Before the Empress

"Care to explain what happened?" Velc demanded, his voice carrying a menacing tone as he fixed his gaze on Aether.

After their arrival at the mansion, Velc and the others partook in a hearty meal before retiring to their chambers due to the long and exhausting carriage journey.

Having overheard the events of their Monster Hunting expedition, Velc summoned Aether to his office for an explanation.

"W-Well..." Aether began, sticking to the same lie about his supposed sleepwalking. However, his words were cut short by a sudden cough, blood-tinged with his breath, as he felt the immense pressure bearing down on him, forcing him to kneel.

"Cough, Cough"

However, his words were cut short by a sudden pressure, blood-tinged with his breath, as he felt the immense pressure bearing down on him, forcing him to kneel.