"Mm, this is such good tea, Sin," Macarona complimented the snake demon after taking a sip of the honey tea she had prepared for the four of them. "The flavor of this blend stands out and tastes exquisite. Would this happen to be a brand from your underworld, or another world?"

"It comes from Rosaliya's world and is produced only by the best beekeepers there. There are several vineyards, wineries, and plantations there," Sin explained with a smile. "This tea was made by a plantation founded for the purpose of producing it and similar commodities made from honey and with it. The teashop there is a pretty little place and beans are handled with the utmost care, plus the plantation is a commercial enterprise. Almost everything is exported to other worlds, save for some ingredients used to produce tea on the premises." Taking a sip of her own honey tea, she then addressed Macarona again. Thanks for the compliment, Macarona; Rosaliya will also be grateful as well to hear praise for a favorite product of hers from her world."

"I'll tell her when she arrives," the young angel said while sipping the tea. "There are some plantations in my world as well, though they only produce ingredients for tea and coffee. The Gray Garden doesn't develop any alcoholic beverages and my world doesn't want any from commercial trade either. Any items associated with drugs and alcohol are not allowed since we care about the health care and want to avoid consequences of what might happen if such items are legalized there. It's a perspective that has raised some eyebrows since some visitors to our world like traders along with tourists come from worlds that do use those products, but they respect our decision to abstain from selling and producing the items in question." She sighed peacefully, savoring the tea.

"Sounds like your world has some strict standards that enforce the peace," Rane remarked to advance the conversation so she could learn a bit more about the Gray Garden. "Are the citizens alright with the decisions your Goddess and Devil made to ensure safe harmony there?"

"They're in full agreement one hundred percent," Macarona affirmed for her with a nod of her head as she averted her attention to the spider demon sitting beside her. "Our world might seem like a perfect paradise to some places. We're content with our lives and governance is quite simple and easygoing. There aren't many laws or rules to follow because of our peaceful nature, and even those are easy to comprehend. Furthermore, the economy is quite strong and healthy because there is plenty of revenue produced, and Miss Etihw and Mr. Kcalb always use their magic to ensure the economy stays in top shape by producing more gold coins through magic. The culture is intriguing for a world where everything is simple, though we're happy with our lifestyle the way it is."

"Kcalb has mentioned s-something about the different regions in your world as well when I-I visited him once," Reficul stated, attempting to remain calm instead of getting scared. She was grateful to Sin for sitting next to her because the snake demon's presence close beside her managed to soothe her nerves. However, she still spoke with a slight stutter since she couldn't help but still feel nervous around Macarona. The Devil hadn't provoked the angel's ire yet, so she wanted to be careful by keeping it that way. Thankfully they hadn't brought up their interaction in the museum Macarona worked part time at, though her comment was still a reference to her visit then. "F-from what I-I've seen so far, there appears to be a wasteland with several forests."

"I've hiked through a couple forests as a member of the girl scouts," Macarona said as she looked at her, "though my favorite was one I've been to at the time of Ivlis' invasion. In my world there is a particular region where three forests are located right next to one another. They're called Daybreak Forest, Midday Forest, and Evening Forest, and they're all joined together. That's one of the landmarks in my world because the sky reflects which of the forests one is in. I went there with my friends to investigate signs of otherworldly forces and look for suspicious individuals, but we were captured by Ivlis' demons and brought to his prison where Ms. Reficul later saved us."

"Aw, that was so nice of you, Refi," Sin praised the Devil and shut her eyes, smiling at her. "Helping a group of nice young ladies out when they needed aid. Thanks to you, we're now friends with people from yet another world." She cocked her head to the side and chuckled happily.

"W-well, I-I couldn't let that airhead run amok s-stealing power. H-he might've come after our world next," Reficul commented modestly, acting humble in front of the others. "Our interests were also in jeopardy, s-so I-I felt our worlds s-shared a common foe in the airhead, hence why an effort t-to collaborate in his defeat was necessary t-to ensure the safety of both our worlds."

"Oh, don't be so bashful, Refi," Sin praised her decision to offer her support to Macarona's world. "I knew you liked it a lot. You've always been saying it's such a tranquil paradise that other worlds should emulate even if the heavens and underworlds were still in conflict with one another."

"T-true, I-I shan't deny that," Reficul murmured in agreement, sipping her tea when a small sound coming from Macarona's pocket caught everyone's attention. The young angel removed her cellphone and checked it for any messages, finding one from her father.

"Sorry, that would be my father," Macarona said with a sheepish smile, closing her eyes to assure them it was nothing serious. "He and my mother live in another town. I just received a text message from him asking if I would tell the rest of my family about my time here at the next family reunion." With that said, she quickly responded by simply typing an affirmative reply and put the cellphone away. "My apologies, my parents told me to keep it on vibrate at all times in case they've got to contact me regarding anything urgent that might also require my attention."

"Oh, that's quite alright, dearie, we understand," Sin reassured her it was fine with a smile when Rane suddenly coughed unexpectedly which made the others glance at her.

"S-sorry," she also apologized sheepishly and chuckled despite turning slightly pale. "Must have gone down a little funny." She was referring to a sip of tea she'd taken when they all heard a knock at the door indicating the other guests had arrived. Quickly standing up while Sin also rose with Reficul, the spider demon quickly addressed the snake demon before they went away. "U-uh, would it be alright if I just use the bathroom to wash my hands, please?"

Sin nodded and smiled sweetly. "Sure, dear, you may," she answered and quickly ushered the Devil off ahead of her before turning back to Macarona as Rane also left too. "Sorry about that, Macarona, but could I ask you to refrain from bringing up familial matters around Rane? It's kind of a touchy subject with her and she gets uncomfortable when it's brought up. You do not mind if we just drop the subject for her, right?" the snake demon asked as Macarona nodded. "Thank you, Macarona, Rane will appreciate it," Sin spoke up again and began to leave, heading for a door that Reficul walked through where the Devil met up with some of the servants. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to be following Refi so I can greet our other guests since they've arrived."

"Sure, I don't mind. If it's difficult for her to discuss, I'll gladly stay mum if it'll help her," the young angel said to accommodate the spider demon by abstaining from further dialogue about her family. She set her finished tea on the table and stood up. "May I go apologize to her?"

"Of course, Macarona, if it'll help you can," Sin remarked before heading off to the lobby. "I'll just be greeting Lil and Rosaliya out in the lobby. You both can come right over to see them once Rane's finished. She'll be in the bathroom closest to the parlor." Saying so, she directed one of the maids over to her and requested she lead the angel over there so Macarona wouldn't get lost. Following the maid into another hall, Macarona glanced around at the colorful tapestries and blinds hanging along the walls and windows with some landscape portraits of what she assumed had been vistas from this world and perhaps a few others like the ones Rosaliya and Lil were from. The floor was entirely birch wood like in the foyer, and the walls were made of the same stone bricks. Even the ceiling matched the floor because the keep was three stories high and the second floor was just above them. It sort of reminded her of Blancblack Castle and a few other structures she saw in the Gray Garden; some of them were ruins while others were forts that had been converted into social areas with towns constructed within and around the impressive structures.

"Here, we are, Miss Macarona," the demon maid turned to her and bowed in front of a door made of oak wood. "This is the bathroom Miss Rane came to. She should be out momentarily."

"Ah, thank you," Macarona returned the gesture as a sign of appreciation and waited in the corridor for the spider demon to emerge from within while the maid left. She stood by the opposite wall patiently, hands folded with her arms in front of her. The angel heard sounds of what might've been choked sobs mixed in with some sniffling, but a few minutes later a recovered Rane stepped out of the bathroom and sighed in relief, unaware Macarona was there until she saw her.

"O-oh, Macarona!" the spider demon squeaked somewhat, startled by her appearance there.

"Hey, Rane, everything okay?" the young angel asked as they started walking towards the foyer. "Sorry if mentioning my family upset you. Sin told me it's a tender subject for you, and I thought I should apologize for bringing it up. I won't speak of it again. Do you feel better now?"

Rane nodded and smiled sheepishly. "O-oh, of course, Macarona, I don't blame you. True, it's not something I want to talk about, but you've only just met me today and this is the first time you've come to our world. It's only natural you'd know nothing about us on the first day, but thank you, I do feel better. Don't worry about me, I'll fine; Lil and Rosaliya should be here by now. Let's go greet them. I bet Lil's going to like you on first sight, though Rosaliya might want to know you first since angels are kind of a touchy subject with her as my family is to me."

"Sure, alright, that's fine; I'm okay with being grilled if it'll help her get used to me." With that said, the two of them made their way past some of the other servants towards the foyer where they found Reficul and Sin with the other two guests who had shown up. Rane immediately smiled and sauntered over so one of them, a demon with muted pink hair and red eyes, could embrace her in a hug. "Lil, Rosaliya! It's good to see you both again. It's been a while."

"Oh, Rane, my adorable little arachnid girl! How are things going?!" Lil remarked as she happily twirled around with the spider demon in her arms. "My, you've grown just a bit taller since we last saw each other! Living on your own and already growing into an independent lady! Times have changed since they go by so fast! It's been months since our last get-together!"

"Shimmer down and try not to get too excited now, Lil," Rosaliya commented blandly.

"But it's been so long, Rosaliya!" the demon whose horns seemed to be similar to Reficul's protested playfully, her euphoric style of joy lifting spirits and bringing smiles to faces all around. She pranced towards Sin and got her in on the hug as well which the snake demon eagerly returned. "I haven't seen these girls in a while. Pipe down yourself and let me enjoy their company!"

"Yes, it's nice to see you too, Lil," Sin greeted her and chuckled, happy they were here.

"Yes, yes, glad to have you over," Reficul muttered sarcastically, highly critical of Lil and her idea of fun. She would've demanded her to release the snake and spider demons from her hug, but the Devil caught Macarona stepping forward to stand beside her out of the corner of her eyes. Reficul turned pale and failed to stifle a small squeak of fear since the angel's presence directly by hers was enough to give her a bad scare and make her stumble to the side as a means of escape. It only made Macarona deadpan, an expression which included a raised eyebrow towards the Devil. The angel would've inquired suspiciously about what Reficul muttered under her breath even if a certain amount of venom wasn't applied, though that look from her was enough to subdue her. Yet Macarona hardly had a chance to even consider raising the issue aloud since Lil already saw her.

"Oh my, my, my, an angel among the demons and Devils!" the demon murmured while an examination of the angel in question was in place. She had undertaken it with such excitement that it made Macarona lean back more for personal space than out of fear. The young angel displayed no signs of fear, however, for she willingly subjected herself to scrutiny as the lady looked at her. "You must be Macarona, the angel Sin wrote about in her invitation! I just love your outfit, it looks positively adorable!" Lil exclaimed to compliment the girl on her appearance. "And such locks of brown hair! Cute eyes and a sweet smile to boot!" She clapped her hands as Macarona giggled.

"Why, thank you for saying so!" the angel commented, feeling slightly embarrassed for the attention being foisted onto her. It made her feel as if she was some kind of exotic item or creature on display in a museum or someplace similar, though the demon spectator showed no hostility. "I might not look like much at first glance, though first impressions can be kind of deceiving because I'm pretty strong." Although Macarona didn't mean to brag about herself since she felt it was rude towards others as it could've belittled them, she thought a minor remark about herself would be an appropriate thing to say just to tell Lil and Rosaliya something about herself. Apparently it worked on the demon by her since the lady playfully seized her from behind in a big hug while examining her. The angel welcomed the gesture and laughed with the demon, already taking a liking to her.

"Aw, such an adorable angel!" Lil laughed and cooed happily. "We may have just met, but I can already tell we'll be best friends forever!" She continued to partake in the delight when only moments later a realization came to her and she lightly knocked her head with a fist and closed her eyes. "Oops, silly me, I forgot to introduce myself. The name's Lil, and the small fry over there is Rosaliya Phantomrose!" Lil giggled with a hand to her mouth as she watched the other Devil glare at her in annoyance, obviously finding pleasure in the lighthearted teasing.

"I am a Devil, you know," Rosaliya spat out rhetorically, kind of reminding the angel about Froze and Dialo since that was the impression she felt emanating from this Devil. "You should be showing your superiors and hostess' the respect they deserve, Lil. As the wife of a Devil yourself, you're to maintain the proper image of an aristocrat of your status instead of acting like a child."

"Quit trying to reverse our ages!" Lil teased her, giving Macarona the impression that she was like Yosafire and sort of like Rawberry. All they needed was a quiet girl and they would have somebody who felt reminiscent of Chelan, though perhaps the other angel was sort similar to Sin. They did express the same gentle demeanor which helped Macarona feel right at home among the demons and Devils here because they really did remind her of her other friends in the Gray Garden. "Perhaps you should be the one acting your age, Rosaliya," Lil continued her playful banter while the angel in her arms giggled, glad to be a part of another social circle of friends like hers.

"I am," the Devil countered, crossing her arms while walking towards Macarona to look at her too. "You forget how age works in different worlds and with different species of demons. I'm nearing five hundred years old in my world due to my species, whereas you have yet to even reach a second century in yours, Lil. By that logic I'm older than you, so your point is invalid and null due to that flaw in your thinking." The demon opened her mouth to try and make a counterpoint, though Rosaliya figured out what she was going to say. "Yes, we're in a different world, but your argument doesn't hold any water than it does in your own world and mine, again due to species."

"Pfff, whatever you say, old crone," the demon teased her yet again to irritate the Devil. "I think it's time for the hag to visit the grandchildren, do you, Macarona?"

"I wouldn't call her old," Macarona commented to try and alleviate any anger Rosaliya felt towards Lil, though she also tried to remain neutral in this playful bickering. "Though considering how old she may be, I wouldn't be surprised if she does have descendants." Quickly looking over to Rane, she flashed the spider demon an apologetic smile which Rane understood and forgave. It was fairly obvious that she was struggling to control herself in spite of the topic, though Sin hugged her to give Rane comfort and rested her head on the spider demon's head as an affectionate gesture.

"I do not," Rosaliya clarified for her, "I have yet to reach an age suitable for marriage, plus it's a custom in my world for the spirits and elementals to approve of one's suitor first. Though let us not discuss the subject of family in Rane's presence." She looked at the spider demon and gave her a nod of understanding. "I expect you to apologize for that, Lil, since you did bring it up." she commented as the demon in question smiled sheepishly and stepped away to bow before Rane and apologize while Rosaliya addressed Macarona. "So, you are Macarona, I take it?"

"Yes, I am her. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rosaliya," Macarona said and closed her eyes as she curtsied before the Devil. "You look well, I really like your dress. It looks so pretty."

Rosaliya displayed a soft smile, getting a vibe that this angel wasn't like him. It was earlier than she expected, but she could tell that Macarona was a sweet girl who respected her elders and social superiors. She liked that quality in her as it a favorite trait of hers when interacting with any individuals who were on a lower rung of the social ladder in her world. "Why thank you, I've had it duly prepared for this weekend. As Sin's guest from another world, I feel it is important to make a firm impression on behalf of myself and my world, hence why I must look my best," she said as she looked over at Sin and bowed her head in respect and appreciation of the hostess.

"Thank you, Rosaliya," Sin said gratefully, "but it's not really necessary here since I don't mind. Our friendship is more important, and formalities are not required when it's just us spending time together, hanging out as friends, but I do appreciate your concern and attention to formalities."

"Nevertheless, I insist on maintaining the image of the regal status I belong to and also the world in which I grew up in," Rosaliya commented to her and went back to addressing Macarona. "I have heard of your world, it sounds like a pleasant place similar to my own Flower World. I've no angels in my world anymore, though I am quite fond of how your people managed to put aside their conflict with demons peacefully. I too desire peace, but it's a shame the angels of my world's heaven did not establish harmony in my own world as yours did, Macarona. Nonetheless, my world is now at peace like yours, if only a paradise for demons and the aforementioned elementals along with the spirits." The Devil walked around Macarona to examine her appearance. "At first glance, I see you are an ordinary individual; nothing too unique, but that is not a failing because you have yet to distinguish yourself in some way. However, I can also tell you are quite observant and you're also understanding of others since you showed an awareness of Rane's issue, perhaps because she or Sin told you. In any case, I admire your respect for it; few individuals I met in other worlds did show consideration for the feelings of others, and I'm glad to see you're one of them."

"Thank you, Miss Rosaliya," Macarona bowed her head in thanks as the Devil held up her hand with her eyes shut as she began to speak to the angel once again with a small smile.

"Rosaliya will do. As I am still a guest, I must also respect my hostess' wishes in addition to my impression. If Sin requests for it to be an informal get-together, you may drop formalities."

"Sure, alright," Macarona agreed and began to ask her about the angels in her world along with what her Flower World was like when Rosaliya politely interjected again.

"Let us save your inquiries about us and our worlds for dinner. The three of us must unpack our things and get to our rooms first," she remarked and cast a hard glare at Lil. "Lil, have you not left her out in the cold rain long enough? I think it's high time you end this foolish charade so she can be admitted in at once. Hopefully she has not caught cold being out there for so long."

"Wait, there's somebody else here?" Reficul inquired, wondering who it was as she looked at the snake demon. "Sin, I thought you haven't invited anyone else for the weekend."

"I did not," Sin confirmed her own confusion at the prospect of someone else coming. "I've only invited them," she held her arms out to indicate she was referring to the others. "Unless it's a surprise guest you brought along, Lil. I'm assuming she's from your world, isn't she?"

"That's right, line up everybody!" Lil exclaimed as she directed Rane and Sin to stand next to one another by the center while everyone else followed the precedent with Macarona by Sin and Rosaliya with Reficul next to Rane. With their formation settled, Lil turned to the two maids whom she had instructed to open the door on cue when she gave the signal. "Attention, everyone, I shall now announce the arrival of our surprise guest! Many of you learned of her, few met her in person!" she announced fervently with her back turned to the others temporarily so she could saunter toward the entrance before turning back. "Hers is a name known to all demons throughout all underworlds! She is our most revered demon, the grandest of gals to ever live! To an imaginary drum roll and a twenty-one gun salute—also imaginary, I should add, because I couldn't acquire either in time!"

"Get on with it for her sake, Lil," Rosaliya spoke up critically. "Let her in, now." Her sense of urgency concerning this matter and who the surprise guest was garnered a sigh from Lil.

"I'm getting there, okay?"

"Now." The word was uttered from Rosaliya's lips with more emphasis this time.

"Okay, okay, fine, jeez, would it kill you to be patient?" Lil asked, somewhat irritated with the Devil for killing the mood when said Devil addressed her again in another critical tone of voice.

"Her patience must've run out by now. Let her in now, otherwise I'll do it for her myself."

"Alright, alright, I'm getting there," Lil huffed in frustration. "But very well." She held her right arm out to present the surprise guest. "Ladies, I give you the one, the only, Queen of all these underworlds we inhabit!" The doors started to open as everyone in the line kneeled before the only individual who would've garnered such attention. Even Macarona kneeled too since she was aware of how to act before royalty because it was a custom she was familiar with from reading books on the topic. "From my own world, I present to you all Her Majesty, Queen GriRea! In person and in the flesh!" She began to hop about where she stood several times, applauding and cheering until a smack upside her head from the Queen's hand fan dampened her excitement.

"Enough of this tomfoolery, Lil," Her Majesty ordered critically in a strict tone, narrowing her gaze at the demon who had winced in slight pain and looked at the Queen sheepishly. "You've kept me waiting long enough to announce my presence. I am to be allowed inside right away rather than be forced to linger out when and where the weather is poor. Is that clear, Lil?"

"You were under the roof of the porch, not on the veranda directly above it," Lil stated for a bit of clarification and giggled sheepishly. "You're not going to melt away into nothing or freeze to death, so you can at least make your grand entrance in style. You should be grateful to me."

"Do not ask for handouts, I shall not give any to you," GriRea commented and proceeded a few steps further into the foyer to analyze it, choosing to ignore her one demon entourage. "Hmm, it appears Reficul has good taste in décor. It seems she has chosen an abode befitting of her while decorating it in a manner befitting a Devil," she said to herself when Reficul spoke up in gratitude.

"Your praise is most welcome, Your Majesty. I greatly appreciate it."

"Ah, yes, Reficul, you are here as well. You may rise with Sin and Rosaliya," Her Majesty commanded and shut her eyes as the three of them did as they were instructed to while Sin slithered forward to greet the surprise guest and bow before her as a token of appreciation.

"Welcome to our humble abode, my Queen," she greeted her warmly. "My apologies for I have not invited you as well, though you are certainly free to join us this weekend. I shall have one of our guest rooms prepared at once. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to wait for it to be ready. I also want to apologize for the lack of grandeur in our guest rooms, for they are all rather plain compared to somebody of your most regal status, Your Majesty. At best, I hope the room is to your liking."

"I shall be here until we depart; the room is fine" GriRea said, the fan close to her mouth. Her dark purple hair swayed as she stepped by her once she bowed before Sin to show appreciation for the welcome. Even her ahoge also swayed, and her light purple-gray eyes glanced around the area as the servants began to kneel. The mermaid dress she wore slid along the carpet, its frills trailing at the bottom and brushing up against the skulls at the bottom of her gradient purple cloak which went well with the dark purple-gray of her dress. It also complimented the horned skulls nicely, and the cloak didn't have a hood attached on it which wasn't needed. Although flames were around the red-eyed skulls and frills, it wasn't a threat as it didn't set anything on fire as the flames were confined to the dress. "I only wish I could bring my dogs here as well, though it's unfortunate they're unable to travel to other worlds. That aside, I am most curious as to what you do together and scheduled a short break in my work so I might find out." Her eyes halted on the girls, and she stopped walking to beckon to Reficul and Sin. "Tell me, who is the spider demon amongst you?" she asked, adjusting the black and purple crown on her head so it didn't fall off.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Reficul bowed and addressed Rane. "You may stand, Rane. It would be best for you to introduce and ingratiate yourself to Her Majesty."

"But of course, Reficul," the spider demon remarked. She was excited to have met GriRea in person, though she managed to remain calm and collected in front of her as she sauntered toward Her Highness and placed her arms in front of her while bowing. "Good day, my Queen, I am most honored to finally meet you. My name is Rane, and I've been treated as a daughter to Reficul and Sin. They have taken such good care of me and I am eternally grateful to their aid, though I moved to a small town not too far from here a few years back with their help so I could also be independent on my own as well. Although I do still rely on them at times, I would also like to be reliable too.

"Ah, yes, Rane, I've heard of you from them," GriRea remarked. She didn't smile, but her tone indicated she was pleased to have met with the demon. "Reficul and Sin tell me you and Mors are close like real siblings. For someone of regular birth to earn high remarks from the Devil herself as well as her family, you appear to have earned them from what I know."

"Thank you, Your Highness, I am quite grateful for your praise," the spider demon beamed happily in excitement at having received a direct compliment from the Queen herself. "I may only be a seamstress like Sin, though I always endeavor to do my best at what I do."

"Sin has showed me some of the pieces you've made on your own and together with her," Her Majesty commented on those items. "You do exceptional work, Rane, and I would like to see more from the two of you. She has presented them to me as gifts, and I am fond of every fabric."

"I once again appreciate your remarks of praise, my Queen," Rane said as thanks while the ruler next turned her attention to Macarona. She slowly sauntered over to the angel and directed a glance of suspicion at her which Sin tried to soothe by speaking up, though GriRea addressed this girl before the snake demon could even hope to defend her friend from the Gray Garden.

"Speak, angel."

"Yes, Your Highness, what would you like me to say?" Macarona inquired politely as she wondered what GriRea would ask of her. Although Sin slithered over to try and introduce the angel to the Queen, Her Majesty held a hand up to politely quiet her so she could have a word with this angel before her. The snake demon felt sorry for not being able to help Macarona, but backed off.

"Begin with your name and your world, angel."

"I am Macarona of the Gray Garden, Your Majesty," she replied, still kneeling because she hadn't been told to rise yet. "How might I be of service to you for the duration of your stay?"

"Hmmm…" GriRea nodded, liking the angel's sense of her place amongst her presence. It was only one factor, however, so the girl still had to prove herself. "You belong to a world I've no reign over anymore, yet you prostrate yourself before me and request tasks if any. You've got good manners for someone so young, angel. Tell me, are you in direct service to Kcalb and are you here on his behalf?" she asked, to which Macarona responded right away to please her.

"I am not, though I do know him personally. I reside in Gray Village; Blancblack Castle is there. My home is in the village and he lives in the castle. Would you like me to deliver a message or a parcel to him? If so, I am at your command; however, I'm afraid I shall not be returning home right away for I was invited to spend the weekend here with Sin and her friends. All the same, your request shall be carried out with the utmost importance and I will head straight for the castle right away once I've returned to the Gray Garden, Your Majesty." It was a good response, and GriRea's opinion of her already began to increase just a little bit more, if not by a whole lot.

"I have nothing to say to Kcalb, nor do I have anything for him," she explained without an air of critical harshness, deciding Macarona earned that much at least for now. "He has chosen his path in life, and I've no qualms with his decision; however, it is my nature as a demon to no longer associate with him due to the decision to harmonize with his Goddess for peace. Although I show him no ill will and no longer contact him by any means, he and I have come to an agreement and I shall not hold him responsible for turning his coat. That being said, I cannot aid him either."

"I understand, Your Majesty, and I'm sure Mr. Kcalb does too." This mere mention of the Devil in her world with a lesser title made GriRea raise on of her eyebrows, though she chose not to pursue the matter. It was unimportant and he probably didn't mind it at all that much regarding how he chose to be addressed among his subordinates and any peers if any.

"Rise."

Macarona did so and stood attentively, her skirt gently swaying as GriRea slowly sauntered around her. The Queen regarded her with an unfaltering stare after having briefly grilled the angel with a couple inquiries. She did not know of what to make of her at this moment, though she found Macarona's behavior to be quite appropriate for an angelic being who looked so young.

"Your age, angel."

"Sixteen, Your Highness."

"Occupation."

"High school student. I was also once a part time night guard in an arts and crafts museum."

"Social status."

"Citizen, Your Majesty," Macarona responded, answering each declarative inquiry GriRea posed to her with pure honesty which the Queen determined to also be a winning factor.

"Have you any combat experience?"

"I am a grappler, and I also know taekwondo and karate. I directly participated in the Gray Garden's defense against the Devil known as Ivlis and managed to stand up to him personally with my friends. Although I had been scared for the most part and was knocked unconscious for a brief spell during the fight against him, I have found my courage and can now face any threat. Even so, I still prefer to handle things peacefully as a pacifist because I am not fond of conflict."

"Impressive…" GriRea remarked to show her opinion was leaning in favor of Macarona's accomplishments. Yet Ivlis himself wasn't here to confirm his defeat even though she heard about it from Reficul. She would've given her the benefit of the doubt, but explained why she could not. "You've made quite an accomplishment, angel; however, I only have Reficul's word that Ivlis had lost and he is also not present to explain the situation. I suppose your testimony can be added to it, but I require more evidence and eyewitness accounts to affirm whether you were in fact involved."

"I fully understand, Your Highness," Macarona said, bowing her head in respect, knowing the Queen had a point since she and Reficul were the only two individuals here who were actively involved in that conflict, even if the Devil only aided from behind the scenes.

"Nonetheless, you have made something of a positive impression, so I am willing to present you with a chance to determine how worthy you are. If Sin has invited you and holds you in regards of the highest standards, you may stay; I've no issue with that," Her Majesty stated while shutting her eyes. "Even so, I would like to test you if I may by asking everyone else for opinions of you."

"Certainly, Your Majesty, it shall be as you command," Macarona bowed again.

GriRea opened her eyes and attempted to speak up, though Sin managed to speak first and politely raised a hand in front of the queen to interject. "With all due respect, Your Highness, you must be exhausted from your trip. I am grateful you are starting to tolerate Macarona even if you've not fully placed your favor in her yet, though I can personally assure you she is a sweet angel. If a test is necessary, might I inquire if you would be so kind as to save it for after dinner? Everybody must be famished by now, though dinner will be ready soon enough. How about I show you three to your rooms now where you all may unpack until then? Is that acceptable, Your Highness?"

The Queen shut her eyes and nodded. "Very well, lead the way, Sin," she instructed as the maids followed her, the other guests, and Sin upstairs towards the guest rooms with their things.

"You know, Macarona," Rane commented to the angel as she walked up beside her to make conversation regarding their first impressions on Her Majesty, "we did a great job of handling that first meeting with her. I could barely contain my excitement. I thought I was going to mess up."

Macarona smiled. "Same here. I'm glad all turned out well," she said as they chuckled.

"Well, in any case, you seem to have become fast friends with Lil already and Rosaliya has come to favor you too. I'd say you've got three demons and two Devils on your side for whatever test the Queen has in mind for you. Don't worry, Reficul, Sin and I will support you."

Reficul sighed as they chatted amiably. "I-I hope this doesn't go wrong…" she muttered.

"Piss off!" The disgruntled cow demon shoved the conductor aside when he began to leave. Ushio hadn't paid for the train ride back at the other station, partly because he didn't have enough gold coins on hand at the time since most of them were spent getting bandaged up by Alibe. There was also a second reason, that being the fact he was a brash colonel who believed he could do and get away with anything. "I'll have you know I'm one of our army's most distinguished soldiers as a colonel, and I'm one of the best street fighters the city's ever known!" he shouted at him when a hand tried to reach for his sleeve. "Get in my way and I'll beat the living shit out of you, got it?!"

"Not until you pay for the ride like every other passenger!" the conductor shouted back. "I have it on good authority to contact the police and have you arrested! Your military status doesn't mean a damn to me when you don't pay for the service we've provided you!"

"It was a damn train ride! Like hell I'd pay for a single trip! Now get out of my way, I have a beating to deliver to some stupid angel at the Devil's!" he shouted and violently shoved the man away again. "Move it, I don't have time for jackass imbeciles like you!"

Realizing it was no use getting him to pay the transit fee, the conductor radioed a superior about Ushio's conduct and informed him it was best to contact the Devil about the cow demon and his unruly behavior. If he wasn't going to foot the bill he owed, she would hear of it. He was going to the keep where she lived after all, so Reficul and Sin would be expecting him shortly.

...

"That's the place, isn't it?" a cloaked figure asked, gazing through the binoculars he held.

"Should be," his comrade guessed, sitting next to the other guy on the tree branch while on a reconnaissance of the area. The forest gave them plenty of cover so they were hidden. He smiled. "Hah, this should be easy taking the whole lot of them out. They'll never suspect a thing."

The other cloaked figure chuckled. "Right, nothing she doesn't know won't hurt her. Think about it: the Devil and her entourage all perish and we're heroes. Lady Elux rewards us well, gives us a raise and promotes us. Imagine us as proud members basking in her presence."

"Yeah, you want to head over now and start slaughtering? It'll just be the two of us taking all the credit, and those losers with their pathetic Devil won't know what hit them. Stealth is key."

"Hence why keeping the radio off when I contact you morons should help," her voice came up over their communicators, startling them both into submission.

"Wah, o-oh, Captain! W-what a surprise!" one of the cloaked figures commented as he and his buddy tried to sound surprised. "W-we didn't think you'd be calling so soon."

"I have been in contact ever since you idiots left. Your earpieces were still on."

"F-fear not, Captain, our objective is complete," one of them assured her. "Coming back."

"Pronto, and don't compromise our position. The fact you've went ahead and tried to have us all killed is now officially the least of your worries." Her tone of voice and words worried them because they both knew she'd be giving them a strict punishment on their return. Although the two of them would've rather avoided her, they had no choice but to go back and accept their penalty.

What a relief, eh? Macarona's managed to please GriRea just enough to ensure she'd leave a good first impression on her. Yet she still has to pass the Queen's test.

I know I said I'd possibly address the matter regarding Ushio in a response to a review for this story (responses to reviews are now handled in the forums since there's a thread for those), but this chapter was getting long enough as it was. At best I'll go over it in more detail in the next chapter since I've established his presence by the keep. Apologies for the wait.

As for the angels, they were included to establish the appearance of another character in this story. I've said before this will be a main character in this story and that the person's going to be an angel from Elux's heaven. As you've just read, I alluded to a female character, so I can confirm it isn't going to be Mars. That just leaves only three angels: Mercury, Luna, or Sol. You've got three guesses, but only one will appear as a main character.

I hope you enjoy reading this as I enjoy writing it.