That would be a problem for my future plans

"You mean that slave?"

"..... Yes."

"Why would I--"

"Do as I say," Archpriestess commanded firmly.

Her followers could only nod as they left the palace, leaving the Empress alone with her thoughts. She stood there, gazing out at the Battle Arena with a blank expression, contemplating the recent events.

"What is that thing..." Empress muttered to herself, her eyes narrowing in thought as she tried to make sense of the mysterious occurrences.

Most of all, she was literally scared by that thing... Which makes no sense to her.

Suddenly,

A pair of obsidian eyes suddenly manifested in the dark sky above. Each pupil was a void devoid of light, rotating with an eerie fluidity as if searching for something. Then, they settled upon the Empress, who, rather than being alarmed, smiled and waved at the ethereal presence.

Those same eyes had appeared before when Aether was training his butt off!