Chapter 25.1: Uneased Past, Uncertain future
[Andromalius's pov]
The time has long passed dusk; I guess the day was spent too much on their majesty. There is little I can do other than stand by their side and serve as Saudade's new sovereign's caretaker. It's difficult to see how easily they disregard their health for the sake of others' benefits, but I was able to change their self-destructive thinking.
"Good night, sir Andromalius," the pitiful sovereign says as they drag their weary feet back to that atrocious office.
I should return to the sleeping chamber the supporters have built for them. The wooden door opened only for their unconscious body; what is the point of this unused space if the user will never sleep in it?
"Shall I sleep soundly tonight, unconcerned about the state of tomorrow?" While I sleep, the thoughts follow me.
Morning comes without a haze of a dream; it has been centuries since that happened. "The sealing" is as dreadful as they predicted, but the event hasn't been as bad for me, as most of my legions were able to flee; I am far too fortunate that such a disaster did not occur on my battlefield.
My training begins, as usual, with swinging on end with my lance. Though the legendary Longinus is no longer in my possession, these iron lances are quite durable and will not be easily broken by the sheer force of my swing.
1..2, 50…51,999…1000. My lance mastery was deteriorating, and the youth had begun to improve to the point where I couldn't teach them anything else. But I saw Mikhail swing those lances so differently yesterday; their stance is graceful but still powerful, and each stab was intended to take lives. Such terrifying tactics, I must inquire whether they intend to teach me.
They've finished their nightly chores, so here they come. They don't appear to be energized at all. I should help them whenever they require it.
"Good day, your Majesty." I greet them by bowing. Their stance is not that of an all-nighter; they have learned to mitigate these flaws. It's good for their image and popularity, but their unique abilities will bite them one day.
"Good day, sir Andromalius. I see you're training again." The sound is groaning, which is why we are known for their unhealthy session. I learned the reason for their resurrection from death by speaking with the advisor. I almost gave them a proper warrior's passage.
"I would like to ask you about these lances; they seem quite durable to me," is the first question that comes to mind. The expression hasn't changed; they've been the same since the beginning; is it in their nature to hide emotions?
"These lances are replicas that I made from mythril; I'm glad they fit your hand," Mikhail replies simply. So the metal is mythril, which I thought was rune-crafted before. I suppose these advancements ... no, for such a large quantity of rare minerals to be produced in such a short period of time, miracles are truly mind-boggling to endure.
It has made me remember both of them who changed my life:
The first was Lord Lucifer, whom I followed as a Power of Authority; whose light shines brightest in the morning star. I'm sorry I couldn't save him on that fateful day.
[Flashback]
"You can't possibly rebel against the all-father, you'll die," I shout in desperation, the announcement of God creating the kind that will roam around the new world he created and how it will be the ruler of that place having frustrated him so much.
"What that old fool has done, as much as I worship him, has gone too far." Lucifer refutes, his sword still hung on the sheath, has not vanished into the void space.
"Restrict our curiosity?" Creating a new species in his image? I'm not sure if he still loves us?" Stomping around, he shakes the ground of paradise, his footprint staining the cloud into an ugly gray.
"I believe he has a valid reason. He's never done anything without a reason." I shoved him into a training duel in an attempt to calm his lingering questions. I've gained the upper hand as he continues to dwell on these unusual thoughts.
"I care about our future, Andromalius," Lucifer says, pushing back my thrust as the final clack against my spear. " I need your help in doing so. Can you do it for us, not just for me?" As a result, the seed of doubt is planted in my mind, and the spear loosens the ends of my advancement.
"I will, my friend," I respond, daydreaming of a new paradise where we angels can live freely instead of the new kind.
[End of flashback]
Those kinds of thoughts nagged at me. The second is Lysander Asmodeus, the first king of Saudade, of whom we are all aware. I hate to bring up my irresponsible nephew, but-
"You've been dozing off lately; were you pushing yourself?" Mikhail pokes me while talking. Talk about yourself, little majesty; haven't you been working yourself to death since you arrived?
"I am fine, Mikhail. Were you requesting anything from me?"
"I'd like to invite you to accompany me to my meeting with the dark bishop this afternoon. I was afraid of causing something unnecessary and ruining our relationship." Mikhail admits that the issue has been bothering them for a long time. They have justified their cause for the previous stayed-up session.
"I will do as you request, but isn't the advisor a better fit for you?" There is no reason, Mikhail has their wisdom when they choose me, but I don't understand why they refuse to use the servants. Is it mistrust, or is there something more foreboding at work?
"As a justified discipline, he will simply side with the dark bishop." I don't want to be pushed aside without a chance to respond. You are correct about being second to suit, but your supportive devotion, sir Andromalius, is much more appreciated."
Mikhail says as they confront me, looking as if I've pushed them over the edge. I'll leave this topic alone for the time being. But it is still valuable for them to bring up my devotion, even if it is intended as a distraction.
"I understand; you're not going to question your decision any further." Please get some rest before then." I said my goodbyes to Mikhail before proceeding to the central church in the heart of the market. The filth of greed and envy could have been just after a confession session.
The dark star still hung in front of the church, disgusting that they had twisted Lucifer's banner into something so sinister.
The dark bishop has just finished preaching about the old one teaching how to be a demon, and while I am opposed to dragging humanity down with us, I see our role as "necessary evil" in comparison to what those new demons are preaching about.
"I am not aware of the northern lord coming to accompany me." The dark bishop mockingly walks out of the church, his clothes still stained red from the ceremony's blood.
"I am not, as you have stated. I've just been out here for their majesty's sake to see about this afternoon meeting." I comply, unflattered. The crowd is annoyingly quiet today as we walk back to the palace on the dirt path. It happens rarely, so why is it happening today of all day?
"Oh, yeah, that one. Regrettably, I had always expected you to take over Saudade if they declared themselves sovereign." Is the dark bishop trying to make small talk by speaking in a bored tone?
"Do you have any issues with them being our sovereign?" I inquire about the sudden interest.
"Our? You're going to like them." The dark bishop giggles and a gargoyle's laugh is most irritated when it truly finds the subject of its comedy.
"However, none of their so-called change has been damaging or converting. I've relaxed my guard around it. However…" The dark bishop becomes solemn; for one to be such a bothersome problem for Mikhail, should it get rid of him now?
"Today's meeting is about our annual blood moon ball. I wish they had chosen the advisor, but Milord's knowledge is unrivaled. I only ask that you refrain from cuddling them with your embrace." Oh, he was referring to my excessive adornment; why are they bringing it up?; I simply liked his conclusion because it was the first in many years to find common ground.
"I won't"
They've been working since we parted ways until I bring in the dark bishop. They have their own way of organizing, so the room appears to be tidy enough. Throughout the cupboard, there are numerous portions of dandelion tea. They struggle to keep up with work on their own.
The meeting, as promised by the dark bishop, will take place through Mikhail, and the dark bishop has been discussing etiquette and pleasantry. The dark bishop has been demonstrated by aristocrats without flaws or opinions in the old society. The meeting concludes with a difficult question.
"How will Saudade present itself without the usual title of Asmodeus' descendant?" While returning the documents to his void space, the dark bishop inquires.
"I should declare it the 72nd Ars Goetia's demon territory," I suggest. If they haven't refuted it, it will simply end there.
"I disagree; I can't rely on Sir Andromalius to protect me all the time. It would be the territory of the third archangel." Mikhail refutes; their determination to step out of my nephew's shadow is lauded, but is it worth it right now?
"Your Majesty, you can't be that serious." I'm sure you're aware that this is an important aspect of demons. If you keep it that way, you'll make enemies with others." The dark bishop inquires as to how they can change their minds. Knowing Mikhail, I doubt it will be easy.
"I've been thinking about it ever since we agreed on the throne. If I want the kingdom to be safe, I have to do it myself." Mikhail declares firmly as the dark bishop storms out in frustration.
The meeting concludes with the sovereign's words. I hope they don't come to regret their declaration, as much as I do.
The end
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The spotlight on the stage.
It could have a different meaning.
A diva singing has gained people's attention.
Or a goat that was meant to be sacrificed?