22 Tartarus

I sat down on the bed and looked at the letter. The date was set for tonight. I was a bit confused why he invited me at all. I know he has an antagonistic relationship with Lily, and he should know that I'm fairly close friends with her. Should I talk to Lily about this invitation? I don't really want to poke my nose into her family stuff, especially since she hasn't tried to drag me into her affairs either.

I weighed the options at hand and, in the end, I decided there was no harm in seeing what the sixth prince wanted. Worst case I could always threaten him a bit. I'm certain my reputation in the Capital has spread far enough by now that it wouldn't be hard to flaunt it.

There wasn't a lot of time until the dinner, so I quickly took a bath and cleaned myself up as best I could. Tying my hair back in a simple fashion, I had the Heaven's Demon Garb transform into a more formal version of its baseline state. It now looked more like a proper black gown with open shoulders and floral shaped lacing. The dress was pleated and draped low enough that it covered my shoes. I didn't feel like advertising that I still hadn't learned to walk in heels yet. The last thing I need to do is fall on my face while trying to show off.

As if they had anticipated that I'd accept the invitation, I found a carriage waiting outside my room. I was a bit flustered by how perfect the timing of it all was. They were probably watching me. It's a shame I didn't have supernatural senses to pick up on things like that. I stepped into the carriage and the driver kicked the reigns.

The trip to the prince's mansion didn't take all that long. It was only about two city blocks away from the Academy. I almost felt bad for having use a carriage for such a short ride. The driver got down and opened the door for me in a gentlemanly manner. To be honest, it did feel nice being treated like this. Maybe I won't flick this prince… I probably shouldn't get my hopes up, though.

The mansion was victorian in style and covered with ivy. It looked rustic and beautiful. The windows were massive and gave off a soft ambience into the street. I could hear the sounds of people chatting as I approached the door.

There was a butler standing outside the doorway with a big smile on his face. The only odd thing about him was his scraggly beard and disheveled long black hair. He looked more like a hobo than a butler, but his clothes were impeccable.

"Ms Calliope, my Liege the sixth prince Thomas Leore Gransus would like to welcome you to his home," said the scruffy butler as he opened the door.

The door opened up into a main foyer with a grand staircase in the center and a hanging chandelier above it. The floors were covered with a crimson carpet and several people were standing around with glasses of wine in their hands, drinking and making merry. I even recognized one of them, my professor Emelia Watterson. She was no longer dressed in her gaudy fashion but was, instead, wearing a thin blue short dress with a low cut neckline. A random assortment of small jewelry was hanging off her neck, but her earrings were two huge hoops. She either didn't notice me entering or she was pretending not to. She was currently talking with a short bald man on the far side of the room.

I hadn't realized that there would be an entire gala. I had only anticipated a dinner. This situation was putting me entirely out of my element. I thought this was going to be a small affair or meeting. I can't very well threaten the prince in front of thirty people, can I? Well, I probably can. I don't think anyone here will be willing to get on my badside. I think, right now, I am probably the single most important person in the entire Capital in the eyes of the nobility.

A soft ringing spread through the room as a boy, probably around fifteen, tapped his wineglass with a fork.

"Here here, friends. The guest of honor, Ms Calliope, has arrived. Once you've had a chance to say your greetings please come into the dining room so we can discuss tonight's events," said the boy. Judging by his freckled face, demeanor, and his blond hair; I could reasonably place him as the prince. At his side was a needly looking man with a wide nose and dainty glasses. I didn't know his name but I didn't like the look in his eyes as he stared at me.

A small gaggle of the 'nobles' walked up to me and introduced themselves, but I didn't find any of them memorable. My professor continued to avoid me, but perhaps she was trying to be polite since we've already met? It didn't really matter.

After fifteen minutes of tiresome greetings, several servants guided all the guests into a dining room. The room itself was clearly designed to seat at least 100, let alone the paltry 30 in attendance. It was a grand show of wealth. How come Lily never invited me to her mansion? Wait, does Lily even have a mansion? I'll have to ask her about it later. If she has a mansion why is she staying in a dorm on campus? It probably has something to do with Endyrion being unreasonable, though.

I was guided to a seat by the shaggy haired butler that I met upon entering the building. Honestly, I'm still a bit taken aback by his ungroomed state. I didn't see any other servants with beards or long hair. I think I read once that noble children without the right of inheritance would often become servants; perhaps this is such a case? It would certainly explain it.

I was seated in between two women with identical tacky frilled dresses. They both had powdered faces and an amalgam of jewels and knicknacks. I was clearly underdressed, but I also think I was the only person there who didn't look absolutely ridiculous too.

"Thank you all for coming. Today, I invited everyone who has helped me set up tonight's show. I hope you will all enjoy it," said the prince as he alluded to some kind of 'show' for the second time. Had they prepared some kind of play?

"Now then, I'd like to take a moment to outline my plans for the future of Gransus. As you all know, The Forgotten Lands on our Western Border are inhabited by three rank 4 beasts. These lands are, by all rights, property of our Kingdom… But we are unable to develop them into farmland due to the beasts' strength. Today, though, a new hope has come to our Kingdom."

A small spotlight shined down on me from the ceiling. How did they even manage that?

"The Demon Calliope has joined our Kingdom and, as the following recording will show you, she possesses enough strength to curb a rank 4 beast with ease."

As the prince finished talking I saw my professor's hands glow with an aura of darkness. There, in the middle of the table, was a recording of me using Heaven's Downfall. From a third person perspective it really was a beautiful sight.

It was at this point that I finally realized what was going on. He was trying to use me in a way that I couldn't fight back against. He was helping me repair my terrifying image as a rogue demon by shackling me. If I stand up here and claimed I wasn't going to kill these beasts for him, I'd be painting myself as a monster who doesn't care about this country. It was, really, a fabulous plan. There was only one problem: I've grown damn sick of people wanting to use me.

"I refuse," I said, interrupting the proceedings.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Asked the prince as he coughed up a bit of his wine.

"I said 'I refuse'. I'm not going to be your puppet. I refuse to be used as a weapon against peaceful creatures that aren't threatening this country in any way for the sake of greed."

I could see it in the eyes of everyone around the table. They were all part of this ruse. This entire gala was nothing but an act. Yes I could kill those beasts, but I don't want to. So I'm not going to. It would be different if Lily came to me and asked. Maybe then I'd consider it, but judging by the fact that she hasn't then these rank 4 beasts are clearly not an immediate threat.

"This is… A terrible shame, Calliope. If you had come to my side I could have resolved this whole affair tonight in a peaceful manner. Lily's party would have no reason to oppose mine if we had you as a bargaining chip. Your actions only further prove the reports I've received true, you really are immature."

At this I stood up and slammed my hand down on the table, shattering it into splinters.

"From what you've just said, it sounds like you're planning on attacking Lily's people tonight," I said in an accusing tone.

"That's right. Tonight's the night I remove Lily and my father from their seats of authority. Tonight's the night I will take over the Kindgom of Gransus and become it's 33rd King."

I felt a hand grab my shoulder. I didn't react, though. I know they can't hurt me. There's no reason to overreact and accidentally kill someone here for no reason. I just need to…

[Mana Lock Complete.]

What? What was that?

"Farewell, Demon Calliope. You were a worthy opponent to make us use this trump card. Watterson, activate the Tartarus charm."

Before I could even react, everything in front of me shifted. It felt like my stomach was going to collapse and a massive chunk of my mana was sucked out of me. I hit my knees and closed my eyes for a moment.

When I opened my eyes again I was no longer in the beautiful dining hall. Instead a long stone hallway stretched out in front of me. I looked behind me to find more tunnel. Next to me, on the ground, was the scruffy bearded butler. His hand finally let go of my shoulder and he started laughing for a moment before he met my eyes.

"Welcome to Hell, demon."