Lucifer's words had left everyone deeply perplexed.
It was not merely the heads of the five noble families and the delegations accompanying them who were utterly astonished. Even the members of Westerifer's Holygrill Family, the Keilname Family, and the Velmora Ducal Family itself stood stunned by what they had heard. Never before had they imagined that a simple welcome and introduction session could take such a turn.
What left them even more bewildered was that no one could understand the reason behind Lucifer's sudden change in demeanor, or the unusually rude and threatening manner in which he addressed the guests. From every angle, it was clear that Lucifer was delivering one final warning to the noble families of the kingdom.
Just as Lucifer began to rise from his seat, a feminine voice cut through the tension.
"Luci, they are our guests. They came here to witness and celebrate our duchy's ascension ceremony. You should treat them as a proper host would, yet here you are threatening them with war, death, killings, and worse. This is unlike you. Apologize to everyone at once."
It was Amelia. This time she was truly displeased by his behavior.
Hearing her reprimand, Lucifer felt no offense. If anything, he was quietly pleased, though he did not show it. He turned toward the rows of guests.
"Duke Gelvin, Duchess Velora, Countess Cinthia, Sir Goccrek, and Baron Denford… I am truly sorry if my straightforward words offended any of you. For that, I ask your forgiveness."
He paused, then added with measured weight, "But everything I told you earlier is absolutely true. And when the time comes, I will adhere to it."
"Luci, what's the point of asking for forgiveness when you're still stuck on the subject of choosing sides?" Amelia pressed. "By doing this, you deliberately put pressure on them. They came here to enjoy themselves—let them. And what definite reason forces you to demand they pick sides? It's not appropriate. Do you truly believe you can force them to pledge allegiance to us?
"Imagine what would happen if, out of fear, one or all of these noble families of Lustbound Heaven pledged themselves to us, only to betray us when war actually came. You couldn't even blame them then, because that earlier allegiance would simply have been their way of saving their lives from your grasp."
Lucifer nodded. "Sis, I understand what you're saying. But I really don't have a choice.
"Until now I've tried to hide this matter, because I didn't want you, Mommy, or anyone else in Westerifer to carry the stress. But seeing the current situation, I think I must reveal it. Without that revelation, neither you nor anyone else will understand my urgency."
He paused briefly to steady himself. That small silence was enough for others to seize the moment.
Duchess Velora spoke first, her voice sharp. "Young Master, after threatening us with consequences and demands to choose sides… what schemes are you cooking inside that malicious and poisonous mind of yours?"
Duke Gelvin followed at once. "Young Master, I believe Duchess Amelia has far better insight than you. Do you truly think you would remain safe after threatening us like this? Before coming here I already sensed something was fishy. That is why I left a note with my son, ordering him to march against Westerifer if I do not reach the ducal palace within three days after the conclusion of your ascension ceremony. So do not dare threaten me into joining your forces and betraying the kingdom's trust."
Old count Goccrek glared at Lucifer with intense anger and open bloodlust. "I left the same kind of note in Vazon's hand. If anything happens to me or to anyone from Ironford County, and we fail to return to our territory in the expected time, Ironford's cavalry will march against Westerifer at once. And I forgot to mention—if anything happens to us, Siremount Duchy will also take action. So beware your next move, Young Master of the Velmora family."
When Goccrek finished, Lucifer's gaze shifted to Countess Cinthia Grace Florence of Florence County.
"Countess Cinthia, do you also have something you wish to tell me? Or will you threaten me with some hidden army, just as Duke Gelvin and Sir Goccrek have done?"
Cinthia shook her head with a slight smile. "Young Master, I have no intention of threatening you, nor do I possess any hidden army. As for your earlier rude words, I did not take them to heart. I believe you truly have reasons for taking such drastic measures.
"Although I came here to celebrate your ascension ceremony, I also have another motive. May I ask for your cooperation?"
"Esteemed lady," Lucifer answered gently, "ask whatever you wish. I will try to cooperate, so long as it remains within my limits."
"Actually, Young Master… just like Holycross Duchy, our Florence County is also willing to submit under the roofs of Westerifer. But we want the same kind of freedom that the Holygrill Family enjoys under your rule."
The request surprised Lucifer—pleasantly so. Duchess Velora, Duke Gelvin, old Count Goccrek, and Baron Denford were equally astonished. Even the people of Westerifer looked shocked.
"Of course, esteemed Lady Cinthia," Lucifer said. "Your request is reasonable, and I promise Westerifer will honor it."
He paused, studying her with mild confusion. "Lady, you said you are willingly submitting your territory under Westerifer's rule. That means you were prepared for this even before coming here. May I ask why you decided on this course?"
Cinthia shook her head. "Young Master, I cannot answer that. But tell me—did you ask Lady Aria the same question when she came to your ducal palace and made her request?"
"No," Lucifer admitted plainly. "I simply accepted it. Now that I think about it, I still don't know why the Holygrill Family joined Westerifer."
Cinthia's smile remained gentle. "Don't fret over it, Young Master. Just take my reason for joining you and your duchy as the same as the Holygrill Family's."
Her words confused Lucifer further, yet they stirred something in Synthia Holygrill, who suddenly recalled her conversation with the quasi-divine spirit of the world—Elyxia.
Since Cinthia did not wish to disclose her reasons, Lucifer did not press her. He respected her privacy.
"Lady Cinthia, you may discuss further details with Veronica and Allen. They will introduce you to the rules and regulations of Westerifer."
He then turned to Baron Denford. "Like Duke Gelvin, Duchess Velora, and Sir Goccrek—do you also have questions? Or means to threaten me?"
Baron Denford answered without much emotion. "No… I don't have such measures. Young Master, my barony is small and shares boundaries with Holycross State, Kielname State, Fellmare Town, and the jointing city of your duchy. Actually, 'sharing boundaries' is not quite accurate—my territory is more like landlocked within yours. That is why I believe joining you is better than falling apart. I truly do not want to risk the lives of my citizens. So I ultimately agree to come under your roof."
Lucifer nodded. "I understand your plight, Baron. Rest assured—we are very different from the kingdom, and our rules are different as well. Under Westerifer's rule, I promise we will treat every person from Redbarn as our own people. You will enjoy the same rights that the rest of our states enjoy."
After reassuring the baron, Lucifer looked toward the throne where Mia and Amelia sat quietly, then walked toward them. When he reached the ducal throne, he knelt like a regular supplicant. This time he did not call them "Mommy" or "Sis," but used formal titles.
"Grand Duchess and Duchess Amelia, I implore both of you to accept the territories of Florence and Redbarn as our own, and to appoint their former ruling family heads as chiefs of their respective states."
Hearing the formal tone, both Mia and Amelia felt a strange unease—they were accustomed to "Mommy" and "Elder Sister"—but they did not comment on it. They listened quietly, then nodded in affirmation.
Mia ordered Allen, "Allen, after today's dinner, make Lady Cinthia and Sir Denford familiar with Westerifer's rules and regulations, and explain the rights they will enjoy as chiefs of Redbarn State and Florence State."
"As you wish, Madam," Allen replied.
With the matters of Lady Cinthia and Sir Denford settled, Lucifer rose and turned. The guests from Livingstone Duchy, Wielheim Duchy, and Ironford County filled his view. His gaze lingered longest on Goccrek, who was still scoffing at Cinthia's and Denford's decision to submit their territories.
Seeing that arrogance, Lucifer stepped forward until he stood directly in front of the old count. His voice dropped to a stone-cold murmur that somehow still carried a dark undercurrent of amusement.
"Sir Goccrek… I must say, threatening me back takes real spine. I'm almost impressed. Almost. But tell me—do you honestly believe you're so precious to Siremount Duchy that they'll start a war with Westerifer just because of *you*?"
His smile widened, sharp and humorless. He clenched and unclenched his fists as though testing the weight of something invisible.
"Looking at that smug little grin of yours… I suddenly have this overwhelming urge to separate your head from the rest of you. My hands are actually trembling with how badly I want to do it. So what do you say, Sir Goccrek? Would you mind if I gave you a full-body… ah, sorry, *full-neck* massage? Free of charge. Lifetime guarantee."
Goccrek's arrogant smile collapsed into pure panic. Color drained from his face as he stammered, "Lu… Lu… Lucifer, stay within your limits! This is the second time you've threatened us—"
Lucifer shook his head with mock disappointment, still smiling. "You know, Sir Goccrek, I just thought of a better arrangement. I no longer want Livingstone or Wielheim under Westerifer's banner. I don't even want your territory anymore.
"But that doesn't mean I'm forgiving you. From this moment on, take every word I say as a genuine threat. If I see that smiling face of yours even one more time, Lady Layuri and Ildrek will be returning your body home in *two separate sacks*. And believe me—neither Count Vazon nor Siremount Duchy will be able to save you. I hope you understand exactly what I mean."
Just as Lucifer finished, a feminine, melodious voice came from behind him.
"Lucifer, what is all this? One moment you threaten every guest, the next you claim you don't want their territory. You have to understand—politics doesn't work this way. Once trust is lost, it is nearly impossible to regain. Look at Duchess Velora. When she arrived she was a happy soul; now furrows of wariness and distrust mark her forehead. The same is true for Duke Gelvin."
It was Veronica.
Lucifer glanced at her, then turned away again. "You're right, honey. I'm inexperienced and useless in these kinds of political assemblies.
"My elder sister was correct—all of these people are guests of Westerifer. They came to enjoy themselves and take part in our duchy's ascension day. Some may even stay for the fertility ceremony festival. I should treat them with courtesy.
"The truth is, I was worried about the future… and the future is always unpredictable. I didn't want to discuss this with everyone, but since Duchess Velora, Duke Gelvin, and Sir Goccrek are here… let them decide for themselves what kind of relationship they want with Westerifer."
He raised his voice so that every person in the throne room could hear.
"Everyone—guest or not—listen carefully, and give me your attention for a moment.
"Seven days from today, Purefield Duchy will begin marching against my Westerifer. The reason for this crusade is simple: revenge. Revenge against me… revenge for the purging and annihilation of the City of Death—Morthveil. But that is not all. The Lustbound Kingdom is supporting Purefield as well.
"According to my current information, Purefield will attack in three waves. The first wave will be led by Duke Felix, arranged by Purefield's guardian, Crimson. That first wave alone consists of two million six hundred thousand soldiers, and they will strike Westerifer from the south and west."
Lucifer's gaze settled on Duchess Velora. "South of Westerifer means Hektor State, Florence State, and Morrgen State—all three share borders with Livingstone Duchy."
His eyes shifted to Duke Gelvin. "And west of Westerifer means Holygrill State, Kielname State, and parts of Morrgen State—all of which share borders with Ironford County, Bexihound Barony, and Wielheim Duchy."
"My primary reason for bringing the Livingstone Duchy, the Weilhiem Duchy, and Ironford County under Westirifer's banner was to cripple the Kingdom by cutting off its hands.
But if Duchess Velora, Duke Gelvin, and Sir Goccrek are unwilling to join us, then I will not force you any further.
However, remember my previous warning: if any of your soldiers attempt to infiltrate Westirifer's borders, you will all have to answer to me.
That is why I suggest that you either withdraw yourselves from this conflict or remain neutral in this war.
It is my heartfelt wish that we do not become enemies. So, please, do not test the limits of my patience.
And once again, I apologize if my harsh words or behavior caused you any offense."
A small, pleasant smile touched his lips—bright enough to captivate many in the hall.
Then, moment by moment, that smile began to change.
His eyes darted left and right. His teeth started clicking together in a rapid, rhythmic clatter—*click-clack-click-clack-click-clack-click-clack*—until the sound filled the silence like a swarm of insects.
The sudden shift made the atmosphere eerie and haunted. Then, just as abruptly, the clicking stopped. Lucifer sat down hard on the floor.
Confusion rippled through the hall. Whispers broke out. Some claimed he was trying to intimidate them with erratic behavior. Others debated the authenticity of the news about the coming war. A few muttered that he was naive for revealing so much detail.
While they whispered, Lucifer suddenly laughed.
It began as a soft "hehehe… hehehe…heheheheh.....hehehehehe.....hehehehheeh.....hehehehehhehehehehehhehehehe..."and quickly spiraled into something unhinged. He clutched his stomach, rocking slightly as the laughter grew louder, wilder, more broken.
"Hehehe… hehehehe… aahhhahhah… hehehehhehe…hehehehh...ahahahaha.....ahahaahaha.....hehehheeh...hahahahaha...heheheheheh.....ahahahaha.....ahahhah....hehehehe.....aahahahahahah.....hehehehehh.....ahahahaa.....ehhheheheh...heeeehhee… It's happening… it's happening… Purefield…heheheheh.....ahahaahahahah.....Purefield… Christopher… hehehehe… Sarah… Christopher… hahahhahah… Purefield… it's time… it'sss time to give you the same pain… hehehhe… even worse pain… hehheheheh… Come… come to me… one by one… one by one… I'll kill you all… one by one… I'll drink your blood… hehehehheh… one by one… I'll eat you alive… I'll bite your flesh… chew it… savor it… one by one… hehehehhhaah…heheheheh.... I'll do it all in front of you..... Hehehehehhehe..... Ahhahahahahaha..... Ahahhehhehhahaheh..."
The laughter was nothing human. It was manic, jagged, and laced with half-choked words. Lucifer turned toward the throne, eyes wide and feverish.
"Eehh… eehhhee… hhheehh… Mommy… hehhehehe… finally… hehhe… finally… his death is approaching… heheheh… no no no no no… eehehehe… their death is approaching… eheheh… no no no no no… they are walking straight toward their own deaths… heheheheh… How… how… how fascinating… hehheheeh… heheh…... Hehehehahee.....aahahahah.... Finally.... Finally....hehehehah.... I'll be able to take revenge.... Hehehehehhehe..... Revenge.... Hehehehaahah... Aahaha.... Ahahahaa..... Hahahahahahah..... Take revenge.....for.... My seren"
Eerie bursts of laughter and the occasional sharp clack of teeth continued to escape him. His neon-green irises darkened into deep violet. His silver hair began to writhe and coil like living serpents, though no wind stirred the air. Most terrifying of all was the aura that erupted from his body—a sinister black-red haze of chaos and pure bloodlust. It surged outward in oppressive waves, wrapping him completely in a dark, malevolent fog within moments.
Fear seized the entire throne room. Many from the Velmora family were seeing Lucifer like this for the first time; the Holygrill and Keilname families fared no better. Only three people truly understood what was happening—Mia, Amelia, and Westeria—and all three wore expressions of extreme panic.
No one dared make a sound. The only noises that remained were Lucifer's maniacal laughter and the fragmented, half-spoken words that spilled from his mouth.
Retired Count Goccrek, standing only two steps away, had already wet himself in sheer terror. The others were scarcely in better condition.
Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Mia rose from her throne and started to walk toward Lucifer. Just then,Veronica stepped in front of mia at once,as she asked in trembling voice.
"Mother, what is happening to Lucifer? Why… why is he behaving like this? Were my words too harsh? Is he angry with me? And… and what is that dark crimson smoke pouring from his body?"
Mia answered quietly, her face tight with worry. "Every time he is overwhelmed by extreme anger, rage, pain, or bloodlust—more than his body and mind can endure—he falls into this state. This is when he is most vulnerable yet most dangerous. As for the crimson-black smoke… if I am not mistaken, it is either a concentrated form of his bloodlust, or his aura itself made visible."