As we arrived in Florencia, my followers greeted us. We pass through the street then headed to the mansion's hall.
While entering the mansion's gate, made of gold-plated iron, and its spiked design, the hall's light reached our eyes.
The hall worked well as a ballroom because it had a lot of space. Who would have thought that this city was a fortress city with this extravagant display in the Lord's house?
The floor was covered with red carpet. For this occasion, long tables were arranged on the sides of the room, atop a large amount of food.
Only the cat from Lucy's previous village and the remaining tiger kin, all of whom were children and females, were present. The servants were also present that was been personally recruited by Lucy since she has the most talent in assesing individuals when it comes to chores.
"We welcome our Lord, the Demon Lord Lucifarge and Lady Rena, the First Heavenly Demon General, Mother of Arachnes."
The greetings of my servants as well as my closest servants. I thought that I left them with vague explanation because of my business but the information quite flew well since they have grasped of it.
I invited Rena to introduce her to my most trusted ally. First, I introduced her to Lucy, who was holding Ru on her left side.
"Lucy, this is the Mother of Arachnes. Rena had invaded the land in Florans, and it became my colony. I hope you get to know each other."
"I understood. Please forgive me for my imprudence, can I ask you what will be the help of you to our Lord?"
"Lucy!" I was surprised at the sudden behavior of Lucy. Why did she do that? Isn't she the most known to this? I already told her that Rena became my first general.
"No it's okay. I can understand... her actions somehow. Please, can we speak about this matter privately?" A calm voice coming from rena.
I was also flabbergasted at how Rena handled the situation. I know that Lucy may not trust Rena in some angle since she was a newcomer and Lucy had the most contributions to the family. However, I still searched for Rena.
This can be a result of envy and jealousy. But, I don't want that to happen to my family... That's what I want.
"//Master!//" My attention was taken by a loud bark coming from my back.
"Shiro! Good to see you again! I think it has been days since we have met."
I thought she had already forgotten me. that kinda made me down to think since she was my first subordinate. I admit that I was neglecting her since my hectic job, but at the end of the day, it will still remain as an excuse.
"Sorry Shiro, I've been neglecting you as my first subordinate. It's too awful that you may not forgive me."
I can feel sad at this time. No wonder of it, my soul was practically a human in reality but since my previous body was a monster, I had more dominant personality and feelings suited for a monster. However, because I have a human body right now, my feelings and attitudes are dominant on human side.
I looked for Purity, who I left with her, since Purity could protect her. But, i wasn't expecting the news I would receive.
"//Master! It's okay! You left us with a task, so we haven't felt lonely.//" Purity can now talk?! Wait, does this mean, he became more matured right now?
In the previous event, when I subordinated him, his limbs grew a little and he became strong when it came to fighting. And it was the result of giving him a name on his symbol... but this is just a big news. That was just a month after I gave him my blessing!
"//You are making a perplexed expression, Master. Purity has matured right now, as you can see!//"
"Yeah, you're right, Shiro. But... what did you mean? Task? As I recall, I hadn't left you with a task."
"//There is a task you have left. And it was to investigate the visit of my sister, the white tiger divine beast.//"
I see... I already forgot that. It feels like it has been years since I felt that presence.
"So what's the result?"
Shiro's white fur rested from excitement."//My sister wasn't here on this land anymore. Please forgive me.//"
"No, it's okay." I assured her. "There's no way we can track a divine entity like your sister. Even my power was limited right now, we can't waste a time in preparing for our nation."
"//Have you said, nation, Master?//"
Oh, right! I haven't announced it before that I would establishing my own nation to halt the invasion. Now that I've come to this, this situation is suited for my announcement.
"I see... So I wasn't able to discuss it with you. All right, then, I'll announce it right now."
"Call for the attention of everyone." I ordered one of my servant.
"The Lord has something to say. Have your attention to Our Lord!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to me. All eyes are on me right now as I clear my throat to not embarrass myself in this situation.
"I have thought of making humanity united. Of course, it includes, demi-humam, intelligent monsters, and, lastly, other species who have been hiding in the shadows. I want everyone to coexist, but there will be actions needed to fulfill that wish of mine."
I started my speech with a clear description of my goals. In some ways, it won't contradict my actions, so I base everything on that.
"I caused fear among humans to unite them. To have a single enemy and organize around each other. However, I see the invasion as a threat to us. I thought that making them my enemy would also include you so I ignored that idea."
It was true. It was a selfish idea to have the humans be my enemies and have these people as my followers. They would just put the hate to my followers' kind if they see that they can't defeat me. So... I thought of a proper way to see the end of Great Mother's aim in reincarnating me.
"We will build a nation. This land is at the border of Olteria, so there will still be undeveloped land. We will cultivate it and stand as a nation! I will become your king. That will make unification possible. We will be a neutral country in which any race is accepted. I will also announce this to our neighbors to acknowledge our nation. "
"Ohhh!!!"
I... didn't thought they would agree to my idea. Since I will be focusing in building this nation, I will have to find the conditions on the way, since I need the strength. I will explore this world to see the different things that would make my land more nurturing. Even though it will be a tiring future, seeing fairness is enough for me.
"My Lord?" I turned my attention at my back where Lucy is. She had a surprised expression that almost made her cat eyes so vibrant because of her eyes being wide.
"What is it, Lucy?"
"Can I also become your general?"
What?!
I was perplexed at the remark or rather permission Lucy have said. She wants to be my general, so does that mean she was just jealous of Rena?
"Why have you thought of that? You do know that you will be focusing in desk not in battlefield."
"I also want to help you in some other ways. Please accept my plea. I want to be the closest subordinate you will have."
What's going on with her. She's rather aggressive right now? Did something trigger her like this? I can't help but to wonder.
But thinking of it... She needs a new position. A position that would fit her contribution. She has helped me with some matters, so it would not be bad to have her as my general.
"I see... So that's what you felt. Okay, then, you will be my second Heavenly Demon General, Lucy."
I noticed her eyes sparkle and twinkle like a star. It obviously made her overjoyed, as I also saw her tail wag. She seems to be pleased at my decision.
"Thank you, My Lord. My king." She suddenly hugged me out of nowhere which I didn't feel to be a bother. I can just ask in my head, 'what's with her?'.
It would be a disrespect to push a girl because you didn't expected an embrace. So it would be okay just to ask her.
"What's wrong, Lucy?"
"I haven't felt this joy before, My Lord."
I felt my heart beat fast as I noticed that her breasts touched my chest. I felt hot... Even though I am a little smaller in this body, it didn't make me drown at Lucy's height.
[Ehem. System alert! Your heart rate is too fast. You may die of excitement, Hanzel.]
'Shut up!'
This... is continuing to happen... this weird feeling... is this lust?
***
The banquet ended with a simple tiredness. I rested and, surprisingly, after I made Lucy my second general, she got close to Rena.
That was unexpected, really. There are just things that men can't understand women.
Another day had passed, and I had rested. I woke up with a smile on my face. It may be a confusing behavior... It's just because, right now, I am starting my own kingdom.
Some preparation is needed to build my own kingdom. Like the previous plan I made about making the rankings.
I ate my breakfast with Rena and Olivia assisted her. The mansion had a dining room, just a regular long table with a white cement texture and golden linings on the corners.
"This day, I will make you learn how to organize people. Olivia is knowledgeable, right?"
"Yeah. She's really talented and can convey my orders immediately. So what's the plan, Hanzel?"
I couldn't help but smile when she addressed me as Hanzel. Such nostalgia. It was nice to be called in that way again.
"I will choose a politician from my noble captives. Even though they are captives, I've given them nice accommodation to capture their hearts. It will be easy if you can have them as your tutor."
"I see... But, if they are just corrupted nobles, don't blame me if I kill them."
Despite of her sweet appearance. Rena is keeping a nasty, and strong prejudice towards nobles. I know why... a little bit. However, her driving force seems to be vague.
"Okay. I'll make that in their minds. No one will let go of a job that seems to be easy. After all, they don't need to think about food. They can even have a salary."
Rena was eating her food in a class manner. She seems to be accustomed to this environment because she lived as a queen before I recruited her.
After we ate our meal, we proceed to continue our discussion about establishing the government in our lands.
"Rena, make a registration of citizenship. Like, in a way to assesed what are numbers of your subjects. I will also do it on my land, so the best way to make it happen is to have them fill up."
"Yes. And I have a suggestion: because this world lacks paper, I will recreate paper, so I will need your assistance."
"Oh... You mean wood cutters? I have some because they used to live in the woods."
"Thanks... But when it comes to building the wall, I am not that confident."
"Don't you worry, you have my tiger kins assistance. They would be obliged to help you because of your beauty. Those are really fond of your beauty."
"Ah, haha. Then what in exchange should I do?"
"I want your help with people's clothes. Can I ask for your children?"
"Yes, of course. Then let's just do it right away. I will remeber some games I played back in Earth. Maybe it will help me to build a strategy."
I couldn't take my gaze away from her. I couldn't read her mind. Sometimes she is excited and optimistic, but there are also times when she is bitter and lonely. I can't understand, Rena... Wait! Why would I need to think of her? We have a job we need to do.
"Bring a tiger kin with you. I will inquire, Rayas about that matter."
"Yes, thank you. And, by the way, a word about defense. We can't afford wars right now."
"Don't worry. I have thought of that. Right now, just concentrate on your work."
"I see. Then thank you for helping me, Hanzel. Even if you were a king, you didn't put a barrier to our relationship."
I almost released a starlted expression. Thank goodness I didn't. Maybe she would've thought that I was intimately attracted to her to build that closeness.
"Ah, haha. Don't worry, it's just a kinship."
"I see..."
After our meeting, we proceed to talents exchange. Rena left some of her children to help us with clothe production and in exchange, I let 10 tiger kins with her to help with the plan of building their walls into stronger one.
They have an advantage over attackers since they have their land elevated. I also suggested to make a huge trench for preparation just in case my visit to other countries will not be productive.
After that, I called Lucy to have me help with choosing the best tutor for Rena. Since humans have different politics, Rena should also learn, since she is holding mostly humans.
She introduced me to a girl named Yrana. A Countess's daughter and a management genius at a young age. She is 19 years old, so she would be fit, since we can assume that she wasn't tarnished by the rot of the nobles.
Rena included her on her way back to her city which is named after her. What a nice proclaimation of power.
I am not preparing for my journey to the capital of Olteria. But first, I need to preserve this body for recognition. I asked for a mask from Lucy and a cape to cover my body. This will fit the aura huh.
"Your Majesty."
"Call me Lucifarge-sama. You're one of my general right now."
I noticed that she reddened a little, but I didn't pay much heed to it. She may just be delighted by my way of removing a barrier.
"L-lucirage-sama. What does this mean?"
"It means Master Lucifarge. There's nothing more on it."
"I-I see... Uhm, can I assist you on your journey?"
I have thought of making consideration on my journey. Since I have to show my power, it would be bad if I were the only one to visit the king. I am proclaiming my nation, so I need to show what I have.
"Then come with me. We will make those royals acknowledge our nation. They have no choice but to be threatened by a neutral nation. "
"W-well then. I will prepare the mask and cape. Please wait for a minute. I will have the spiders help me and have the best one."
After this... Hopefully I can visit my new mosnters. I haven't introduced them yet. Then fix the dimensional biome. Ah... what a busy schedule I have.
After a few minutes, my disguise was complete.
Lucy presented a red cape with a silky texture. It had gold linings and white cotton on the ends. There is a supporter on the collar that fits well around my neck and locks up around it. The mask was also a full-faced cover with simple red linings.This makes me feel like more of a demon lord.
"It really suits you, Lucifarge-sama!"
"Yeah. Thanks. We need to maximize our time. I have still things to do."
"Like what, Lucifarge-sama?"
"Welcoming our new members. I collected a number of new servants yesterday from the monster zone. They will have a big contribution on the development of our lands."
"That's brilliant, Lucifarge-sama." Now I am wondering what she is doing with her son. It seems like she's neglecting her son, although I saw Ru last night. Just things made me curious.
"What's Ru doing, by the way?" Lucy's eyes were surprised by my sudden question.
"He is with the other cat kins. They are educating him with things he need to learn."
I can't help but to respond shorlty. "I see..." It feels like she's neglecting her son. "Then, have a time with your son tomorrow."
"Is it okay, Lucifarge-sama?"
"It is. We need to go. I have still things to do."
[Yes, you are right, Hanzel. Like the Daily Quest. Maybe you should do it right now.]
'Eeek! Don't suddenly make a remark, Tema!'
[Sorry. But please don't neglect me.]
'Sorry. Just busy nowadays.'
[I understood.]
I can't help but to scratch my nape. It is really getting crowded. I mean, things I need to do are getting plenty.
I casted a skill on Lucy, making her fly with me. Although she couldn't control it, I assisted her with her movements.
"This is amazing, Lucifarge-sama! I never imagined I'd be able to fly like you."
Lucy is wearing the same features as mine but in a way of covering her demi-human features. It is important to not make the hate onto the demi-humans since we will visit there as a member of a nation.
"Save your amusement, Lucy. We'll now be moving at full speed."
'Tema, help me with anti-air spell. Register it as a skill so that I can activate it endlessly'
[Sure.]
International issues are just getting started.