once Roygun assumed control of her clan, the issue of manpower would naturally resolve itself.
The value of her presence and assistance in his grand designs became increasingly apparent to him in these years. Few decisions had brought him as much satisfaction as the one to reach out to her.
"By the way, congratulations on your victory in The Rating Games and securing the top rank," he praised, "I had no doubt in you"
As his words reached her ears, Roygun's cheeks slightly reddened, the praise washing over her like a gentle wave. She shook her head, as happy smile formed on her face, "It is all thanks to you, my Lord" She responded, her eyes glinting with gratitude. Roygun had exponentially grew in strength after his last visit. His blood and her already inborn potential had done wonders. In fact, she was an Ultimate-Class Devil now. Roygun was massively grateful to Diablo
"But, it was a close fight....I barely won," Roygun confessed sombrely, "I need to grow even stronger...."
Diablo hummed appreciably at this. He turned slightly, his hand retrieving a peculiar scroll from a drawer beneath the coffee table
"Roygun, you're being called to the Belphegor Mansion, right?" he asked, fixing his gaze back to her
She failed to hide her scowl, "Yes, he's extended an invitation, likely to 'congratulate' me," She ended sarcastically. The mention of him stirred a mix of negative emotions within her.
Lord Belphegor had not tried anything stupid yet. Despite the fact that a couple of years have passed by, thus being perfect opportunity to eliminate Roygun discreetly, he had still kept her around. In his twisted mind, he seemed to be extracting every ounce of advantage from her presence. Her recent triumph in The Rating Games had undoubtedly elevated the reputation of the Belphegor House, a fact Lord Belphegor welcomed with open arms. Summoning her to his mansion was a calculated move, a public display of their seemingly close ties, hinting at a close relationship.
He must have been trembling in joy with all the things that have been happening to him....Little did he know...
"Do you have a secret room in the mansion? Something that no one knows about except you?" Diablo asked. The existence of secret rooms in old mansions from Devil Houses were not uncommon at all, but usually the Lord of the Clan would know of its locations.
Roygun raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at the question but still answered, "Well, yes... There is one. I highly doubt anyone else knows of its existence, even him"
Diablo nodded, "Is the room spacious enough?"
"...What do you mean, my lord?" she asked
With a flourish, he extended the scroll towards Roygun. "Is it spacious enough for that?" he replied
Roygun's gaze flickered from Diablo's face to the scroll, as she slowly unfurled it, revealing a.....blueprint? of sort
"This... This is an array," she uttered, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and recognition.
"Yes, the famed Barbatos Array. I want you to construct it within that secret room of yours. It will be crucial for our future plans," he explained, his tone low and conspiratorial.
Roygun's eyes immediately glinted in understanding, her eyes now gaining a cruel shine.
The blueprint laid bare the intricate design of the array, a complex web of interwoven symbols, lines and materials. It was something he himself made after he painstakingly deciphered the ones at the Barbatos Observatory tower and his mansion. Those two arrays were the only ones he had in working order, and he found no manual to help him to replicate it. Thus he had to make a blueprint by studying the array himself.
The Barbatos Array allowed direct teleportation without the use of mana from the users. It was completely untraceable. Diablo thought it would be useful for a future vassal house of his to have it, and also carry out one of his plans in the future. Though the materials to make it were quite expensive.
"See Grayfia in the morning, she'll lead you to the materials." Diablo instructed, his voice resolute, "I already have brought them, so you can just take it."
Roygun nodded in understanding, rolled the scroll once again, as she slowly stood up
"So, my Lord, I will head out now," she said, her lips curving into a soft smile, "It was good to see you after so long."
With that, she turned to make her way towards the window behind the heavy curtains. However she halted in her tracks and turned around as Diablo's voice called out to her.
"Roygun, wait," he implored, his voice gentle yet firm. "Stay for the night. Have dinner with us."
Her initial surprise quickly dissolved as she looked taken back by the offer, her eyes widening ever so slightly. Her expression soon turned into a hesitant reluctance, "My Lord, I wouldn't want to trouble you," she responded, "Besides it wouldn't do good if we were seen together"
"No one would be able to see us here, Roygun," Diablo assured her, his voice a soothing whisper that danced on the edges of her senses. He rose to his feet, a graceful motion that mirrored his low, comforting tone. "And it's no trouble at all. Besides, I want to introduce you to the others as well."
Roygun's hesitation lingered, an invisible barrier holding her back. Diablo understood the reasons behind her reluctance. The young woman had become accustomed to a life of solitude and restraint, her world shrinking after her father's untimely demise. She had only dined alone after her father's death, and only at times with her uncle (Something she hated immensely as she forced herself to do so)
"It's alright, Roygun. You are safe here," Diablo reassured her, "Besides, you technically have my blood in you. We're basically like family at this point," He joked
For a moment, Roygun appeared startled by this unexpected revelation. Her eyes widened, as if a whole new realm of possibilities had been unveiled before her, a concept she had never dared to entertain.
Diablo, inwardly puzzled by the seriousness of her reaction to his jest, skillfully concealed his confusion
Finally, as if a decision had been reached in the depths of her soul, a profound shift washed over Roygun. Her gaze had transformed, carrying a different glint altogether....A familiar glint that Diablo couldn't quite recall
"Alright, my Lord," her voice trembled with a blend of vulnerability and unwavering resolve, unfraid to expose this side of hers to him anymore, "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to join your dinner."
Diablo shook his head, removing his useless thoughts, a smile forming on his face, "Gladly," he replied
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His keen eyes scanned the once bustling streets, now bathed in the soft glow of early morning. The sparse pedestrian presence seemed justified at this hour, with most people still nestled in the comfort of their beds. Roygun had bid farewell earlier this day, leaving behind a sense of emptiness that resonated within him. As his carriage traversed the familiar roads, the familiar sights he saw last time, once again came to sight
From the Serafall Memorial Hospital, to the marketplace where now the bustling merchants were in the midst of setting up their wares.
However, amidst the familiar scenery, a new addition caught his attention, a new poster. A wanted poster. Its composition was peculiar, featuring a shadowy silhouette of a female figure with distinctly feline ears, leaving much to the imagination. Diablo immediately knew what it was and wasn't surprised.
In fact, yesterday after the startling revelation by Lord Naberius, the other officials still persisted with the issue. Thinking it disgraceful and unacceptable for a Noble Devil to be killed, that too by their own peerage member. Some were rightfully enraged at this, while others simply persisted to get the reason behind Lord Naberius's sudden change in demeanour.
Caught in the crossfire and pressure from all sides, Lord Naberius appeared more burdened than ever, his troubles etched upon his face. Finally, Diablo gave him a voice transmission
In the end, Lord Naberius accepted and the court had ultimately led to a momentous decision—crafting a wanted poster for the elusive Nekoshou Stray Devil.
The poster itself was a masterpiece of vagueness, a work of art designed to confound the masses. It amused Diablo to no end, for they were in pursuit of nobody, a phantom.
This unknown Nekoshou also got the rating of A class, a far cry from the original which was SS. But this was to be given, as this time the government remained oblivious to the truth and the full extent of her formidable abilities. Lord Naberius had deliberately obscured the details and had been purposely vague.
However as he was thinking of the court, something else came up in Diablo's mind. A nagging feeling tugged at the corner of his mind, a feeling that he was forgetting something. As he raced his mind trying to recall it, he got nothing. No matter how hard he tried to recall. Finally he shrugged, thinking it was probably something unimportant if he forgot about it anyway
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Meanwhile, in front of a certain lavish villa in Lilith:
A pretty woman adorned in a vibrant magical girl ensemble stood alone. Her twin tails swayed gently in sync with the melodious chirping of birds, and the warm rays of the rising sun bathed her surroundings in a golden glow, painting a picturesque morning scene. Despite the beauty that enveloped the world around her, her countenance was marred by a pout and teardrop-stained eyes as she stood there staring at the empty villa
"DIAAAA-CHANN!!! YOU MEANIEEEE!" She wailed in a mixture of anger and hurt, her voice carrying her indignation through the air. Succumbing to her overwhelming emotions, she crouched down, hugging her knees as her sulk intensified.
He forgot about her, and didn't meet her.....again...
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With a mind brimming with thoughts, Diablo's gaze fixated upon the view beyond the carriage's window. As they slowly ventured beyond the city limits, the scenery transformed into rolling plains adorned with majestic hills. The verdant landscape unfolded before them, with each passing moment revealing the gradual emergence of slender trees. The carriage gracefully ventured deeper into the forest. However, as they were going back, they were taking different route.
This was noticed by a certain someone, "Diablo, we're going the wrong way...." Lavinia remarked
This time, Lavinia was at Violet's place and Violet sat close by his side, while Grayfia remained seated in her original place. Kuroka on the other hand, had stopped her distancing, at least a little, he witnessed this at yesterday's dinner and even now as she didn't sit as far away. Diablo hadn't talked properly to her yet, he was waiting for her to approach him. He knew her mind was all over the place right now, she was still coming to an understanding. Though he wasn't complaining at all, these were positive changes
Shifting his gaze from the scenery, he regarded Lavinia, "It's just a detour. There's something I need to retrieve," he replied reassuringly
Lavinia's eyes sparkled with curiosity upon hearing his response, as did Kuroka who turned to look at him. When he returned her gaze, she flinched and immediately looked away.
Meanwhile, Violet, unperturbed by the change in direction, simply nestled her head upon Diablo's shoulder, her eyes peacefully closed
Venturing deeper into the heart of the forest, the carriage veered off the well-trodden trail, immersing itself in the dense foliage. The towering trees overhead cast a gentle shade, their sprawling branches acting as a natural canopy, filtering the sunlight that struggled to penetrate the forest floor.
After what seemed like an eternity, the distant sight of a large, weathered cart came into focus. Although its appearance lacked the luxury of their own carriage, its robust construction suggested it had been utilized for more arduous manual labor
Three men, loitering near the cart, paused in their activities as they caught sight of the approaching carriage. With a sudden alertness, they straightened their postures, their gazes fixated on it as they looked at it vigilantly
All they knew was that a noble would visit them.....but their eyes widened as the sigil of the carriage that steadily came to view. The Barbatos House....
They unconsciously took a step back, their hearts racing, as the thunderous hooves of those fierce horses reverberated through the air. The carriage, adorned with intricate golden motifs, gradually came to a regal stop. With a creaking sound, the door swung open, and time seemed to stand still as the three men found themselves entranced by the figures emerging from within.
First, a mesmerising sight greeted their eyes—a woman of ethereal beauty with cascading silver hair, elegantly dressed in a tailored maid uniform. Her presence exuded an air of grace. Beside her, a young boy with obsidian locks stepped down, his gaze piercing and his demeanor resolute. The identities of these individuals was of no secret to these men
Never in their wildest dreams could they have even imagined crossing paths with such beings. They couldn't help but wonder the meaning behind everything. Why did the Barbatos have them deliver it here? Why do they even need it? Was it something so important that it was worth risking the wrath of that clan?
Though so many questions were brought up, one thing was clear. This was supposed to be a secret, that means....it was something important. With all the parties this concerned, it could be something that could shake the entire Underworld. The men trembled as they came to a hurried conclusion
With an air of confidence, Diablo, the young boy, strode towards them, arrogance radiating from his every step. His loyal maid trailed behind. Diablo had told the other girls to stay put in the carriage.
The men felt an involuntary gulp constrict their throats, unable to fathom the overwhelming sense of intimidation emanating from a mere boy. Yet, it was his eyes that sent shivers down their spines. They couldn't even appreciate the beauty of the woman behind him because of the fear
Before the men could muster a coherent response, Diablo's voice cut through the tension, his words weighted with purpose. "Echoes of Destiny," he said, the code words reverberating through the air as proof of his identity
Not even waiting for a reaction, Diablo pressed on with impatience dripping from his words. "Where is it?" he demanded directly. He had waited far too long for this
Snapping out of their daze, the men exchanged glances, silently urging one another to take the lead. Summoning his courage, one of them hesitantly stepped forward, his voice quivering with nervousness. "Uhm, it's in the back, sir... no, I mean, Lord," he corrected himself, his words barely audible amidst the swirl of emotions.
Diablo, his countenance unfazed, simply nodded and started walking towards the rear of the cart without uttering a single word. The men felt their unease escalate as the silence lingered. Urged by their growing anxiety, they nudged one another, silently imploring each other to speak up. Finally, one of them mustered the courage and called out, "Uhm, Lord Barbatos!" His voice quivered with a mix of fear and anticipation, hoping to capture Diablo's attention.
Diablo paused in his steps, turning slowly to face the men. His intense gaze pierced through their souls, silently urging them to speak
"Lord Barbatos... w-we were told that we would receive our rewards," stammered the man who had called out, his voice betraying the jumble of emotions within him. His two companions stood beside him, nodding vigorously in agreement, their expressions a mix of anxiety and hope.
Diablo's expression remained unchanged, a mask that revealed no hint of his inner thoughts. He continued to gaze at them in silence. Then, without warning, he turned around, resuming his course without a single utterance.
The men found themselves swaying on the precipice of nervousness, their hearts pounding in their chests. The weight of uncertainty threatened to engulf them. Before they could drown further in their trepidation, Diablo finally broke his silence. His voice carried a tinge of indifference, "If you would follow my lovely maid behind the carriage," he spoke with a calm yet commanding tone, his words possessing an ethereal quality that compelled obedience, "There lies your reward."
The men, like parched wanderers stumbling upon an oasis, felt a surge of hope rush through their veins. They visibly lit up in joy at the response, dispelling the clouds of anxiety that had plagued them moments ago. Their eyes immediately shifted towards the beautiful maid, her presence a beacon of promise.
She just elegantly beckoned them to follow her with no expression in her face, which they certainly did. As they followed her lead, their steps filled with renewed vigor and a touch of envy. Now in much more better mood, they looked at her more carefully, their gazes lingered upon her with desire. In that moment, they couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy for the Young Lord, who had the privilege of her presence.
Meanwhile, Diablo made his way behind the cart. With a swift motion, he grasped the crude metal latches and swung open the doors, revealing a long, box-like object. It stood in stark contrast to its surroundings, exuding an aura of pure luxury amidst the weathered wooden backdrop. The box, covered in pristine white with delicate hints of sea-green, captured his entire attention
He stepped inside, his gaze fixated on the object that now lay fully revealed before him. As he drew nearer, it finally came entirely into view, revealing itself as a coffin. His hand reached out to touch its end. His fingertips moving along the smooth contours of the coffin's edge, savouring the coolness that seeped into his skin, as he made his way forward
Suddenly, loud gut wrenching screams resounded from outside, the anguished cries and desperate pleas of men reverberating through the air like a cacophony of torment.
Yet, Diablo paid no attention to it. His attention sorely stolen by elegant luxurious coffin. His eyes fixated on the glass head portion, through which he could discern a faint glimpse of a figure inside, obscured by the tinted glass.
His attention was soon drawn to the middle of the coffin, where a majestic sigil came into view. It was intricately engraved. The sight of the sigil immediately ignited a spark of recognition within Diablo, and he couldn't help but smirk
He had it...
He got it....
He got her.....
The sigil etched upon the coffin...bore the mark of the great Leviathan House
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