Chapter 439 Repairing the Citadel... Dealing with the aftermath.
Asmodeus closed his eyes while listening to the chaotic sounds of orcs complaining, shouting and groaning as the demon knights forced them to repair the wall. There was a sensation, a feeling, of his many tangled interests and issues unravelling like a ball of yarn rolling down a hill.
'Why does it feel like everything is coming to an end…'
[Don't be so pessimistic. Do you think it ends with a victory here?]
The words of Serena, like a lamp in the dark of midnight, helped him recover from the strange melancholic feelings.
He brushed the hair from his cheek with a huff before returning his gaze to the office… a cheap table covered in food and liquid stains. Most likely cheap grog and ale enjoyed by the orcs. What amazed him was that the orcs didn't organise their supplies, weapons or defences.
'It's almost like they just lived on the edge, from day to day.'
However, the moment he took over the job it became difficult because he needed to plan for the future and start documentation from nothing.
He asked Ciela to help with logistics, with Erika and Velvet joining her, while Alice and Asmodea helped him with the paperwork, organising food storage, water and other supplies that Ciela would bring to the base.
'Thankfully, there's a large forest filling this land, and a fresh water source to the west.'
[How do you plan to deal with this place?]
Asmodeus never thought he would one day become a lord, or even the ruler of a place, but he finally faced reality. He would become a ruler where he wanted to anyway, so at least this way he could gain some experience before Alan made fun of him.
So, throwing away his useless pride, he gazed at the two women, one a successful duchess and the other a princess.
"Alice, would you mind giving me a hand?"
"Oh my, the great Asmodeus wants me to help?"
Alice's eyes shifted, narrowing like a snake as she slipped closer to Asmodeus, pressing her body against his arm while stroking along his arm. The delicate warmth from her soft fingertips sending tingles down his spine.
Then she leaned closer, her lips blowing a sweet-scented breath across his cheeks, and whispered in her sensual voice. "How can I help you, my dear?"
[It's always cute how she tries to seduce you.]
Asmodeus leaned his head against her neck, the comfortable feeling of someone supporting him quite enjoyable, while she enjoyed teasing him and making jokes. He really didn't mind because in the end Alice would help him.
"Aunt, please keep your hormones under check."
Asmodea's sharp, icy tone came from his left, before she also slipped her arms around his, and leaned against him, a floral scent flowing into his nose.
"My lovely king, I will help you anytime. So forget this silly old woman's words."
"Silly old woman, little girl, who do you think you are speaking about?"
"Who else but you? You're the only old woman here."
The two women began arguing, and Asmodeus felt like he was watching two children fighting over a toy. However, the slight pain of them leaning over him faded when he gazed down… a bountiful mountain range pressed against his face, as if the pair planned to seduce him in this manner.
[You seem thrilled to have their tits pressed against your face…]
Asmodeus couldn't deny the jealous tinge in Serena's voice. Instead, he enjoyed the feeling of the warm flesh pressed against his face, and the smell of Alice's perfume and Asmodea's natural scent. But the argument grew louder, and Asmodeus sighed as he raised his head and pulled the two women apart.
His right hand pulled Alice against his chest, threading through her silky hair. Slowly, he brushed his thumb across her soft, squishy cheek. Her skin was smooth and soft. With his left arm, he lifted Asmodea, pulled her onto his left thigh, and sat her on his lap.
She looked up at him with a pout, and he gently caressed her cheek, enjoying the softness of her skin. Then he leaned in and kissed her forehead softly, turning to Alice and kissing her forehead as well.
"Don't fight so aggressively, a little jealousy is fine but don't forget you are family, whether as Grigorian women, or my future wives."
Asmodeus' words seemed to calm the tension between the two women, and they both nodded in agreement. He smiled, pleased that they had listened to him. Asmodea blushed slightly, looking away from him, while Alice smiled and nuzzled against his chest like a little black cat.
"Now, will you both help me?"
"Mm, I will do anything for you, darling."
"As long as you treat me like this, I can do anything, my dear."
Although the two women's attitudes were subtle, their elegance and class shone through. He felt grateful to have such skilled support sitting beside him.
"First, we need to organise the supplies and ensure everyone has enough food and water. Although demons do not need to eat or drink, the act in fact boosts our mood and the morale of troops."
Alice tapped her cheek after giving her opinion, then gazed at her niece with a smile. There seemed to be a secret exchange between them as Asmodea nodded.
He didn't know what they said to each other, but Asmodeus himself agreed with Alice's words and thoughts.
This was why he struggled with the topic.
"I agree, but how should we go about it?" Asmodeus asked, looking at the two women for guidance.
Alice spoke first. "We should first analyse the area and determine what kind of foods we can grow, hunt or collect. The water source thankfully exists to the east and is fresh." She tapped the desk, while shifting in his arms.
"Maybe we should plan for humans that might come with Alan, can these lands harvest any crops, or are there special vegetables and plants that grow only here?"
Asmodeus nodded, agreeing with Alice's idea.
It was important to know what resources they had available before making any plans.
Asmodea added, "I think we should also consider the possibility of trade with other settlements or cities nearby in the future, Alan's Grimholt for example."
Alice's thoughts focused on the present day and the near future, while Asmodea thought more about when they defeated the demon queen, gave ideas for the future.
Although it might seem like counting the eggs before they hatched, somehow, a feeling grew in Asmodeus' chest that he would kill the demon queen. His gut tightened, and he thought he would face another threat soon after.
The true threat.
[You are thinking about the mainland and Mephisto again. Try to take it one step at a time, honey.]
Asmodeus couldn't completely accept Serena's words because he needed to remain focused. Should Mephisto appear randomly, there would be chaos if he didn't prepare or improve himself.
'I will do my best, Serena.'
He turned back to the women, who were still discussing strategies for organising the settlement. They were both incredibly intelligent and experienced, and he knew he could rely on them to help him make the right decisions.
'I will learn from them, rather than starting everything for myself… relying on the skilled women around me seems more intelligent.'
Asmodea, Alice, and even Velvet and Vinea could offer him expert knowledge and tips on how to rule this land, from the troops to the crops.
He couldn't be ignorant, and to insist on doing everything alone was stupid—he needed to rely on those around him.
When he looked at Asmodea, who was now sitting on his lap, her body pressed against his, she had a thoughtful expression. She continued to discuss strategies with Alice.
'This is quite nice.' Asmodeus thought to himself as he enjoyed the closeness of the two women.
However, the moment he heard a knock at the door, the peaceful atmosphere vanished.
"My Lord."
"Come in!" Alice and Asmodea shouted out in unison.
The door creaked as it opened, revealing Fredricka's figure. Her blonde hair was a little dull from the constant battles and travelling through the dead lands. Her armour was dusty with mud and dried blood.
"My lord, I'm sorry to disturb you, but we have an urgent matter to discuss."
"Speak, Fredricka."
"The scouts have returned with news that they have spotted a small group of monsters heading towards us."
"Demons? Here?" Asmodeus asked, surprised. "How many? What race?"
Asmodeus wondered if they were orcs or goblin reinforcements, but the answer he received was unexpected.
"They're Mermaids, my lord. And they're being chased by a large group of orcs."
He opened his eyes wide in surprise. Asmodeus hadn't expected to encounter mermaids in this part of the world, especially since they typically lived in coastal areas.
"Why are they here?" he asked, puzzled.
"We don't know, my lord," Fredricka replied.
"Hmmm… what do you two believe we should do?" He wanted to hear the opinion of women who lived in this world much longer than him, he didn't even know what kind of lore or stories existed about mermaids.
Alice was the first to speak. "Mermaids are rare creatures, my lord. They are known for their beauty and their ability to enchant men with their singing. If orcs are chasing them, it could mean that they are in danger…" Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire
She paused for a moment, before her face suddenly lit up. "Ah, but they can purify any water source, and keep it pristine!"
'Oh?'
That would be a great addition to this small citadel and village. If this place became the group's primary base, water would be imperative for the human troops following Alan.
He turned his gaze to Asmodea, who looked a little upset. Her lips pouted, and her cheeks puffed out. Alice had taken the most important information, and she could only appeal to him emotionally now.
"I am unsure why they are here, but if they are in danger, we should help them. It would be cruel to leave them to the orcs." She looked down at him with a serious expression.
"Alright, then let's get the demon knights to finish one last task, call Ciela and have her support the mermaids, also can someone call Lumina to my room?"
There were too many things to do at once.
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