Dah continued watching Mai as she continued her story, essentially what she was interested in was knowing what had happened to the village, and if there were any survivors.
Dah paused then began his concoction of a tale, "The village was attacked by a ferocious beast. I suspect it originated from the Territory of Kilore." He had decided to go with this story due to the recent rumors that Xarros had gone to investigate. "By the time my troops arrived it was already too late, it was reported that it looked like a slaughter."
Princess Mai's face crumpled slightly, this was not what she had expected but the demon lord had no reason to lie so she would believe him.
"Were there any survivors?"
"What would you do with them?" Dah asked apathetically
A brief glimmer of hope appeared on her face. 'Does this mean there are survivors?'
She answered honestly, "if there were any we would like to give them the chance to join our kingdom."
Dah nodded amicably, "There was just one, but they were found unconscious. Upon awakening they had very little recollection of the event. As humans go they were in rough shape, however they seem to have relatively toughed out the worst of it."
Mai could not help but feel overjoyed at this. At least there was one survivor! "I would like to see them as soon as possible!"
"I will make sure they are available later. For now I insist that we feast." Dah stated this leaving no room for disagreement.
Princess Mai bowed again as Raphael promptly led them to the banquet hall.
Suddenly Dah's expression lifted 'Either Saul's soul did not resist well or he was getting quicker at submissions.'
...
The banquet hall had been decorated extensively as if they were receiving a king from a foreign kingdom. Dah could not help but feel impressed at how quickly his stewards had put this feast together.
Princess Mai and her company also shared shocked expressions with one another as they entered the hall.
'Who knew the Demon Lord's castle and staff could be so inviting'
Despite the loss of their comrade mere moments ago they soon lost themselves to food and wine. The only one among them who stayed alert was Mai.
Dah had been keeping his distance for the most part and was engaging in social conversation with Catera who had been exchanging glances with a pair of soldiers. These soldiers several glasses deep had flushed and lustful expressions on their faces. Catera had come in a black skimpy dress that contrasted beautifully with her red hair. She leaned forward towards the soldiers allowing herself to swing temptingly much to their delight, before sitting back up and turning her attention back to Dah.
"I could have both of them if I wanted to." She told him with a seductive smile.
Dah agreed, she was the picture of attractive with ample proportions and a generously cut dress.
Almost as an afterthought she added in a disappointed tone, "but they couldn't handle it, they never can."
This made Dah scrunch his eyebrows together 'Has she done it with a human, or does she mean in general?'
Deciding not to proceed with that question instead he approached Princess Mai. Princess Mai noticing his approach stiffened slightly but managed a welcoming smile.
"Thank you for this most welcome feast."
"Think nothing of it, I will be out tomorrow so unfortunately I must ask you to take your leave in the morning. I will be sending the survivor to meet with you in the morning. They will likely be interested in leaving with you. I ask that you take good care of them for me."
"Of course" she replied instantly although she felt a burning curiosity to know more about the survivor she decided to hold her tongue.
Nodding satisfactorily he approached the soldiers that had been making eyes at Catera.
"She's available you know."
Neither soldier could hold their grin, featuring flushed looks, and somewhat dazed expressions one of the soldiers winked at Catera.
Then Dah continued, "But you would die..."
This sobered the soldiers up more then a glass of ice water to the face would have. Gulping they decided to focus on their meal instead of what could have been their dessert.
The feast continued on into the night before, eventually exhausted, the soldiers and Princess Mai were escorted to their sleeping quarters.
Finally the hall only contained Raphael and Catera. Seizing the opportunity to ask Dah a question Raphael approached him, "Why did you tell them there was a survivor?"
"Because now we have someone on the inside." Dah replied before transforming into a human.
Raphael now understanding his lords plan inclined his head before continuing, "But my lord it is too dangerous and I am not confident that they will treat you well. Could we not instead send Sora?"
"I have already decided and thought this through. Sora is a demi human and will not be trusted in their kingdom. Also she now bears the mark of the demon flag, if that were to be discovered she would surely be executed on the spot." Dah stared right at Raphael as he spoke, "...and besides what better way for me to gain more knowledge and souls in a discreet manner?"
Glancing at Catera to see her thoughts he was struck with an expression unlike her. It seemed that she had zoned out when Dah had transformed into a human and was instead eying him up and down. Dah hesitated was she angry at him? Or upset with his plan.
Suddenly as if she had made a decision her eyes sent him a signal that only he understood the meaning of. Positioning herself so that her figure could be appreciated an aura of wanting emanated from her.
'Does.. does she have a fetish for humans!?'
As if to confirm her thoughts she walked close to Dah brushing her chest against him before leaning in and whispering, "Others can't handle me... but you could."
Dah felt a blood rush upon hearing these words. This was definitely something to be explored. However he unfortunately still had preparations to make. Smiling at her he winked before continuing on with his conversation with Raphael.
This would have to take a rain check for now. Although with a sneaking glance at her tempting frame he found himself wondering if anyone would be able to handle what was on her mind.
...