The Damned Demon

As Asher and the others settled into the spacious interior of the carriage, Leonidas immediately noticed something amiss, "Hey...the windows. I can't see outside," he mumbled, his expression one of confusion and slight concern.

Asher, too, had observed this peculiar feature upon entering. He scrutinized the windows, his brow furrowing, "Why are these windows sealed with mana?" he questioned aloud, noting that the windows weren't just tinted black, but completely obscured, preventing any light from penetrating, thus rendering the outside world invisible.

The old man driving the carriage, his voice respectful and steady, responded from the driver's cabin, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. But it is for your own protection, considering the circumstances."

Leonidas shrugged and chimed in, "Oh well...it does make sense. Maybe to discourage those trying to assassinate us on the way. Not that they would succeed anyway," He said with a confident smile.

Asher acknowledged the logic behind Leonidas' words, since it would prevent anyone from seeing who was inside the carriage.

But still, he found it odd since there should be lots of powerful draconian guards accompanying them. That also made him wonder how Lysandra was planning to make this carriage lose these guards and ride out of this kingdom without anyone knowing.

The carriage eventually came to a halt, the sudden stillness prompting Asher and Naida to exchange glances. A silent question passed between them - had they successfully left the kingdom, or was this an unexpected stop?

"Your Majesty. We have reached," announced the old driver, his voice carrying through to the carriage's interior.

Asher's brows furrowed in suspicion, his hand moving to open the door. However, Eradicator, quick to respond, declared, "Please allow me," Eradicator stepped out and scanned the surroundings closely.

But her fists clenched as she turned around and simply looked at the king with a focused gaze.

Asher frowned as Naida also noticed the look Eradicator gave and said, "Let me…"

Naida gracefully stepped out second, her eyes immediately scanning the surroundings as well.

But the moment she took in the sight before them, she also frowned.

They were in front of a grand old building, resplendent and alive with activity. Dozens of draconian guards were stationed around, and a few powerful draconian figures could be seen entering the building, which radiated with a festive energy.

Naida stepped forward and peered through the glass of the carriage at the driver, "Where did you bring us?" she demanded with feigned curiosity.

The driver, maintaining his respectful demeanor, explained, "This is the Banquet Hall built by our first king. Our king wanted to hold the celebration here since the first king had once declared that a grand celebration should be held here the day the Tower of Torment gets conquered."

Naida's frown deepened at the driver's explanation, her gaze shifting back to Asher as he stepped out of the carriage. His expression, like hers, turned serious as he stared at this building.

The realization dawned on both of them that something had gone awry. The plan, as they understood it, was to be escorted out of the kingdom, not to the heart of the celebration gathering they were trying to avoid.

They stood there, a mix of bewilderment and wariness in their eyes, as they tried to comprehend this unexpected turn of events.

Did Lysandra betray them? No…Asher felt that she had a hundred chances to do it before. He also had the feeling she wouldn't give up on her son like that.

Caelum stepped forward with a look of doubt, "Your Majesty, is there a problem?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Asher, maintaining a semblance of calm, shook his head and offered a brief smile, "Nothing. But be prepared for anything, like I told you before," he responded, his voice steady and low yet hinting at the need for vigilance.

Caelum nodded, his eyes reflecting a newfound seriousness, and he relayed the message to Leonidas with a subtle glance. It was clear to both of them that their king was on extra guard for some good reason.

Silvan, trailing behind, narrowed his eyes as he observed some of the elite draconian guards entering the building. He took a moment to carefully scrutinize their appearances and movements. Then, leaning in towards Asher, he whispered something discreetly, making Asher nod slowly in response, "I will keep that in mind," Asher affirmed, his gaze following Silvan's earlier line of sight.

As they entered the building, they were greeted by an array of maids and servants who bowed respectfully. The group was led to a grand pair of doors, which four guards opened with a ceremonial flourish.

The doors swung open to reveal an opulent banquet hall, its grandeur surpassing anything Asher had seen before, even eclipsing the celebration he attended for the first time at Demonstone Castle.

However, the hall was sparsely populated, with more guards than officials, a detail that did not escape Asher's notice. There weren't even any other consorts or royal members other than a few powerful noble figures and some elders.

However, his attention quickly shifted from the lavish setting to the elevated platform overlooking the banquet. Seated there were three figures of importance. Rhygar shot him a scornful smile, but Asher ignored him as he felt Lysandra's gaze, whose face was a mask of cold like always.

But he saw the subtle hint of confusion flashing past her eyes upon seeing him, making him realize that she was just as puzzled as him about this situation.

However, his gaze then shifted to the center upon feeling Drakar's gaze, whose smile broadened upon seeing him.

Drakar rose to his feet, his voice carrying across the hall, "Welcome, King Asher. Please, come and take a seat at the foremost table reserved for you and your people," he announced, gesturing grandly towards a prominently placed table.

Asher and the others took their seats at the foremost table, which was prominently placed and exquisitely arranged. Drakar, with a wide smile, addressed Asher directly once again, "Are you pleased with the banquet I have prepared for you? Over 500 of the best cooks in my kingdom have worked tirelessly to ensure you would love it."

Asher, maintaining his composure, returned the smile politely, "I appreciate the effort, and I have no doubt I will enjoy it," he replied, his voice laced with a blend of courtesy and caution.

Drakar, seemingly pleased with Asher's response, revealed, "Other than just this banquet, we have some special programs to entertain you during this celebration," he The hall filled with music, the rhythm and melody enhancing the dancers' tantalizing movements.

announced. With a snap of his fingers, the side doors of the hall swung open, and dozens of beautifully attired women entered. They wore veils and elegant yet revealing clothing, moving gracefully as they bowed before starting to dance. The hall filled with music, the rhythm and melody enhancing the dancers' tantalizing movements.

As the dancers swayed and twirled, their hips shaking and bellies exposed in a mesmerizing display, Asher observed the men in the hall. They were visibly enjoying the performance, sipping their drinks and following the dancers with their eyes.

However, Asher's patience for this display of extravagance was wearing thin. The fact that he was also feeling sick from whatever was happening to his body only tested his patience even more.

He turned to Drakar, his tone casual, "So…King Drakar, what did you want to talk about?" he asked, keen to cut through the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter.

Drakar responded with a hint of theatricality, "I have a lot to talk about. But since you are already eager to know, allow me," With a snap of his fingers, the lively music toned down, and the dancers continued their performance in a more subdued manner.

Asher's expression turned questioning as a servant entered through one of the side doors. The servant carried a silver tray, upon which lay an item shrouded by a silver lid, its contents obscured from view. Then, with a deep bow, the servant stepped onto the platform and carefully placed the tray on Drakar's table.

Lysandra, observing from her position, appeared deeply preoccupied, her gaze fixed on the unfolding scene yet betraying a mind elsewhere.

Rhygar had a confused look with hidden frustration in his eyes, wondering what the hell his father was doing by feeding and entertaining these bloodburn dogs.

Drakar let out a measured sigh, tapping the lid lightly, "Before we move on to talk about more important matters, I wanted to express something about my own kingdom. On a different day, I would never do so in front of our esteemed guests like you," he began, his tone somber.

Asher watched intently, his focus unwavering as Drakar continued, "But today it's a special day, and I believe that from this day onwards, our kingdom will begin a new era where new alliances can be born and past grudges are forgotten."

Naida and Asher exchanged a brief, uncertain glance, sensing the gravity of Drakar's words. Was he indirectly proposing an alliance or…

"But on a day like this, something tragic could have happened to you and your people, King Asher, if not for my timely intervention," Drakar added with a look of grim expression yet his words echoed ominously.

Asher's brows furrowed in confusion and concern, "What do you mean?" he inquired, his tone sharpening with the growing tension.

"See for yourself," he said, and with a commanding clap of his hands, the side doors of the hall swung open once more. This time, two guards entered, laboriously dragging along a stake mounted on wheels. Chained to this grim apparatus was a bloodied and battered old man. His eyes were cloudy, his appearance that of a commoner, yet the severity of his condition spoke volumes of his recent torture.

Asher, Naida, and the others at their table looked on with a mix of surprise and confusion. The sight was disturbing and unexpected for a celebration like this. They also didn't know who this draconian was.

However, Lysandra's breath caught in her throat upon recognizing the old man as Droco!