The attendant bowed before leaving. A few moments later, he returned carrying an ornate black case.
Seragus opened it himself.
Inside rested a beautifully crafted obsidian medallion engraved with the royal crest of the Demonic Kingdom. Alongside it was a folded royal decree bearing his personal seal.
He pushed both toward Atheline.
"This is an unrestricted royal travel pass."
Lucifer looked impressed.
"I’ve never really seen it; it deserves its praise."
Seragus smiled. He looked back toward Atheline and Lilith.
"From this moment onward, you may travel anywhere within my kingdom. If local governors question your presence, show them this. If military commanders stop you, show them this. If any official attempts to interfere, they answer to me."
He tapped the decree.
"My seal guarantees full cooperation. You’ll receive supplies whenever reasonably available and if you require assistance... The nearest garrison will provide it."
Atheline looked genuinely surprised.
"This is an enormous privilege."
"It is." Seragus nodded. "But you’ve earned it. Our kingdoms trust one another. I won’t become the obstacle standing in your way."
Lilith stood.
"So long as we remain within your borders, we shall honor that trust."
Seragus rose as well.
"I know you will."
They exchanged a firm handshake.
The banquet continued late into the evening. Lucifer challenged Atheline to another sparring match during their stay.
"Just one."
"You’ve probably gotten stronger since the trade negotiations."
Atheline laughed.
"I’ll think about it."
"That’s not a yes."
"It’s not a no either."
Lilith quietly sipped her tea while listening to the two of them banter. The little fox had long since fallen asleep beside her plate, completely unconcerned with diplomacy.
Occasionally a servant would pass by and smile at the tiny creature. She accepted the attention without ever opening her eyes.
Eventually the gathering came to an end. Servants escorted the royal couple back toward the eastern guest wing.
Before they departed, Seragus spoke once more.
"It grows late. Stay here tonight. You’ve traveled across an ocean through continental teleportation. There is no need to rush into the wilderness."
Lilith nodded.
"It would also be discourteous for us to leave immediately after arriving."
Atheline agreed.
"We’ll depart tomorrow morning."
"Excellent."
Seragus smiled.
"I hope tomorrow treats you kindly."
"So do I."
Later that night, the palace had grown quiet. Most lights across the capital still burned beneath the warm night sky.
Lilith and Atheline stood together upon a high balcony overlooking the Demonic Capital. Unlike the mountain city of the Dark Elves, the demon capital spread across a vast volcanic plateau.
Wide avenues stretched between towering fortresses and bustling markets. Rivers of glowing lava flowed safely through carefully engineered channels outside the city walls, providing both warmth and light. Countless crimson lanterns illuminated the streets below, making the city resemble a sea of flickering stars.
The little fox rested comfortably atop the stone railing, staring curiously at the unfamiliar city. A cool breeze drifted across the balcony.
Atheline unfolded the map they had created around the location the Goddess had provided. He compared them with the maps Seragus had provided earlier.
"The direction is becoming clearer."
Lilith stepped beside him.
"It points toward the northeastern interior, far beyond the established trade routes."
He nodded.
"There are very few settlements and plenty of ancient ruins."
Lilith traced one finger across the parchment.
"Our first destination will likely be somewhere around these mountain ranges. If the Goddess’s clue is accurate."
Atheline folded the map carefully.
"Then tomorrow, we finally leave civilization."
Lilith looked out across the sleeping capital one last time.
Beyond the distant walls stretched an immense continent filled with forgotten ruins, corrupted lands, ancient secrets, and mysteries untouched for countless generations.
Somewhere within that vast wilderness lay the place the Goddess had pointed them toward. Whether it contained answers or dangers greater than either of them expected, they would soon discover.
.
.
.
Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the eastern guest wing, bathing the elegant chamber in a warm crimson glow. The Demonic Capital had already awakened, and the distant sounds of merchants, soldiers, and craftsmen drifted through the open balcony doors.
From somewhere below came the rhythmic ringing of a blacksmith’s hammer, followed by the laughter of children beginning another day.
Atheline stood by the balcony fastening the straps of his travel pack while the little fox stretched lazily atop the railing. She let out a tiny yawn before leaping effortlessly onto his shoulder, curling around his neck like a fluffy scarf.
Lilith emerged from the adjoining room moments later, dressed once again in the practical traveling attire she had worn upon arriving. The only jewelry she retained was her royal signet ring and a small enchanted pendant hidden beneath her cloak.
She looked toward the capital stretching into the distance.
"It will be some time before we see another city like this."
Atheline smiled.
"If everything goes according to plan."
Lilith gave him a knowing look.
"When has one of our expeditions ever gone according to plan?"
He laughed quietly.
"...Fair enough."
The two exchanged an amused glance before leaving their chambers.
Breakfast had been prepared in one of the palace’s smaller dining halls. King Seragus was already waiting alongside Prince Lucifer.
Unlike the previous evening’s banquet, the atmosphere was relaxed enough that everyone served themselves rather than relying on attendants.
Lucifer greeted them with his usual cheerful grin.
"I was hoping you’d stay another day."
Atheline took his seat across from him.
"If we did, we’d probably end up spending the entire day sparring."
Lucifer looked genuinely tempted.
"I fail to see the problem."
Seragus chuckled while pouring tea.
"You’ll have another opportunity."
Turning to his guests, he said warmly, "I hope the accommodations were comfortable."
"They were excellent," Lilith replied. "Your hospitality has been most generous."
"I’m pleased to hear it."
The conversation drifted naturally from one topic to another.
They spoke about merchant fleets crossing the sea between their kingdoms, the steady increase in trade since the moon crystal exchange, and the prosperity it had brought to both nations.
"Our artificers are still talking about those moon crystals," Seragus said with obvious satisfaction. "We’ve nearly doubled the production of several enchanted tools already."
"And our blacksmiths are equally impressed with your volcanic ores," Atheline replied. "The blacksteel has become one of the most requested materials in our kingdom."
Lucifer laughed.
"I suppose everyone wins."
"It would seem so," Lilith answered.