Don't Misunderstand, I'm No Good Person Either

"Hildr, Thrud, Ortlinde, go see who's making all that noise in the city and disturbing the peace. Make her shut up!"

Samael activated the runes on the table and summoned the three Valkyries attending him, issuing the order in a chilling voice.

"As you command!"

After hearing the instructions, Thrud respectfully bowed. She then led her two sisters toward the scene to cut off the source of the noise.

Before long, the raucous clamor fell silent. In high spirits, Samael's brows relaxed as he lifted his teacup for a sip, looking thoroughly at ease.

"Laa~aa~~"

Yet in an instant, that dry wailing—as though nails were scraping glass and a saw was grinding against iron nails—reached an inhuman level. The piercing melody of that demonic sound drilled into his brain, making Samael's very soul tremble.

The Ancient Serpent's heart violently contracted, nearly stopping altogether. The cup in his hand instantly turned to powder, and splashing tea covered the long table in conspicuous stains.

"Someone!"

Samael froze for a moment. His facial muscles twitched violently, and a frosty voice was forced out through clenched teeth.

Several dozen breaths later, three figures who had just returned from the scene stumbled into the side hall in a daze, their minds still completely blank.

"I told you to maintain order and clear the scene. How did it end up like this?"

Samael's face darkened, his expression grim.

"The person involved is His Majesty the Emperor newly crowned in Rome. She said she came to promote friendly relations between our two countries. Forcibly detaining her could cause a diplomatic conflict."

Thrud lowered her head and answered in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, her face full of embarrassment and shame.

"Nero? So it was that troublesome brat..."

"Lady Brunhilde was there too. And there