Shadow Empire Imperial Palace, before the main hall.
"Lilith, I want to see Her Majesty."
"Prince Vikelsa, Her Majesty is discussing important matters with His Highness Florenz, the imperial uncle. No one may disturb them."
"I have an urgent matter to report to Her Majesty. Can you bear the responsibility if it is delayed?"
"My apologies, Prince Vikelsa, but Lilith is merely carrying out her duty..."
Slap! It sounded like someone had been struck across the face.
"Hmph! A mere attendant officer dares block me from reporting urgent business to Her Majesty?"
Lilith, five red finger marks across her face, showed no fear. With a wave of her hand, she was about to signal for the Imperial Guards to attack when the man behind Prince Vikelsa stepped forward. Before he appeared to make any move, Lilith felt a terrifying pressure bearing down on her, leaving her unable to move.
"Lilith..." Catherine's voice came from within the hall. The oppressive force around Lilith instantly crumbled away. "Bring them in."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Lilith led Prince Vikelsa and his attendant into the main hall. Catherine sat upon the throne, with her imperial uncle Florenz seated beside her. During Catherine's "seclusion," Florenz—her biological uncle and the most senior prince of the imperial clan—had acted as Regent and handled state affairs on her behalf. When Catherine "emerged from seclusion," Florenz immediately requested to step down and returned power to her.
Prince Vikelsa appeared to be around thirty years old, refined in bearing and exceptionally handsome. As he looked at the veiled beauty on the throne, the most beautiful empress in the Demon Realm, a flash of greed passed through his eyes. From afar, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty! Your Highness Florenz, please forgive my breach of etiquette, but I have the latest top-secret