Yara stood at the sidelines, observing Queen Wisteria. When had the timid girl she had known all her life transformed into such a brave woman?

However, the way things were unfolding, provoking these clan heads could prove to be exceedingly dangerous.

These people here were Ord-using maniacs, who had probably killed a person or two and weren’t afraid to do it again. With how this meeting was going, they might add a couple more to those numbers before deciding to leave the castle.

The Raion Clan Head rose from his seat, his appearance was striking, but Yara was not about to be deceived by mere looks. "Let's all take a moment to compose ourselves, including you, Queen Wisteria. The world is fraught with danger, and numerous unforeseen events can occur... dangerous ones."

"Did you just threaten me?" Wisteria confronted him.

“Of course, he fucking did,” retorted the Ter Clan Head, discarding any pretense of politeness. Without your lover’s shoulders to ride on, you’re just some girl with a nice body,” His expression then twisted into a malicious grin. "Although, if you were to utilize that body to... satisfy some of the gentlemen here, I believe there would be those willing to entertain the proposition—"

"You're dead," Wisteria proclaimed calmly and turned her gaze toward the Raion Clan Head. For an instant, Yara struggled to believe her eyes. When had Wisteria acquired such commanding authority? Yet, Wisteria wasn't finished and continued, “You wouldn’t mind killing the Tor Clan Head for me, would you, Raion Clan?”

What? Why was she soliciting someone like him for such a task? Even a person with impaired vision could deduce his involvement in this affair. Without the Kuro Clan Head present, the Raion Clan effectively wielded political control on the exorcist's front.

"It would be my honor, my queen," the Raion Clan leader humbly acquiesced.

Yara found herself on the cusp of speechlessness. It was precisely at this juncture that her discerning gaze caught hold of an uncanny event unfolding within the meeting chamber's confines.

Amidst the air of deliberation, a troupe of silver-haired figures appeared with an almost surreal grace. They came in through windows and rooftops, with an almost magical finesse, they crawled on the roof with strange appendages - slipping through doors and emerging from concealed passages.

In an instant, everyone was surrounded, and while some might be able to handle the silver-haired kids. But unlike when they fought Kon, these kids were all trained with Ord and now had special abilities. When combined with the boost from the demon blood in their veins, and the ones sealed in them, they made very dangerous opponents for even the clan heads here.

“Shit, I knew that bastard was creating an army,” muttered one of the clan heads.

However, what captured everyone's attention next was the Raion Clan head striding purposefully toward the leader of the Ter Clan. In a shocking move, he drove his hand through the man's chest. The Ter Clan leader stared at the Raion Clan Head with eyes widened in disbelief and managed to mutter, "Why? I thought we had an—"

Before he could complete his sentence, the Raion Clan head delivered a powerful punch to his throat, crushing it and rendering him unable to speak.

“Unlike the Kuro Clan Head, the Raion Clan doesn't have a special exorcist,” Wisteria pointed out plainly. “Like a lion without its fangs. Really makes one wonder why you even are a great clan?”

"We have our own specialties," the Raion Clan head responded calmly, his face betraying no offense or any other emotion for that matter.

“Of course you do, you’re more concerned with making contracts with strange creatures,” Wisteria remarked, causing Raion Clan leader’s eyes to twitch for a second. He quickly regained his composure, though Wisteria's perceptive smile indicated she had noticed. “I am thinking of temporarily relieving the Raion Clan of the title of a Great Clan. At least for now, as it seems like the current generation isn’t holding up to par.”

This was a veiled insult aimed at the Raion Clan, though Wisteria's innocent expression suggested she was unaware of the implications. However, Yara knew better. Despite her facade, Queen Wisteria possessed the potential to become one of the greatest monarchs in the history of the Sun Kingdom, even though she often displayed a certain laziness that held her back from living up to her potential.

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"What?!" exclaimed another of the clan leaders. "Do you comprehend the significance of the great clans to us exorcists? They are the pillars of our power. You rich bastards who do nothing but sit idly must not get carried away."

"This could lead to internal conflict within the nation!" proclaimed another. "Without the support of any exorcist clan—"

"We will stand with her," Delia of the Dark Sword Clan interjected suddenly, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I thought you were just some useless sex toy with a special name that Kon kept around. But just coming here, surrounded by enemies who would slit your throat, and still saying all that shit. You’re one crazy bitch, and I like a crazy bitch.”

"The Kuro Clan will also lend its support," added another feminine voice, devoid of the overt madness present in the previous speaker. This was a relief, as discovering a strong and rational exorcist was akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Natalie of the Kuro Clan, positioned to inherit the role of clan head, asserted her stance. Her ascendancy, particularly as a woman, underscored her formidable prowess.

Despite all of this, Yara's nerves were on edge. She understood that this gathering wouldn't resemble a supportive group where women came together for mutual assistance.

Each participant harbored their own intentions, except perhaps Delia, who seemed genuinely unhinged and exuded a malevolent aura. In contrast to Natalie, whom Yara could reasonably assume was driven by greed, Delia was an unpredictable wild card. Nevertheless, there was no alternative but to go along with it.

After all, with a public proclamation like the one Delia had just made, she would be obligated to uphold her end of the agreement and safeguard Wisteria. Or, it was possible that she merely voiced these commitments in the moment, without genuine concern for Wisteria or the Dark Sword Clan's reputation.

It was crucial to keep in mind that Delia was an utter wildcard; expecting her to behave predictably would be unwise.

"Well, it appears we've had quite a productive meeting," Wisteria announced. "But I think that some of us are quite tired, and have started saying nonsensical things. So it's about the time all of you get the hell out of my castle."

What was Wisteria thinking?! Yara's thoughts screamed.

Wisteria had just dismissed the Exorcists as if they were ordinary dogs. Several of these exorcists had substantial egos and were on the brink of reacting aggressively if not already doing so.

Yet, the Leader of the Raion Clan raised his hand and offered a gentle smile, and bowed his head. "Of course, until next time, Queen Wisteria."

He even went so far as to bow his head before becoming the first to exit. The other clan leaders, though clearly dissatisfied, begrudgingly followed suit. It was evident that despite the absence of a Special Exorcist among them, the Raion Clan still commanded significant influence.

Once they had all departed, Wisteria turned her gaze to Yara and advised, "Keep a lookout for any assassins in the near future. Also, have some people keep an eye on anyone who had gone into the expedition returning. There is no way these cowards would act like this unless something happened to Kon, and they were almost certain."

Though Wisteria concealed her unease adeptly, Yara, who could perceive Ord in its rawest form, discerned her anxiety as clearly as daylight. Witnessing an old friend in such a state was disheartening, but even though Yara wished to tell her that everything was going to be alright, she understood that her words wouldn't provide the comfort Wisteria needed.

Yara knew she was just like any other ordinary exorcist, aware that most high-class demons could easily kill her. Despite holding the rank of a royal guard, her status mainly stemmed from her ability to read people.

Attempting to console her friend felt like offering feeble and implausible reassurances. However, if Kon were present and uttered the same words, the impact would be markedly different. Such was the captivating influence of power - words held weight when spoken by the powerful.

Amidst the scene, the silver-haired teenagers observed but refrained from interfering. After securing the Ter Clan Leader's lifeless body, they withdrew. Unlike the other staff, this group acted under Kon's instructions, entrusted with Wisteria's protection.

The irony wasn't lost on Yara. These silver-haired youths had once sought to end Wisteria's life, yet now possessed special abilities atop their demon powers, rendering them even more formidable.

Yara pondered how Kon could place so much trust in them, considering his occasional perplexing decisions. Despite his apparent intelligence, he sometimes made choices defying logic. Yara questioned whether these youths might turn against him once empowered, yet power remained a prevailing theme. Kon's sheer might deterred most from challenging him. Regardless of potential outcomes, Yara found solace in the fact that Kon's strength could salvage adverse situations.

Left alone in the room, Wisteria released a sigh of relief. However, her demeanor swiftly reverted, donning the same mask she wore as a monarch. Portraying strength and concealing vulnerability was paramount.

Midst their stride, Yara halted, brow furrowing at the sight of numerous individuals scaling the castle walls.

"There are people climbing the walls to reach us," she said.

Though unable to directly see through the walls, Yara sensed emotional turbulence through the Ord when individuals experienced intense feelings.

Contrary to Yara's surprise, Wisteria remained composed. "An attack, already? Huh, I didn't expect them to be reckless enough to counterattack immediately."