Chapter 120: The Art of Speaking
As Shaya spoke, a dozen pairs of eyes turned to her.
She lounged in her chair, one hand propping up her chin, a look of boredom on her face, her gaze occasionally drifting towards Bai.
None of the Legendary Knights had noticed her arrival. Even Bai, sitting closest to her, had only realized she was there when she spoke.
The capital’s Demonic Rune detector was still active, and Bai was currently marked, though she could have easily removed it with [Word of Command] or Ara’s [Absolute Negation].
But Shaya, who had clearly just used her Demonic Runes, hadn’t been marked at all. It was as if the detector feared her.
This was the strongest of the demon commanders. Even with all of them combined, and Bai in her [Rebirth from Death] form, they would only have a slight chance of defeating her.
So, although Shaya seemed to be surrounded by the Empire’s strongest warriors, in reality, she was the one who held all the power.
“Your Majesty,” Leticia said, her voice a low rasp, offering a slight bow from her seated position.
A gesture of respect, not submission.
The other Legendary Knights followed suit. Only Bai remained silent, her gaze fixed on Shaya.
Did Shaya care about their respect?
Of course not. They were ants to her.
She was waiting for Bai.
Bai remained silent, her gaze unwavering.
The Legendary Knights exchanged confused glances. Bai was supposed to be Shaya’s kin, their relationship the closest.
Why was there such tension between them?
Finally, unable to bear the scrutiny, Bai looked away. “Your Majesty…”
“Hmm?” Shaya interrupted, her eyes narrowed. “What did you call me?”
“…” Bai hesitated, then, mustering her courage, she whispered, her lips trembling, “Big… Sister…”
The shame was overwhelming.
She wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
She tried to maintain a stoic expression, but the blush that crept up her neck betrayed her.
Shaya nodded, satisfied, then her gaze swept over the Legendary Knights, a silent warning.
They had been a bit too aggressive in their questioning of Bai earlier, and she was not pleased.
The Legendary Knights were stunned. Although Bai had tried to be nonchalant, her “Big Sister” had been heard loud and clear, and Shaya’s reaction had confirmed it.
This was more than just a kin…
They had never heard of a Vampire treating their kin with such… familiarity.
Leticia, her face hidden by her helmet, was especially shocked.
After a long moment, she accepted the reality of the situation, a silent sigh escaping her lips.
“So, I failed…”
She had tried so hard to bring Bai back, to keep her on humanity’s side.
But Bai’s faith in the Empire had been shattered at Saint Noyes. There was no going back.
Just then, Lady Caroline, ever the diplomat, sensed the awkwardness in the room and quickly changed the subject. “Your Majesty, you’re here to observe the ‘Ascension to the Tower,’ I presume?”
The other Legendary Knights remained silent, content to let her handle the negotiations.
Shaya’s scarlet eyes turned to her. “That’s correct.”
“We have a… small request,” Caroline said, taking a deep breath. “The scepter, which is crucial for the ceremony, was… taken by one of your demon commanders, Ice Lily, and has yet to be returned…”
She chose her words carefully, avoiding any accusations of theft or robbery.
The art of speaking.
But Shaya was not one for subtlety. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Caroline, momentarily taken aback, quickly recovered. “We don’t want to delay Your Majesty’s observation of the ceremony, but the scepter is in Ice Lily’s possession…”
“You want me to retrieve it for you?” Shaya raised an eyebrow. Humans, like elves, were so… indirect. Not nearly as interesting as Bai.
“If… perhaps… maybe…” Caroline stammered, then, giving up, simply nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty…”
If Shaya intervened, she could easily find Ice Lily and force her to return the scepter.
It was a good plan, but Shaya wasn’t buying it.
“No, that’s not a problem at all,” she said, her interest fading. “I’m not going.”
“But…” Caroline was speechless.
“If Ice Lily took your scepter, she must have had a reason,” Shaya said dismissively. “You say the scepter is for your… ‘Ascension to the Tower.’ Perhaps she can use it as well.”
“I’m here to observe the ceremony. Does it matter who holds the scepter?”
