Light footfalls echoed in the interior confines of the hostelry.
The design was just as impressive as the exterior, with lamps etched into its walls and a wide corridor, murals and ancient glyphs made most of the wall's design.
Azazel moved with grace, his steps unhurried.
He navigated through the hostelry with ease, following the lingering sounds of the annoyed Prince's footsteps.
After a minute he found himself looking at a bifurcated staircase, where six pairs of eyes were staring at him.
"Oh my, isn't this quite the surprise." Azazel exclaimed with sarcasm, "Never in my life did I imagine such a scenario, I guess my greatness exceeds what I presumed it to be, since the royal spawns of different kingdoms are gathered to receive me."
Kyle was the first to react.
"As expected, you're the only bastard alive who would dare release killing intent in a place filled with royals, what were the guards even doing, allowing you in."
Azazel shrugged.
"They're probably smarter than the lady who tried to stop me, I mean anyone would think twice before apprehending an Astavore, and need I remind you, Your Highness Kyle, the rules state that the accomplice of a noble is entitled a spot in this needlessly lavish establishment, in case you've forgotten the little deal I had with his Majesty."
Elias, who was already halfway through the stairs, turned slightly then snarled.
"Your services are not needed, get out."
Azazel resisted the urge to roll his eyes, he was getting a little bit impatient with Elias.
"Send your complaints to his Majesty, till then please refrain from complaining, it's taking all the self control I have in me not to pummel your annoying face."
A loud laughter rang from above, it came from a pale boy with crimson eyes leaned against the railing, there was a lazy amusement written on his face, one aimed at Azazel.
"Hahahahaha, you're interesting Azazel, different from the rumors surrounding you, believe me they don't exactly portray you as the type with wits."
"Jamie Rau tepes." Azazel remarked, "I'm flattered you seem to hold me in high regards."
His eyes narrowed slightly, not in intrigue but suspicion.
Depending on the route the game took, the twins of house tepes —heirs to the throne of the sanguine kingdom— could either be allies or foes.
Right now, he didn't know how the story was progressing so he couldn't fathom their stand.
Were they foes? Potential allies? He couldn't tell.
Although he prayed for the latter.
The tepes twins were monsters when it came to battle, their unique class [blood lord] allowed them to manipulate blood as freely as they pleased.
It was a highly versatile ability which allowed them to freely switch between offense and defense during battle.
It also didn't help matters that their battle IQ was off the charts.
They were practically impossible to beat, especially when they were together.
'Nothing good will come from antagonizing them, I should use this chance to build a connection.' Azazel mused.
"On the contrary, unlike my brother I don't seem to have the same opinion about you, if anything I believe you Astavores are cocky, and the reputation surrounding you seems valid considering the barbaric display you put on, just like that bitch Leona." Ciel chimed.
She didn't bother to hide her disdain.
Azazel knew from the game that Ciel harbored a deep hate for Leona as well as a sense of rivalry so he wasn't really surprised by her words.
Tyrisa who was beside the twins merely watched the entire exchange with an impassive look on her face.
She didn't even regard their presence as anything worth her time although there was a certain intrigue in her gaze, she remained indifferent because to her they were merely tools of interest.
Especially Azazel.
Her assistant, just like his master, watched the entire exchange with quiet amusement.
Azazel remained silent, making it clear he had no intention of indulging them further.
However, Kyle wasn't having it.
Since his assistant Valenis was nowhere to be found there was no one to rein him in.
"Now that we're on the topic of Leona, tell me Azazel, she's sick isn't she?" He taunted with a sly grin. "That arrogant vixen looks like she's halfway to hades, what a terrible time to fall ill, she has so many enemies, I'm sure they wouldn't let such an opportunity pass by, don't you think? W—"
The corridor reverberated with the sound of a single footstep, instantly halting Kyle's words.
Even the very air turned cold, dropping the temperatures by a few degrees.
Azazel's gaze darkened, his smile gone, replaced by a cold sneer.
"I'll only say this once." He began, letting his murderous intent leak with each word,"I don't care if you're a royal or not, I don't care if you have the empire's backing as well, if you dare lay a single finger on my sister, I will kill you, the same goes for all of you present here, if you touch her I'll make sure the vultures dread approaching your corpses."
Tyrisa frowned.
He was clearly weaker than all of them, they could all see that but still she couldn't help but feel a bit disturbed, she knew he meant every word he said and that was what made it even more unsettling.
She'd seen a glimpse of his abilities back then at the forest.
When she ordered an investigation on him she found out that his class was an exclusive one, a class unique to him alone, so they were wary, they still didn't know what abilities he had.
Like her father always said, knowing your enemy is already half the battle.
She tilted her neck softly, just enough to see the flicker of a frown appear on Ciel's face.
Besides Ciel, Jamie remained undisturbed, if anything his grin deepened, his eyes were filled with excitement like that of a kid who'd found a favorite toy.
Kyle shuddered but he masked his fear quickly, he couldn't afford to show weakness, not in front of those twins and certainly not in front of Tyrisa, he was also of royal blood just like them but among them even if it hurt to admit, they were all monsters in their respective aspects while he if anything was a little bit more than mundane.
To cut the rambles short, he was weak, by their standards.
Tyrisa let her gaze linger on Azazel for a second longer than she'd intended, then she turned around.
"I've seen enough."
Her assistant followed closely beside her.
Jamie smiled then said.
"You're interesting Azazel Von Astavore, I'd love to have a conversation with you sometime."
Azazel allowed his lips to curl upwards, although the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"It would be my honor, Prince Jamie." He replied.
With a satisfied nod, Jamie left.
Ciel followed, but not before sparing Azazel a nasty glance.
Kyle, who was clearly all talk and no bite, ran the moment the chance presented itself.
Azazel could only shake his head at the cowardice of the fourth prince.
As for the protagonist himself, Elias.
He was staring at Azazel.