After the meal I approached Lilith.
“Can we talk?”
She did not look surprised. “Certainly. Just the two of us?”
“This is about politics, right? I am not that interested. I will just head to our quarters. Don’t take too long, Amaya.” Lucy said, then swished her tails as she walked away. I stared at them.
After a few steps she stopped and looked back. Then she smirked as she caught me staring. I managed not to blush. I was getting better at this.
“We can talk in my study. The guest quarters I was given are pretty spacious.” Lilith’s comment brought me back to reality and I nodded.
The study was a small room with a table, two comfy chairs and a small bar. It was only the two of us. Lilith actually went to the bar and offered me a drink. I took the whisky. Then we sat down.
“So, I take it you have concerns about my plans for Iron Rock?” Lilith asked.
I nodded. “Did you use your powers on the duke?”
“No. I do not think that will be necessary. It might even be detrimental in the long run.” She replied.
“Why do you think that?” I wondered.
“Iron Rock is in a tricky spot. They only survived because the Empire agonized the Dwarven Kingdom. But they were never truly safe. They have spent a lot of time and effort to keep the Empire away. Now everything has changed.”
“The Empire has fallen. If the old routes through the mountains are opened again, Iron Rock loses a lot of its value.” I concluded.
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“Precisely. But it is even worse. The dwarves can trade with Beravis through the Dominion. They are now official allies, not just friends. Iron Rock will still be important, because of the river, but that mostly concerns Beravis and whatever is left of the Empire.”
“So Iron Rock’s biggest ally, the Dwarven Kingdom, wont need Iron Rock anymore. While they won’t abandon them overnight, in time things might change.” I mused.
“Indeed. While the threat of the old Empire is gone, the new situation is not ideal. Even if Beravis does not make a move, the city will lose some of its trade. And trade is all they have. So they will either have to accept a loss in wealth, or find something new. What if they became a centre of magic?”
I pondered that. “They are in a very central location. A good place for all nations to send students to. And because they are small they would never become a true threat to anyone. They would make an ideal neutral location. But what is in it for you?”
“A lot of things, actually. As you know, demons, especially demon lords, have a hard time entering the mortal plane. It takes a lot of mana to summon us. There are no natural portals connecting the realms…”
“True.” I interrupted her. “But why do demons come to the mortal plane anyway?”
“Depends. Demons grow in power in various ways. Consuming other creatures is an option. There is a reason why a lot of demons are feared and hated. Succubi have a more pleasurable way of gathering power, although it can be slow. Then there are cults who can empower you through worship rituals. Besides power, there are also resources. Hell does have quite a bit of metal but we do lack certain plants, for example.” She explained.
“What are your specific goals?” I asked.
“To secure my power and my future. I want easier access to the mortal plane. Long term, I would like to establish trade. I can also use this to train my servants. If I can convince people that succubi are not bad demons, more will be summoned. Of course, I would have to ensure that the summoned succubi are mine.” She smiled.
My eyes widened. “You want to establish a legal way to summon demons, but only for demons who serve you.”
“Yes. I can ensure that none of them are crazy maniacs, making it safer for mortals. My own demons would profit from the summonings, being able to train and increase their power here. That means more demons would swear allegiance to me, simply for the benefits.” She confirmed.
“Those are some ambitious goals. And it would make you a target for other demon lords.” I pointed out.
“True. Other beings might not approve either, like some of the dragons. Which is where you come in. And Lucy. A demon lord, an archfey and a kitsune working together. You already have the approval of several important mortals. Once we stop Beira we will be heroes, for some at least. Different immortals working together is rare. Imagine what we can achieve with our combined powers! Iron Rock could have fey, demons and mortals walking the streets together!”
It was an interesting idea.
Lilith continued: “We would have to take it slow. I will simply point out the advantages to the duke. He knows that the future is uncertain. You and Lucy can assure him that I am not evil, maybe promise some protection. I have no intention to actually govern this place. My focus will be on the academy and spreading certain knowledge and ideas.”
“I will think about it.” I responded.
I liked the idea in general. The question was, did I trust Lilith enough? It would give her a lot of power. I certainly had to talk with Lucy about it.