The words echoed through the hall like a thunderclap.
"HAVE YOU ALL LOST YOUR MINDS?!"
Junyu shot to his feet so suddenly that his chair crashed backward. The blue flames lining the chamber flickered violently as his voice rolled across the Black Meeting.
Conversations stopped.
Hundreds of eyes turned toward him.
The masked host tilted his head and chuckled.
"Oh? The dog wishes to bark. Let him bark."
Junyu slammed his fist onto the table.
"Bark? You fools are talking about Re Lorenzo Bellini!"
His crimson aura leaked into the air, making the candles tremble.
"Do you even remember who he is? The King of Wanderers! Men disappear just for approaching him. Armies avoid his shadow. You're discussing his assassination as if you were choosing tonight's dinner!"
Whispers spread through the hall.
Katsa grabbed Junyu's sleeve.
"Junyu, calm down. Sit down."
He ignored her.
Aurex Valdren leaned forward on his throne, golden light reflecting in his eyes.
"Interesting," Aurex said. "For a dog, you know a great deal about Bellini."
Junyu met his gaze without flinching.
"He is my inspiration. I want to become a king like him."
A low laugh escaped Aurex.
"I never realized Bellini had admirers among the dogs."
Junyu's fists clenched.
Ikiro's voice cut through the tension.
"Junyu. Sit down. I'm serious."
After a long moment, Junyu slowly lowered himself back into his chair, though the anger in his eyes remained.
The masked host spread his arms.
"As we all know, Bellini is beyond the reach of ordinary rulers. Perhaps not beyond a few people in this room…"
His masked face turned toward the golden throne.
"…which is why the most qualified person to speak about him is Sir Aurex Valdren."
The entire hall fell silent.
Aurex rose.
The pressure in the room doubled.
Even the nobles of Zone Two lowered their heads.
"Bellini," Aurex said coldly, "is not a king because of wealth, fear, or reputation."
His voice echoed against the black marble walls.
"He is a king because of power."
The blue flames dimmed as if the hall itself were listening.
"He possesses what ordinary humans spend their lives chasing—strength that borders on divinity, followers counted in millions, and influence that reaches every corner of the world."
Junyu whispered under his breath,
"That's my king."
The host interrupted immediately.
"And now we must discuss how to kill him."
The words struck the chamber like a blade.
Shock spread through the audience.
Goblets stopped halfway to lips.
Servants froze.
The Devil Horns stared in disbelief.
Junyu rose again, fury burning in his eyes.
"WHY?"
His voice shook the table.
"Why do you want him dead? If this meeting believes in politics, then act like politicians! Split into factions, discuss the matter, and vote. Re Lorenzo Bellini is not some minor lord you can erase without consequences!"
For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Then a voice from Zone Three shouted,
"He's right!"
Another followed.
"The dog is correct!"
"We need discussion before any decision!"
Soon the hall erupted into argument.
The masked host raised both hands.
"Very well! Divide yourselves into groups. Use the three discussion tables. You will have a short period to debate before the formal vote."
Chairs scraped across the marble floor.
Nobles, generals, assassins, and rulers began moving through the chamber in clusters. The Black Meeting transformed from a silent court into a storm of whispers and political intrigue.
Above the hall, Aurex watched from his elevated throne.
His gaze settled on Junyu, who was already speaking passionately with several delegates.
Aurex's expression darkened.
"Troublesome."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Like father… like son."