A tense atmosphere arose when Ajuka asked for Petra's autograph. The mage was an idol to him for creating records and guidebooks on magic, making his name popular among mages and witches. The book even inspired some, furthering Petra's fame.
"Of course, why not?" Petra replied with a friendly smile.
Sirzechs found it difficult to follow the current situation. His eyes glanced at his close friend, Ajuka, who usually didn't pay much attention to his surroundings except for his books. However, this time, he saw Ajuka with shining eyes, like a happy fan meeting his idol. Once the book was signed by Petra, once again, young Lord Astaroth beamed, his eyes sparkling as he looked at his idol's signature in his book.
"Thank you, sir! I will treasure this as a family heirloom!" Ajuka said enthusiastically.
Petra just nodded with a friendly smile on his face, then walked to his seat. The atmosphere in the room was varied this time. Some looked relieved after meeting their idol, some remained focused on their own affairs, and some were still trying to digest the surprise of Petra's arrival. Each person in the room had their own thoughts and feelings, creating a tense yet intriguing atmosphere.
"Okay... What's the matter?" the mage casually asked to all the audience present there.
...
As Petra had predicted earlier, Zekram was pressured by other demon lords to take responsibility for the destruction of the Valefor region, which had recently become a battleground between Satan-class forces.
However, due to the success of Falbiun's team intercepting enemies trying to take advantage during the chaos, and Sirzechs and Serafall being seen as having toppled Damaidos' tyranny, this significantly reduced Satan's faction's power. Their military power, previously centered on Lord Asmodeus and his followers, was now shaken.
The result was indeed commendable, providing an opportunity for the anti-Satan faction to advance. However, this had to be carefully prepared and strategized.
And behind the success of all this was Petra Handerson, who played a significant role behind the scenes and was now in front of the young leaders of the anti-Satan faction. They expressed their disagreement with Zekram, who was considered suspicious for sending Serafall to the Valefor region suddenly without informing them first.
"Really, I don't want to go through with this plan!" Sirzechs said firmly. He was the first to refuse, especially since his crush had been taken and he would become the demon king after the previous heirs were toppled. He felt the administrative workload he would face after the war would be very burdensome, making him feel limited in terms of time.
The other responses were similar, though not as strong as Sirzechs' refusal. The three of them felt doubtful but remained silent, pondering the situation they were facing. Petra, with his typical calmness, tried to reassure these young demon lords, explaining further the complexity of the situation they were currently facing. With careful consideration, he tried to make them understand why this step was important for the progress of the anti-Satan faction, despite the risks and uncertainties associated with it.
"I sincerely ask you to ascend to the throne as the Great Four Satan, not without reason." The mage's previously closed eyes now showed sharp glints. "Can't you feel the suffering of your own people!? Do you hear them? Every step when visiting an area in your territory, are lower-class demons like them happy with your presence? Do you think so! Listen to me, Sirzechs, don't you feel ashamed in front of the children who respect you dying without any change in their future!? What about Serafall!? Is your comrade from Golden Dawn happy to see you like this? And you, Ajuka. Your dream of prospering your people will only be achieved if you are trapped in that small space! Lastly, Falbium, Are the sacrifices of the soldiers worth so little! They fought on the front lines hoping to see their descendants safe and living happily without any threats!"
Petra's words echoed in the tense room, each syllable piercing the doubts and objections of the three young demon kings present. Sirzechs, Serafall, and Ajuka exchanged anxious looks, their minds wrestling with the weight of Petra's impassioned plea.
Sirzechs, the proud and ambitious heir of the Gremory clan, felt a slight discomfort gnawing at him. He couldn't shake off the image of his fallen comrades, the people who had put their trust and hope in him, only to meet their end without seeing a change in their future. The memory of their unwavering loyalty haunted him, stirring a sense of shame within him.
Serafall, the woman from the Sitri clan, found herself contemplating her comrades from the Golden Dawn. Their unwavering dedication to their cause, their sacrifices, and their dreams now seemed like distant echoes in the face of uncertainty. Would they be proud to see her falter in the face of responsibility, or would they be disappointed to witness her hesitation?
Ajuka, the diligent and idealistic ruler of the Astaroth clan, felt a twinge of longing for the dreams he had once harbored for his people. His vision of prosperity and progress now seemed like a distant mirage, overshadowed by the confines of his current reality. Would he continue to confine himself to the safety of his studies, or would he rise to the challenge and pave the way for a brighter future?
Falbium, who may have been asleep earlier, suddenly woke up to Petra's words. Though still looking sleepy, he pondered the sacrifices of the soldiers on the front lines. The faces he had seen, faces full of determination to protect their territory, filled his mind. A tough decision, but he knew that they deserved a leader who would fight for their rights and security wholeheartedly.
In the silence that ensued, Zekram was truly surprised when Petra suddenly approached him from behind. Leaning slightly, he whispered to the old demon.
"Psst---!…"
Petra was startled by the sound and turned, finding the old demon whispering to him.
"Since when could you give such a great speech!?" he asked, his expression a mix of admiration and astonishment.
Petra smiled thinly, slightly flattered by Zekram's unexpected praise. "Since when? Ah, for a long time, Zekram. This skill is just one of my many talents that you don't know about."
Zekram nodded, his eyes betraying a hint of admiration though still looking somewhat doubtful. "I cannot ignore the fact that you have extraordinary abilities. But, nonetheless, you are a human. This clearly raises questions about your existence in the demon world."
Petra just smiled mysteriously, not directly answering Zekram's question. He knew that his past and the reason for his presence in the demon world were secrets that not everyone needed to know.
Moments later, Serafall raised her hand, surprising everyone in the room. "I-I... If all of this is for the good of the oppressed demon society under the rule of the previous four demon kings, then this must change. I agree to become the next demon king!"
Serafall's eyes were full of determination, reflecting her firm decision to fight for the needed change. There was no doubt in her voice, although her decision might bring a heavy burden and challenges.
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