Chapter 405: Internal Problems
The Great Hall of Thorns, in the heart of the Obsidian Crystal Palace. A vast and imposing circular hall, supported by black columns that rose like thorns petrified by ancient titans.
The translucent ceiling revealed the demonic sky above, where crimson and abyssal blue clouds danced like cosmic serpents. The tapestries bore the coats of arms of the Seven Original Clans, embroidered with ancestral blood and forgotten glory. The air was thick—saturated with pacts as old as war and ambitions as young as sin.
In the center, a circle of raised thrones accommodated the heirs of the greatest demonic clans. The words spoken there were not just opinions — they were veiled threats, political judgments, and promises of war.
Mael Raum leaned back with careless elegance on his black glass throne, twirling a chalice of demonic wine between his fingers. His smile was sharp, cruel—a snake about to strike.
"To think that after humiliating that idiot Phenex, he still had the audacity to ascend as King. Just like that. Without ceremony." His voice was melodic but poisonous—like a lover who stabs with flowers in his hands.
Leora Morax, beautiful as the dead moon, let out a dry chuckle. Sitting bored on her throne of white metal and eternal ice, her ice-blue eyes cut through everything they touched.
"Sapphire chose him, yes. But even ancient entities make mistakes..." She slowly twirled a ring on her finger, as if deciding the fate of entire kingdoms with that gesture. "A reincarnated demon... frankly. I bet his title is just a facade. He probably accumulated too much political power, and now they pretend it was merit."
Elias Shax, with a distant gaze and sharp mind, kept his arms crossed. He silently watched the magical pyre floating in the center of the hall—where images of Hell and the mortal world overlapped in distorted visions.
His tone was calm, but laden with a much more subtle venom:
"Agares... that arrogant, Spartan bitch. Too strong, she should have died in the Genesis war." His eyes flashed briefly. "All she knows how to do is find. And now she pretends it was divine harvest."
Jade Beleth, haughty and analytical, crossed her legs with the precision of a warrior and the grace of an empress. Her dark skin reflected the purple tones of the polished floor, while her golden eyes seemed to weigh destinies.
"A man who has three Queens in the palm of his hand. And now he also collects three of Hell's most desired heirs..." She tilted her head slightly. "That's not achievement. It's provocation."
Lilim Vepar lay languidly on the scarlet crystal throne, like a goddess who had already conquered everything she desired — and now enjoyed watching the world crumble.
She yawned, stretching her long, elegant claws, before casting a lazy glance at the pyre.
"You are terrified. And I find that... adorable." Her red lips curved into a lascivious smile. "Admit it. There is something deliciously dangerous about that man."
Mael snorted, twirling his goblet with a dismissive gesture. "There's something... vulgar about him. An impure soul lost among crowns and coats of arms. And look—our dear princesses, all kneeling. Convenient, isn't it?"
Leora laughed dryly, her gaze fixed on the flames. "I'd give half an age to see the look on each of their faces when it all comes crashing down."
Elias did not smile. His eyes sharpened like blades. "Be careful what you wish for. He defeated one of the strongest of our generation. If he doesn't fall..." A pause. "You'll have to call him Majesty."
Lilim let out a musical laugh, tossing her hair back with lascivious grace. "Oh, my dear... I would love to call him so many things."
Jade raised an eyebrow, her golden eyes sparkling with irony. "You would love anything that comes with muscles and a sword."
Lilim pouted feigned offense before smiling like a satisfied snake. "That's a lie. I have standards." She licked her lips. "He just exceeded them all."
Then the hall shook, subtly, as if the floor itself had held its breath. The central flame flickered, the burning surface breaking for a moment. All eyes turned to her instinctively.
A new image appeared: Vergil, outside the royal carriage, advancing with eyes like black blades. His expression was murderous.
In front of him, a figure blocked the procession—a fool, perhaps, or someone with an urgent desire to die.
Behind him, Katharina smiled enigmatically from the carriage door.
The other wives watched silently, like shadows about to move.
The hall remained silent for a moment. Leora was the first to speak.
"Is he really going to... intervene?" Elias replied without hesitation. "Of course he is."
Mael smiled, a cutting smile. "If he makes a scene, he will be seen as a brute spoiled by power. If he does nothing, he will appear weak." He raised his goblet. "Anyone with demon blood understands this game."
Lilim rose slowly from her throne, stretching like a predator awakening. Her gaze was fixed on the flame. "Or maybe... he'll destroy both paths." A pause, the tone laden with something ancient. "And show us what a new kind of king is."...
...
[Corridors of the Obsidian Crystal Palace.]
The walls pulsed with living runes, reacting to the contained fury marching through them. Cabernet Sitri's strides were long and decisive, and each beat of her heel echoed like a war drum in the corridors adorned by centuries of demonic royalty.
Behind her, Grayfia Lucifuge followed silently, her face flawless, but her eyes alert—like blades ready to obey.
Cabernet spoke without looking back, her voice sharp and grave. "How is my daughter?"
Grayfia nodded, with a hint of hesitation. "She is being treated. But she is in a coma... whoever attacked her was trying to affect her entire structure."
"All right, keep an eye on her as soon as you tell everyone what happened. I want all the Kings, and those closest to them, to know what happened. And send a warning to Amon."
Cabernet's eyes flashed an unholy red for a second. His aura began to expand down the hallway, causing the arcane torches to go out in pure reverence.
"Put the Palace on maximum security alert. I want total surveillance." She paused briefly and looked out the window. "I'm going after Sepphirothy... and the others. Someone has to check on the other empress."