19. News

Beelzebub sat comfortably on her throne, an amused smirk playing on her lips as she observed Pandemonica. The tireless demoness was as composed as ever, her dark circles accentuated by the dim light of the room.

"So, is there something I should know? Anything new in Hell?" Beelzebub inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

Pandemonica adjusted her glasses before responding. "Yes, my lady. Do you see that giant clock in the middle of Hell?"

Beelzebub's gaze shifted to the massive clock with a timer. "Yes, I see it. What does it do?"

Pandemonica explained, "Once a year, angels descend from Heaven to hunt sinners due to the overpopulation of Hell."

Beelzebub nodded, already aware of the annual purge but wanting to confirm her knowledge. "Anything else?"

Pandemonica continued, "There are new demons, my lady. They were born in Hell and are quite strong—one level below the sins."

Beelzebub's interest was piqued. "Show me some examples."

With a snap of her fingers, Pandemonica conjured a small cloud, images of various bird-like demons materializing within it. Beelzebub's eyes gleamed with interest as she fought an urge. 'I wonder how they would taste. Wait, no Bee, control yourself.'

"These are Goetic demons," Pandemonica explained. "They can be considered counterparts to angels."

"So they could potentially become as strong as higher angels like Seraphs?" Beelzebub mused.

Pandemonica hesitated, unsure of the true strength of Seraphs. "It's possible, my lady."

Beelzebub's eyes narrowed in thought. "Anything else?"

"Yes, my lady," Pandemonica replied. "We have a partial monopoly on gems that allow us access to Earth. We control half of the supply, and Asmodeus controls the other half. However, we have the upper hand because the gems are mined from the Gluttony ring."

Beelzebub's interest deepened. "Hooooh, what do you mean by half?"

Pandemonica elaborated, "We control half of the supply and Asmodeus controls the other half. However, we have the upper hand because the gems are mined from the Gluttony ring."

Beelzebub turned her attention to the two figures standing before her. "And who are these two?"

Pandemonica introduced them. "My lady, these are two sinners who could become your main retainers. The one on the left with the scowl on her face is Malina."

Malina stepped forward, her sour expression unchanged. She had fair skin, red eyes, and white hair styled into a messy bob. Her short black horns and forked tail highlighted her demonic nature. Her attire consisted of a red working shirt with sleeves folded below her elbows, a black, buttoned sleeveless vest, long working pants under a short black pencil skirt, and three string bracelets on each wrist. Her mouth implied sharper teeth than the other demons, fixed in a perpetual frown.

Pandemonica continued, "Malina is known as The Sour Demon. She is grumpy, irritable, and aggressive. Also very good with all types of liqueurs."

Beelzebub nodded.

"And the other one?" Beelzebub asked, turning her gaze to the taller demon.

Pandemonica introduced the second figure. "This is Rosie."

Rosie was a very tall and slender demon with wide hips, pale gray skin, and a wide mouth with black lips. Her sharp light pink teeth and dusty-pink cheeks contrasted with her pitch-black eyes and white-and-gray hair. She wore high-class Victorian-era fashion, including a large maroon sun hat adorned with skulls and flowers, a pale-maroon and pale-burgundy dress with puffed shoulders, thin pale-maroon swirly stripes on the high black collar, black-trimming around the waist and on the long sleeves' ruffled cuffs, and three black stripes and black trim on the hem. Under her dress, she wore black kitten-heeled shoes.

...

Beelzebub sat regally on her throne, her eyes sharp and discerning as she scrutinized the two new candidates before her. The hall was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional flicker of infernal flames.

"Pandemonica," Beelzebub began, her voice calm yet commanding, "you've introduced Rosie and Malina, but I need to understand why they wish to join my cause."

Pandemonica nodded and stepped back, allowing the two demons to speak for themselves.

Malina stepped forward first, her expression still sour but her voice steady. "Lady Beelzebub, I may not have the most cheerful disposition, but I know my strengths. Hell has always been a place of chaos and strife, but under your leadership, there's a chance for order, even if it's a twisted form of it. I want to see Hell become something more than just a pit of despair. Besides," she added with a small smirk, "I'm tired of cleaning up everyone else's mess. I believe I can contribute more significantly to your plans."

Beelzebub regarded Malina thoughtfully. "Interesting. And what of your passion for games and alcohol? Will these not be distractions?"

Malina's frown deepened. "Games keep me sane in this madhouse, and alcohol... well, it helps dull the edge. But I assure you, Lady Beelzebub, my loyalty and my skills are yours. I believe in your vision for Hell."

Beelzebub nodded slowly, accepting her answer. She then turned her attention to Rosie.

Rosie, with her elegant Victorian attire and composed demeanor, stepped forward gracefully. "Lady Beelzebub, my reasons are multifaceted. I have seen the potential for greatness within Hell, a potential that is often squandered. You have the power and the vision to harness that potential and transform Hell into something formidable. Moreover, I have always admired a leader with a sense of elegance and purpose and little cannibalistic tendencies. You possess all in abundance."

Beelzebub raised an eyebrow. "Admiration, you say? And how does that translate into loyalty and action?"

Rosie's black eyes glittered with determination. "Admiration is the seed of loyalty. I am not one to offer my allegiance lightly."

Beelzebub leaned back, considering their words. "And what do you seek in return for your service?"

Malina answered first. "A chance to make a difference, to reshape Hell into something more than endless suffering. And perhaps, a break from the monotony of my current existence."

Rosie added, "I seek a leader worthy of my talents and the opportunity to be part of a grand vision. In serving you, I serve a cause greater than myself."

Beelzebub's lips curled into a smile. "Very well. Your reasons are sound, and your desires align with my goals. Welcome to my court, Malina and Rosie. Serve me well, and you shall find purpose and power beyond your wildest dreams."

Pandemonica stepped forward again. "Is there anything else, my lady?"

(End of a chapter)