The moment Sona finished speaking, the entire banquet hall fell into a deep silence, only to be followed by a cacophony of murmurs and whispers.
Sona's proposal was as radical as if someone had suggested founding a school for both nobles and commoners during the warring states period. Class systems, regardless of the world, country, or race, always existed and would never disappear.
Even in modern society, although noble titles may no longer be present, there were always class distinctions marked by power and wealth. The wealthy and powerful naturally stood above others.
As harsh as it may seem, this was reality.
The daily expenses of the rich might equal the monthly or even yearly income of an ordinary person. And that's not to mention the magnates and those in positions of power.
Class distinctions would always exist and would never be broken, merely changing names over time.
"The heiress of the House of Sitri is too naive."
"Indeed, spending a few days in the human world has made her forget her status."
"Reincarnated devils are just servants. How could we ever be equal to them?"
"Lady Sona herself is a pureblood devil. Why would she say such things? Is she trying to overthrow her own status?"
...
No one dared to voice these thoughts loudly, given the presence of the Satans. However, whispers and murmurs started to spread uncontrollably.
Boom!
Suddenly, an overwhelming aura burst forth, a blend of Conqueror's Haki, Satan-class being pressure, and killing intent, enveloping the entire banquet hall. All voices ceased instantly, even Sirzechs and Serafall looked at August in surprise.
There's a saying: "The law doesn't blame the masses." In this situation, even the Satans couldn't easily intervene, especially Serafall, whose emotional involvement could easily be exploited.
"What are you all whispering about? Care to share with me?" August's gaze swept over everyone present, sending a shiver down their spines.
It wasn't just an aura; it was killing intent. Genuine, murderous intent.
Sairaorg glanced at Sona beside him and immediately understood. Like Rias, Sona was also under August's protection. This confirmed his suspicion... August fiercely protected his own.
"Sona plans to establish a school in the underworld, open to both reincarnated and pureblood devils. Do any of you have a problem with that?"
"Low-class devils and reincarnated devils exist to serve the high-class devils. Establishing such a school would challenge the rules set by our ancestors. It's a grave offense."
"Grave offense? That motherfuckers are all dead. This is a new era; don't you know that?"
"You-"
"Did you think I was asking for your opinions?"
The opponent was nearly gnashing his teeth but didn't dare provoke August further, fearing for his life. August wasn't a devil; he was from the House of Demon, and the devil rules held no power over him.
As August walked toward the center, devils instinctively made way for him.
"Sirzechs, I believe Sona's school should be established in Lilith."
"August, this matter needs further discussion."
"Further discussion? What do you think, Serafall?"
"Anything Sona wants to do, I will fully support. If any old codgers try to stop her, I'll turn them into popsicles."
August laughed at her response. When it came to doting on a sister, Serafall was undoubtedly the top in the underworld.
Azazel, holding his wine glass nearby, also laughed. He saw it clearly—August was an unrestrained and reckless individual. But the biggest problem was that August was immensely powerful, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
"August, you're making things quite difficult for me." Sirzechs sighed. Clearly, August's actions in front of such a large audience were putting Sirzechs, as a Satan, in a very tight spot.
"Lord August, do you really believe Sona's idea is feasible? If, in the future, pureblood devils and reincarnated devils are treated equally, then who would the devil race belong to... the purebloods or the reincarnated devils?" An old man, showing signs of age, stepped forward. It was evident he was one of the high-ranking officials among the devils.
August keenly noticed the numerous hostile gazes filled with malice around him.
"Quite a bunch of decrepit old fools."
"Are you insulting me?" The old man retorted, his voice trembling with indignation.
"Tch, you old geezer, you don't even understand the situation. Why do you think evil pieces and reincarnated devils were created in the first place?"
On the high platform, Sirzechs, Azazel, and Odin all focused their attention. August's question hit the mark.
"Why were reincarnated devils created? Because the devils had no choice but to rely on humans to continue their race. You old folks stick to outdated traditions and, instead of fully integrating these reincarnated devils into your race, you create hierarchies."
"That's nonsense! The devil race is thriving. How could such a thing be true?"
"Then why do you think the peace treaty among the three factions was signed?"
"This-"
"Because without peace, the devil race would be doomed."
"That's absurd!"
"Is it? You know the truth deep down."
"You, a misfit from the House of Demon, clearly have ulterior motives for the devil race."
"Oh, running out of arguments, so you start throwing accusations?"
"You..."
The old devil was at a loss for words. For years, he had held a high position in the underworld, even the Satans had to show him respect. When had he ever been treated like this?
The surrounding devils watched in disbelief as August stood his ground against such a high-ranking devil, someone who held significant power within the devil hierarchy. Even the Satans typically showed him deference, yet here he was, being openly challenged.
"August, that's enough. Give him some respect." Sirzechs intervened, trying to de-escalate the situation.
"Hmph." August snorted and turned away, no longer interested in the old fool.
The old man, still pointing at August, was left speechless, unable to even come up with a retort.
"Impressive." Azazel remarked, suddenly appearing beside August and giving him a thumbs up. "You really know how to take on the high-ranking devils head-on."
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