The next day.
When Nekaris's first rays of dawn pierced the layers of clouds and fell upon Regent's Hall on the eastern side of the Demon King's Palace, Melo Gas was already bent over her desk, dealing with a mountain of accumulated official business.
She sat upright on a throne inlaid with obsidian and Scarlet Gems, her slender fingertips gripping a pitch-black, razor-sharp Demon Realm Eagle Feather Pen as she rapidly reviewed the documents.
Her expression was as cold as ice, and a stern air showed between her brows, as though a queen were inspecting her kingdom.
Just then, a mysterious figure clad in a black cloak, with their features concealed beneath the shadow of a hood, silently appeared at the far end of the Great Hall.
"Lord Profane."
The spy's slender figure was agile and nimble, like a black panther stalking its prey. Her footsteps were so light that they almost melted into the interplay of light and shadow.
Melo Gas sensed the newcomer's presence immediately.
She raised her head and stared straight at the visitor.
Upon confirming that it was her most capable confidante, her delicate brows furrowed slightly. She slowly raised her hand and beckoned for her to come closer.
The spy took two steps forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed.
"My lord, I have come to report."
The spy spoke in a volume only the two of them could hear.
"Speak."
Melo Gas lightly tapped the desk with her cold jade fingertips. Her face revealed no emotion.
"Her Highness the princess has escaped. She vanished without a trace early this morning."
The spy lowered her head further, and her voice became hurried and tense.
"What?"
The usually calm and self-possessed Melo Gas fixed her eyes on the spy.
"While disguised as a maid and inspecting