>> “Master, now’s the right time.” From outside the room, a knock from door heard as called me out. “I’ll be right there.” I answered and quickly goes to the door. As it opens, Alecto stands, looking at me.

“Kroni and the others are waiting at the hallway. Let’s go.” She utters. I nod to response and follows her right away. “Uhm, Ms. Alecto...?” I called out.

“No need to be formal, Master.” She replied immediately as we walk together. “And from here on, I believe they told you already the things you should remember?”

“Ah, yeah... but I can’t still help it. I can’t hide my nervousness.”

“At least, don’t let anyone see that through you.” Alecto then turns around and gazes at me. “We said we’re here for you. Yet, when nobles asked you, our bounds as Master and servant should be bound.”

Ah, that’s right; as long as they don’t find out, they should do their duty. But then, I am their master, and defying what the nobles say will defy their duty as servants.

“I wish you best here on out, Master.” Bowing on me, Alecto stepped backward and leads her hand forward to Kroni, Eishet and Aeshma standing.

“Uh, Alecto—-"

“He’s all yours... everyone.” Alecto then left ahead briskly before I continue, as Kroni walk forward with a smile on her lips. “We should be going now, Master.”

At the balcony from the banquet area Kroni guided me, together with Aeshma and Eishet standing side by side. “Looks like the Countess and the Duke of Citadel is already arrived.” Eishet utters. Kroni and Aeshma nods in agreement.

Peeking a glance from downstairs, I saw every different demon noble wearing elegant dresses and fancy coats. Lights from the candelabras, as well in the chandeliers hanging up the ceiling and walls lit the whole area.

“This is a Gala?” I utter in awe. Eishet looks at me right that moment. “Haven’t you attended a Gala before, Master?” she asked.

“Huh? No, I mean. There’s a party that occasionally happens back in my world...” I answered. Her gaze scrutinizes, wondering from what I’ve said.

“A party is an event... like this, but way casual.” I answered, making Eishet’s expression show scrutiny even more. “Your wordings are quite bizarre, Master. I happen to pique an interest to your world language.”

What...? What’s this servant saying out of a sudden? “Indeed, Master’s words are quite new to our ears. You should tell us about what kind of world you have?”

Kroni’s smile, showing a somewhat crescent shape lurks my view. “Hey, you’re raising his nervousness. Remember that making him cautious here makes everyone irk to know where he is.” Aeshma rebutted in.

“Ah, sorry... I can’t help it. I just can’t help wanting to smell the fear of mortal.” Kroni replied comically. Heaving a sigh, Aeshma shakes her head sideward.

“Alecto will be giving the signal to the Queen.” Eishet called, giving me the attention to divert away from Kroni. At the center point of the banquet hall, the Queen stands together with her servants.

Alecto stepped in and lean to whisper over the servant standing beside her. Her Majesty’s face shows a smile but suddenly curbed as she glances at the servant.

From where I stand, a sudden chilly feeling rush through. A feeling that someone’s looking at me, taunts out. “Don’t look. She’s gazing at you.”

Eishet simply mumbled. Though I heeded clearly what she said, but my mind couldn’t get the curiosity to know who’s looking.

“Master, for your sake. Please, don’t look into her eyes—-"

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Before Eishet proceed further, I was already having eye to eye contact with the woman they thought out. It wasn’t clear to me at all, but at the moment our eyes locked, I saw her alluring view beckons me.

Her smile captivates me to come over, but Aeshma’s grip brought me back. “Hey,” she called out. “Huh?” I turn to look. “We said you’re not going to look into her eyes.”

“Ah...” I mumbled and pulled myself over. “... It’s all right; this can’t be helped out. Countess Lilith has been encountered with mortals before. She does know how to play this...”

Eishet replied, as Aeshma sighs. “Everyone...” she faces us. “... Her Majesty Lilith is here, and has noticed His Majesty.”

Kroni and Eishet look at her and both nods in agreement. “...Then the more we should be more cautious about it?” Eishet then turn to Kroni.

“I get it. I won’t do unnecessary actions to trigger more fear to our ‘dear King’.” Kroni snickers. “You’re supposed to know that from the beginning. Only us here and the mages, as well as the Queen herself knows this all.”

“A pleasant day to all of you here.” Breaking out the peace lingering over, a loud announcement heard. Standing on the center is Astarte, with her beckoning smile.

Everyone’s attention gathered to look at her. “Today is the celebration of my birth, and my ascension to the throne as the Queen of this Kingdom.”

With gusto, she delivered the lines impeccably. “I want everyone here to enjoy this day to the fullest. Let the gathering begins.”

As if it’s like a cue, the band orchestra plays a music suited for floor dancing. The hymns like Waltz no.3 from my world, as everyone look at each other and forms a pair.

The guys kneel down, asking a girl to dance with him. As they both agreed, the floor becomes a majestic view of people dancing.

Swaying off their feet while looking at the eyes each other, they glimmer unto the tune of the music. Whilst of everything, Astarte greets some of the delegates, or should I say...?

Her smile never waned; each person she meets shows a strong impression for her. Some of them offers their hands to shake. Others kisses her cheek for a greet.

“Each of the noblemen from this Kingdom greets Her Majesty. They’ve still hoping for her to make an impression in taking the King’s position.”

Looking downward, Kroni utters. “And the Dragon Empress arrives.” Turning her head sideward to look at me, she asked me to look. I reluctantly follow and sees a woman in her early 20’s, wearing a white and blue Hanfu dress made of silk.

Her hair, like a blazing flame dyed and tied updo style suits up. Hair ornaments designs on it perfectly. Her pearl-white skin shows a faint of crimson glimmer, forming of scales attaches to it.

Pair of horns rises and a piece of cloth hangs to its peak on each side; covering most of her nape. Beside her are two maidens with same appearance.

“Queen Astarte.” The Dragon Empress greets as she meets Astarte in between the crowd gathering. The Queen turns her head right after and look.

“Your Highness Phyra...” Astarte bows, as well as everyone surrounds her. “I am happy to see you’re in good shape.” The Empress named Phyra greeted as she walks forward the Queen and taps her shoulder.

“I’m also glad you’re in good shape. And I heard the news you’re already engaged.” Her smile didn’t wane, as Astarte gleefully nods to agree.

“Indeed I am.” Astarte answered. “I shall make it an announcement tonight in our gathering.” The Empress nods as she heard the reply of the Queen and greets the other guests.

“The gathering will happen soon. Please prep everything.” Aeshma calls out. Eishet and Kroni nods as they both stand next to me. “Your Highness, let’s go.” Kroni utters as she smiles at me.

“Let’s get going, Your Highness.” Eishet calls out as we exit the balcony. “The gathering hall is this way.” Kroni leads as we walk on the hallway.

“Don’t lose your composure, Master. We’re here for you, should anything go dire.” Eishet chided. Though they said it, I still feel agitated over this.

I mean, the Queen herself told me that should I refuse accepting the throne, no one will ever remember me when I go back to my world.

This isn’t just a joke; it’s a responsibility someone throws out of me. I never imagined this life. But now, this happens. Right a few moments of walking, we reached the door where two guards standing side by side.

On their hands are the halberd and armored plates covering their bodies.

“The King-to-be is here.” Kroni’s loud voice engulfed as she stands. The door then suddenly opens as ray of light break through. The creaked sound faintly heard as I took a deep breath.

From the inside are the guests sitting on the dining chair. On the long table are the different dishes cooked, as well as charcuteries placed at the center.

I hear the foreboding music arise within as my eyes sees their faces. They precedingly waiting for the man the Queen choose. Their expression shows excitement, that turns in awe and flabbergasts.

At the center table from the entrance is the Queen with the mages and confidants sitting. Her smile glimmers at the light of candelabras.

Clamor then rises up the time they saw me standing, as Eishet and Kroni stands beside me. “Your Highness,” Kroni called. “Huh?” I utter.

Everyone’s eyes glimmer; different hues glow through as they focused on me. Even the Empress Dragon locked her eyes, while scrutinizing me.

The woman who also gazes at me gives a snicker. “What’s the meaning of this!?” from the table of the Queen, a man in his 50’s stands with gusto.

His face show surprise, anxiousness and wonder while looking at me. “What’s a mortal doing here!? Your Majesty, Queen Astarte! Please explain this!”

His voice raised up. His eyes are like a blazing fireball as it lit through. Astarte then stands up from her chair and beckons me to come forward. I look at the two servants as they nod at me to proceed.

“What the...?” I grunted. The foreboding music I have in mind sings all throughout as my heart thumps like a drum. Their gaze lures upon me as I make a pitter patter step.

The two servants follow me from behind. All the Demons locked their eyes, and seemed like holding the urge to stand on their seats.

“Answer me, Astarte! What’s the meaning of this!?” the man grunted out. He seemed didn’t expect this at all. “Tonight, will be the night I will announce my engagement and the one I choose to be the next Demon King of this Kingdom.”

Stepping up from the center table, an empty chair, supposed to be prepared for me beside the Queen waits. The servant standing behind moves it slightly for me to come in.

The clamor turns up as they keep looking at me. “To all of you here tonight, I will announce my engagement and the one I choose to be the next Demon King.”

While still standing, Astarte then grabs my hand and link her fingers. “Let us all welcome our new King. The next Demon King of this Kingdom!”

Raising our hands, the red strings attached at each end of our pinky fingers suddenly appeared.

Everyone grasped out of surprise as from the moment they saw it. “Here is a mortal that will lead us to reign and unite with the other race! All Hail to our Demon King! All Hail to our Tophet Kingdom!”

The mages sitting beside us stands up, as they shout the same words the Queen announced. “All Hail to our Demon King! Long live, the Demon King!”

I wasn’t so sure, but their eyes didn’t blink that moment. Their gaze kept locked to me, all while glowing in the night of the birth of the Queen.