Surrender Your Soul

With several leisurely steps, Konrad made his way into the hall where the elders sat by order of rank, with Berken sitting alone at the end of the room. As Konrad stepped in, the elders rose without exception, with the thirteenth being the only one without apprehension. None were fools. If at first, they wished to snap and snarl, upon seeing Gulistan lying on Konrad's shoulder, they refrained.

Hejin was nowhere to be seen, and a barely covered Gulistan lay unconscious in Konrad's grasp. Berken aside, who dared utter a word? Therefore, it was without hindrance that Konrad made his way toward Berken, who also rose to face him.

For an instant, the two faced one another in silence, a deathly silence that suppressed all within the room. Konrad's lips then parted, breaking the stillness.

"Greetings, grandfather."

Konrad said with a smirk.

"Greetings, Konrad. Or do you prefer August Jade Emperor? I must say jade didn't suit you."