Location: Imperial Council Hall
The Imperial Council Hall was a bastion of power and elegance, its towering pillars adorned with intricate carvings of the empire's victories. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, illuminating the chamber in hues of red and gold. Raphael Valoria, Emperor of the Healian Empire, sat at the head of the grand table, his crimson eyes scanning the gathered nobles with calm authority.
The council meeting had veered into dangerous territory. Whispers of Magda's unannounced candidacy for the throne had spread like wildfire, fueling speculation and resentment.
Raphael remained silent as the Duke Ashford, Rudra Ashford von Bügelsheim, leaned back in his chair, exuding an air of smug confidence.
Currently in his human form, Rudra appeared as an older and more sinister version of Raphael. His curly, ink-black hair framed his sharp features, and his crimson eyes gleamed with thinly veiled malice.
The presence of Duke Ashford never brought good news, a sentiment shared even by the nobles who backed his second son in the Race for the throne. Unlike his son Rüdiger, Duke Ashford made no effort to conceal his devilish malice. Even among his own kin, including the Emperor, there was a cautious, respectful distance maintained.
The court buzzed with unease at his unexpected appearance, their whispers swirling like a rising storm.
"Your Majesty," Rudra began, his voice as smooth as poisoned honey, "I hear congratulations are in order. My son, Rüdiger, has recently arrived in the Valenhart Duchy. It seems our families are destined to grow… much closer."
Raphael's sharp gaze flickered to Rudra, the faintest shadow of surprise crossing his face before it vanished. "Rüdiger is in Valenhart?" he asked, his tone neutral but probing.
Rudra's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Indeed. Since the new marriage laws are about to come into effect, it's only fitting that Magda gets to know her uncle better. After all, family ties are important."
The council members shifted uncomfortably, sensing the undercurrent of Rudra's words. Raphael's expression remained composed, but his fingers tightened slightly on the armrest of his chair.
"You speak as though there's more to this than a simple family reunion," Raphael said evenly.
Rudra's smile widened, his crimson eyes glinting with predatory amusement. "Oh, it's nothing of concern. Isn't it good for an uncle and niece to know each other well? If the new marriage law comes into being, isn't it better for Magda to have a close kin guide her during her distressful time? I heard that the third son of the House of Shelb seems to be lacking in that aspect!"
The weight of Rudra's insinuation settled over the room like a shroud. The council members murmured amongst themselves, their voices a mix of curiosity and unease.
The court might not have understood the full meaning of Duke Rudra's statement, but Raphael did. Among the high Devils, any she-Devil that lived to adulthood was considered the property of her male kin.
Her marital status depended on the power of the kin claiming her. A lone, atrocious man might imprison her as his consort, but someone like Rüdiger, thriving under his father's graces, would reduce her to the family's broodmare.
It was a fate Raphael's mother had escaped by defeating and destroying her brothers before fleeing to the human realm. The only one who supported his mother back then was this terrible excuse for a younger brother, Rudra.
Even now, he shamelessly rides on the coattails of Raphael's lingering gratefulness, wielding it as a tool to excuse his opportunism and malice.
Raphael's jaw tightened imperceptibly as memories of his mother's warnings surfaced. She had often spoken of the dangers posed by their devil kin, urging him to grow stronger to protect himself—and later, Magda.
"Tradition," Raphael said at last, his voice cold and measured, "makes an uncle more like a second father to a niece, doesn't it?"
Rudra's smile widened, his crimson eyes glinting with unsettling amusement. "Ah, Your Majesty, in royal families, uncles often serve… other roles as well. After all, close bonds between kin strengthen the bloodline."
Raphael's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "Magda is still married, Rudra. Whatever insinuations you are making are irrelevant. Her status as my daughter and Prince Mikhail's wife remains unchallenged."
Rudra's chuckle was low and menacing. "True. But traditions are what bind our kind, are they not? Tell me, Your Majesty, do you truly wish for your daughter to remain with a man who, by all accounts, cannot sire an heir?"
He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a tone laced with faux sincerity. "A woman's natural role is to bring forth the next generation, especially one as pivotal as Magda. She is the hope for the future of this empire, and traditionally, such hope is not wasted."
Before Raphael could respond, Valen, his trusted advisor, stepped forward with a sealed document. "Your Majesty, this report from Prince Mikhail details the events in Altona. It may provide clarity on recent events."
Raphael accepted the document, his gaze lingering on Rudra for a moment longer before shifting to the report. As he read, his expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained sharp.
Micheal's account detailed Magda's success in deciphering the cause of the northern pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its spread. The report painted a picture of competence and leadership that silenced the murmurs in the room.
Raphael set the document down and addressed the council, his tone firm. "Magda Valoria von Shelb has proven herself capable and dedicated. Her achievements speak louder than any rumors or insinuations. As for her marriage and personal relationships, those are matters she will decide for herself. The Emperor does not meddle in his daughter's bedroom affairs."
A ripple of discontent spread through the council, but none dared challenge him directly. Rudra's smile faltered, though he quickly masked it with a placid expression.
Raphael's gaze swept across the room, daring anyone to object further.
"This council is dismissed," Raphael announced, rising from his seat with regal authority.
As the nobles filed out, their whispers filled the hall, plotting ways to exploit the situation. Some spoke of introducing new women to Micheal, others of sending their sons to court Magda, and still others whispered of aligning her with a prince they supported.
Raphael lingered for a moment, his thoughts heavy. Had he done the right thing by allowing Magda to chart her own course? Or had he unwittingly placed her in the crosshairs of ambition and greed?
As the last of the council members left, Raphael's crimson eyes darkened. "Little dove," he murmured softly to himself, "may you soar above their reach."