Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 185 •

A low screech was heard in the distance and a tall, dilapidated tower was seen. There were layers of mauve-coloured clouds surrounding the tower, spiralling its way up. The sky was occupied by a darker shade of the mauve-coloured clouds, seemingly creating a perpetual gloom onto the entire realm.

It was the demon realm.

At the top of the tower, there was a gaping hole that led to the inside of a room. The room was well-furnished with a large bed and furniture and anyone would be able to discern how expensive they were upon a glance.

On the luxurious bed, there was a man seated, his cobalt-blue hair glimmering in the light. He sighed, his eyes closed and his mole right under his eye was prominent. Just then, he coughed and covered his mouth with his hand.

He withdrew his hand, a crimson red stain on his pale palm.

"..."

Veau made a face.

"How annoying."

His hand reaching for his clothes to wipe the blood away from his hand.

At that moment, something was tossed towards him and it covered his face. Veau removed the object away from his face, it was a handkerchief.

A familiar-looking one too.

"I shouldn't have told you to amplify the seal." Zeau muttered out, sullen.

"This much is nothing," Veau smiled lazily, using the handkerchief to wipe away every inch of blood. "If I were to compare to the many other things we have been through."

"..."

"Besides, separating his soul into pieces and throwing down into the mortal realm made me cough out blood for days...before rendering me bed-ridden for a good few months." Veau spoke, as if he was reminiscing some fond memories.

"...and why did you make yourself go through something troublesome like that?"

Veau sighed again. "Spare me with the lecture, brother. You would have done something similar yourself."

Zeau crossed his arms, unable to retort.

Veau shrugged with a hum.

A knock was heard on the door, bringing their conversation to a halt.

"Lord Veau, Lord Zeau. I have brought the water and the medicine prepared by our healer."

"Come--"

"Come in. Quickly."

The door was pushed open with the doorknob. It was the same female demon that created the portal, causing Cecil to be separated from the others. She carried a tray in her hands and she was startled by the sudden black mist appearing in front of her, Zeau revealing himself within the mist.

"Give me the tray. Take your leave."

"Ye-yes, my lord."

She bowed her head, taking her leave once Zeau grabbed the tray from her hands.

The purple-black haired man then appeared right in front of Veau in the same black mist. He shoved the tray towards Veau.

"Drink it down. All of it."

"Yes, yes."

"Don't you dare try to trick me and put this medicine in my meal later."

Veau couldn't help smiling from that.

"Yes, yes."

"I'll settle the matter of rebels at the border," Zeau continued on, nagging at Veau. "Stay here and don't move around."