Chapter 18: Spying
Azreal merely narrowed his eyes, unimpressed by his second-in-command's arrogance. "I need you to observe something for me."
Varian's brows lifted slightly. "Oh?" He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with intrigue. "You wouldn't happen to be asking me to spy on someone, would you?" Then, as realization struck, his smirk widened. "Wait... don't tell me. You were just watching your little mortal husband again, weren't you?"
The words barely left his lips before a suffocating pressure filled the air.
Azreal's crimson gaze snapped onto him with such intensity that Varian instinctively stiffened, his previous amusement fading instantly. The air around him grew thick with an unseen force, pressing down on him like an iron grip around his throat.
Varian cleared his throat, hastily composing himself. "Ahem. So, uh... what exactly did you see, my Lord?" he asked, his voice a little more respectful this time.
Azreal leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. "I saw something that irritated me," he admitted, his tone calm but undeniably cold. "But I chose not to pry any further."
Varian scoffed—not out of disrespect, but in an almost playful disbelief. "You chose not to pry?" He folded his arms, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I didn't realize the mighty Demon King was suddenly so considerate."
Azreal merely raised a brow at him, unimpressed.
"Fine, fine." Varian sighed dramatically. "So, what exactly do you want me to do?"
Azreal's gaze sharpened. "I want you to go and observe him. Watch his actions. Listen to his conversations. Report everything back to me."
For a brief moment, there was silence.
Then, slowly, Varian's smirk faltered.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied his lord. "Wait. You just said you didn't want to pry further." He tilted his head, genuinely baffled. "How is sending me to spy any different?" His voice took on a teasing edge. "Have you finally gone dululu, my Lord?"
The temperature in the room dropped in an instant.
A dangerous glint flickered in Azreal's eyes, and Varian immediately realized he had overstepped.
Before he could even think of correcting himself, a deep, bone-chilling voice echoed through the air.
"When," Azreal's voice was eerily calm, "did you grow wings bold enough to question me multiple times?"
Varian paled.
His instincts screamed at him to immediately lower his head. "I meant no disrespect, my Lord," he said quickly, bowing low in apology.
Azreal observed him for a moment before speaking again. "Then do not question me again."
Varian exhaled in relief, straightening his posture slightly. "Alright, alright, I get it," he said, rolling his shoulders. "But I can't believe you're making me do this. I'm busy, you know."
Azreal arched a brow. "Busy?"
"Yes!" Varian huffed. "Unlike some demons, I don't sit around all day brooding. I actually have things to do."
Azreal's eyes glowed faintly. "Such as?"
Varian said matter-of-factly. "Well there are rogue demons causing trouble in the fourth circle of Hell. I was just about today go handle them." He crossed his arms. "And now you want me to drop all of that just to go spy on some stupid mortal?"
The moment the words left his lips, Varian knew he had messed up.
Azreal's eyes glowed a fierce, menacing red.
Before Varian could react, a bolt of dark energy shot out, striking him directly in the chest. A sharp, searing pain coursed through his body, forcing him to his knees.
A strained groan left Varian's lips as the pain pulsed through him like a thousand burning needles piercing his skin. His body trembled under the force of it, and he gasped, "My Lord—I—apologize!"
Azreal watched him, expression unmoved. "Do you have the audacity to defy my orders?"
"N-No," Varian choked out. "Never!"
The pressure lifted in an instant.
Varian exhaled shakily, rubbing his sore chest as he slowly stood. His pride was bruised, but he knew better than to complain.
Muttering under his breath, he dusted himself off. "Tch. Overreacting as usual..."
Azreal's lips curled into a rare, amused grin.
Varian sighed "Fine, fine! I'll go do the stupid spying. But don't expect me to enjoy it."
Azreal's expression darkened once more, his previous amusement vanishing. "I don't need you to enjoy it," he said coldly. "I need accurate information."
Varian clicked his tongue. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, my Lord."
With that, he vanished into thin air, leaving Azreal alone once more.
True to his efficiency, and, of course, his deep-rooted fear of being punished by the cold and ruthless Demon King. Varian returned just moments later to report back to Azrael. He materialized in the grand throne room, bowing slightly before straightening himself.
Azrael, who had been lounging on his throne with one hand resting on the armrest, barely moved as he spoke in an eerily calm voice.
"How did it go?"
Varian, however, scoffed and shook his head, an amused but exasperated look on his face.
"Tch, Come on, you? This agitated over a mere mortal? Since when?" He let out a short laugh, shaking his head as if to dispel the ridiculousness of the situation. "Never! Not even during the bloodiest of wars, not even when your enemies plotted against you, and yet—this?" His voice took on a mocking edge. "You're acting like an anxious lover. Over a mortal."
Silence.
Azrael's eyes remained locked onto him, unblinking. The demon lord didn't speak. He simply stared—a cold, unwavering stare that made Varian's skin prickle.
Seconds passed.
Then more.
And more.
A sense of unease crawled up Varian's spine. Did I overstep? He had served Azrael for centuries, long enough to understand that his silence was more terrifying than his wrath.
Wait… could it be? A sudden thought struck him. Was this part of the master plan the demon king spoke of?
That would explain everything, right? He had to ask.
Frowning slightly, Varian cleared his throat and hesitated before asking, "Hold on… is he part of the plan you keep talking about?"