Though in return, not a single of the knights who followed Asmodeus reacted. Instead, they stood proudly, with their arms behind their backs, unlike the shrine maidens who seemed shaken by the display.
"Explain yourselves, you treacherous foxes! Is this how you treat your future husband, Lady Yuina? How dare you kill one of my people!" Baberu's face twisted, his revealing fangs while spitting with each intense word.
The atmosphere became volatile with his aggressive words and the posturing of his troops. Yet, the moment Asmodeus stood up, everything vanished with a simple flicker of his aura.
Asmodeus simply unleashed his aura for an instant. That instant wiped out their entire groups collective resistance and caused Most of the female demons to kneel instinctively.
He didn't speak, instead wrapping his arm around both Yuina and Yumiko's waists, lifting them and resting their rumps on his forearm.
"Hyah?!"
"Kya!"
'This seems to be the limit of a useless heir, though he isn't completely stupid.'
"Who are you?" Asmodeus spoke in a low, calm voice while the two women wrapped their arms around his neck.
One of the warriors seemed to be quite brave—standing forward. He pointed at Asmodeus and yelled out as if using all of his willpower.
"Who are you? How dare you speak to our prince that way!"
'Oh? Not bad for a mere grunt.' Asmodeus thought, while gazing at the obsessive and lovely silver eyes of Levia. Because she was in the process of asking for a reward, it seems she accepted the brunt of his aura. The moment she collapsed to her knee, her face became more lovely, as her legs visibly trembled.
"I am the king, and you?" Asmodeus asked, his voice filled with amusement. Despite their rude actions, he didn't actually dislike these honest wolves. The warrior instantly paled and took a step backwards.
In the background, one could see the shrine maidens quivering with their hands trembling. Yet the knights seemed excited and full of energy. Though it seemed Baberu was doing just fine, despite accepting his aura.
"T-The king... of what?!" It was Baberu who spoke this time, his voice one of fear and curiosity.
"Well, for now, I am just the King of the Demons. However, in the future that title should probably spread further. I will become King of the Humans, elves, and even the Beastkin. I aim to become something special, maybe a God King?"
Asmodeus announced to everyone in the plaza. This was the first time he ever said his thoughts out loud, yet it felt so natural, almost like he was reading out the weekly grocery list.
[You... what are your plans?! Are you going to treat me like those girls!?]
'Of course, it's your fault. Don't forget what you said the other night. I cannot forget and will not let you escape either.'
Asmodeus's words caused Serena's voice to shiver, her body trembling from the memory of her words and his goals.
[I see... Then don't let me down. I'll be waiting.]
'Hmph, of course.'
'This kind woman and her pesky sister using her charm to help...'
"Baberu Fenrir, answer my question. If you fail, what kind of life awaits you? The two princesses are mine—I won't hand them over until Yuina sits on the throne. I shall not cease in my efforts to crown her, like the original agreement of the clans." His words caused the warriors to raise their heads, their faces filled with hope and expectation.
This time, it was Baberu's moment to think and reflect. From a young age, his sisters and mother treated him like an ugly runt because he lacked the grace and beauty of past princes.
A life fighting to gain footing, he spent years building up a social network of allies, only to be betrayed over and over until reaching utter despair.
His father and mother only allowed his survival to continue because they needed him for marriage to the Inukami clan. His sisters were no better, and if the marriage were to fail, he knew that only disposal awaited him in the form of battle or assassination.
They would surely be able to create a reason for his death so that the people wouldn't bat an eyelid.
"There is nothing."A desolate voice added to his eyes, void of life.
Asmodeus observed Baberu for several moments and sighed. There was something about his new life in this world and meeting Princess and Dukes that needed saving from their fate.
[After all, you aren't as heartless as you seem.]
'Shut it...'
"Then Kneel!"
His voice was deep. Once again, his immense aura began to overwhelm the warriors, their bodies trembling, while Baberu's legs also gave in. He knelt, placing his head to the ground at first only because of the force, yet soon his eyes began to change.
A light of hope, although small, he could feel his heart pounding inside his chest.
The next moment, a thud sounded as Baberu knelt with his hands and knees on the floor, almost touching the ground with his forehead.
"Although I hate the idea of surrendering to another male if you can guarantee my life and the lives of my people. I will accept, but should you ever become careless and seek to harm them."
Baberu's eyes shone with a powerful intent. "I will kill you myself!"
"Hahaha! How amusing, Baberu of the Fenrir clan, you have my attention and word. Now..."
"Apologise. You and all your knights take back any negative words you've spoken about my princess and the Inukami clan right here. Then I will create a path for you to survive and get your revenge."
Baberu's ears and tail were shaking with excitement, and his eyes became moist. Whether from relief or fear, it was unclear at this point; however, his voice echoed loud and clear in the Inukami village.
"I beseech thee to forgive my rudeness, disrespect and unbecoming behaviour. I apologise for my actions, and if I must kneel for a lifetime to achieve my goal. I will do so, so please accept my humble request, Your Highness, Yuina Inukami and Demon King Asmodeus."
Following Baberu's words, all the knights began to confess and beg for forgiveness, causing Asmodeus to smile. He didn't seek to become a tyrant, and he needed more people to protect the places he would leave in the future.
The moment his words ended, a surge of magic enveloped Baberu and the warriors who followed him. No longer did the aura cause them to feel their bones creak and muscles spasm—instead, they felt at ease.
"I won't rush you to accept my rule! For now, you will train with the Demon Knights and Shrine Maidens before we head to the Beast Empire's capital in the near future."