71 Everyone Aligned

The fallen angel guard guides us towards Ashmodai and Leilaya. A noticeable amount of servants stands in the vicinity, probably a bit on edge.

'Leilaya isn't really a threat to these people. Are they on edge because she's blind? I know that Asariel was blinded by Luciel and Leilaya told me the church wouldn't let her live if discovered. Then again I never really imagined any demon or devil to be a religious fanatic.' I think trying to get a grasp on the situation.

Guided by the fallen angel we arrive swiftly where Ashmodai and Leilaya are. They sit across from each other in some sort of reception room that this estate apparently has. Ashmodai is holding out the tarot cards in front of Leilaya, she doesn't seem all that amused with the situation. A frown is clear to see on her face even with the blindfold.

"What's this supposed to be, Ashmodai?" Ergillaz asks, his gaze looking unimpressed and slightly annoyed.

"This woman is an acquaintance of your protégé, so I thought it would be nice for her to be involved." The gambling devil answers with a devilish smirk.

"Is this true?" Ergillaz asks as he turns around to look at me.

"We-" I try to speak before getting interrupted.

"You should have heard him speak about you yesterday. He was talking about how he needed you and missed you before the fight." Ashmodai says gathering everyone's attention with his theatrical performance.

"is that so." Leilaya answers seemingly unaffected by the lies of affection.

'I know we only met once, but could you be a bit more bothered about my praises? Yes, they're false but still. That hurts you know?' I think whilst I receive emotional damage from the "I don't care" reaction from Leilaya.

A small snicker could be heard behind me as Cornelius seems to be enjoying the situation.

"I don't remember saying anything like that." I say trying to keep my calm and dignity.

"Did you not wish for her for your tarot card reading which you considered her necessary for?" Ashmodai asks acting like an oblivious child.

"Do not twist my words, Ashmodai. When you offered me a tarot card reading which you were UNABLE to do I wondered if Leilaya would be capable of doing so." I answer fixating on his inability to keep his word.

"Shouldn't you be happy? I brought an extra friend, and you might even get your tarot card reading." Ashmodai says clearly disgruntled with my lack of gratitude.

"You're saying you brought a person that could potentially turn the church into our enemy because you need her for a tarot card reading?" Tharnomath says which makes the room temperature drop.

"I hid her with illusionary magic. Nobody will even know that she's here. Besides, does it truly matter what the church thinks about us? They're just a bunch of egocentric people who think they know what our dead goddess would have wanted." Ashmodai answers annoyed because of all the unsatisfactory replies.

"Make sure that nothing leaks out." Ergillaz commands the fallen angel, who guided us.

"Of course your lordship." The fallen angel replies obediently, leaving the room as quickly as possible.

"Your name is Leilaya?" Ergillaz asks the blindfolded long-haired ginger woman.

"It is."

"You will be treated as a guest for the moment. If your existence in any way leaks out, I will not defend you from the church. Am I clear?"

"I didn't even think about coming here before I was forced by this lowly existence. So I think it will be rather easy to act without gathering any attention." Leilaya answers unimpressed by the situation.

Seemingly satisfied with the conclusion of the conversation almost everyone leaves the reception room. The only ones left are me, Leilaya, Ashmodai, and Cornelius.

"You brought me here for a tarot card reading?" Leilaya asks breaking the awkward silence that permeated the room.

"Ashmodai brought you here because he's delusional and likes to imagine things that don't exist." I say thinking about all the ridiculous things he said to me.

"Wh-" Ahmodai tries to speak before getting interrupted.

"That does seem to be the case. I'm relieved that your common, sense has not decreased through the years."

"Can you do the tarot card reading?" Cornelius asks, who's been surprisingly quiet so far.

"I cannot, My visions are vague and cannot be helped via the use of items. It's an ability that I've developed over the years and still, it lacks consistency and prowess." Leilaya says as she laments her own lack of power.

"Why were you able to use it on little Ed before then?" Cornelius asks looking like a father interrogating his future son-in-law.

"I do not know, the visions simply came, and I told him what I saw."

"It doesn't matter you've already helped me enough. Enjoy the Talvit estate and its riches. It isn't every day that you're a welcomed guest in a household that's literally bathing in jewels and riches." I say trying to end the interrogation.

"Yes, about that. Could I ask you a favor?" Leilaya asks which is rather out of character.

"Depends on the favor." I answer a bit uneasy with the sudden change in attitude.

"Could you free Randyl from his imprisonment? He has rather "loose hands" I'm afraid and has received punishment from the servants who caught him."

"I'll try my best. However, if he tries anything else I'm not freeing him." I say, immediately leaving the room as I know that this is going to be a hassle.

***

A servant guides me towards the dungeon. The stench of blood and people riddled with all sorts of diseases make the place smell absolutely horrendous. I thought getting here would be a hassle, but it seems that I'm considered the VIP of the VIPs. I start looking for the troublesome imp who is rather easy to find. He's trying to lock pick his way out of his chains and is so focused he hasn't even noticed our approach. The servant opens the prison cell which finally gathers his attention.

"Great sir! I kn-"

"Shut up and follow me." I say towards the released troublesome imp, showing some killing intent to make sure he's obedient.