Accused in this manner, Flam, in his fiery form, could no longer remain silent and immediately retorted.
【What do you know! That dragon was an anomaly, and because of the two half-demons’ betrayal, I was restrained by the Illusionary Realm’s seal. Many of my powerful abilities couldn’t be used, and my divine kingdom couldn’t be summoned there. How is that my fault?】
The burly, fur-covered beast-headed councilor who first attacked Flam quickly shot back.
【Ha, excuses are all you have, Flam. Imprisonment for thousands of years must have dulled your flames. Not only did you lose to a mortal creature, but you also chose to flee in the end. If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to sit on this council seat today!】
【You...!】
The crimson flames flared up instantly, and the burly figure bristled, ready to fight at any moment.
【Oh, oh! Fight, fight hard!!!】
The black-and-white mask, ever the instigator, had reverted to its initial comical and eerie smile, egging them on wildly. The other council members, including the woman named Hen, watched coldly, seemingly indifferent to whether the hall would be torn apart.
However, this time, the ancient voice that filled the hall did not remain silent as it had when Hen intervened.
【Enough. This quarrel is pointless and delays our purpose. The setbacks in the Illusionary Realm are indeed troubling, but assigning blame won’t solve our problems.】
【Calm down, Bystel and Flam. You can settle your grudges privately later. Don’t forget where we are.】
The ancient voice did not roar with anger like the tall figure called Bystel or Flam, but the few gentle, almost advisory words were enough to make the two who were ready to clash snort in frustration but fall silent obediently.
Even the silver-haired woman Hen, who had been pretending to sleep with her eyes closed, subtly lifted her head at some point, glanced at the hall’s ceiling with indifferent eyes, and then closed them again.
Easily quelling the chaos, the ancient voice continued.
【The defeat of the Blazing Flames cannot be entirely blamed on him. The appearance and power of that holy white dragon were indeed extraordinary, not within the revelations, likely an unexpected variable. Otherwise, the Flam would have had no trouble escaping safely.】
No one responded, but the surprised glances exchanged among the council members indicated their astonishment at the ancient voice’s statement.
The woman named Hen raised an eyebrow and casually remarked.
【Has the seal on the ruins been broken?】
Before the ancient voice could reply, the black-and-white mask burst into laughter and shouted.
【No, no! My poor avatar still can’t be reached, and the other ones probably can’t either. Those darn lizards are truly hateful!】
As it spoke, the mask quickly transformed into a visage of fierce rage, jumping up and down on the stone seat carved with numerous masks, seemingly venting its frustration.
Updat𝒆d fr𝑜m freewebnøvel.com.
At this point, the ancient voice finally continued.
【Indeed, the origin of that dragon is unknown, and the observable information is very vague. Therefore, until I can deduce more detailed information, you must avoid conflicts with it as much as possible. Also, Exmont, you need to provide an explanation to the Blazing Flames and the rest of us regarding the betrayal of the envoy you chose.】
As this name was mentioned, the council members all turned their gazes toward the figure who had previously addressed Flam. This figure, shrouded in a black robe and resembling a humanoid shape, was indistinct within.
Undoubtedly, this figure was Exmont, as referred to by the ancient voice.
Sensing the somewhat tense atmosphere in the council chamber, Exmont spoke in a nonchalant tone.
【There’s nothing much to explain. Envoys and council members are not in a subordinate relationship. We are merely engaged in transactions— Silvina, the girl in question, served as a test subject to verify the power of 【Deceive the Heavens】, and in return, I fulfilled her long-held desire.】
【This should be a common understanding within the council. Of course, some members may have a stronger desire for control, but at least in my case, I do not interfere with my envoys’ actions. My sole objective has always been “experimentation.”】
【I deeply regret what happened to Flam, but ultimately, I do not believe I bear any responsibility for it.】
【......】
The council chamber fell into a brief silence.
Finally, it was the usually indifferent silver-haired woman, Hen, who picked up the conversation from Exmont.
【Speaking of which, the organization you established in the mortal realm that mimics the council’s structure seems to be having problems recently. I heard that your operations faced setbacks, with heavy losses, and that one of your envoys there died?】
Hearing this, the black-robed figure’s tone seemed to carry a hint of surprise.
【Lady Hen, your intelligence is as sharp as ever. Indeed, we recently lost several valuable test subjects, but Alexia has only lost contact temporarily. There is no substantial evidence to prove she has perished, she is one of the immortals.】[1]
【......】
Hen leaned back into the stone chair again, seemingly losing interest in continuing the conversation. The black-robed Exmont also fell silent, appearing unconcerned about other council members pressing for further accountability.
In fact, this was indeed the case. After all, Flam’s defeat did not materially affect the interests of the other council members. As a relatively loose council that sometimes gathered only once in a century, they naturally wouldn’t make a big fuss over it, at most exchanging a few words.
And the most severely affected, the God of Crimson Flame, currently greatly weakened, wouldn’t likely choose this moment to fall out with fellow council member Exmont if he had any sense.
Seeing that the council chamber had been silent for a while, the ancient voice, seemingly anticipating this scene, finally spoke again.
【It appears we have reached a consensus on the second issue. I am pleased to see such unanimity among you all. Now, let us move on to the final and most important topic.】
After a deliberate pause, the ancient voice continued slowly.
【Regarding the mysterious entity that has recently appeared in the mortal realm, named Violet, what stance should the council take in response? Should we... absorb her?】
【......】
Hearing this name, a strange light seemed to flash in Hen’s silver eyes, and the black-robed Exmont also nodded slightly, as if aware of something. Some other council members appeared solemn or remained silent, but the black-and-white mask immediately displayed a confused expression and began shouting noisily.
【Violet? Who is that? Is she really powerful? Does she warrant a special discussion from us?】
The crimson flame figure, Flam, spoke in a deep voice.
【If I am not mistaken, she should be the light-element deity I encountered in the Illusionary Realm before. Although her origins are unclear, a god of order would never agree with our grand plans. In my opinion, the best course of action is to eliminate her as soon as possible.】
The burly council member who clearly disliked the Blazing Flames immediately retorted.
【Eliminate? That’s hilarious. Who’s going to do it? You? Knowing she’s a deity, you still spout such brainless nonsense? Oh, sorry, I forgot you’re a flame, you don’t have a brain! Hahaha!】
【Bystel!!!】
TL Note:
[1]
Alexia is the blue dragon from volume 2. The Second of the Eternal Throne and one of the envoys of the Twilight Council.