King Yoranios rebuilt his kingdom, leveraging his expertise in economics and trade. Despite the years it took, he displayed remarkable patience, steadfast in his pursuit of goals. With his family, generals, advisers, and the support of noble families, the army, and the populace, Yoranios ascended as a king adored and esteemed across all nations.

Four decades after the peace ceremony-a lengthy span for humans but a fleeting moment for demons-news of Sallina's passing reverberated, striking the hearts of thousands if not millions. The mourning preparations were set in motion across nations, transcending racial divides and ideological differences for this solemn occasion.

At the funeral, a climate of reverence and admiration pervaded. The dwarf king recounted her valour before the army, the elf prince recalled her rescue from a demon onslaught in his camp, and her trusted holy knight, Jeul, though aged at 80, stood resolute and unwavering, bearing a sombre countenance. No blame fell upon him, for death, as ever, parted even the closest of companions. Meanwhile, the presence of the devils stirred surprise, given their fraught history with humans. Yet, this day belonged solely to Sallina.

The King of Ice and his wife, though aged, emanated strength. The King of Renolva, once a captive prince during the war with the demons, now donned the mantle of a wise elder, his head adorned with silver hair and a lengthy beard. His mother, the former queen who brokered peace with Yoranios, had passed away 14 years prior, leaving him as her sole heir. Assured by the unified attendance of every kingdom, he saw it as a testament to the enduring peace, save for the one king conspicuously absent.

The human king scarcely waited minutes before a butler, standing with military precision, announced, "The demon king Yoranios Gyovani has arrived!" The royal carriage halted before the Temple of Light, the intricately carved wooden doors swinging open to reveal Yoranios, flanked by his twin sisters.

Concerned, the King of Ice remarked, "They cannot enter the temple; it would scorch the demons. Though for someone like him, it might inflict some harm, at least."

The elf prince inquired of his father, "Father, why is it that devils can enter the temple without issue?"

The dwarf king interjected, "Son, you must understand, that temples of light are powered by crystals and wield protective wards, designed for times of conflict. They incinerate bearers of dark power, such as demons. Ultimately, it's a matter of magic, and who is more adept in magic than witches and devils? I trust this clarifies matters for you." The prince expressed gratitude to the dwarf king and gazed towards the entrance, contemplating an approach to the demon king.

Yoranios gazed at the grand temple doors and strode forward confidently with his sisters. Their entrance left everyone inside in astonishment, though most managed to maintain their composure. The devil and elf kings, however, understood the extent of Yoranios' power.

Inside the temple, Yoranios advanced unscathed, but his sisters were lightly singed, emitting only a faint wisp of smoke. Only a few guests, like the dragon king and Yoranios himself, noticed. He approached the heroine's golden casket, adorned with elegant inscriptions in an ancient language honouring Sallina's life and death.

Standing before the casket, Yoranios picked up an intricately carved glass goblet filled with holy water. Murmurs circulated among the guests about the water's supposed effects on demons and devils, expecting it to burn them.

However, Yoranios drank the holy water without issue, much to the devil king's delight, who sported a wicked grin. He then raised the glass high and declared with a resounding, majestic voice for all to hear, "Requiescat in Pace [REST IN PEACE], my beautiful lady, my eternal adversary, and the valiant heroine of your people."

Each king and prince raised their goblets and followed suit. The funeral proceeded, with attendees offering condolences to Sallina's family. Her son and daughter were overcome with grief at the loss of their beloved mother. When the demon king approached them with as much reassurance as the situation allowed, the son regarded him with eyes brimming with disdain. The daughter, however, gently placed her hand on her brother's shoulder to caution him against his actions and thanked Yoranios sincerely for his presence and condolences.

Yoranios smiled at her and withdrew, allowing others to extend their sympathies to the heroine's family.

As he mingled with the guests, Yoranios contemplated the son's animosity towards him.

When the funeral concluded, Yoranios approached his sisters. Jane, the elder sister, wore her customary cheerful expression as she bowed to Yoranios with positive news. "Brother, our commerce is experiencing steady growth, and we've earned a favourable reputation among the common folk. The nobility also expresses confidence in the direction our kingdom is heading economically."

Yoranios interrupted with a question, "I heard progress on the children's schools has been slow. What happened?"

Jane's smile faded, and she lowered her head, explaining, "The TYVNCHY family required urgent funds to rebuild their..."

Yoranios interjected once more: "Tell them to use that money to foster a generation that wields science and knowledge more effectively than we wield magic and swords. THAT IS AN ORDER FROM THE KING. I will not allow noble families to act with impunity just because they hold power and influence. People need to understand that it's the demon king who gives the orders, not some noble family. UNDERSTOOD?"

Jane lowered her head and replied, "Yes, my lord."

After 260 years, there wasn't a soul alive who hadn't heard of the Demon Kingdom. It had become a realm of commerce and wealth, a dream for every ambitious merchant. While a few human traders could be found here and there, the demon kingdom mainly bustled with traders from devils, elves, and even dwarfs. The dwarfs exchanged their knowledge of construction and various crafts for money and other gains.

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Witches peddled their peculiar magical potions and enchanted items at fair prices, and let's not forget the ghouls, who sold an array of weapons from axes to large swords, even wooden ones for children to play with, catering to beginners seeking a life of adventure. The demon kingdom had no strict policies against demons venturing into human lands, enabling any demon to embark on a quest in the human kingdoms. This was because the demon kingdom no longer harboured the monsters that plagued it during the dark era of King Karaban.

In an inn situated in the northern city of demons, humans, elves, and demons alike mingled, chatting and enjoying themselves. A curious human merchant turned to his companions and inquired, "So, are you trying to tell me that this kingdom has five castles, one in each cardinal direction, north, west, south... and what about the last one?"

One of the dwarfs burst into hearty laughter, exclaiming, "Kid, you're three sheets to the wind! You forgot the East and the fifth castle in the capital. Every few years, King Yoranios relocates the castle to closely monitor economic growth and keep an extra eye on the noble families. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! We're safe from King Yoranios; we're just humble folks, travellers traversing this land, adventurers, and the like. We encounter different people and live out stories we'll fondly share with our friends and loved ones, my dear inebriated friend! HAHAHAHAHA!"

Laughter and merriment filled the inn. In this shared happiness, divisive notions like race and social status were forgotten, buried where they belonged.

Meanwhile, in the northern castle, Yoranios sat on the throne, attentively listening to Jane's reports on the economy's progress. She announced, "Our revenue has increased 3.6 times more than in the last 50 years. That's astounding! In terms of education, every child in the kingdom now has access to a school, books, and knowledge to master. We even have scholars who've entered human colleges, collecting magic spells and rare books for us. Yoranios, your plan to educate our people is helping us stay connected to the outside world. Our spies have also reported that the ITCHIVANI family is firmly behind us, displaying the utmost loyalty from their family head. However, one of the prominent noble families, the USHIDA family, is not pleased with your actions to support the common people and other noble families before them."

Yoranios gazed at his sister and offered a grin that was just hearty enough. "Sister, who do you take yourself for?"

Jane returned his gaze with a resolute expression. "I am Jane Gray, the mightiest demon in the kingdom. I fought in the Great War 300 years ago alongside my brothers and sisters. I am Yoranios's, the demon king's elder sister."

Yoranios gazed at her with a proud expression on his face. "My dear sister, I am the king. No one dares to issue orders or even entertain the thought of insulting me, not even in their thoughts! Don't let anyone push you around or bother you with their complaints. If they have grievances, they can bring them to me. Don't waste your precious time, my dear sister."

Jane's smile warmed as she replied to her brother, "Thank you, Yoranios. They were getting on my nerves. Next time, I'll tell them to talk to you directly and complain like old witches. Hahahaha!"

Turning to his right, Yoranios faced his brother, Monroe, the handsome white-haired demon. He observed Monroe for a few moments before breaking the silence. "Monroe, you're working just as hard as Jane here. You should take some time to rest and enjoy yourself, my brother. Take a holiday with your children and wife. I can manage without you, big brother."

Monroe bowed to Yoranios and spoke sincerely, "Thank you very much, my king. But why are you offering me a holiday? Have I been slow in my work or made mistakes with the documents?"

Yoranios responded with an unusually warm smile, "No, dear brother. Your work is exceptional, with precise attention to detail. However, I had a brief encounter with your little daughter yesterday."

The previous evening, Yoranios was strolling alone in the hallway when one of the maids raised her voice, "Please, Princess! You can't play around in this hallway. The throne chamber is reserved for the king and the generals!"

The little girl lowered her head, her voice tinged with sadness, and a tear or two brimming in her eyes. "I know, but I miss my father."

The maid glanced at the little girl and began, "I'm sorry, but..." Her sentence trailed off when her eyes met Yoranios's cold, penetrating gaze.

Startled, the maid stammered, "I-I'm so sorry, my king! It's my fault. I won't..."

Yoranios interrupted her with a calm voice, "You did nothing wrong, Maid TENELA. Take a little rest, you've earned it."

The maid bowed and quickly left. Yoranios then turned to the little girl, who curtsied and spoke with great respect, "Long live the Demon Lord Yoranios Gyovani."

Yoranios lifted her with his large right arm and chuckled, "What does my little sunshine desire so much? You can ask your good old uncle for anything!"

Kunty beamed with happiness, wiping away her tears before saying, "Uncle, I miss my dad! He comes home late every night, and my brother and my two little sisters miss him too. I know he works hard for you and our kingdom, but I want him with us."

Yoranios looked at her and gently kissed her little hands before promising, "Whatever my sunshine desires, I, Yoranios Gyovani, the Demon King, will do the impossible to make it happen for my precious princess." Kunty burst into laughter with joy upon hearing Yoranios's words.

Back in the present, Yoranios turned to his brother and encouraged him, saying, "Monroe, your family misses you. Go and spend quality time with them, my little princess has made her orders."

With a grateful smile, Monroe bowed and replied, "Thank you, dear brother." He then turned and left the throne chamber. Jane returned her attention to her reports.

After half an hour, Jane let out a sigh and remarked, "That's the final report on the magic revolution in our colleges. Give us a few more years, and we'll surpass even the devils and witches in their specialities."

Yoranios nodded in approval. Jane neatly organized her documents on the table and looked at her brother with curiosity. "Yoranios, tell me, is this truly what you want to do? I've never asked before, but do you have a specific aspiration? I've never seen you favour one thing over another, or prefer one place to another. Does my brother harbour a hidden desire? Please, tell me," she inquired. Yoranios pondered the question, but no immediate answers emerged.

After a long day, Yoranios retired to his room. It was spacious and lined with books spanning various genres—from sciences to economics, human magic, and even historical accounts. His room wasn't particularly extravagant, a surprise given his royal status. The books were the sole exception, imbuing the room with a certain intellectual richness.

Yoranios approached his bed, his mind still consumed by the question posed by his sister earlier in the day. He closed his eyes, surrendering to sleep's embrace in order to replenish his weary body.

The following day, Yoranios entered the throne chamber. Everyone respectfully bowed as he took his seat. His demeanour was noticeably different—almost excited, a rarity for those who knew the usually reserved demon lord well. Even his sister Jane, his mother, and his father picked up on the change.

Yoranios looked at his family and declared, "What you said yesterday was true, Jane, my dear sister. I want to be a merchant!"

The chamber fell into stunned silence. The unexpected revelation left Jane, his parents, and everyone else bewildered. Yoranios pressed on, "I no longer wish to remain king. This role has grown wearisome, and I've given my all for this kingdom. It's time to pursue personal goals, have adventures, and enjoy life for once."

With a confident smile, Yoranios removed his golden crown and placed it on his throne. He then declared, "It's yours now. Time for new adventures!"