King Seragus entered with confident strides.
He was a tall demon with dark crimson skin, black horns sweeping backward from his temples, and long dark hair tied behind him. His crimson cloak rested over broad shoulders, and despite the regal attire, there was an approachable warmth in his expression. He looked nothing like Prince Lucifer, probably because Atheline had never seen his demon form.
He spread his arms.
"Queen Lilith."
Lilith offered a graceful nod.
"King Seragus."
Their handshake was firm, then Seragus turned toward Atheline.
"And the famous King Atheline. It’s good to finally welcome you to my palace."
"The honor is mine."
The two kings clasped forearms instead of simply shaking hands.
Seragus laughed.
"I’ve heard quite enough stories about you."
"I hope only the good ones."
"Oh, certainly not."
Everyone in the room chuckled. The atmosphere immediately became relaxed.
Relations between the two kingdoms had remained strong, especially after the moon crystal trade was reestablished.
Although separated by an entire continent, trade routes and diplomatic exchanges had steadily expanded since Lilith’s coronation.
Seragus gestured toward comfortable seats surrounding a long table.
"Come. We can talk properly inside."
Servants immediately poured tea. Refreshments were placed before everyone.
After several moments of polite conversation regarding the journey, Seragus’s eyes drifted toward the luggage resting nearby.
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Hm."
Lilith noticed.
"What is it?"
He smiled.
"I was expecting royal caravans."
Instead, he looked toward Atheline’s travel pack.
"And yet... You’ve brought adventuring equipment."
His gaze shifted to Lilith’s practical clothing.
"Even Your Majesty abandoned formal dress."
He leaned back thoughtfully.
"Interesting."
Most visiting rulers traveled with mountains of luggage. By comparison, the belongings carried by the royal couple looked astonishingly modest.
Seragus stroked his chin.
"Planning to disappear into the wilderness?"
Atheline smiled innocently.
"We do enjoy traveling."
"So I’ve heard." Seragus laughed. "But somehow, I don’t think that’s the whole story."
Lilith calmly sipped her tea.
"We have several matters we’d like to handle while we’re here."
"A diplomatic inspection?"
"In a manner of speaking."
Seragus narrowed his eyes with amusement.
"You’re both surprisingly skilled at answering questions without actually answering them."
Neither denied it. And that alone confirmed his suspicions; still, Seragus wasn’t offended. Every ruler had matters best kept confidential.
If they wished to reveal their true objective later, they would. If not, he trusted they had good reasons; instead, he waved dismissively.
"Very well. I won’t pry. When you’re ready to tell me, you’ll tell me. I do hope it is not something that will affect my kingdom. "
Lilith inclined her head slightly.
"You have my thanks."
Seragus smiled.
"Whatever you’re planning, consider the Demonic Kingdom your home while you’re here. You’ll have unrestricted access to the palace. If you require escorts, maps, supplies, or local guides... Simply ask."
Atheline nodded appreciatively.
"We’re grateful."
The servants then presented several finely crafted chests.
Lilith rose first.
"As is customary... The Dark Elven Kingdom brings gifts celebrating the continued friendship between our nations."
One chest was opened. Inside rested beautifully carved moonwood sculptures crafted by Dark Elven artisans. Another contained enchanted fabrics woven from silk harvested within the sacred forests.
The third held rare wines and medicinal herbs found only within the mountain valleys surrounding the Dark Elven Court.
Seragus’s eyes brightened.
"Magnificent."
He genuinely admired the craftsmanship. With a grin, he clapped once.
"Our turn."
Demonic attendants carried forward several equally impressive gifts. Forged blacksteel weapons famous throughout the continent.
Rare crimson gemstones formed deep beneath volcanic mountains. Ancient books copied from the royal archives detailing the history of the Demonic Kingdom.
Finally, an ornate box crafted from dark red wood. Inside lay several smooth crimson crystals.
"These," Seragus explained proudly, "are Ember Crystals. They naturally absorb heat from volcanic regions. They’re often used by our craftsmen to forge enchanted equipment."
Atheline examined one carefully. The dark Aether contained within it was remarkably pure.
"A generous gift."
Seragus waved dismissively.
"Between friends."
The formal exchange concluded amid warm smiles rather than stiff ceremony. As attendants carefully carried the gifts away, Seragus stood once more.
"I’ve had your guest quarters prepared. They’re located in the eastern royal wing. It has private gardens, training grounds, and a direct route to the library."
He smiled knowingly at Atheline.
"I had a feeling you’d appreciate the last one."
Lilith almost smiled.
"You know us well."
"I’ve learned that whenever the two of you travel somewhere... It rarely stays a simple diplomatic visit for long."
Atheline laughed.
"We’ll try not to cause too much trouble."
Seragus threw his head back and laughed loudly.
"For some reason, I don’t believe that."
The three rulers left the receiving chamber together, their conversation continuing as palace attendants followed respectfully behind.
.
.
.
The sun had already begun its slow descent when the evening banquet commenced.
Golden light filtered through the towering crystal windows of the Demonic Royal Palace, bathing the grand banquet hall in warm hues of crimson and amber.
Massive chandeliers forged from black steel and light crystal floated overhead, illuminating the long table prepared for the honored guests.
Unlike the extravagant state banquets held for foreign dignitaries, tonight’s gathering was intentionally modest. Only the royal family and a handful of trusted attendants were present.
King Seragus preferred conversations where politics could be discussed without dozens of nobles trying to overhear every word.
As Lilith and Atheline entered the hall, a familiar voice called out.
"Atheline!"
Prince Lucifer strode over with his usual bright grin. He extended his hand enthusiastically.
"It’s good to see you again."
Atheline smiled as they clasped forearms.
"I was wondering if you’d returned from the eastern provinces."
"I came back yesterday." Lucifer laughed. "My father told me your arrival was supposed to be tomorrow."
"We left earlier than expected."
"I noticed."
Lucifer’s eyes wandered toward the little fox quietly perched on Atheline’s shoulder.
"...And if it isn’t our little savior?"
The tiny fox tilted her head curiously, her fluffy tail swaying lazily behind her.
Atheline gently scratched beneath her chin.
"Don’t praise her too much; she’s an addict to that."
The fox gave a pleased little chirp. Lucifer chuckled.
"Seeing it this small makes it look like the larger version was nothing but a mere illusion. What I’m seeing right now is something utterly adorable."
The fox puffed out her chest proudly as though accepting the compliment. Even Seragus laughed.
"I almost didn’t notice her earlier; she has excellent manners."
Lilith reached over and gently stroked the fox’s back.
"She usually sleeps through diplomatic meetings."
Almost as if understanding her words, the fox yawned dramatically before curling into a comfortable ball on Atheline’s shoulder.