Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

"However, he has no interest in a domain so far away from his territory. That said, he also told me not to press the two dukes to agree with his condition. If you think you can do this without me, feel free to go ahead"

Avrox shrugged and stopped persuading the two dukes otherwise. After saying his piece, he gave a slight bow and turned to leave the hall.

Just then the subordinate blocked his path and Gelford's voice came from behind.

"Wait, we are done yet".

Avrox turned around to ask "Is there still something?".

"Don't be in a hurry to leave, the discussion is not over yet" Gelford stopped him "You said that Lord Boboshka will help us ease things with the council in the case that we invoke the Fate Game yes?"…

"That's right"…

"Are these the words of Lord Boboshka himself or is it something that you are saying?"…

Avrox put a hand on his chest and performed the signature salute of the demon he was serving. His action revealed that he was saying the absolute truth without any falsity.

In the world of demons where every words and actions are loaded with hidden schemes and interests, the salute is the only constant whose authenticity cannot be questioned.

Since the other party went as far as to perform the salute of the master he served, Gelford felt no need to judge the authenticity of his words further.

"Hmmm, what do you think?" Turning towards the other Demon Duke, he asked the question.

Arctaurus shut his eyes and silently contemplated for a while. It was true that together his Iron Crown and Blood Montion faction were very strong but it was not the point where they could influence the council.

If they wanted to invoke the fate game, they needed Archduke Boboshka's help.

"How about this? We decide about the matter of the treasure after we get rid of that Demon earl and claim the forest. If there is a treasure we can then hand it over to lord Boboshka. If there is more than one treasure, we share them?"

Arctaurus's suggestion although thinly veiled, was nothing more than a polite way of saying they would keep whatever they could, as long as they could justify it later.

In the world of demons, there were countless ways to go back on a promise without ever technically breaking it. Ways to burn the bridge after crossing it.

Gelford thought that Avrox would not accept such an unconscionable offer. However, to his surprise, Avrox did not hesitate for a second and quickly accepted the offer.

"Agreed. If there is more than one treasure, we shall share them. And if none exist, I will withdraw my master's interest, leaving you both with the Ghastly Winding Forest for yourselves."

His response was swift, almost too swift that the Demon Duke felt a sense of unease. He was prepared to counter Avrox's refusal and negotiate further. However, the speed of Avrox's acceptance caught him off guard.

For a moment, suspicion clouded his thoughts.

Why did Avrox accept so quickly? He had no guarantee that the treasure would be handed over after the Demon Earl was dead. Was he so confident in his master's influence that he believed no one would dare to cross him?

"It's settled then. I will talk with my master, and we will iron out the finer details. In any case, the Demon Earl doesn't have long to live."

Avrox spoke, his voice dripped with certainty, as though the end of the Demon Earl was inevitable, a foregone conclusion.

"Too bad we can't destroy him right now. It would be far more satisfying to crush him before he even knows what's coming".

Arctaurus let out a low chuckle "It can't be helped. We need time to prepare for the Tea Party".

Gelford added calmly "It's only a couple more months. Let's allow that Demon Earl to live just a bit longer."

The mention of the Tea Party—the great political gathering of all high-ranking demon nobles—immediately shifted the mood.

For this upcoming event, every demon who has been invited would try and do his best to prepare and hope to make an impression on one of the Demon lords. It is also where they could meet Boboshka, Avox's master and cement everything.

The three demons spoke a little more before parting.

A dark undercurrent was swirling and the person who would take the centre stage in the epic stage, was currently unaware of it.

.

.

Central Continent, Solarain Empire. In one of the renowned academies located in the capital, a woman in her late thirties could be seen taking a class.

The room was marginally big with 40-50 students attending the class. Warm sunlight bathed the room the open window sills and screeching noise from chalk running against black board came intermittently.

CLAP.. CLAP… After finishing her notes on the blackboard, the woman wiped the chalk dust from her hands, then turned to face her students, her voice commanding their attention.

Her dark hair was neatly tied back in a loose bun with a spectacle sitting on her nose giving her a no nonsense aura.

Her attire was simple yet elegant—a long, modest dress of deep green, embroidered with golden threads at the cuffs and collar, symbolizing her stature as a respected teacher at one of the empire's most prestigious academies.

"Today, we'll discuss the history of our beloved Solarian Empire, a topic of utmost importance for every citizen. This empire, built on the ideals of peace and strength, stands as a beacon to all other nations across the Central Continent"

The room filled with the quiet rustling of papers as the students prepared to take notes. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, bathing the classroom in a golden glow, almost as if the sun itself had come to listen to the lesson about the land it watched over.

"Who can tell me," she continued, glancing around the room, "who was the founder of our great empire, and what was the key to his success?"

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