Chapter 59: The Council of Elders
Bael Estate
"Did you hear about the Astaroth Clan?" A voice asked, belonging to one of the many ancient devils sitting in the large open room.
"Yes, it seems this new 'Beast King' fellow destroyed their territory, killing both Lord Astaroth and his heir." The devil next to him responded, shaking his head sorrowfully, "It's such a shame."
"And what did those brats in charge do about it?" A third voice hissed, leaning forward as they interjected themselves in the conversation, "Nothing! One of the Pillar families has been wiped out, and they did nothing!"
"Well, not nothing," The first voice chuckled, a mocking tone in his voice, "The Leviathan went and got herself kidnapped. Apparently, she went to meet the Beast King alone after the Sitri Heiress was taken hostage."
"This is why that bitch with more boobs than brains should've never been given the position!" The third voice huffed, "Miss Katerea is much more competent, and easier on the eyes..."
"Well, she disappeared over a week ago without a trace," The first voice chuckled again, "I don't know if I'd call that 'competent.'"
"All of you, be quiet! Sir Zekram is about to begin the meeting!" A fourth voice intervened, hushing the group of men as someone stepped forward.
The group of devils were sitting in a large theater-esque area, with exactly 32 different extravagant thrones seated in a circle all around each other. Two of them were notably empty, one having belonged to Lord Astaroth while the other belonged to the most powerful devil in the room.
There was a small set of stairs in the middle, which led to a circular stage in the middle.
The room was dark, with only a couple of torches illuminating the grandiose architecture of the room. Marble pillars extended upward between the thrones, separating each of the clan elders by a few feet.