Jin-ho tugged at the collar of his ceremonial armor, feeling like it was trying to strangle him. The midnight blue tunic with silver embroidery depicting ancient battles felt stiff and restrictive, and the obsidian armor plates weighed more than mountains. His tail, betraying his nervousness, twitched beneath the elaborate cloak that shifted colors as he moved.
"Deep breaths," Kraxis advised, adjusting one of the armor plates that had shifted slightly. The general wore formal military attire-crimson and black with insignia marking his high rank. "Remember, they're more afraid of you than you are of them."
"I sincerely doubt that," Jin-ho muttered.
Oh, they are, the Demon God chimed in. The last king was known for creative punishments. They have no idea how you might react to perceived slights.
This did not make Jin-ho feel better.
The throne room had been transformed for the feast. Massive tables formed a U-shape around the central space, each seat carefully assigned according to complex hierarchies Jin-ho barely understood. Three hundred demons of various types filled the hall-Nobles with their elaborate horns and formal attire, Beast demons in ceremonial armor, Scholar demons with robes covered in arcane symbols, Elemental demons whose very forms seemed to shimmer in the flickering torchlight.
"Ready?" Kraxis asked.
"No."
"Excellent. Let's go."
As they entered, the hall fell silent. Every eye turned to Jin-ho, and as one, the assembled demons dropped to their knees.
"ALL HAIL MALVEROUS, DEMON KING RETURNED, SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAIN, VICTOR OF THE VOID CHAMBER!"
Jin-ho's tail immediately lashed out in response to the sudden noise, sending a priceless vase containing eternal flames crashing to the floor. The flames spilled out, racing across the stone toward the head table.
Without missing a beat, Kraxis stepped forward and stamped out the flames with practiced ease. "The King demonstrates his power by releasing the Sacred Fires," he proclaimed loudly. "A reminder that old traditions burn away to make room for new victories!"
Oh, he's good, the Demon God said, followed by a whistle of someone who is impressed by Kraxis.
The assembled demons murmured appreciatively, some even applauding this 'display of power.' Jin-ho shot Kraxis a grateful look as they continued to the head table.
As Jin-ho took his seat on the throne-like chair at the center of the head table, his enhanced senses immediately picked up the complex mixture of scents in the room. Fear, respect, ambition, curiosity—all swirling together in a heady cocktail that made his head spin.
Vassek sat to his right, as protocol demanded for the highest-ranking general. His ram-like horns were polished to a gleam, and his bitter scent remained strong. Lyria had been placed to his left—an honor that seemed to surprise and please her.
"Let the feast begin!" Kraxis announced from his position just behind Jin-ho's chair.
Servants began bringing out dishes that looked nothing like any food Jin-ho had ever seen. Roasted creatures with too many limbs, bowls of what appeared to be living soup, and fruits that changed color as he watched. His tail curled tightly around the chair leg in a futile attempt to control itself.
The first course was presented with great ceremony—a bowl of something that seemed to be moving. Jin-ho stared at it, trying to figure out how to eat it without embarrassing himself.
"The Wandering Broth," Lyria whispered helpfully. "It is a new type of food recently. You must catch the essence with the smaller ceremonial spoon before it escapes the bowl."
Jin-ho picked up the ornate spoon, which was decorated with tiny demons chasing what looked like fleeing spirits. He watched as several demons around him expertly cornered the glowing portions of their soup and consumed them with obvious relish.
His first attempt ended with his tail involuntarily jerking, causing him to fling the spoon across the room, where it embedded itself in a tapestry with a solid *thunk*.
"The King honors the Battle of Shadowfall!" Kraxis announced immediately. "Where our forces pursued the fleeing human army just as we pursue the essence in our bowls!"
Jin-ho marveled at how Kraxis turned every disaster into some meaningful gesture. A servant quickly provided a new spoon, and Jin-ho managed to catch some of the soup on his second attempt, though his tail continued to twitch dangerously.
As the meal progressed, political discussions began around the table.
"My King," Vassek spoke loudly enough for all to hear, "when shall we march against the humans? My legions grow restless with this...cautious approach."
All eyes turned to Jin-ho, waiting for his response.
"The humans have changed in five centuries," Jin-ho replied carefully. "As we saw at the Void Chamber, their champion possesses power I haven't seen before. We must understand this power before-"
"Understanding won't win wars," Vassek interrupted, earning shocked looks from other demons at his boldness. "Action wins wars. The longer we wait, the more they fortify their positions."
Jin-ho's tail began to lash in irritation, nearly knocking over a goblet of bloodwine. Kraxis subtly caught it mid-air and returned it to the table.
"General Vassek," Jin-ho said, forcing authority into his voice, "you forget yourself. I defeated their champion at the Void Chamber without striking a single blow. There is more to war than charging headlong into battle."
A murmur of approval rippled through the hall. Vassek's bitter scent intensified, but he bowed his head. "Of course, my King. Forgive my...enthusiasm."
Nice, little king, the Demon God said, sounding impressed for once.
"Speaking of the champion," a Pyros Elemental demon called out, his skin glowing like banked coals, "reports suggest he exhibited power fluctuations during the battle. Perhaps the Goddess's blessing is not as stable as they claim?"
"An astute observation," Lyria interjected. "My research indicates that the Goddess departed more permanently than the humans realize. Their champion may be the last vessel of her power in this world."
This sparked debate around the table. Some argued for an immediate attack to exploit this weakness, while others suggested more complex strategies.
Jin-ho listened, trying to balance the various viewpoints while also navigating increasingly complex demon dining customs. The third course required him to slice his meat while reciting an ancient blessing, which he butchered badly enough that even Kraxis couldn't completely cover for him.
"The King shows us his humility by speaking the blessing in its archaic form!" the general proclaimed, though Jin-ho caught several demons trying to hide their amusement.
As the feast continued, a delegation of Blood Devils- crimson-skinned demons with exceptional height and formal bearing- approached the head table.
"My King," their leader, Lady Draven, said with a bow, "we bring news from our spies in human lands. The champion retreats to the capital for more training."
"Excellent intelligence," Jin-ho replied, genuinely grateful for concrete information. "What do we know of their defenses?"
Lady Draven smiled, revealing perfect ivory fangs. "Their southern border is weak. They've moved forces to protect the capital, leaving frontier settlements vulnerable."
"You propose we strike these settlements?" Vassek asked eagerly.
"I propose nothing," Lady Draven replied coolly. "I merely provide information for our King to consider."
Jin-ho noticed several demons watching this exchange intently. He realized this was a test- would he be a warmonger like Malverous, or something different?
"Continue gathering intelligence," he commanded. "I want to know their troop movements, supply lines, and most importantly, the status of their champion. Knowledge is our greatest weapon."
Lady Draven bowed deeply. "As you command, my King. The Blood Devils serve."
As the feast moved into its final courses, the ceremonial toasts began. Each major demon house raised their goblets to honor the King's return, forcing Jin-ho to drink increasingly potent concoctions that made his head spin.
By the seventh toast, his tail was completely out of control, sweeping dishes off nearby tables and nearly impaling a servant carrying dessert. Kraxis moved smoothly through the chaos, righting objects and offering explanations that somehow turned each accident into a display of royal power.
"To the King's eventual victory!" Vassek proclaimed, raising his goblet high.
"To victory," the crowd echoed.
Jin-ho raised his goblet, but as he did, he caught sight of a young demon at one of the lower tables- a Scholar with intricate tattoos that seemed to move across his skin. Unlike the others, this demon wasn't drinking to victory. His scent carried something like lavender and rain- contemplation, perhaps even doubt.
Oh, you're getting better at the smells of emotions.
Their eyes met briefly, and the young demon quickly looked away, but not before Jin-ho detected a flash of something that reminded him of Lyria's hope.
Not everyone wants war, he realized. But how many dare to admit it?
Given the chance, about five.
I didn't ask you, Jin-ho barked back.
Well, if you didn't want an answer, then don't ask.
Jin-ho could almost hear the Demon God pouting and crossing his arms. Jin-ho almost smiled at the thought.
As the feast wound down, Jin-ho found himself approached by various noble houses, each with their agendas and proposals. His tail had finally exhausted itself and hung limply behind him, for which he was intensely grateful.
"My King," said Lord Morthal of House Shadow, "I propose a more subtle approach. Let our Umbrites infiltrate human cities, sow confusion and fear before we strike."
"And I suggest we wait for winter," added Lady Sylvana of the Florae. "When their crops fail and their people grow hungry. Nature itself will be our ally."
Jin-ho nodded to each proposal, saying he would consider them, while inside he wondered if any path existed that didn't lead to widespread death.
Finally, during a lull in the political maneuvering, the young Scholar demon he'd noticed earlier approached hesitantly.
"My King," he said, bowing deeply. "I am Syltherin, apprentice to Lyria. I...I've been studying the Marriage Circle as well."
Jin-ho leaned forward, interested. "What have you discovered?"
Syltherin glanced around nervously before speaking in a low voice. "There are theories, my King, that the circles could be restored without human cooperation. If we could find another source of divine energy..."
"Dangerous talk," Vassek interrupted sharply, having overheard. "The King has no interest in peace with those who would destroy us."
Syltherin paled and stepped back. "Of course, General. I merely present academic theories."
Jin-ho wanted to hear more, but the political reality of the moment prevented him from showing too much interest. "Continue your research," he said carefully. "All knowledge has value."
As the feast officially ended and demons began to depart, Jin-ho felt emotionally and physically drained. His tail dragged behind him as he left the throne room, and for once, he didn't care about appearances.
"You did well," Kraxis said quietly as they walked back to the royal chambers. "Better than I expected, honestly."
Good Kraxis, always lying to make you feel better.
Just shut up, Jin-ho thought back quickly before talking out loud to Kraxis, "I destroyed priceless artifacts, mangled ancient blessings, and nearly started three separate fires with my tail."
"Yes, but you also navigated complex political situations, avoided committing to immediate war, and showed both strength and restraint." Kraxis smiled. "And I only had to invent fifteen 'ancient traditions' to cover for you."
Jin-ho laughed despite his exhaustion. "Thank you, Kraxis. I couldn't have survived without you."
"That's what friends are for," the general replied simply.
For the first time, Jin-ho felt like he might be able to handle this role—not because he was becoming more like Malverous, but because he was finding his way to be the Demon King. A way that relied on allies like Kraxis and Lyria rather than fear and intimidation.
As they reached the royal chambers, Jin-ho paused. "That demon who approached at the end—Syltherin. Have him meet with Lyria and continue their research. Quietly."
Kraxis raised an eyebrow. "You're serious about finding another path?"
"I'm serious about understanding all our options," Jin-ho replied. "War may be inevitable, but I want to be certain before I lead your people to die."
Kraxis nodded slowly. "A different kind of king indeed. Very well, I'll arrange it."
As Jin-ho entered his chambers, finally alone, he allowed himself to slump against the door. His tail immediately knocked over a decorative stand, sending another priceless artifact crashing to the floor.
Progress, the Demon God commented dryly. You only destroyed three things in private instead of twenty in public.
"Progress," Jin-ho agreed, too tired to argue. He had survived his first royal feast, navigated political intrigue, and perhaps found allies for his unconventional approach to leadership.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he allowed himself a small victory. He was still awkward, still anxious, still completely unprepared for this role—but he was learning. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.