The soft light of the candles flickered across my desk as I leaned back in my chair, the quiet hum of the city of Eterna whispering through the window. The scent of black tea lingered in the air—different, sharper, but strangely pleasant.
I swirled the cup once more, watching the faint trail of steam twist upward. Was it because the tea Shuna made was always too good—or… wait a second.
My eyes narrowed. "Could this be—"
Diablo smiled faintly. "Yes. Number One Secretary-dono insisted on preparing it herself. I have tested it for poison—it is perfectly safe to drink."
"O–okay…" I murmured, surprised.
Shion had made this? I took another sip, and my brows rose. The flavor was unexpectedly balanced—still bitter, but controlled. Not the chaotic, dangerous brew that would send even a demon's stomach into battle.
I set the cup down. "I never thought I'd live to see the day your tea didn't taste like a curse, Shion. Impressive."
Shion puffed her chest with pride. "Hehehe! I've been practicing every night, Atem-sama!"
"And I didn't expect you, Diablo, to help her," I added with an amused smirk.
Diablo's expression softened, and his tone carried an odd mix of pride and mischief. "Benimaru-dono had reached his limit after tasting her 'creations' for days on end. I was… persuaded to take his place. Thanks to this, I experienced the concept of feeling 'unwell' for the first time in my existence. A fascinating experience, truly. One must be adventurous in life."
I let out a low laugh. "I'd call that unnecessary suffering, but I'll allow it. Still, I appreciate your patience, Diablo. You've done well to keep her spirits up."
He bowed slightly. "Your words honor me, my Pharaoh."
"And you, Shion—" I looked at her directly, voice calm but commanding. "You've come a long way. From near-fatal dishes to black tea that doesn't melt through steel. Your progress is… commendable."
Her violet eyes shimmered with emotion. "Thank you for your praise, Atem-sama! I'll work even harder!"
"See that you do." I gestured for her to pour another cup. The second brew was a little stronger, still bitter, but palatable. I took a long sip, satisfied.
And then it struck me. I still owed Diablo a reward.
I looked up at him. "Diablo. I nearly forgot about your reward. You handled the capture of Farmus magnificently, and your management since then has been flawless."
He shook his head immediately. "My only reward is to serve you, Atem-sama. My loyalty is its own pleasure."
"Even so," I said firmly, "those who serve with excellence must be recognized. I've already rewarded the others. Hakurou is enjoying his time training with Momiji, and Gobta—well, I gave him access to the cabaret on Floor Ninety-Five."
Shion twitched slightly, clearly unimpressed.
"Too early for a VIP badge, though," I added dryly. "And last I checked, Milim abducted him again. I hope Veldora doesn't use him for target practice this time."
Shion giggled softly while Diablo smiled in quiet amusement.
"Gabil has a new research facility beneath the one-hundredth floor, with Veldora guarding the gate. He's the acting director now, with Vesta as his vice director. Research is progressing faster than expected."
I leaned forward, resting my chin on my knuckles. "Everyone's been rewarded fairly. Except you, Diablo. My right hand deserves more."
He bowed deeply, his tone formal yet passionate. "If it pleases you, Atem-sama, I do have one request. I hope you will allow it."
I raised a brow. "Speak."
He straightened, eyes gleaming with that familiar, ominous calm. "I wish for permission to recruit a few subordinates—to assist me in handling… miscellaneous affairs."
"Miscellaneous?" I asked, arching an eyebrow. "You mean, serving tea and cleaning the archives?"
He shook his head quickly, smiling faintly. "Ah, not quite. Serving you is sacred work. I would never delegate such a privilege. No—these subordinates would handle lesser matters. Things like… destroying corrupt nations, eliminating troublesome enemies, or maintaining order through decisive means. You know, trivial chores such as those."
My hand froze midair. "Trivial?! Destroying nations?!"
Shion's jaw dropped, staring in disbelief.
Diablo continued unfazed, his tone as smooth as ever. "It would simply allow me to remain close to you at all times, my Pharaoh. My devotion cannot be divided between war and service. Thus, I seek capable hands to handle the former."
I exhaled through my nose, half in amusement, half in disbelief. "You truly are something else, Diablo. But fine. Who are these subordinates you intend to bring?"
He placed a hand over his chest. "Old companions of mine. Loyal, powerful, and bound by ancient oaths. I intend to invite them into Eterna's service."
I nodded slowly. "I see. As long as they serve this nation's order and uphold my command, I have no objection. Do you require funding?"
"No, my king. They care not for wealth. What I need are bodies—vessels for them to inhabit. The same as the construct you once granted Beretta."
Ah, so that was it. "I can arrange that," I replied. "Ramiris asked me to create bodies for Treyni's sisters as well. I'll make a few more while I'm at it. Will that suffice?"
Diablo smiled, bowing low. "Perfectly. They will not complain."
"Good. But surely that can't be all you desire?"
He hesitated briefly, then said, "There is one more detail. Those I intend to recruit also have their own subordinates. I'd like permission to bring them along as well."
My eyes narrowed. "How many are we talking?"
He placed a thoughtful finger to his chin. "At most… a few hundred. Perhaps not exceeding one thousand."
The silence that followed was heavy.
"A thousand?!" I repeated. "You're building an army, not hiring assistants!"
"Please don't misunderstand, Atem-sama. If any of them prove unworthy, I shall dispose of them myself. It will not be a problem."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "That's not what I meant. I'm asking if you'll be fine handling that."
His smile deepened, his golden eyes gleaming with confidence. "No problem at all, my king. None whatsoever."
Of course. Why was I even concerned? Diablo's very existence defied worry.
I sighed softly. "Very well. I'll prepare one thousand vessel bodies. That will be your reward. But be cautious. I don't want to hear you've burned a continent in the process."
"Your consideration humbles me, Atem-sama. Though it saddens me to leave your side, please allow me to depart for a short while."
He bowed with reverence, his every movement a theatrical blend of loyalty and pride.
Shion crossed her arms with an exasperated sigh. "If you're going, go already. You're in the way."
"Hmph, impatient as ever, Number One Secretary-dono," Diablo teased, though his smile remained.
As he turned to leave, I watched him go with a faint smirk. "Go, Diablo. Do what must be done. And return with those worthy of serving Eterna."
He stopped at the doorway, bowing deeply. "As you command, Atem-sama."
And just like that, the demon vanished into the night—leaving a silence that somehow felt heavier than before.
Shion sighed again, muttering under her breath, "Better tomorrow than today…"
I couldn't help but agree. Still, watching Diablo walk into the dark with purpose, I felt a strange certainty. Whatever awaited him, it would only make Eterna stronger.
And I would be ready when he returned.