Lexi took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and finally approached the scientists.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we still have one more major research that will have a tremendous impact." Lexi flashed a big smile and immediately caught the scientists' attention.
The doctor lifted the object she was carrying, then removed the black cloth that wrapped it. The scientists frowned at the jar, which was the size of an adult's palm.
"Can you guys guess what's in here?" Lexi brought the glass object filled with a greenish liquid closer to the scientists.
They watched closely for something floating in the middle of the jar. That thing is like a creature with a disproportionately large head, black eyes, and limbs. The size is also very small, maybe not even three inches.
"It's like a human fetus in the early weeks." One scientist guessed.
I could see Lexi's face filled with excitement. She then turned the jar.
"What is that?" Another scientist pointed at something transparent on the back of the embryo. That thing is so tiny and barely visible.
"These are wings," Lexi answered with trembling lips. "You guys are looking at a duplication of a fairy."
"A fairy?" one of the other scientists asked. "The mythical creature that disappeared five hundred years ago? Which was considered the source of glory for the elves in the past?"
"You are right!" Lexi looks more enthusiastic. "We have a method to extract life codes from a part of Fairy's body. Then, with those codes, we made this fetus. Imagine if this fetus grows into a real fairy. And if what's in the story is true. Then, we will get crops that…."
"Can a mystical creature like a fairy reproduce like a human? Are they growing fetuses in their wombs?" A female scientist cut Lexi off.
"To be honest, we didn't know about that…. Well, we don't know much…. Maybe that's what made this fetus die just moments after being made…. We don't have anything resembling a mother's womb yet…."
"Let's say you can indeed extract life codes from living things. Do you think something like this is ethical? Is not that…."
"I guess this is enough." I covered the jar with black cloth again. The situation was starting to escalate, so I had to intervene immediately. "You can all discuss things like this another time."
Lexi nodded to me and stepped back with her head down.
"I'm sorry you guys have traveled such a long way, but I made you come here and hear various explanations instead." I smiled again at those people. "So, with pleasure, I will invite you to enjoy your first dinner here."
The minotaur returned to accompany the scientists. Those people have no choice but to follow me.
Some turned their heads toward the research area a few times, but most became terrified again.
After a short walk, we entered another large room. However, what greeted us this time was not parts of a demon chariot or other research projects but a giant oval table with various kinds of food. The smell of steaks, mashed potatoes, gravy, and sweets fills my nose.
"Welcome to the Skeleton Chef banquet!" Skeleton A greeted them in a white chef's outfit and hat.
It made my guests tremble in fear. Even the women among them screamed. Meeting demons of all kinds was one thing, but it wasn't as surprising as meeting a skeleton that could talk and move.
"Don't worry, the food I make is definitely delicious." Skeleton A laughed. "I can't taste it, though."
"Let's get started." I sat at the very end of the table, and Ayre sat next to me.
Several maids in white and black clothes entered the room carrying bottles of wine. They came from various races, bwisters, humans, succubus, one undead represented by skeleton B, and even a minotaur.
This happened not without reason. I want my guests to get the impression that humans and demons can actually work together.
The scientists finally sat down, and the waiters poured wine into their glasses.
"Thanks," I said to Robyn, who had just poured my drink. Then, I raised my glass. "Cheers for our bond."
They also raised their glasses, though with stiff movements and doubtful faces.
I sip my wine proudly. I can't wait to see what kind of progress they will bring to this place.
***
"Ritor," Emily called out to the minotaur general, sleeping in a sitting position.
Ritor opened his eyes and looked at that woman. "Didn't Lord Vorn say you'd replace me only when you've had enough rest?"
"Well, I can rest here." she shrugged. "And in my opinion, you are the one who needs rest more. I heard that you haven't fully recovered from your wounds." The undead supreme then turned to the two minotaurs, who were also on guard. "You two agree with me, right?"
The horned creatures only exchanged glances and didn't answer.
Ritor sighed. "But…."
"I insisted." Emily spread out a mat and sat next to Ritor. "Besides, I can't sleep. I am more appropriate to be here than you. You're very sleepy, right? Just move your ass to your comfortable bed."
The minotaur general scratched his hair, getting annoyed. "Do as you wish."
He got up from his seat and left that place without another word.
"Ah, one more." Emily chuckled. "I saw Lana sitting in front of her residence. She also couldn't sleep. You can do that with her now that she has become a demon. So, make the most of this opportunity I am giving you."
Ritor just snorted and continued on his way. Emily made the undeads she had brought to make way for the minotaur general.
Meanwhile, the two minotaurs on guard held back their laughter.
Emily chuckled again and leaned her back against the stone wall.
Yes, she really couldn't sleep. Various things filled her mind as soon as she got to base. Now lord Vorn is getting busier and hardly sees Emily.
The undead supreme then glanced at Velvet Byrne, who was still lying motionless. And now, there was another woman that Lord Vorn was after.
She sighed. Looks like she really has to accept this fact. The one she loves is the demon lord, after all.
"I want to get some sleep." Emily lay down on the mat. "If anything happens, wake me up."
The two guardian minotaurs answered in unison. "Yes, Lady Emily!"