Tian Yi Hui
The next day, the captains began gathering one by one at the Lord's Castle.
"Kuhahaha! Long time no see, Astra! How's captain life treating you?"
The massive black-skinned orc from Zhen Hong Regiment, Kaiser, approached with a flash of his enormous gauntlet on his right arm.
His booming laughter echoed off the castle walls.
I shot him a cold glare.
"I don't recall having the time to chat and laugh with you."
"Haha! Still holding a grudge from back then? I like you, Astra. Let's get along."
"Not interested."
'Nearly died because of you—would you want to be buddies? You damn orc.'
I swallowed the curse inwardly, but Kaiser just laughed heartily despite my icy rejection.
That shamelessness must be an orc trait.
Then a small shadow darted out from behind Kaiser's massive frame.
"Oppa~ Long time no see! Didn't you miss Ellis?"
The 140cm-tall little figure bounced toward me excitedly.
Qingyuan Regiment's Ellis.
She looked every bit the child, but pure curiosity sparkled in those clear eyes.
"Long time no see, Ellis."
"Ehehe! Remember your promise to play with me? I have nothing to do now, so you have to play after this is over!"
She tugged at my clothes with a bright smile.
'Good thing I can stall with the continental conference excuse.'
"Got it. I'll play if nothing comes up at Tian Yi Hui."
"Tch~ What's that supposed to mean! But fine, no choice. Play if nothing comes up! Promise!"
Ellis stuck out her tiny pinky.
At that moment, the water pouch at her waist sloshed faintly.
Honestly, I didn't want to touch her—lest the water at her waist lash out—but refusing would just make her more annoying.
I hooked my finger with hers reluctantly.
"Ehehe! Promise made! This time, let's have lots of fun!"
Having secured the promise, Ellis ran off to the other captains like she'd won a treasure.
"Unnie, unnie! Oppa Astra promised to play with me! Isn't that awesome?"
She bragged to Kaiser and Sirka alike, then suddenly tilted her head.
"Huh? Come to think of it, where's Grandpa and Uncle?"
The one Ellis called "Grandpa" was Lü Shu Regiment's Ryujin, Emperor Cassius of the Lunaria Empire's own brother. And "Uncle" was...
'Yin Yue Regiment's Valléfor.'
Rank 6 among the 72 demons, the Archduke of Greed, Valléfor.
"Ellis, they'll probably arrive soon."
Azellia answered in a gentle voice.
"Unnie, really? I really wanna see them since it's been so long."
Azellia's expression gazing at Ellis was endlessly warm, like an older sister looking at her adorable little sibling.
Then our eyes met by chance.
In an instant, her face twisted like rotten fish.
'Fuck, do I really disgust her that much?'
Objectively, this face was quite handsome, so for her to grimace like that...
'How much does she hate me?'
Probably stemmed from our first meeting.
During Tian Yi Hui, when I declared I'd kill them all— to Azellia, that must've felt like utter disregard.
'Dark elves hate being dismissed the most.'
Exiled from elf society, dark elves live with wounded pride. Being ignored to them is like denying their very existence.
And I'd treated her like someone I could kill anytime— the ultimate insult from her perspective.
"Captain Azellia, long time no see."
I greeted her first on purpose.
Not so much a peace offering— more curiosity about her reaction.
"..."
Azellia replied with cold silence.
Her grayish skin trembled faintly— suppressing rage, no doubt.
"Ignoring me?"
"I have nothing to discuss with you."
Her voice was sharp.
Answering was bare-minimum courtesy, laced with icy hostility.
Then Ellis wedged herself between us.
"Unnie, why? Don't you like Oppa Astra?"
"...No, Ellis. Just a professional relationship."
Thud. Thud.
Rhythmic footsteps echoed through the corridor.
The approaching figure was a strikingly beautiful middle-aged man with an ethereal allure.
Pale skin contrasting jet-black eyes, shoulder-length brown hair. And folded behind him: massive, slender black wings.
The Archduke of Greed, Valléfor.
He scanned the room with a gentle smile.
"Hey! It's Uncle!"
"Haha, Ellis. Long time no see. Have you been well?"
"Hehe! Ellis is always great!"
"Good girl."
Valléfor gently stroked Ellis's head.
To anyone, he looked the benevolent adult.
Charming to others, no doubt— but I knew the true face behind that mild mask.
After greeting Ellis, Valléfor slowly approached us.
"Azellia, didn't I tell you before? Captains should get along."
"Shut up, Valléfor."
Even at Azellia's cold words, Valléfor didn't lose his smile.
His gaze turned to me.
"First time meeting. I'm Valléfor, leader of Yin Yue Regiment. You're Jin Gang Regiment's new captain, right?"
His pale hand extended toward me.
I just stared at it. Never shook.
'Yin Yue Regiment... Haven's shadow.'
Scouting, assassination, espionage. Hunting enemies in the dark— their mission.
And their leader Valléfor differed from other top demons.
He preferred subtle curses over overwhelming destruction, throat-strangling from behind over direct confrontation.
'Maybe the most dangerous captain in Haven.'
Valléfor's true pleasure wasn't mere slaughter.
He savored victims ensnaring themselves unknowingly in his web, slowly tightening.
Gazing down at humans flailing in despair, dancing on his palm. Then, at the end, sipping red wine as black hellfire slowly devoured them.
"..."
Silence stretched. Valléfor's lip curled faintly— as if my wariness amused him.
"Ah, you're cautious, I see."
His voice carried understanding warmth.
"Only natural. As Jin Gang's captain, a prudent nature is expected."
His pale hand withdrew smoothly, as if rejection meant nothing.
"A bit disappointing, though. Wanted to get friendly with the newcomer."
"Tch, drop the hypocrisy and scram. Makes my stomach turn."
Azellia's sharp voice cut in.
She merely disliked me, but pure loathing filled her eyes for Valléfor.
'Oh ho, speaking my mind for me.'
For a moment, Azellia seemed almost grateful.
"You too, get lost. Only talked because Ellis is here."
'...Nah, just rude as hell.'
Valléfor kept his calm even at Azellia's barbs.
"Azellia, why so angry? What did I do?"
"Disgusting."
Azellia turned and walked away.
Valléfor scratched his head awkwardly.
"Tricky situation. We're all colleagues— bad blood like this..."
His gaze returned to me. Genuine regret in those black eyes.
"Astra, if I've offended, my apologies. Too forward for a first meeting, perhaps."
Valléfor bowed politely.
"Sometime when you're free, let's share tea and talk. Plenty of chances for Yin Yue and Jin Gang to collaborate."
His tone rang sincere.
But I knew the nature hidden behind that soft mask.
"I don't see the need."
I replied indifferently.
Valléfor paused briefly, then smiled softly in understanding.
"I see. Regrettable, but unavoidable. Still, opportunity will come. I know how to wait."
'Wait... until the prey lets its guard down.'
"Uncle!"
Ellis suddenly yanked Valléfor's arm.
"Astra promised to play with me first! You wait in line!"
Valléfor looked down at Ellis with a warm smile.
"Aigoo, is that so? If Ellis promised first, of course we follow order."
"Hehe, right! Uncle, play with me first, then ask Astra!"
"You're right, Ellis."
Valléfor patted her head lightly.
His gaze lingered on me last. An indecipherable emotion flickered in those black eyes.
"Then I'll take my leave. Meeting starts soon— best prepare, everyone."
Valléfor turned slowly and walked away. His black wings fluttered faintly.
'Definitely the one to watch closest.'
Ellis tugged my sleeve.
"Astra! Uncle's not bad. A bit weird, but..."
'Weird? More like dangerous as hell.'
He'd likely already sniffed out my meeting with Varam— and the kid with the Demon Eye by my side.
'Valléfor would know.'
'Gotta warn Baekseol. Tell her never to breathe a word about Lilia.'