Back then, Ramiris hadn't been the Fairy Queen but a higher existence known as the Spirit Queen. However, because she had exhausted her powers during that incident, she fell from grace and degenerated—from Spirit Queen to Fairy Queen—and became the third Demon Lord following Guy and Milim. Together with them, she co-founded what came to be called the "Demon Lords' Banquet."
In her days as Spirit Queen, Ramiris hadn't needed to undergo reincarnation. But after degenerating into the Fairy Queen, she had to be reborn continuously. Whenever Ramiris's magic power reached its maximum limit, she would birth an avatar—a new Ramiris—who inherited her identity in full. Even in reincarnation, Ramiris's ego (her self-awareness) persisted through each generation.
Thus, Ramiris was the only "hereditary" Demon Lord.
One advantage of this cyclical rebirth was that every time Ramiris grew up in a new body, her power would surpass that of her "mother." Each fully matured Ramiris ended up stronger than the last generation. The downside was that, before maturing, she remained very weak and required protection. Hence, Ramiris constantly wavered between evolution and degeneration, growing stronger and weaker by turns.
At present, Ramiris's latest incarnation was still very young—hence her childlike form, small body, and somewhat childish temperament. Even so, no one dared mess with her, because Guy and Milim were still around. That also explained why Ramiris felt free to flutter right up to Milim so casually.
Nevertheless, everyone was puzzled by Milim's earlier remark. But she just went on stuffing her face, clearly reluctant to explain.
"Aah, Milim, stop eating and just tell us—what happened with Guy?"
Ramiris, exasperated, grabbed at Milim's cheeks with her tiny hands.
"Oh, looks like someone beat him up. He was all bruised, face swollen like a pig's. Probably embarrassed to show up."
Eventually Milim spilled the beans.
Her words caused quite a stir.
"Eh???"
Ramiris exclaimed in shock.
The other Demon Lords wore equally incredulous expressions.
Frey arched her refined brows over her lovely face. "Primordial Red was beaten…by someone?"
The red-and-blue–eyed Queen of Nightmares, Luminus, spoke in a low voice. "Impossible."
No one could believe it. Guy Crimson stood for the apex of power in the current world—who could possibly beat him to a pulp? The only one who might have done so was the Star King Dragon, but he was long dead. The next candidate was Milim herself.
"Take it or leave it—I only know what I saw," Milim said indifferently, waving them off.
"…"
There was nothing more to do but try to gauge how real her account might be.
Ramiris clapped her tiny hands as if to change the subject. "Even if Guy's not here, it doesn't really matter. We're basically here to talk about a monster that became a Demon Lord but then died. Not much of an issue."
After all, it was already dead. It couldn't shake up the balance among the Ten Demon Lords if it was gone. So, no big deal.
"Oh, then hurry it up. I've got better things to do," Milim said, sounding bored.
"Alright," Ramiris agreed, turning to Clayman. "You're the one who brought this news—go on."
"My pleasure."
Clayman displayed his "signature" sly smile.
"This matter concerns a Orc who evolved into a Demon Lord-type in the Great Forest of Jura—"
"The Great Forest of Jura will belong to me from here on out."
Before Clayman could continue, a voice cut him off.
"Who?!"
All the Demon Lords snapped their gazes to see that someone was now sitting in Guy's seat—a black-haired man. Seated on the arm of the chair beside him was a white-haired woman.
Milim's eyes went round.
"Great Aunt?!"
She addressed the woman like that.
"Milim, long time no see."
Velzard smiled, greeting Milim.
"…"
Everyone looked grave.
They knew of this Frost Dragon, Milim's aunt, and recognized her draconic aura. But who was the black-haired man sitting in Guy's seat?
Clayman, eyes narrowed, asked, "Uninvited guest—what do you mean by saying the Great Forest of Jura is yours?"
Faced with the Frost Dragon, he couldn't put on much of an air.
Rei Ao gave him a brief glance and let out a cold chuckle. "Just as you heard. From now on, the Great Forest of Jura is mine. There's no need for you lot to fight over it…"
"Oh, and by the way, that so-called Demon Lord-type in the Great Forest of Jura? I'm the one who killed it."
"What did you say?"
Clayman's face darkened first, even before anyone else could react. A shadow flickered in his eyes. In the next moment—
"Tch!"
Veins bulged on Clayman's forehead, his eyes bulging as well.
"Did I give you permission to raise your voice?"
Rei Ao's tone was frigid, and he wore a wicked smile.
"Demon Lord Clayman—member of the 'Moderate Harlequin Alliance' and known as the 'Crazy Pierrot,' right? You're the one who masterminded events in the Great Forest of Jura, aren't you?"
"!!!"
All the Demon Lords stared at Clayman in shock.
It wasn't the alleged scheming that startled them so much as his ghastly expression. He looked like he was suffocating under some crushing force, veins popping all over, blood trickling from every orifice. They had no idea what was happening to him.
Clayman himself felt as though his body was being crushed by the entire world. He couldn't move. He couldn't even summon his power. If it went on like this, he'd be squashed to death by some invisible force. Fighting for his life, he managed to work his blood-soaked mouth: "N-not—"
Clayman tried to deny it. But before he could finish—
Boom!!!
For no apparent reason, Clayman's body burst apart, spraying blood and flesh across the meeting-room chairs, table, and walls.
"Sorry, but I don't need to hear your excuses," Rei Ao murmured.
With a single thought, he had erased Clayman. He had no interest in the man's explanations or attempts at self-defense. Clayman wasn't worthy of talking things out on equal footing.
Velzard let out a regretful sigh. "Aww, Rei Ao, you should've let me kill him. I'm itchy for a good fight."
"No need. Touching that clown would just dirty your hands."
Rei Ao ran his hand over Velzard's palm, then turned a chilly smile toward the remaining Demon Lords.
"So I'll say it again: the Great Forest of Jura is mine. Do you all…understand?"
~~~
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