Michael sat at a table in the mess hall by the starboard side windows. He watched the landscape roll beneath the airship with a bored look on his face. The last three days, he was given a tour around the airship by Private Rudy and learned a considerable amount of information about how they worked.
This morning, he learned that they were about a day out from Galgalake. Michael had done most of what he could on the ship and finished reading the guidebook. He would hang out with some crew members and chat with several people on board.
Sir Lucas saw Michael and decided to join him at his table. “May I join you, Master Caeldaemos?”
“Of course! Please sit.” Michael smiled at the demi-lizard knight.
“I thought I should let you know. We got some good but concerning news from Comms.” Sir Lucas said as he sat down.
“What’s going on?” Michael asked.
“Heroes have been sent by the gods to the main temples worldwide.” Sir Lucas said.
Michael tensed. “Heroes? How is that… concerning?”
Sir Lucas sighed. “If Heroes have been sent, it means a Demon-Lord has been born. Which means the world will soon fall into chaos.”
“So, uh, has a hero been sent to Galgalake?” Michael asked.
“Yes. They said it was a very nice woman blessed with powerful magic. It will be interesting to see how she and the other heroes develop.” Sir Lucas answered while taking a bite of food.
“What about the Demon-Lord? Do Heroes have a way of finding or recognizing, uh, it?” Michael really wanted to know.
Sir Lucas swallowed his food and dabbed his maw. “Well, that is the strange part about the Heroes arriving. Historically, we always find out about the Demon-Lord first, and then the Heroes arrive. This time there has been no news of a Demon-Lord anywhere so far. This will be problematic as your worry of the Heroes being unable to track or recognize the Demon-Lord is true. The various national leaders have been speaking with each other trying to gather any information about strange occurrences or rumors. We will have to wait and see if someone finds out about it soon. If not, we may not be prepared for what is to come.”
Michael, internally, sighed in relief. Knowing that the Heroes could not track him was a true boon. He would have to be sure to avoid coming into sight of them in case they have a similar ability to his info screen. If they used it on him, they would definitely know what he was.
Michael hung out with Sir Lucas while the knight finished his meal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hana opened her eyes to see herself inside a different temple than Io’s.
“Oh! Great Hero, welcome to the kingdom of Lusterious!” A man in humble robes welcomed the woman.
“Um, hello. My name is Hana. Am I to guess this is Galgalake?” Hana asked.
“You would be correct, Lady Hana.” The man and the others around him bowed their heads to her.
“Um, thank you for the warm welcome. Could we lighten the formalities a bit, please? I am not used to such things.” Hana laughed awkwardly.
“Of course! Please come this way, Hana. Let us move to a more comfortable environment.” They motioned for her to follow him.
Hana followed the man through the great hall, away from the giant statue of Io.
They arrived in a meeting room and took their seats at a nice table.
“Would you like something to drink? Perhaps to eat?” The man asked.
“Oh, no. Lady Io made sure I had my fill before sending me. I never caught your name.” Hana smiled at the man.
“By Io, how could I be so silly.” The man shook his head while chuckling. “My apologies for my late introduction. My name is Lucien, and I am the head priest of the Temple of Io here in Galgalake. I was much too excited to meet you after we received the oracle from the gods.” Lucien chuckled once more while stroking his white beard.
“Nice to meet you, Lucien. I am truly excited to do some good in the world.” Hana pumped her fists.
Lucien and the few others chuckled. “How like Lady Io. She truly picks the best Heroes. I will answer any questions you have right now. I have sent someone to the palace to notify her majesty of your arrival. So, expect an audience with her majesty within the next few days.” Lucien informed Hana.
“Well, I guess I should start with the important one. Has there been any news of the Demon-Lord?” Hana asked.
Lucien’s face became concerned, and he shook his head. “I am afraid not. This is concerning. I know her majesty has been contacting other nations worldwide for news since the oracle announced your arrival. So far… nothing.”
The others in the room had worried faces.
Hana took a deep breath and let it out. She stood from her seat with a positive look on her face.
“Not to worry! Io would not abandon you, and neither shall I! I promise I will protect this world!” Hana stated.
The expression on their faces brightened. They began their long question-and-answer session to bring the Hero, Hana, up to speed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The intercom crystal on the wall startled Michael awake from his deep sleep.
“Wha-. HUH!?” Michael fell out of his bed. “Hmph…” He huffed from his awkward position.
“Attention. Attention. Arrival at Galgalake airport in twenty minutes. I repeat. Arrival at Galgalake airport in twenty minutes.”
“Twenty minutes, huh?” Michael rolled over and sat on the floor.
He sighed and scratched his head. “Damn. I really hope I don’t run into the Hero here.”
Michael could not believe his terrible luck. Right before him in the palace of Galgalake stood the Hero of Io with an outstretched hand and a pleasant smile.
Michael reached out and shook her hand. “It is… a pleasure to meet a hero of the gods….”
Michael was sweating and doing everything he could not seem suspicious.
“Thank you. When I heard the one who saved the town of Hallibrush had arrived, I just had to meet you. And please, call me Hana.” Hana smiled brightly at him, thinking his awkwardness while being so large was cute.
“I was just doing… what was right.” Michael gave her an awkward smile. He wanted to cry.
Shortly after the airship landed on the ground, a carriage awaited him at the airport to take him to the palace. It was explained to him that things were getting busy at the palace with the arrival of the Hero, and the queen only had a bit of time to spare for him. They arrived an hour early for the planned meeting, which led to Michael’s current predicament.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
The other issue is that Michael recognized the woman from his world. Hana Mayburn. She was from a different department than his own at their company. He never interacted with her, but he knew that she was one of the most desired women in the whole company. Hana was beautiful, intelligent, and feared.
Rumors and times he had seen her at work, she was a borderline ‘Spartan’ when it came to completing her work. Hana always kept an air of command and was stoic. He was sure that if she found out he was the Demon-Lord, it would not matter if they worked together. She would probably try to kill him.
But he was not used to the way she was being now. Hana was pleasant, kind, and respectful. She gave off a feeling similar to what Michael felt when he saw a statue of Io.
“Either way, you are a true hero Mr. Caeldaemos. I understand you are here to receive a reward for your actions?” Hana asked.
“Yes,” Michael responded.
“Would it be alright for me to be there?” Hana asked.
Michael really did not want that.
“I would not want to waste the time of someone destined to save the world.” Michael tried.
“I do not see it as a waste.” Hana smiled and joined Michael and the High Councilman that had been leading Michael to a room to get ready to meet the queen.
Michael was screaming in a panic in his head all the way to the room.
Michael was uncomfortable in the outfit that was provided for him. It was a suit and tie, but it had a hole in the back where his wings were. He was happy for the spot since it would make it easier to escape quickly if Hana noticed he was the Demon-Lord.
Michael tugged at the collar, trying to relieve his neck from the tightness he felt around his throat.
“It will be fine, Mr. Caeldaemos. I have met her majesty, and she is quite kind.” Hana said while standing next to Michael.
He wished some report of a monster would pop up so she would leave, or he could use it as an excuse to leave.
The large doors before them opened, and the High Councilman led Michael inside.
“Presenting, Caeldaemos, the demon who saved Hallibrush!” The High Councilman announced as they entered.
Several nobles and knights stood about the room while keeping the center walkway open for Michael to walk down.
“Just remember, don’t kneel. Just bow your head and introduce yourself to her majesty.” The High Councilman reminded Michael.
Ahead of them, upon a raised dais, on a white marble throne, sat a beautiful demi-human woman with radiant-colored wings that were her arms. At the bend of her wings was a set of talon-like hands. Her feathers were mostly red with orange and blue near the tips.
The queen looked down at Michael with her slitted blue eyes. She stood, and with a small hop and spread her wings, she floated elegantly down to stand before Michael.
“Hmm.” She smirked and began to appraise Michael with her eyes. “My, you are big and quite handsome for a demon.”
“It is… an honor… to meet your majesty.” Michael stammered while bowing in front of the queen.
“Hmm? My, how adorable.” The queen said as she circled in front of Michael.
Michael stood up straight.
“I cannot see you so well.” The queen stated.
Michael saw the High Councilman behind the queen mouthing, ‘DO NOT KNEEL!’
Michael stepped back and bent at the waist to bring his face down to the queen’s small stature.
“Is this better, your majesty?” Michael asked with a strained smile. He was confused about why he was not supposed to kneel before the queen.
The queen seemed to pout momentarily before stepping away toward the dais. With a single flap of her wings, she cleared the ten steps and sat upon her throne.
“Hmph. Seems the High Councilman hammered it into you well. Either way, onto the reward.” The queen moved things forward.
“I must ask you, Caeldaemos, do you know of a demi-human named Michael?” The queen asked.
Michael tensed momentarily but quickly figured out a way out of seeming suspicious.
“I swear in the name of Io, I do not know a demi-human named Michael.” A silver haze flashed over Michael.
The queen sighed heavily. “I was hoping the two of you may know each other. It seems while you were saving the town of Hallibrush, this Michael captured the commanding officer of the invading force and extracted a confession from him. I had hoped to find the man as his contribution was worthy of a peerage.” She huffed.
“Eh? Not even saving the people of the town was enough?” Hana asked in surprise.
The queen smiled lightly at the Hero of Io. “I’m afraid not. Some high-ranking mercenaries would be capable of performing such an act for payment. Thusly, your reward with be paid with Tress as well as a Chimeran Medallion.”
An attendant stepped forward with a silver platter. Upon it was an envelope and a silver medallion with the heads of several animal prints on its face. Inspecting the back, it was etched with Michael’s demon name and a coat of arms.
“Take the check to the Owtrelus World Bank. You can claim your money there. The medallion shows that you have a preferred status in our nation. Though you may not be a part of the nobility, you will have access to shops, products, and facilities. The medallion will also help to protect you in case you anger a noble in our lands.” The queen smiled.
Michael thanked the queen and opened the envelope. Inside was a check for 500T Tress.
“Thank you again, your majesty.” Michael bowed his head to her, but the queen narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
“I apologize for this. Could you please tell me the amount on the check, Lady Hana?” The queen demanded.
Michael and Hana looked at each other in surprise, and he showed her the check.
“It says 500T Tress, your majesty.” Hana’s answer received an immediate groan of frustration.
“High Councilman Rodriguez, please investigate why this happened and report to me within the hour. Understood?” The queen ordered.
The High Councilman, who was also surprised at what was written on the check, rushed out of the throne room.
“Um…” Michael began, but the queen spoke.
“My apologies Caeldaemos. It seems an error may have occurred. Your reward was supposed to be three times that amount. I will see that this is resolved within the next day or two. I must ask that you stay in Galgalake until this mistake can be corrected. An attendant will find you on the morrow with the remaining reward amount.” The queen explained apologetically.
“Oh. I understand. I plan to check out the sights of the city, and I was thinking of checking out the mercenary guild.” Michael said.
“Thank you, Caeldaemos. You are dismissed.” The queen bowed her head in apology.
Michael and Hana left the throne room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In an interrogation room, a demi-human sat in a chair at the table, and the High Councilman stood before him.
“What happened to the remaining one million Tress?” The High Councilman asked.
“I-I don’t know, sir!” The man replied, scared.
“I checked the books, and it is clear that of the amount that was to be awarded to the savior of Hallibrush, that one million is missing. You were the one tasked with issuing the check. Why was it at 500T Tress?” The High Councilman demanded to know.
“I was told the reward was supposed to be 500T Tress!” The man replied.
“By who?”
“I… Huh? Wait, it was… I… I don’t remember….” The man seemed to be having a difficult time trying to recall the memory.
“You swear?”
“I swear by Io. I… I don’t know what is happening, but I can’t recall the face! I’m sure it was a man! But… Why can’t I remember who it was?!” The man began to panic, even with the light rolling over him.
The High Councilman pursed his lips and headed out of the room to where a demi-human woman awaited him. She had cat ears, and her fur was black as night.
“Someone manipulated his memories. I want to know who went into the accounting office throughout the morning and afternoon. There must be some clue.” The High Councilman ordered.
The woman acknowledged his orders and vanished from sight.
The High Councilman sighed. “I really don’t want to report this. What embarrassment will she put me through this time?” The old demi-human headed down the hall, his shoulders slouched.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael walked down the palace hall, escorted by an attendant and Hana, confused as all hell.
“Is something wrong, Caeldaemos?” Hana asked.
“Huh?” Michael had briefly forgotten one of the heroes was walking beside him.
She looked up at him with eyes of concern.
“I, uh, I’m still trying to figure out what the big deal was about kneeling.” Michael diverted.
“I agree! Sir! What would have happened if someone knelt before the queen?” Hana asked the attendant.
“Oh, that.” The attendant chuckled. “The queen likes to trouble her counselors with embarrassing things. Most likely, she told him that if Master Caeldaemos knelt before her, she would punish him.”
“Umm…” Michael got a concerned look on his face, which caused the attendant to laugh.
“Please, don’t get my meaning wrong. Her majesty is not a sadist. She just likes to pull pranks. I have been here for ten years and have seen many of them. Typically, everyone has a good laugh. I have heard of a couple of times where she took her pranks too far and apologized while promoting individuals.” The attendant said with a warm smile.
At first, Michael didn’t think it was too bad, but then he had thought of how many times had the High Councilman been promoted. He felt that was perhaps the reason why the man was so adamant about Michael not kneeling.
Another attendant rushed up to them. “Lady Hana! You are late for your training session!” The woman said.
Hana recoiled in regret. “Ah! I am sorry about that. Sorry, Caeldaemos. Perhaps we will see each other again?”
“Y-Yeah. That would be nice.” Michael gave her a strained smile.
Hana laughed while joking that he needed to loosen up around her.
The two went their separate ways. But just before Michael rounded a corner, Hana got curious about his stats.
Caeldaemos
Class: Demon-
The info screen for her vanished as he did. Hana pursed her lips for a moment before continuing to her training. The next time she saw him, she would check if she remembered.