Great Hall of the Maous - Underworld
"First of all, I would like to say that I understand Dimitri's pain. Losing a child is unimaginable," Serafall began, her voice gentle but firm. "However, we must consider the context in which all this happened."
She stepped forward, moving around the table as she spoke. "Riser acted in an emergency situation where the safety of the underworld and our very existence were at stake. Diodora was out of control, and his presence in Tokyo not only endangered many human lives but also threatened to expose the underworld to unwanted eyes."
Serafall paused, observing the reactions of those present. Dimitri looked uncomfortable, but Sirzechs and Ajuka maintained neutral expressions.
"As Maous, our primary responsibility is to maintain the stability and security of the underworld. We cannot afford to hesitate or allow personal emotions to interfere with our decisions," Serafall continued, her tone gaining intensity.
"If we allow situations like Diodora's to repeat, we will be risking everything we have worked so hard for."
She turned to Riser, who remained calm and confident in his place.
"Riser did what needed to be done. He averted a disaster of unimaginable proportions, and we must acknowledge that. Instead of condemning him, we should be thanking him for his decisive and courageous action."
Serafall continued speaking, reiterating various points and emphasizing the need for quick and decisive actions in crisis situations. Her defense of Riser was so vehement that it seemed almost endless.
The other Maous, except for Dimitri, listened with a mix of interest and resignation, already accustomed to Serafall's passionate and lengthy style.
Dimitri, however, was visibly irritated, his face growing redder as Serafall continued her monologue. He clenched his fists, clearly struggling to maintain his composure as he listened.
Serafall finally concluded her speech, returning to her chair with a relieved sigh. "I hope everyone here understands the importance of what I am saying. We must support Riser and recognize the necessity of his actions."
"Thank you, Serafall, for sharing your detailed and passionate point of view," said Sirzechs, with an ironic smile.
He then turned to Ajuka, his expression becoming more serious. "Ajuka, I would now like to hear your opinion on this matter."
Ajuka, who had been observing calmly throughout the meeting, adjusted himself in his chair and stood up. His expression was unreadable, but there was an intensity in his eyes that suggested deep reflection.
"Thank you, Sirzechs," Ajuka began, his voice calm and controlled.
Castle in the Underworld
Merlin, focused, began tracing complex runes in the air. Her hands moved with precision, forming glowing symbols that floated before dissolving into magical energy. "These spells will hide our presence," she said, her voice calm but firm. "We need to be invisible, both to the senses and to the castle's security mechanisms."
Ophis, observing in silence, remained still as Merlin worked. The light from the runes reflected in her eyes, creating an intriguing contrast with her serene expression.
"Ready," Merlin finally said. "We are invisible to all forms of detection. Let's go."
With the magical invisibility activated, they approached the castle. The shadows of the trees danced around them, but no sound betrayed their presence. The castle guards, in their imposing armor, patrolled the walls and entrances, but Merlin and Ophis went unnoticed.
Inside the castle, they headed towards the area where the concentration of magical energy was strongest. Merlin led the way, her magical senses alert to any change in the atmosphere around them.
They reached a long, opulent corridor, its walls adorned with ancient tapestries and gleaming chandeliers. At the end of the corridor, a large carved wooden door indicated the presence of an important room. From there came voices - one male and several female, unmistakable in their tone and content.
Merlin frowned, quickly understanding what was happening inside the room. She placed her hand on the door and murmured an incantation. The runes glowed blue before dispersing across the wood, creating a magical barrier.
"This spell isolates the room," Merlin explained to Ophis. "No one inside will hear what happens outside, and vice versa."
Ophis nodded, understanding. Without hesitation, she opened the door and entered, her steps silent and her expression impassive. Merlin remained outside, keeping watch.
Inside the room, Ophis found Falbium Asmodeus, occupied with several female companions. Unperturbed by what was happening, she advanced calmly, her presence filling the space with an aura of relentless power.
Great Hall of the Maous - Underworld
"This situation is undoubtedly complex and painful for everyone involved. It is essential that we maintain objectivity and justice in evaluating Riser's actions."
Ajuka paused, allowing his words to echo in the great hall. "Riser acted in an extreme emergency. The destruction in Tokyo and the potential threat to the underworld could not be ignored. However, the consequences of his actions cannot be underestimated."
Ajuka continued, his voice measured and impartial. "To ensure justice is served, I propose an appropriate punishment for Riser. First, the Phenex family should provide a substantial amount of Phoenix Tears to the Astaroth family. This will help compensate for part of the pain and losses they have suffered."
Dimitri frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the proposal, but remained silent. Ajuka gave no sign of noticing Dimitri's irritation and continued. "Additionally, I suggest that Riser have a formal conversation with Latia Astaroth, the future heir of the Astaroth family, to establish good terms between the two families. This will help strengthen relations and avoid future conflicts."
Ajuka sat down, letting his words hang in the air. The reactions were varied. Serafall seemed satisfied with Ajuka's measured decision, while Sirzechs maintained his serious expression. Dimitri, on the other hand, was visibly displeased but kept silent, swallowing his frustration.
Sirzechs turned to Riser. "Riser, do you have anything to say about the proposed punishments?"
Riser stood up, a confident smile on his lips. "I readily accept the punishments proposed by Ajuka. Providing Phoenix Tears is not a problem for my family, and I am more than willing to talk with Latia Astaroth to ensure peace and cooperation between our families."
The calm and confident tone of Riser made some present raise their eyebrows. For Riser, the punishment seemed almost like a reward, an opportunity to further strengthen his position.
Sirzechs looked around the table. "Does anyone have any objections to these decisions?" He looked directly at Dimitri, awaiting a response.
Dimitri, struggling to contain his anger, shook his head negatively. "No, Sirzechs. I accept the decision."
However, inside, Dimitri was burning. His thoughts were a whirlwind of hatred and resentment. 'Ajuka, you betrayed me. You betrayed my son's memory. I will have my revenge, one way or another. Not just Riser, but all of you will pay for this.'
Sirzechs, seeing no further objections, concluded the meeting. "Very well. The meeting is adjourned. Let's ensure that the necessary actions are taken to avoid future tragedies."
As the Maous and others present began to disperse, Riser and Sona prepared to leave. Dimitri, maintaining his neutral expression, left the hall with a tense demeanor, but his mind was filled with thoughts of revenge.
'Riser, you will pay for this. And Ajuka, your betrayal will not be forgotten. All of you will feel my wrath,' Dimitri thought as he left the Great Hall of the Maous.
Sona watched attentively as Dimitri walked away.
She approached Riser and whispered in his ear. "Dimitri didn't take the decision well. He looks furious."
Riser nodded, his gaze following Dimitri for a moment before turning back to Sona. "I'm not surprised. But he has no choice but to accept it."
At that moment, Serafall approached Sona with an excited smile and hugged her enthusiastically. "Sona-chan! I'm so happy everything turned out well for you and Riser-chan."
Sona returned the hug, still a bit worried, but smiled at her sister's support. "Thank you, Onee-sama. Your help was crucial."
Riser watched the sisters interact and, after a moment, expressed his thoughts aloud.
"This whole meeting was a grand theater, a performance to show the underworld that even the head of the Phenex family can be punished. But deep down, we know it's just for appearances."
Serafall released Sona and turned to Riser, nodding vigorously. "I agree, Riser-chan. We need to maintain order and the image of justice, but in the end, we all know how things really work."
As the three talked, Ajuka approached Sirzechs, exchanging a few quick words before saying goodbye. "I need to go, Sirzechs. I have other matters to attend to. See you later."
Sirzechs nodded, shaking Ajuka's hand. "Thank you, Ajuka. Take care."
Ajuka left the hall with his usual calm and controlled demeanor, leaving Sirzechs to join Riser, Serafall, and Sona.
He walked up to them, an expression of exhaustion and relief on his face.
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