The capital of the Demon Lands, Asura. Built in the same place that the First Demon King rose his army and declared war on the other races, it was the city with perhaps the most historical significance in Lambda. However, this was not the only reason why demons came from all over to visit.
In Lambda, there was a saying. 'If you can't find it in Asura, then it either doesn't exist or it hasn't been made yet.' This saying came about because Asura continued to maintain its position at the forefront of all demon industries. From entertainment to military, Asura was always at the top. Therefore, it only made sense that those who were at the top of the Demon Lands resided there as well.
Asura was built with three concentric walls protecting and dividing the city. The three areas were simply referred to as the Lesser District, the Greater District and the Demonic Zone, with the Lesser District being between the farthest wall and the middle wall. The Lesser District was where average demons without notable strength or status roamed about, but the facilities here were still top-notch. Next was the Greater District where nobles and strong demons were allowed to stay, and then finally the Demonic Zone, where only royalty and those permitted by them could enter.
Although Asura seemed to impose a strict class system, there was a way for any demon to be allowed entry into not just the Greater District, but also the Demonic Zone. As long as one was strong enough to prove themselves worthy of the honour, everything was within reach.
As demons upheld this line of thought, Lambda ran on a system similar to a meritocracy. Therefore, anyone could attain a position as long as their skills were enough. Even a mere vagabond.
One example of this was in the Greater District. In the House of Duke Alciel, a well-established noble family with roots leading back to General Alciel who served as the right hand to the Second Demon King of Pride. The family was made up of vampires with a True Ancestor who was still alive and a member of the Elder Council. It would be hard to find a noble house more sophisticated than theirs, so it came as a shock to many when they hired a butler of unknown origin.
Said butler walked down the hall with a stern expression and a brisk pace. He was a middle-aged humanoid with a gentlemanly charm that matched well with his dress coat and tie. Despite looking old enough to father some of them, several maids could be found swooning whenever he passed by.
This suave butler went down to the main entrance where other servants were rushing to bring suitcases and other items to the waiting carriages. The mansion of House Alciel in the capital was already an impressive estate, but through the use of spatial magic and various magic items, it was much bigger than it seemed. Even the suitcases that were being used were actually artefacts with more space than they suggested.
In preparation for the predicted civil war that would occur in Lambda, the Three Great Vampire Houses agreed to have a meeting. Only two would be representing the House of Alciel in this meeting, the current head as well as his first son who was set to succeed him. However, among nightwalkers succession was only an event that occurred when the current head died or was bored, so no one knew when the young master would actually ascend to the position of Duke Alciel.
This was a very important gathering so the butler kept a close eye on the project while approaching a young woman with small horns that had a pen and paper in hand.
"Alicia, how are things? Any problems?" the butler asked with stern yet soft tone. Like a master speaking to his precious disciple.
The butler wasn't try to be sneaky but Alicia flinched at his sudden appearance, still, her experience was far more than her youth suggested so she quickly composed herself and responded professionally.
"No, Sir Jeffrey. Everything that has been brought out has been accounted for and there have been no serious accidents. Preparations should be complete well before we're ready for departure."
"Good. Ensure to double-check everything ahead of time. I expect nothing but excellence from you."
"Understood. I shall utilise the full extent of my abilities so as to uphold the honour of House Alciel," she replied with a slight bow.
The butler nodded in approval as he observed her refined etiquette. It was almost hard to believe she was the same clumsy girl they took in. Now, she was a candidate for Head Maid, a position she coveted not only for the sake of her own ambition, but also to stand on the same ground as the mentor who patiently guided her.
Satisfied with how the packing was going, the butler turned around and took a step to leave, but then he suddenly moved to the left. Alicia was puzzled at first, but everything became clear in a few seconds.
Around the same time that the butler moved to the left, one frantic maid tripped over a small stone with a box of ceramic plates in her arms. The moment they saw her stumble, the spectators shook their heads. They were certain that her blunder would end with the shattering of the plates and her enduring a harsh punishment. Fortunately, someone had foreseen this and acted to prevent it.
The butler caught the falling lady in one hand and rescued the box of plates with the other. The box was balanced so perfectly on his hand that he seemed to be fixed in place. It was in this position that he lightly scolded the maid.
"Haven't you heard the phrase, 'haste makes waste'?"
Confronted by his clear eyes at this close range, the maid awoke from her stupor and hurriedly bowed in apology.
"My sincere apologies, Chief Butler!"
She didn't seem finished yet, but the butler stopped her with a wave of his hand and returned the box to her.
"Just be more careful next time."
"Yes!"
After handling the situation, the butler left under gazes of admiration and respect. It was by handling every situation so splendidly that he was able to climb his way up the ranks despite his dubious background.
Later in the night when everything was in order, Duke Alciel and his son were being sent off by their servants. The two handsome young men who could pass for brothers easier than father and son, walked down the aisle flanked by the lowered heads of the maids and butlers. At the end of the aisle, the Chief Butler stood by an open carriage with a one hand on his chest.
The Duke and his heir didn't send a glance to the other servants, but both stopped when they reached him.
The Duke addressed him, "Jeffrey, I leave this place to you. Serve the ancestor well."
"Of course, my lord."
With a nod of approval, the two boarded the carriage and set off shortly after. The ancestor that the Duke referred to was the True Ancestor of their bloodline. Normally, only his descendants would be allowed to serve him, but the butler had become the sole exception a year ago.
As he pushed a cart of tea to the distant room of the ancestor, away from the eyes of his masters and the other servants, a malicious smirk crept on the butler's face.