C23 CHAPTER23

"I've taken in everything you've said, Flame Devil," Devon stated, his expression unyielding. "I'll see to the issue and ensure our Clan remains unharmed. Yet, I seriously doubt those weaklings pose any real threat. They're shackled and have no chance of escaping the dungeon," he declared.

Blake nodded in agreement. "You're spot on, Third Prince. There's truly nothing to fret over," he concluded.

"Indeed. Your concern is appreciated—it shows your loyalty to our Clan," Devon acknowledged, noting Blake's smile. Flattery was a key strategy in his playbook.

"Thank you, Third Prince," Blake responded.

Devon's gaze shifted to the object before Blake. "And what might that be?" he inquired.

As Blake was about to answer, a noise from behind Devon drew their attention. Turning, Devon saw Sia approaching, her maid's uniform accentuating her curvaceous figure.

"Oooooooohhhhh," Blake intoned suggestively, prompting Devon to roll his eyes.

"Master, Flame Devil, greetings to you both," Sia said with a bow.

"Sia, can't you see we're in the middle of something important? What is it?" Devon asked, his patience thinning.

"I wouldn't mind her staying," Blake murmured, earning another eye roll from Devon.

"Forgive the interruption, Master. I just needed to know your preference for dinner," Sia explained.

"I'd prefer to have her for dinner..." Blake whispered, only to receive a stern glance from Devon.

"Right now, I can't think of anything specific. Just prepare something delectable," Devon instructed dismissively, waving her away. Once Sia had left, he turned to Blake. "What was that about? Why the leering?" he asked, his frown betraying a hint of amusement.

"You can't fault me, Third Prince. Your maid is unbelievably sexy," Blake admitted unabashedly.

"Is that so? It's curious—I've never noticed, despite her being my personal maid," Devon mused, his words laced with doubt. The memory of his recent urge to confide in her surfaced. Was it possible he was attracted to her?

“Oh my, I wish we could swap maids right now,” Blake remarked. “I’d give anything to have yours tend to me for just one hour,” he admitted.

“Cut it out, Blake. I asked you about that,” Devon interjected, nodding toward the massive object between them.

“These are the very subjects we were discussing,” Blake replied nonchalantly, with a shrug.

“W...what do you mean?” Devon pressed, his confusion evident.

With a gesture from Blake, the guards whisked away the dark cloth covering the item. It was a box, an enormous one. Devon’s eyes grew wide at the sight of its contents—or more accurately, its occupants. Inside were Sarah, Seymour, and three other humans, all still in chains and huddled together, visibly trembling from the cold.

Devon clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his composure and not reveal his true feelings. His gaze met Seymour’s, who responded with a defiant gesture. Turning to Sarah, Devon was met with a gaze so piercing he felt exposed. He quickly averted his eyes.

“Why are they here?” he demanded of Blake.

“I wanted you to interview them, to see if you could coax any information from them,” Blake explained.

“Did you think to ask my permission before you did this?” Devon’s voice was tinged with anger.

“My apologies, Third Prince. I had no idea this would upset you. I assumed there was no need to inform you beforehand about moving them from the dungeon,” Blake said, trying to justify his actions.

Devon fell silent for a moment. Initially, he was inclined to order Blake to return Sarah and the others to the dungeon, but he reconsidered. “Where’s the key to the cage?” he inquired.

Blake was taken aback. What was the Third Prince up to? He had just voiced concerns about the humans posing a threat, and now he seemed intent on freeing them? Was this the reason the Royal Father insisted they report everything to him?

Meanwhile, Hector had been at Devon’s side, silent throughout the exchange. He awaited his Master’s command, puzzled by the request for the cage key. He earnestly hoped the Third Prince wasn’t planning to release the captives; they were perilous and could easily overpower him, given his scant reserves of Devil Energy.

Devon turned to Hector. “What’s on your mind? Fetch the key from the guards and unlock the cage,” he ordered.

Hector approached one of Blake's guards, who promptly handed him the key. "Master, are you certain you want me to do this?" he inquired of Devon.

"Just open the cage and let them out," Devon directed, his expression unreadable.

"As you command, Master," Hector complied, unlocking the cage. As soon as he did, Sarah and the other humans scrambled out and rose to their feet. Seymour's face was etched with fury, and Devon sympathized; the man had endured more than his fair share.

"What do you want from us? Leave us alone!" one of the freed individuals barked at Devon.

Catching Devon's eye, Sarah discreetly winked. Devon caught on instantly—the outburst was merely an act.

"Why are you shouting? Don't you realize you're in the presence of the Third Prince?" Hector snapped, his anger flaring as he landed a swift kick to the protester's midsection before Devon could intervene.

Damn, Hector really needed to get a handle on that temper.