>> On that same day, the Queen made an announcement to the Vassals and remaining Confidants in preparation of arrival of someone.

The entire castle busts in clamor and wonder about the sudden announcement. They never have an idea who is the one coming. The Queen didn’t leave any hints about it as well.

She just goes back to the chamber and prepares for the introduction of the future King. “Abigor, summon Aeshma to attend that man on his chamber.”

As the group of servants prepares her clothes, Abigor stands before the Queen and look at her with astonishment; all while Astarte turns to the body mirror once more.

“Aeshma...? The attendant of Queen Juno?” she asked. “Yeah, I want her to see Justine and prepare for the introduction to everyone.”

Her words are firm and strict; Abigor couldn’t rebut in. She just bows down and nods to the order of the Queen. Without saying anything, she quickly left the chamber.

Walking briskly on the wide hallway, Abigor searches on Aeshma. “Where that servant is...?” she murmurs.

Searching in different places, Abigor keeps swaying her eyes to wander where the servant is. Since the time Queen Juno passed, Aeshma has been in loss of thought about everything.

“Where you at, Miss Aeshma...” she grunted. Around the places and rooms, the servant’s missing. Abigor decided to come over the chamber where the Sarcophagus of predecessors lay in.

That’s the only place she hasn’t seen yet. Located near the dungeon of the castle, Abigor walked briskly. In her composed state, she wants to convince Aeshma to come and heed the order of the Queen.

The big, wooden door carved over the entrance slightly leaves a small space. Indicating that someone comes in, Abigor stepped and looks at the inside.

On the huge tunnel passage, Sarcophagus aligned perfectly on each aisle. Slight ray of sunbeam from above lure down, enough to lit the way towards the place.

Wild grasses and weeds covered the cobblestone road and moss over. Not far from where the entrance, Abigor notices a woman standing where a certain Sarcophagus placed.

Wearing long sleeve linen shirt and brown skirt; hair tied up at the back of the head covered in hair ornament, Abigor noted the person she’s looking for.

“Miss Aeshma...?” trotting over the side of the woman, Abigor calls out. The woman heeded the voice as she turns sideways to look at the person.

“Miss Aeshma!” Abigor called in certainty as she sees the face of the woman. “Abigor...?” on her weak voice, Aeshma utters while following the girl’s move.

Reaching her, Abigor smiles and look in Aeshma. “I’ve been looking everywhere to you.” she stated.

“Why?” seemed that Aeshma didn’t find it amusing, her question gives in flat monologue.

“Queen Astarte wants to summon you. There’s something she wanted to tell you about.”

Aeshma look at Abigor after those words said out. She then turns to the Sarcophagus beside. “I’m watching over the Queen here...”

Her voice let out a weak soliloquy; Aeshma doesn’t seem to get over from the passing of the previous Queen.

“Miss Aeshma...” Abigor utters. She felt the grieved feelings still hanging on the servant until now. “But Queen Astarte needs you.”

Though, there’s despondence over the thoughts she has, Abigor needs to follow the command of the Queen now.

“... I don’t have any Queen to serve than Juno herself. I’m devoted to serve her until she died.” Saying those words, she then turns to look at the Sarcophagus.

Aeshma’s thoughts are firm, and she show stubborn on her true feelings. Seems that there’s nothing for her to convince the servant to come along, Abigor nodded reluctantly.

She took slow steps away from the servant, when Aeshma faces her again. “..... I did say that, but Juno says that I should look after the Queen herself...”

Heeded by those words, Abigor suddenly halted from walking and shunned out. “The Queen, you said she needs me right?” Aeshma asked.

“Yes. She’s asking your presence. There’s an urgent thing we have to face now.” With compose on her voice, Abigor stated.

Aeshma’s languid expression show firm after heeding the servant; she felt something serious must be attended soon right now.

“And what might be the Queen’s need to me?” she asked again. Abigor nods to her response. “The betrothed person of the Queen, he’s here...”

Abigor’s voice almost stuttered from the words she wanted to say, as Aeshma nods in confirmation. “Where is he?” she asked again. “At the front yard, together with mages...”

“Thank you...” with composed on her voice, Aeshma walked away from the Sarcophagus, but she halted from the last moment and look at it.

“My Queen, I never thought that there’s no need for me to serve anymore.” She uttered softly. “But there’s something I need to continue... your last will for your daughter... I will fulfill it.”

Throughout the sunbeam luring over the place, Aeshma smiles and tears welled on her eyes. “...The last time I will stay here to see you, Juno. Fulfilling the duty of a servant is my priority; serving the Queen is my job. See you...”

The words she wanted to convey out: “Good bye, my friend... my love, and my dear...”the one she dears the most, more than her life and anyone; the Queen she swore an oath to be loyal to; now finally find its way to rest.

“Let’s go...” Aeshma turns to Abigor and left the place. “Yes!” Abigor quickly answered and abruptly follows her right after. At that serene place, a silhouette appears standing at the Sarcophagus.

“Good bye, my dear Aeshma... your farewells are enough to be heard by me...” with smile on her lips, Juno mumbled. And from that place becomes quiet as no one was there from the beginning.

♦ ♦ ♦

>> Meanwhile:

“You’re our future King from another world, right? Tell us what kind of world you have...”

I finally let their heads lift up and asked not to bow on me anymore. However, these people are too stubborn and refuse not to do so. Right now, I just asked them to be casual to me.

And now, I’m here talking to the youngest among them. “Tristitia, right?” I asked. This young boy still holds the battered doll and embracing it on his arms.

The others look at me with anticipation on their eyes. I still feel fret about this matter; summoning in another world and knowing these people.

“Well, my world... my world is different from yours.” I answered curtly. “How different it is, Your Highness...?”

Beelzebub asked; her eyes glimmer while looking at me. “Eh...? Your Highness...?”

She nods like it was a natural thing to say. “Wait, I didn’t agree to be a royalty. I am a commoner and a mortal. There’s no way I will be a King—-“

“—-But the Queen declared out. It’s her words and no one can defy it.”

Another one speaks. Standing beside Beelzebub, a girl named Prida suggested. “The Queen’s words are absolute to follow... and when she says you’re the one she wanted, there’s no way you can refuse about it.”

What...? That’s power tripping; using your absoluteness to coerce someone on your liking and play around... that’s completely absurd.

“And I happen to be that person, huh?” I despondently mumbled. “We’re here for you, our future King. We believe you are good match for our Queen...”

Prida stated with satisfaction and confidence. Beelzebub and Tristitia both nods in agreement.

“Someone’s approaching...” from afar, Mammon suddenly called out. Botis and the others got alerted and gathered together as I look at them.

Approaching from the distance is a woman in her early 30’s, wearing same outfit as Abigor. At her back are other girls following. “It’s Aeshma, Queen Juno’s personal attendant...”

Uttering with certainty on his voice, Mammon looks at me. “Huh?” I asked.

“It’s her. Might be, the Queen summoned her to look after you.” Prida confirmed. Tristitia turns his head sideways to see the person coming while holding on the hem of my pants.

“A personal attendant of the Queen, huh?” I utter. A few moments passed over and she reached over my place.

“I believe you’re the one who summoned by these mage.”

Stopping at a few meters, the woman looked at me. Her appearance: tied up brown hair and pair of horns plucked on her head, carved perfectly downward.

Her eyes are black in color, and pointed ears. She is pretty and gives a matured motherly-vibes over. Looking at her made me recall mom.

“Uh...” I stammered. There are no words coming right over my lips.

“From today onwards, the Queen Astarte assigned me to be your personal attendant. I welcome you, Your Highness...”

On her words suddenly speaks, I felt a sudden impact and luring sound of orchestra singing reverie song. What...? WHAT THE HECK?!

“... Huh? Eh? Me...?” I asked, still confused. The woman then lifts her head up and looks at me. “I’m Aeshma, from now on... if you have anything to ask or request, please ask me.”

Her voice is composed and seemed convicted to this. “Wait! I’m not a royalty... I didn’t come to a wealthy family and I’m a mortal—-“

“—-The Queen is expecting your presence to the throne hall for the introduction of her betrothed and chosen King.”

What the—-how this thing happened?!

“If you may, I will guide you to your chamber. Please follow me, Your Highness...” Aeshma added.

She then grabbed my wrist and tagged me out from the group. “We’ll be seeing you shortly, Mr. Justine!” Beelzebub waves at me and smiles.

I got dragged and walked forcefully while the woman named Aeshma pulling me. “Wait, wait! Wait!” I called and forced to stop from walking.

Aeshma then lose her grip on me. “Ah,” I grunt out. “I’m sorry, Your Highness... we can’t allow you to go away...”

Stating it out, three women following us surround me. “I’m not going anywhere...” I answered. Aeshma then faces me as I glare at her. “... And I’m not a royalty...”

“I heard you once; a mortal will be betrothed to the Queen...”

She looked at me from head to toe. “You’re really a mortal; knowing that humans bore hatred to our race...”

“I don’t know what you are saying, but if there’s a way to transport me back to my world—-“

“—-We don’t have much time to get idle and chitchat. Let’s get going...”

Without me letting to finish, Aeshma walked once more, as the three women asked me to move forward as well. I reluctantly followed until we reached the entrance of the castle.

Guards that stand followed me with their gaze with holding halberd on their hands.

We entered inside, and a wide hall suddenly filled my sight. High ceilings hanged with chandeliers lit by candles gives a vibe of medieval period.

Candelabras erected at each corner, giving faint light to the way where we walked. I can’t help but to be amazed by this place. Seems that I entered a history genre movie; it’s amazing.

At the center are staircases up. “Please don’t go far away from me. You might get lost...” Aeshma cautiously suggested. I did pay heed, though there’s no way I will wander off this place.

At the centermost of the staircase is a huge portrait, preferably 10 feet in height. A beautiful woman with blonde hair tied up and fur coat.

On her hand is a scepter, sitting elegantly in a chair. A pair of emerald eyes looking solemnly and pearl-white complex drew impeccably shows up.

Pair of horns plucked on its head and hair ornament attached at the back gives an intimidating aura. “... The previous Queen, Juno...”

In my agape, Aeshma stopped and stated those words. “Huh?”

“She’s the mother of Astarte that passed just a few weeks ago...”

I hear her clearly, and the sadness lurking over those thoughts.

“Come on, let’s get going...” and in a sudden, she asked me and goes upstairs. I followed her without saying anything together with the women following me.

“The previous Queen has been waiting for this day to come. She wanted to meet you, supposedly...”

Stating it out, Aeshma briskly walks in the wide hallway. I didn’t rebut anything and listen to her. “Awhile back, when she learned that the person for Astarte is a mortal, I don’t ever want to believe in that.”

She continued. “Humans and Demons are in feud throughout since the beginning. Since this world was created, there seemed conflict arises in us. Our race has been in torment; but now... having you as a Demon King,”

We stopped at a certain chamber. “Your chamber, Mister...”

“I’m Justine... please to meet you.” I answered and raise my hand to shake. Aeshma’s face stoic and gaze at me. She seemed in wonder what this means.

“... It’s a way of greeting. I’m please to meet you, Miss Aeshma—-“

“—-There isn’t need of honorifics for someone like me, Your Highness...” bowing on me, she firmly declared.

“Eh? But... I’m not a royalty. I didn’t come from the Royalty bloodline. And—-“

“Please, let’s come in...” Aeshma insist. Holding the doorknob, she opens the door and beckons me to come inside.

I reluctantly go inside and see the wideness of the room. At the centermost of the room is a king size bed, covered in white bed sheet. Large windows located with mini veranda, and divider for dressing area.

A large cabinet has been located at the corner. At the side are desk and complete set of sofa covered in velvet. Books arranged in shelves are posted at the right corner where the bed is.

Candelabras hanging on the wall is allocating over to give light. Kind of luxurious room, indeed... but I feel a little agitated to accept this.

“Uh, Ms. Aeshma—-“

“—-Your Highness, let’s proceed to change your clothes. The Queen and everyone are waiting.”

Dragging me off of the divider where the change of clothes is, Aeshma forces herself to me to take off my clothes. “Hey! Wait! I can take these off myself!”

“You should move a little fast, or I’ll do it myself...” she said, still has stoic looks on her face. “I got it!” The three women holding my change of clothes watches me.

“Uh... you guys do need to look at me?” I asked. The three looked at each other and gazes back at me. Though, their faces doesn’t show any sign of embarrassment...

“... Uh, please just turn your backs on me? I don’t like someone watching me changing.”

They look at each other again, and turn their backs at me. Only Aeshma remained facing me as I took all of my clothes. She gives me the supposed-to-be clothes I must wear.

A fabric white sleeve and trousers; black colored tailcoat and tight boots was given to me. I do look like a noble from a medieval period, and it’s kind of uncomfortable.

“I’m done...” I called. The three women turn to face me. Aeshma scrutinize me from head to toe. “... Quite good looking you are, Your Highness...” she utters, though her eyebrows are fuzzed together.

“Huh?” I asked. “Let’s get going; we’re already few minutes late...” she stated. The three women picked my clothes as Aeshma calls me out.

We both leave the room immediately right that moment. Walking briskly at the hallway, I follow where the throne room is. This is something I don’t fully understand.

I never expect this happen so suddenly. “Show composure to the Queen and the vassals...” Aeshma utters.

A few more minutes and we arrived at the big door, around 4 feet tall. Two guards are standing at each corner. “The guest of the Queen is arrived...” Aeshma announced.

In an instant, the door opens widely. From the inside, a crowd stands while waiting for someone. Through the center is the throne erected. Red carpet spread in the aisle, as Aeshma calls me.

“Go ahead. Let everyone sees you... Your Highness...” she beckons me. “Huh?” I grunted. “You are the King; the Queen choses to be with... show yourself to everyone here to know you.”

My chest thumps crazy after hearing her suggestion. What now...? “Please come, my King...” at the throne, Astarte stands and calls out to me.

I shunned from the loudness of her voice. With a small step, I walked inside. Soldiers are stand side by side in the left and right corner of the room.

Behind me are Aeshma and the others followed while I walk. This is absurd; everyone scrutinizes me with their gaze. Clamor starts to rise up as they saw me.

Different expressions show up on their faces. “What, a mortal?” one from the group whispered. Others gaze at me with abhorrence. Each step I make feels like someone might sneak out.

“What a mere mortal doing in our realm? What’s this supposed to mean?”

A man in his early 60’s promptly shouts with extreme disdain on his voice. His eyes look my way with wonder and anger. He has a bulk body covered in plated armor.

His hair is short and scruffy in style dyed in red. Pairs of horn show up on its head, rolling over down to his neck and thick beard and mustache drawn to his face.

“A mere mortal and chosen to be the King, huh?” another one speaks. A woman in her early 40’s, is wearing black Tudor dress. Her hair tied in bun, and eyes blazes with yellow color.

Her skin is white, almost like pale. “Dutch Valak and Paladin Ziminiar, please give respect to the King...”

Botis that stand at the bottom step of the throne declared. The two grunted and grit their teeth right after. The mages beside him stands and look at everyone.

I took a step closer, enough for everyone to see me right through. Astarte, holding a scepter on her hands, goes down the throne to see me.

“Here, everyone... is the man betrothed to me.” Her voice loudly speaks in the crowd. The entire people inside focuses on the Queen; the clamor snuffed instantly.

“I want to welcome you all, the man who I choose to be the next King and rule on this Kingdom!”

Huh? What...? What’s that declaration? “I never agree to this—-“

“—-All hail the Queen Astarte!” one from the crowd suddenly shouts.

“We welcome you, our King...” Botis and the others kneel down. As everyone sees them, they followed immediately. I feel the chill as they did bow to me.

“All hail the Tophet Kingdom! All hail, the new King! For the glory of Kingdom!”

Raising her scepter, Astarte loudly announced. As everyone rises, they looked at me. “All hail to the new King, for the glory of Kingdom!”

Uproar of their voice lifts out; shouting the same phrase as they look at me.

On this day, I meet the Demon race... the citizens of this realm that I soon to be govern as their King.