The tension in the room was heavy and everyone was in shock from what they heard. It felt like I've delved deeper in whatever is happening at the moment.
The long pause was finally broken with a sudden outburst of murmurs from the crowd present there and unending whispering and gossiping. But none could speak their will and simply look up to the demons above awaiting their orders and what would come next. This was an unprecedented outcome that none had expected. The worst outcome.
However, that would be unlikely for me. Judging by their reactions, this would actually be the best opportunity for me to save myself even if I have to offend everyone here in this building.
Then a voice was heard from the demons above. This time it was a demon who was sitting at the farthest right corner. A female demon and she looked like a dignified woman in her Forties. She glanced at the crowd and commanded, "As of this very moment, no one is allowed to leave the Hall of Guilt! No one is to speak of this matter to anyone and it is to be known that this trial will be of utmost confidentiality. Those who oppose this order will be dealt with swiftly.''
Her speech silenced the crowd and she told the Demon who had analyzed the contract to continue with his explanation.
The demon nodded and started explaining his knowledge of the contract. ''A Slave contract, apart from its curse of binding death,has other curses too. Disobeying any order from the contract master would trigger a penalty to the slave. It won't kill the slave but force them to survive through all that pain.Its an absolutely cruel contract that was forbidden by the 'Previous' Demon King himself and not to mention no teachings or any type of record was to be published or even talking or attempting it would result in a death penalty…
…which brings the question that everyone has been dying to ask. Why is it? Why is it that a mere human could have invoked something like that? You! What the hell are you?''
The mother was on her knees hearing what kind of contract it was. Kiri seemed too shocked to even show a proper reaction. And I could feel the bloodlust coming from her father. But for now it would seem like I've escaped death(That is, as long as they don't abandon their daughter and we both die).
The mother, having lost all composure, turned to her husband and said ''Dear!! What should we do?''
Everyone was out of order and the Female Demon spoke again, ''Human, you are lucky to have held a demon of noble blood as your hostage. If not for that we would have dispose both you and your 'slave contract' to your doom.''
''Hostage, you say? Hmph. I See. Hey Kiri, undo me off these chain.''
Kiri, still recovering from her shock, slowly came and released the chains. I could feel the disgust in everyone's eyes. After all, they could only watch. Disobeying the contract would result in a penalty after all.
"Ahh.. finally I'm out of those heavy chains. That was so dang uncomfortable."
While that was arrogant of me, I needed to make sure that I am no pushover. And I had to make sure they see that as a threat which would greatly impact their decision making. Now that our lives are connected, as long as Kiri herself doesn't forfeit her own life out of shame, let's take things calmly and figure out what to do after this. Hopefully, we come to an understanding that this was all an accident.
Kiri's father who was holding back his anger and barely keeping his composure finally calmed down and said, ''Human, what are your motives for doing all this? If you are a spy sent by 'them', say so. I am willing to negotiate your terms and that you have my word as a Demon Lord''
'' I truly have no motive or anything like that. I told you that all this is unknown to me and I too do not know what is happening. After all, I only came here out of curiosity. That would be my motive I guess, I came here for an adventure.''
The demon, baffled at my response, looked at me for quite a while and said, '' Alright, we will proceed with a thorough investigation of your life and your past to gather any variable that may have been overlooked. Next question! Right now you are standing in front of the worst demons and you're staring death right in the face. Why is it that I sense almost no fear from you?''
''I don't really know how to answer that."
(Well that is what I wanted to know too. I do get excited when I am thrilled or in the process of solving a mystery but it amazes me that I am this calm. Do I actually have a few screws loose for finding this situation thrilling? Wouldn't one be shitting their pants right now? The whole thing did take me by surprise but apart from that I have been weirdly calm this whole time.)
Then one of the Demon who was sitting to the left of Kiri's father spoke, ''Even so for a mere human to invoke a forbidden contract it is impossible. Which is why we have to send someone to investigate your life. Do not be surprised if we go a 'little' far with our investigation. ''
Was that supposed to be a threat? I have to make sure they don't try anything funny. I raised my voice and replied, ''I don't really mind. Do what you must. But! If you were to do something to my family then don't blame me for what happens to your 'princess' here''. (After all two can play this game.)
The crowd, now anxious, looked at me with death glares and disgust and Kiri's father responded instantly. ''I assure you nothing will happen to your family but we will interrogate them if we have too''. He then turns over to the demon who threatened me and said, " Do mind your words, it is my daughter who's life is on the line. Not yours."
"No matter the situation, a thorough investigation will be initiated as of this case", spoke the female demon. " As for the one who will be leading this investigation-..."
The moment she said that, Kiri's mother stood up and disrupted her. ''If that is the case let me do the investigation," she said. "I refuse to let some unknown human take control of my daughter like an animal. I will visit the human world and begin the investigation right away. And I will make sure that no harm comes to your family so do not attempt any malicious acts on my daughter, human.''
I was going to tell her off a bit but for some reason my pity for Kiri and my conscience told her instead. ''Very well,I take it demons uphold their deal with utmost priority right.''
"You can assure that we do", she said so confidently but that somehow gave me comfort. Like I can really trust her…. Trust? What am I thinking, trusting demons, but this is really weird. Why do I get that sense of comfort so randomly from time to time when clearly I shouldn't be feeling that way, especially in this situation.
Kiri's mother regained her composure and is now seated with the other demons just below Kiri's father. ''For now the court is adjourned until further information. The Luxuria family will be responsible for the temporary protection, shelter, and as well as the human's needs", ordered the female demon.
The mother exclaimed. ''We have to be responsible?''
''Well this is your daughter's failure, looking at it from another viewpoint. Naturally your Familia will be held accountable for any unforeseen consequences."
Kiri's father nodded and spoke, "I agree, the Luxuria will take responsibility for this incident and before this court is adjourned I would like to ask the human a question. Human, what is your given name?''
I could feel everyone glaring at me at that moment.
Now that I think of it I haven't really introduced myself I guess and ''Since you're going to find out anyway my name is…
…Avareza L Ban.''
…
…
At that moment every demon had only one thought in their minds…
("Avareza?!!!!!")