MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Deadly Mistake
The massive gates of the wedding hall trembled, not from any visible touch, but as if moved by an unseen force. The air grew thick with a rich, floral fragrance, a strange serenity spreading through the space—soft, inviting, deceptively gentle. Then, the pressure shifted. It tensed.
All eyes turned to the entrance.
A procession of women stepped through, each one a vision of grace and deadly beauty. Their noble bearing, the effortless poise of princesses born to rule, made the very air around them feel refined. Their presence was mesmerizing, almost unreal.
The Saints of Clan Song had arrived.
Leading them was Revel, a breathtaking woman with raven-black hair and eyes like cut obsidian. She moved with the effortless authority of an eldest sister guiding her own, exuding warmth and charm. A smile graced her lips, and wherever her gaze landed, spirits lifted—an enchanting, almost hypnotic effect that was impossible to resist.
Behind her walked Beastmaster. Her long, dark hair cascaded like liquid silk over her shoulders, and her simple white dress—while unassuming—only enhanced her otherworldly allure. She could have blended in with the other guests... if not for the quiet, commanding presence she carried.
There was no smile on her lips, no interest in exchanging pleasantries. And yet, she was the most stunning of them all.
Sunny found himself staring, drawn in despite himself. Her beauty was not just physical—it was something deeper, something that resonated to his very soul. Like a dangerous, irresistible lure. It was quite pleasant on the eyes.
Suddenly, a terrible sensation crept up his spine. Like a silent, chilling glare fixated on him.
His body tensed instinctively. Slowly, carefully, he turned his head.
Nephis sat beside him, watching the entrance. Her face was calm, her expression serene. She blinked, her pale eyes carrying no hint of hostility.
Sunny swallowed.
'What? Was I imagining things...?'
He lingered for a second longer, then, deciding it was nothing, turned back toward the arriving guests.
Next was Silent Stalker, moving as if she had merely stepped out for a casual stroll rather than entering a grand wedding hall. Her presence was muted, her gaze unreadable. She wore a simple black outfit, one that clashed with the joyous occasion yet suited her perfectly. She neither smiled nor acknowledged the attention she drew.
Then came Moonveil.
Draped in an elegant golden dress embroidered with intricate patterns, she looked every bit like a noble heiress flaunting her wealth. But the truth was... that wealth was all her own.
Her long, white hair cascaded down like a moonlit waterfall, her pale eyes glimmering with something soft, yet unreadable. The full moon outside shone through the tall windows, catching her figure at just the right angle, casting her in a dreamlike glow.
Sunny smirked to himself.
'Just like a moonlit sky...'
It was a beautiful sight.
And then—
A dreadful chill ran down his back. The familiar, unseen glare returned.
Sunny stiffened. His blood ran cold. This time, he didn't hesitate. He turned sharply—
Nephis.
She was looking toward the entrance, perfectly composed. Her face, serene. Her posture, casual. Her expression, utterly harmless.
Then, she turned toward him and smiled. Soft. Innocent.
Sunny blinked.
'Am I crazy, or is she planning my murder behind that smile?'
He studied her for a long moment.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, voice light, genuine.
"Uhh... yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You won't believe it, but I felt like my life was in danger just now."
Nephis tilted her head, considering. "Strange. I wonder what could possibly threaten the Lord of Death himself. Hmm."
She turned away, her gaze drifting back to the entrance.
Sunny frowned.
"That's... strange indeed."
His grimace deepened.
'She really is planning to kill me, isn't she?'
Shuddering, he slowly turned back to the arriving guests.
Next came Lonesome Howl.
Tall and lithe, she moved with the fluidity of a predator barely restraining itself. There was something raw about her presence—untamed, brimming with barely contained bestial energy. Her face was more handsome than beautiful, illuminated by a grin that was both playful and dangerous.
She greeted the nearby guests with a casual nod, her sharp eyes glinting with amusement. But something about that grin—the way it curled just a bit too wide, the way it carried the promise of mischief and violence—made more than a few people instinctively take a step back.
Fortunately for Sunny, his life wasn't in danger this time.
Lonesome Howl wasn't quite beautiful enough to make the deadly mistake of staring.
The Saints of Clan Song moved in perfect harmony, an elegant procession of power and grace. Their presence commanded attention, yet they walked with an effortless regality, as if the world itself adjusted around them.
Finally, they reached Sunny and Nephis.
"Sovereign Sunless. Sovereign Nephis."
Revel inclined her head, her voice smooth and respectful. "Clan Song extends their greetings and offers blessings to the Supremes on this joyous occasion."
One by one, the Saints presented their gifts—beautiful, rare, and undoubtedly valuable. Sunny and Nephis accepted them gracefully, exchanging polite words and handshakes.
"We're honored to have Clan Song be part of our happiness," Nephis said, her smile poised yet warm. "I hope our preparations are to your liking."
"Oh, Sovereign Nephis, you embarrass me with such words," Revel replied smoothly. "Who are we to judge what the Supremes themselves have deemed worthy for the most important day of their lives?"
Sunny let out a dry chuckle. "I don't think I'll ever get used to this whole 'Sovereign' thing."
He studied the gathered Saints for a moment. "I take it you're the only ones representing Song today?"
Beastmaster was the one to answer. "Saint Hel, Death Singer, is away on an important mission. She won't make it. Seishan was supposed to join us, but a last-minute errand delayed her. She should be arriving shortly."
Sunny nodded. "I appreciate everything Clan Song has done for us over the past five years. We wouldn't have progressed as fast without your help."
"The pleasure is ours, Sovereign Sunless," Revel said with a gracious smile. "It is only wise to form good relations with the rulers of humanity... especially ones who will remain so for a very long time."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the Saints bowed politely and moved on to mingle with the other guests.
Sunny exhaled and turned to Nephis. He studied her for a moment, analyzing the perfectly composed beauty at his side.
Then, he grimaced.
"How much trouble am I in?"
Nephis tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Whatever could you possibly mean~?"
Sunny sighed. "Look, I know you're mad. Just tell me what I need to do to make it up to you."
A teasing glint flashed in her pale eyes. Her lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"Well... I suppose I could forgive you if—"
Before she could finish, a pair of arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.
Her breath hitched.
Soft lips brushed against her forehead, then a lingering warmth settled just below her ear. Heat bloomed across her cheeks. The moment stretched, then the warmth vanished as quickly as it came.
"Is that enough?" Sunny asked, a quiet smile playing on his lips.
Nephis froze.
For the first time in... perhaps forever, she looked genuinely flustered.
She quickly turned away, her head snapping toward the crowd as if checking to make sure no one had noticed. "W-well, I suppose that will do."
"Good," Sunny said, smirking slightly.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned back toward the entrance, where the arrival of new guests was beginning to stir.
Nephis followed his gaze, but the faint remnants of warmth on her cheeks betrayed her composure.
Sunny chuckled internally.
'Gods, she looks so cute when she's embarrassed.'