An Otherworldly Marital Dispute

by Fan Of Games

After her trip to the Flower World, Macarona arrives home to find Lil there. Wondering why she's come, Lil says she fought with her husband and left until he gives in to her request for more power. Macarona agrees to let her stay…and becomes involved within a marital dispute that eventually threatens to engulf her world when Satanick comes for his wife.

26. Chapter Twenty-Six: Hunted

It was the smell of fresh meat that made the Gorgon's eyes water a bit at the thought of an animal paying such a hefty pay—its life—for the cost of becoming a meal. The poor animal had no choice, no say in the matter since it was killed either way if not by natural causes as Medouco hoped. That was why Macarona had chosen to prepare a different meal for their dinner, having observed the maid's reaction to meaty products served as food over the past several days. Each day they had different meals as the two either went out or stayed in Nightrise Castle for a bit when a need for traveling into Zlienderstrom at the moment wasn't necessary. For Medouco it was usually pasta or a kind of cuisine that didn't include any sort of meat in its preparation whereas the angel's tastes covered a broader spectrum. Although Macarona initially wondered why the maid abstained from meat, she eventually figured out the Gorgon was actually a vegan—hence her preference for non-meat food. Medouco never said it out of shyness, but Macarona didn't ask out of respect for the demonic maid she considered a friend—one of her few friends throughout the Devil's Kingdom.

As she was preparing dinner, the young angel thought back on the past several days and what they'd done together. In Zlienderstrom they'd gone around the different districts, looking at all the items in shops and interacting with others whenever she could. The angelic girl hadn't been able to buy much of anything since Medouco's budget was rather short as the Gorgon didn't carry much cash on hand because she wasn't supposed to. Just enough for a meal or two out sufficed, and it was the only amount her superiors allowed her to take unless they gave her more for purchasing only specific goods and services in question which the maid couldn't really benefit from for it had to be work-related. That didn't bother Macarona at all and she was very understanding by simply accepting the fact she was only allowed to browse inventories. Aside from that was her status as a prisoner in this underworld which also inhibited her from even acquiring anything from others, plus doing so anyway through others like Medouco who paid for her would've been suspicious. Other demons would've thought they were collaborating together for some nefarious scheme like theft of some high profile targets, acts a Thieves' Guild would've partaken in, or perhaps they were looking to betray Satanick. Granted, Macarona was trying to do all she could to better understand this civilization in order to help stop him, though referring to her actions as betrayal wasn't the proper usage of the term since she didn't work for the Gentleman Devil. Medouco did, however, and Macarona only imagined how stressful and painful the pressure of that label was on her.

Throughout their time spent together, she'd become familiar with how fragile the poor Gorgon was. How Medouco reacted to certain situations and phrases was enough for Macarona at first to see how the maid was like her once. Further incidents simply reinforced the idea. It was like looking in a mirror of herself, except Macarona saw somebody different in its reflection: Medouco. While Medouco wasn't like her all that much, the shyness and timidity the demon displayed were symbolic reminders of the young angel's past behavior which was very much alike. Up until Emalf had nearly killed Froze by throwing her off a cliff while Yosafire leapt to save her friend, Macarona had been like Medouco. That incident actually changed Macarona's life for the better that day for it impacted her when she felt so helpless at the sight of her friends possibly getting killed by somebody who wanted them dead because he was an enemy. Technically Emalf liked Yosafire and hoped she'd have become his girlfriend, but she rejected him since he was a loser and an enemy of their world. Even when the Flame Underworld sided with hers in the War of Three Suns—the War of Misguided Beliefs—it was solely for the sake of fighting a common foe along the lines of an enemy of one's enemy was a friend. Even so, Ivlis and his underworld didn't become permanent allies at the end due to their previous invasion of the Gray Garden before which was fine as both parties knew interacting after fighting together in a war wasn't enough.

In her mind Macarona couldn't help but think about how she and Medouco were in the same situation. This time it was her who'd probably get harmed somehow. If Medouco was unscathed, she might've felt the same as her angelic companion had, being weighed down by the same feelings of uselessness. Whether or not the Gorgon could actually do something about it by trying to become brave was a decision only Medouco could make. Macarona didn't want to force her, yet knew the transpiring of certain events would've had a detrimental impact on her friend since a burden of heavy weight in the form of something terrible was going to crush her. She felt the same way before and managed to survive and improve, choosing to not only shoulder said burden by herself and with friends if they were around, but also drop some of the unnecessary dead weight—her timidity and shyness—that kept holding her back. Macarona never wanted to carry that dead weight anymore, but knew she couldn't force others to drop it when they needed to make that choice for themselves. Even if they did have friends who'd aid them, the final decision was theirs.

Macarona was one such friend of Medouco's and she knew the Gorgon had others too. Her family, if they supported her, comprised some because of the familial connections. Glasses, Kiku, and Sullivan too were others she could've relied on. The same went for Shikabone, Hersilia, and Albino. Even Zlienderstrom's Thieves' Guild would've offered a helping hand so long as she could provide something in return. Maybe Reina, Bis, Maekami, and Chlomaki too could've been considered acquaintances of sorts. So could've Jork and Chikemuri. Perhaps Lil, if the demonic lady knew her, would've been considered a good friend like Macarona. Medouco might not have really known all of them personally, though they were nice to her and didn't try to harm her in any way. Kurotsuno, Hanten, plus Met, likely wouldn't have been such good people to the Gorgon—Kurotsuno might've felt indifferent about the demonic maid, though the other girls would've most likely tried to kill her. Although Medouco could've counted a lot of people as her friends and acquaintances, there were still some who wouldn't have given a damn about her like Hanten and Met. Satanick was definitely one as was the rest of his council and subordinates who served him, and they posed threats.

While Medouco would've taken them all into account when making her decision, it was still hers to make. Despite the fact it could've affected them and what they thought about her even if they understood her and accepted whatever outcome emerged, only Medouco could choose for herself. Nobody else, even if they were considered, could.

Now pondering on those other individuals in question, as a matter of fact, Macarona thought back on time she and Medouco spent interacting with them over the course of these past several days. Twice they dined with Kiku and Glasses together while having more discussions about life in the Devil's Kingdom and the nature of domestic as well as foreign affairs with other civilizations. A couple times they hung out with Hersilia and Albino, going about town and checking out more of the districts in detail when the other girls were free and had time available. Sullivan and Shikabone were on duty for the most part except for a few conversations here and there. With regards to the former, however, he remained behind at Moonshadow Manor when Cosmea attacked to help keep the homestead stable and protected. They've not been back there since, avoiding the trouble going on in the Magnus District due to the Cherub angel's assault; plus they haven't even seen Cosmea ever since Chlomaki warped to her manor somewhere else in the region where they two of them remained without showing up in society. This was because Chlomaki suggested she keep the Cherub angel hidden from Satanick, but maybe it was also because she still wanted an angelic familiar. Macarona and Medouco hadn't seen Jork all that much even if they spoke to Chikemuri a couple times briefly, yet the demonic lad explained Yagi began keeping Jork at home whenever they weren't at school, strictly demanding the young goat demon stay there instead of going out to do something stupid and timewasting. Maekami was busy with work in his bar and serving customers there, yet he managed to speak to them briefly only during the one time they'd gone back after their two previous visits. One place Macarona and Medouco couldn't return to was the Underground Railroad District because they'd have become very suspicious in the authorities' eyes unless the Thieves' Guild was around to fool them with illusions to protect the girls.

All in all these past several days had been pretty normal in light of the fact a war was being fought. Macarona didn't know if the actual combat had already begun yet, yet knew it was still approaching and fast. If she couldn't do something to stop the Gentleman Devil, her world would've had to fight off another enemy underworld without her. Chances of the Gray Garden's loss could've gone either way as it was a fifty-fifty chance of winning or losing. Still, Satanick could've acted to improve the odds in his favor so probability would've secured his victory. Nevertheless, the Gray Garden was also capable of increasing its odds too since it had both Kcalb, Etihw, and a number of other great combatants who fought for the purpose of protecting their world and their people to preserve peace for everybody. Nothing much might've happened so far and Macarona, despite being an angel, somehow fit right into Zlienderstrom—at the very least to some extent since she didn't know too many of the inhabitants. Other demons didn't pay too much attention to her, preferring to not give two shits about the angelic girl in their midst since she meant nothing to them. Several even tried to pick fights, and Roc participated in one of them for revenge against her—sadly for him, he failed again by losing a second time. Eventually word around town spread and she became a bit known as something of a temporary resident angel. Nobody cared who she was, really, so Macarona was essentially an overlooked footnote to them. That was fine by her since it'd enable her and Medouco to move a little more freely in Zlienderstrom without too much unwanted attention on their activities. However, to avoid inconvenient fights she spent some time in the castle.

"Here, Medouco, what do you think of this?" the young angel asked, inquiring for an opinion about the ziti.

Accepting the plastic spoon held out for her, the Gorgon took it to sample the pasta and smiled to show her approval once she finished chewing and swallowing the ziti mixed with berries. "It tastes good, Macarona," she stated, replying to the question while throwing the plastic utensil out now that its use was fulfilled. Besides that, dinner was essentially ready to be served. "You're such a natural in the kitchen more than I ever am. I may not be able to produce something as normal or extravagant as something special, but at least I can prepare a little something simple with ease."

"Well, cooking's not exactly a difficult craft to get used to with time," Macarona commented with a smile and pulled a couple plates out from the cabinet above her, the buttons of her black blazer shining somewhat as they reflected light from the lamps off the cabinet knobs. "If you put enough effort in, you can bake some decent dishes and even something more significant from time to time. Other than that it takes practice to get some dishes edible. I'd hate to see how shoddy the taste is if it gets undercooked or overcooked by accident. If that's the case, I'd need to get better."

"At least it sounds easier than a lot of other stuff," the demonic maid murmured, carrying the plate Macarona handed her to the table after the angel served them both up a good portion of the ziti and berries they'd be having.

"Perhaps, though one's own taste buds would be another factor to consider," the angel responded, casting a glance out the window to see the thick fog blanketing Zlienderstrom today. Unable to see much of the castle town from this distance with it covering everything and the inhabitants, Macarona couldn't tell what was going on. An earlier comment Medouco made about Satanick and Storm being experts of aeromancy came to mind and she supposed one or both of those men could've had a hand in this. She certainly didn't deny the possibility of it being a natural fog, yet a chance of it being artificially produced was plausible also due to that remark. The young angel wasn't sure why a fog blanketing the castle town today was necessary, though figured the motivation behind it if they were responsible was surreptitious. In any event a clandestine purpose couldn't be proven without concrete evidence despite a bad feeling Macarona got from the fog's presence. Her belief the Gentleman Devil had something to do with it was nothing more than that so far, yet she couldn't help but suspect he wanted to cover something up, hence the fog to protect whatever sneaky activity Satanick was probably enacting. After learning about the secret guards he had watching her while she traveled around Zlienderstrom and the fight with Cosmea and subsequent rescue by Chlomaki, Macarona knew the Gentleman Devil wanted to kill her as Chlomaki and Maekami revealed. Maybe it had something to do with that.

"Yes, meat and spicy food doesn't agree with them or my stomach…" Medouco whimpered, the thought of such food entering her mouth and stomach constructing a foul taste in her mouth. Though but a simple reaction even though she hadn't eaten anything of the sort, apparently her mind convinced her to respond that way when mentioning those particular products. Seeing said angel looking at the window as they were sitting down, the Gorgon turned her head to gaze at the fog too since she believed it reminded Macarona of the remark she made. The maid hadn't meant to ruin their meal with a statement like that because it fueled her friend's mind with a suspicion that was already harbored. It still breathed, alive within the other girl's mind due to everything Satanick put her through in trying to eliminate her. She knew Macarona only wanted to help her home world in light of her vulnerability in this underworld, comprehending how severe the war against the Gray Garden would be. As natural it was to understand that, Medouco tipped her head down shamefully because she felt that even though she understood it, she was unable to assist because of her obligations. "It's this war you're thinking of, isn't it Macarona?" she asked somberly as they began to eat. "You must really fear it."

Her head perking up at the mention of the war and how she felt about it, Macarona's eyes widened slightly despite the fact she wasn't surprised. She knew Medouco could tell how she was feeling for she had told the Gorgon everything herself. Macarona also knew she had thus placed the maid in a terrible predicament by doing so because Medouco had to now try to determine what the best course of action was and the consequences of choosing. "What else can I feel, Medouco?" she inquired without even a touch of sharpness. Her tone was soft, but the phrasing of her words was blunt, yet true. "It's not exactly a situation that'll end peacefully. Battles will be fought, lives will be lost…For what purpose exactly is this war being fought for? My world's fighting to preserve its peaceful harmony, though the Devil's Kingdom only cares more about resources and territory it can acquire and use as the demons here please. That's not to say all of the demons living in this underworld want it after what I've seen and experienced by talking with some of them while touring Zlienderstrom. I know this particular place is but a sample size of the whole underworld in that respect; however, what if I'm wrong and it doesn't apply to the entire Devil's Kingdom? Unfortunately, it's applicable to your Devil and the government he controls; those whom seek to curry favor with him would also stay in his good graces."

Medouco sighed, knowing they'd been over this several times before. The fact she expressed sympathy for a world her underworld was supposed to be enemies with didn't exactly help her own predicament. In addition was a feeling of dread the demonic maid couldn't dispel at the thought of being considered a traitor. The Gentleman Devil attempted to have her killed as well all so he could frame somebody from the Corporate Heaven and claim that heaven was trying to cause friction too. She was a political tool that could've been discarded any time Satanick wished to dispose of her, so trying to paint her as treasonous simply because she sympathized with Macarona and gradually became the angel's friend was enough to give Satanick that sort of justification. "I-I'm s-sorry, Macarona," she apologized shyly, fearing for both her life and Macarona's while believing she was only making things worse. "I-I didn't mean to say that."

Macarona smiled softly, seeking to cheer the maid up. "It's totally fine, Medouco. I understand how you feel too," she said, fully aware of the tense strain their bond was putting on the Gorgon because she told her everything.

Raising her head ever so slightly, the Gorgon stared at the angel sadly as she watched Macarona shut her eyes and smile. Although she didn't want to say anything further at the risk of upsetting her, Medouco still had trouble with believing she really was being considered a friend. Macarona was one of the nicest girls she met and also one of the bravest too. Those qualities were not something she hardly ever encountered in the Devil's Kingdom since other demons weren't too considerate of her and hardly interacted with her. Only few ever did, but now that she met Macarona the demonic maid was receiving more attention which, in spite of making her feel uncomfortable due to her shyness and timidity, was actually a good thing too despite the glaring flaws of becoming a target for assassination. Nevertheless, Medouco felt she couldn't really reconcile that. Her service to Satanick and friendship to Macarona were two different things that conflicted with one another, and she couldn't help but feel she was letting both of them down by being so incompetent at trying to please both of them. "I-I d-don't know, Macarona…I-I'm still Mr. Satanick's maid even if I'm also your friend. W-well, as far as you're concerned, b-but I-I don't think I-I'm really all that worthy of being a friend."

The smile never left Macarona's face, becoming warmer and gentler towards the maid. "Sure you are. There aren't many demons in this underworld I'd really call friends because I don't know them all that well, but I'm grateful some like yourself have offered me assistance to some extent in each of their individual cases. I mean, the ones I can consider friends are those who've I've met so far and was able to bond with when we met—you included, Medouco."

Medouco sniffed, a few tears materializing in her eyes at the thought of being considered so highly despite having done very little on her own end. All she'd done was be a personal warden on Satanick's orders as requested by Macarona. As such she was expected to keep the angelic prisoner out of trouble and make sure she wouldn't oppose Satanick in any way. However, she was also supposed to keep the angel safe too for the sake of ensuring international regulations regarding otherworldly prisoners were upheld. Besides that was the fact Macarona thought so highly of her and considered her a friend. The maid knew she hadn't been doing so well in either respect, being more of a guide than a warden and friend. And yet in spite of all that, in light of the fact she was still working for the Gentleman Devil and performed this duty on his behalf, Macarona chose her as the warden and befriended her. Macarona believed in her, though Medouco couldn't help but feel she was letting her down by being a burden. "B-but why me, Macarona?" she asked, looking up at the angel sitting across from her at the table. "I-I know you say I-I'm your friend, b-but why me?" She'd known they'd been over that before too, aware of Macarona's reasoning for picking her, yet there had to be more the angel wasn't telling her. The way Medouco was fretting over this informed the angel she'd have to explain that.

Gazing at the maid for a few moments before shutting her eyes, Macarona pondered how best to phrase the notion bothering her demonic friend. Putting a bent finger to her chin, she knew Medouco was obviously suspecting something else, another reason for having chosen her as the personal warden. She had already told her everything, yet came up with the very parallel that had been on her mind for a few moments minutes ago. "I suppose…" she began, choosing her words carefully so as not to upset Medouco further. "It would be because you remind me of myself, Medouco—specifically what I was like a while back. Back when Ivlis and his demons invaded my world, I was also pretty scared like you are now, Medouco. What was happening then was so much to comprehend, to understand. The difficulty of trying to adapt to sudden circumstances like that is a lot for people to bear, especially when tensions are building up to it. Everybody's worried, a lot of people are afraid of something like that happening. I was and tried my best even though I was scared, yet much of the time of I was usually crying about the bad things happening and being so useless at attempting to make everything better. It wasn't until one of Ivlis' stronger demons nearly killed my friends before my eyes that my resolve strengthened greatly so that I was able to find my courage and help stop the invasion."

"Macarona…" the demonic maid murmured softly, beginning to wonder if she was chosen out of pity than complete trust and friendship. Although she could understand how the angel once felt, the angelic girl's words were feeling like deep cuts that harmed the Gorgon's self-esteem in addition to the blows she felt with her before when they were meeting with Zlienderstrom's Thieves' Guild and fighting Cosmea. Such an explanation was honest, yet it hurt because of the implications going both ways. Macarona may have felt sorry for Medouco and truly wished to become friends with her, yet that didn't mean she wasn't also trying to mold the maid to be like her. Not forcefully, anyway, though that's what it felt like to Medouco even though Macarona didn't appear to be actively trying to do that at all. Perhaps the young angel didn't realize it, not thinking that her actions and beliefs would've indirectly molded the maid.

However, the angel across from her seemed to possess a comprehension of how to read what Medouco was feeling based on the facial expression spread across the Gorgon's face. The demonic maid appeared to be unconvinced, believing she was being pitied and accepted for that motivation alone. Either that or Macarona said such things to try making the poor maid feel useless by providing her false encouragement. To the angel that did not make any sense as there was no malice whatsoever driving her to accept Medouco and befriend her. She did indeed feel sorry for her, however, and that was why she wanted to help her. Maybe her actions hadn't really been too helpful to Medouco; considering the circumstances, that wasn't really her fault despite Macarona still taking responsibility for that. That was due to Satanick hashing the situation into a state of mistrust towards her and the Gray Garden. Cosmea was affected as well because of how she was used by the Gentleman Devil. So was Medouco to further assist in his plans for conflict. Satanick was to blame for all of that, forcing those who would've been his pawns—whether in support of, or against him—to dance like puppets to fulfill the agendas he surreptitiously constructed for clandestine purposes. Macarona wondered if the Gentleman Devil found any amusement in observing them flail about while he pulled their strings to make them act however he wished, supposing it would've been just the activity he'd partake in and enjoy. "True, I'll concede I do feel sorry for you, Medouco," she said honestly to cheer the demonic maid up. "However, I shall not ever force you to do something against your will. It's unfortunate considering the circumstances I must do anything I can to survive in this underworld while trying to help my world from here as best I can. Still, as much as I don't want to make you do anything by force and would want to keep you out of it for your protection, Medouco, I'm still quite grateful."

The Gorgon blinked in surprise, confused as to how the angel was thankful. "Y-you are?" she asked shyly.

Macarona nodded. "Yep! You've stayed by my side throughout this whole ordeal so far while I'm staying in your hell. You're obviously doing an excellent job as my personal warden by doing precisely what I expect of you as you're one of my most reliable allies and friends in the Devil's Kingdom, Medouco. You may think you're also trying to please Mr. Satanick, but from what we've heard the other day from Chlomaki about how you were a target too, I'm guessing he doesn't care at all about you. He likely knows how to cut his losses and decided disposing of you, a great healer in his service, would've benefitted his causes more than your healing ever would've. Think about it, Medouco: would trying to please somebody who really wants you dead for a greater purpose that won't even benefit you help you?" Macarona knew she was feeding doubt into the maid, but these seeds were already planted; the young angel just needed them to sprout by watering them with sunlight. "I understand you're trying to please him and I know I truly am using persuasion to make my case to you, but it's the truth, Medouco. Of both sides, I'm the only one who has shown great concern for you whereas the Gentleman Devil hasn't. He's killed one of his own assassins and sent that guy's lover to murder us all so he could prevent me from returning home while framing Cosmea to try painting the Corporate Heaven as quite antagonistic as well. Do you believe he would not do the same to you? He has already proven otherwise."

Tipping her head down, Medouco did her best to try and comprehend Macarona's logic and reasoning. The young angel certainly did care for her and was apologetic about getting her involved, plus she told the truth as well. Satanick clearly didn't as evident in the fact he would harm her whenever she was out of line or made any mistakes; hardly any doubt lingered in the maid's mind that she was nothing more than a tool to him like most others were too. Satanick's attempt to have her murdered to try and paint Cosmea as an assassin from the Corporate Heaven solidified Macarona's stance further than his ever would've been. Macarona acknowledged everything she said and gave logic which drove her reasoning, telling her everything; by contrast, Satanick was a manipulative conman for a Devil who utilized any means necessary to lie and cheat his way to success. To him, the ends justified the means; it was greed, a powerful lust for power in which he'd accomplish his victories and say he was right to do as he pleased if something beneficial to him was achieved. Medouco understood that all too well, yet that didn't change how scared she was of Satanick. "I-I don't know, Macarona. I-I'm still s-so unsure. He's my boss, I-I can't just say no to him and fight him."

"Even if he wanted to dispose of you, Medouco? Even though he actually tried to do that already?"

The demonic maid shuddered at that thought, one that had already been posed and was looming over her. Medouco knew very well by now that she was expendable to the Gentleman Devil, aware he could do as he pleased when getting rid of her by any means necessary. Satanick wanted her gone to serve an agenda that would've definitely served a future war effort against the Corporate Heaven. To that end Medouco was nothing more than a tool he'd break and discard for the sake of seeking that end and making it happen too. The Gorgon knew all this now, yet she hemmed and hawed constantly over it because the predicament was still so difficult. She was between a rock and a hard place, and both sides were applying more force than ever before against her than might've been necessary. At the very least, however, one of those sides was actually trying to be helpful and cared about her whereas the other was ramming into her constantly to try and actually harm her. Perhaps that was the rock being played by Satanick with the hard place being Macarona; the young angel certainly didn't have to do much in that role, but as the rock she attempted to break Medouco out of her role as Satanick's maid. In that case, the Gentleman Devil was the hard place. Nonetheless, the angelic girl wasn't smashing the rock into Medouco as painfully as Satanick would've because all Macarona wanted to do was help her by showing the Gorgon the truth and helping her to understand and accept it while protecting her too. Other circumstances helped generate this conception, but it was still so confusing all the same because it was so difficult.

"I do not blame you for trying to impress him because you're scared of him, Medouco," Macarona went on before the demonic maid could answer her inquiry. "Nor do I fault you for having trouble making a decision either. Problems that arose to try preventing me from acting against the Gentleman Devil have engulfed you too, but that hasn't been my intention. I didn't want to involve you from the start, Medouco, because I knew it was risky for you. Even so, finding somebody else, another demon who could've been restrictive towards me and could've killed me under the Gentleman Devil's orders, wouldn't have enabled me to get this far. Had it been another demon, I might've died and chances of my survival even if I hadn't could've decreased. I feel safe around you, Medouco, and I want you to feel the same in my company under my protection. With you by my side, I am able to act as I've done so far and you can feel secure knowing I'll not do anything on purpose to try and negatively impact or harm you in any way. We're a team."

"A-a t-team…?" Medouco again blinked in surprise, shocked to hear Macarona thought so highly of her.

Again, Macarona nodded. "Of course, Medouco. You're my personal warden and I'm your bodyguard."

Medouco blinked in surprise, confused as to how she should've comprehended that. "M-my…bodyguard?"

Once more Macarona nodded to confirm the statement now that she revealed the tables were turned, but in a manner made comfortable for the Gorgon so Medouco wouldn't have had to feel like a prisoner. The feeling was odd, actually—the one who needed a personal warden to observe and protect her from acting against Satanick was in fact protecting the personal warden. The demonic maid had known it all along, actually, though hadn't considered it yet. Perhaps everything that happened to them so far caused her to forget this matter which could've explained why the Gorgon hadn't given the notion much thought until now. And yet Macarona kept her safe even when Medouco was supposed to be the one keeping Macarona safe. How ironic it was for the prisoner to have become a personal warden protecting one of her captors, though the angel didn't see it that way in Medouco's case and gladly fulfilled the role. Nonetheless it was something of a sweet irony for it was done out of friendship. "That's right, Medouco, you're not just my personal warden—you're my friend and that is why I shall protect you while you be my guide in this underworld."

"B-b-but…" the demonic maid protested, unsure of how to deal with this. Hearing their roles were kind of reversed from that perspective made her feel uncomfortable and incompetent. She was the personal warden, not the angelic girl in her charge. It wasn't supposed to be the other way around. Nevertheless, as much as Medouco sought to perform her responsibilities as she was expected to, she had to understand that where Macarona was coming from with this concept was quite true. Over time she'd seen and experienced the same things her angelic companion did as well as communicated with individuals Macarona spoke to too. Everything the angel did was setting both of them up against Satanick, yet the Gentleman Devil had everything planned right from the start and purposely threw the poor Gorgon directly into harm's way. Whatever his reasoning for choosing her of all demons was, the fact remained that Satanick required the sacrifices of some demons under his command at Cosmea's hands all so he could portray the Corporate Heaven as antagonistic. That obviously included a warden or two guarding Macarona to prevent her from acting while becoming sacrifices alongside her murder to pit the Gray Garden and Corporate Heaven against one another. Yet if Cosmea was the one who got killed, the possibility for that result happening was still valid and could've become true. Medouco knew all of this now that she became involved against her own will, though while Satanick and Macarona utilized her for their own ends, at least Macarona was very honest with her and did her best to protect the Gorgon. "I-I don't know, Macarona…all I-I can do is heal…T-that's all I-I've done besides being your personal warden. I-I—"

"You've done splendid, better than I could possibly imagine, Medouco," the young angel interrupted her to prevent the maid from continuing with her unsure insecurities, but in a polite tone of voice to not make her feel bad. "I wouldn't be here and have gotten this far without you, Medouco. Had I been assigned a different warden, I'd likely become better known as a threat to the Gentleman Devil on his own turf. Of course, he already knows I am which is precisely why he'd like to get rid of me as he does know I am Rigatona's reincarnated descendant. However, what we have been doing isn't known to him, and that's because you've not told him anything yet. Had you done so, what I've said just now would legitimize the need for me to die so that he could stop me from getting in his way by unveiling everything he's worked so hard to accomplish by corrupting everything. It's true the others we met haven't spoken up either, and that does indeed include: Mr. Maekami, Mr. Sullivan, Glasses, Kiku, and Chlomaki. I'm grateful to their aid too, but you've stayed by my side this entire time, Medouco, and you've remained faithful to me just as I've placed both my life and faith in you. Everybody else could've reported me already which was a risk I acknowledged, but took anyway; not taking it would've meant I wouldn't know what I understand now, and I wouldn't have made allies and friends out of them either. Without them too, I'd not be here now; however, you are my greatest asset, Medouco."

Her greatest asset…How could've such a compliment of high regard felt so much like an insult? Although the demonic maid was thankful Macarona thought so highly of her, the fact she was considered an asset made Medouco believe she was being used. The promise of friendship, though feeling good, must've been just that: a promise, albeit made so the Gorgon could feel comfortable. Despite the fact being just an asset didn't make her feel like a friend, the demonic maid somehow felt…partly happy by the way Macarona said it. It was because it was indeed a compliment showing she was held in high regard. Being an asset and being a friend might've been two different things; still, it was definitely nice to be appreciated for what she'd been doing by somebody else who thought so highly of her whether they'd been enemies or not—or were supposed to for that matter. Medouco certainly appreciated it despite being so unsure about whether they were friends or not, and it probably would've been rude to deny it. "U-um, t-thank you, Macarona," she responded shyly, blushing somewhat in embarrassment since she wasn't used to being praised all that much. Usually she was just given nods of approval on separate occasions and never acknowledged further, though Macarona paid more attention to the Gorgon and her feelings than anyone else did. "I-I didn't know I-I was s-so…u-uh, u-um, that invaluable to you." She struggled to express her gratitude, confused as to why it was so difficult for her. Expressing appreciation was easy, yet Medouco kind of felt a bit overwhelmed by it as she was receiving too much.

"You certainly are," Macarona smiled warmly to make the demonic maid feel comfortable. "We're friends."

"D-do you really consider me to be your f-friend, Macarona?" the maid asked just to check if they really were.

The young angel didn't hesitate, nor did she need to think her answer over as she already had it. It was easy, really. The truth had been there the whole time and Macarona didn't need to rethink it any further because she already knew exactly what the precise reply was. It had been what helped motivate her to choose Medouco as her personal warden. "Of course, Medouco, we are friends. We've bonded the entire time together in our respective capacities as prisoner and personal warden. I may have chosen you partly because I felt sorry for how the Gentleman Devil was treating you, but my decision was worth it and I would've made the exact same choice if I went back to do it again because we are friends, Medouco." Her smile never faltered even as she closed her eyes. "Does that sound like a lie?"

Unsure of how to reply, the demonic maid faltered in her answer. She needed time to consider it after all, for Macarona's response definitely wasn't a lie. The Gorgon was positively sure of that now, though still didn't know if opposing her superiors, including the Gentleman Devil, was worth the risk of befriending and aiding the young angel. Fighting back meant she would have gone against everything she was supposed to do under their orders on their behalf because they were her superiors. She'd have sided with somebody who was their enemy, an individual who knew the truth and only wanted to help her world by saving it from a war the Gorgon's superiors wanted to declare and fight. However just the person's actions were, this individual in particular was an angel, somebody meant to be an enemy of demons as per the natural law demanding that angels and demons fight with one another. Even so, this wasn't just any ordinary angel for Macarona was the reincarnated descendant of Rigatona, an honorable angel who treated enemy demons with the proper respect and trusted them too, especially Yosaflame, the one demon she called her best friend. What contributed to this was the fact Macarona came from a world where angels and demons could coexist in pure, harmonious peace. However, the Corporate Heaven and the Devil's Kingdom shared something of an okay relation regarding its commercial ties, so perhaps the thought of angels versing demons could've been put aside permanently. Granted, that might've only pertained to this case involving Macarona; nevertheless, Medouco had to also consider her superiors' perspective too. They were corrupt and used her as a tool; so did Macarona, but the angel wasn't corrupt. If anything, Macarona was more honest than them and worked to preserve their friendship because she cared about the demonic maid. Satanick and his subordinates clearly didn't, so maybe choosing them wasn't the best option despite Medouco's fear of opposing them still being a valid concern. Her fear was the only factor left. Was the risk worth it? Wouldn't it have been a gamble either way whether she was scared of them or not? Was it better to be courageous?

Macarona knew Medouco was approaching the crossroad where the Gorgon would make her decision. The demonic maid was already there, deciding whether she'd let fear inhibit her from making the choice. Would Medouco have remained too scared to have done anything, or would she have bravely faced those fears together with Macarona, somebody she considered a friend after everything they've been through which could've said otherwise? Macarona couldn't force her even though she could offer encouragement. The choice was Medouco's, and she let her choose.

"N-no, I-I don't believe that's a lie," the Gorgon finally responded after mulling over the decision she needed to consider carefully. It was all Macarona needed to know so that she could pose one final question to Medouco. Putting it forward was now easy since the maid said she didn't believe it was a lie. Saying she thought it wasn't could've been a suggestion that she was still unsure just as saying 'believe' would've too. Yet despite Medouco's stuttering, the maid stated that confidently with full conviction and continued further with that confident conviction. "No, it's not a lie."

"Then do you think you're up for considering helping me in the endeavor of helping my world by stopping this war your Devil is starting against it? Would you continue to stay by my side as I continue to understand this hell not as prisoner and personal warden, but as friends, Medouco?" These questions were a difficult inquiry to answer, yet the angelic girl felt positive that the maid would have chosen the affirmative course of action by helping her as a friend.

Although Medouco could've refused out of fear because they were difficult, she gave her answer. "Yes," she said simply, nodding in response to solidify it. "Yes, I shall. I-I know it'll be hard, b-but I can do my best, Macarona."

The smile never left Macarona's face. "Thank you, Medouco, that's all I ask of you," she replied gratefully as they finished their meal. However, their peaceful bliss of friendship during this moment did not last long for it was a temporary respite from the struggle they were involved in. They were going up against a Devil, Satanick, and it was expected he'd do anything to stop them from hindering his plans. That was why Macarona wasn't surprised even as her eyes widened at the sound of shuffling in the corridor outside the castle apartment followed by hushed whispers she couldn't make out too well aside from determining their guests weren't friendly and therefore unwelcome. Medouco heard the noise too and shuddered, tensing up as her body went pale. Her snakes hissed quietly until the angel raised a hand towards them to hold up a single finger to one's lips. The gesture was sent across the collective hive mind of the Gorgon's snakes since they got the message and listened to her since the demonic maid understood it too. "It appears we've got some uninvited guests," Macarona murmured and stood up from the table, creeping towards the kitchen threshold to peer out into the hallway where the apartment entrance was. None of the demons outside burst in yet.

Medouco swallowed heavily, quickly getting up as well to join her angelic companion by staying close to her side. "W-what s-should we d-do, Macarona?" she asked, her voice a hushed whisper also to avoid getting detected. Obviously she was still very scared, though thankfully she was fully convinced to join the young angel's endeavor. "There's a-a lot of soldiers out there…I-I think a private, mobilized unit of professional assassins and gunners…"

"One most likely preparing to breach…" Macarona added in a whispered tone as well.

"B-but they can't come in here!" the Gorgon kept her voice down even as she emphasized that. "Castle doors are constructed with materials designed to nullify whatever method is used to try and break them down. Even several enchantments are incorporated to ensure full protection by amplifying those materials and how they are put together."

"Unless the doors aren't, or if a means was purposely left out of the planning and construction phases," the angelic girl replied and moved forward slightly to silently rush into her bedroom. The demonic maid followed her in, quietly closing the door as an attempt to better protect themselves in the hope that their enemies wouldn't penetrate it. While she had her back turned from Macarona, the young angel quickly lifted up a corner of the mattress of the bed, revealing a medium sized backpack large and small enough to fit inside the alcove. Inside were the normal clothes she usually wore, having washed them days before in preparation for an occurrence like their current predicament. Also in there were a few spare sets of other clothes from this apartment as well as some light snacks for a trip in hiding. She had made sure there were enough for her and Medouco and quickly double checked to see if everything was there before removing the backpack and slinging it over her shoulders. As Medouco had her eyes on the door to keep watch on it while listening for signs of their assailants breaking in, she didn't see what her friend was doing. However, the sounds Medouco heard were enough to convince her that Macarona was prepared. "Here, Medouco," the angel commented as she opened the closet door to reveal a staff inside. It was made from cherry wood and had a white orb; several golden haloes floated around it too. Attached was a note from Chlomaki saying it was a healing staff she had in her reserve, a ceremonial gift from another witch who said it could've been useful at some point when the Witch of Shadows was in need of healing. Chlomaki might've had another use for it, but her note stated she didn't mind turning it over to the demonic maid since it fit Medouco more because of the Gorgon's powerful healing spells, plus it would've been more useful now than any other time she'd have needed it. Apparently the witch somehow got that in the closet without Macarona knowing it until she found the healing staff, but the angel was thankful for it all the same. "Use this staff."

"H-huh?" Medouco murmured, nervously taking her eyes away from the door to see the healing staff. She accepted it from the angel when it was gently thrown to her while Macarona headed over to the barred window. "A healing staff from Miss Chlomaki?" she then added rhetorically and read the brief note from the Witch of Shadows. Macarona, meanwhile while her friend was looking it over, was occupied with analyzing the area outside the window. Nobody was out there thankfully, but that didn't mean no one wouldn't have been anywhere outside her field of view from what she could see. Still, they had to take the risk because this window was their only escape route. With a deep breath she prepared to make an attempt at kicking the bars with enough somatomantic energy applied to one leg that could've possibly broken them. The thought of these bars possibly being enchanted too to strengthen them could've prevented her from trying, though there was no other way. "W-wait, Macarona, you don't intend to fight them all, do you?" Medouco asked her as she averted her attention to the angel just in time to watch Macarona's attempt succeed.

"No, at least not in these conditions where I have no room to really maneuver and they may possess weapons and spells that might allow them to penetrate doors and walls," the angel replied and turned her head to check the door. Hidden from the untrained eye were several small devices along its frame, invisible to the naked eye unless that eye in question was experienced enough in ocular spells that would enable the devices to be viewed past their cloak. Another present from Chlomaki in addition to the staff, something the Witch of Shadows received from yet another witch she knew and left in the closet of Macarona's bedroom. These devices put up a smokescreen whenever the sensors caught movement in their lasers, enabling whoever set them up to escape. However, the downside was that the smoke put anybody caught within it in an unconscious state; it didn't kill them since it wasn't that toxic, but it was that paralytic. Hence why Macarona and Medouco needed to leave now before the apartment was breached to get away from the smokescreen. Climbing onto the window frame and turning to the Gorgon, Macarona held a hand out to her. "Take my hand, Medouco. We're leaving now. Hopefully we can get by unnoticed so we can find a safe place to take cover."

"B-but where would we go, Macarona?" the demonic maid inquired fearfully, afraid they wouldn't be able to get very far. "I-if there's guards after us, we can't go far before we get surrounded and hedged in. We'll be caught!"

"Not if we do the unexpected and take the route less traveled," the angel replied. "We'll stay in the castle."

Medouco's eyes widened in nervous shock. "T-the castle?! B-but it'll be heavily guarded by trained guards!"

"Not if they believe we've fled into Zlienderstrom. They'll think we've fled there after seeing the broken window. Trust me on this one, Medouco, they'll be too preoccupied with trying to find us there they won't know we actually took a U-turn—or rather, never left Nightrise Castle at all for that matter by finding another entrance inside."

Although she was unsure if this plan would've worked, Medouco made a promise to trust her. "Alright," she nodded and accepted the angel's hand after rushing over to take it. "I'll go with you, Macarona. I know a way in."

"Good, thank you, Medouco," Macarona responded gratefully and helped her up before their leap of faith.

Once they had left the apartment, the front door to it burst open. As expected, the smokescreen worked as the soldiers who entered all gradually felt sluggish in their movements prior to falling unconscious. It seeped out into the corridor outside too, affecting the demons there as well who also succumbed to it. Those who saw what happened retreated from the smokescreen even as it began to dissipate, withdrawing in a panic that put the entire castle on edge.

…

"What?! What the hell do you mean they're unconscious?! I just sent them to take care of one prisoner!"

"With all due respect, Mr. Anten, the assassins and gunners were well equipped for the task at hand," the myrmidon explained to his superior, going over the details he knew of regarding the incident in question. "Yet even so, unfortunately, it appears she'd been expecting us to have done something like this and planned her escape in advance. We've plenty of guards on hand still to finish the job both here and in Zlienderstrom as well. Under your orders, I'll instruct them to flank her while those in town mobilize for her arrival. At best we can only hope the guards there have prepared themselves for their duties today to expect trouble. That should buy us time to fully surround the two girls."

"Ah, yes, that one maid, the personal warden that damned angel personally requested herself…" the demonic man murmured and put a bent finger to his chin as he considered the ramifications of eliminating her. Satanick sought Medouco to be killed too by Cosmea, though that plan had failed. Nevertheless, they could still claim she was aiding Macarona's escape by betraying the Gentleman Devil. The Gorgon was their best healer for a demon, but establishing programs for more to follow in her footsteps that way would've rectified the loss. He also pondered on whether the regiment left behind at Nightrise Castle should've been sent out in full, but then thought against it. "No, just send only several small detachments. We'll still require enough here in the event they've not bothered to flee into Zlienderstrom."

The myrmidon bowed. "But of course, Mr. Anten, it shall be done," he remarked as an archer entered.

"Sir, it appears we've got a dire predicament on our hands," she reported in. "The Magnus District demands reinforcements. Apparently the guards and some of the mercenaries on private properties have been overwhelmed."

"Overwhelmed by who?" the assassin inquired with a hissed growl, disliking the predicament getting worse. "Who the hell would dare tread this far into the Devil's Kingdom? We're not even close to the Corporate Heaven's borders or the borders of any other world or region within our territory. What is it: a band of roaming bandits again?"

"Not bandits, sir, these demons are no strangers to military tactics. The banner they fly is one of our own in addition to that of the Thieves' Guild. Which one in particular eludes us, but our deductions suggest they're local."

"You mean we've had a Thieves' Guild sitting right under our noses the entire time and nobody's acted?" Glasses requested further details from where he stood, giving Anten an angry surprise as the assassin noticed him.

"Glasses?! What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn't you be trying to negotiate with some diplomats or something?" he demanded of the Gentleman Devil's son, wondering why this piqued the other demon's interest.

"As a negotiator and diplomat myself of the Department of International and National Diplomatic Affairs, whatever happens in Zlienderstrom and the rest of this region is my business," the demonic youth retorted, knowing Anten would've told him at some point during their conversation that what was happening wasn't his business. "This place is my home, after all, and I am ordering to be privy to the loop for that and my aforementioned occupation. If I'm kept out of this and you allow for the situation to turn worse for the where while Zlienderstrom's in peril, it's your fault." Turning back to the archer for the rest of her report, he ignored what the assassin was going to say. "Go on, continue," he urged her on, not bothering to silence Anten with a glare at the moment since he wanted to hear this from the soldier.

Although she was unsure if Glasses should've been involved, something told her he'd have found out anyway and used his authority as the Gentleman Devil's son to act. Whether it was in their favor by contributing to calming down the tension and helping to clean up the mess or to aid the two fugitives was unsure. Still, she was given a direct order; thereby she had no choice but to follow it. "Unfortunately, Mr. Anten, Mr. Glasses," she addressed them, saying the assassin's name first out of respect to him over their Devil's son, "we've had suspicions of one for quite some time as crimes against the aristocracy and the government were directed at us from the slums. Our investigations turned up nothing, however, so we were unable to locate evidence that solidly proved the existence of a Thieves' Guild's presence within Zlienderstrom. Whoever commands them must be a keen tactician, somebody with knowledge of how our operatives in the field work from out in open combat to within the shadows. Without tangible evidence, we cannot develop leads on the perpetrators and who may be assisting them by way of financial backing or safeguarding them."

"I see…" the Gentleman Devil's son commented and thought about her account. "It's not another guild?"

"Perhaps it is one not allied to our Devil, sir," the archer continued. "You know how it is with alliances and betrayals. If Mr. Satanick were still present, he'd have better control of the situation. Unfortunately, he departed for the Gray Garden not too long ago with Mr. Yagi. They're to make attempts at last minute negotiations with the leaders."

"Because they wish to try and convince the Black Devil and White Goddess they have Macarona in custody with the entire military guarding her on their world's territory," Glasses deduced from that. "My father will refuse to let them see if she really is present and unharmed or not. Or it may be to subdue them to avoid a fight with a deadly trap."

"Hey, that's their business, not yours, dipshit!" Anten retorted, unafraid of having insulted Satanick's son. The Gentleman Devil didn't care about what other people said about Glasses since he and his son weren't on good terms. Although Glasses himself could've done something to the assassin for insulting him, he chose not to because doing so wouldn't have solved anything other than punishing the one who slandered him. Besides, he didn't care what Anten thought because Anten was being the usual lout of an assassin he was known as. "Anyway," he addressed the archer, "how bad is the situation over in the Magnus District? How many private estates have been attacked by this so called 'Thieves' Guild'? The guards in town haven't acted yet upon the chaos, have they?" He was hoping they didn't since Macarona and Medouco needed to be caught, but even he realized how awful it would've been if the aristocrats didn't receive the reinforcements and support they demanded. Without those assets, their support of Satanick would falter.

"About half of the town guards attempted to storm the Magnus District by force while the other half stayed behind in reserve. The unfortunate outcome is that only one made it back on the verge of death which claimed him after he delivered the message he received from this Thieves' Guild. He reported saying that most of the guards who went to the Magnus District are dead and the remaining few have been captured, disarmed, and jailed in private dungeons on the estates claimed by the attackers. None of the other aristocrats dare move against these guys because they're either afraid to or don't see a need to. It's also possible some of them might side with the attackers to betray our Devil for benefits."

"Meaning one of the most political and economic locations in this region is no longer under our command?" Anten scowled, disapproving of their issue further now that it seemed to be getting worse because those aristocrats were not only private property owners, but they were also CEOs and business owners with enough sway in the government. If there wasn't much of an opposition against the fugitives in town, sending only some detachments there now probably wouldn't have made a difference. It could've only made things worse because then Nightrise Castle would've been undermanned, thereby providing a window of opportunity for attack against it when the castle's defenses were not too high. Despite the fact flanking any attackers could've worked, Zlienderstrom's other districts would've been left open for the same attack. Therefore, the risk of trouble on the home front was too great because the citizens in town could've revolted against Satanick and the monarchial government because nothing was being done to protect them in their hour of need. They might've supported the Thieves' Guild too just like the aristocrats might've. With the military force remaining behind spread too thin in this problem, the variables—Nightrise Castle, Zlienderstrom, the Magnus District—were difficult to administer to. Allocating resources and soldiers to each one proved tricky as there wasn't enough for each one just as seizing too many from the others abandoned any condemned variables. He had to do something to solve this.

"I'm afraid so, sir, the perpetrators stated nobody from our side is to enter the Magnus District," the archer explained further to answer his question. "That was their message; if anybody enters, they will kill without hesitation."

"In other words, what we have received is in fact actually nothing short of a declaration of war via a petition keeping us from acting," Glasses said, concluding the findings of that report. "They have hostages just as my father arrested Macarona as one, plus they're not afraid to start firing on even us if we make a move against their objective."

"So what, you think we should do nothing, asshole?" Anten hissed angrily at the Gentleman Devil's son.

"Actually, yes, it's about time somebody stood up to my father," the demonic man stated as he walked out. "Bear in mind that the hostages might still very well die, but that we have no way of confirming if that is so, Anten. I advise you to consider your actions carefully. They'll likely not negotiate with us and are armed for a dire conflict."

"What, like nobody's ever done anything before?!" Anten yelled after him sarcastically. "Like nobody ever agreed with your views and disagreements with him?!" He really hated Glasses and figured the guy would've been useless. By that logic the Devil's son used regarding his occupation and the fact this was his home, Glasses should've cared about this problem they had to deal with. Then again, perhaps not considering he and his father were not on good terms. Even so, Anten didn't give a damn about what that guy thought since Glasses wasn't his concern…yet. The Gentleman Devil didn't really have a use for his own biological son anyway and was still waiting to dispose of him because Glasses was disinterested in being the heir to a corrupt underworld already on its way to ruin. However, the timing wasn't right as of yet. Macarona and Medouco were still his main concern, and Anten had to eliminate them.

…

"And you're positively sure they hadn't come this way, Miss Kiku?"

The Oni nodded in response, a light smile on her face as she shut her eyes to reply. "No, of course not." She didn't mind having guests over even if they were castle guards since she was always welcoming. However, Kiku was intelligent enough to know what their motivation was. Often it was to gauge Glasses' position on some matters and subsequently report their findings to his father. Sometimes they'd try to convince him otherwise, attempting to make Glasses drop whatever he was doing and persuade him to act like the heir he was supposed to be. They never really succeeded, of course, but their constant failures didn't stop them from trying. However, this occasion was different because this time they sought Macarona and Medouco, aware the two girls must've reentered Nightrise Castle by an alternate route that might not have been familiar to them. The guards did their best to make sure all bases on that front remained covered even in the face of unexpected strife they hadn't considered before and now had to deal with. "I've not witnessed neither hide nor hair of the two fugitives you're searching for. I haven't even left the apartment at all today."

"Not even to sweep the area outside your front door or something?" the janissary among the trio of guards inquired curiously. Like the two defenders behind him who followed his instructions as per the orders Anten gave, he wasn't convinced the Oni was telling the truth—and if she was, then it probably wasn't the whole truth. As the man placed in charge of investigating this wing of the castle, he had assigned defenders, warriors, and knights to key spots serving as watchful eyes. These sentries were grouped strategically, situated in areas where they could see entire views enabling them to try and spot their targets or any suspicious movement. Patrolling the areas were gunners and other janissaries supported by skirmishers and nightblades as their backup. Each soldier was assigned to groups of three men each, each group following their specific instructions. While some were stationary sentries, others were mobile. Those stationary units were well trained melee fighters who were the best choice in the janissary's opinion of who should've guarded chokepoints and entryways Macarona and Medouco could've gone through. The mobile units were quick on their feet, slowly patrolling areas around stationary sentries to search for the two fugitives. He thought out every way possible, having analyzed the best locations they could be effective at. "I'm sure somebody has witnessed you—"

"Doing what exactly, sir?" Kiku inquired to politely interrupt him before he could finish that thought. "You claim I may be a party to the 'criminals' you're hunting, somebody providing them aid. Yet you show no evidence of anything regarding that and cite suspicions of me in your search. I understand you're just doing your job, sir, though do know that if I saw or heard something I would inform you right away. You'd be the first to know straight away. Is the belief, whether proven or unproven, that I wouldn't so easy to entertain from your perspective, sir? You can trust me."

"Somehow I doubt that considering your fiancé has supported her," the janissary alluded to Glasses aiding Macarona by negotiating with his father on her behalf for the privileges she received despite being a prisoner. He had a point on that. "Aside from that, you've both interacted with her a few times afterwards, hence our suspicion of you."

"And your belief that we might've collaborated on a plan to help them escape is your evidence?"

The janissary sighed, realizing she was demanding concrete evidence he didn't possess. "Unfortunately not."

"Then I suggest you kindly excuse yourselves from our humble abode," the Oni curtsied politely, raising one arm afterwards to direct them to the front door they all stood in front of. "Glasses should be back momentarily and he won't be too happy with you for having cited nothing but suspicions against us without probable cause or a warrant supported by tangible evidence." She knew he wasn't looking forward to dealing with the Devil's son since Glasses would've found out about what happened and why there were guards in the castle. Granted there weren't too many because the military force of Zlienderstrom was spread too thin and couldn't be allocated in one spot effectively, but despite cutting corners they had to protect key areas to prevent escape from within and any intruders from outside.

"Very well, Miss Kiku, but I must insist on the units outside this apartment remaining where they are. We have orders from above and must follow them. You understand, I know, so keeping them where they shouldn't be a real problem should accommodate your wishes. That is, unless there is trouble even if you're not involved, they must act."

Kiku nodded as the three of them stepped out. "Certainly, I fully understand." Hearing their footsteps leave moments later she stepped into the living room and sat down on a couch to sip some tea. The apartment the Oni was sharing with Glasses was quiet, nary a sound reverberating throughout the space apart from the ticking of a grandfather clock that chimed a certain number of times to indicate what time it was when the correct hour arrived. Seated there, she appeared very calm and serene while enjoying her tea, waiting for her fiancé to return from finding out what occurred recently just about a half hour ago. From the look of her demeanor one might've thought she was simply doing that, refusing to panic even though she didn't know anything because she had to remain strong. However, one might have otherwise claimed the Oni did know something if not much and was guarding a secret only she and a select few may have known about. She removed all the hidden bugs and cameras after she and Glasses found them, triple checking everything ensuring they missed not a single one. Therefore nobody who worked for the Gentleman Devil would've known for sure if they were up to anything. Nonetheless, they were still aware of the missing bugs and cameras since Glasses and Kiku forwarded the broken remains of those devices to them with threats to take action against them for invading the privacy of their own apartment. Knowing the two of them were stronger than a lot of the demons here including Glasses' own father even though Kiku herself wasn't stronger than Satanick put them in their place at once. "You both can come out now," she said aloud in a soft tone her guests could hear. "They're gone and won't return."

Emerging from within the other couch across from her after pushing the cushions up, the two guests she had safeguarded in secret away from prying eyes climbed out and dusted themselves off. Had the guards come in here to search everything, they would've eventually found Macarona and Medouco there. Yet the angel was armed with a fireplace poker which Kiku had given her to fight back whereas the Gorgon could've hit them with her new staff. Although hiding in the apartment saved them, they knew guards would've been at the door and others flew outside, searchlights they carried shining in through windows for any sign of the prisoner and her personal warden. Aside from them were the other guards stationed around the area and on patrol inside and out around the castle on the ground too. "Thanks, Kiku, you're a lifesaver," Macarona complimented her with gratitude for the Oni's aid in hiding them. "We'd have been caught by now if they forced their way in and investigated further. Thankfully we already got to you first."

Kiku's eyes were still shut as she smiled. "It's no trouble, Macarona. We don't mind hiding you both here."

"A-and we're very grateful you have," Medouco murmured as she and the angel replaced the couch cushions back where they belonged and sat down on them to catch her breath. Hiding within it was tense as she and Macarona needed to keep calm and quiet while holding their breath aside from breathing through their nostrils. It was also a bit cramped too since they had to get on their hands and knees to bend down just enough so the cushions would cover them both. Safeguarded within such claustrophobic settings was kind of terrifying to the demonic maid even though the Gorgon hardly had too much of a problem with them, but she still trapped inside an enclosed space with no room for escape or mobility as she was heavily constricted from doing virtually anything. Thankfully that part of their ordeal finished even as the worst part was yet to come: attempting to sneak past all the guards. "Though they're still out there."

"At least they're not in here and can't hear us through these stone walls," the young angel remarked softly to lower her voice in case they did. It never hurt to be too cautious in a predicament like theirs. "So, where's Glasses off to?" she then added by addressing the Oni next. "Has he gone out to acquire any details about the current situation?"

Kiku nodded, opening her eyes. "Indeed, I must say we were both surprised to hear an alert going off in the castle. Mr. Satanick has already departed some time ago with Mr. Yagi and they'll not return for some time, I suspect," she explained to them what she already knew so far. "I've no idea where exactly their business is, but the alert is being investigated by Glasses. He left immediately after the alarm went off to find whoever's in charge and should be back soon." Taking another sip of her tea, she put forth cups so Macarona and Medouco could have some too if they were thirsty. "Since his brief departure for information, guards have come to this wing of the castle in search of you two as you've already overheard. They'll be going through a systematic combing of the entire wing, covering everything from public spaces to secret rooms known only to Mr. Satanick and his staff of personal military units. I imagine there'll be some trouble they'll encounter since emissaries and diplomats from other regions of the Devil's Kingdom and other underworlds too are staying over as well in this wing. Some of them may want to protect their privacy and believe an alarm like this would get in the way of their business with the Department of International and National Diplomatic Affairs. So far it already is because everybody's on edge and all employees aside from military personal are allowed to wander the castle on their patrols. Everybody else would likely be under a strict curfew to keep them out of this issue."

"I see…" Macarona nodded, understanding the situation so far. "They must really want us dead then for escaping. Then again, we were forced to because they have taken this kind of action against us first, not counting the previous incidents that got me into your hell in the first place and what I've been doing to try and oppose your Devil. Chlomaki sent over some things to aid us with that in the event something like this ever happened and—well, it did."

"Hence the alert," the Oni concluded as they suddenly heard the apartment's front door open. Going to investigate, she stepped out for a second to determine who was there and came back in. "Ah, Glasses just returned."

"I have, yes," the demonic commented and stepped in to find their guests already seated on the couch and making themselves comfortable for a spell. He didn't react to their presence, unsurprised by how they were here when he'd gone out to find out what was going on. What he learned pertained to them as he discovered they escaped, but Glasses figured they'd have at least gone to see somebody they trusted who worked in the castle. That included him as well as Kiku, but Sullivan wasn't an option since his boss in the Department of International and National Diplomatic Affairs couldn't be accessed. The whole castle was under lockdown due to the alert, and nobody was allowed to go anywhere even inside. Luckily Macarona and Medouco made it here safely just in the nick of time before the order had gone off to secure the castle and prevent anybody from escaping or entering, closing it off from the outside world. "I acquired more information about what's happening because of the alert you two have caused," he explained. "Anten's clearly in a bad mood and wants this taken care of immediately. He's the one who authorized the whole lockdown."

"So he's obviously in charge," the angelic girl noted. "And where's your father gone off to? Kiku said he left."

"He and Yagi are en route to the Gray Garden, apparently to initiate the invasion of your world, Macarona," Glasses went on to answer her inquiry. "From how things are not well on the home front, I'd say they were in a rush to eliminate you and start the conflict. My father and his Chancellor and Marshal both departed in a hurry, it seems, if the information I heard is correct. I wasn't told why, but considering the factors prior to their abrupt departure, I'd say an accurate best guess would be that my father's meeting with Her Majesty had gone south after she summoned him." Macarona nodded, acknowledging that since the information she provided to Sibuna obviously spurred that meeting. Saying nothing about it and merely nodding to show she understood so far, she let the demonic man continue. "Then we've got this lockdown with my father's men as the culprits under his orders to have you both killed. You escaped successfully, thus leading to the alert that's now got everybody on edge with armed guards everywhere and nobody allowed to leave whatever area they're in. Everyone's being rounded up and kept in groups so the guards won't be opposed by them, and they can question the employees and other demons about whatever suspicious activity they've noticed. Hopefully neither of you were seen coming here after the alarm sounded, otherwise we're in some deep shit."

"We weren't," Macarona assured him. "Medouco knew a quick way in from a balcony nearby, but we need more information on the movement and positions of both patrols and stationary sentries throughout the entire castle."

"Sure, I actually went through the whole castle while I was passing by on my way towards the security center and back here from it," the demonic man nodded and turned over the details Macarona requested. "You're in luck, Macarona, as there aren't many present right now due to an issue in the Magnus District. A Thieves' Guild has been causing trouble over on some of the estates, and they've got hostages—including guards who went to investigate." Macarona nodded again, having acknowledged that Zlienderstrom's Thieves' Guild was behind the attack since she expected they'd have not ignored the opportunity presented to them by Cosmea's attack. While the aristocracy was probably squabbling amongst itself, forming alliances and betraying others while sticking close to their current allies to regulate the situation involving Moonshadow Manor, Yarg Xof and his fellows were moving in to distribute justice. They'd have taken back what was stolen from the citizens of Zlienderstrom's middle and lower classes, holding the hostages captive until their demands were met if they even wanted to negotiate with the monarchial government that Satanick controlled. However, the Gentleman Devil and his associates were most likely on the run and needed to get things finished quickly so they could escape the Queen's wrath, so those negotiations wouldn't have likely happened unless Glasses took command over them. Another factor she considered was how the aristocracy was taking Yarg's takeover and infiltration as they possibly considered: fighting back; doing nothing; or supporting the Thieves' Guild.

"Do you know which estates have been targeted so far?" Medouco asked, worried about her own family.

"Unfortunately, I don't," Glasses replied, giving her a bit of bad news. "It's unclear yet which estates have already fallen and what turns the situation over there is taking. They're not letting any of my father's supporters in."

"O-oh, I-I see…" the Gorgon murmured sadly, fearful her family might've been targeted and harmed as well.

"Well, in any case, I suggest you focus on getting out of here as quickly as possible," the young man stated and began going over the number of troops in each area of the castle. "In this wing of the castle there's at least thirty guards. Every one of them is situated in units of three and consist of: warriors, janissaries, defenders, knights, nightblades, gunners, and skirmishers. You've got the knights, warriors, and defenders as stationary sentries and the rest as patrol units. The chokepoints are corridors and entryways that are being blocked by the stationary sentries while patrol units are going around checking the area for any signs of you two. The man in charge of this whole squad is a janissary and he's got a couple of defenders with him; they're going around this wing checking the other apartments to see if you're both inside. However, that can present a problem for them because the apartments are housing diplomats and emissaries from the other regions of the Devil's Kingdom, plus other underworlds too. Several of them won't take too kindly to what's happening and will claim the search and this lockdown are getting in the way of their business. Some of them need to depart for their homes and hells they call home whereas others are demanding for business to be carried out despite the situation placing a strict curfew over everybody. Thankfully I met the janissary captain and used my authority as the Gentleman Devil's son to override his and Anten's, but I was only able to make them leave only the general vicinity of our apartment and have them stop searching the apartments in the first place to avoid angering the other occupants."

"Yet they're still out and about," the young angel observed after listening to his account of this wing alone.

"Yes, though no longer in this vicinity," Glasses nodded to assure her the first part of this wing was safe. "It's simple now to make some progress out, but then you've got the grand foyer and the outside courtyard blocked. The number of troops there is doubled, both inside and out while protecting the front entrance by—again—controlling all chokepoints and patrolling the area. On the other sides outside you've got twenty soldiers each doing the same thing. Therefore the front entrance is impossible to get through because of the soldiers all arriving from the aforementioned spaces and other wings of the castle which have thirty soldiers each." As he continued going over the numbers of the soldiers in total per area, Macarona noted the tally in her head while Medouco's eyes widened. Thirty troops here plus those elsewhere: sixty; sixty; and ninety all added up to over two hundred forty based on the castle's exterior and interior.

"T-t-that many soldiers?!" the demonic maid squeaked timidly, turning pale at the total amount of troops.

"It makes sense considering this is the Gentleman Devil's castle," Macarona remarked since she understood how important the situation was to Satanick. "He'll not want anybody getting in or out and would vigorously defend Nightrise Castle because it's where his seat of power is located. Further, he'll need to protect anything illegal he'd be hiding because of how his policies and business with illegal institutions would be perceived. He would essentially be considered a criminal and a traitor, thus leading to the sacking of him from his position as a Devil and his arrest too."

"That's the gist of it, but you've got some headway. Aside from my aforementioned usage of authority over Anten and the soldiers, you've got the issue of your apartment and whatever you used to put the soldiers out. That's problematic for them because they'd need to quarantine the space and evacuate that part of the building. It's already finished from what I've overheard, but they'll still be busy cleaning up and finding the source of that substance to get it ready for the troops to move in and defend that space too. Therefore some emphasis would be placed on the number of troops there since that's where you escaped from, and it'll certainly affect the number of troops on hand in the castle."

"Meaning some will have to be pulled from other wings," Macarona deduced after Glasses explained that. "It's going to be tough allocating soldiers, but what about guards from around Zlienderstrom. Are they also available too?"

"Unfortunately, no, there's too few even there too. There are significantly less than the total number of guards present here at the castle partly due to the fact a lot of them are among the captives in the Magnus District when they traveled within to try and investigate and fight back against this Thieves' Guild. Many more of them died, though a number of them have become the very hostages I spoke of," the demonic man explained. "If anything, Zlienderstrom might be easier to traverse through than Nightrise Castle because of the lack of guards. If a revolt were to erupt, it'll be simpler than that, actually, since they can't focus on you and the townsfolk rebelling if they believe they're going to be attacked too and aren't receiving enough support and aid to help protect them. Using that revolt if it were to happen, chances of escaping would increase for you. Plus they'd get into a deadly fight against the citizens who outnumber them. Fighting against those odds could lead to their defeat, but so would their victory over the citizens because then that can pose a serious risk of portraying them as being overly aggressive towards the people they're supposed to protect and serve." Adjusting his glasses on the rim of his nose, the demonic man then crossed his arms as he went on. "With the Magnus District and Zlienderstrom no longer too much of a problem for you, Macarona, this castle is a first obstacle you'd need to overcome. It'll be hard, but I'm sure you both could make it out of here. Yet there's another problem."

"Soldiers along the way out," Macarona put forth a guess as Glasses nodded.

"Exactly, you'd need to hide and avoid them too unless they're called back to reinforce the ones in town. Therefore it'd be time consuming along the way because you two would probably need to keep hiding. That can affect how long it'll take for you to return to the Gray Garden. Additionally, factor in how guarded the portal will be as well as whether you'd need to pass through the Corporate Heaven or not," the demonic man continued. "Depending on the circumstances, the chances of your world being lost in the conflict are not good for you. You're in a race against time."

"We're aware of that already, but thanks for the reminder," the young angel said as she stood up and went to head out. "Still, I can't just linger onwards making decisions when my world's safety is at stake. In spite of the odds, fighting back is all I can do. That's why, in spite of the risks, I must approach the closest portal as best I can to return."

"M-Macarona…" Medouco murmured softly, understanding how desperate the angel was to save her home.

"Then you'll need to be stealthy about returning," Glasses commented and stood up too to give Macarona something that would've been of aid to her. "Unfortunately, all I can provide you is something for Nightrise Castle." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a key with a skull on the handle and turned it over to Macarona. "This is what's referred to as a skeleton key. It'll get you through many of the doors in this castle, though not all of them. You'll need a master skeleton key for that, but only my father carries the only copy of that and never parts with it." Raising an arm, Glasses placed a hand on the angel's shoulder to give her some advice. "Listen, Macarona, though time is against you while running out, don't ever get too impatient. You'll likely not considering I already know you're aware of this fact, though I'm merely reminding you. If you're planning to go through the portal my father established to take the army straight to the Gray Garden, you'll need to be wary about any soldiers protecting it on this hell's side. They won't be arresting you as I'm sure they wouldn't like the previous squad sent out to execute you and all the other guards here. Getting caught by them means death on sight, so you've only got one life to live and one chance to save your world."

"Both go hand in hand, after all," Macarona said as she smiled and bowed her head to show her gratitude. "Thank you and Kiku for everything you've both done to help me so far. I appreciate the aid you've provided me and your belief in me. Without you two to support me, I'd have not obtained those privileges from your father, Glasses."

The demonic man nodded. "You're quite welcome, Macarona, though know that I was merely performing my duty as a member of the Department of International and National Diplomatic Affairs. Aiding you so as not to ruin relations with those our world has ties to which also have ties to yours is a concern of my department. What happens to your world can affect them, after all, and in turn it'll probably affect our relations with them as well. What my father's committed to has already done enough damage and I've got to help fix it so the Devil's Kingdom can avoid that."

"Yet Glasses knew it was also the best way of helping you, Macarona," Kiku commented from her seat.

"Indeed," the angel agreed with her. "Even if it was to preserve relations with other civilizations connected to your underworld and my world, I am eternally grateful all the same because it's been of such huge help to my cause." Stepping closer to the door, she turned around before walking out. "I'm sorry for not being able to stay longer and say goodbye," Macarona added, shutting her eyes with a smile on her face. "If I did, you'd get caught because of us and would definitely be in trouble by simply being in our presence." Opening her eyes, she turned to the Gorgon. "Let's go, Medouco. We've got to head out right away before the guards get too suspicious and decide to come back here."

The demonic maid nodded and stood up to join her as they began to leave. "Of course, Macarona," she said before turning back to address Glasses and Kiku with gratitude. "Thanks again for hiding us, Mr. Glasses, Miss Kiku."

"Don't mention it," Glasses responded as they departed.

…

Another chapter down, just a few more to go. I'm really approaching the end of this story, and I must say it's been quite a while since it first started just at the very end of last year. It has been a little over several months since this story was published, and it's been fun to write it. At the same time there have been occasions when issues and matters in real life came up that had to be tended to which hindered progress, but I'm still at it. It'll not be too long now and I do have one final boss fight left before the very end, so look forward to that.

With regards to the non-canon RPG elements I mentioned about a few chapters ago, I have ideas for classes—sixty in total so far even though a lot of them might not make it in the end. A few are seen in this chapter, so I'll go over several in brief just to give you an idea of what kind of classes I chose for non-canon elements.

First are the janissaries who are based on actual janissaries from the Ottoman Empire. They began as elite slave soldiers when Sultan Murad I constructed the force in 1383, but as time passed and they became famous, the janissaries started becoming a corrupt military unit. Another Sultan, Mahmud II, abolished them in the Auspicious Incident of 1826. Because of this the janissaries revolted against him until they were defeated. However, this also led to the rise of more modernized military units in the Ottoman Empire after their defeat. Janissaries are well-known in popular culture such as in the movie Dracula Untold and in numerous video games series like Europa Universalis, Age of Empires, Total War, and Civilization. These are some examples, though I looked to history for inspiration on how to make this a class instead of using the games and other forms of popular culture as inspiration. The aforementioned examples and other forms of popular culture must've also done the same too; however, janissaries are a class featured in more real time strategy games than others.

Next are the myrmidons, a class that originates in Greek mythology as an ancient nation with a hero of this name being an ancestor of this land. According to Greek mythology, Myrmidon was the son of Zeus and Eurymedusa who married Peisidice, the daughter of Enarete and Aeolus. His children were: Antiphus; Actor; Erysichthon (he is considered to be the son of different parents in some accounts); Eupolemeia; and Hiscilla. As for the people of the same name, they were considered natives of Thessaly and were formed by Zeus from ants which fits their Greek name for ants: myrmex. This may fit with a story of how Zeus went to Eurymedusa in the form of an ant himself, though other accounts claim Myrmex was her mortal spouse Zeus disguised as. They participated in the Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad in which Achilles commanded them. A play by an Athenian dramatist named Aeschylus was named after them and it was the first in a trilogy about Achilles. The myrmidon is a class that is somewhat known because of how it was used in some forms of modern culture, but I'm basing the class on how it's portrayed in the Fire Emblem series—the disclaimer for which is found below.

Next are the gunners, a class from the Etrian Odyssey series that utilizes firearms in the games to deal with enemies from afar. In the series they have low defense and low health, so it's recommended to place them behind units in the front. However, the firearms are their greatest strength to make up for these weaknesses. Again, like with the other video games this class is from, this too shall also be found in the disclaimer below. Now, bear in mind that like before in the author's notes of chapter fourteen, I'm not advocating for the usage of any firearms in real life. This is a fanfiction story taking a non-canon direction towards non-canon ideas Mogeko might not have thought about for the canon material. I strongly advise against using firearms in real life since that's dangerous and will have consequences in real life too because they are extremely dangerous weapons.

Finally, there are the skirmishers, a kind of soldier that functions either as a light infantry unit or as part of a cavalry. Their general purpose is to serve as vanguards (advanced guards in the lead) or the rearguard (the soldiers protecting lines along the flank). Unlike other soldiers who may be more organized when mobilized, skirmishers are not because they're meant to be asymmetrical in their formation so they can harass enemies by weakening morale or disrupting attacks and movement. The fact skirmishers fight in smaller numbers as well as within open formations gives them an advantage over normal sized armies since they can use the terrain to their benefit and retreat when necessary. Unfortunately, they cannot fight back effectively against heavier units. It's a kind of soldier that has been around pretty much forever since ancient periods of history, and like janissaries they've also been incorporated into real time strategy games such as the aforementioned Age of Empires series.

You can learn more about this stuff on Wikipedia or wikias about the games these classes are from.

Disclaimer: I don't own Dracula Untold; it's owned by Gary Shore and is based on Bram Stoker's Dracula which is owned by Bram Stoker. I don't own Fire Emblem; it's owned by Intelligent Systems and Nintendo SPD. I don't own the Age of Empires series; it's owned by: Ensemble Studios, Big Huge Games, and Robot Entertainment. I don't own the Etrian Odyssey series; it's owned by Atlus and Lancarse. I don't own the Europa Universalis series; it's owned by Paradox Development Studio. I don't own the Total War series; it's owned by The Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive. I don't own the Civilization series; it's owned by: MicroProse, Avalon Hill, Activision, and Firaxis Games (which actually currently owns the series so far).