Re:Cord of Ragnarok

Chapter 24 [To Enter the Web of Sin]

The chambers of Solomon

"Hmm~ So another win for the gods then? Well I can't help but say it was an interesting fight, that Chinese Empress certainly knew how to put on a show for a crowd. Theatrics until the end. I wouldn't be surprised if there were many in the audience who wished that she would hit them like she did to that god."

"Cleopatra hmm? It appears you have finished the bath much sooner than expected, an interesting form you took," Solomon responded, turning his attention from the arena below to the approaching queen. His gaze met hers as the two smirked in unison. "From how much you praise Wu Zetian, I take it that you enjoyed the fight."

"Well after you rocked my boat, I was intrigued as to who you would send out in my place. Are you still happy with your choice?" Cleopatra asked, sweeping a strand of hair off her shoulder. "Actually, I don't need you to answer that. You certainly seemed... invested in that fight. Is she another you wish you could have taken to bed?"

"Incorrect." The demon claimed matter-of-factly. "Due to some newfound circumstances, my plans regarding you have changed. Zetian's performance exceeded my expectations as well, not only further proving humanity's potential but also putting the spawn of Lucifer in quite an awful condition, perhaps even negatively afflicting the wingless' mental state. All in all I can confidently call this round a resounding success." Solomon pondered aloud, relaxing in his seat, seemingly unmoved by humanity's second loss.

Cleopatra's pale hand snaked down to rest on the back of Solomon's throne. "Do you want me to fight next? Or are we going back to my room again?"

"Shameless whore." A familiar voice of the Deadly Sin of Gluttony Bael interjected, a gloved hand gripping Cleopatra's wrist with enough force to crush the arm of a normal human. "Let him focus on Ragnarok for now."

"Ara~ Is the little demon jealous? Don't fret I don't mind-."

Cleopatra rose her head to face Bael, a piercing glare encompassing her face. Her once lustrous green eyes had been eroded into a deep golden hue, with a black slit cascading down in place of her former pupils. Black lines reached out from the crevices of her eyelids, forking their twisted tongues across her beautiful face.

"Shut the fuck up already, both of you whores." A new voice gathered the attention of both women, breaking the intense atmosphere surrounding them. Mammon had descended from the ceiling, trying to look as imposing and authoritative as possible.

"Who's this again?" Cleopatra asked Bael, voice tinged with mild annoyance. "The loser I was supposed to be paired with? Maybe the Empress would have won with a less pitiable demon..."

"Indeed, that's him." Bael replied. "Put simply, he's a black sheep among the sins."

Mammon snarled. Veins began to creep up his normally detached expression. "You dare- !"

"Silence." Solomon's voice held an unspoken command that sent all three to their knees. "Now is not the time for useless arguments or distractions. I have already made my choice for the next round. Bael, await my command, I will tell you which demon to fetch next. Cleopatra, do as you please. Just don't cause any needless arguments. And you Mammon, get out of my sight you eyesore... Why can't you be more like Azazel?" The devil of greed could only grumble under his breath as he quickly made his exit.

"Of course, Lord Solomon." Bael obediently answered with a courtly bow before retreating into the shadows and disappearing from the room.

"Eh, I'd rather stay here and watch up close." Cleopatra replied, taking a seat and relaxing immediately. "Though it's a shame that the Empress couldn't make it. She seemed like good company."