6 We are
"I may not trust the things you've said to us," Incarus began as he took a step toward the masked figure, his long shadow enveloping the figure and creating a chilling sensation.
"But that doesn't change the fact that you've ended up like us, and the fact that you bear the title of the Seven Sins means you're one of us," he continued.
"I am the Ruler of Pride, Incarus. You can call me brother if you wish," Incarus said, his tone becoming warmer as he patted the masked figure on the back.
With that, he proceeded to introduce the other Sin Rulers as well.
"This is Preta, the most Gluttony among us all," he said, directing attention to one with a huge stomach, who presented a mouthful of smiles to the masked figure.
"And this is Ishtar, the most lustful one," he continued, showcasing a figure with a face that could rival the desires of any man.
"You're quite cute," Ishtar said as she stepped forward, her finger lifting the masked figure's face with a touch as smooth as butter.
The masked figure lost all sense, captivated by her beauty. "Stop it, Ishtar," Icarus scolded while pulling her away.
"Hmph!" Ishtar huffed and stepped back, scowling at Icarus.
"And she is Tiamat, the wrathful among us all," he said, directing attention toward another female figure.
She had two long horns protruding from her head and wore clothing resembling dragon claws and from her back twing golden mix red colurd wings came out .
She smiled at the masked figure, playfully putting one of her fingers in her mouth and licking it, causing the masked figure to swallow a mouthful of anxiety.
Another notable detail was her knife-like fingernails.
"And this is Aceida, the laziest," Icarus said, pointing to one who still lounged in his throne, leaning back indifferently.
"And he is Fafnir,the greediest " Icarus pointed toward one with the skinniest appearance among them all. Fafnir briefly glanced at the masked figure but soon lost interest, turning his gaze away.
After introducing all of them, Icarus and the others looked at the masked figure, expecting something. The masked figure began to speak, preparing to reveal his name, but suddenly stopped, encountering a significant problem.
"[Whoa! I almost slipped up there.]"
"[It seems that Icarus somehow knows my name and clearly remembers it. So that means I can't give them my real name.]" He contemplated for a moment and then replied,
"My name is Leviathan, and I'll be the object of envy for you all," while returning a gracious smile to his newfound acquaintance.
The sunlight poured through the colorful windows of the sanctuary, illuminating every inch, including the moment when the complete seven sins were united.
*****
With measured and unhurried steps, a figure gracefully entered through the bustling crowd of sanctuary workers and knights. Some of them were laboring to drag logs for constructing temporary camps, others carried freshly hunted animals to be prepared for the collective meal, while the knights diligently maintained their vigilant watch.
Amidst this dynamic scene, some individuals engaged in hushed conversations in corners, others flirted playfully with woman , and a few sharpened their weapons for duty.
The figure navigated through this throng, respectfully avoiding their workspaces, and as she passed them, she cast a brief, appreciative glance back.
The entire sanctuary was imbued with vitality, marked by cheerful chatter, laughter, perspiration, and the scent of exertion.
Upon reaching her destination, the figure entered a room and gently knocked on its ancient, brown-stained door. As it creaked open, she stepped inside.
The room presented a stark contrast to the bustling exterior. It featured polished tables, emanating an air of cleanliness and order, accompanied by the soothing strains of music.
It was evident that this room served as a dining area, with a spread of food and provisions.
The figure headed toward a table already occupied by a few individuals.
"Gaya, you're here," a friendly voice greeted her as she walked in. It was none other than the head knight, Ronald.
"Sorry, I was a bit late; there was some business I had to discuss with the head priest and others," she explained apologetically, pulling out a chair from the table and taking a seat.
"No hurry, we all just got here," Ronald reassured her, signaling to one of the stewards.
"What do you fancy eating?" he inquired, as the steward approached.
"I'd like a plate of steamed cluid fish, devil eggs, a cup of Luiser wine, and for an appetizer, a slice of cheesecake," she placed her order after thoughtful consideration.
The steward promptly headed for the kitchen to convey the request.
"So, what's brewing among the higher-ups?" Ronald asked her, savoring a slice of meat from his dish.
"Nothing important, just the discussions about food and accommodations for the people who arrived from the kingdom," Gaya replied casually.
Then, she shifted her gaze to another figure seated across from her. "I didn't get a chance to thank you for saving me, Raven," she said, giving him a seductive turn.
"Shut up, Gaya. You very well know I can't stand the sight of you. The only reason I saved you is because you're the head maiden."
" and If something were to happen to you, the higher-ups would have my head, not to mention Ronald," Raven retorted with annoyance, stealing a quick glance at Ronald and returning to his meal as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, really? But I distinctly remember the things you said while you were guarding me," Gaya remarked playfully, though Raven chose to ignore her completely.
"So, Gaya, I heard that you were the first one to meet the Absolute Ones when they awakened. Is that true?" Ronald inquired again, drawing Gaya's attention toward him once more.
"Yes, it's correct. If it wasn't for the all-powerful Absolute One, the fate I would have faced is still unthinkable to me," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.
"But when the all-powerful one awakened, they effortlessly dispatched all my enemies, like a hero saving a princess. Ah, why can't I relive that moment forever?" Gaya began to ramble passionately about the Absolute Being, capturing the attention of the entire dining room.
"Ahem!" Raven coughed loudly, finally breaking her reverie.
"Sorry," she apologized with an embarrassed expression, realizing she had drawn quite a crowd.
"So yes, I was the one who first met the Absolute One when they awakened," she replied to Raven's question with a more composed demeanor.
As a delightful aroma enveloped the table, Gaya's anticipation grew. The steward returned with her meal, gracefully presenting the sumptuous dishes she had ordered.
Before her were three plates: one with a serving of cloud fish, another containing devil eggs, and an unfamiliar dish that Gaya hadn't requested.
Curious, she inquired, "What is this?" while pointing to the mysterious dish.
"It's from us, my lady. Pour it into your steamed dish, and I assure you, you won't regret it," Stepard replied with a smile, simultaneously pouring a cup of wine for Gaya.
Without further ado, she began to savor her meal with elegant manners. For a while, the table was filled only with the sounds of spoons and knives gracefully used for dining.
"Do all the higher-ups stay here?" Ronald suddenly inquired of Gaya.
"What kind of question is that? Of course, they would. Where on earth are they gonna go while the Absolute Beings are here?" Gaya responded, giving Ronald a look as if he had asked something obvious.
"Yeah, I guess that was a foolish question," Ronald admitted, realizing his attempt to start a conversation had failed.
"Are there any rooms for these old men as well?" a hoarse-toned voice, reminiscent of an old man, sounded from nearby.
Everyone turned their attention in that direction, and it was none other than the figure who conversed directly with the Absolute Beings.
"Elder Khanel," Gaya exclaimed, immediately rising from her seat and bowing toward the elder. The others followed suit.
"No need to be polite. I am just here to enjoy my lunch with some acquaintances," Elder Khanel replied, pulling out a chair and taking a seat.
"What a fancy dish you have there, Gaya," Elder Khanel remarked, eyeing her meal.
"Do you like it, Elder?" Gaya began to offer him a side of her dish, but he declined.
"I'm just saying, I don't get any benefit from eating those heavy meals, but you younglings, on the other hand, must eat properly to grow your limbs with some muscle. Gaya, especially," Khanel advised, his gaze fixed on her.
"Yes, Elder, I understand that, which is why I ordered it," she replied respectfully, devoid of any rudeness.
"Yah, yah!" The Elder interrupted the conversation by taking a bite from his meal.
"And you two," he said, disregarding Raven and Ronald, who had moved a little away from him in an attempt to sneak off.
"Yes, Elder, we do as well," they admitted, realizing they couldn't escape his scrutiny and returning to the table to sit down.
"What do you have there?" The Elder inquired as he peered into Raven's dish. After a thorough examination, he extracted a large shrimp that Raven had concealed among the other items.
At that moment, a stranger entered the dining hall. After briefly scanning the entire room, he identified his target and began to make his way towards them.
