Chapter 615: Dark Pavilion

Damian reclined inside the golden palanquin with Elsa nestled against his side, her arms wrapped around his as though she feared he might disappear if she loosened her hold.

Since leaving the manor, she had barely stopped touching him. Sometimes she rested her head against his shoulder, while at other times she traced the patterns embroidered on his black robes or intertwined her fingers with his.

Her mood was noticeably different from the woman who had spent the previous screaming through the intense sex session. Today, she seemed determined to enjoy every moment she could steal with him.

Outside, the Imperial Capital unfolded beneath the fading afternoon light. The palanquin moved along a broad avenue lined with towering buildings, elaborate statues, and shops displaying everything from enchanted ornaments to weapons forged from rare metals.

Demons of different races crowded the streets, their conversations mixing with the calls of merchants and the occasional rumble of heavily armored carriages. The Imperial Palace’s restrictions on flight and divine power meant that even powerful demons had to navigate the capital like everyone else, creating an unusual bustle beneath the watchful eyes of the city guards.

Elsa leaned toward the open side of the palanquin and pointed at a tall building with curved golden roofs.

"That is the Celestial Jade House. They say their chefs can prepare a hundred dishes from a single spiritual beast, and every dish has a different effect on the body. I heard the Prince of Gluttony once spent three days there without leaving his private dining room."

She turned toward Damian with an amused smile. "Apparently, they had to bring in another dozen cooks just to keep up with him."

Damian glanced at the building before returning his attention to her. "Three days? I suppose a restaurant would need an entire kitchen dedicated to feeding that man."

Elsa giggled and tightened her hold on his arm. "You should see the other places. There is a bathhouse near the eastern district where the pools are filled with spiritual spring water. They say it can cleanse impurities from the body and improve cultivation. Then there is a theatre that performs ancient battles using illusions so realistic that some of the audience forget they are watching a play." She paused to point toward a broad street where lanterns were already being lit despite the remaining daylight. "And that street is famous for its night markets. You can find almost anything there, provided you have enough money."

"You seem to have done quite a bit of research," Damian remarked.

"Of course I have." Elsa looked at him as though the answer should have been obvious. "I have been hearing recommendations about this city for years. Coming here without visiting any of these places would be a waste, especially when I have someone to enjoy them with."

Damian’s lips curved into a faint smile and Elsa shifted closer, lowering her voice until only he could hear her. "It really hurts down there, but I can’t wait for tonight."

Damian turned toward her, amusement spreading across his face as he understood her meaning.

He chuckled and squeezed her hand. "Don’t worry, I’ll keep you awake all night."

Elsa’s cheeks warmed, but she did not look away. Instead, she buried her face against his shoulder and gave his arm a playful squeeze, apparently satisfied with his answer. Damian let her cling to him while the palanquin continued through the capital, passing several more streets before finally turning toward a prominent establishment overlooking one of the city’s busiest districts.

The Dark Pavilion stood behind an elegant stone courtyard, its broad entrance framed by dark pillars and intricate silver carvings.

The main building rose several stories above the surrounding streets, combining polished black stone with sweeping roofs and balconies that overlooked the capital.

Warm light spilled through its enormous windows, while servants moved between the entrance and the adjoining guest houses, guiding arriving patrons toward private rooms and dining areas.

The place was more than a restaurant. Wealthy demons could reserve private dining chambers, stay in luxurious guest houses, or conduct discreet business in secluded halls away from the public tables. Its reputation rested on expensive food, exceptional service, and the privacy it offered those who could afford it.

The palanquin came to a halt in the courtyard, and the bearers lowered it carefully before stepping aside. A member of Damian’s escort moved forward to inspect the entrance, while another informed the establishment’s attendants of their arrival. The staff reacted quickly once they recognized the golden palanquin and the insignia associated with the Prince of Lust. Within moments, a well-dressed attendant hurried forward and bowed respectfully.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty, welcome to the Dark Pavilion. We have prepared everything according to the reservation." She kept her head lowered as she led them toward the entrance, careful not to obstruct their path.

Damian stepped out first and offered Elsa his hand. She accepted it with a pleased smile, allowing him to help her down before immediately wrapping her arm around his. Together, they entered the establishment and followed the attendant through a spacious hall where the scent of roasted meat, aromatic herbs, and expensive wine mingled in the air.

They climbed a broad staircase and emerged onto an open-roof VIP terrace. The dining area overlooked much of the Imperial Capital, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding towers and distant palace walls. Ornate railings bordered the terrace, while enchanted lanterns floated above the tables, casting a soft golden glow over the wealthy patrons gathered there.

Nobles, merchants, military commanders, and powerful demons occupied the seats, many accompanied by servants who stood nearby with bottles of wine or trays of food. Conversations filled the terrace, ranging from trade negotiations to rumors about the Council of Princes.

The appearance of Damian and Elsa drew several curious glances. Their identities were difficult to conceal, particularly with Damian’s unmistakable presence and the security detail following at a respectful distance. Some patrons recognized Elsa as the former Queen of Gildreach Vault, while others were more interested in the Prince who had killed Lazarus and claimed the Sin of Greed. A few whispered among themselves, but most were careful not to stare for too long.

The attendant began leading them toward an empty table, but Damian’s attention shifted toward the far side of the terrace. There, seated alone at a table crowded with plates and wine bottles, was Sol. He appeared entirely unconcerned with the activity around him, eating at a leisurely pace as though he had come to the Dark Pavilion simply to enjoy a meal. No entourage surrounded him, and none of the patrons seated nearby seemed willing to disturb his solitude.

Damian’s expression tightened slightly. He had not expected to encounter Sol here, and the sight immediately stirred his instinct to approach the other Prince.

He began to turn in Sol’s direction, but Elsa tightened her grip around his arm and held him back. When Damian looked at her, she shook her head, her expression gentle but firm.

"This is our time together. You have enough time to play politics during your meetings, but now is our time. Let’s eat and enjoy the view," she said.

Damian glanced once more toward Sol. The Prince of Pride had not even looked in their direction.

After a brief pause, he sighed and relented. "Fine. We’ll enjoy the view."

Elsa’s face brightened immediately, and she leaned against him as though she had just secured an important diplomatic victory. The attendant, who had been waiting nearby, resumed leading them toward their table.

Their reservation was positioned at the edge of the terrace, where the railing offered a clear view of the capital’s sprawling streets. From there, they could see the steady movement of carriages below, the glow of enchanted signs, and the towering structures surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Damian settled into his chair, and Elsa took the seat beside him rather than the one opposite. She immediately reclaimed his arm, resting her head against his shoulder while the attendant approached with a small menu board.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty, what would you like to order?" the attendant asked respectfully.

Elsa barely glanced at the menu. "Enough of everything. We will eat what we like and discard the rest."

The attendant froze, her professional smile faltering for a brief moment. She had served wealthy patrons before, and extravagant orders were hardly unusual in the Dark Pavilion’s VIP area. Still, ordering enough food to sample the restaurant’s offerings without any intention of finishing it was an entirely different matter. She hesitated just long enough to make her surprise noticeable before bowing again.

"Of course, Your Majesty. I will inform the kitchen immediately."

She hurried away, moving faster than before as she went to relay the order. Elsa, meanwhile, seemed entirely unconcerned by the reaction she had caused. Her words had carried farther than she intended, drawing the attention of several nearby tables. A few patrons exchanged disapproving glances, while others looked impressed by the sheer casualness with which she had ordered an extravagant feast.

Even Sol briefly lifted his gaze from his meal. His eyes passed over Damian and Elsa, lingering on them for a moment before he returned his attention to his food without comment. Damian noticed the glance but made no attempt to acknowledge it. He had already promised Elsa that he would leave politics alone for the day, and he intended to keep that promise unless someone made it impossible.

Elsa turned toward him, apparently satisfied that she had successfully diverted his attention from the Prince of Pride. "So, what do you think about this place?" she asked.

"The place looks great. The view is nice. All that’s left is to find out if the food is nice," Damian replied.

He leaned against the armrest of his chair, resting his jaw on his palm as he surveyed the city. The terrace was certainly pleasant, and the Dark Pavilion had managed to create an atmosphere that felt luxurious without becoming suffocating. He could understand why wealthy demons frequented the establishment.

"It should be. I got too many recommendations while in Gildreach. I just had to be here," Elsa responded immediately.

Her eyes wandered across the terrace, taking in the elegant decorations and the staff moving between tables. She seemed genuinely delighted to finally visit a place she had heard so much about, and Damian found himself relaxing as he watched her enjoy the experience.

He smiled and shifted more comfortably in his chair before asking, "You probably have a thousand more places you want to go."

Elsa nodded with a childish smile. "Of course. That’s why I can’t have you picking fights here. It’s going to consume a lot of our together time."

Damian’s smile lingered as he considered her words. He was about to respond when the atmosphere behind him changed.

The sensation was immediate, a wave of intense hostility that pressed against his back and spread across the surrounding tables.

Several conversations faltered as the patrons sensed the approaching danger. Damian’s smile slowly faded, though he did not immediately turn around. Elsa’s expression changed first. Her eyes shifted toward the corner behind his chair, and the cheerful warmth that had filled her face disappeared beneath a look of unease.

Damian followed her gaze and found Belial standing over him.

The Prince of Envy towered beside the table, his black skin and antlike features made more imposing by the dim light. The black snake coiled around his neck lifted its head, green eyes fixed on Damian while its tongue flickered between its fangs.

Belial’s expression was twisted with anger, and the demonic energy radiating from him made the air around the table feel heavy. He had apparently been unable to forget the humiliation he had suffered in the Council Chambers.

"You had a lot to say about me in the chambers where the Council could keep you safe. Do you dare repeat those words again?" Belial screamed.

His voice carried across the entire terrace, silencing the restaurant. Conversations stopped, servants froze with trays in their hands, and the patrons at nearby tables turned toward the confrontation. Nobody seemed eager to intervene.

Damian released a tired sigh. He had barely managed to enjoy a few minutes of peace before someone decided to challenge him, and the timing was almost impressive in its absurdity.

"Unfortunately, we are on a couples’ date, and my wife would rather have me avoid this confrontation," Damian said, gesturing lightly toward Elsa.

He then looked Belial up and down, his expression becoming faintly amused. "I’m sure this is something that has never happened to you because of your hideous face!"

For a heartbeat, the entire terrace remained silent. Several patrons visibly stiffened, while others lowered their gazes to conceal their reactions. Elsa closed her eyes and pressed her fingers against her forehead, already regretting the decision to bring Damian somewhere public.

Across the terrace, Sol paused with his utensils in hand, his attention finally returning to the confrontation. Belial’s face darkened as the insult settled in, and the snake around his neck raised its head higher, its green eyes glowing with murderous intent.