“What!? You too!? Why wouldn't we just attack now!?” The demon commander asks, confused and somewhat angry. He had just been promoted and he eagerly wished to prove himself. But there were no wars to be fought, all he had was the escape of the previous demon lord.

Demon General Garl frowns. “Telzen was right. We shouldn’t interrupt him while he feeds.” He says, confirming the previous demon general's words.

Demon Commander Gorland's eyes widen. “Shouldn't you at least tell Demon Lord Oezu!?” He exclaims, dissatisfied with the answer.

Demon General Garl frowns. “Oezu will tell you the same. He knows how he got his position. It’s not because he was stronger than Arias, but because Oezu recognized Arias’ disinterest. He simply capitalized on it, and I’m sure with the gentle push of His Highness Arias.” He says, trying to explain the matter to the green commander.

The demon commander’s eyes widen once again. “There it is again! Why do you all keep calling him his Highness!? Was he not overthrown!?” He asks, feeling that there was something wrong with his ears.

Demon General Garl lets out a laugh. “The reason you don’t understand is because you do not know Arias. You don’t how he operates and you don’t know what he’s capable of. I’m willing to bet that even Oezu has a shred of loyalty left in him. Hell, I’d be surprised if he didn’t simply bow his head if Arias somehow walked back here. As demons, it is in our bones to resist Arias as he is the loser, and as a threat to his rule, Oezu knows that he has to eliminate him, but many of the higher-ups feel the same as I; it would be foolish to be relentless, because then the rules would change for Arias. Right now, all of this is happening with some modicum of respect. But you have the balls to interrupt him while he’s feeding? Dumbass!” Garl says before continuing to laugh.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Demon Commander Gorland’s face becomes even redder than it normally was. I doubt he’s that great! He thinks defiantly.

…

…

Myriam looks at the boy from across the carriage and a smile once more forms, which was starting to become routine in her daily life. She couldn’t help but lean in and ruffle the kid’s hair once again before sitting back and giggling. The idea was slowly beginning to settle in; she was a mother now. And for some reason she was always smiling, a warmness radiated from her, and a glow followed her expression. She didn’t know why, but she felt happy.

Arias frowns as he combs his hair with his fingers. Just tolerate it for now, Arias. This lady has yet to cross the boundary. I can see it on her face, there is still consideration in her actions… He thinks, calming himself...

“You’ll like it in Elmgrove. My home there is bigger. And I have family there. You’ll have many cousins to play with.” Myriam says, hoping the boy would come to accept the idea.

“I don’t want to play with children.” Arias says as he turns his head to the window.

Myriam lets out a bitter smile. “Then you can play with the older kids. They’ll teach you how to use a sword. Wouldn’t that be fun?” She asks, still hoping to instill some enthusiasm.

Arias lets out a sigh. Play along, Arias. Play along... He says to himself. “What about magic? Are there magic teachers at the capital?” He asks.

A big smile forms on Myriam’s face. “Oh, you want to learn some magic?” She says somewhat teasingly.

“Maybe.” Arias says with a raised eyebrow.

Myriam continues to beam. “Then what do you think about this?” She asks as she raises an open hand. Suddenly, a fire formed above her palm, then it compressed until it a small explosion happened.

**BOOM**

“What do you think about that?” Myriam says with a smug grin.

Arias’ raises an eyebrow. He didn’t know the lady was a mage. Slightly curious, he scans her body for magical energy, then his eyes widen in surprise. She’s at the master level. Not bad. He thinks, impressed.

“How ‘bout I teach you some magic?” Myriam asks, happy to teach what she knew.

Arias’ head once more turns to the window. “Maybe...” He says.

Myriam frowns before an idea comes to her mind. “What about cooking? I can teach you how to bake the vanilla cake you liked so much.” She says.

Arias’ eyes widen and he turns to Myriam once more. “Definitely maybe. Baking sounds fun.” He admits. Although he preferred to eat meat, he couldn’t deny that the vanilla cake was amazing.

Myriam smiles again. Got’em. She thinks triumphantly.