The day after returning from the village of the Wolf Demon Clan, Mirage and Astarte made their way to the Demon Lord’s castle. Astarte carried a stack of documents in her arms, resembling a secretary as she accompanied Mirage.

Mirage suggested that they could simply use teleportation magic to arrive later, but Astarte stubbornly refused to part with the important documents and insisted on keeping them close at hand.

The two of them were headed towards a room within the Demon Lord’s castle known as the Throne Room. Normally, Mirage would receive an audience with the Demon Lord in her private chambers, but this time they were heading to the Throne Room, where the proceedings typically took place in the presence of others.

“Behold, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Mirage of Illusions-sama, and his aide, Astarte-sama. Please proceed,” a voice announced as they stood before the towering doors.

Two strong soldiers stood guard by the doors, presumably the palace guards responsible for protecting the Throne Room. Unlike the newly recruited soldiers from the other day, these guards were experienced and quickly confirmed Mirage and Astarte’s identities. With a flourish, they pulled on the ornate door handles and the heavy doors creaked open, revealing the entrance to the grand room.

Mirage and Astarte passed through the massive doors and entered the chamber. At the far end, they could see an imposing chair that appeared to be a throne. In front of it, a wide path was laid out with a scarlet silk carpet, adding a touch of luxury to the scene.

On either side of the silk path stood the members of the Demon Lord’s personal guard, forming multiple rows. Their presence exuded an intimidating aura, suggesting that they would swiftly eliminate anyone who dared to harm the Demon Lord.

Amidst the watchful gaze of approximately a hundred soldiers, accompanied by civilian officials and what appeared to be a musical ensemble made up of demons, Mirage and Astarte walked forward with composure, undeterred by the imposing surroundings.

A short distance before reaching the throne, six men and women were already standing, silently facing forward as if to halt their progress. Among them stood Rafale, and it was likely that the Four Heavenly Kings and their aides had gathered in that area.

Mirage positioned himself in the space between Rafale and a petite girl, while Astarte stood behind them. For a brief moment, silence enveloped the room until a voice from the entrance announced the arrival of the Demon Lord.

“The Demon Queen Lilith has arrived!”

As the voice echoed, a fanfare played by a musical band resounded in the room, and the Demon Lord Lilith slowly began to move forward on the carpet.

Adorned in garments known as kimono, originating from the East, Lilith gracefully walked, holding a folding fan in her hand and accompanied by her entourage. Her presence, dressed as she was, resembled more that of a princess than a demon Lord.

She adorned her head with a hair ornament called a kanzashi, crafted in the East, and her nine-tailed fox tail fluttered behind her. Mirage couldn’t help but think that she resembled the legendary nine-tailed fox who had transformed into Dakki, a character from Eastern folklore. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daji

Radiating unparalleled beauty, allure, and a touch of recklessness, Lilith’s appearance could easily be compared to the enchanting nine-tailed fox who captivated countless men.

Everyone in the audience room, including Mirage, knelt before her. However, the masked man secretly created a small gate between his mask and his right eye, calmly observing the scene without anyone noticing.

Teleportation magic typically connects different spaces, so it was only natural that he could see through the gate he created. However, no one had ever used it in this manner before. The fact that he could create such a small gate, barely visible within the space between his mask and eye, required an extraordinary level of control over magical power, bordering on divine skill.

The masked man simply used it out of boredom while waiting for Demon Queen Lilith to approach, preferring to use this time to read rather than engage in the formalities of the ongoing proceedings.

The series of events taking place in the throne room was largely formal, and it was understandable that repetition could lead to boredom. However, if the other members of the Demon Lord’s army were to find out about his actions, they would surely be furious.

This audience, gathering the distinguished members of the Demon Lord’s army, including the Four Heavenly Kings, was held once a year. It was considered an honor to be invited to this occasion.

Not only the members of the security detail but also the Four Heavenly Kings, vice-commanders, civil officials, researchers, and even the musical band—all the outstanding individuals among the demons were gathered under one roof.

It was only this man who dared to observe from a hidden perspective, reading books in this prestigious setting and stealing glances at the unusual appearance of the Demon Lord.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate your presence. Feel free to relax,” Lilith spoke in a commanding manner, addressing those in the room.

Without delay, everyone stood up, and all eyes were focused on the Demon Lord seated on the throne.

“The Four Heavenly Kings, you have traveled far, and I appreciate your efforts. It is not often that we have the opportunity to gather like this,” Lilith addressed the Four Heavenly Kings, and the demon standing at the far left began expressing his gratitude.

“For the sake of our Demon Queen Lilith, I, Cruel the Barbarous, shall always stand beside you, no matter when,” he proclaimed in an overly dramatic manner, kneeling gracefully with his golden hair flowing. He appeared more like a prince from a foreign kingdom.

He was the Four Heavenly Kings’ oldest member and governed the southern territories of the demon realm, commanding the golden-horned demon clan. Among the Four Heavenly Kings, he prioritized incessant invasions of human territories over the unity of the demon clans, which didn’t earn him much favor from Demon Queen Lilith.

However, it was a fact that he rallied the demons residing in the southern lands, and he governed a once chaotic territory within the demon realm, demonstrating his true power. Furthermore, the fearsome man known by the epithet “Barbarous” truly embodies the word, as evidenced by the villages he devastated and the people he captured.

“I, the Rafale of the Gale, have already devoted myself to the Demon Lord.”

Rafale then placed a clenched fist against her chest and stood upright as she expressed her gratitude to the Demon Lord, Lilith.

This greeting was completely different from the one used by Cruel earlier. It was one of the formalities observed by the Dragon-Demon Clan, akin to the act of bowing in submission performed by the Wolf-Demon Clan.

Demon Lord Lilith had incorporated various cultures and laws within the ranks of the Demon Army. Naturally, different races possessed their own distinct customs and sensibilities. In order to accommodate these differences, she allowed a certain level of flexibility.

Even in such official settings, she permitted the prioritization of racial customs, enhancing cohesion among the ranks. While the Demon Army had a uniform similar to the military attire worn by Astarte, many demons sported clothing unique to their respective races.

Performing such acts in human lands could lead to charges of disrespect and subsequent punishment, or at the very least, condemnation for lacking proper decorum. Mirage, who was half-human, couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for the more lenient and relaxed manners observed by demons in official settings.

“I, Mirage of Illusions, am determined to serve the Demon Lord with my body and soul,” Mirage humbly stated, placing a hand over his heart as he bowed.

Mirage didn’t hold even the slightest inclination towards such devotion, but he maintained a respectful facade, offering his heartfelt gratitude.

Despite the comical mask he wore, his movements still exuded a sense of solemnity and poise. It was truly deserving of the term “as expected.”

As the order proceeded to the final Four Heavenly Kings, the vice-commander waiting in the background, as well as the individuals present in the room, all wore expressions tinged with worry.

The fresh-faced soldiers of the personal guard who were unaware of the circumstances and those participating in such an occasion for the first time seemed puzzled by the demeanor of the others. However, they would soon come to understand the reason.

“Behold, the Mighty Bedivere, having been called, I jump forth! Da-da-da-daa~~~. I’ve come for the sake of the Demon Lord!”

The petite girl standing at Mirage’s right side began bouncing on the spot, waving her hand excitedly towards Demon Lord Lilith.

Even shorter than the diminutive Astarte, she appeared as though a small child frolicking around. Yet, from within her purplish hair, protruded large, jet-black horns.

The twisted horns of the demon tribe resembled those of a goat, while the straight horns that pierced the sky were a distinctive feature of the Oni-Demon clan.

From behind the young maiden, Bedivere, a sigh could be heard, presumably from her subordinate. Astarte, standing behind Mirage, furrowed her brow.

Her greeting was not a traditional one passed down among the oni-demon clan; rather, it was her usual attitude, no matter the circumstances.

“As always, Bedivere, you’re full of energy.. Truly remarkable. Well then, let us proceed with the presentation of this year’s Order of Merit.” -Lilith

Tempted to use more casual language due to Bedivere’s behavior, Demon Lord Lilith regained her composure and uttered words that tightened the expressions of those present.

Gathered together, including the Four Heavenly Kings, were the distinguished members of the Demon Lord’s army, coming together for the annual awarding of the Order of Merit.

Receiving one of the prestigious nine-level medals based on their achievements within the army, it was a great honor. However, Mirage, beneath his mask, displayed an indifferent expression.

Normally, receiving this medal would earn respect for one’s own tribe, serving as evidence of their recognition within the Demon Lord’s army and leading to preferential treatment and advancements even for ordinary demons. But for Mirage, such matters were trivial.

Being the only member of the Phantom-Demon clan within the Demon Lord’s army, there was little room for further promotion beyond becoming the Demon Lord. Naturally, Mirage had no interest in such things; he desired vacations more than increases in salary.

To Mirage, this award ceremony was dreadfully dull, but to other demons, it was a rare opportunity to receive a medal directly from the Demon Lord, whom they rarely interacted with. As a result, the proceedings were slow, and they were subjected to a lengthy time of captivity.

Furthermore, the Four Heavenly Kings, including Mirage, were scheduled to hold a meeting with the Demon Lord to discuss the future direction of the Demon Lord’s army.

Since embarking on negotiations with the Wolf-Demon clan, Mirage had been working overnight every day. Waiting for his own medal to be awarded while battling sleepiness was nothing short of torture.

Mirage had hoped that catching a glimpse of the unusual sight of Demon Lord Lilith might dispel his drowsiness. However, the effect was fleeting, and witnessing the repetitive exchanges before his only served to intensify the assault of drowsiness.

Given Mirage’s accomplishments, which were among the best within the Demon Lord’s army, he would be called last in most cases.

Moreover, the fact that he would be in front of the throne where Lilith sat drew attention to him, making it even more impossible for him to doze off.

“Now, let us move on to the announcement of the Order of Merit: Cross of Merit on Ribbon.”

Finally, the announcement and presentation of the lowest-ranking medal were concluded, but it was still only the second stage.

With nine levels, including the highest-ranking Grand Cross, there was still a long way to go.

Astarte and Rafale, who had also been working overnight to prepare documents and reports for the meeting, seemed unaffected, wearing calm expressions.

For pure-blooded demons like them, spending several days without sleep was no big deal. However, Mirage, a half-human and half-demon hybrid, couldn’t afford to do the same.

While half the amount of sleep compared to humans was more than enough, Mirage had already spent six consecutive sleepless nights, and his tolerance was nearing its limit.

Hidden behind a mask that concealed his expressions, Mirage was gradually losing the battle against drowsiness, and before he knew it, he was embarking on a journey to the realm of dreams.