𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓲𝓷𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵𝓼 ~✰ | 18+

𝑿. ☁️

Godbrand had gathered a group of the finest private investigators in the Underworld. three female and two male, all of them all too happy to have the Antonello Province magistrate request their services. Oriana sat crosslegged on Godbrand's desk, observing along with him.

"we're all honored to be here, Sir Godbrand," said one of the male demons.

"yes, honor to have you here," replied Godbrand, in a monotone voice. "before I choose one of you to take this extremely important job for me, I need to test your abilities." Godbrand glanced down at the stack of papers he had in his hand that had the names and short biographies of all five PI's.

"it's a simple intelligence test, and it shouldn't be too hard, but it'll help us determine whether you're cut out for the job or not," said Oriana. "if you're chosen, you'll get a handsome payment and maybe gain some status, too."

all five of the demons looked at each other, and suddenly, there was a competitive air in the room. each one of those demons was prepared to gather their intelligence and snuff the other four out for a chance to get in with the High-Status crowd on top of a good payment.

as the five of them were busy proving themselves worthy of the Antonello Province magistrate, Oriana left the room, going to find Xavier. she wondered where the cutie had been up to while her and Godbrand were weeding through the participants. she figured maybe she could do some private investigating of her own. what better way to find out more info about Latissimus than from the one who worked with him for years?

"Xavier?"

"I'm... in here, Lady Oriana."

Xavier was nervously folding towels and putting them away in their respective cupboards. since the bathroom incident, Xavier found it hard (pun intended) to be around Oriana and Godbrand. he was most certainly avoiding them simply because he wasn't ready to come face-to-face with the truth that he was undeniably attracted to them both.

"hm, I haven't seen you around much lately," said Oriana. "if I didn't know better, I'd say you were avoiding us." her tone was serious, but it was teasing as well.

"uh, no I'm not," Xavier said quickly. Oriana debated on whether or not she should tell him they both knew he masturbated to her and her husband. ultimately, she decided not to in that moment since it wasn't the proper time.

"really? okay, then. I'll put that conversation aside for now. on a more serious note, I'd like to talk to you about Latissimus."

Xavier tensed and paused his folding. "what... would you like to talk about, My Lady?"

"just... since you've been down here helping us out, have you noticed any strange behavior when he comes to see you? saying strange things in a strange tone maybe? exhibiting some behaviors that don't seem like his regular self...?"

Xavier thought for a moment then shook his head. "no, I haven't noticed anything since he's come to do the visits, but..."

"...but?"

"on the day of my trial, he had a weird, standoffish vibe. whenever I spoke to him, it felt a little like he had nothing to say to me. and his eyes seemed a little empty. whenever he looked at me, it was like he wasn't looking at me, but through me. " Xavier blushed and backtracked a little, realizing how he sounded. "I'm sorry, that sounds dramatic."

"no, it's useful info," said Oriana. "no offense Babe, but Latissimus is... suspicious to us. I know that's a little rich coming from demons, but Godbrand and I believe that something weird is going on and it involves him somehow."

"... I see," said Xavier quietly.

Oriana felt a little sad for the beautiful angel boy. he'd put so much of his trust into Latissimus, and there was a chance that this man would turn out to be someone completely unworthy of that trust. Oriana pulled Xavier close to her in a hug. Xavier was surprised, but he returned it.

"... are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm managing. I miss everyone back home, though.

Oriana gave him sort of a sad smile. "you're so sweet, Xavier. don't worry; my husband and my I promise to take care of you." she kissed his cheek. "it might seem like he doesn't care, but I promise you he does. just doesn't show it."

Xavier nodded and turned to go back to his folding. he supposed that the reason why Oriana is probing him for info on Latissimus and hiring a private investigator is precisely because they care. he appreciated the gesture. the princess sighed and turned to leave.

"alright then, I'm gonna go check up on Godbrand and the PI's. see you later."