The Incubus System Chapter 995. Strict Protocol I

The Incubus System Chapter 995. Strict Protocol I

Elros stood nearby, his eyes sharp and vigilant despite the relaxed setting. Yes, even in moments of apparent ease, the queen was never without protection. The other guards positioned around the room were equally alert, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

Mia and I approached with measured steps, and I made sure to maintain a respectful demeanor, bowing slightly as we drew near. "Your Majesty," I greeted, my voice steady and controlled. "Thank you for granting us this audience."

But Zalira only responded with a simple nod, her eyes cool and assessing. She didn’t say a word, instead, she made a subtle gesture toward Mia. The maids who had been attending to her instantly stopped their ministrations and offered a low bow.

For a moment, I assumed they were being dismissed, but I quickly realized I was mistaken. Instead of leaving, the maids moved toward Mia, their expressions neutral as they began to search her.

They checked her carefully, their hands moving over her clothing, ensuring she wasn’t carrying anything harmful. It was a thorough but routine check, one that Mia accepted with an air of practiced ease. She didn’t flinch or show any sign of discomfort, simply allowing them to follow protocol as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her composure indicated that this was a process she was familiar with, something she had experienced many times before.

'Wait… she doesn't even trust her own sister!' I thought, the realization hitting me with unexpected force. Zalira’s strictness, which Mia had mentioned repeatedly, now made perfect sense. This wasn’t just about security; it was about control, about maintaining an unassailable position where no one, not even family, could be given the benefit of the doubt. The queen’s authority was absolute, and trust was a rare commodity in her court.

It made me wonder about the dynamic between the two sisters. Despite their familial bond, there was a palpable distance, a formality that seemed to keep them apart. It made me wonder about the dynamic between the two sisters. Despite their familial bond, there was a palpable distance, a formality that seemed to keep them apart. I couldn’t help but admire Mia’s ability to navigate this world with such poise, knowing that even in her sister’s presence, she had to remain vigilant and adhere to protocol. It spoke volumes about the kind of environment Mia had grown up in—one where trust was conditional, even among family.

Once the maids completed their search and stepped back with a bow, I noticed that they hadn't even attempted to search me. 'Well, maybe they will, but it’ll be the guards who do it.' My thoughts were interrupted when another guard approached, carrying something that immediately set my instincts on high alert.

In his hands was a round crystal, clear and transparent like a snow globe, but with an eerie glow that pulsed from within. Just one glance was enough for me to recognize it—a fragment of the crystal that trapped Puriel inside.

"Touch it," Zalira ordered, her voice devoid of any warmth, her command absolute.

Mia frowned, and for the first time since we entered the room, I saw a crack in her composed demeanor. This was clearly a new protocol for her. "What is this?" Mia asked, turning to her sister, her tone a mix of confusion and concern.

"It’s a special crystal to prove that you aren’t a demon in disguise," Zalira replied, her words blunt and unyielding, as if the very idea of sugar coating them was beneath her.

I forced myself to maintain a calm expression, though internally, I felt a surge of anxiety. I was sure Mia would pass this test without issue, but when it came to me, I wasn’t so certain. While I was half-angel and half-demon, my angelic powers were sealed, leaving my demonic nature more dominant. It was the reason why the palace barrier had rejected me. That barrier stemmed from Puriel herself, through that very crystal.

I could only hope that the crystal functioned merely as a prison for Puriel and didn’t retain too much of her power. If it did, it might recognize the demonic energy within me, despite my best efforts to suppress it. The thought of being exposed, here and now, made my stomach churn, but I kept my face neutral.

Mia hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. Her hand hovered over the crystal, her eyes flicking to mine briefly, searching for reassurance. I gave her a small, encouraging nod, though my heart pounded in my chest. Slowly, she reached out and placed her hand on the glowing surface.

The crystal pulsed gently, the light within it brightening for a moment before fading back to its original glow. Mia withdrew her hand, her expression calm but betraying a flicker of relief. She had passed the test, and for a moment, I felt a sense of reassurance. But that feeling quickly evaporated as Zalira’s eyes shifted to me, her gaze as cold and calculating as ever.

“Now, you,” she said, her voice devoid of emotion, yet somehow still managing to convey the weight of her command.

I felt the eyes of everyone in the room on me—Zalira’s scrutinizing gaze, the silent vigilance of the guards, and Elros’s sharp, unwavering stare. Even Mia, who knew what I was, couldn’t completely hide the concern in her eyes as she looked at me.

I took a deep breath, forcing my body to remain relaxed as I stepped forward. Each step felt like it echoed through the room, amplifying the tension that was already thick in the air. My mind raced, assessing the situation and calculating potential outcomes. I knew I needed a contingency plan in case the crystal reacted to my demonic aura. Better to be prepared than caught off guard. And I planned to use my Illusion skill as a failsafe. If the crystal detected anything unusual, I could use the skill to create the illusion that everything was normal, that I had passed the test just as Mia had. It was a risky maneuver, but it was the best option I had under the circumstances.