505 Daggered Pride (1/2)

Meanwhile, within Southern Hell's Royal Palace, winds of unrest kept the infernal nobility on tiptoes. And as Krann, Helmut and Elia patiently sat within a meeting hall, entertained by seven beauties, an unsettled Malkam faced the imperturbable Talroth.

”Royal father, this is fishy. The Chthonian Primogen just ”died” that his children are paying us a visit? Regardless of what their motive might be, it can only do us harm. How can you possibly welcome them?”

Malkam reasoned in a tone mixing gravity and frustration. Little did he expect that they'd receive a visit of that bastard branch so soon. The situation was indeed alarming. But while Malkam's frown didn't conceal his worries, Talroth remained undisturbed.

”Nonsense. How can I not welcome them? Must I wait for them to blast open my palace's gates before showing my hospitality?”

Talroth replied in such a casual tone that Malkam couldn't comprehend where his assurance came from. As far as he could remember, his father had always been this way. Nothing could shake him. He could smile, laugh and jest, but neither rage nor fear ever flashed in his eyes. In the past, Malkam used to find that trait remarkable, a proof of Talroth's supreme confidence in his ability to handle all things.

But now, it seemed oddly unsettling. Would the world need to collapse before he lost his composure? Or was even that not enough?!

”Royal father, I admire the calm with which you handle all situations. However, please think thrice. The brats and that unknown man's presence must hide a scheme. If your bastard wanted to kill us, he would not send his children. After all, they are but teenagers. I assume they want something from us. What do we have to offer to that bastard? Women.

You may not care for your women, but I believe that you aside, no one in this palace is willing to offer his consorts bundled on a red carpet. Make your move, or I must take it upon myself to send them rolling.”

Malkam declared. Although Talroth seemed hell-bent on letting Konrad run amok, there wasn't one demon prince willing to surrender to him. If push came to shove, they'd rather fight than compromise. But hearing this, Talroth nodded in approval and motioned toward the door.

”Go then. But I must warn you, the - unknown man - you mentioned is his familiar. He may not be his equal, but I wouldn't be surprised if he could make an incubus skewer out of you in the blink of an eye.”

Talroth cautioned while still motioning for Malkam to rush toward his destiny.

”You!”

The demon prince trembled, barely able to restrain his ire.

”Me what? If you want to fight, go fight. Don't disturb my cultivation over trifles. Otherwise, I might just kill you.”

Talroth leisurely replied. But though the tone seemed laced in jest, Malkam didn't doubt that if he lingered for another second, his life was forfeit. Without further ado, he turned heels and bolted toward the three guests.

”Some must taste humiliation before sharpening their minds. Ahh, what's so good about being a demon, anyway.”

...

Within the meeting hall, though Krann and Helmut patiently waited Talroth's appearance, Elia dallied with the maids.

”You know, my old man likes girls like you the most. Willow waist and plump in all the right places. Cheap grandfather surely fed you well. Why not go back with me to the Jade Dynasty, I can guarantee you a radiant future!”

Elia pledged while taking down a glass of infernal liquor offered by the maids. For a second, the maids stopped to blink at the fourteen years old lad in disbelief. Never in their wildest dreams could they imagine anyone would dare speak such words in Talroth's palace!

Finding the words reasonable, Krann pulled out a list of the things to snatch, and added the maids to it. Helmut, however, shook his head.