We returned to the camp where we handed Dalroc and Loriel to the healers. We also informed General Bodil about the situation. She was very concerned and immediately dispatched some troops.

I had no idea what the city would do. We flew in and out so we did not use the gate. With their leader dead, who was in charge? Did the duke have any children?

It was not really our problem though. I just wanted a relaxing bath now. Iris was safe and we had gained some knowledge. That was the important part.

“Hot bath?” I asked Lucy.

“Sure.” She replied.

“Mind if I join you?” I heard Lilith ask as she approached us. “I can offer a private hot spring. I had it constructed here in the camp. It’s just a small stone bath with a small waterfall. Demons are very good at conjuring the right water though. It feels like a natural hot spring.”

“You built a hot spring with magic? At a temporary war camp that we will leave soon?” I asked.

“Of course. I like my luxuries.” She replied.

I could not really argue with that.

“Let’s try her hot spring.” Lucy suggested.

Lilith led us to a small circle of trees. A canvas between the trees stopped people from peaking. The centre held the bath, made from smooth stone and big enough to hold about 6 people. There was even a small waterfall, as promised.

Lilith smiled. “I asked the dwarves to conjure the stone, the elves to help with the trees and my demons provided the excellent water.”

Ah, she misused military resources for her own benefit. This would likely be a scandal in my old world. But being a demon lord had its perks.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Uhh, why didn't we think of that?” Lucy asked.

“Because we are at war and building a nice bath does not seem helpful to our goals?” I answered.

“Pff. We should do this ourselves in the future. You could surely help with trees and stone, right? You have other elemental powers than lightning. Or maybe we need to recruit more dwarfs and elves. Do you think Lily can help with the water? She does not seem to have any water related powers, other than her being our storm knight. Actually, aren’t succubi more into fire?” Lucy wondered.

“Natural hot springs are connected to volcanic activity. It not only heats the water but also adds certain minerals. They are said to be good for your skin.” I responded.

“Exactly! Succubi are not really about conjuring water but we can mimic the volcanic heat. And we can add minerals to improve the water.” Lilith added.

The bath felt heavenly after our battle. It was always nice to get clean and relax after a fight. Of course, Lilith wanted to hear all about it. Her main reason for inviting us was to have a conversation.

“Tz. I had plans for the duke.” Lilith complained. “I took such care to place suggestions in his mind. All the effort, wasted.”

“A man got killed.” I pointed out. The loss of life was a lot more tragic than her wasted efforts, in my opinion.

“Yes. But now many more might die, if they don’t find a new leader who will defend them. Also, the duke was hardly a saint. He had slaves, like most nobles. He certainly was not complaining about the direction of the Empire under Maximilian. Honestly, my suggestions would have been improvements for the people.” Lilith said.

Of course she was a manipulator. I could not just trust her words. It was true that I did not know much about the duke though. Iris seemed to think he was a reasonable man, but she was human. He might have treated her differently than a beastkin. And she only knew him from official interactions, not privately.

“What do you know about Lady Chione?” Lucy asked.

“Probably less than your girlfriend.” Lilith answered. “She is one of the archfey. Her powers are mostly about frost and illusions. She is rather strong personally and has a lot of influence among the fey.” Lilith was watching me while she was talking. “She mostly plays around on different continents, as far as I know. She prefers a colder environment.”

“Do you think the Inquisition has spread outside of our continent? Maybe even came from somewhere else?” I wondered. I had to admit, I had not really seen a map of the entire world, yet. I had only paid attention to our current continent. There were too many things going on here to worry about other places.

“My succubi have not reported anything unusual elsewhere.” Lilith replied.

“Maybe Chione worries about it spreading?” Lucy suggested.

“Cedric seemed mostly worried about fey involvement. Maybe they abducted some of her people. She could be looking for revenge.” I theorised.

Lilith looked at me. “That would certainly fit her personality. But what are the odds that she is controlling the inquisition?”

I shrugged. “Fey are not usually into necromancy.” Of course my information was more based on the lore from my old world. That did not necessarily apply here. But we were sort of more into nature and undeath was not very natural.

“True.” Lilith agreed.

“Did you get anything from the paladin yet?” I asked.

“It takes time to make someone like him see things differently. But he is progressing nicely. Do you think I should put him into a maid uniform?” Lilith asked with a smile.