Chapter 189: The Gaze of the Prince

Chapter 189: The Gaze of the Prince

I stabbed my fork into the Hell Gore steak and took a bite. Mmm spicy. It's not bad honestly, I can see some of the more adventurous eaters in the Empire enjoying it. The Church of Order would most likely lose its shit since they do have a line in their scripture that says Thou shalt not take evil into yourself. I mean yes I get that metaphorically it means not to let evil temptations worm themselves into your mind or you should not utilise dark powers.

However, eating some Hell beast would no doubt be considered a more literal interpretation.

I glanced up at the mutt from before who was mutely eating his food like a robot. He was as pale as a red-skinned demon could be. I gave him his balls back afterwards, such is my mercy.

Renna and Regari were tentatively enjoying the food. Renna in particular was much more subdued after watching me shoot that mutt balls off. Regari of course was not that happy with that state of affairs but then again you cant keep someone sheltered forever. Especially here of all places.

So tell me mutt, how does it feel to be Lord of the Vermin? I said as I looked up at him, and he visibly flinched.

My lord? the mutt stammered, his hands shaking as he held his knife and fork.

I am curious, were you once part of this cesspit? Did you claw your way to the top of this trash heap? I asked and he glanced up at me his eyes filled with terror.

Do I need to shoot your tongue off and grow it back before you reply? I asked dryly and he visibly jumped.

Stop torturing him, it serves no purpose. Mahaila replied as she calmly cut up another piece of steak.

Im bored. I replied as I stabbed the steak again.

Then we can leave. Mahaila said.

Gotta put some meat on those bones. I said as I glanced at Regari and Renna.

We can always take the food back to the tavern. Mahaila replied.

Then I would be bored. I deadpanned, and Mahaila just shook her head and went back to her food.

Besides our guest will be here soon. The Ars Goetia wont let us blunder through the city. It might cause them problems. I said as I grinned and Mahaila calmly nodded. This wasnt that complex of a guess so Mahaila predicting it as well wasnt that hard to conceive.

That is certainly true. Mahaila mused as she took another bite of her steak.

When I was talking to the transmission amulet I managed to launch a quick Ping Trace. Its a little trick Serchax taught me. It was a little trick that was impossible for Humanoids to do which put it squarely in the same realm of Flesh Crafting. It demanded a level ether manipulation that was beyond the realm of humanoids. Which was also ironically how the Firstborn of old seemed to know everything that the humanoids were doing all the time. The funny thing was that the humanoids never figured out that Firstborn and the ancients could do that. It was a rather well guarded secret.

As if on cue I sensed a burst of ether from another room. Judging by how Mahaila froze I could tell she sensed it as well. Hmm this ether signature, I know this one

The doors burst open revealing none other than Alastor himself. I could see that the guards at the door were dead with their heads no longer attached to their bodies. He calmly strode in and the mutt instantly tried to rise to his feet. Alastor simply flicked his wrist and an invisible ether blade swiftly decapitated the mutt and his body crumpled to the floor.

My apologies for the poor hospitality. Alastor said with a grin as he sat down next to me.

I assure you that the underperforming pawns will be disposed of. Alastor said as he snapped his fingers and more demons appeared. They surged around the room killing all the servants and I could hear screams echoing out across the manor.

A suitable replacement will be chosen to rule over this area. I find it absolutely appaling that my first gift to you in this city would amount to this defective pawn. Alastor said with a wide smile.

Oh, hes good, I have been doing nothing but trying to cause trouble and he has deflected it masterfully. I would bet an arm that by doing all of this, the Ars Goetia would see I am not someone who likes crappy things. This isnt strictly true, crappy things are rather funny for a time.

As for the Gangs you may have them of course. That is a none issue, but would you prefer if I brought you somewhere more appropriate for someone of your station? Alastor asked.

Sure, this place was getting old anyway. I replied with a shrug.

I am happy to hear it. Also if I may, what is the nature of these two. Alastor asked as he cast a curious glance at Regari and Renna.

I like them, they can carry stuff too. I replied with a shrug.

Ah I see, then I shall have some fine equipment granted to them to help them better serve you. Alastor said with a graceful smile.

Well, at least he is smart enough to realise that I have no intention of telling him whats going on with these two. The fewer people who know Regari is an Heir of the Firstborn the better. Good thing I found him too, what a waste for someone with that much potential to die on the street.

Then your hospitality is appreciated. I replied with a smile of my own. You know I think I like this guy, he gets it.

Yes, I felt you would also tire of this turncoat. Satan said as he cast a disdainful gaze at Alastor.

This fool once served Mammon Lord of Greed, but now he is a turncoat serving Asmodeus Lord of Lust even if he is still officially an Archdemon of Greed. Both Princes are aware of this of course, but they allow him to play his silly inconsequential games.

But at times, there must be a reminder to these wretched creatures. Satan said as he nodded at his soldiers and they all drew their blades. As one they slashed opened the backs of the all the Ars Goetia present. Alastor was spared this but he was no less threatened. The demons would survive but judging by those wounds and their jumping vitals, those weapons really hurt.

So who knows what I am. I asked curiously.

Thus far, only me, Beezlebub and Asmodeus. Mammon is none the wiser thanks to Beezlebubs careful manipulations. You should drop by her palace when you get the chance, she is most eager to meet you.

As for Asmodeus he would also like to welcome you to his perfumed halls. This fool thinks he has been stoking the flames of a Blood War. Satan said as he glanced down at Alastor.

As if he even has the capability to do so. No, Asmodeus and I have been stoking it. There is a reason that this wretchs agents consist of a large number of succubi. They are not discontent with their master; they are acting on orders, Satan said, and Alastor visibly flinched at those words.

Well, thats pretty embarrassing

The master of manipulation was the puppet all along. Funny how things like this go.

So I can assume I have Wrath, Gluttony and Lust on my side? I asked and Satan nodded.

You can potentially get Mammon Lord of Greed and Belphegor Lord of Sloth as well, but that remains to be seen. Lucifer Lord of Pride has been pulling Mammon to his side. Belphegor is undecided but with the right incentive, he may be swayed. Satan said and I nodded in understanding.

So what do you want out of all of this? I asked as I let my gaze bore into him.

Lucifers head, he has acted the superior long enough. And of course when the great change comes I hope you will remember those who aided you. Or perhaps I should say those who successfully aided you. Satan said as he glanced at Alastor.

I will remember. I said with a grin.

I trust that you will, every ring must have a prince. When you claim the mantle of Prime Evil you will need rulers, I am sure you will make the right decision. Replacing all the Princes would work against you. Especially me. Satan said as he leaned forward to gaze into my eyes.

And why is that? I challenged with a grin. I knew the answer of course and yes he was right. Wrath is one of the rings I hoped I could keep relatively intact.

You war with the Seraphim, when the time comes you will need a general and my armies. Satan said simply.

True, very well if you prove yourself useful you may stay as you are, and perhaps reap a little something more I said with a grin and Satan nodded.

Then the pact is made. For now, I suggest you pretend as if this conversation never happened. If the other princes become desperate they may seek the inform the Seraphim. Your presence here is already compromised thanks to this fool.

Beezlebub expended a great many of her own and my resources to maintain the seal of secrecy. You would have been detected the moment you entered the slums if not for the fact I was forwarned. Stay close to the ground and be wary amongst the Ars Goetia. They are not to be trusted. Satan said with another snort.

And you can be trusted? I asked with a laugh.

Of course not, but seeing as your pretty little kingdom is still standing I trust that alone is a sign of trust. Satan said and I nodded conceding the point.

One last thing, at the gate to the Ring of Treachery, I left a gift for you. I know what you Firstborn like and I would like to see what you can do. I give you one of my champions, for you to battle, to slaughter and to devour. Satan said with a slight incline of his head.

Very well, I thank you for the gift. I replied with a hungry laugh. A champion of Wrath, that had to be an Arch Demon. Oh what a delicious prey, I havent had a good meal in ages.

I hope you enjoy it. But please remember pride was the undoing of the Firstborn. I would prefer you not expire too soon. Satan said.

Remember Firstborn

Your kin fell to mortals unnamed

Mortals slayed the old gods