𝐀 𝐊𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 ── ( ray )

Chapter 23: A Secret Garden

"Now, everyone," said a low, grave voice. "What are you looking for today? Anything specific in today's journey?"

Seated around a grand-looking table, a group of famished demons discussed among themselves the food they desire: humans.

It was a very grand place, where the demons were dressed up as nobles, and a table that was filled to the brim with empty, golden plates, all more than ready to serve fresh humans to their owners.

Where were they?

At the mansion Emma saw.

And at their comrade's questioning, a female demon - who was slick, black and ready to pounce - answered -

"A fatty one with little muscle."

"Or a pale 14-year-old with chestnut hair," said her partner - whom was a male, and the female demon's exact copy.

A rather shiny-looking demon however, had more of a child-like spirit. He was dressed up in all sorts of sparkly accessories, and had many munchkins of his own.

"I want to trample down some weaklings, first!" he cheered, clapping his hands together with excitement. "Anything is fine for me, as long as I have fun!"

His minions nodded in agreement.

The demon who asked the first question was grave-looking. He turned to the demon - that sat at the head of the table, must be the leader - and said -

"How about you, Grand Duke Leuvis?"

Leuvis glanced over at his group of comrades half-heartedly. He drawled out a bored sigh and replied -

"Me? My target has always been the same. A strong human who comes at me with the intent to kill. I haven't seen any of the sort around here lately, though.

"What a shame."

The enthusiastic demon with accessories let out a shriek -

"Oh, this is gonna be so fun!!"

『••✎••』

A blaring alarm filled the used-to-be quiet clearing, and Emma felt a shiver go up her spine. She stood at guard, facing the boy - filled with curiousity and alarm -

"A secret hunting ground?" she muttered absent-mindedly.

The panic only started to rise. She puzzled, I don't get it, what does he mean? I need to get a grip on what's happening right now quickly.

"Tell me," she said. "Is this a farm, too? Are the poachers -"

The boy furrowed his brows.

"You really are different from the other kids. You know. About them and the farms." Emma froze, and the kid went on, explaining -

"This isn't a farm. This is private property. A garden belonging to an aristocrat named Lord Bayon. All of us, including me, you, and other kids... are allowed to live here only to be hunted."

Emma felt questions rising in her head -

Huh? But Sonju said... 'demons won't hunt humans.'

"It's a secret from the farms," he said. "A secret playground."

"And who are the other kids?"

"Normal newbies," he said, oddly calm in their current situation. "Brought in once a month to replenish those who've been eaten."

"From where?" Emma went on interrogating.