"…How far are you ready to go to save angels?"

"For as far as I can without ruining anyone's life. Ilias has done enough in that regard."

"Then we have the perfect plan. There's only one thing you will do like her, and I really hope that it won't cause you a problem."

"What is it exactly?"

"Lying. Again and again and again. Until you might come to believe your own lies yourself."

"…This is going to be hard."

"We are working toward re-educating angels who want to kill everyone that stood up against their goddess. Said resistants include the whole world. Don't be surprised that the challenge is up there in difficulty given the goal."

"…Fair enough. Do you have any idea on how to get started? I mean I have to be like Ilias to convince them, but I definitively can't actually be like her…"

"There's that one sentence that should be a good starting point. Now repeat after me…"

Here's to hoping that Tamamo is right…

A tired Micaela concealed by Yao's tails was standing in front of the door leading to Ariel's cell. The first Seraph felt unusually nervous, and her analytical mind decomposed the numerous reasons as to why: She was in a castle where her past archenemies were living and had to be avoided, and she was about to see Ariel for the first time in decades. The archangel had been one of the most loyal followers of Ilias after the latter promoted her for surviving Heinrich… Whether this was by hiding or actually being that skilled had always been seen as a moot issue.

Step one, listen, step two, tackle her feet, step three, get her up.

She entered the cell and saw the restrained archangel. Micaela couldn't see traces of beating or anything else that would tell her that the archangel had been tortured. And the curious, then hate-filled gaze she received from the archangel confirmed her that her mind hadn't been broken. In fact, Ariel's expression soon contorted in a glare of pure rage. The first Seraph closed the door behind her before the prisoner started shouting.

"You… YOU TRAITOR!"

Micaela raised an eyebrow. "Do you care to explain me why? I always did as Ilias ordered…"

Ariel growled before screaming in pure rage. "Are you mocking her great design?! You abandoned our goddess in her hour of need and corrupted all those angels to fall on earth with you!"

"I did it on Ilias' order. She was aware of Promestein and Black Alice scheming behind her back, and she was concerned that the two of them would find a way to corrupt the sanctity of Heaven. She wanted angels to at least survive this possible disaster."

"Do you really think that I will believe you?! You fled pathetically after she showed up to those heretics that loved monsters with whom you are oh-so-much friendly."

"You're talking about the heretics who had been provided equipment by Promestein?" Micaela haughtily whistled under her breath as she leaned against the wall. "Don't you find it strange that I left her when she took care of heretics while she didn't punish Promestein herself for helping those heretics in the first place?"

"What?"

"Let me put it another way… Why didn't she punish Promestein when Eden and myself told her to? As it turns out, she did listen to us. She was aware that Promestein and Black Alice wanted to upstage her, but she still needed them back then for her plan. However, as she became more wary, she entrusted me with the plan to safeguard the existence of angels and relied on the keen mind of Heaven's first strategist to avoid any trap while protecting as many of us as possible should her worst fears come to past."

"Don't be ridiculous…" Micaela heard Ariel's voice starting to crack while the archangel looked down.

"But it is the truth. Promestein and Black Alice's betrayal are what spelt her downfall, even more than the world rebelling. I am loyal to her light, and will complete the mission she has entrusted me with."

"But… I saw you cooperating with monsters and even the hero…"

"Yes. You see me doing that precisely because I am using them for my- her own end. I gained their trust enough to ask them for a few favors. I intend to at least build a haven at the Navel of the World to fulfill my mission. They accepted, even approved and we'd be free to live far from monsters and rebuild as long as we leave them alone. I am gathering any angel that wants to live far from them, and I can even set you free."

"You're…" Ariel failed to finished her sentence, only looking pathetically at the ground in front of her. After a small moment, she recovered her composure, and while Micaela could still see a bit of hostility in the way she looked at her, she also noticed the archangel's desire to believe in the chance she was given.

"…What is the price to get me out?"

"We simply can't attack monsters or humans. At all. Ilias insisted that our preservation was paramount, and this is the only thing they ask us, even after we fought them."

Ariel looked down and groaned as her sense of moral and her hatred of monsters were challenged by the desire to follow the plan of the Goddess.

"Very well. I shall follow her vision."

"Good. I'll check the last details to make sure they won't attempt anything else while you're vulnerable. I'll have a valkyrie search you afterwards."

Ariel simply nodded, and Micaela wordlessly left the prison cell. The moment she closed the door, she felt Yao's fluffy tail surround her to hide her once again, and the seraph could even smell a cup of tea right under her nostrils. She accepted the drink and savored it, sighing in relief after the exchange with the archangel.

The first time is always the hardest. And I have to be careful to not become the mask. I hope everyone else will be able to keep me from turning into Ilias… There's also the matter of Endiel and Vale. They're way too close to Minagi… Should I inform them as well? All the Ancestors will find out sooner or later, and will have to accept leaving us alone. And besides all that, I have to make the other angels get the tattoo to control holy energy… Hurgh, I'll have to ask for Tamamo's help again to deal with that.

I'll ask them later. Council first.

Also I should ask Tamamo for clothes made with kitsune's fluff. It feels so soft…

Once again, all the human lords were reunited around a table in the largest conference room of the Monster Lord's Castle. When he sat down, Luka couldn't tell if the last council had been an eternity ago or only yesterday. Thankfully, Saja and Tamamo had taken measures to make sure their dear sister wouldn't crash the reunion.

I really lost track of time with all those fights… for more than a year, my life had always been dictated by the rhythm of monster attacking me or wrecking havoc somewhere before I stepped in.

Not helping were the few but remarkable changes that had happened since last time: Mariel was now acting extremely nervous, jumping in surprise each time a sound reached her ears, the San Ilia king was now a man that he had never dealt with -although he could see the same benevolent light in his gaze as the old king, - and last but not least Micaela was with them. As everyone was discussing, Alice cleared her throat to attract everyone's attention and started talking.

"Greetings everyone. I am glad to announce today that, in no small part thanks to Luka, the Six Ancestors have been beaten and are now under control."

The small council enthusiastically clapped at a blushing Luka. Once the silence returned, Alice continued, with a small frown on her face.

"However, simply keeping them sidelined would prove problematic as they're powerful monsters with huge appetites. Surprisingly, most of them are willing to do an effort to reintegrate and put their skills at the disposition of this world. While I'm aware we're asking for a lot, as the Grand Noah Queen's experience with Kanade could testify…"

An exhausted queen nodded while trying to conceal a yawn to confirm the words from the Monster Lord.

"…They could help us with several issues at hand and more than make up for the damage they did cause. I will understand if you say me that you're unsatisfied with their punishment amounting to community service, but exploiting the sheer potential they can bring us in the way they see fit will allow us to channel their energy, which is likely the most positive outcome we could dream of."

The Sabasa King shrugged. "I already accepted the pub those vampires opened in Sabasa even after they attacked me personally. I will accept the presence of any of the Ancestor if you guarantee me that I won't suffer their attention against my will again."

Everyone else nodded approvingly.

"We will make sure that they won't have time to do so in the first place. We have projects for each of them: the one who attacked you will work with Lucia on optimizing the chimera's efficiency, Kanade will work with end up working with everyone on the question of environmental care, Kanon will take care of the castle's garden under Saja's supervision with the results destined to help Grangold and any other region, and Minagi…" Alice interrupted herself, hesitating to continue for a moment with the ridiculous request before continuing quickly, as if ripping a bandage. "She has a project to form partnerships to establish a chain of love inns in all interested towns. Said work should take her the better part of the upcoming years."

Alice carefully gauged everyone's reaction. Micaela, Mariel, and Tamamo all kept neutral expression, Luka was still blushing slightly, but what surprised her was the reaction of the human nobles. They were all eyeing each other, as if trying to determine each other's reactions. Eventually, the newly-minted pope broke the silence.

"May I take a moment to share a relevant experience with everyone present?"

Alice looked at Tamamo who simply shrugged.

"If it could help us understand everyone's reaction, please do."

"Very well."

The pope slowly got up from his bed and prepared himself for this new day of reigning. After dressing up, he rang a small bell to call for a breakfast and made his way to his desk in his room, staring at the small pile of paperwork and parchments that were covering his desk. Most of them were the usual grievances of people who were still looking for his guidance and having difficulties bearing with the recent influx of monsters in the city: Some people were even having difficulty accepting their presence in the holy city, and they turned to the clergy with the hope to get them expelled from San Ilia. The king emitted a small groan: he had explicitly told that he would continue the work of his predecessor to facilitate everyone's integration, and those all-too-frequent scuffles between humans, monsters and angels that were often born from a mix of stuborness and prejudice were so many annoyances that took everyone's time.

After examining a few more parchments, he felt his stomach grumble in hunger. The servant bringing him is breakfast was unusually slow today… It didn't matter much to him, but he still felt a twinge of concern after the attempts on his life. Eventually, a disheveled servant entered hurriedly with a platter of food.

"Let me present our sincerest apologies for the delay, my lord."

"Eman? Did something happen to Joseph? He's usually the one who comes in the morning."

"He... overindulged himself with a succubus last night. His life is not in danger, but he needs to rest. Once again, we apologize for the disagreement."

The king soberly nodded and started eating. "What is the planning for today?"

"Nothing in particular. We have received a few messages from inhabitants asking for your direct mediation about an issue involcing monsters."

The king frowned. Probably the usual troubles about people wanting to get monsters removed from the church's premises… Maybe he should ask for help from his neighbors, San Ilia seemed to have a lot of difficulty making the transition.

After a filling meal, the king started making his way to the throne room. An unusual smell reached his nostrils, and he could hear some commotion ahead in one of the side chapel.

"She only wants to learn about Ilias! Monsters are free to visit the cathedral and explore our castle now!"

"There is a limit to the generosity we can show off and to what they can do!"

The pope entered silently to see two priests discussing while a lamia nun was present on the side, blushing heavily.

"Peace, my brothers. No violence within those walls. What is the cause of the trouble?"

Both priests were relieved to see their superior entering.

"Ah! Your eminence! Am I glad to see you! You see, this noble monster here wanted to learn more about the faith in Ilias, and my colleague present want to kick her out for her nature."

"I don't want to kick her out for her nature, I want to kick her out for… the disgusting things you did with her!"

"It is in her nature as a monster to seek carnal pleasures…" The man started blushing. "I merely offered her the relief she was looking for."

"By doing it in the confessional?!"

The pope's attention was attracted to the wooden booth which was standing half-wrecked in a corner, with visible traces of its movement present on the floor even as he noticed the almost pungent smell coming from it. When he looked at the group again, the accused joined the lamia nun as he hanged his head in shame.

"As a punishment, you will clean and repair the booth. You are all free to do as you wish with your body, but please respect this holy place."

Everybody bowed down in unison and the pope returned on his way, groaning under his breath. The remainder of the morning was unremarkable as he welcomed the people who came up to look for his guidance, up until a certain moment when he got interrupted by moans coming from a room a little too close for the sake of decency. A few minutes later, the noise ceased, and right afterward, two guards were briskly pushing forward a scholar and a nun who was wearing an outfit a little too revealing to be approved by the church. Something in her behavior made him realize that she was a succubus who had likely come to enjoy the presence of the more welcoming clergy… Or more likely their pent-up frustration.

After a few more unremarkable hours, the king noticed that the heady smell he noticed this morning hadn't disappeared. As time passed, he even felt passably nauseated.

"What does his highness wishes for lunch?"

"Something light… tell me, has the chapel in the west wing been cleaned? I can still detect that pungent smell from there."

"I apologize, but I do not detect any unusual odor."

"Mmmh." Seized by a sudden doubt, the king decided to take a short look outside. As soon as he made a single step out, he realized the issue at hand.

The city was impregnated with that smell.

After that precise moment, he felt like he opened Pandora's box as most following grievances were about the frequent indiscretions, flirt, and sometimes downright orgiastic parties happening in broad daylight. And then several priests came back and not-so-subtly asked if the Monster Lord had given any new about that Succubus Ancestor, with one of the bishop even downright telling them that San Ilia should be offered access to her so that she could amend directly.

The bishop had been punished and asked to take care of the lavatories for a few weeks, but it didn't solve the core issue at hand.

I need to do something about it.

"…"

"So as it is and from a purely pragmatic standpoint, they would be a welcome addition, if only for the sake of privacy and hygiene. While it is true that San Ilia, by its close ties with the faith in Ilias which forbade relations between humans and monsters has less experience with these issues, I am positive that everybody would benefit of a more controlled frame to release their impulses for the aforementioned reasons."

Everybody else nodded in silent approval. Luka slowly breathed in and out as his face was now as red as a tomato.

This is awkward. Almost as awkward as when mom gave me The Talk using two dead turkeys for her explanations.

"In that case, I will personally ask a few of my kitsunes to help build the structures as you see fit. This seems more urgent than I imagined…"

Luka felt less and less comfortable as time passed by. Fortunately, the subject moved on quickly enough.

"The only real issue that remains concerning is the remainder of the True Faith. In spite of our best effort, we couldn't arrest every insurgent before they disappeared, and several angels had left us as well since the incident." Mariel looked down in shame, even if there wasn't a hint of reproach in anyone's voice. "We heard about what happened in Ilias Village, and, thankfully, the intervention of the Ancestor prevented a slaughter. However, we have no idea where the angels disappeared, and we'd hope that maybe one of you would help us find where all them went. They do remain a force powerful enough to devastate a major city."

"I will personally look into it." Tamamo frowned. "I'm still worried Saja might get carried away, and we still want to give those angels a chance to live, particularly now that we can solve most of their problems."

"What were they already… The disappearance of Ilias, of Heaven, and the discovery of their own mortality?"

Mariel silently nodded. Feeling the unusual distress of her junior, Micaela continued in her sake.

"A solution has been brought to light for the last issue. You probably heard about it, the only new is that we're no longer dependant on anyone in particular. And no, we can't make anyone else immortal."

She heard everyone mutter their disappointment under their breath. She understood them as much as she disapproved, but she decided to move on as it was definitively not the time to debate the nature of life, death and immortality.

"As to the other, I came to a conclusion that may sound worrying. I intend to offer a safe haven to angels that are still at loss for a place in this world and missing the sanctity of Heaven."

"Are you talking about another version of Enrika, but with the goal to help a refuge for those fanatically loyal to Ilias?"

"Precisely."

She saw everyone shift uncomfortably. After a small instant, the Grand Noah queen spoke up.

"With all our respect, and I do not doubt your skill, but do you really think that you can give angels everything they want? Heaven fell, Ilias is dead, and a lot of your kin displayed an alarming stubbornness when it comes to demanding respect for the word of the goddess."

"As the first seraph, I can easily pretend to take this position. As insane as it sounds, this is the only solution if we don't want most of the remaining angels to sacrifice themselves in a pointless assault before the remainder will be discriminated against for the actions of their fellows."

The San Ilia king nodded. "It is true that it was a miracle that angels and chimeras were forgiven so easily."

"It would be more exact to say that people wanted the conflict to be over quickly and start rebuilding as soon as possible. I don't think we'll be so lucky next time."

"And unfortunately, some angels didn't forget the grace of Ilias and Heaven before all fell. This is why I want to give them something close enough and, with time, maybe even help them fit in this world rather than live isolated in a corner. And to do that, I do need to create my own sovereign kingdom in the Navel of the World. Although given the number of angels that will likely join me, it would be more fitting to call it a hamlet… Most angels will remain free to roam at large as they wish. I do not intend to force anyone to join me."

"Mmh. Very well. Besides, since the Navel of the World used to be Heaven's territory, I think everyone will agree that this land shall go to you. If everybody agrees, your sovereignty over these lands will be acknowledged."

As everybody signaled their approval, Luka suddenly felt relieved. Those angels would indeed have the means to be given a second chance to fit in the world.

"Good." Tamamo gulped loudly, swallowing in the process a few choice words she had for angels that still blindly followed Ilias. "On the matter of kingdoms, we will soon start rebuilding the town of Remina to welcome humans on Hellgondo."

Luka held his breath in fear once again.

Please don't tell them I'm a descendant of the royal family, please don't…

"Until a descendant of the royal bloodline step up, the town will be managed by a representative from the Monster Lord, who will herself assume the responsibility for the actions of her envoy. We will also open access to the Monster Lord's castle in a certain measure for artists and scholars to exchange more than books."

"Very well. We have no doubt that some inhabitants will want to live in Remina and visit the Monster Lord's castle for a large slew of different reasons."

Tamamo and Alice both nodded, the various underlying messages being all too clear in her eyes: Of course, some damn perverts would want to get there with the singular hope of scoring with the most powerful monster to walk the earth.

"The remainder of the details and other necessities will be seen with the different trade guilds. Reconstructing the city will take a lot of time, after all."

Luka silently thanked Tamamo for keeping this work away from him.

The remainder of the discussion was a blur. Most of the following evening involved expressing issues that weren't related to the recent events, or only in a small measure like how Lilith taking over Succubus Village didn't change anyone's relationship with the settlement in any remarkable way. Eventually, after a few more hours of talking, everybody left and Luka found himself alone with Alice. Once they were back in their bedroom, his wife sighed exasperatedly.

"You can breathe again, idiot."

"I didn't think we would have to do that again…"

Alice glanced at Luka. "Me neither. But it looks like the Ancestors and those damn succubi aren't the only idiots who need to be reminded of their place in the world."

"At least, Lilith bringing her here rather than killing her on the spot proves that my sisters and the Lilith Sisters can change and even do some good in this world."

The trio made by Alice, Tamamo and Luka was once again standing in the throne room, Alice imperiously looking in front of her even as they waited for a peculiar prisoner to be brought in for judgment. A few minutes later, the front door opened, revealing a succubus and a behemoth pushing forward a small silhouette clad in brown. As the prisoner was brought in to the center of the room, Alice's voice started booming through the room.

"Kagetsumugi. You are accused of preparing an assault on the throne of the Monster Lord to claim it irregularly for yourself. To reach that end, you lured dissatisfied monsters and welcomed them even as they plundered every convoys passing by, straining our relationship with humans. You then deprived them of their most fundamental freedom by turning them into your puppets to create your own army. Ultimately, you attacked Succubus Village and killed its mayor. What are your excuses?"

Kagetsumugi looked down as she answered shamefully. "I wanted to give monsters an alternative to the reign of her majesty. Some of us became concerned that we would be left to rot on the side as her relationships with humans grew more prevalent."

"We grew naturally closer as we fought side-by-side against Ilias while you were hiding in your tower. I merely groomed this relationship to make peace blossom between everyone and finally stop those years of strife that have plagued us. And besides, I do not dictate how each and every monster shall live: I simply ask of everyone to no longer assault humans, as they're more than just mere food. They're allies, friends, and way more for a lot of us. Cooperating with them will make our race grow to new heights."

"I do not doubt the nobility behind her majesty's actions, but once again, concern grew that your laws would be too much of a burden to bear and that you would resort to extreme measures to enforce them." The small puppeteer glared at Luka, which didn't escape anyone.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "While these laws may be harsh to respect for more supremacist monsters, I am more than comfortable with giving everyone some leeway as long as nobody get actually hurt. I didn't hear a single rumor about monsters obeying out of fear."

Tamamo accusedly pointed at Kagetsumugi with her fan. "I should add that your clan has been loyal to a fault to Black Alice in the past, who is known to be the most tyrannical Monster Lord to have existed, and you disappeared afterward by fear of reprisal. You should first know your history if you want to give anyone a lesson."

"Even the arachne clan recently accepted to change their old predatory way to try to find a place on this world after they realized how unsustainable their methods were." Alice leaned back on her chair. "Now, your behavior might have been excused if you actually offered an alternative where monsters got to enjoy more freedom, but from an outside perspective it looked like you wanted to use them for your own nefarious plans. Are we wrong?"

"…I simply offer them power to stand up as they want. My modifications make them stronger."

"What they want is the liberty to attack humans. Surely you are not so narrow-minded as to fail to notice that strength is only the mean they see as available to reach that end?"

Kagetsumugi gulped loudly. After a minute of awkward silence, Alice continued.

"I will be magnanimous and suppose that your actions were guided by fear rather than outright maliciousness. I will give you another chance just like I did for the Ancestors. You will be charged with the responsibility of dismantling your creations. Your belongings will be acquired and sold to compensate for the damage you caused. You will then be put at our service until we estimate that you are willing to reintegrate."

Kagetsumugi grimaced.

"…Very well. I accept my punishment."

"Good. Take her away."

The guards pushed the little puppeteer out of the room, and Alice groaned once they were alone once more.

"How can someone be so intelligent and so dumb at the same time?"

"I would rather say that she's stubborn and doesn't have the maturity to grow out of it. She does remind me of a mix between Hiruko and Kanon, to a lesser extent."

"And it's fortunate. I'll have to see your cute little sister afterward to make sure the conditions she leave the castle under are clear. But first…" Alice steadied her breathing. "Let's see how that damn alraune is actually willing to change."

The door opened to reveal Kanon escorted by Saja. Alice heard Luka gulp loudly, and she couldn't tell if it was because he was concerned by the presence of the two Ancestors that had tried to murder him not so long ago or because he was enjoying the eye candy. She even felt slightly inadequate for the shortest instant as her own eyes were attracted to the alraune's fully exposed curvy body.

"So I understood that you were willing to make an effort to change and integrate yourself into this world. Is this true?"

Kanon soberly nodded. "I do."

"How do you plan to do so?"

"I submit to your judgment. I only desire to grow my garden. And if this is the only thing I'm allowed to do, then so be it."

Alice tried to gauge the Ancestor, and could only regret that the Alraune was sealed the first time she had judged her. She could only judge the Ancestor by her tone and her words, and while neither was carrying the defiance she saw last time, her plants kept looking a bit too threatening to her own taste. The Monster Lord turned to Tamamo who was examining her sister herself. After a moment, she silently nodded.

"Very well. You will then be given a second chance. For the following months, I will count on you to take care of the gardens of the castle to make them beautiful and bountiful. As humans will come to visit and live the castle, you will be free to tempt them physically, but you won't be able to abuse them with pheromones, brute force, and, more importantly, harming or eating them is forbidden."

"Even if they ask?"

Alice recoiled slightly, surprised by the question that seemingly came out of the blue.

"I don't think anyone would be suicidal enough to request to be eaten alive."

Kanon looked up at Tamamo, and Alice could see her expression becoming utterly jaded. The kitsune gulped loudly.

"I really hoped you wouldn't even consider that…"

Kanon sighed. "Please tell me you didn't forget. You even helped me back then."

"Well…" Alice saw Tamamo grimace when she looked at her. "In the past, several people did travel to Kanon to be eaten by her. Some of them were doing it because they were sick and wanted to go out in a burst of pleasure rather than a long, drawn out agony, but a few-"

"Hundreds."

"Quite a lot of them came to her simply to discover the pleasure of being consumed alive in superlative ecstasy."

Shocked, Alice checked on Luka to see if her husband was as surprised as her. Even after all those months spent together, she didn't quite remember seeing him so decomposed, his mouth hanging open even as his gaze was somehow completely vacant while staring at the alraune. On the one hand, she couldn't let a monster she was responsible for harm a human without a punishment. On the other hand… She didn't consider that some humans would actively look for their own destruction at the hand of said monster.

Then she remembered what happened in Succubus Village. Those humans, who all said that they wanted to defend the village against succubi, even as it was obvious that those perverts wanted to get sucked dry would likely be the same kind that would make a deadly request. Eventually, she found a solution.

"These issues will be studied on a case-by-case basis when they arrive. We do not want someone killed in the heat of the moment."

Kanon shrugged, apparently satisfied. "It's good enough I guess. Naturally I don't want you to coax them…" A familiar cruel smirk reappeared on her face. "But if I could devour a few of them-"

Alice interrupted her with a firm voice. "Don't get carried away. Saja, you will be asked to keep an eye on her as well as on the remainder of the castle."

"Very well. I won't disappoint you, my lord." The yoma bowed.

"Lead her to her new quarters on the eastern balcony." She looked at Kanon again. "You will be free to request anything you need from servants within what is reasonable. You are dismissed."

Kanon and Saja bowed and left. Once they were alone, everybody slumped where they were.

"…This is a joke, right? I mean, you wouldn't let her eat people…"

Alice closed her eyes as she prepared an answer. However, before she could say anything, she felt all her words die in her throat, and she exhaled loudly as she looked at the ceiling.

"We will see when someone who visits the castle asks to be eaten. We won't have to deal with it before several months, after all."

"But even then… I mean… It's so wrong."

"If I may…"

"Please Tamamo… I don't think anyone else can explain it better than you right now."

The kitsune sat herself more appropriately and used her tails to move Luka around, making sure that he was looking at her before releasing him.

"I'll try to keep it short. The very first time I had my way with someone, they died: I didn't control myself, I didn't understand the harm I was doing, and even when I did it again the following times, I didn't care either."

"That was the past."

Tamamo nodded in acknowledgment and continued. "Yes. But the relation I had with humans around me changed back then. Some of them were looking at me with fear and disgust, and I needed a lot of time to understand what that emotion was and why it was in their eyes. But even then, there were still humans willing to come to me and my sisters to taste the pleasures we offered, even as they assisted to the grim aftermath themselves. Do you know why?"

Luka shook his head negatively.

"Because me neither. And I never saw this behavior disappear. I observed it happening again and again. Most of the time it was aimed at a monster, but sometimes to a substance that could be just as deadly. Even after years spent studying the phenomenon, the best conclusion I could come to was that it was inherent to humans to seek their ruin."

Alice could see Luka looking down, clearly depressed. It was clear it was hitting a little too close to home.

"And yes, it is as satisfying for me as it is for you. But consider this: What would you do if someone comes, threaten Alice when she's defenseless -it's purely hypothetical and it will never happen-, and says that he wants to be killed by Kanon, who's also aware of the situation, what would you do?"

"I'd try to incapacitate him or convince him to stand down."

Alice snorted. "If someone did that with Luka, I would bring him Kanon in a heartbeat and let her have her fun."

Luka's mouth opened in shock. Tamamo pointed her fan at Alice.

"And now people accuse you of setting this up to get Kanon's good grace."

"I don't care about what they think. Luka counts more for me and this world than a random insane man."

"Of course he does, but you have to take care of your image as a ruler. As for you…" She pointed at Luka. "This will go ugly and he will come back for more."

"So what should I have done then?"

"I can't tell you. And this is not a find the answer yourself enigma. I can't tell you what you should do then because there's no good answer. Only pros and cons in each case."

Even as Luka slumped on the ground even more, Tamamo and Alice empathetically patted him on his shoulders.

"You said you were never taught anything about ruling… Well, here was your first official lesson. You don't always have a right answer. Sometimes the best you can do is limit damage and make sure everyone understand and endorse their own responsibilities."

"Still… Even then… I wish there was a reasonable solution."

"And I wish everybody was reasonable… But we wouldn't have judged so many idiots if that was the case, would it?"

As the hero looked particularly down, Tamamo reassured him.

"I tell you what. I'll show you a few more ropes about reigning as well as a few tricks in the library to clear your mind while your wife deals with my little sister… I'm sure you will like it, how does that sound?"

Luka shrugged.

"I'll be back very soon. Please show me a smile then." Alice kissed him then left the throne room. She slithered away briskly, her mind focused on the naïve, bubbly hero that she came to miss.

Before she noticed, she was standing in front of the door leading to the chimera lab. She knocked twice and heard a muffled voice on the other side.

"Please enter!"

Alice delicately pushed the door, but couldn't see anyone on the other side. Her gaze was attracted by a piece of furniture that was seemingly out of place: A kotatsu covered with papers, half tucked in a corner. A pair of glowing golden eyes was poking from under it, and it disappeared under the cover before Hiruko showed up in front of the furniture in a kneeling position, accompanied by a wet slurping noise.

"What does her majesty require of me?"

"Nothing for now. I wished to remind you that starting from tomorrow, you will start working abroad with Lucia on the matter of chimera efficiency. You will also have to work with Kagetsumugi to transform back her puppets."

Hiruko frowned. "Mmh. I hope that she didn't directly interfere with the synaptic connections as she altered their nervous system... That would make a restoration impossible."

Trying to not be overwhelmed by Hiruko's technical vocabulary, Alice continued.

"I do wish to remind you that you are still under our responsibilities and that you are also not allowed to molest anyone without their consent. I trust you with this mission, and expect satisfying results from your work."

"I will not disappoint you, my lord."

"Great… Before you go, I have more questions for you. Not as the Monster Lord, but as family."

Getting the message, Hiruko got up and Alice could see a small satisfied smirk on her face.

"I will be blunt. You attacked Sabasa and caused a great deal of troubles. Then you nearly killed my husband before saving him. Then you ruined any legitimate chance your sister Minagi had at laying her hands on him for a legitimate reason without asking for anything in return."

In front of Hiruko's surprised expression, Alice decided to develop. "I'm talking about the fact that you did all but told Tamamo that every monster could do the power markings needed to control holy energy if they worked with an angel. Your sister was the first to report it, and I don't doubt it's because she wanted Luka for herself.

"Oh, that?" Hiruko scratched the back of her head. "The credits don't belong to me… I didn't discover anything."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Minagi was the first? From what I saw, I didn't expect her to have anything besides sex in that brain of her."

"Actually she wasn't the first either. I discovered it when I saw that weird angel zombie in the lab where I had fun with Lucia and those kitsunes."

"Wait, what?"

"When I interrogated Lucia, she told me those monsters were the result of the work of the Artiste and that angel scientist, Promestein." Hiruko then muttered to herself. "I wonder if Minagi could have sensed her from where she was, or if she found by herself through another way."

Alice was dumbfounded. All that stress and that fear because the Ancestors had wanted to play…

"Then why didn't you say anything sooner?!"

Hiruko grimaced. "I… got carried away and before I thought about it, I had to take care of your husband, then of your chimeras…"

Alice shook her head. "Nevermind all that then, we're getting out of subject. I wanted to add to the list that you participated in Tamamo's apparent ploy to overthrow me, even if it was just one of her test. I can't find any rhyme or reason in all your actions, so I'll ask you: What's your endgame in all this?"

When Hiruko stared at her, Alice wondered if she hadn't made a huge mistake. Even if the Ancestor was keeping her natural aura in check, she could still feel her power under her coat, and was worried that the child-like scylla would decide to unleash it on herself before disappearing in nature once again.

"I want to see how this world will grow without being held back by the past."

"…What?"

"I'm surprised Tamamo didn't give you that lesson. Or maybe she did, and you're a baaaad student who forgot."

Alice groaned half-heartedly. She was forced to acknowledge that the scylla was entirely right. Hiruko gestured around her.

"I studied this world. What humans and monsters created was always held back: By necessity, by war then by Ilias' rules when she got us sealed… There always was something that held back everyone's creativity. And for the first time since millennia, all those constraints have been brought down, allowing everyone to focus on what they consider important. I want to see that creativity fully express itself and take form and see what comes from it."

"Your speech reminds me of Promestein."

"I read some of the notes of that angel scientist. She herself was held back by Ilias and her orders to create weapons for war and for her great plan. Didn't you take a moment to ask yourselves how she would have turned out without that sorry excuse of a goddess on her back? You should ask Tamamo or Minagi to do one of their famous profiling, I'm sure the result will surprise you."

"I'll ask them. But please, stay focused. I'm starting to get the idea, but I want to hear it from you."

"I may end up walking this world for a looong time. I want see this world change and not stagnate as it seemingly did during the reign of the old hag. I want to be surprised by its inhabitants and their creativity, but for that, I need to get the past out of the way."

"If that's the case, why didn't you ask your sisters to not attack the world? …Nevermind, I feel stupid just for asking that question."

Hiruko grimaced. "Kanon and Minagi had always been a handful. They let Kanade alone because they were afraid that she would take the whole world for herself, but if Tamamo and me didn't make sparks fly, they would have done way worse to push us. This is why I played up and edged Tamamo, although if I knew what would happen next, I would definitively have avoided that… Sorry. But if I didn't do it, I was afraid Tamamo would become nostalgic of the good old times and might even get mentally stuck in it. She looked completely depressed then, and I only had to do a little push."

"So you offered us the full solution for holy energy so that we could move on from our concern of Minagi."

Hiruko smirked. "Exactly! And so you can now lead monsters free of fearing for your husband's future, human leaders will be free to lead and create without having to fear us or Ilias, the First Seraph will be free to lead angels and might even pull them out of their dogmatic sluggishness, and maybe Minagi will even move on from the idea to bed everyone! …Even if I have a bit of a doubt for the last one. I don't think she will try to not let her lust control her anytime soon."

Alice hiccupped. "You knew about Micaela's plans…"

"I was impressed by the efforts Tamamo to keep it away and hidden, but... she underestimated me. I know and see everything that happens in the castle." The scylla gave out a salacious smirk. "I'm joking. I just caught up a few conversations fragments here and there, then I drew the most logical conclusion which you just confirmed."

"You're smarter than you make yourself look." Alice sighed. "Please not a world to your dear sisters. We'll discuss the issue with them in due time."

"My silence will only cost you a minor request." She pointed at Alice's rotund stomach. "Please, make sure that they exploit their full potential, no matter how scary it may be. The purest fusion of all three species is bound to be fascinating, and the descendants of the son of the Daystar and one of the most powerful Monster Lords is bound to be terrifyingly powerful. But it would be a shame if they were restrained and ended up living afraid of their power for their whole lives instead of using those to build a more interesting world."

"I'm sure myself and Tamamo will manage to teach them…" Alice haughtily looked at the scylla.

"Then I'll remain out of their education and younger years..." She then licked her lips. "But I might get involved with the boy once he is of age." In front of Alice's apparent disgust, she chuckled. "Don't make this face, there isn't a single monster in the castle who doesn't think like me. I'm the only one who tells you directly, even if it is rude as a maid to do so."

"Damn. Perverts."

"You only notice that now?"

Alice looked down, defeated. "You are Tamamo's sister without a doubt. So please, behave yourself. I'll make sure everyone don't unjustly bridle one another and maintain peace for as long as I can, but please… understand that right now, in the eyes of humans, you and your sisters are the biggest threat right now."

Hiruko kneeled again. "I will abide by your rule. People won't have anything to fear from me."

"Good. Then prepare whatever you might need for your tasks with Lucia. I have more work to do."

When Alice closed the door, she slowly released her breath. That exchange had been way more exhausting than what she expected. However, she now felt slightly more at ease: She felt that the scylla had been truthful in what she said, and that she wouldn't cause any more trouble for the time being. Maybe in a few years, but until then…

As her mind wandered, she almost ran into Tamamo. The kitsune looked just as surprised as her.

"Ah! For a moment, I thought something bad had happened between you and my little sister..."

"No, it took a bit longer than I expected, but I think she will behave herself."

Tamamo shrugged. "Mmh. As long as she's kept busy, for sure, but afterward? I'm not sure."

"Anyway, why were you looking for me? Did something happen to Luka?"

"Nooo, he's doing fine in the library… He wanted to learn more about heroes and reigning again, so I gave him a few books, but you…" Tamamo smiled fiendishly. "Don't tell me you forgot your punishment?"

"Isn't dealing with your sisters a punishment big enough?"

Still smiling, Tamamo shook her head negatively. "Noooo… That was part of your job. Now, it's timeto pay for all those lessons I had to give you those last months!"

Alice sighed. "Very well… Time to pay the piper I guess. Whatever you will throw at me can't be worse than what happened those last months."

"Oh, I am sure you will change your mind in only a few minutes…"