Volume 9, Chapter 21 – Tina’s Efforts and an Unknown Attack

A gloomy and dark castle.

In this place filled with despair and darkness, where the living could not set foot, the Demon Lord was plotting a plan to change the future of demons.

Standing naked before the mirror, Tina Alexia Tartaros was mustering courage in her chest. This was a great attempt on her part. Perhaps no Demon Lord in history possessed the courage to initiate a revolution like her. Although she had always yielded to the pressure of demon aesthetics, her days living in the human world had made her realize that she was the one who set the rules. The so-called demon aesthetics should be defined by her. As the Demon Lord, she possessed unshakeable authority.

Reassuring herself over and over again internally, after brewing for a long time, Tina finally spoke—she had been standing in front of the mirror for an hour.

“Bloody Brides, bring me the spoils I brought back from the human world.”

Even though she appeared to be just an eight-year-old girl, under the commanding tone filled with dignity, the demeanor of a superior was still evident.

The Bloody Brides Tina spoke of were a type of demon. Although the name contained the word ‘Bloody,’ easily misleading one to think of phantoms from horror stories, in truth, apart from having vampire-like fangs and red eyes without whites, Bloody Brides looked almost identical to human girls, even prettier than most. With their bridal white veils, slender and graceful figures, and black hair cascading down to their hips, if not for their habit of consuming large amounts of blood with every meal, they would be the dream lovers of human men.

At Tina’s command, the six Bloody Brides assigned to serve her first turned, preparing to head towards the wardrobe, then stopped in unison, tilting their heads in confusion. Although they had guessed that their ever-wise King, standing before the mirror for so long, must have some instructions, they hadn’t expected this kind of command.

One Bloody Bride, wearing a ruby necklace, asked, “Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty, but the spoils you speak of refer to…”

“Clothes.”

Clothes?

Question marks appeared above the Bloody Brides’ heads. It wasn’t that they found their master’s command baffling, but rather they were trying to decipher the meaning behind it. As the Demon Lord’s handmaidens, they knew their master’s character very well—every word spoken held a deeper meaning. To simply understand ‘clothes’ as mere garments would make them unqualified servants. Their master was by no means a superficial person.

This pilgrimage to the human world was proof enough.

She showed no fear even when facing the assassination attempt by the Fallen Angel Azazel. Not only did she reject the Fallen Angel Hetty’s request to accompany her, journeying to the human world alone, but she even brought back Azazel’s weapon, the Sword of Ruin, and plundered a large amount of spoils from the human world. If she were not a brave and wise demon, this would have been absolutely impossible. At least, the Bloody Brides believed that if it were them, they certainly wouldn’t dare risk being killed by Azazel to go to the human world and display the Demon Lord’s might.

A newly arrived Bloody Bride asked, “Your Majesty, the clothes you speak of… could they be that white cloth… the formal dress?”

The Head Bloody Bride immediately frowned. This questioning Bride was too naive, too embarrassing. How could Her Majesty possibly like such degrading attire? In demon aesthetics, the less one wore, the more beautiful one was. Long skirts and formal dresses were ugly garments.

“Are you insulting Her Majesty?!” Her voice was filled with anger.

Tina’s head instantly felt twice as large.

Although she had anticipated this situation, it was still troublesome now that it was actually happening. Among demons, that kind of white, frilly clothing that covered every inch of skin from neck to wrist was considered the ugliest, most laughable attire. Male demons aside—they had their own standards—female demons would rather die in battle than endure the torture of wearing modest clothing. For humans, this feeling would be akin to dressing a noble lady in semi-transparent gauze and parading her down the street in broad daylight—a trampling of dignity and demon-ness.

Therefore, it was only natural that the Bloody Brides wouldn’t understand her sudden desire to wear such clothes. In the eyes of her demon subordinates, she had always been a wise and thoughtful leader.

However, if she hesitated even when facing the Bloody Brides, it would be even more impossible to push her plan forward later.

Tina raised a hand with feigned composure, signaling the Bloody Brides to stop.

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“Enough. She is correct. Bring me the white dress I brought back from the human world.”

The Bloody Brides looked at each other again, none knowing what Tina was thinking. Only the Head Bride frowned.

My master never acts without reason. Could there be some hidden meaning in that dress?

With her own shallow mind, she certainly couldn’t comprehend Her Majesty’s profound plans. Since her master had spoken, she had only one choice: to obey. The Head Bride bowed respectfully to Tina.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon, with the help of the six Bloody Brides, Tina changed into the white Western-style dress she had asked Yisi for before leaving. A white headband adorned with lace, a large bow cinching her waist tightly, a skirt with abundant frills reaching her calves, and light purple cuffs exuding a honeyed fragrance. If she were holding a rabbit doll, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Tina looked like she stepped out of a manga. If Yisi were here, she would surely think of tying ribbons on the two sheep horns on Tina’s head as well. Unfortunately, Tina was still a novice in human civilization, her sensitivity to cuteness not yet fully developed.

The corners of her mouth curled up uncontrollably. Facing the mirror, Tina turned left and right, examining her adorable appearance, and nodded in satisfaction.

This is true beauty. The previous look, wearing only underwear underneath an ill-fitting coat, was just laughable. The proof was the astonished look on that half-elf Mary’s face when she saw her outfit—she must have thought it was so ridiculous that she was shocked speechless.

Recalling that embarrassment, Tina clicked her tongue. But remembering the adoring Bloody Brides behind her, she quickly reverted to her initial serious expression.

“Is everything ready?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Take these things to the main hall. They are important items for today. I have words for the Fallen Angels.”

“Understood.”

The six Bloody Brides simultaneously reached into their storage magic, each producing plates laden with fruits and cooked meat dishes—all things Tina had brought back from the human world.

Just then, there was a sudden knock on the door.

“Your Majesty, may I enter?”

Hearing this voice, Tina flinched.

It was Hetty.

Although Hetty cared for her like a mother and her loyalty as a subordinate was unparalleled, it didn’t mean Tina felt no pressure when facing her. On the contrary, precisely because Hetty believed in her qualifications as Demon Lord and firmly trusted that all her decisions were made after careful consideration, Hetty was often the one who put the most pressure on her.

Imagine, in Hetty’s eyes, she had always been a trustworthy leader with foresight. If she suddenly told Hetty that from today onward, she absolutely had to wear clothes like hers, clothes universally recognized as ugly by female demons, what would Hetty, as her subordinate, think? Furthermore, if Hetty asked her reason for wearing the dress, how could she, as usual, present a convincing argument to persuade her?

But it was too late to consider these things now. Ignoring Hetty for too long would make her seem lacking in kingly demeanor. Tina replied expressionlessly.

“Is that you, Hetty? Come in.” Then she waved at the Bloody Brides behind her. “You may leave first.”

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The Bloody Brides bowed in unison to Tina. After placing the fruit and cooked dishes on the table behind them, they filed out of the room.

Click.

As the door closed, Hetty, dressed in revealing attire and appearing like an eighteen-year-old girl, came before Tina. If Laxy was a holy, inviolable angel, then Hetty was an extremely seductive demon, capable of stealing one’s soul with just a glance.

That figure is really infuriating.

While resentment simmered within her, Tina turned to Hetty, her expression unchanged.

“Is there something you need to report? The demon council is about to begin. If you have something to discuss, we can talk then.”

But Hetty’s attention wasn’t on Tina’s words. She stared wide-eyed, as if seeing something utterly unbelievable.

“Your Majesty! How could you wear such hideous clothes… No, this must be the doing of those Bloody Brides just now! Even if you are kind-hearted and never refuse your subordinates’ suggestions, you cannot indulge the whims of these Bloody Brides! This is too improper! Those Brides shouldn’t have gone far. I will bring them back right now! Today, I must make them pay the price for their outrageous behavior!”

Hetty’s fury made the room’s temperature rise several degrees. Tina could even see raging flames burning behind her.

This will be bad if I don’t stop her.

“Wait, Hetty! I ordered them to put me in these clothes.”

“What?” Realizing her current impropriety, Hetty quickly turned to face Tina, bowing her head respectfully, though perplexed. “Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty, but I fail to understand your meaning… These clothes truly do not befit your magnificent form.”

“My meaning… I naturally have my considerations.”

I just want to look good! If I don’t start a trend of wearing conservative long dresses in the Demon Lord’s castle, I’ll forever be stuck wearing those clothes that are no different from lingerie!

After pondering Tina’s words for a moment, Hetty’s eyes lit up.

“Your Majesty’s considerations for wearing these clothes… Ah, I understand! Of course! As expected of you, Your Majesty.”

Huh?

What do you understand?

Her mouth slightly agape, Tina looked at Hetty as if she were a monster. She herself didn’t even understand the so-called ‘considerations,’ so how could Hetty say ‘Of course’?

However, even if Tina didn’t know, she had to pretend she did. She looked at Hetty with gratification.

“As long as you understand.”

“Yes, I understand.”

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So, what exactly do you understand?!

At this moment, Tina wished she had Hetty’s mental magic so she could read her thoughts.

She quietly clicked her tongue.

Based on past experience, continuing with ‘As long as you understand’ would surely expose her. Tina thought for a moment and changed the subject.

“Setting the clothes aside for now, Hetty, why did you come here now? Is there something you need?”

“Ah, I almost forgot the main reason. Your Majesty, regarding your recent campaign to the Empire, I haven’t seen you for nearly half a month. So, upon hearing news of your return, I came specifically to welcome you. You weren’t injured, were you?”

“No, not only was I uninjured, but I also brought back a batch of spoils.”

With a wave of her hand, Tina proudly piled a large amount of valuable-looking magic items, murals, and various artifacts on the floor. Although during the first week, when Yisi was still with her, she hadn’t dared to sneak into the Hels Kingdom’s treasury to take the treasures, Yisi, before leaving, hadn’t imprisoned her as Tina had expected. Instead, she had removed the magic restrictions and let her go. Therefore, to avoid returning empty-handed and losing face, Tina had secretly gone to the Hels Kingdom’s treasury and put most of the items, excluding food and gold coins, into her storage magic.

Of course, in Tina’s eyes, this wasn’t the greatest gain from her trip. Amidst Hetty’s amazed gaze, she brought out the flaming Sword of Ruin in her hand, the weapon of the Fallen Angel Azazel.

Hetty’s mouth fell open dramatically.

“This is Azazel’s Sword of Ruin!? Your Majesty, did you encounter Azazel? No, Azazel was waiting for you outside the barrier precisely because of this sword; he couldn’t possibly have had it. How did you obtain it?”

“Hehehe.” Tina puffed out her chest proudly. Of course, Hetty wouldn’t know that she had begged Yisi for a long time, even compromising the Demon Lord’s dignity—by performing a series of services like serving tea and massaging shoulders—just to borrow this weapon temporarily from Yisi, all for this very moment. “Hetty, you should remember that person named Yisi, right?”

“Yes, I know of her. She was trapped in Gota City by your perfect plan.”

“No.” Tina shook her head pretentiously. “During this pilgrimage, I encountered her. Not only did I defeat her, but I also made her bow down to my charm. She offered this sword with both hands.”

“Truly worthy of you, Your Majesty.”

Although she felt it was impossible, Tina somehow felt Hetty was being sarcastic. She cleared her throat.

“But this is not my greatest gain from this trip to the human world—Hetty, you can try this. Human things are not entirely without merit.”

“Is this… the forbidden fruit? Your Majesty, this is food declared poisonous by the previous Demon Lord! Please spit it out quickly!” Hetty exclaimed in panic upon seeing Tina swallow a piece of fruit.

“No, that’s just our misunderstanding.” Chewing the fruit, Tina repeated Yisi’s explanation. “The reason the previous Demon Lord said these foods—fruits and vegetables—were poisonous was because back then, we demons were not familiar with these plants and couldn’t distinguish which were poisonous and which were edible. So, to prevent meaningless sacrifices among our people, the previous Demon Lord forbade us from eating fruit. When I saw humans eating fruit in the human world, I understood the reason why the previous Demon Lord declared them poisonous. I brought back some edible fruits. You can try one, Hetty.”

Under Tina’s guidance, Hetty hesitantly picked up a fruit from the table. As the sweet juice spread on her tongue, she subconsciously reached for a second piece, her expression softening.

“Your Majesty, what is this! It tastes completely different from meat. It’s… it’s too delicious! I never thought the previous Demon Lord deceived us for so long! Your Majesty, it is your courage and wisdom that have allowed us to rediscover this wonderful food!”

A look of triumph appeared on Tina’s face.

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As long as I can make the Fallen Angels realize that fruit and cooked meat are edible, I can openly enjoy such cuisine in the future.

“No, this is just the beginning. Hetty, you can also taste this.” Tina pointed to the already cold cooked meat on the table. This was something she had specifically asked Mary to make before leaving, a dish that wouldn’t lose its flavor even when cold. “In the human world, I met a half-elf named Mary. These things called ‘dishes’ came from her hands.”

“No smell of blood… Is this cooked meat?”

“Yes, that’s right. Compared to the raw, bloody meat we usually eat, this kind of dish has a unique flavor.”

Actually, I think it’s much tastier than raw meat. I’m just saying this because I’ll lose face if Hetty thinks it tastes bad.

Compared to the fruit earlier, Hetty was clearly more hesitant when faced with the cooked dish. However, since it was the Demon Lord’s suggestion, she could only pinch her nose and eat it.

Tina watched Hetty expectantly.

Since she found the fruit delicious, the cooked dish should also be acceptable. If everything goes smoothly, maybe next time I can bring Yisi to the Demon Lord’s castle and make her a guest here. Although she did horrible things to me at first, the way Yisi treated me later was very good, almost like Ouranos, just with much less intimacy. My favorite thing was sitting on Ouranos’s lap enjoying sweets. I can’t make Ouranos a guest here, but Yisi, who is a good person just like Ouranos, can be. It would sort of make up for the guilt I feel towards my old friend.

However, Hetty’s expression turned strange.

“Your Majesty… this cooked dish…”

This is bad.

That expression clearly meant she found it disgusting. Subconsciously, Tina tensed her fists and asked, pretending to be nonchalant, “What’s wrong?”

“Your Majesty, did this come from the hands of a half-elf?”

“Yes.”

“I never thought… I would actually lose to a half-elf in the preparation of meat… What a humiliation. Your Majesty, I retract my previous prejudice against cooked dishes. This dish has indeed reached a height I cannot attain. It could undoubtedly be called the best in the entire demon race.”

Demons don’t even have cooked dishes, so of course it’s the best.

Tina helplessly pressed her forehead.

But this means there shouldn’t be a problem promoting these clothes either, right? Just as Tina was about to speak, the entire castle suddenly began to shake violently without warning. Dishes on the table crashed to the floor, shattering loudly. The chandelier on the ceiling groaned ominously, and the two occupants of the room nearly lost their footing.

“Hetty, what happened?!”

“I don’t know! It must be the barrier! The barrier is under attack! Your Majesty, please proceed to the central courtyard immediately! I will go gather the troops!”

“I’ll leave it to you!”

Her heart pounding violently, Tina instantly vanished from the room.