Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 936- Two Dukes

From this one could tell that the demon liked gold and adorning himself with extravagant things. He was the lord of the Sphinx dungeon and one of the most feared demons in the world, Gelford—the Demon Duke of Sphinx. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

He had a big frame with explosive muscles brimming with untamed power and although his posture was relaxed, his sharp crimson eyes said anything but that. His sun kissed skin and sharp features gave him an almost predatory look.

Had it not been for his aura of nobility and his regal clothes, one might even confuse him for a barbarian. That was how undeniably savage he looked.

Gelford sat on his throne, each of his fingers were adorned with golden rings etched with intricate runes of protection and power and rested calmly on the armrest.

 Seated beside him on either side were three figures—two male and one female. All of them shared the same ferocious aura as him in their own unique way. The three figures were none other than his sons and daughter.

His eldest son, Vargel, was a towering figure, muscular and broad-shouldered like his father but with a more refined air about him. His skin gleamed in the dim light, and his strikingly sharp features were shadowed by his well-groomed hair.

 Beside Vargel sat his younger brother, Kaelor, smaller in frame but no less fearsome.

To Gelford's right sat his daughter, Delphyne, the most enigmatic of the three. Her presence was subtler but no less powerful.

Unlike her brothers, Delphyne's skin was a pale golden, and her amber eyes held a keen, almost mystical light. She wore elegant, flowing robes of deep purple, embroidered with runes of magic.

Her sharp, predatory features mirrored her father's, though softened slightly by her feminine grace.

"So it's like that huh, I see that is good news"

Gelford spoke. Usually, the air in the room would be much less reserved and more informal with just his sons and daughter in the room.

However, at this moment they were not alone. Gelford was entertaining a guest, a being no less intimidating in stature than him.

Across the chamber, on a throne crafted from bones and stone, sat another Demon Duke, a figure so immense and commanding that even the mighty Gelford had to acknowledge his equal.

His appearance was a mixture of noble demon and primal beast, a fusion of grace and savagery. He was none other than Arctaurus, the Father of Minotaurs.

Arctaurus' stature was colossal. His body was a blend of a demon noble's regal bearing and the raw, bestial power of a minotaur. His skin was a dark, deep brown, covered in patches of coarse black hair that ran down his arms and legs.

His head was crowned with massive, curved horns that spiralled outward like those of a great beast. His powerful body, rippling with muscles, was covered in ceremonial armor adorned with spikes and runes, each piece crafted with the best of materials and polished to a shine.

That said, what drew the most attention was not his armor or his big curved horns but the huge battle axe that was resting beside him.

Black as night and etched with ancient runes that pulsed with dark magic. Whether it be Gelford, his sons or Gelford, if Simon was here he would be able to instantly recognise them as they were there, present in the Hexennacht.

Especially Gelford, he was one of the Demon Duke he had a conflict with. It was in the Ritual of the Blades where he stole the former's subordinate as a trophy of the winner.

To this day, that Giga Minotaur was still following Maybell like a little lamb.

Arctaurus turned his gaze toward Gelford, a deep rumbling laugh escaped from his throat.

"So, Sargel, it's that time of the year again"…

 "Indeed it is"…

"RARARA… This time, even I got an invitation from the Dungeon of Temptation. It looks like the world has finally started to realise the potential I have"

There was a sense of satisfaction in Arctaurus' voice, one that was hard to miss. The invitation from the Dungeon of Temptation was not something given lightly, nor was it something anyone could simply request or earn.

Only those who had garnered recognition from the Demon Lord of Lust, were invited to the Tea Party.

To be summoned meant that you had made an impact, that your existence had shifted the balance of power in the world of demons.

For a being like Arctaurus, whose power was already immense, this invitation was a validation of his growing influence.

"An invitation from the Dungeon of Temptation is no small thing," Gelford agreed, his tone thoughtful "Especially from the likes of Her Highness Lilith, the Demon Lord of lust. For her to take notice of anyone, let alone a Duke means something significant."

The Tea Party hosted by the Demon Lords wasn't just a casual gathering of powerful beings. It was an event shrouded in mystery, one that only the most elite among the Demon Nobility were privy to.

Many sought to attend, but few were deemed worthy. Those fortunate enough to receive an invitation were marked as important figures in the ever-changing dynamics of the demon world.

Invitations from the Dungeon of Temptation, in particular, were rare—Lilith, the Demon Lord of lust, cared little for the politics and internal dynamics of the demon realm, preferring her own interest and indulgences over engaging in the power struggles of the ones beneath her.

 In fact, although he didn't know it, but Simon was the only person who received the grace of being personally invited by Liltih in all these years.

Arctaurus grunted, his massive hand running over the handle of the immense axe strapped to his back.

"Aye. The Tea Party isn't just a casual affair. Not anyone can simply attend even if they wanted to. But I wonder, do you think it's just another one of her indulgences?"

This was the first time he was invited to the tea party organised by one of three great dungeons over all these years. As such, he didn't know much about it.