Chapter 5: The Lure
The reports trickled in from other demons. For each, Arzoch pored over the details and then decided whether or not to summon them using the large mirror in his chamber. Miona couldn’t figure out how Arzoch was choosing which people to summon, and he wouldn’t explain even if she asked. At least, he let her remain with him as he went through his experiments.
Strangely, Arzoch hadn’t antagonized or punished any of the people he summoned. He simply established an agreement where they would answer his benign questions in exchange for some trifling assistance with something. Actually, maybe that was it. It hadn’t occurred to Miona until now, but perhaps the humans Arzoch was summoning were the ones that he felt less compelled to punish? He wasn’t discarding the reports for humans he chose not to summon; he simply filed them away, perhaps for later.
“Arzoch, are we going to punish the people in those reports?” she asked, pointing to the bookshelf.
“Perhaps in due time,” was all he offered.
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Just as Miona overheard rumors spreading throughout the realm of Arzoch somehow pulling a fast one on the other lords, he kicked her out.
“Why!?”
“It’s just for a little while, Miona. I can’t let anyone see the next experiment.”
“Not even me?”
“Especially not you. Don’t worry, I’ll come get you for the good parts later.”
She was reluctant to accept that explanation, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. With nothing else to do, she decided to wander around randomly for a while. Arzoch would come get her whenever he was ready.
“Oh? Trouble at home?”
“Jokin…”
“Perfect, walk with me for a bit.”
“A–All right…”
The pair strolled through surreal corridors, otherworldly gardens, and chambers of scented flame. At first, Jokin seemed content to make small talk, but he eventually brought up a heavier topic.
“How goes Arzoch’s investigation? Is he getting anywhere with all the information we provided him?”
“He didn’t tell you anything?” Miona would have thought Arzoch would at least send word that he’s making progress, but apparently that had not happened at all.
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“Not a thing. I’m sure he’s just hyper-focused on his task and hasn’t broken away to discuss his progress. Of course, my door is always open to him, but since you’re not busy, why don’t you give me a brief summary?”
“Arzoch should do it himself…”
“And as I said, young Miona, my colleagues and I are all eagerly waiting an update from him. However, since he’s too busy to provide it, the whole problem can be resolved with a bit of good news provided by you.”
“I don’t know…”
“Do recognize that we are all extending a great deal of trust to him right now. He can’t expect our cooperation, that is, the flow of these reports, to continue indefinitely with nothing provided in return. Fortunately, we are all feeling especially reasonable since his mission supports the greater good for all demons. With just a few words from you right now, his efforts can continue completely unhindered.”
“I suppose…”
Jokin halted, causing Miona to do the same as he gestured for her to speak. “Please go on.”
Lulled into a sense of security by the overly polite tone, she answered him. “Arzoch has been successful, at least so far.”
“Wonderful news. I’ll be delighted to spread it around the realm myself. What else?”
“He’s been gathering information from human summoners,” she added.
“Just gathering information?”
“Yeah.”
Jokin looked down and to the side, a puzzled look on his unremarkable features. “Has he not made any of them suffer for their crimes against our kind?”
“Not yet. He, uh, implied that he was saving that for later…”
“What could be more important than punishing those who have wronged us? This information he seeks, what is it?”
She shook her head. “I don’t understand it myself. All he asks them for is basic information.”
“And that’s all he’s let you witness?”
“Yes…”
“Any idea what he had planned when he sent you away, then?”
“I didn’t say he sent me away…”
“Please don’t patronize me, Miona.”
“I’m sorry…”
“What kind of a demoness apologizes? Well, I’ll take it as a compliment. Anyway, remember, you and I want the same thing, as do the rest of our kind.”
“I know.”
“What did he say before he sent you away?”
“All I know is that Arzoch was moving on to the next stage. He said he’d call me for the good parts.”
“Oh, I see. That’s excellent news. I have no idea why he sent you away considering how supportive of him you always are. I hope he’ll reconsider soon.”
“Thank you.”
“As I said, I’ll pass this news around to the others. There is one thing I’ll warn you about, though.”
“A warning?”
Jokin nodded. “Arzoch is an odd one. Don’t get me wrong, despite our squabbling, we all know we’re lucky to have Arzoch among our ranks. He brings a diversity of thought, and we all benefit as a result.”
Miona wasn’t sure whether or not to be offended on Arzoch’s behalf, but Jokin continued before she could decide.
“But he sympathizes too much with humans. He told us, no, strongly implied, that he could only make summoners suffer, but I bet that wasn’t the case. It’s not just human summoners who are guilty of perpetuating the status quo. Am I wrong?”
“No…”
“I don’t mean to bring up unpleasant memories, but you should understand that better than most.”
“How do you—“
“Like I said, don’t patronize me. When one of our own is abused, we will know it. We will feel it. And we won’t forget.”
Miona was at a loss for words.
“Miona, if Arzoch ever lets humanity off the hook, let me know. We can’t squander this opportunity to save our kin.”
She neither agreed nor disagreed.