Asmodeus didn't truly forgive the elders for their comments and actions. However, because several elders genuinely expressed their apologies, he gave them all a second chance.
'To think they would grant us the permission to live in their royal palace...'
"Asmodeus, the monsters surrounding this forest are significantly stronger than those outside the barrier of the empire because of the magnified mana that exists in the beast kingdom." Liana fed him a purple grape with a sweet juice inside while talking.
Princess Liana and Vinea sat on either side of the demon king while he enjoyed a morning breakfast of exotic fruits and a light rabbit soup. Ever since arriving in the beast kingdoms, or rather the empire as the people living here called it, he noticed something strange.
Asmodeus found many things were far different from what people thought outside the barrier. In reality, until Yuina mentioned the barrier and situation of the elven, beastkin and demon lands, he was completely clueless.
'No maybe even those from Grigor don't know themselves as it seems to be a secret kept from humans and outsiders who don't reach a certain level of prestige.'
"Is that why my magic was so powerful two days ago?" Asmodeus thought back to the morning after the ritual and almost destroyed the sacred mountain that protected the Inukami.
'No wonder their elders were terrified of me back then, haha.'
"That's exactly why my dear, because the gods who protect these races maintain a barrier to protect them from harm to a degree."
Vinea looked beautiful as her delicate red fingers carried the spoon of hot soup to his mouth, her eyes glistening in anticipation as she murmured. "Ahh~"
[Though the barrier of the elves has been eroded by the demons forcing them into that alliance.]
'I see...'
From the moment they solved the issues, Asmodeus noticed the girls created a little rotation so they could all spend time with him.
Although he wanted to try to spend his time with them in one day, they smiled bitterly and told him that a week was better. Otherwise, he would rush the day and not relax when he spent time with them.
Today's duty to serve Asmodeus was Velvet, Vinea and Liana—because Alice went straight to the Inukami grand library, she was excluded.
As for the other groups, it was quite interesting that Ciela and Erika would become a pair while Yuina insisted on spending time with him when it was Yumiko's turn.
'I told them that since we are in the beast empire, Yumiko would get time alone with me, and when we go to the elven lands, it would be Ciela's turn... but I need to think of the other women too.'
[Yes, balance is ideal. I love how you allow Sariel to spend time with you regardless of the group. The girls also accepted that idea. Fufu~ is she your true favourite?]
Asmodeus enjoyed how Serena would comment or tease him more often, especially after her confession, which caused them to grow closer.
'Female demons are very territorial, despite looking at ease or gentle... I am glad these three are sisters by blood, which allows them to control those violent desires to kill intruding females...' Find your next read at mvl
[Still, you must be careful.]
[Velvet and Asmodea are extremely dangerous demons, not that they will betray or hurt you.]
[However, if they ever got the chance, they would bind you or lock you in a dungeon, unable to escape, so you become theirs.]
'I don't think it will happen unless someone else interferes or another woman causes them to lose their current balance.'
He noticed something during their time living in Baltimore. It was strange to find that the women grew to accept each other, but he noticed, as Serena taught him, that female demons have a territory, and if they entered another demon's area, they would definitely fight.
'That's why Vinea and Ciela often duelled in the training area...'
"Hmmm~ really? What should I do... that makes my body feel hot." Velvet hummed in joy, finally heading to the door and giving him a bright, radiant smile. She couldn't suppress the excitement rushing through her body. "Well then, Dearest King, I am going to change!"
Liana watched Velvet with a very sharp and aggressive gaze. Asmodeus noticed Liana was the most dangerous of his women as she didn't seem to care who entered her territory. She would fight them or play tricks on them.
But because the girls had come together to take turns pleasing him, Liana allowed them to live. Otherwise, she would have most likely killed Erika, Vinea, Yumiko, Yuina, Alice and Ciela without hesitation.
As for Sariel, she was blossoming into a woman that Asmodeus couldn't resist. That's why he tried to keep her at a certain distance. His instinct screamed it wasn't time yet and that if he touched her too soon. It might trigger something irreparable.
'I need to find her true body first... I am sure it is in the demon lands.'
"I'm going, kiss me~ my cute Asmodeus." Liana blew him a kiss. If a normal person saw it, they would most likely fall in love and obey whatever command she gave. "Wait for me outside at the gates."
She smiled lovingly at his calm face, a small pink kiss mark forming on his cheek.
"Go on, stop making trouble. Asmodea." Vinea sighed. The last of the sister demons left with the quiet jingle of her metal armour. "I'll see you at the gate, darling." She looked back with a soft smile before her body vanished into the darkness.
"Good grief, those three..."
Since he was going to fight powerful monsters, Asmodeus felt quite excited and quickly changed his outfit. Thanks to the high levels of mana in the atmosphere.
The temperature in the Moka forest was quite warm, so he could wear his black samurai-style hakama and cloth boots and leave his chest exposed, allowing his marking to absorb mana from the surroundings faster.
"I look forward to today, oh so much."
With the crack of his neck and fingers, Asmodeus left the palace and walked towards the northern gate, his powerful aura fluctuating with each step.