It’s late in the evening. A grand walkway with a red carpet and stone pillars on each side leads towards an even grander golden throne with red velvet cushions, illuminated by magic crystals perched on specially designed lamps that line the walls. If one were to step into this room under normal circumstances, they would receive feelings of overwhelming pressure from the sheer large size of it, such as the normal atmosphere fitting for the very first king of demons that ruled the territory before others followed.

This evening is unlike others, however, for on a part of its grand stone walls is a large mess of blood and guts, similar to a bug being swatted against the surface to create the splatting result. The corpse it belonged to was dropped to the floor in a heaping pile. That corpse was of a lowly male Imp wearing what was a previously white uniform fitting for a janitor now dyed red of his blood. Signs of powerful forces were seen focused on his body and head, his facial features now crushed to beyond recognition. Despite the destructive force, one could make out that such blows were left with multiple stomps and kicks from a boot.

The one who delivered such merciless kicks is currently having her bloodied leather knee-high black boots cleaned and shined by the maids who previously worked with the late Imp janitor, working fast and efficiently despite the terror causing them to shiver. It’s as if they’re trying to wipe away whatever feelings they had for that janitor along with the blood and guts he left on his superior’s boots.

Such a cruel fate is to be expected when one makes the very dire mistake of defying the Demon King’s rules when working in the castle staff. What was the Imp janitor’s sin that brought such punishment? Taking advantage of his occupation to try and sneak into a room that no Demon King would ever let those but a select few into. The moment he was caught red-handed, his fate was sealed.

“Let this be a reminder that those who defy the Demon King will be shown no mercy! I expect that mess gone and completely spotless by tomorrow morning, or else!”

““Yes! Your Highness!””

The Demon King declares her warning before giving the order. The maids who are there voice their confirmations without argument once the cleaning of their royal’s boots is finished. The maids flew off to immediately get started on their last-minute assignment, their lives literally depended on the succession of this task.

“An excellent display of power as always, Your Majesty,” a voluptuous woman says while putting a black mantle that was tossed to the floor earlier back on the Demon King’s shoulders, covering the entirety of her body. The woman in question wears formal garbs while intentionally leaving her bountiful cleavage out in the open. This showcases a part of her pride as a member of the Succubus race while still maintaining the appearance of her position as the Demon King’s aide, a secretary of sorts.

“Thank you, Gloria,” the Demon King says after heaving a sigh once her servants were out of the throne room. She turns and trots back to the throne that’s clearly too large for her. Her aide, Gloria, follows closely behind.

Considering it was once the seat of the first Demon King, one who ruled all as part of the now-extinct Gigantes race, it makes sense both physically and figuratively that no other would ever fill the throne the same way he did. It’s a historic monument at this point that no one could ever practically climb up to sit on and not feel like a toddler sitting on an adult’s chair. A modern-day Ogre could probably sit on it, but their toes would barely touch the floor even if they sat on the very edge.

This is why at the foot of this large throne, another one was made, but it was magically enchanted to change its size for anyone who places their posterior on after it identifies the owner’s ‘mana signature.’ Its default size could fit an average-sized Ogre’s posterior at most while both of their feet are stationed flat on the floor.

With a wave of her mantle, the current Demon King plops onto her royal seat, her features darkened by shadows that the lights couldn’t reach while Gloria stands at her side with a black clipboard-like object in hand. “While I do wish to be alone for the rest of the evening, I am assuming you have some business with me. So, what brings you here at this time of night, Vask?” the Demon King asks while crossing her leg.

A grown male with pale blue skin that looks to be in his mid-20’s wears a formal black suit like he’s going to an important business meeting. His black horns resemble a goat’s that jot out of his frost blue, spiky hair. This one who goes by Vask Willowing Astroth is the current Duke of Demons, the second-best of all demons in the land.

Unlike the servants, Vask shows no sign of fear for his superior as he takes a knee before her. “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but I have come with an inquiry about today’s events.”

“You may speak your piece.”

With the Demon King’s permission, Vask stands up and searches through his coat to pull out a parchment. “It is about these fliers that were scattered all across our territory. Am I right to assume that you gave permission to spread this decree about the closing of your ‘Champion Search?’”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Why was the Board not notified of this decree before you decided this?”

“I believe it was agreed at the time of writing the Champion Search that the one who’s crowned the Demon King may cease any further activity at any time. Gloria, refresh our memories on this, please.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I have the copy with me should the need arise after that show earlier.” Gloria flips through the few pages tucked in her clipboard before skimming through the lines. “Ah, here it is, the ‘Champion Search, Identify, and Initiation Act.’ Its initial purpose was to locate only human individuals traversing in the Demon-Kin’s Territory who meet the qualifications to be called ‘Champions’ by the Immortals. They would be brought back to Her Majesty for immediate questioning and unbiased judgment. Those who bring over Champion(s) to Her Majesty will be greatly rewarded, and as for said Champion(s), Her Majesty would take responsibility for what to do with them.

“This act was supposed to be taken in action for 1 year after the decree. After that has passed, the one who’s currently crowned Demon King must handle the funds that provides the reward money and whatever compensations needed that involves the Champion(s) under his/her care at the time, the amount of which as agreed with the Board at the time of writing, until he/she sees further action on this act no longer necessary. Her Majesty has ceased further action on this act today, making it approximately 4 years and 7 months after it was first decreed.”

“So, there you have it, Vask,” the Demon King then says after Gloria read out the details on the act. “This was put under my responsibility after one year since the decree was made and it does not say anywhere that I needed to notify the Board about its closing. Is that not right?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty,” Gloria confirms.

“I understand that, but what I want to know is why you decided to close the act now of all times? Did another Champion walk through these halls without my knowing?” Vask asks.

“No, no Champion did not come here today or any time since the last one. That was about a year ago, was it not?”

“Yes, and if I remember right, he … really left a bad impression on you as you sent him off. I was honestly surprised he even walked away alive after his rude behavior towards you.”

“Please do not remind me. I am still trying to calm down after my little ‘talk’ with our late janitor. Which reminds me, do put up a notice that we are looking for new hires for that position, and do a more thorough background check so that we will not have this kind of mess again.”

“I have already made a note of that for tomorrow, Your Majesty.”

“Anyway, to answer your question, Vask,” the Demon King continues. “Why I decided to close the search now, well, it is just as it said in writing. I saw further action on that thing no longer necessary. I am under no obligation to fill you in on the details any more than that so you may save your breath.”

“… I see.” Vask’s response is as cold as his demeanor and what’s reflected on his pale blue skin. Behind his back, how he holds a tightened, trembling fist tells another story.

“Was that all you need to see me for?”

“Right, I actually passed by the guild master for Korangar today before that decree fell. She wanted me to—”

“Say no more. I will send a messenger that I am too busy to spare some time with her over some tea and refreshments … again,” the Demon King adds with slight annoyance.

This isn’t the first time the guild master of Korangar, Natasha of the Devils, sent an invite to the Demon King for some tea and refreshments. While the reason for the decline is professional on the surface, it actually goes far deeper that shows the status of their unique relationship.

Vask, of course, is aware of this, yet he barely restrains himself from flinching in annoyance over being interrupted. Gloria makes a note on her clipboard about assigning a messenger for the task the Demon King mentioned.

“Anything else?”

“… No, that will be all, Your Majesty.”

“Then, you are dismissed.”

After the quipped exchange, Vask bows, turns, and flies off towards the other end of the throne room until opening and shutting the door behind him. This was also manufactured from the even bigger door that surrounds it, also due to making walking into the throne room comfortable for the first Demon King from the extinct Gigantes race.

“Shall I have the secret service continue their watch on the duke?” Gloria asks.

“Yes, please do so, and you may dismiss yourself for today afterward, Gloria. Good work today.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Shall I call some guards to escort you to your quarters?”

“I will be fine getting there on my own. I wish to have a moment of peace.”

“Very well, then. You have a good evening.”

“Mm.”

With a bow, Gloria makes her exit out of the throne room as well, taking one of the doors behind the throne instead, leaving the young-looking girl all alone, her figure still hidden in the darkness.

Once she knows she’s truly by herself, snickers can be heard echoing in the halls of the throne room. She changes her sitting position on the throne to where she rests her head on a hand while an elbow is on an arm of the throne. With a big, excitably eager smile that could practically split her face, she slouches on the royal seat while staring straight ahead with her amber eyes shining under what the room’s light could hit.

“Now that that matter’s closed, I can finally focus some of my reserved energy on you. I will make sure nothing too grand will come to harm you, so you can relax and take your time getting here on your little journey while I watch over you.

“I will look forward to seeing what you can do … Jinma Kotori.”