As nightfall dawns on the bustling city of Hatchett, the glass dome that is the pinnacle of the realm over is basked in a shining light, illuminated not only by the stars above but the plethora of chandeliers and ornaments that light its interior.
Even for Kasper, this is new ground.
The last time he was here, he never had the chance of greeting the demon-realms greatest city on foot in the hue of night.
...Kasper and Sariel walk the halls of the pièce de résistance of the imperial dome, the cathedral itself, flanked tightly by a security squad and men in charcoal grey robes.
That's more like an envoy befitting a prince.
As they stroll the the long hallway of it's interior, the young lord can note the countless images and portraits that deck the halls.
Are they all former Bishops and high priests?
...Allowing his eyes to wander, Sariel can tell her master is not his usual calculating self. Perhaps the lull of Renee's story still hangs over him...
(crowd mumble)
"...What's going on there?"
Kasper calls out to the guard ahead of him when he notices a small delegation of men in robes like those adorned by Andrew and Josiah.
"..."
But there is no response.
"..."
"Hey! Your lord is asking you a question--"
Sariel attempts to reach the guard but her hand is stopped midway by Kasper's.
Who quickly gesture to her that he cannot speak.
He's not wrong.
On second glance, Sariel can see, through his helmet, scarring along the edges of the guard's mouth. Its not just him either, their whole squad appears to have been forcibly muted.
"...tsk." Sariel clicks her tongue frustrated.
The unusual way in which her master has been treated since they got to the city is starting to get to her.
(crowd mumble)
*Bump!
The delegation of robed individuals suddenly make for the entranceways, bumping into the security squad and consequently Kasper's envoy.
"HEY!"
"Ah-- apologies!"
One of them responds in a frenzy as they busy away. Whatever they're rushing for it must be urgent.
"...tch"
Particularly prickly tonight, aren't we Sari dear...
...If they only knew she could snap them in half in the blink of an eye, perhaps they wouldn't test her.
"It's not worth it Sari, focus on the goal at hand."
"Yes, sire."
Kasper declares to his aide, who gives a quick response and bows her head.
...There sure are a lot of portraits in this hallway...
This place could easily be mistaken for an art museum.
"K-KASPER!"
That stutter...
"It's so good to see you again, my how you've grown!"
Shouting all the way from further down the hall, is Samael.
Archbishop of Hatchett's cathedral and Minister of the City of Hatchett.
...Clad in a mesmerising blue and white pattern, the hunchbacked diminutive figure of Hatchett's absolute ruler looks as expensive as the halls he walks, and the city he rules...
"It's great to see you! R-Really just so great to see you!!"
Samael says reaching for a firm handshake, "...And you too." That is promptly accepted by Ashgate's young lord accompanied by a blank smile.
"My, oh my, firm!"
The bishop says, lingering just a little more than comfortable on that handshake.
"I-it really is startling how fast the saplings grow."
"I mean last i remember..."
...Last he remembers Kasper was but a boy.
Here on a trip with his father for the Goddess festival.
A lot has changed since then... obviously the city has had a bit of a face lift, but that's besides the point.
Not only was Kasper but a 'sapling' back then, Samael also wasn't the High Priest.
One of the four Archbishops for a little over a century, Samael was still plotting and prodding his way to the post he holds today.
Now of course Kasper and the good bishop of Hatchett have seen each other a countless times, but never a meeting of any substance. Never sharing a word.
...Until now
"I-It truly is an honour, to welcome the future emperor of the demon-realm."
"I assume his majesty fares well?"
The bishop asks in an unassuming tone.
"But of course, he sends his regards... your holiness."
Formalities, right Kasper...
"Oh- there's no need, I'm sure his grace has more urgent things to worry about, what with Landrose's treason..."
Samael exclaims, the disgust he adds to his tone almost sounds believable.
"Come now, all time is good time under the eyes of the watchful goddess."
"Indeed."
Ushering Kasper ahead toward the halls end, Samael shoos away the guards and clergy men that made up his envoy.
The bishop means to have a more 'private' conversation.
"..."
That's evident when he plants a stern eye on Sariel just as she is about to follow the pair.
"Hm?"
"Oh, she comes with me."
Kasper declares in a soft tone.
"Just procedure, surely you understand, right Minister?"
"...Oh b-but of course young lord."
Samael responds brightly, slowing making his way to her and offering his ringed hand to her.
He means to assert the hierarchy of authority.
"..." This prompts a less than pleased Sariel to kiss the ring on his index finger.
...Formalities Sariel, juuust formalities...
"Peculiar little thing aren't you...--"
"--Now, what would you like to discuss??"
In a quick change of tone, the guards step back and Sariel, Kasper and the minister begin to traverse the long hallway towards his office.
Along each wall to their sides is a portrait of a former Archbishop and his deputy...
It truly does resemble a museum.
...With the number of portraits hang against the wall, one thing that quickly becomes apparent is that this city far predates the era of the demon-lord system.
That is, the number of Archbishops and bishops go beyond the time of the last two Demon-lord Supremes.
This is something that, depending on where you look at it from, can be a bad or good thing.
"Come in, come in."
Ushering them through two huge double doors that represent his office, Samael directs Kasper and his aide into a glass room, just passed one gigantic portrait of him right above the door.
....
"C-can i offer you anything? Wine?"
The old demon makes the offer, turning and going to sit at the head of his massive semi-circle shaped table.
"No, I'm good, thanks."
Kasper responds, taking a seat on the guest sofa as Sariel stands by his side.
"...A-alright"
Samael exclaims, straightening a small statue of the goddess vita before he relaxes back into his seat.
The statue is a miniature version of the pillar behind him, that is, the goddess with a bird in her right hand and snake wrapped around her left.
...Beside it is another statue...
To Samael's left, the pillar there is of the god Hatchett, holding up the head of a minotaur with a demonic grin on his face.
"...I have to admit I was very worried when I heard word that the young prince was wondering the streets of the holy city..."
Samael says in a tone that is easily distinguishable as 'pretend-worry' as he reclines into his seat.
"--Forgive me Minister, i only wished to see the sights that are so revered all throughout the continent."
Kasper response however, is most formal, professional.
Nice poker face...
"It's fine, many come far and wide to gaze at the light of the realm."
"So... shall we get to business."
The bishop declares, quickly trying to move the conversation along
"Right."
Kasper responds sharply.
"Wait, you believe me to be here on formal business?"
The young lord of Ashgate asks in a rhetorical.
He knows the answer, he desires only to move things along as well.
"But ofcourse! Otherwise you wouldn't be carrying your family's crest after all."
Samael gestures to Kasper's blazer, where the chain of the medallion he used at the front office can just be made out.
"..."
"You assume correct."
The young lord smiles in response.
"Good, but before we get started allow me to say something, since you speak in your father's capacity."
"Okay? I'm all ears"
"Effective immediately, Emperor Supreme of all demons, i'd like to tender my resignation from the post of Minister of Hatchet."
Like words out of a strangers mouth and onto the canvas of a foreign artists work, Samael's sudden declaration hits Kasper like a freight train!
"..."
"What?"
With a spanner thrown into the works of the young lord's plans, Kasper preps himself for what will surely be an enthralling game of cat and mouse!
The Internal politics of the highest table in the realm are about to begin!
"..."
"..."
-To Be Continued-