The council room became more uncomfortable as they waited for Irelina and Devin to arrive. 

Isaac whispered to his brother Ivan, "I can't believe that was his request." 

They looked at Sidañian’s poker face. 

"Indeed, I wasn't expecting that. I thought he would request a spar with one of our Generals." Ivan whispered back.

"If you think about it…it’s better he asked for the 9th Concubine’s presence than lose one of our great Generals. It would tarnish His Majesty’s reputation if that is to happen,” said Isaac. 

“Correct, brother. It wouldn’t be good for the other empires present here today.” Ivan added, “So let’s wait and see what he wants from the 9th Concubine.”

“Tsk, what a nuisance," Isaac mumbled. 

Sidañian noticed them and abruptly gave them an eerie look. Ivan and Isaac flinched as they cringed, and shifted their gaze away to the left corner. 

Sidañian just smirked.

Zeddrick quietly looked at Sidañian, What is this brat planning to do? Is he trying to test our patience by inviting a woman at this crucial time? And that— he paused and thought about Irelina. Is that really her? He felt a sudden urge in his chest and was stunned to feel such trivial feelings. What is this? Why is my heart shattering? He felt edgy with his emotions.

"What's taking them so long to get here?" Castaeus was impatient, adding, "Anyway, let’s discuss something else." 

They all looked at him with open ears.

"I received a Stonecast message from General Eideuz Albert last night. After thousands of years of silence in the Land of Satanus, the North has experienced the first unsettling rumble on its mainland." 

WHAT?! Some reacted surprisingly.

"General Eideuz reported that while fighting with the monsters, they've heard a loud howl and a bizarre louring voice that echoed, calling My Children," said Castaues.

"That's impossible. How could that be?" Doris reacted. 

"The Northern people had felt the restless movements underground as it rumbled to the Land of Satanus.” Castaeus added, “General Eideuz also mentioned a thick red mist had covered the entire land.” 

“It’s the first time I’ve heard of such an unusual incident. What are we going to do about it?” Earl Erealus asked. 

“At the moment, my people are monitoring the condition of the land. There’s nothing strange, but I agree with you Earl, it’s the first time we have encountered that the land become reserved." Castaeus explained.

"There’s a possibility that the monsters and shadow demons are hibernating to mutate," Doris said.

"That could not be the case. Our last report stated that these monsters should not be hibernating until the end of this month. But then, it could be a hypothesis that these monsters and shadow demons reacted to the calling." Dominic added, “The possibility…of mating or mutating into a hybrid.” 

"That's impossible!" Viktor Lan reacted.

"Well, I guess we’re on the same boat." Sidañian interrupted. 

Zeddrick diverted his gaze on Sidañian and said, "What do you mean?"

"I also received the same message from the General in Helleus—the same occurrence. The monsters and the shadow demons disappeared when attacking our barrier. It sounds like their master had called upon them."

"But that's odd. How could monsters run off like that? While they were attacking our barriers? Besides, the Demon Lord has been in slumber for thousands of years. We haven't even figured out how these monsters mutate and multiply over time." Doris added, “That said…mating is plausible for the monsters but what about the shadow demons? They need humans to bear demons.” He paused and added, “Thinking about it, makes me sick.” His hands were shaking.

"Unless something had triggered the Land of Satanus that led the monsters and shadow demons to react to it and return," said Zeddrick.

They looked unsettled. 

Sidañian thought, It was the same time as what happened to the 9th Concubine. What she saw in the mirror and the disappearance of the monsters and shadow demons could be of some connection. If my instinct is right, she might have a link to the Land of Satanus, but she’s unaware of it. Let’s find out.

"Do you have any moving mirrors around?" Sidañian asked.

"Is this another stupid request of yours, Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos?" Zeddrick was annoyed.

"I don't care if you find it stupid. We all want some answers. I am doing you a favor here." Sidañian’s tone was heartless.

Zeddrick sighed, My head is throbbing and pulsating to these unprecedented circumstances, and he’s adding more stress to this. He called one of the guards to get a moving mirror. 

They looked displeased. 

When the guard brought the moving mirror, they placed it on the side wall. 

"I don't know what kind of a mindless idea you have, Emperor Sidañian. But what do you intend to use the mirror for?" Zeddrick asked.

"Just wait and see, Your Majesty," Sidañian smirked. 

Zeddrick frowned his brows. 

The door creaked, and Irelina arrived in her simple, elegant, sleeveless chiffon dress with shoulder straps that suited her twist-and-fold braided hair. She was not wearing any jewellery except for the bracelet she wore. 

Devin strolled to where Zeddrick was seated. 

Their eyes followed where she walked. Irelina smiled awkwardly, thinking, Why is everyone looking at me like that? I feel like I am about to be swallowed by them. Did I do something wrong? 

She bowed, "Greetings, Your Majesty, Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos, and to everyone present today." 

Her glamour enthralled them, especially how her siren-golden eyes sensually moved and looked at them gracefully. Sidañian stood and approached her. 

"Finally, the wait is over," Sidañian smiled.

"Do you think this is a joke? Using me as bait,” Irelina mumbled beside him, but Sidañian sweetly smiled. What a cheeky one, she thought, staring at them.

Sidañian ushered her to where he was seated. 

Zeddrick felt somewhat envious of how Sidañian treated her so well in front of everyone. And, Sidañian didn't care about their crude thoughts. The rest were bewildered by his outrageous behavior before His Majesty’s eyes. 

Irelina sat facing Zeddrick with his displeased face. She looked a bit annoyed, What's wrong with him? She averted her glance to her right, sitting comfortably.

Sidañian took another empty chair and sat beside her. 

Irelina was stunned. 

Sidañian unusual behavior shocked everyone except Zeddrick who gritted his teeth out of annoyance. 

Cī’er whispered to his father’s side. 

"Father, what's wrong with the Emperor of Horos? He looked fierce a while ago, but now, look at him. When the 9th Concubine arrived, he became an obedient pup." 

"I don't even know. His Majesty doesn't seem pleased by it either." Viktor Lan said.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but why did you call me here?" Irelina said and thought, I wonder why they called me here if it discomforts them.  

"Ehem." Doris cleared his throat, adding, "I'm Doris Aechmā of the West, and this is my son Dominic Aechmā." Dominic nodded at Irelina. He continued, "Next to my son is Viktor Lan Vincentus of the South and his son Cī’er Vincentus."

Irelina was in awe, Eh— what?! Did I just hear CR?! 

Doris introduced the rest.

"In front of me is Earl Erealus of the East and his two sons, Isaac Erealus and Ivan Erealus." They nodded to her with a smile on their faces. "And beside Ivan Erealus is Castaeus Coldēus of the North," Doris said.

She was more shocked to hear something obscene. Wait, what?! CACTUS COITUS?! What the hell is wrong with their names?! Irelina's eyes widened in disbelief.

Sidañian quietly chuckled, glancing at her. He seemed to read Irelina’s dumb thoughts. 

“Lastly, the person in front of you is the Emperor of the Golden Empire, Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas, and his secretary, Devin Gratus. Beside Devin Gratus is Apollis, the Archmage," said Doris.

Irelina awkwardly smiled at them, with her silly thoughts, Wow…he introduced me to everyone in this room. Well, it's good to know their unique and entertaining names. I can't hold my laughter anymore. 

She chuckled as she covered her lips.

Zeddrick frowned his brows, "Is there something funny, 9th Concubine?"  

"Oh, my apologies, Your Majesty. I don't mean to be impolite. I’m a tongue twister and had difficulty pronouncing unique names well. If you allow me to call you by your nicknames, I am happy to do so," Irelina politely suggested.  

Castaeus furrowed, "Nicknames?" 

"Yes, it's a shorter version of your name and easy to remember. I don't want to be reprimanded if I wrongly call your names, right?" She warned them and smiled.

"We should be addressed by our respectable names, 9th Concubine." Castaeus’s said bluntly.

Irelina’s sardonic expression, furrowing her brows, I’m so done with this. My eardrum will bleed in no time. I hate it when they call me Concubine. Why does everyone address me that...when I didn’t even sign the Treaty of Concubines?  

"I warned you—don't blame me if I call your name unrighteously," said Irelina, I don't have a choice. You ask for this. 

"Well, since they want you to call their names honorably, why not give it a try before we move on to the most important matter of this assembly, right, Your Majesty?" Sidañian smiled and glanced at Zeddrick. 

"Fine, do it quickly." Zeddrick’s tone was annoyed.

Irelina looked at them and started in Doris' direction. 

She shamelessly said. 

"I have no problem with Your Excellency, Doris and his son Dominic, and Your Excellency Viktor Lan, but I don't want to call his son's name. It sounded like someone going to the toilet or the donkey neighs," said Irelina. 

Her boldness stunned them.

Someone is holding a laugh. 

Irelina smiled at Cī’er and said, "Do you mind if I call you Sei? It sounds unique, right?" 

Cī’er nodded and smiled, “Whatever makes you feel comfortable to call me Concubine Irelina.” 

Irelina’s left brow flinches because of the word concubine.

"Very well, let’s continue. I like Your Excellency named Earl, who sounded like a pearl.” Irelina smiled, “His two sons, Isaac and Ivan, had cool names. I like it, too.

Isaac and Ivan blushed and smiled at her.

Doris was trying to comprehend how she brazenly behaved towards them. Judging by how comfortably she interacted with them, they looked at each other. 

Irelina looked at Castaeus with a doubtful stare. 

"Now for you, Your Excellency," said Irelina. 

Castaeus glanced at her. 

"Do you really want me to say your name?” Irelina was hesitant.

"Are you trying to play mind games with us now? Just goddamn say—" Castaeus said.

"Cactus Coitus." Irelina’s priceless poker face said aloud.

At that moment, Castaeus had imagined himself getting intimate with a cactus. His eyes widened furiously, clenching his fists.

Sidañian laughed out loud, tapping his lap so hard. 

Castaeus was mad and flared his amber eyes as he seethed at Irelina. 

The rest tried to hold their breath, not to laugh, that even Zeddrick was dazzled. 

Castaeus slammed the table, "DO YOU WANT TO DIE?!" and glared at Irelina.

Irelina gracefully leaned forward on the table, placing her right point finger, touching her chin and looked at Castaeus fearlessly.

"I warned you, didn't I, Your Excellency? I clearly said I have a twisted tongue with names and suggested calling you by nicknames. It might sound silly, but it's still considered a decent name." Irelina paused and added, "I thought of calling Your Excellency’s name Cole since you're from the North.” She smiled. “What do you think, Your Excellency? It sounds decent, don’t you think?” 

Castaeus's amber flare of eyes calmed down a bit. His emotions of being mad mended at ease. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze away. 

Irelina smiled because Castaeus had accepted the name she called upon him. As long as he’s fine with it, that’s good for now, Irelina thought.

"Then what about Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas?" Viktor Lan was curious. 

Everyone was looking forward to hearing what Irelina would call His Majesty. She sweetly smiled, held her chin, and said, "Hmmm, If His Majesty allows it, would Zeddy sound sweet? Like a teddy." 

Zeddrick eyes were stunned, and his outer ear blushed. 

"What do you think, Your Majesty? Is it to your liking?" Irelina asked.

"Whatever. Call us whichever names you find comfortable with, 9th Concubine." Zeddrick tone was calm. 

Although Irelina felt irritated by the word concubine, she slightly bowed and said, "Very well, thank you, Your Majesty." 

Irelina’s eyes turned into raptor stares, and bluntly asked them, "So, why am I called here?”