>> A sudden commotion erupt the feast inside the banquet hall. Everyone clatters on each other as they saw the mortal left, rushing as if someone’s catching up to him.

“We’re going with him, Your Highness.” Kroni and Eisheth dashed after bowing to the Queen to follow Justine. “What... what’s just happened?”

Still in flabbergast, Astarte mumbled. On her side, Pithius quietly eats the meal on the plate. “Duke Pithius? Did you say something to him?”

Though she doesn’t know what exactly happen, Justine only acts strange as the feast starts. She asked him to eat the meal, and enjoy the night... however, that change out of the blue.

“Hmm...? Your Highness?” Pithius quizzically tilts his head and took a sip of mead on the chalice. “Justine, the King does act strange out of a sudden.”

“I don’t know about that. I mean, I’m eating with him here...” he replied and consumes another spoonful of meat on his mouth.

Astarte nods, but she feels that there’s something weird about it. She can’t convince about the reply of the Duke. “That fellow may seem the meal isn’t suit for his palate.”

“What? I don’t think that’s the reason. We ate meat and vegetables like mortals do.”

“...Not that I doubt, but we are Demons. We’re fierce and malevolent for them.”

Pithius replied comically as he delivered another spoonful of food to his mouth. Astarte didn’t rebut, but her hitch says otherwise. Since Justine came here, he has been agitating.

The way how he asked the question awhile ago and the way how he makes the mortal feel the intimidation... that does make sense. “I won’t pry for what happened tonight since this is my special day. But...”

Astarte gets the napkin from her lap and simply wipes her lips. She then turns to look at Pithius, as he gazes at her as well. “Should I learn what you did to my guest, I will bestow your punishment, despite of us being uncle and niece.”

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An eerie feeling engulfed Pithius as she saw the Queen’s eyes. Those emerald hue eyes burning with intimidation and authority draws on him.

“You may be older than me, but I’m the one holding you on the neck. Duke Pithius, remember your position.”

It’s the first time, Pithius sees that looks on his niece. Astarte is gentle and innocent child. She never shown anger before. But right now, for what he had done to the mortal, making her temper burst out.

“...I understand, Your Highness.” Bellowing reluctantly, Pithius mumbled softly.

* * *

“Where do you think he is?” Kroni ask to Eisheth as they left the Banquet Hall. “That Master of ours, he can’t control his fear.”

Eisheth sniffs out to seek the scent of Justine. “This way...” she utters and follows the hallway. With brisk walk, they reach Justine sitting unconsciously on the floor.

His face disheveled; showing agony and fear from what happened. “Master...?” Eisheth kneel down to tap gently his face. “...I... I want to go... home.”

Mumbling with wane on his voice, Kroni and Eisheth look at each other. “He’s possessed by the demonic thought.” Eisheth utters. “...Could that be...?”

Kroni grunted, as she kneels down to attend Justine. “Duke Pithius. He has the ability to break minds.”

Eisheth growled, as Kroni looked at him. “How dare he make this.”

“Eisheth...” Kroni taps her shoulder. “We must let Master get rest.”

The servant nods, as she lifts Justine on his arm to her shoulder. Kroni did same thing and puts his arm on her shoulder. They walked quietly back to his chamber right after.

Arriving at the chamber, the two servants lay him down on the bed. Eisheth gets a basin with water and cloth. Kroni assists by removing his coat and boots.

Wiping the sweat and dirt on his face, Eisheth sighs. “We can’t really control the urge to feel his fear.”

“Yeah, I know this really is a tough job. Right now, I’m just suppressing my urge to get to him.”

Kroni smiles comically, but that fades as Eisheth glares at her. “Sorry.”

“We’re here to serve him. Remember that you’re a servant.” The servant grunts. “I’m not forgetting ‘bout it. But our true purpose aside from serving our King...”

“I don’t forget our mission, as well.” Eisheth replied. “Good. King Mephistopheles hired us to protect and guard the next King-to-be of this Kingdom.”

“And for that purpose, we should do what must.” Kroni lifts her skirt. On her leg is a series of holt with knives. “... It’s not the proper time yet, Kroni.”

Eisheth stands and holds Kroni’s arm. “We shouldn’t be hasty. No one knows we’re the ones working in the shadows.”

“But our King—-"

“Now’s not the time yet. Let’s just give him a piece of reminder for now.”

Eisheth then looks again to Justine. “Our sole purpose is to protect our King, and our mission is to eradicate whoever goes his way.”

“Yeah, it’s us Shadow Maidens who are for.” Kroni looks at Justine as well and sits at the edge of the bed. She reached on his face and touches it gently.

“We won’t allow anyone to hurt you. As long as we are here. No one will hurt you.”

At the light of candles flicker, Kroni’s crimson eyes glow. “And that bastard will pay for what he did to you.”

Her lips form a sinister grin. She then stands up and looks at Eisheth. “After the Banquet, let’s pay him a visit.”

“Yeah. That’s our plan.” Eisheth replied. The two then decided to leave the room quietly, as they take a last glimpse of Justine quietly sleeping.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Master.” Kroni softly whispers as she close the door of the chamber.