The tension in the sitting room hung thick and silent as Draven and Michael locked eyes.
"Is that the entirety of it?" Draven finally broke the stillness, his voice carrying a hint of detached curiosity.
Michael nodded earnestly. "Yes, My Lord. The kraken threat has escalated significantly. My investigation revealed a disturbing trend – mutations among their ranks. Some have even evolved into Hero-class entities, and more power levels previously unseen in their rank."
Draven's eyebrow arched. "And 'more' you say?"
"Indeed."
Michael's voice lowered, tinged with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
"Their leader… she is exceptionally dangerous, and frustratingly elusive. She leaves no trace, not even her name. What's more," he paused, a note of disbelief creeping in.
"I discovered she could manipulate the void element."
Draven's posture stiffened for a second:
"That should be impossible. The Demon Lord and I are the only beings with such an affinity. Are you certain of this?"
"Absolutely certain, My Lord. While I may not have seen it directly with my own eyes, the evidence is undeniable. She utilized this power to swiftly conquer the entire western region of this world. And that, unfortunately, is the most likely place to find her. However." Michael sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.
"That territory is so heavily guarded that even an Upper Hero-class individual would struggle to infiltrate it unnoticed."
A slow smile spread across Draven's face, a flicker of genuine interest in his eyes.
"Hmm… This woman possesses a certain… Impressive audacity. To subdue a horde of barbarians and mold them into a disciplined, loyal force with the promise of mere rewards. Coupled with her command of the void element and apparent knack for experimentation… Truly fascinating."
"General," Michael interjected, a hopeful note in his voice: "With your immense power, you could simply quell this threat with a mere gesture."
Draven waved a dismissive hand.
"No… There would be little amusement in such an anticlimactic resolution. Come now, let her play her games for a while. When the opportune moment arises, I shall make my presence known. For the time being, let the krakens roam freely."
"Roam freely, General?" Michael's voice rose in alarm. "But the people of this world are being slaughtered daily! Won't you intervene?"
"Hmm… Nope."
Draven rose from his seat, his gaze drifting towards the staircase.
"Why would I needlessly endanger myself when it is not required? Or, have you developed an unexpected fondness for these mortals?" He cast a pointed look over his shoulder at Michael.
"My Lord!"
Draven halted, turning back to see Michael kneeling, his head bowed low.
"Please," Michael pleaded, his voice thick with emotion, "If you have no inclination to save the other kingdoms, I implore you, save the human kingdom! Please, save Astranor!"
He punctuated his plea with a sharp thud as his forehead met the floor.
"Now what in the seven hells are you doing?" Draven demanded, his brow furrowed in a deep frown.
"You are a demon, Michael. Such displays of sentimentality are unbecoming, and besides… What has so captivated your attention in Astranor? Come now, who is she?" A knowing smirk played on his lips.
"I would never conceal anything from you, My Lord!" Michael looked up, tears glistening in his eyes.
"She is the youngest Princess of the Astranor Empire!"
"Younger princess? Does she have an elder sister?" Draven inquired, his interest piqued.
"Em… yes. She has an elder sister and a brother."
"So, you wish for me to intervene in Astranor's affairs… for her sake?" Draven reiterated, his tone laced with amusement.
"Yes!" Michael exclaimed, his voice cracking with desperation as he bowed his head once more.
"Hmm…"
Draven fell into a thoughtful silence, his gaze distant:
'Michael is my loyal subordinate, and what will I be if I can't even help with this…' He sighed softly.
"Alright… Tell me about their current predicament." He turned and walked back to his chair, settling into it with a weary air.
"And cease this infantile behavior. Furthermore, enlighten me as to your current standing within Astranor."
"Thank you, My Lord! Thank you!" Michael's face brightened with relief. He rose and resumed his seat, his earlier despair replaced by a flicker of hope.
"Begin," Draven instructed, his gaze now fixed intently on Michael.
"My involvement with the Imperial family is… Indirect. I encountered the princess during one of her solitary walks within the city. Our acquaintance blossomed from there, and over the subsequent months… We fell in love."
"I see… And is this… 'love' known to her family?" Draven inquired.
"Well… No. However, her elder sister is aware of our connection."
"Understood… And does this princess know of your true nature?" Draven posed the most crucial question, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Yes."
"And she… Accepts this?" Draven asked, a note of mild astonishment in his tone.
Michael nodded firmly. "Yes, My Lord."
Draven exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. 'A demon can discern falsehood, and I know you possess a similar ability. If you say it to be true… Then I shall take your word for it.'
He closed his eyes for a fleeting moment, then opened them, his gaze sharp once more.
"Tell me, what is the current strength of Astranor?"
"They possess a considerable number of soldiers, numbering in the thousands, but their ranks lack truly powerful awakeners. They do, however, have two prominent noble families, each led by formidable individuals. One is Jason, the head of the Sword family, and the other is Mariner Blade, leading the Blade family. Both are mid-Hero class in terms of power. Were it not for the Imperial family's eldest son and daughter, who are a Mid and Upper Hero class respectively, the royal family would face significant challenges in maintaining control over these powerful factions."
"And what of you, Michael? Why is your demonic essence so… weak?" Draven inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"When I traversed the gate to this realm, a significant portion of my power was suppressed. I am currently only a Lower Hero class. I had hoped that with even this level of strength, the King might be amenable to allowing the princess and I to be together."
"An Upper Hero class reduced to a mere Lower Hero class…" Draven shook his head slowly, a hint of sympathy in his eyes.
'But why did I experience no such thing upon my arrival?' He thought internally.
'Perhaps the system provides some form of protection.'
He raised his gaze back to Michael:
"So, what is your intended course of action? I mean, assuming you succeed in securing the princess, do you intend to remain in this world with her? I have my doubts as to whether a mortal, even a princess, could adapt to the rigors of the underworld."
"My intention is to remain here with her, My Lord," Michael declared, his voice resolute. He quickly added, "But I assure you, I will never cease to be your loyal subordinate!"
"Alright, alright…" Draven conceded, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"But have you considered the potential dangers should the Imperial family discover your true nature? This elder sister you mentioned sounds like a capable warrior. While she may be aware of your romantic entanglement, she knows nothing of your demonic origins. What will transpire when that truth comes to light?"
"I have made a solemn vow, My Lord… They will never discover it! I will live as a human, and as a human, I shall remain." Michael's voice was filled with unwavering determination.
Draven slowly shook his head, a shadow of melancholy passing over his features.
'That is precisely why I shall never succumb to such a sentiment. Love… It is the singular force in this vast universe capable of driving any race to utter madness. I have already tasted its bitter fruit in a previous life, and the experience was… Far from pleasant.'
His attention shifted abruptly towards the door. With a swift snap of his fingers, the heavy wooden door flew inward with a resounding crash. A unseen force snaked out, latching onto a figure lurking just beyond the threshold, and yanked her forcefully into the room.
"How… Resourceful," Draven drawled, a predatory smile gracing his lips as he fixed his gaze upon the disheveled figure of Alice.
"So, you were eavesdropping."
"My Lord!" Michael exclaimed, quickly summoning his sword.
"This woman possesses the demon eye! She has undoubtedly overheard our entire conversation! Shall I kill her?"
"Hey?! Put down that weapon!" Draven snapped, his tone sharp and commanding.
"......?"
'What in the abyss is going on? Why is My Lord defending this spy? Or isn't she a spy!'
Confusion etched across Michael's face, as he slowly lowered his hand.
"Now, Alice," Draven said, turning his full attention to the startled woman, "Care to explain your action?"
"I… I came to check up on you!" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
With a flick of his wrist, a force pulled Alice towards him with effortless ease. She collided with his chest, her breath catching in her throat.
"You?" Alice gasped, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Now."
Draven's hand shot out, holding her jaw, tilting her face upwards. His piercing red eyes locked onto hers blue ones.
"Tell me, Alice… Why would you feel the need to 'check up' on me at this late hour?"
"....."
Alice was utterly flustered by the sudden intimacy, the seductive undertones in his voice sending a wave of heat rushing all over her body. Her mind went blank, words failing her.
"........"
'What in the blazes…? Is My Lord… flirting? With this woman?'
Michael stood utterly bewildered, his gaze darting between Draven and the blushing Alice. A slow dawning of understanding spread across his features, a knowing smirk replacing his earlier confusion.
'Ah!' He thought to himself.
'It appears My Lord has acquired a new… Plaything.'