Dungeon of Pride, Laplace



"There is this really persistent and obnoxious guy. He wouldn't leave Maybell and I alone no matter how many times I tried to talk with him. Sigh… master I'm tired, if not because you told me to restrain myself in the auction I would have already killed that fellow. The nerve of him to touch my sister".

When Simon heard that somebody tried to lay their hands on Maybell, anger flashed deep with his crimson eyes. He looked at Maybell who was tightly clutching her plushie. It seemed that this little girl was bothered by that guy quite a bit.

"Ah please wait, why are you running away? I have something important to discuss with you two".

Just as Simon wondered who that guy was, the persistent and obnoxious person presented himself in front of him.

They wore a tailcoat, a black vest and a neat bow tie. Looking at their attire, one could immediately tell that they were a butler of some other high ranking demon.

The person himself was also a demon and from the aura that they released which was similar to his own, Simon guessed that the other party was also a Demon Earl.

"Master it's that guy" Theodore pointed "You are here again? You are really persistent, leave us alone already".

"Haha… don't be like this, I have something important to talk to your two…" the Demon Earl didn't get finish his words as Simon stepped in between him and the twins.

"Can't you see that they are annoyed? They don't want anything to do with you so just leave them alone".

"Who are you?" The Demon Earl questioned.

"You don't need to know. Don't follow them again" Simon warned, turned towards the twins and started walking away from the Demon Earl. However, the latter still followed them ignoring his warning.

"I don't know who you are, but don't get in between this. I need to talk with those two children".

"Get Lost!!" Theodore was about lose it and unleash some of his might, when Simon stopped him.

The latter stepped forward and asked "What do you want to talk with them, I'll hear it out for them".

The Demon Earl glanced at the twins and then at Simon before speaking out nonetheless.

"Hmph, I don't know who you are, but you better not get in my master's way. Those twins, they are very special, my master has taken a liking to them and desires to possess them. He sent me forth to talk to these children and convince them to join his side. Especially that girl, I'm told to bring her with me no matter what".

After the Demon Earl was done talking, Simon had quite an amused face. His creased brows, twitching lips and his annoyed expression was saying 'Not this again'.

A demon noble gaining an interest in his subordinate, something like that also happened during the last event that he attended. At that time, a Demon Viscount wanted the Bloodthron Demonic Warhorse that he brought with him.

This time, it was a Demon Earl who came to take possession of the twins. Seriously, why did all these annoying things have to happen to him?

"Sigh… Go and tell whoever your master is, that these children are already someone's subordinate and not for possession" Simon spat a few words to quickly end this conversation.

However, before he could turn around, the demon earl spoke once again.

"That is not a problem, my master is willing to buy them from their current master. He is offering 10 million DP for each of them. I'm sure that their master will surely…" 

"Listen here, I don't care who your master is, but tell them that the twins are not for sale" Simon who had been trying to restrain himself. Finally had enough when the other party mentioned buying them.

The twins were not only his subordinates but characters from the game that he created by pouring out his heart and soul. In a way, they represented the company and friends he sought at a certain point in time in his previous life when he forsake everything and became all alone.

There was no way he was going to sell them even if hell froze over. They were not his underlings or minions but like a family to him.

And what's this, Ten Million DP? A puny sum like that... is the other party mocking him?

Hearing the condescension in Simon's words, the Demon Earl was immediately offended. "You dare insult my Master, a Demon Duke? Who do you think you are?" He released his aura, the powerful might of the Demon Earl quickly engulfed the place.

Now that the talk had failed, he was intending to use force. Unfortunately for him, Simon who had up until now only fought enemies stronger than himself, did not even bat an eye in front of that pressure.

Simon had nothing to fear even if the opponent was one rank above him, forget about someone in the same rank. He was confident that he could easily triumph over the other party if it really came to a fight.

Besides, this place was void of any mystical energy. That is to say, the Demon Earl in front of him won't be able to display even ten per cent of his power. While he on the other hand could always use 'that' option.

Furthermore, he brought Theodore and Maybell with him as such, even a Demon Duke did not represent much of a threat to him.

That being said, there was no need for Simon to fight because... "Are you really sure you want to start a fight now? The auction is just about to start. Will your master, the Demon Duke allow that I wonder?" Simon commented.

Even though they made such a commotion, no demon noble paid any attention to them. All of their interest was currently towards the auction as they started moving towards the Main Hall.

It appeared that Simon had hit the nail, the Demon Earl weirdly became all silent. They retracted their aura, glared at Simon before spouting 'You will regret this' and walking away.

"Master" Maybell tucked his clothes, looking at him with concern.

Simon smiled and assured the little girl "It's alright, let us head in too".

Simon followed by Theodore and Maybell headed inside the Main Hall. The room was massive, with a high ceiling that seemed to disappear into the darkness above. The walls here were made of some strange and odd material and had a very unique sense of taste to it.

The seating arrangement here was in a semi circular formation. The invitees are to sit with their subordinates around a table that was booked for them.

The front rows are booked for high ranking demons and gave an excellent view of the stage in front. The rows of tables behind them were for the demon nobles ranking after them. That said, these seats also provided exceptional view while allowing the attendees to immerse themselves in the excitement of the bidding process. 

However, the true essence of exclusivity lies on the floor above, the private rooms reserved exclusively for the highest ranking demon nobles.

The VIP section boasts only a limited number of rooms and the best view out of all the places. There were also attendants placed to guide the guests to their allotted tables.

Simon along with Theodore and Maybell walked forward towards one of the attendants.

"Welcome esteemed guest, I'm Lich Gudura. I will show you to your seats" the attendant voiced. It turned out that the attendants were lich, a creature possessing death attribute just like those two death knights he had seen earlier.

Simon thought that he would be escorted to the middle rows of tables. However, to his surprise, he was instead led towards the floor above that should have been reserved only for the highest echelons of the demon world.

"This way esteemed guest".

Needless to say, he garnered various sorts of attention from the other demon nobles around him who were astonished, confused and jealous at the same time. It was a good thing everyone was wearing a mask, no one was aware of the other's identity.

"This is your assigned room. I will be waiting outside, if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call me" the Lich Gudura showed them their room.

"Oh?" Just when Simon was about to open the door and head inside his VIP room, a familiar voice sounded out next to him. It was Oswell, next to him stood a pretty lady with golden hair and traditional white clothing.

She emitted an aura that was similar to Annette's original form. Simon reckoned that she was from the spirit race or a part of it.

"Hehe, it looks like our rooms are adjacent. Let us meet again after the auction is over my friend" saying that, Oswell headed inside his room.

Simon wasn't surprised to see Oswell here, he more or less knew that the guy was special as such, it was only natural for him to receive the VIP treatment. Simon did not dilly dally longer and also headed inside his room.

"Wow" The moment they entered the room, Theodore opened his mouth and praised the room.

Lavish furniture that exudes an aura of exclusivity, sturdy walls that were further reinforced with several barriers and arrays to ensure privacy and protection of the guest. A big glass view that provided an unobstructed view of the auction floor below.

From this vantage point, the VIPs could enjoy a bird's eye view of the auction items and their intricate details. The VIP room truly gave one a sense of grandeur and prestige.