The rest of the ride was steeped in silence, an uneasy tension hanging in the air. Yuta tried to push thoughts of the looming situation from his mind, focusing instead on the soft hum of the van's engine. Charlie sat beside him, her presence a quiet comfort, her occasional glances filled with a mix of concern and reassurance. She wanted to ease his nerves, but words felt insufficient in the face of everything they were heading into.

The ride didn't take long. The van soon pulled up in front of a tall, imposing building. As the three stepped out, they were met with the sight of a series of elevators. Without a word, they entered one, and as it ascended, the walls of the elevator gave way to a room of dark elegance. The decor was a striking mix of black, white, and crimson, with an array of weapons mounted on the walls, each one gleaming ominously under the soft lights. Yuta's eyes roamed the room, his curiosity piqued despite the tension coiling in his chest.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice, light and feminine, breaking the silence.

"Oh great! You guys are here," Clara's voice called out as she stepped into view, her tone carrying a mix of relief and embarrassment. Yuta turned to face her, recognizing her instantly. "Hopefully Mother wasn't too… rough with you." Her voice wavered slightly as she cast a quick glance at Carmilla, who merely scoffed and strode past them, heading toward the main room with a regal air.

"Explain the plan to them. The meeting starts in an hour and a half," Carmilla instructed, her voice clipped before she disappeared behind a heavy door, leaving them in Clara's care.

Clara turned to Yuta and Charlie, her expression shifting from relief to genuine apology. She guided them to another room where Odette waited, her posture stiff and her face carefully neutral. She gave a small wave, the gesture polite but lacking warmth.

"Oookay, so, first of all… I—we're actually really sorry," Clara began, her voice earnest, her eyes flicking to Odette as if to include her sister in the apology. "For all this stuff we've dragged you into… it's not fair, especially after you saved us back there." Clara's voice softened, a hint of guilt clouding her usual cheerfulness.

Yuta, however, didn't seem upset. His expression remained calm, perhaps even a little amused by her concern. "Hey, Clara… it's okay," he said, his voice gentle but reassuring. "I just did what I had to do, and I'd probably do it again, so please don't worry about it." He offered her a small smile, one that seemed to ease some of the tension in the room.

Clara visibly relaxed, her shoulders dropping as a weight lifted from her. Charlie, too, found herself smiling softly, though a fleeting thought crossed her mind—what had led Yuta to Hell when he died? The question lingered briefly before fading as she pushed it aside, focusing on the present.

But Odette remained troubled, her usual composure faltering slightly. Yuta noticed the shadow in her eyes, the way she seemed distant, but he chose not to press her. He had learned that sometimes, it was best to let people come to you when they were ready.

"Okay then, with that out of the way… let's start," Clara said, her voice regaining its usual brightness, though there was a new determination behind it.

Yuta and Charlie focused intently as Clara and Odette laid out Carmilla's plan. It was straightforward. Charlie would need to present herself as Yuta's 'owner,' a title that would offer them both a degree of protection. The Overlords, bound by the complex social contracts of Hell, wouldn't dare move against Yuta if they believed him to be under the direct protection of Hell's princess. As Carmilla had pointed out earlier, Yuta's actions were purely in self-defense, meaning that Bale's unprovoked attack on Carmilla's daughters was a breach of conduct, one that could be turned against Barbatos himself. By framing Yuta as an external entity tied to Charlie, Barbatos would be held accountable for the chaos his right-hand man had caused.

Clara took her time explaining the nuances, breaking down the plan into digestible parts. Her usual cheerful demeanor was laced with a rare seriousness, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Yuta listened carefully, his anxiety tempered by the clarity of the plan, though a lingering unease gnawed at him. This wasn't a world he understood, and the idea of being treated like some kind of asset or pawn didn't sit well with him. But he trusted Charlie, and by extension, Carmilla's judgment.

Charlie, on the other hand, was processing the information with a more practiced calm. She knew the stakes, understood the delicate balance of power in Hell better than anyone. Her role as Yuta's protector was one she would embrace fully, not just because it was necessary, but because she felt a growing sense of responsibility toward him. The thought of Yuta facing the Overlords without her made her resolve even stronger but there was a little problem for her.

"So, I just… pretend to own Yuta?" Charlie asked, her voice holding a slight edge of discomfort. The idea wasn't exactly appealing.

Clara nodded, her expression sympathetic. "It's not ideal, but it's the best way to keep you both safe. The Overlords won't touch you if they think you're under the protection of the royal family. Barbatos's already in hot water, and this could tip the scales against him. Just remember, Yuta, try to talk as little as possible. The less they know about you, the better."

Yuta nodded, though the thought of remaining silent in the presence of such powerful entities only added to his anxiety. "I'll do my best" he said, his voice low but determined. He wasn't thrilled about playing this role, but he understood the necessity. If this was what it took to keep Charlie and the others safe, then he would do it.

Odette, who had remained silent for most of the explanation, finally spoke up, her voice quiet but firm. "This isn't just about survival. We're dealing with people who thrive on manipulation and deceit. They'll try to test you, Yuta, push your buttons to see what you're made of. Stay calm, stay quiet, and let Charlie do the talking. Trust us, we've been dealing with these people our entire lives in hell."

There was a pause, the weight of Odette's words settling over the group. Charlie glanced at Yuta, her gaze softening with concern. "You don't have to worry, Yuta. I'll handle everything. Just stay close to me, and we'll get through this." Her words were meant to comfort, but there was an underlying resolve that made it clear she wouldn't tolerate any harm coming to him.

Yuta managed a small smile, appreciating her words even as his heart pounded in his chest. "Got it," he replied, trying to match her confidence, though a part of him couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much larger.

Clara clapped her hands together, breaking the tension with a forced cheerfulness. "Alright then! We've got the plan, and we've got time before the meeting. Just… try to relax, okay? Everything's going to be fine."

But it was not fine.

The tension in the room was palpable as the minutes ticked by. No one was truly at ease, each second bringing them closer to an uncertain confrontation. Yuta found his thoughts drifting toward the overlords they were about to face, particularly this Barbatos—a name that resonated with danger. The weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on his mind as he glanced over at Charlie and Clara.

Charlie, ever the optimist, was still rehearsing what she needed to say, her determination clear, but something else lingered in her eyes. She suddenly turned to Clara, her voice soft but hopeful, "But... what if I sing to them? I might be able to make them see reason."

Clara gave her a small, understanding smile, trying to keep her tone gentle yet firm. "Princess, please don't take this the wrong way, but that could make things worse. Just stick to what we discussed. Trust me, it's for your sake and Yuta's."

Charlie's shoulders slumped slightly, her usual brightness dimmed by the disappointment, but she nodded, accepting Clara's advice. Yuta watched the exchange in silence, his respect for both women growing. He admired Charlie's relentless optimism but knew Clara was right; this wasn't the time for idealism.

His thoughts were interrupted by a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Odette, who had quietly taken the seat beside him. Her expression was serious, a stark contrast to her usual calm demeanor.

"Oh, hey... Odette, right?" Yuta greeted her, trying to sound casual. "Don't worry about me, I know what I need to say."

But Odette's face didn't soften. If anything, her frown deepened. "That's not why I'm here," she replied, her frustration barely concealed. "I... wanted to apologize."
Yuta blinked in surprise. "Apologize? Odette, you don't have to—"

"It's not fine!" she cut him off, her voice rising before she quickly reined it in, taking a deep breath. "I... I lost control back there. It's my fault... everything that happened. I let Bale get under my skin."

Yuta's confusion only deepened as he studied her, the anger she directed at herself evident in her clenched fists and tight jaw. "W-what do you mean?" he asked, genuinely baffled.

Her usual calm facade breaking as she removed her red-tinted glasses, revealing eyes clouded with regret. She looked at him for a moment, as if searching for the right words, before finally speaking, her voice heavy with a burden she had carried for far too long.

"Yuta, I need to tell you something... something I've never really talked about with anyone outside of my family… the least I can do for saving my life and my sister's" Her tone was quiet, almost fragile, a stark contrast to the poised and collected Odette he had come to know.

Yuta nodded, giving her the space to continue.

"We weren't always just... my mother, my sister, and me," she began, her eyes distant as if she were seeing a different time and place. "We had a dad too. He was... he was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. Even my mother, as stoic and professional as she always was, couldn't help but fall in love with him. He had this way of bringing warmth into any room he entered, a lightness that made even Hell seem... bearable."

Her voice trembled slightly, and she paused to steady herself. "They got married, and soon after, they had Clara. Then, a year later, I came along. We were happy, really happy. Despite everything, despite where we were, we had each other. And for a while, that was enough."

Yuta could see the pain etched in her features, the weight of memories that had been locked away for so long now spilling out.

"But then... one day, everything changed. There was an accident, and all four of us... we died. We fell into Hell together, and my mother—Carmilla—she did everything she could to keep us safe. She was relentless, determined to protect us no matter what. After our first Extermination Day, she and my father would always go out to gather angelic weapons, scavenging for anything that could give us an edge. They turned that into a business, and over time, she became an arms dealer, an Overlord, all to keep us secure."

Odette's voice wavered as she continued, the memories clearly taking a toll on her. "We grew stronger, more powerful, but never through unnecessary violence like so many others in Hell. My mother built something different, something... almost honorable. But then... two years ago, it all went wrong."

She clenched her fists, her knuckles white as she relived the day that changed everything. "I was with them, my mother and father, out gathering more weapons. I... I made a mistake. I wanted to prove I could do more than just be the brains of the group. I got greedy, careless, and before I knew it, I was surrounded by Exorcists. I... I should have been smarter, more cautious, but I wasn't."

Her voice cracked as she spoke, her eyes brimming with tears that she fought to hold back. "My father... he was close by. He saw what was happening, and there was nothing he could do but... buy me time. Time to escape. I watched as he fought them off, as he was impaled again and again, still moving, still fighting, just to keep me safe. And all I could do was run."

Odette's tears finally spilled over, her composure completely shattered. "That was two years ago. That's how my father died. And I've never forgiven myself for it. I blame myself every day, and now... Bale, that bastard, he used that against me. He knew how to get under my skin, and I let him. I let him, and now everyone around me is in danger because of it. You... you saved me and Clara from certain death, and here I am, still making mistakes, still putting people I care about at risk and even people I don't even know and saved me and my sister"

Odette stood up abruptly, her emotions finally overwhelming her as she moved to the window. Her tears fell silently at first, but the weight of her grief soon drew the attention of both Charlie and Clara. The room felt thick with sorrow, each of them caught in the grip of Odette's pain.

Yuta hesitated, his heart aching at the sight of her breaking down. He slowly approached her, each step heavy with uncertainty. When he finally reached her side, he was at a loss for words, nervous and sad, feeling the inadequacy of anything he might say.

"Odette..." he began, his voice soft and unsure. "I... I don't really know the right thing to say or even what you should do. But... from what I've seen in these past two days in Hell, it's clear that some parents will do anything to protect their children. Maybe you did make a mistake, but your father... he did what he had to do because he loved you. He wanted to protect you, his daughter."

Yuta paused, trying to steady his voice. "You shouldn't carry this blame on yourself. Instead... maybe you can honor his memory by living the life he gave you a second chance at. Use that life to become better, not as a way to punish yourself every day for what happened."

Odette looked at him, her tear-streaked face a mix of grief and uncertainty. For a moment, Yuta thought he saw a glimmer of something—maybe understanding, maybe hope—but it was fleeting. Her tears flowed again, even harder this time, as if she was finally allowing herself to feel the full extent of her sorrow.

Seeing this, Yuta took a small step back, feeling that anything more he might say would only intrude on her grief. Clara, with the gentle grace of a sister who had seen this pain before, stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Odette in a comforting embrace.

Charlie moved quietly to Yuta's side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Her touch was warm, a silent gesture to let him know that he had done all he could, that he wasn't alone in this moment. Yuta sighed deeply, feeling the tension in his chest begin to ease, if only slightly.

"We should give them some space… let's head to the room they told us about," Charlie suggested softly, her voice tinged with concern. Yuta nodded in agreement, and they quietly left the room, leaving the sisters to their private moment of grief.

As they walked down the corridor, Charlie's mind began to wander again, filled with questions she dared not ask aloud. What could have possibly brought Yuta to Hell? What could he have done to end up here, in a place where the damned reside?

Both Charlie and Yuta stood in the designated room, a tense silence hanging between them as they waited for Carmilla's summon. The meeting of the Overlords was already underway, and Yuta could feel the oppressive weight of their combined power seeping through the walls. The sheer terror they radiated was overwhelming, like a storm brewing on the horizon, but Yuta had felt worse—he had felt Lilith's, whose presence was far more terrifying than anything else in Hell. Compared to that, he could handle this.

Still, he couldn't help but notice Charlie's growing unease. She was fidgeting, her usual confident demeanor crumbling under the pressure of the situation.

"You alright?" Yuta asked cautiously, his voice gentle as he tried to offer her some comfort.

"Oh! Me? Better than ever!" Charlie replied, forcing a smile as she tried to brush off his concern. But Yuta saw right through her facade, his blank expression telling her he wasn't fooled. She sighed, dropping the act.

"Honestly… it's just… this whole thing about pretending to be someone I'm not. The idea of me owning you? It just feels… wrong. It feels evil," she admitted, her voice laced with embarrassment and discomfort.

Yuta couldn't help but chuckle at her candidness. "Charlie… it's just an act."

"I know, I know, but… still… I can't help but feel horrible about it," she confessed, her honesty shining through as she spoke. There was no humor in her tone, just the genuine discomfort of someone who hated the very idea of pretending to be something she despised.

Yuta softened, understanding her predicament. "Hey, you just need to get through this, alright? If we do this right, they'll leave us alone, and we can focus on what really matters—the hotel. Isn't that the goal, Princess?"

Charlie's worried expression melted into a small, hopeful smile. Yuta's words were a reminder of why they were doing all this in the first place. "Yeah… you're right. We'll get through this, and then we can focus on making a real difference."

Her smile grew a little stronger, the hope returning to her eyes. For a brief moment, the tension lifted, and they both took comfort in the thought that there was a purpose to all of this.

Carmilla strode into the room, her presence commanding immediate attention. Her expression was steely, eyes sharp as she glanced at both Yuta and Charlie. "Are you both ready?" she asked, though the question felt more like a formality than an inquiry. It was clear she wasn't expecting a 'no.'

Charlie and Yuta exchanged a quick glance before nodding, both of them steeling their nerves. As they followed Carmilla through the long corridors, their footsteps echoed in the tense silence. Nervousness hung in the air, but they managed to push it down, determined to see this through.

Charlie was the first to enter the grand chamber. The moment she stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The Overlords, seated in their elevated positions, glanced her way. Some were unfazed, their expressions indifferent, as if they had expected someone of her stature. But others blinked in surprise, clearly not anticipating the Princess of Hell herself to be present. Charlie could feel the weight of their stares pressing down on her, a slight tremble in her hands betraying her nerves. But she straightened her posture, chin held high as she walked toward the front, refusing to falter.

Then Yuta entered, followed closely by Carmilla. The effect was instant and visceral. The Overlords, who moments before had seemed composed and in control, now shifted in their seats, a ripple of unease passing through them. For a brief few seconds, there was a tangible wave of dread, a shared realization that settled over the room like a dark cloud. They knew who Yuta was. His power, though not fully unleashed, emanated from him like a quiet storm, unsettling those who could sense it.

Yuta, for his part, didn't fully understand why they were reacting this way. His shy demeanor clashed with the raw energy that seeped from him, a contrast that left some of the Overlords whispering amongst themselves. He couldn't quite make out their words, but their furtive glances unnerved him. Instinctively, his fingers grazed the cursed ring on his hand, a subconscious gesture for reassurance. As he touched it, he took a slow, steady breath, willing himself to stay composed as he walked up to stand beside Charlie.

The room was thick with tension, all eyes now on Carmilla, who stood before the assembly with a cool but fierce determination. The Overlords looked at her with a mix of confusion and surprise, clearly unprepared for what she was about to reveal.

"I've taken the liberty of bringing our witness," Carmilla began, her voice slicing through the murmurs like a blade. "To testify about the recent… incident involving Barbatos' right-hand man, Bale." She let the name linger in the air for a moment, watching as some Overlords raised their eyebrows in interest. "This will serve as my proof that neither I nor my daughters had anything to do with his demise. Barbatos, in fact, breached our longstanding contract of peace among the Overlords."

One of the Overlords, a figure with a blue, flaming skull for a head, scoffed, his voice dripping with derision. "Him? Of all the sinners in Hell, you bring the one that caused the most controversy?"

Carmilla's eyes flashed dangerously, but she kept her composure. "Yes. Barbatos claims I used Yuta Okkotsu for my own gain, that I orchestrated Bale's death to shift the balance of power in my favor." Her voice grew sharper, anger simmering beneath the surface. "That I, Carmilla Carmine, am attempting to secure an upper hand by manipulating this situation."

She slammed her hand on the table, the force of it reverberating through the room. The Overlords stared in stunned silence, awestruck by her fierce display of authority. But just as quickly as her anger flared, she regained control, her demeanor cooling like ice after fire.

"I will debunk those claims right now," she said with finality, her voice steady and composed once more. "This sinner is Yuta Okkotsu, yes—but he is bound, not to me, but to Princess Morningstar herself." Carmilla's revelation sent another ripple through the room, some Overlords exchanging shocked glances.

The weight of her words hung in the air, challenging anyone to defy her.

One of the most crucial elements working in Carmilla's favor was an ancient vow, a fundamental one that had supported Hell's balance for centuries: Royals shall not interfere in the activities of sinners. Whatever sinners did, whether they rose or fell, fought or allied, it was entirely their business—so long as they didn't cross certain boundaries. This rule, established by the Queen of Hell, Lilith, after Lucifer's curious decision to allow sinners absolute freedom, created a line of separation between the ruling families and the damned souls. But while sinners were free from royal intervention, the law had a caveat: Overlords, the powerful rulers of Hell's territories of sinners, were bound by a vow they had taken themselves. This vow forbade any alliance or interference with Royals, a safeguard that maintained balance between the two classes.

It was a vow that held weight and ensured that no Overlord could exploit the power of a royal. It was this vow that Carmilla now used to defend herself. The fact that Yuta Okkotsu, a sinner, was bound not to her, but to Princess Charlie Morningstar, meant that the Overlord vow remained unbroken. There could be no accusation against her, for she had no hand in Yuta's affairs.

The realization dawned on the room slowly, rippling through the assembly as each Overlord understood the implications. Carmilla Carmine had, by all appearances, adhered to the law. Yuta's actions—no matter how dangerous or game-changing—could not be laid at her feet.

From the shadows, a large figure in a black cloak shifted, his presence oppressive yet strangely calm. His voice was deep, resonating with a gravity that commanded the room's attention. "Verily," he intoned, his words deliberate, each syllable weighed with purpose. "Then let the Princess speak her piece. Dost thou confirm that thou dost possess the soul of Yuta Okkotsu?"

The question, though spoken in an archaic dialect, carried a sense of formality. The Overlord's tone wasn't accusatory but inquisitive, like a judge awaiting a crucial witness statement. His large, wide-brimmed black hat cast a shadow over his face, making his true features impossible to discern. All that could be seen was the deep, focused gleam of his eyes.

Carmilla, her poise unshaken, turned her head slightly toward Charlie. A silent nod, calm but firm, was her only cue for the princess to speak.

Charlie, standing at the front of the room, felt the collective weight of the Overlords' gaze upon her. Though her heart beat faster, she drew a steady breath. This was her moment to speak not just for herself but for Yuta, and despite the pressure, she couldn't afford to falter.

She stepped forward, her voice soft but clear. "Yes, I do. Yuta Okkotsu's soul is bound to me, I own him... his actions that day were for protection towards me… self defense…" She says with a bit of a disgusted voice, but no one seemed to take attention to that.

Her words, though simple, carried a gravity that reverberated through the chamber. The Overlords, their curiosity piqued, whispered among themselves once more, but none dared speak over her. Charlie's sincerity was evident, and for a moment, even her nervousness seemed to dissipate in the wake of the quiet power she held. This was her role as Princess, whether she liked it or not.

Carmilla watched the reactions carefully, noting the subtle shifts in the room's energy. The Overlords were cautious, calculating their next moves, but the argument was falling in her favor.

The room hummed with an undercurrent of tension as a tall Overlord with dinosaur-like features leaned forward, her gaze predatory yet playful. She flashed a mischievous grin at Yuta. "And the pretty boy? Anything to say for yourself?"

Yuta, standing next to Charlie, held his ground, his expression stoic. "I did what I had to do," he responded bluntly, his tone devoid of hesitation. "Bale got in the way of my duty. Nothing more."

His words hung in the air, heavy and direct. The assembled Overlords exchanged looks, some curious, others skeptical, but none could argue with the simplicity of the statement. The narrative was solid—Yuta belonged to Charlie, a royal, and therefore Carmilla couldn't have orchestrated the events. There was no breach of the Overlords' vow. For now, the room seemed satisfied with the explanation.

But then, a voice, dripping with sarcasm, cut through the air. "Ah, but we're missing a key player, aren't we?" The sound of static preceded the voice, its owner stepping into the light—a deer-like Overlord with a wide, unsettling grin and the crackle of a radio embedded in his voice. He leaned forward, almost relishing the chaos. "Barbatos hasn't even arrived yet. What if he has something to add to the table?"

Carmilla's eyes narrowed, a flash of irritation crossing her sharp features. She knew this particular Overlord well—he had no interest in the truth. He only wanted to stoke the fires for his own amusement. "I called every Overlord here, including him. If he doesn't want to show his damned face, that's his problem" she said, her voice firm, but edged with frustration.

Just as she finished speaking, a sudden shift in the room's energy stopped everyone in their tracks. It wasn't a dark or oppressive presence like the others, but a calm, almost unsettlingly gentle one. The large double doors at the back of the room creaked open, and in stepped a figure who seemed oddly… human.

"Speak'st thou of the devil…" The dark-cloaked Overlord muttered, sipping a freshly conjured cup of coffee with a sigh of disappointment as the newcomer entered.

Barbatos strolled into the room with an air of confidence, his every movement languid and relaxed. His blue suit, detailed with intricate gold accents, gleamed under the dim light, and his aura radiated a strange blend of serenity and authority. He smiled—an expression that, despite its warmth, didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Ah, my dear Carmilla…" Barbatos greeted in a gentle tone, dipping into a shallow bow. "Forgive my lateness. I was… occupied with other business."

Carmilla's jaw clenched, her fury barely contained. Every word he spoke dripped with false courtesy, as if he were toying with her. "Barbatos," she spat, her voice laced with venom as her eyes followed his casual approach. She couldn't help but bristle at his arrogance, knowing full well he was enjoying this.

Barbatos glanced toward Yuta and Charlie, his smile widening. "And here we have the very bane of my right hand man—Yuta Okkotsu. Ah, and the Princess Charlotte Morningstar." His voice, though polite, carried a weight that made Yuta tense under the scrutiny.

Barbatos inclined his head slightly, as if in respect. "Well met. I am Barbatos." His bow was theatrical, exaggerated just enough to feel like mockery.

Carmilla scoffed, drawing his attention. "You're very late. I've already debunked your baseless accusations," she snapped, the anger seeping into her tone.

Barbatos chuckled softly, unfazed. "As expected. You are no pushover, my dear." He waved a hand dismissively. "But I must still rectify my mistake, mustn't I? Just to… set things right."

His eyes flicked to Yuta, studying him with a strange intensity. "You see, I've done some research on this particular sinner," Barbatos continued, his tone calm yet layered with insincerity. "I made a grave error in placing blame on you, Carmilla. After all, this sinner is acquainted with the Princess herself, isn't that right?" He turned his gaze to Charlie, his smile unnervingly soft.

Carmilla's eyes widened ever so slightly, catching the subtle shift in Barbatos' words. He knew. He knew more than he was letting on, and the very thought sent a surge of unease through her.

"Likely bound by contract," Barbatos mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "So, in truth, Bale's death and the destruction of one of my most valuable properties was merely a consequence of his insolence for trying to mess with the Princess. For that, I do apologize." His voice, though apologetic, retained its unnerving calmness. It was clear to everyone that his regret was entirely performative.

Yuta remained silent, his fingers brushing the ring on his hand. He felt the undercurrent of danger in Barbatos' words, the way they dripped with veiled intentions. He wasn't sure where this was going, but he knew one thing—this Overlord was playing a deeper game, one they had yet to fully understand.

Carmilla, however, was barely holding back her rage. Every word out of Barbatos' mouth felt like a calculated move to undermine her, to push her further into the fire. Yet she couldn't lash out, not here, not now. Not with all the eyes of the Overlords fixed on them.

Barbatos smiled again, his gaze sweeping over the room, as if he alone controlled the narrative.

Barbatos clasped his hands together with a theatrical sigh, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. "And for that… I retire the claims I laid on you."

The room seemed to freeze, and even Carmilla blinked in disbelief. "You… what?" Her voice was skeptical, as though she couldn't fully trust her ears.

Barbatos chuckled, his expression the picture of faux innocence. "I retire them!" He spread his arms wide, as if he were making some grand gesture. "This is nothing to take lightly, of course. I feel so ashamed of myself for allowing my emotions to cloud my logical sense." His tone was almost hurt, a perfect act of remorse. "How reckless of me, truly."
He turned toward Carmilla, a grin barely concealed behind his courteous demeanor. "And for all the trouble I caused you, I offer a gift—countless souls. Consider it compensation for your stress. After all, it must have been incredibly taxing for you."

Carmilla's eye twitched, fury bubbling beneath her calm and professional attitude. "You can take that gift and shove it up your—"

"Oh my," Barbatos interrupted, raising an eyebrow with mock surprise. "Why so hostile? Come now, let's not be hasty. I'll give you time to think it over. The offer stands whenever you feel ready to accept it." He stepped closer, voice lowering, though the grin remained. "The souls are untouched. No tricks, no strings. You have my word."

Carmilla's hands clenched into fists at her sides, barely restraining herself from lunging at him. She knew his game, every word carefully calculated to get under her skin. But still, the Overlords watched, and she had to maintain her composure.

Satisfied, Barbatos turned on his heel, walking leisurely toward the door. "Well then, now that this little misunderstanding is behind us, I must return to my duties." His voice was light, casual, as if he hadn't just spent the last hour toying with everyone in the room. "It's been such a pleasure seeing you all again."

As he reached the door, he paused, his gaze flicking to Yuta. For a moment, the air in the room seemed to still as Barbatos' eyes scanned him, lingering as if seeing something the others couldn't. A faint smile curled his lips as he observed Yuta, but it wasn't Yuta that truly held his attention.

Behind Yuta, barely visible, a looming shadow flickered, dark and menacing. Barbatos' smile widened. Whatever that presence was… it was watching him too.

Without another word, the doors swung shut behind him, leaving the room in a thick silence.

"Haha! Well, that was entertaining," crackled the radio-like voice of the deer-like Overlord, breaking the tension with his grating, sarcastic laughter.

Yuta barely reacted, but his mind was churning. This Overlord, Barbatos… he was starting to understand why everyone hated him. The man's very presence was suffocating, his calm demeanor masking something far more dangerous. The way Barbatos had looked at him—no, the way he had seen him—sent a chill down his spine.

But Yuta couldn't afford to show fear. Not here. Not now.

End of Chapter

Writer: Hopefully you are liking the interactions as well as this new character!
As of this day of publishing this chapter is leak day for JJk! Hopefully our boy Yuta lives!