chapter 11

Red leaned casually against the kitchen counter, eyeing Raizel with a playful glint in his blood-red eyes. "So, when are the big brothers gracing us with their presence again?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Raizel, seated at the table, took a sip of his coffee before answering. "Day after tomorrow," he replied, setting the cup down.

"Gotcha. Do you even have any work to do until then?" Red teased, raising an eyebrow.

A faint smile played on Raizel's lips. "Well, there's a meeting today, so I'm gearing up for that."

Red scoffed, "And by gearing up, you mean sitting around with that coffee, right?"

Raizel chuckled, "Not exactly. I'm pondering the weighty decision of who gets the king's throne."

Red's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Already decided, haven't you?"

Raizel leaned back, adopting a thoughtful pose. "I have a plan, but you know how it goes. Things can always take an unexpected turn."

Red nodded, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm smelling intrigue here. Do spill the beans, big bro."

Raizel simply grinned, leaving an air of mystery hanging between them. "Let's wait and see how it unfolds," he said, taking another sip of his coffee.

The kitchen, filled with the aroma of the brewing beverage, resonated with the easy banter between the two brothers. The anticipation of the "day after tomorrow" lingered in the air, promising not only the return of the elder siblings but also the unraveling of plans that would shape the fate of their kingdom.

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In the resplendent hall, a grand table took center stage, surrounded by an eclectic ensemble of six individuals, each bearing their unique presence.

At the heart of this assembly, in the middle corner of the table, was the commanding figure of Raizel. His aura exuded a regal confidence, a testament to his leadership.

To his right, forming a formidable trio, were Philza, Null, and the enigmatic Foolish. Philza, with his ageless wisdom, added a touch of seasoned sagacity to the council. Null, an embodiment of the abstract, brought an air of mystery, while Foolish contributed an unpredictable spark to the strategic discussions.

On Raizel's left, the composition took an even more intriguing turn with three representatives of different species. The first among them was a young teen, a person whose beauty could rival Raizel's, and rightly so, as he was a creation of Raizel himself. His features held an ethereal charm, a testament to the artistic prowess of his creator.

Next in line was a dwarf, adorned with flowing hair and a beard reminiscent of flickering flames. His eyes glowed with the heat of fire, a reflection of the resilience forged through hard work and determination. Muscles bulged from his sturdy frame, a testament to the laborious efforts he invested.

Completing the trio was a dark elf lady, possessing an allure of her own. While she may not reach the pinnacle of beauty that Raizel embodied, she was undeniably one of the top beauties in the world. Her presence added a unique dimension to the assembly, blending elegance with the enigmatic allure of the dark elf realm. The diverse group gathered around the table, representing a spectrum of talents, backgrounds, and appearances, and the set for the stage for discussions was complete.

"my lord, how have you been?" Philza inquired with a respectful bow.

"Fine. How has your branch been working?" Raizel responded, his gaze focused on the intricate details of the meeting table.

"Same as the ordinary," Philza replied, maintaining a composed demeanor.

Raizel turned his attention to Null, the enigmatic figure seated at the table. "And you, Null?"

"Good," Null stated succinctly, his expression unreadable.

Raizel then addressed Foolish, who seemed to radiate an air of excitement. "And you, Foolish?"

"Excellent, my lord," Foolish beamed, his eyes filled with enthusiasm.

In the public world, Philza held the prestigious title of the Second Minister of Elysium. However, behind the scenes, he operated as the leader of the secretive syndicate known as Lucifer. His responsibility was to ensure the safety of the country from external threats, employing covert methods to maintain Elysium's security and stability.

Null, the enigmatic figure, held a clandestine title as the King of the Underworld. In the shadows, he orchestrated a vast network of minions and establishments, including gambling houses, exclusive clubs, luxurious hotels, and much more. Null's influence reached far and wide, manipulating the underbelly of society to suit his mysterious agenda.

On the other hand, Foolish, the seemingly enthusiastic member of the council, was the undisputed ruler of the underwater realms. His domain extended to the depths of the ocean, where he had conquered various marine creatures, establishing himself as a formidable underwater powerhouse. Despite his significant influence, Foolish preferred to remain concealed from the public eye, conducting his reign with a shroud of secrecy. Together, Null and Foolish operated in the shadows, their actions hidden from the prying eyes of the ordinary world.

Among the remaining three council members, each held a significant and influential position in Raizel's burgeoning empire.

Aphrodies, often recognized as a clone of Raizel, adorned the role of the Financial and Trade Minister. His unparalleled beauty, captivating both men and women alike, made him an irresistible force in diplomatic and economic dealings. As the face of financial affairs, Aphrodies skillfully navigated the intricacies of trade, ensuring the prosperity of the nation.

Hephaestus, the steadfast dwarf, had earned the esteemed title of Guild Master within the Blacksmith Guild. His prowess as a master blacksmith ranked him among the top three in the world's list of the finest craftsmen. Known for forging legendary weapons and armor, Hephaestus played a crucial role in fortifying the empire's strength and resilience.

Last but certainly not least, Hera, a distinguished lady, held the crucial position of Economic Minister within the council. Simultaneously, she boasted the impressive title of a 12th-tier Archmage, showcasing her mastery in magical arts. Hera's strategic mind and magical prowess were pivotal in steering the nation toward economic prosperity and magical advancements.

Together, this diverse council, each contributing their unique skills and expertise, formed the backbone of Raizel's empire, ensuring its growth and stability in various aspects of governance.

[Hera]

[Afrodies]

[Hephaestus]