Wow, Summer Vacation is already here and its taken me this long to finally finish this freaking chapter. But tbh, writers block is killer BUT I finally got motivated and inspired to finish this chapter. There was supposed to be more, but its already 6000+ words, I think that's enough. So, I'll add it in next chapter. Hopefully that comes on sooner rather than later than this one. I would apologize but I do that every chapter so why bother. You guys get it by now. I'm slow!
So, please. Enjoy the chapter. Remember to review, follow, favorite. You know the deal!
Thanks to Bakurafangurl91 and BlueStarLightCB for reviewing the last chapter. But really, thanks to everyone who has ever reviewed up to this point. It's really awesome that my story has done this well. Thank you and continue to support this fic.
Whispers in the Dark
Chapter 22
Recollection
Within the hour of returning to Blood Pledge, the crowd of people finally leaving the courtyard back down to the villages below, Yuri was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Everyone was coming to him, welcoming him home and offering him things that he didn't want or need. He was grateful that they were worried about him, but he didn't want to be a bother to them and declined their offers.
He knew that since he was gone for almost a month, that the castle was going to seem different in a way, unlike the usual times he was away, he felt an uneasy atmosphere lingering that made him shiver. The people were uneasy here, they feared for his safety and didn't want this to happen again. Yuri didn't want it to happen either, so he was going to be extra careful. The same was for Wolfram. Almost losing him once made Yuri realize that it can't happen again; Wolfram was far too important to him.
Still, even with the bustling of servants and maids, it was silent in the halls of the castle. Yuri could hear his own heart beating in his ears, pounding with fear and anxiety of the unknown that was lurking beyond the safety of the walls, or the presumed safety. Even in his own sanctum, his home, he felt threatened and fearful, but tried not to show it. He didn't want to worry the others so he kept silent.
Beside him, Wolfram was feeling the same way. He, too, was fearful of what could happen. If Belar was able to get through the gates and take Yuri away so easily, what would stop him from doing it again? Nothing was stopping him from trying. No one knew, besides himself and Yuri, that he was the one who was behind all of this.
So, what held him back?
The answer was: Nothing at all!
He chose not to do it again. Wolfram was not one hundred percent sure, but he knew that coming back to the castle and kidnapping them again would be far more trouble than it was worth, not to mention predictable. Guards would be increased around Yuri and himself to keep this from happening, so coming in with another sneak attack would be pointless. Wolfram knew that this was what Belar was thinking and was confident in his hypothesis, it helped him calm down, but he was still fearful.
But he could see that Yuri was nervous, his fingers clenching and unclenching in his palms, he even had a barely visible nervous sweat forming on his forehead. Wolfram wanted to reach out and take his hand, tell him that things were going to be okay, but he resisted and kept to himself, knowing that he shouldn't overstep his boundaries.
Keeping his eyes on the back of his big brother who walked just a few steps in front of him, he knew that things were only going to get more stressful. They were heading in the direction of Yuri's office. He was unsure if this meant that Gwendal was having him sent straight back into his duties or not. Gwendal was always one to put the castle duties before anything, so it was difficult to make a quick judgement.
"Uh, hey, Conrad," Yuri spoke up to Conrart, who looked at his majesty with concern. "Where exactly are we going? Shouldn't we be resting?"
Conrart had an expression on his face that showed that he was dreading to hear that question. But he still responded, "We're meeting with Gwendal. I'm sorry Your Majesty, but this can't wait."
"What can't wait? Conrad what's going on?" Yuri asked.
Conrart came to a brisk stop and turned to face Yuri. "I want to answer you, Sire, but we have no time to waste."
"Whatever it is you can tell me. Please, Conrad." Yuri pleaded.
Conrart was silent for a moment, until he turned away from Yuri and continued his trek. "The Aristocrats are here and want to speak with you about your capture. That is why we must hurry."
"The Aristocrats?" Yuri mumbled. He knew they would come here, but he had no idea they would come so soon.
"Why now of all times?" Wolfram questioned.
The two had no time to talk among themselves. They quickly set off after Conrart.
Opening the door to the office, Yuri and Wolfram were guided inside. The room was crowded with the Aristocrats, as well as Gwendal waiting eagerly for them to arrive. Waltorana, Wolfram's uncle, walked over to his nephew and stood in front of him. Wolfram looked up at him, his eyes still, little emotion in them at all. But his heart pounded, he had missed his uncle yet he would never admit it. Waltorana wrapped his arms around his nephew and held him close but gently. Resting his chin on Wolfram's head, his chin being tickled by the blonde's soft hair, he smiled.
"Welcome home at last, Wolfram." He spoke softly, not wanting to alarm him.
Wolfram leaned his head on Waltorana's chest and accepted his greeting of comfort and warmth.
"Thank you…" He responded.
"King Yuri," Lord von Radford said, making himself known to the king. He walked over to the young boy and stood a few feet from him. "I'm sorry that we've come so soon, but this matter is urgent and simply cannot wait. I understand that you need to recover from your capture, however, this needs to be discussed. We must learn of the person who is responsible for your capture and how we plan to deal with him."
"I understand." Yuri replied. He looked to Wolfram who was standing by his uncle's side. "We understand our information is crucial to your investigation, but I don't know if we're ready just yet to share it. We just got back and we're both still recovering." He was leaning on Conrart for support now, his mobility was still lacking and he was utterly exhausted for standing longer than he usually does. His knees were weak and his legs are shaking. "If you could give us some time to rest, we'll tell you all we can. You have to understand."
"We understand completely King Yuri." Lord von Gyllenhaal said in response. Yuri smiled, grateful that they were taking his words to heart. "However, we simply don't have the time to wait. As we said before, this matter is urgent. We can't allow this to be put off any longer. You must understand."
"I agree with Lord von Gyllenhaal." Lord von Rochefort added. She stepped up to greet His Majesty, bowing to him briefly before continuing. "I know that your injuries are quite severe, however this simply cannot wait. This man who has captured you could do it again at any time and we must begin our plans to take him down before that can happen. Holding out puts the entire kingdom at risk. I know you don't want anything to fall upon the people, correct?"
Yuri didn't know what to say, all words that circled in his mind remained there. Nothing left his lips as he tried to think of something to say that would be appropriate. But nothing came to mind. He didn't want to drag the people into anything that involved him solely. The people have been through enough because of him, he wanted them to remain at peace and to no longer have to worry about rebuilding their homes time and time again.
Wolfram spoke up, seeing that his fiance was struggling to respond, "We'll meet in the meeting hall in one hour. Give us that time to recover and we'll tell you everything we can." The Aristocrats would have to listen to his demands if they wanted to get any vital information.
And they did. "We'll be waiting for you and His Majesty. Do not be late. Use your time to rest." Waltorana replied to his nephew.
"Thank you, uncle." Wolfram replied.
The Aristocrats left the room, save for Gunter and Gwendal who remained. Gwendal looked to Yuri, he seemed cross with him but not as much as usual. He stood up from the chair behind the desk and moved so that he was standing in front of it, arms folded across his chest.
Taking a deep breath, he looked to Yuri and Wolfram once more. "Now that you've returned, they can finally get off my back. Not having you around is irritating in itself. Having them barking up my ass is another thing."
Yuri felt bad that Gwendal had to take care of so much while he was gone, Lady Anissina included. He hadn't meant to be such a burden. "I'm sorry, Gwendal. I'll take care of things from here. Don't worry."
Gwendal was silent for a moment until he removed himself from the desk and huffed. "As much as I would love that, you're not ready to take on your duties just yet. Even though there's nothing easier than signing papers, your arm is a problem." He gazed at Yuri's arm which was still bandaged from the wound of the arrow. Yuri tried to hide it but it was futile. "So, until you regain your mobility in your limbs, you won't be doing anything of the sort. I want you to rest and be monitored by Gisela. Do you understand me?"
"Come on, brother. Yuri is king! There has to be something he can do. You can't do this to-" Wolfram was interrupted by Yuri's arm being held out in front of him.
"No, Wolfram, it's okay. I get it. My health comes first. Gwendal's only looking out for me." Yuri said.
"But Yuri," Wolfram said.
"Wolfram. Let Yuri do what he thinks is best." Conrart said to his brother.
Wolfram said nothing more and obeyed, he stayed silent and kept to himself. He trusted Yuri and his brothers.
"So then, get some rest and be in meeting hall in our hour." He turned his back to the rest of them and went back to work doing Yuri's duties for him. "And kindly get out!"
Conrart then led both Wolfram and Yuri out of the room to leave Gwendal to his work, and to bring the two back to their room where they can rest and be checked over by Gisela.
Gisela listened to Yuri's heartbeat, her stethoscope on his chest Yuri took deep breaths in and out. Gisela pulled away from him and took the plugs out of her ears. She smiled at Yuri.
"Well, your majesty. You sound like you're feeling better. Your heart is pounding normally and at a good rate." Gisela voiced her observations to her king.
Yuri nodded and began to put his shirt back on. "Thanks Gisela. I really appreciate you doing all this." He finished buttoning his shirt and grabbed his jacket. "Do you really think I'm improving?
"It's no problem at all, Your Majesty. And I believe that you should be well recovered before long. You're healing nicely." Gisela replied.
Yuri accepted her answer wholeheartedly and nodded to her. From across the room, his arms limp at his sides, Wolfram moved his gaze to Yuri who was just about finished buttoning his jacket. "Yuri," He said, walking over to the bed. "We have to get going. The hour is almost up and they will be upset with us if we're late."
"Then we need to get going." Yuri replied. He looked to Gisela and smiled. "Thanks for everything. Really. I appreciate it."
Gisela smiled brightly at her king, her cheeks dusted pink from the praise. "It's no trouble at all, Your Majesty." She gave a half bow, her hands folded in front of her. When she stood tall again, she held out a hand to Yuri. "We all care for you. The least I can do is help to your wounds." Yuri took her hand and smiled. "Now, get to the meeting. I'm sure the Aristocrats want to finally find your capture and bring them justice."
"Right." Wolfram walked up to Yuri who nodded at him. "I'll see you soon, Gisela."
"Be careful. You're still recovering." Gisela said sternly.
"I will be." Yuri replied.
Wolfram rolled his eyes and grabbed Yuri's jacket. "Come on, already. Were going to be late."
Watching them leave the room, Gisela began to clean up her things around the room. As she did, Murata came and stood in the doorway of the room, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched Gisela maneuver herself around the room. Her movements were delicate, her nimble fingers grasping and placing of her things was absolutely whimsical, Murata could only watch in awe. He has always admired Gisela. To see her work was something he enjoyed to do. Everyone in this palace has a purpose, those purposes have seen this castle strive and have been here to help pick up the pieces that this country has suffered. They have suffered on their own as well. However, Gisela on her own has seen many things, things a young woman, or anyone should ever have to see in their lifetime.
She's also lost a friend. Suzanna Julia von Wincott. Death by exhaustion and overuse of Maryoku to save her people. It was a tragedy to everyone in the kingdom, especially to the those inside the castle and to one Adalbert von Grantz. To lose the one you love to the war is the worst possible feeling, especially when she died from the goodness of her heart. Since then, Adalbert has become distant with the demon tribe, but still helps whenever they meet, which seems to be more and more as of late.
"You can't stand it, can you?" Murata questioned, stepping into the room. Gisela jumped in surprise, hand over her she looked on at the Great Wise Man. "I'm right, aren't I?"
Gisela didn't understand. She kept her hands folded together, tightening with each moment that passed. "I don't know what you mean, Your Eminence."
"You don't? That's a shame because I believe you do." Murata replied.
Gisela bit her lip as Murata walked further into the room, closer to her. Her heart pounded ecstatically in her chest, confusion spinning gears in her mind. She had no idea what it was that His Eminence was referring to.
"I don't." She whispered.
Murata adjusted his glasses and looked at Gisela who showed evident nervousness in her features. "You can sense it too, can't you?" Gisela was still not entirely sure what it was that Murata was referring to, so she remained silent. "Shibuya, his Maryoku is very low. It was almost undetectable."
Gisela nodded in agreement. "I assumed this was what you meant, and I agree with you completely. His Majesty's energy is very low, he almost seemed completely human when he arrived, no demon magic at all. But it's slowly began to regain itself since he was brought back to us a few days ago. Even then, I could barely sense it." Gisela's words began to grow faint until it was almost untranslatable, even to Murata. "This happens only when His Majesty uses all of his energy against dangerous foes. This happened last time with Janus, but his energy came back within days. But it's been weeks and there has been little change. His Majesty is getting no better, but no worse either."
Murata didn't like the sound of that at all. He's watched his friend go through this before, but he was better usually within a few days as Gisela pointed out, but for reasons unknown, this time was different and it was worrying him to no end. Why was his Maryoku not returning? What was holding him back? Murata wanted to know. He wanted to speak to Yuri about it, but it seemed to soon, not to mention that he is under a lot of stress from just returning to the castle and currently in a meeting with the Aristocrats, who will no doubt question he and Wolfrom of every single little thing that they will find useful.
It was only a matter of time before Yuri was needed to fight again. But in the state that he was in...he wasn't going to be fighting anyone. With no demon energy in his body, he was completely powerless. His sword skills were adequate, but they were not good enough to go to par with any one of high level, which Murata expected his captures were.
"I hate to put pressure on you, Miss Gisela, but," Murata looked into Gisela's green eyes, his own pleading to her with unspoken words. "You must try and find a way to unlock Shibuya's power. He cannot go on like this. The people will question his right to the throne. If the Aristocrats find out, they will question his place as well. They have before, and they may side with him now, but their minds can be easily persuaded. Shibuya has to return to his old self and soon, before the plans advance. Do you understand?"
Gisela gulped. She knew that this was important. We couldn't have another meeting to discuss a new Maou. Last time it was mentioned, Wolfram was meant to take the throne, but Wolfram has already refused the position, knowing that the seat and the position belong solely to Yuri. And if we are without a powerful king, this new threat could swoop in and do anything to try and take over. It was unlikely they would accomplish that goal, but still possible.
Gisela refused to let that happen. She wouldn't allow it.
"I understand." She said. She looked down at Murata and nodded to him. "I'll get on it right away."
"Thank you." He replied.
Turning around, he left Yuri's chambers and went on his way. Gisela sighed and continued to get the rest of her belongings before heading out and seeking out Anissina. She was going to need as much help as she could.
The room was silent when he walked in with Wolfram at his side and Conrart not too far behind. Sitting at the long table near the back of the room were the Aristocrats, when they heard the door open and Yuri walk in they turned their heads. Putting most of his weight onto the cane in his hand Yuri looked around at those around him, knowing that what was to come was going to be brutal, but necessary for what needed to be done.
"Ah, Your Majesty," Walterana said standing up from his chair at the table. "Please, take a seat. You as well, Wolfram."
Wolfram and Yuri walked to the end of the table where the Aristocrats sat. Knowing that Yuri needed to sit down, Wolfram gave Yuri the chair at the end and Wolfram stood by his side, still his personal guard Wolfram had to be ready to protect Yuri at any time despite being injured. He was the king and he needed protection. He wasn't going to let what happened before happen again.
"Now," Lord von Rochefort spoke. She looked down at his majesty from her place at the table. "I'm sorry that his majesty has to be put through this type of orientation, but this matter just simply cannot be taken lightly. Your life was in danger, as well as your fiancee's. That is the highest mark of treason and it must be dealt with accordingly."
"We completely understand." Wolfram replied.
"But, Ms. Von Rochefort, don't let this lead to another war. I can't support that." Yuri added. His eyes pleaded with her, begging her. Lord von Rochefort could only sigh.
"Let us get the information we need and then we will talk about your concerns, King Yuri." She replied.
"Alright." Yuri said.
Lord von Gyllenhaal stood up from the table and began to pace, thinking of exactly what he wanted to ask Yuri. When something came to mind, he stopped. "You saw your assailant's face, correct?"
Yuri frowned, looking down for a moment. "No, I didn't." He waited a moment for continuing. "But I heard his voice. It was easily recognizable."
"And who was it that spoke to you?" Lord von Gyllenhaal asked.
Yuri looked to Wolfram, who seemed to be lost in thought, and clenched his fists into his pant legs. Seeing memories of his own, being tied to the chair, constant electrocution, his voice mixing in with his screams, the fire, the blood. He remembered it all.
"It was Belar." Yuri admitted.
Gasps filled the room followed by murmurs of disbelief. "That's impossible." Gwendal said, raising his voice. "Belar hasn't been seen since his attempts of overrunning Saralegui. He's been off the map since."
"Not to mention that Belar is only a human. He has no power, no magic at all. I refuse to believe that someone like that was able to take down our king and his personal guard. It just simply cannot be." Lord von Spitzweg added.
"Nothing is impossible." Conrart interjected.
While they talked among themselves at the table, Yuri looked to Wolfram. Wolfram has been quite the entire time, not saying a word at all. He saw the blonde's hands were clenched at his sides, and he was not focused on the world around him, you could tell by the look in his eyes that he was zoned out. His emerald eyes shook, a look of pain present within them.
"Wolfram," He took his hand and placed it on Wolfram's arm and gave him a gentle shake. Wolfram snapped out of his trance and looked down at Yuri. From the racket in the room, he could tell immediately what had happened. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Yuri." Wolfram replied. He looked around the room and saw the frustrated face of the Aristocrats. "What happened? Did they not like what you had to say?"
"No, it's not that." He looked around the room as well, at Conrart, Gwendal, Gunter, and all of the other aristocrats. "They just didn't believe when I said it was Belar that did this. They refused to believe that a human could do this much harm."
"That's completely absurd." Wolfram declared. He stepped up the table and slammed his fist into the table. The table rattled and shook and the room went silent. He glared at the men before him, disgust in his eyes. "We are here to tell our sides of the story, and you damn well think you can disagree with our truths. We are telling you what happened, who did this to us, and you're arguing about the will power and strengths of the human people. Do you know how disgusted I am? You all make me sick! We fought a damn war with those people and yet you still doubt their power?" Yuri looked up at Wolfram with worry, he feared that Wolfram's words would have consequences, but Wolfram pressed on. "Why would we lie about who committed these crimes against the Demon Tribe? Do you think we would just blame Belar for a good laugh, to get him out of the way, hell for even a revenge motive? This is not the time for such games! We must find him and bring him down. He has wronged myself and Yuri, and I'll be damned if I'm going to stand here and listen to you all argue like children."
Wolfram's argument went silent, his eyes blazing with anger and repulsion for what he had just witnessed. The men and women at the table looked around at each other and they knew that Wolfram was right.
Walterana spoke up first to reason with his nephew. "Wolfram, we understand your anger, we were only trying to understand the situation."
"Arguing and understanding a situation are two different things. If Yuri tells you that Belar was the one behind this, you don't argue about it, you take his findings and you help him figure out a way to catch him." Wolfram replied.
"But why would Belar be after His Majesty?" Gunter asked abruptly. "Why would he seek out His Majesty now?"
Once again the silence lingered. It rained on for minutes on end, so long to the point where the silence was almost deafening. With the silence, however, Yuri was able to think and he came up with only one simple solution to that question.
"I wouldn't have expected it." Yuri mumbled. He folded his hands on his lap and bit his lip. "He came after me when I least expected it. Not having seen him in a long time, I didn't even know he was still around at this point. His attempts at dethroning Sara failed, and I had believed that was the end of it, but it wasn't." He looked up again and saw a dozen eyes on him, and yet he felt no worry or fear. "Belar has been planning this for a long time, and he waited for just the right moment to strike."
"Even so, why would he go after you? Is it for revenge?" Conrart asked.
"That's what I don't know. He seemed to be pretty angry when I was there. His words were filled with endless desire to see me killed. I didn't question it at first because I was more worried about getting out, but I know what he wants me to suffer for something. What it is, I don't know." Yuri replied.
"Well, whatever it is," Wolfram placed a bandaged hand on Yuri's shoulder. "I'm going to protect you. So, don't worry."
"Wolfram…" Yuri muttered. His gaze tightened. "You're still hurt. You can't risk your life when you're still injured."
"If I waited until I was healed, what kind of guardian would I be?" Wolfram muttered in reply.
"If you don't mind me asking." Lord von Spitzweg said. "What did Belar do to you while you were in his captivity?"
Wolfram moved his jacket closer to his body as he thought back to their captivity. Yuri felt the guilt that he was pushing off to the back of his mind. He didn't want to discuss this, especially with the Aristocrats, but they also had a right to know, if it meant that it would help their investigation.
"Before Wolfram had arrived, Belar had me chained to a chair, and a collar placed around my neck. Both were connected to each other and were powered by esoteric stones. For the first half of my containment Belar was no where to be seen, only speaking to me from an unknown place in the building. When I spoke out or he got bored, he would activate the stones power. I was shocked with insane power of the stones which drained me pretty badly.
"But, after Wolfram was captured things became more intense. He let his goons have their fun and they did just that, punching, kicking, shouting profane words and disgusting things against us, the Mazoku." Yuri clenched his hands together to suppress his anger. "During those beatings, they managed to leave that scar on Wolfram's face. I couldn't help myself and I lost it!" Wolfram put a hand over the right side of his face to hide the scar. "I let out all of my energy on impulse, to try and break free of the chains and help Wolfram. I overreacted and it cost me. Belar had the esoteric stones activated again and the Demon King just couldn't handle it, no, my body in the condition it was couldn't handle it. I passed out and I don't remember anything after that for a while."
Things were quiet for a while. Yuri was filled with emotion, all from the memory of the experiences that Belar put him through. Wolfram watched him suffer silently for a moment until he couldn't. He knew what he had to do. But he didn't want them to know. He didn't want anyone to know. What happened was disgusting and prude, vulgar even. Wolfram wanted no memory of it. It showed him just how weak he is.
"After Yuri passed out, they took we away into the next room. They were connected by a wall of rock, barely a few inches thick. When I was freed from the bindings of the chair I immediately separated myself from them, but even so I was completely at their mercy. One of them, Jacob or whatever his filthy name was, went to grab chains to lock me up on the wall, while his even more disgusting friend Marcus held me down on the ground. When Jacob returned, I was chained to the wall and I was absolutely humiliated. Dangling in front of them like a prize to be displayed.
"That was when Marcus decided that I was attractive enough for his liking. He wanted to have his 'fun' with me. He took off my uniform jacket and unbuttoned my shirt." Wolfram stopped, clutching the white collared shirt he wore now as if he were clinging to life's very existence. He closed his eyes and tried to calm down, taking breath after breath before continuing. "I tried to fight back however way I could. With my arms useless I tried to kick him away, but he saw my attack coming and used my movement his advantage and got closer to me. He was so close to me, on top of me. It was revolting. I remember his cold hands touching me. I wanted to pushing him away, but I couldn't. It was maddening. But then, he became more familiar with me, kissing my neck. I wanted nothing more than to destroy him then and there. To make matters worse, he even dared to kiss me." Eyes now open and tears rolling down his cheeks like rain, eyes dark with fear, similar to the day when this all occurred. "I used that rage I was feeling to melt the chains I was in. I was freed before he could do anything else. I don't remember what I was doing too clearly, but I remember the smell of fire and smoke, the sound of screams. And I remember Yuri, I remember feeling safe now that he was with me."
Interrupting, Lord von Wincott spoke, "How did His Majesty get to you despite being tied up?"
Yuri took over from there, knowing that Wolfram has spoken enough. "I didn't go to him, rather he came to me. He walked over flames he deliberately created to kill just, just to get to me."
Lord von Wincott understood and continued to listen to the story.
Yuri went on. "Once I calmed Wolfram down, he helped free me from the chair. But it was far too easy to just escape. Belar had plans. He had more of his men, this time armed men with swords and bows and arrows. They surrounded us quickly and I knew that the only thing I could do was to let the Demon King loose. Wolfram had too little energy left, so I didn't want him to fight. All my energy that I could spare was to be used by the demon king to take out the archers and the swordsmen. He was doing well, he used my power to collect anything he could find in the large room, mainly rubble and rock. However, only five were taken out before the arch mens arrows finally hit their target. The first one pierced my elbow. Then my leg, my stomach, and my hand. Soon after was my the fatal shot to my head." Smiling to himself, pain evident in his features he went on to describe the horror of his wounds. "I really thought at that moment it was the end. I was going to die and that I had failed. Wolfram was screaming at me to stay alive, that I had people I loved back home. I knew that my chances of surviving were were practically non existent. I still can't believe myself that I'm sitting here with everyone. I just kept telling him to live, to make it out and to make it back and watch over Greta, so that she grows up happy. I wasn't thinking of myself anymore."
"You did all you could, your highness." Conrart commented. "There's nothing you could have done. You did what you thought was right."
Yuri lowered his head. "It doesn't feel that way now."
"It may not feel that way, but you really did save us." Wolfram replied.
Everything seemed to have begun to fall into place, the story now told to some of the most powerful people in the Demon Territory. It seemed that nothing was left to be said, only for a plan to be created to where things were to go. But no one spoke a word for quite some time.
A few moments later, the door to the meeting hall slammed open, rattling the walls and frightening the people inside. Walking inside the hall, Shouri looked around for his little brother. Yuri stood up from the chair, far too quickly, and he felt it in his leg.
"Shouri!? What are you doing in here?!" Yuri complained.
Shouri saw his brother and made his way over to him. Despite the looks he was receiving from the Aristocrats, he continued making his way towards his brother.
"Are you alright, Yu-chan? I heard about the interrogation from Murata. Are you feeling alright?" Shouri asked.
"I'm fine, Shouri. But why are you here? This is a serious manner and you shouldn't be here."
"That's exactly why I am here." Murata came in next. He was slightly out of breath and had a look of annoyance. "I was trying to stop him from interrupting but I couldn't get him to stop. Your brother is quite stubborn, Shibuya."
Shouri kept his calm, despite the offence he felt at that moment. "Stubborn or not I have the right to see to it that my brother is safe after everything he's been through."
"Lord Shouri, I can assure you that His Majesty is perfectly safe here." Lord Waltorana said.
"And yet my little brother was able to be captured right under the people's noses. Just what is your definition of 'perfectly safe'?" Shouri questioned.
"Shouri-" Yuri tried to speak but was cut off by a hand held down by Wolfram. It was a silent signal to keep quiet.
"What happened to His Majesty was something that we had no accounted for. This palace is a safe haven! Nothing will reach him!" Gunter stated.
"You mean nothing will reach him now." Shouri argued.
Gunter bit his lip. He knew that what Shouri was saying was true. "Yes. Nothing will reach him now. I'm sure of it."
"This is my castle, and despite the number of times your brother has had it destroyed, I continue to rebuild it. This time, I'm rebuilding it to keep him safe. He needs to learn that his place is in here, not out where he can be killed." Gwendal said. He looked to Yuri. "So, listen and understand when I say that this new development is meant to keep you in. So, you better not run off and get yourself captured again."
Yuri understood what Gwendal was saying, but still couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed by it. "It's not like I could help it. I'm not the one who asked to be kidnapped."
Gwendal ignored that statement and turned his gaze back to Shouri. "We aren't careless enough to allow His Majesty to be captured again. So, kindly get the hell out so we can finish with our meeting."
Shouri was going to retaliate, claim that as Earth's Maou he could sit in and help, but Yuri shook his head at him.
"We'll be alright, Shouri. I'll see after the meeting is over." Yuri said reassuringly.
Sighing, still not satisfied, he nodded. "Fine. But right after." Waiting for a nod from his little brother, Shouri left the meeting hall.
Murata lingered a moment longer, bowing in apology before following in suit of Shouri. Once they were gone, the meeting continued.