Chapter 37: Plan of Aucuses
"What brings you to my kingdom, Amon?" Aucuces asked the creator's son, as if he was completely clueless.
Under the crimson moonlight that illuminated the balcony, instead of the angel of miracles, a young man with pointed hat and monocle over his right eye stood in the angel's place. He was leaning on a pillar of the balcony, with a smile, as he gazed at Aucuces.
"Would you believe me if I told you I was only here for the banquet? Also, to tell congrats to the little girl who was promoted to archangel." Amon approached him, stood in front of him, and smiled before speaking.
Despite the fact that he was faced with a literal god, he showed no respect or even a change.
Aucuces stared at the angel of time in silence before asking unexpectedly. "So, why don't we to the banquet? I also need to get some more wine, and Diana would be overjoyed to hear about your arrival."
"That would be brilliant." Despite his previous words, Amon said with the smile.
"Come on, Amon." Aucuces invited Amon with a gesture of his hands as he moved forward.
Amon nodded and walked behind him, but his smile faded for a brief moment. Aucuces' lips turned upwards to form a smile at the same time.
The blinding light of the chandelier sparkled on them as they entered through the door, and a cacophony of noises echoed. It became clearer, as chatters and laughter brimmed entire hall. Ladies and gentlemen danced in the centre to classic music, while others watched and chatted alone.
In the midst of it all, Lucas and Diana danced, with smiles on their faces, drawing everyone's attention.
"Would you like one, Amon?" Aucuces inquired as he took two glasses of wine from the table and held one out to him.
Amon nodded and accepted it, his intrigued gaze drawn to the entire banquet. Like a spectator.
Despite this, no one had noticed them since thier arrival.
"Don't you think the entire banquet is very interesting?" Amon finally broke the silence while standing at the corner of banquet room, with a full view of everything in front of them.
"What gives you that impression?" Aucuces said, his brows raised.
"It's just that everyone who here to the banquet." With a chuckle, Amon said. "They are desperately trying to hold on to who they were, fearful of losing their last bits of humanity, yet they are walking down a path that could turn them into anything but human, without hesitation or doubt."
"Humans are so contradictory and entertaining..." He concluded in a light-hearted voice.
Aucuces looked around the banquet, which was filled with demigods, saints, and even angels. Despite the fact that most of them were smiling, their eyes were indifferent. While the dances appeared to be perfect and unique, they lacked vibrancy. There were also those who did not bother to hide behind masks like others.
"They are certainly contradictory..." With a chuckle, Aucuces said. "However, there is more to them than it could ever meets your eye." He took a pause. "Let's not get into it; you could perhaps meet Diana after she finishes the dance. I could show you around until then if you want..."
"No, it's fine." Amon was considerate and ignored Auceses' comment about him, and his expression finally changed. "Honesty, I wasn't expecting such hospitality from you when I decided to come and meet you."
"Do you expect the literal sun to shine on you?" Auceses said with a smile.
"Only just about," Amon said, nodding. "You are far better to the other two. They don't even think twice before striking me at first sight. And, even when I was a kid, I liked you as my teacher over the other two."
"I can't say the same thing, though." Aucuces said, his smile widening. "Adam was much better."
Amon's smile froze, but he quickly recovered his composure.
"I never expected to hear that from you, Aucuces," Amon says. "You indeed have changed a lot."
Amon continued after noticing his silence. "I was genuinely surprised when I learned about your plan. I must say, it is a fantastic plan. Trunsoest and Alitsa have succumbed completely to your calculations."
"With their betrayal, the rest of the nobles will soon follow, and the entire Solomon Empire will crumble when you and the other gods lay siege." He said this while adjusting his monocle and approaching him.
"You should also be aware of the risky factors that exist within the Solomon Empire. Nonetheless, you sent your angel to the empire without hesitation, which had many kings of angels and two gods."
"Whether you truly didn't care about your angel and plans, or you were always aware that he would pique my interest from the start, considering those two live not far away from me."
He was referring to the Law of Beyonder Characteristics Convergence, which is very strong between the three pathways of mysteries at this era.
"The plan was always bound to be revealed to me, and knowing my character, you wanted to involve me in this, from the start to ensure its success." Amon still smiled, and he showed no resentment at being used.
He watched Aucuces' expression with interest, but he was let down from his expectations.
Aucuces' expression has now become indifferent.
"Wasn't that an excellent analysis?" He clapped, but his tone was completely apathetic. "But you missed something; I even knew you'd come here to confront me."
Amon didn't show any panic at his words.
"As I thought, I already had a guess, when I met you in the balcony. You really anticipated everything, Aucuces...."
He stood in front of Aucuces, looking at the god's indifferent eyes with no fear or panic, and his smile didn't fade in the least.
"This is so different from who you were before, Aucuces. Even though, divinity and time can cause significant changes in a person. But your state reminded me of my zealot brother's change after our father died at your hands." Amon said.
Aucuces' expression became amusing as he looked at the angel of time. He didn't seem to be moved by Amon's words in the least.
"I have to say, you are the most daring person I have ever seen." He chuckled. "You are also far from reckless, despite appearances. Otherwise, You wouldn't be here facing me with just an avatar, as your true body is in the Solomon Empire, which is protected under authority of Solomon and Sasrir."
"But, you made an error, Amon..."
Aucuces' eyes became completely purple, which had not been visible to others until now.
A vast and terrifying divine aura erupted from him, morphing into a purple eye without eyelashes above his figure.
Amon's smile froze when he saw the purple eye.
"The Hermit...."