Huff, huff.
Swinging his arms, Monte ran through the palace as fast as he could.
It was the first time he had ever run through the palace with such a complete lack of decorum.
If he had a choice, he would never have done this, but...
Prince Stephenson was dead!
Killed by the Snake School Demon Hunter!
Even now, Monte could hardly believe it. His mind was blank, holding nothing but Aetandin VI's command: bring the Snake School Demon Hunter before him!
With such an order, Monte, as a trusted courtier, naturally had to give it his all.
When he ran into the hall and saw the Snake School Demon Hunter facing off against the royal spies, Monte felt a little relieved.
Thank goodness!
Thank goodness it hasn't come to the worst!
A flicker of relief rose unbidden in Monte's heart.
But when Monte saw Stephenson's corpse off to one side, that relief vanished without a trace, leaving only throbbing temples and an almost suffocating tightness in his chest.
As though someone had punched him hard in the face, Monte saw stars. He swayed, nearly falling to the floor.
This is already the worst possible situation!
What could possibly be worse than this?
Perhaps...
His Majesty's death?
As that thought surfaced, Monte quickly shook his head, driving the treasonous notion from his mind.
Then he took several quick breaths and looked at the Snake School Demon Hunter.
The man stood there calmly.
Behind him, his attendant and guard remained close at his heels. The guard in particular was glaring fiercely at the surrounding spies and palace guards.
Clearly, at a single command from the Snake School Demon Hunter, this guard would charge forward and start slaughtering them.
The same went for the attendant, of course.
In fact, Monte paid more