C18 CHAPTER18

"Yes, he mentioned your abilities, but let's focus on the current issue. What's happening?" Royal Father Christian pressed, his impatience evident.

"I summoned Hector using magic," Devon explained matter-of-factly, as though it were obvious who Hector was. Alexander, at least, had witnessed Hector's capabilities firsthand. A smirk almost broke through Devon's composure as he recalled Hector 'cleaning up' after his brother's guards.

"And who exactly is Hector?" Royal Father Christian inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.

"He's the Undead I called forth through magic," Devon replied honestly.

"You can't be serious. An Undead?" Liam blurted out, then fell silent, realizing he should have deferred to his mother.

"Yes, Father," Devon responded, feigning innocence. "Shall I have Hector make an appearance?" he offered.

Royal Father Christian swiftly gestured with his hand. "No, that won't be necessary," he assured him. "I believe you without seeing him. Can you explain how you managed to summon the Undead?" he asked Devon.

"To be honest, Father, I'm not sure myself. After waking from my coma, I just... could. It's as if the ability suddenly became a part of me. I'm still trying to understand it," Devon admitted, his expression troubled.

Christian nodded, taking his seat on the throne. Alexander rose and approached Devon. "For someone capable of conjuring spirits, you don't seem to bear any magical aura. How do you explain that?" he questioned.

"It's puzzling to me as well. Now that you've discovered this magical talent, why not summon another Undead? Someone other than Hector?" Royal Father Christian suggested.

Devon struggled to maintain his composure, his inner turmoil raging. Without any talisman left to summon another Undead, he was at a loss for words. He couldn't reveal to his father and brothers the system he'd acquired that enabled him to summon Hector. To call forth another would require a new system.

"Devon, is something wrong?" Royal Father Christian prodded.

"Yeah, Devon. What's the issue?" Alexander taunted.

Ignoring his brother's jibe, Devon turned to his father. "Dad, I'm facing some challenges with summoning another Undead," he confessed.

"I'm not following you, Son," Christian said.

Quick on his feet, Devon's face brightened with a sudden inspiration. "Father, there's actually an issue. This magic surged into me the moment I woke up, allowing me to summon Hector. But now, I can't seem to feel that magic inside me anymore, Father," he explained.

"Is that so? Go on," Royal Father Christian urged, his interest piqued.

"I believe the magic stems from my human heritage. Now do you understand my decision to spare those humans?" Devon posed the question to his father, glancing over at Alexander and Liam.

Devon was determined to shield the humans from his father's lethal wrath, all while keeping it a secret that he had acquired the talisman through a system.

"Where have you been for the past two hours?" Alexander inquired.

Devon gave him the cold shoulder once more.

"Devon, we heard you ventured into your territory and entered the dungeon. Is that true?" Liam pressed.

"Yes, brother," Devon confirmed to Liam.

"Why?" Royal Father Christian demanded, visibly displeased with the unfolding events, yet he held his tongue, unwilling to meddle in his son's domain affairs.

"After summoning Hector and failing to call forth another Undead, I visited the humans. The moment I arrived, I could feel the magic returning," Devon recounted.

"That's the price of being a feeble devil," Alexander sneered, idly toying with a toothpick between his teeth.

Christian wheeled on him, his fist clenched in warning. "Enough! He's my son, flaws and all, and like it or not, your brother!" he thundered, silencing Alexander instantly. "Continue, Devon," Royal Father Christian encouraged with a faint smile.

"Dad, when the magic returned, I was compelled to trace its origin. It was emanating from one of the women in the cells," Devon claimed, his lie seamless. "I inquired about the magic, and she seemed to grasp the situation."

"You consulted a human about magic? Devon, that's sheer madness! What could they possibly know? How could they assist you?" Liam challenged.

Royal Father Christian's expression turned sharply hostile. "This is utter folly! As a prince, you would seek guidance from prisoners on your magical abilities? Why must you always behave so peculiarly?" he questioned.

"Dad...I...I just can't grasp why you're so shocked by my actions. You already called me deformed once, and I didn't challenge you on it. What I truly don't understand is the level of contempt you hold for humans. If you despise them so deeply, why did you choose to have a child with a human woman, leading to my existence?" Devon asked, his gaze lifting to meet his father's eyes.

With a clench of his iron fist against the chair arm, Christian's fury was unmistakable. He exhaled a fierce gust of wind at Devon, catching him off guard and sending him tumbling to the floor. Liam and Alexander instinctively lowered their heads in deference.

Whispers about Devon's human mother were common, yet speaking such truths in front of the Royal Father was unthinkable.

But Devon had just broken that unspoken rule.