Zack was helping the others prepare the meal to increase efficiency. The hunting parties gathered a substantial haul today to celebrate the victory, and he wanted to ensure there was enough help. Volunteers were never hard to find in town, but when Zack had the spare time he would still get involved.
It was for this reason when the citizens were told of the coronation they had no complaints. They had no doubts in Zack's words that it would only be to further the safety of their hard work. He never instilling a tax, and the farmers truly keeping their full yields. With their families secure, and seeing how Zack ran the city inspired generosity in others. They would donate most of their yields to the sake of helping struggling communities, and the rest would go to the market in town.
All crucial facilities such as clothing, entertainment, and food are funded by Zack to be given freely to the people. The market was for their allies wishing to sell commerce in the safety of a friendly city. With the welcoming community of Eden, and the secure place to do business it quickly began to take off. All of this was offered to them with Zack asking for nothing in return. None of these actions resembled a malevolent leader, and they knew a simple title would change nothing.
Working at Zack's side was Olivia's group and a few of the restaurant owners from the central district. Each of them would dedicate their services to the feast and would use it as a way to challenge each other in the kitchen. This led to a superb spread that could get a little awkward when choosing your dish, but it was still good nonetheless.
"Should I call the others?" Astrid asked.
"Yeah by the time everyone gets rounded up it should be done," Zack replied.
"I'll relay it to the dolls right away," Astrid smiled while giving a polite bow.
'It's hard to believe that's the same woman from earlier.' Zack smirked admiring the view as Astrid walked away.
"I knew you would be around here somewhere. Did you receive the reports from today's battle?" Haruna asked as she approached.
"Not yet, but I'll check after the feast," Zack replied.
"No, you won't. You will attempt to, but one of the others will interject as usual." Haruna stated.
"Blunt as always, but she has a point." Olivia smiled at Zack.
"We have someone with information on Malachi, but he refuses to speak with anyone, but you," Haruna said in a serious tone.
"Where are they?" Zack asked immediately.
"It's the oni being held in the eastern watchtower," Haruna replied prepared to lead the way.
"Start without me," Zack told Olivia while kissing her on the cheek.
The two quickly traveled towards Kishi's location, and outside waiting was Ren. Typically Ren would be in her hides, but she was concerned about her figure and had special clothes made. Destiny weaved her an elegant black kimono with a red obi.
Ren heard of an oni being with the slavers and given the unusual nature she wanted to investigate. Even seeing a fellow oni Kishi refused to speak and requested the man who beat him in a duel.
"Surprised you let him live," Ren smirked.
"I didn't intend to he's just extremely durable," Zack replied as they walked inside.
On the bottom floor of each watchtower was a cell created by Rolen to house anyone breaking into the city. Each of them had an elite group of sentries dedicated to their protection. When Kishi saw Zack he wanted to stand, but his body was still paralyzed.
"You're the one he spoke about I'm sure of it," Kishi smirked.
"Why did you help the slavers?" Ren investigated.
"You have no right to interrogate me." Kishi retorted.
"This is my woman, and you will treat her with respect," Zack demanded as his eyes went gold.
Hearing this Kishi looked at Ren with a puzzled look when seeing her with child. The oni is one of the demon races, and to have a child with an angel was unheard of. Feeling the powerful aura radiating from the two Kishi smirked. Such a union could bring the oni to a new level of power.
"I was repaying an old debt, and nothing more. Meant to be security for when this one showed up, but he's stronger than he looks." Kishi told Ren.
"Tell me what you know about Malachi," Zack said with a serious look.
Due to their dueling custom, Kishi was bound by his oath as a warrior to respect the victor's wishes. He told them of the angel he met long ago that saved his life, and how different Malachi was. Kishi informed them that Malachi once lived in Lucifer's palace and that he would frequently help the neighboring territories.
"There's no way we're talking about the same person. Does a nice guy send you to protect slavers?" Zack said in an irritated tone.
"He wouldn't lie in these circumstances," Ren told Zack.
"You would be surprised the extent people will go for deception. I understand the oni are typically honor-bound, but he's a loner. No offense." Haruna told Ren.
"Malachi's frequent visits suddenly came to a halt, and I went searching for answers, but there was nothing. No one from the palace would even acknowledge his existence, and their reactions seemed so natural about it. It took five centuries before I saw him again, and that was last month." Kishi told Zack.
"There were rumors at the start of the third dark age that Lucifer was desperate to sire an heir with anything he could find. Even though he despised the other angels he could've had a moment of weakness. Maybe someone challenging his authority changed his stance on parenthood." Haruna stated.
"Do you really think he could put his son in the pit?" Zack asked in disgust.
"This is a man who is known for slaughtering our forces when our numbers become an eyesore so it's possible," Lilith said while walking into the room.
"I don't know what happened, but Malachi isn't the same man. Both my debts are paid so if your gonna kill me just get it over with." Kishi declared.