An ancient wooden door was pushed open. With it came the thick, cloying scent of blood. A cloud of black smoke, forming like a vehicle appearing out of thin air, brought its overlord to visit this very place.
The surrounding atmosphere was so silent that one could only hear the flow of dark energy within the room. A feeling of terror and pressure permeated every square inch.
If the scenery outside the window had been a dark and stormy night, Lucifer could guarantee this scene would be a blockbuster if put in a horror movie, and it would certainly help reinforce the stereotypes other races had of them.
"This place of yours is still lonely as ever... haven't you thought of getting a servant or two to sweep and clean up a bit?"
The Blood Demon Overlord's voice was so flat it was hard to read. It was uncertain whether it held hidden displeasure or was merely a jest.
As an individual who held his honor and dignity in the highest regard, the Blood Demon Overlord naturally enjoyed the respect and adoration from his servants.
But the Overlord wasn't "berserk" all the time. At least, when he was here with Lucifer, he was happy to indulge in the quiet and comfort of the atmosphere.
"Hmm... I didn't expect to find another guest here. Have I come at a bad time?"
The Blood Demon Overlord, who had just stepped into the room, wore a haughty expression. He glanced at Warfarin, who sat frozen stiff in a corner.
That single glance was enough to make Warfarin, who was under immense pressure, break out in a cold sweat that drenched her back.
"Warfarin... I remember you."
The Blood Demon Overlord narrowed his eyes. He remembered who this female Blood Demon was. However, Warfarin was just a common Blood Demon, not even a prince's servant, so the Overlord didn't pay her much mind.
"You seem agitated. Would you like me to offer some of my blood to calm your nerves?"
Hearing this, Warfarin thought the Overlord was about to sacrifice her on the spot. But before she could even kneel to beg for forgiveness, the Overlord suddenly summoned a bottle of blood wine and offered it to her.
Judging from the scent, it seemed to be the purest Kuranta blood?
"Uh... thank you, my lord."
Warfarin held the bottle of blood wine with both hands, thanking him awkwardly. The Blood Demon Overlord, however, acted as if he couldn't be bothered with such a trifle. He walked straight over and sat down opposite Lucifer.
Lucifer produced a clean, tall wine glass with perfect timing and poured red wine for the Blood Demon Overlord.
But when the Overlord saw that there wasn't the slightest trace of blood mixed in the red wine, he frowned in displeasure.
"Red wine? Is this the way to treat guests that you've learned over the years?"
If any other Blood Demon or Prince had offended him like this, the lightest punishment would be to be flayed alive.
"Don't be so negative, my friend. I've tried this stuff, it's top-shelf. The only reason I'm bringing it out is because I consider you a friend, you know." In the last war, Lucifer had acquired quite a lot of spoils from foreign lands, and these wines were among them.
"Hmph... don't play with words. This kind of thing is utterly meaningless, except for creating a fake atmosphere in a terribly boring bedchamber."
The Blood Demon Overlord, who seemed to be speaking without a shred of courtesy, nonetheless lifted the glass of red wine and took a small sip. Then, his brow furrowed even deeper.
"Completely devoid of texture... even the blood of an Infected Zalak is a hundred times better than this."
Despite saying so, the Overlord did not throw the wine glass away in a fit of rage.
Lucifer said nothing, but Warfarin, who was beside them, wore an expression as if she had just witnessed the most shocking event of the year.
Is this the Blood Demon Overlord? Ducale, the cruel and merciless... the temperamental... the one who kills without batting an eye... A person whom countless people, even their fellow Sarkaz, are terrified of. Is this really the same person?
Why do I feel like he's just a grumpy, gentlemanly noble?
"Don't misunderstand, Warfarin. Why do you think I come here to find Lucifer, instead of visiting the lands of the other Princes?"
Just as Warfarin was re-evaluating her entire perception of the Blood Demon Overlord, he spoke up just in time to salvage his own image.
Of course, he wasn't the type to be persuaded or reformed. Not even the Scavenger King or the current Sarkaz King could do it.
The reason he was so lenient with Lucifer was that Lucifer was powerful and possessed a uniqueness unrivaled among the other princes. The only reason he treated Warfarin well was that he saw her as Lucifer's guest.
It could be said that the Blood Demon Overlord greatly admired Lucifer. Whenever he attended the council meetings in Kazdel, he would always bring Lucifer along.
"Gulp... yes, my lord."
Warfarin swallowed hard and nodded slightly. Although she was still terrified of the Overlord, she had Lucifer to thank for being able to face him now without feeling completely overwhelmed by the pressure.
In one respect, she and the Overlord were in agreement... compared to the domains of the other princes, Lucifer's residence was indeed much more peaceful.
The other princes, in order to welcome their guests and the Overlord, would often throw boisterous parties, which the Overlord sometimes found tiresome and annoying.
But at Lucifer's home, there were no outsiders and no clamor. There was only the comfortable feeling and the beauty of silence, and having Lucifer around meant it was never too lonely.
There was only one thing that left the Blood Demon Overlord less than satisfied.
"I can see the dust settling in places with my own eyes. Don't you think you should clean up a bit?"
"Okay, okay, I promise, next time, next time."
Lucifer replied dismissively, bringing the conversation to a swift end.
"Has anything happened at the Royal Court?" After the perfunctory greetings, Lucifer and the Overlord couldn't help but get down to business.
After all, even though the war had been over for some time, Kazdel was still weak, relying solely on the Royal Court and the current Sarkaz King to hold it together.
"Nothing of concern yet... Kazdel and the Sarkaz suffered great losses. The Banshee clan hasn't even recovered to this day."
Although the Blood Demon Overlord seemed insane, he was not without a brain. If it weren't for the swordsman named 'Tracy' who seized the opportunity to assassinate the enemy general, ending the war sooner than expected, the Banshee clan would have likely been annihilated in that conflict.
With losses of this magnitude, even if the Overlord still had strength to spare, he wouldn't dare risk the fate of Kazdel on a counter-offensive. Not only that, but after this war, it seemed the Sarkaz race was trending toward fragmentation once again.
"How long will this peace last, I wonder."
"That depends on whether our new Sarkaz King can pass the test..."
Teresa, Tracy's sister, had donned the 'Black Crown' and would once again lead the Sarkaz and Kazdel.
Lucifer quietly pursed his lips. He felt this was all getting terribly annoying.
He was just a transmigrator. He had barely arrived before getting beaten up, so how was he supposed to understand any of this? But his learning over the years had made him realize just how dangerous and chaotic a place Kazdel was.
Therefore, in a situation where he couldn't fully empathize with the Sarkaz like the Blood Demon Overlord, an idea sparked in Lucifer's mind.
'If one day I run from Kazdel to live a life of freedom... Ducale wouldn't put a bounty on my head, would he?'
Petty squabbles were one thing, but Lucifer didn't want to be dragged into another war in a few years to stir the pot.
You have to know, every character has a life of their own, you know!
Lucifer and the Blood Demon Overlord sat facing each other, each harboring their own secret thoughts. The silence was broken by a sudden slurping sound, interrupting them both.
"Hm? W-why are you looking at me?"
Feeling the gazes of both Lucifer and the Blood Demon Overlord fixated on her, Warfarin quickly wiped the blood wine from the corner of her mouth and asked cautiously.
"..."
The Blood Demon Overlord was rendered speechless at the sight. Fortunately, Lucifer quickly interjected.
"My lord, you know how it is. Blood Demons are just like this, not very bright. Please don't take it to heart."
"...I see."
"Why do I feel like I'm being indirectly insulted?" Warfarin muttered, but she fell silent again when she saw Lucifer's glare, which seemed to say, 'I'm trying to save your life here, you know!'