The ambiance was unbearably tense in the other wing of the healing ward. Alma Elma was leaning against the wall while inquisitively looking at the bedded Minagi. The Ancestor herself was currently being taken care of by a copy of Kanade while her daughters stood around her as guards would, carefully keeping an eye on the succubus queen as if she was the one responsible for the predicament of their superior. Still under Kanade's care, Minagi shifted her position to straighten herself, incidentally awakening several painful spots through her whole body.

"You don't need to remain tense like that… Those pesky angels have been dealt with…"

"With all due respect…" The Lilith Sisters glared at Alma Elma, but the succubus queen continued unabated. "You did leave the castle when you were supposed to remain under supervision after your little trick involving angels."

Minagi longingly sighed and answered with a smirk. "I simply wanted to check on my cute little daughters quickly as I was feeling constrained and bored… I thought that amongst the followers of the Monster Lord, you of all people would understand that there is no worse feeling than being restrained by silly laws or someone else's will."

Alma Elma gave her Ancestor a sidelong glance. "Then what about being bound by a sense of honor and responsibility to someone who beat you? I do remember you being beaten both by Luka-boy and Tamamo, and yet you kept doing as you wished. I thought ancient monsters held on their word…"

Lilith scoffed. "May I remind you that Tamamo did her utmost to keep our lord weak as a punishment for trying to calm down the more radical elements of angelkin?"

Dumbfounded, the succubus queen repositioned herself, preparing for a fight. "And why did she hide it if she knew it was a good endeavor? We would all have appreciated her help if she didn't keep it under wraps…"

Astaroth positioned herself by Lilith's side. "You mean like as Tamamo did for Micaela? She was always self-righteous, but even from her, helping angels thrive far from the sight of her own sisters is a new low that can hardly be justified."

Alma Elma stood her ground. "Remind me, did it happen before or after your leader tried to blackmail her in an attempt to get her hands on every living being with angel blood in them?"

Lilith inhaled as she had an answer all ready specifically for that one, but she failed to find the courage to voice it: Yes, Tamamo used to do the same. The key words here being used to, the kitsune had changed a great deal since then and wanted to distance herself from her old habits. Lilith and her sisters herself wanted to change ever so slightly to enjoy the pleasure in this new world while forging themselves new names, but they had relapsed at the first occasion they had to follow their lord and mother Minagi. She had never even considered that she would feel conflicted about her loyalty to her ancestor, and yet, for the first time…

"She's your Ancestor as well! You should respect her!" Morrigan was barely an inch away from Alma Elma, screaming her lungs out while the Succubus Queen remained impassible.

"I do respect her." Alma Elma delicately pushed the blue-haired succubus back with a single finger. She then stared at Minagi, who was still smiling enigmatically and aggravating her. "She's the most powerful succubus to have existed and is the paragon of pleasure and sex that I can only dream of ever being, a trained fighter like only few exist, and of course, she's our Ancestor, the one who made us. However…" Alma Elma's eyes narrowed dangerously, and Lilith reflexively got in the way of the Succubus Queen. "I want to make it clear that I completely disapprove-, no it would be more exact to say that I utterly loath what she did since her return. From taking a whole city hostage to challenge Luka-boy to hiding how to help him simply to be the one to get her hands on him and violate him… The only good idea she ever had was her brothel project, and it's clear it was just a mere cover to hide her other schemes."

"I'm not offended, but my Chain of Pleasure project was sincere… However, I'm right here in case you forgot..."

Kanade shifted her attention. "And you should stay here if you don't want to relapse… The spell of that angel left quite a residual effect on you."

Minagi obliged and sighed sensually again. "I wish the old you was back… I would have hoped you'd find her again after our last conversation a few months ago."

"I came to the conclusion that she died when I learn whom and what I was going to have to take care of with your return as I take on my responsibilities as the current Succubus Queen and loyal servant of the Monster Lord, who I shall remind you is the descendant of the Dark Goddess who also created you as well. I swore that I would help her after skimming on my duties for the past years. Given the result, I will never pass on them for my own leisure again."

Alma Elma's answer cut the conversation like a cleaver, leaving her interlocutors completely dumbfounded and even a bit concerned in the case of Minagi. Even the Ancestor herself was surprised by her own reaction.

"Whatever Tamamo says, I didn't have a hand in the latest crisis…"

"Your magic was subtly impregnating the place and you did disappear with Kanon at a suspiciously inopportune moment. This may only be a coincidence, but one that we will examine."

Morrigan dismissively threw both of her arms behind her. "Whatever… The Monster Lord is out cold and the hero's currently off, so I'll take whatever decision she ends up taking with a pinch of salt. I mean unless the Dark Goddess somehow gets involved and tell us directly we're responsible… I wonder what she's doing right now by the way? She must be bored out of her mind in her seal…"

"I could have already told it if you stopped with the incessant bickering… I just missed what Tamamo said about her."

Morrigan raised an eyebrow. "Bwuh? Oh, right, you're there too…"

"…But I suppose they'll say it themselves, they're coming in a minute."

And indeed, not so long after the door opened to reveal Tamamo accompanied by Saja. While the kitsune was looking at the ancient succubi with a disdain that wasn't so different from Alma Elma earlier, the flying yoma was looking at them extremely cautiously. Still, Minagi greeted them with her usual smirk.

"Greetings, Saja, it's been some time since we didn't see each other, isn't it?"

"We have a few questions for you." The yoma's tone was as inflexible as steel.

"I expected the right hand of the Dark Goddess and the future ruler of Remina to show more compassion for someone who's currently resting from a war wound after protecting Her descendant."

Tamamo sighed heavily while Alma Elma's shoulders slumped. Only Saja remained stoned-faced in front of the self-serving description.

"Then maybe you can enlighten us as to why you left the Monster Lord's Castle and returned with the Lilith Sisters. Tamamo gave me her version of the facts. I now want your." Her eyes narrowed further and even started glowing as she accumulated energy. Even the Lilith Sisters moved back slightly in front of the threat. "And be concise, I am not quite in the mood to appreciate your embellishments or any other debauched remarks you would attempt to slip in."

While she kept her composure, Minagi could feel herself starting to sweat under the scrutinizing gazes surrounding her. She took a look at the Lilith Sisters, and eventually decided to reorient the story to be closer to the truth.

"Very well… What happened is, believe it or not, the exact opposite of what I intended. It is true that I did spread my aura as much as I could to have the guards and their human companions get it on, but I didn't think any harm would come from that. However, when I noticed Kagetsumugi's little ploy, I did indeed decide that I could solve it by myself, and, as a reward, simultaneously get in your good grace, the hero, and a lot of angels to tease… However, Kagetsumugi got killed by the angels who somehow escaped her grasp, and we expected them to fall back at Sealed Sinner's Prison after you and Tamamo took care of them back at the castle… We decided to step in when we realized things were turning for the worst as both of you were missing."

"So how you got out then? You don't exactly have a lot of converts amongst the monsters living in the castle- Endiel is the one who got you out, isn't she?"

Minagi looked down and defensively raised her arms. "Don't blame her… Ilias had created the poor girl has a slave to pleasure, I simply let her indulge in exchange for getting me out through that tent pocket dimension of hers."

"What about Kanon? You didn't mention her once."

"I have no idea what happened to her myself either. For all I know, she's probably sulking in a corner of Hellgondo with none of us any wiser. Or… Nevermind." Minagi shrugged. She did consider saying that she was the one mastermind and was currently eating the hero, but her sisters were clearly not in the mood for any joke.

"So I apologize. It is clear now that I did make things in an attempt to further wallow in my own lust. All that for nothing since those angels had been altered to be unable to feel pleasure should I add."

"And you still don't have any idea where could the current companion of the Monster Lord be either…"

"No, I absolutely don't." When she noticed that the only ones that weren't inquisitively glaring were the Lilith Sisters who were awkwardly making themselves as small as possible, she closed her eyes in exasperation. "I swear I don't, I have the feeling that you don't trust me…"

Saja and Tamamo gave each other a sideway glance that ended up lasting several seconds before both of them nodded in agreement. They'd learn again to trust and properly work with each other, if only because they currently only had the support of each other against Minagi's lies.

Tamamo shook her head negatively, her voice completely exhausted. "No we don't, the only aspect in which you've been constant since you were unsealed is in how much you kept plotting to indulge yourself in everything and everyone. Almost every single man is willing to get a taste of your skills, and even a large number of women, all races alike would be ready to lay with you if you asked. And instead you keep going for the few people that simply don't want anything to do with you!"

"I simply want to provide the greatest pleasure that can be to everyone… This is what being a succubus is about, is it so bad?"

"The way you do it today, yes it is!" Tamamo started fanning herself in anger as her voice was rising. "And yes, you can say it, I did exactly the same in the past, but let me try putting again the two differences in that thick skull of your: It was in the past, and, more importantly, ONLY AGAINST ENEMIES!"

The castle rumbled slightly when the kitsune exclaimed herself. She slowly breathed in and out as she calmed herself for a small minute before clapping her fan close and closing her eyes. When she talked again, exhaustion had returned in her voice.

"I'm done with you. I'm utterly and completely done trying to help you find a place into this world." Tamamo looked at her without an ounce of sympathy. "However, before you ask, I wouldn't be so crass as to seal you again. At least, not without the Monster Lord or the Dark Goddess approving, and the former is still in a coma while the latter…" Tamamo sighed. "Is roaming somewhere I guess. I don't know and I don't really care."

The casual reveal made quite the effect on the succubi as they gasped in surprise. The kitsune continued.

"Yes, she's free. She decided to start roaming the world without saying hello first and neither me nor Saja managed to find her. I guess she decided to explore the world without the constraints of being the counterpart to Ilias. As for you... I'll ask for the opinions of everyone here about what we should do. Yes, this even includes you." She pointed at the Lilith Sisters with her fan. "In fact, I want you to be the first to give your judgment on the matter at hand."

As everybody was now expectantly at her, being put on the spot by Tamamo finally pulled the oldest of the Lilith Sisters out of her trance. She mentally steadied herself and answered in her usual melodious seductive voice.

"While the intent behind her action was selfish and bearly led to a disaster, I want to remind everyone that she did prevent angels from rampaging and helped them discover a new place in this world through the appreciation of the pleasure of the flesh. I can even say that, as of right now, several angels are mingling and indulging themselves in Succubus Village. Granted, we are talking about Endiel and her more open-minded followers, but the result is that people are doing more than simply coexisting: they're living together, sharing precious moments and forming pleasant memories. As for the recent events…"

Minagi appreciated that everyone's focus was on Lilith so that nobody could see her grimace.

"…I'll simply say that we do all have our part of responsibilities and paid a certain price. Let us not make a scapegoat of a single person under the excuse that hers is bigger."

"That's surprisingly insightful from you. Alma? You're the Succubus Queen."

Alma Elma took a look at Minagi before answering. For the shortest moment, the Heavenly Knight of Wind felt that she was looking at a twisted mirror of her not-so-old self: Someone who would indulge herself in pleasure at all cost, no matter the damage that remained in the aftermath.

"I simply say that if she acts up again, I'll exercise my responsibility as the current leader of our race and make sure she steps her game down for good."

Astaroth glared at her for a second, but she felt surprised by the lack of support from her sisters.

"Good. Kanade, do you have anything to say too?"

"I simply want to say that I don't condone her actions. She does remain one of us, but I do want to make sure my kin is safe. The current slime queen is doing a great job so far, but as the Ancestor of all slimes it is my responsibility to make sure we thrive again just as well." When Kanade looked at her, Minagi found herself surprised by the hostility that poured from her sister. "And I estimate that we need to at least control the elements that threaten the peace upon which we can safely rebuild."

"Saja, I'll leave you the final word then…"

When the yoma looked at her, Minagi started to tremble imperceptibly. However, Saja first turned her attention toward Tamamo, her eyes piercing through the kitsune.

"I will start by saying that I'm not satisfied that information about our past enemies has been kept away from us. I do understand that the one responsible had her reason and I will forgive her as we all had our failings…" Saja slowly breathed in and out, still angry at herself for leaving the continent on an impulse. "…But I wish for her to remember that I expressed a willingness to work with her as well as the descendant of the Dark Goddess and the son of the Daystar, and while I do not want any treatment of favor, I wish for my effort to make amends with angels to be acknowledged, as the last time we dealt with them was a time of war."

Tamamo gulped and silently nodded. The message was clear. No more lies or hidden truths between them.

"Now…" Saja returned her attention to Minagi. Her gaze further hardened. "I also do acknowledge that some of us did everything in their power to selfishly indulge in our own desires at the cost of everything else. We all have been beaten fairly by the hero representing the Monster Lord or submitted willingly. The fact that some people keep trying again and again to get their way against their will after that is a disgrace to our name."

Minagi's smirk had disappeared. Feeling the growing impatience of her sister, Saja abridged.

"Given what you did and my role, I'll simply say that I approve any punishment short of torture or death, and that you will not be welcome in Remina once the city is rebuilt. I wish to be able to find myself a new mate without having to perpetually check over my shoulder for you."

Saja's announcement made the effect of a beheading amongst the crowd. The only one who wasn't affected was Kanade.

"I concur. I also wish you to remain far from the new pope for the predictable future. I will need him to keep a clear mind for our negotiations and exchanges about the cleaning of the Natalia region."

"In that case…" Tamamo clapped her fan close. "I hereby declared you banned from the Monster Lord's Castle until the Monster Lord or the Dark Goddess herself asks for your return. Your power will be further sealed to the level of a lesser succubus by my hand, and you will be released in the place of your choice, naturally excluding those mentioned earlier." Tamamo sighed. "Maybe an unfortunate encounter with a powerful monster will make you understand how humans felt in front of you." She raised a hand to interrupt Astaroth as the latter stepped forward. "Unless you decide to stay in Succubus Village, in which case you will be the responsibility of the Lilith Sisters. However, if we learn that you decide to act up again, you will be sealed again, and this time, no dark flow nor any other trick will pull you out without us knowing. Am I clear?"

Minagi sighed dramatically. "I think your judgment is a bit biased, my dear sister…"

Tamamo's pupils narrowed in shock. She started fanning herself rapidly as she was already panting in anger again.

"Biased? Yes, my judgment is biased! You attempted to take over a city, and even after being beaten, you played us for fools twice! If you weren't my sister, you would have been thrown into a cell to rot for eternity the first time and torn apart after the second! You did give us a hand with Kagetsumugi, but it barely compensates for silently letting it happen when you could have stepped in in the first place! I… We… We just want you far from everything we build, is that clear?!"

As Saja and Kanade approvingly looked at Tamamo, Minagi silently nodded, any trace of haughtiness wiped from her face.

"I will come back in a few hours, finalize the seal, let you rest for a night, and tomorrow morning you will be off. What happen afterward is up to you and only you. Is that clear?"

The Succubus Ancestor nodded again as Kanade let go of her, done with her work.

"Good. We will leave you in the company of your daughters then. I hope next time I see you won't be in worse circumstances yet again. Everyone else is to come, we have to find the husband of the Monster Lord."

As Saja, Kanade and Alma Elma accompanied Tamamo out, the Lilith Sisters returned to their master's side. Minagi exhaled with a surprising lack of sensuality as she repositioned herself. Lilith bowed down her head in shame.

"You will always be welcome in Succubus Village mother. Humans, monsters and angels alike will appreciate your company."

Minagi gritted her teeth. The underlying message was more than aggravating. They had planned to have Endiel or some of her allies infiltrate the group that was supposed to travel to Haven with Mariel and deploy a teleportation rune there. With the one in Succubus Village, they could have struck directly from inside under the cover of the night, have one of the greatest orgy of all time, and with their preparations, even Micaela wouldn't have been to make the connection afterward.

And instead, the Angel Whore had preferred to abandon herself in her desires in a short-sighted orgy to sate her lust.

The parallel to how her sisters repeatedly told her they felt about her didn't escape her in the slightest.

"As much as I appreciate your company, you're probably as exhausted as I am. Please, take a break but behave yourself… We don't want to be seen as rude guests as well, do we?"

The three Lilith Sisters bowed in synch and left. As she was alone, Minagi closed her eyes and took a meditative posture, her legs crossed. Kanon and Hiruko had been left out of the loop, but the former was also missing, and the latter would certainly not care for as long as she had her toys to play with. The only other ones that could possibly overturn Tamamo's decision was the hero who was still missing, the Monster Lord who would definitively have a bone to pick with her after that, and the Dark Goddess who Saja and Tamamo both failed to find. She probably wouldn't have more luck herself.

Not that it mattered in the first place.

I've been an idiot… I've told Tamamo that all those that had stepped up against the hero had failed, and I kept going against him, even indirectly. How did Kagetsumugi even manage to grab him? Maybe I could return in everyone's good grace if I helped them, but how will I be able to if they seal all my power…

…They told me. They don't want me. I kept letting my lust- no, my greed get the better of me. Tamamo was right, I could have it all and maybe even more as all those priests of Ilias were eager to throw their religion away for my touch. Even angels would have joined my bedside, and I'm pretty sure with enough time I could actually have properly seduced Micaela… That would have been the greatest insult to Ilias. Every single last one of her angel willingly giving themselves over to me…

…And instead, I end with even less than what I started with. I kept playing even as I kept losing. The best I can do is thinking out where I'll restart with Tamamo's offer. Maybe I can ask her if I can do anything to change her mind or if I can get myself a place in Yamatai to be worshipped.

When Minagi saw the fully unsealed kitsune return, she wisely decided to keep her questions to herself: her sister's dreary expression made it clear by its own that there would be no further negotiations.

Tamamo No Mae marked a few points with a magical stone under the concerned gaze of her sister who saw a magic circle forming around her. Before she realized the preparations were over, Minagi felt her energy being drained through the circle while a symbol started appearing on the back of her hand. The sensation was not painful, but unpleasant, and the succubus could only pray that her sister wouldn't suddenly change her mind and finish her on the spot.

When the kitsune was done, Minagi felt horribly vulnerable in front of her. She knew that she still had the power of a common succubus, but her sister's aura was oppressive given their current difference in power. Tamamo threw one last hostile gaze at the succubus and silently left, her sandals clacking on the ground being the last sound Minagi heard before the silence made her feel just as alone as when she was sealed.

The only thing she could do for now was planning her next move. After spending almost the whole night thinking the ins and outs of every possibility, she came to a decision that, while leaving a bitter aftertaste, satisfied her.

She slowly got out of her bed and attempted to summon writing material. When nothing came, she sighed and grabbed a feather and a parchment on a small table instead. She'd at least have to inform her cute little daughters of her decision.

Once she was done, the succubus completely disappeared in the night.

"Are you alright? You both looked pretty much out there back then…"

The Lilith Sisters had appropriated themselves a different guest room than the one used by their mother. Even if the latter was now officially banned from the castle, they didn't want to appropriate it partly out of respect, but also partly out of guilt for not stepping up more strongly. The only thing they had brought from said room was the small goat that was currently enjoying Lilith's petting. The succubus herself was lying on the bed, emptily staring at the ceiling.

"I'm just a bit concerned about our lord and our future… Whether we like it or not, Tamamo-, no, the other Ancestors had a point when she said that our mistress keeps creating commotions while everyone else made an effort to change…" The elder of the Lilith Sisters sat on the bed and looked at her sister. "At first, I made the mistake of thinking everyone was getting weak because this world was softening them with its peace, but I realized..." Lilith sighed. "Save for a few exceptions, we can pretty much get everything we want, when we want, simply with a wink and a nudge. Isn't it exactly what we always wanted?"

Astaroth slowly breathed in and out. Yes, this was exactly what they wanted… But something felt plain wrong about it, and the succubus couldn't tell what it was exactly that was aggravating her so much. She was free to travel and seduce anyone at her will, the only condition was that she didn't reduce people to a dried husk. Maybe… No there had to be more than this single reason. She turned toward Morrigan. While Lilith was looking lost, Morrigan was breathing heavily, rocking back and forth against the wall in nervousness.

"And you? What do you think about it?"

Morrigan gulped. "I'm alright. I mean, I did personally wound the Monster Lord, and even after being freed the Dark Goddess didn't show up to dispose of me… This means it's water under the bridge, right? That I can safely travel the world at night, meet just a random traveler, and be perfectly fine afterward… Right?"

Astaroth close the distance separating them and hugged her. "Don't worry, you will be alright…"

"She wouldn't… tear my legs and make me suffer for hours before finishing me off, or playing mind games with me by leaving me a hope spot before finally moving in for the kill, right?"

"Yes, yes… She left you alone for now, she's not tormenting you… Relax and go to sleep, it's been a long and exhausting day..." She slightly moved back and gave out a reassuring smile. "We'll always be there for you, no matter what. Don't ever forget that."

Morrigan's breathing steadied ever so slightly, and Astaroth gently let go of her sister.

"Now, if neither of you mind, I'm going to fetch myself some company… Maybe you'd need some too, that would help you relax."

"Mmmh… Not now. I need some time to think…" She gave out a salacious smile. "But tomorrow when we're back in Succubus Village, we'll throw in an orgy involving everyone. Even that queen if she wants. You better be ready to show off of your best skills then."

Astaroth answered with a small smile before leaving the room. "I'll do a small warm-up then."

However, for all her words, when the red-haired succubus walked through the hallways of the castle, it wasn't with a seductive gait or a confident strut, but with the slow pace of someone at loss. She ended up wandering in the empty arena, and completely disregarded the unusual absence of monsters training. She closed her eyes, and let the fighting spirit permeating the place reach out to her, taking solace into the emotions of friendly fighting that lingered from hundred of years of monsters sparring against one another. She assumed the stance of a martial artist, and started striking in the air with her hands, her sharp movement creating small wind blades even as she didn't use any magic. She kept striking again and again, with her fists, then her legs, faster and faster and more violently, letting the momentum take her as she started practicing summersaults and other sweeping strikes for several minutes. She didn't even stop as the feeling of being observed seized her. She continued her fight against her invisible opponent at a breakneck speed, moving around the arena at a barely perceptible pace before suddenly jumping straight onto the balcony and wrapping herself like a spider around the one that was observing her. The man yelped in surprise and dropped the strange device that he was holding, and Astaroth delicately caught it with her tail. She sent a soothing wave through the man to calm him down before he could scream.

"You know… If you wanted to see me up close, you could just have asked, I would have gladly given what you wanted and then more..."

The man gulped in a mix of fear and desire. Astaroth showed him the device. "You were targeting me with this… What is it?"

"It's… It's a device to record moments. It was found in the Biolab, and after fiddling with it, I found out how it works."

He pointed to a button. When Astaroth pushed it, she saw herself doing the same moves she just did in the arena a minute ago.

"Some artists said it isn't quite the same as painting… But I always found that capturing the grace of a monster like you in a single picture was extremely hard… The responsible of the Biolab said that they could craft more, but they didn't know if it was worth it since it's a bit expensive to craft."

The succubus was engrossed by what she was seeing. She did saw some possibilities herself that would undoubtedly prove popular. She started smiling salaciously while her tail undulated like a snake to make its way in the man's pants. It looked like she found some fitting company for the night.

A few hours later, Astaroth's mood had greatly improved and she was strolling more confidently through the hallways of the castle. That new day was welcome. She made her way to the wing of the healing ward where Minagi was located. When she arrived, she felt disappointed to see that their mother had already left without telling them. At least she had left a message…

The red haired succubus delicately opened the sealed parchment and started reading it. Her smile gradually left her face as her eyes scanned the words in front of her. Once done, she let her instinct guide her to the council room where Tamamo and the other Ancestors were gathered. When she arrived in sight of the room, she also noticed the succubus queen. Astaroth glided in a kneeling position in front of the group.

"No, we already checked those four towers, Sealed Sinner's Prison and Micaela always have an eye on Heaven, he can't be there- Mmh?"

Astaroth looked down in difference. "I wanted to apologize to you and our queen for attacking you when we were unsealed. I beg for your forgiveness and clemency, and I wish to ask for your favor."

The dumbfounded quartet looked at each other. Seeing the red-haired succubus being so humble given her reputation and power was worrying them. Noticing the parchment in her hand, Tamamo cautiously took it to read it, everyone else checking on her shoulder.

"I… didn't quite expect that from her. I wished she saw things like that earlier, we would have avoided a whole lot of mess… As for you, please get up." When Tamamo showed her face after putting the parchment away, her expression was cold. "We did move on some time ago, and you did show sign of improvement. You have already been forgiven, but I want to make it clear…" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Next time something like that happen, you might not be as lucky."

"In that case… I need to call for your favor." Astaroth gulped, swallowing her pride. "I need help creating a stealth ytracking spell to make sure she's fine… I know she has been one of the biggest sources of your trouble, but…" The succubus hesitated to continue. On one hand, she was more than worried about her mother. On the other hand, she was about to beg the one being who had the biggest bone to pick with her lord to help her, while she herself was treating Minagi as a child to be watched over. "I just want to make sure nothing happens to her."

Tamamo giggled in surprise. "You're telling me you're worried for your mother, one of the most depraved, dangerous monsters that wander the world, the one who attempted to feast on-"

"Spare me the speech. Please." Astaroth looked down and closed her eyes. "If you don't do it for the infamous Whore of Babylon, at least do it for a child worried for his parent."

Tamamo remained silent for a short moment, tapping her fan on her chin before answering with a small smile.

"You really know how to tug at my heartstrings, you know that? Here's the issue though, Minagi has taken an alarming amount of precautions to hide herself. She even took enough to make herself unrecognizable to my senses. She also did say she wanted to be alone, and I will personally honor her request."

"You must be joking, I mean-"

Tamamo raised a hand. "Let me finish please. As I say, I will leave her alone. However, I should inform you that Lilith already used a combination spell in partnership with Witch to keep track of you in the past… It would be extremely easy to reproduce, and I'm sure she'll accept to help you. Just make sure Minagi doesn't notice or she could take it very badly."

Astaroth slowly exhaled in relief. "…Thank you. If we can do anything to help you with your issues, me and my sisters will gladly step in."

Tamamo sighed. "…Sorry, but unless you're able to track a lost pocket dimension through ley lines, you won't be of much help."

"Actually… Saja flapped her wings with a little smirk. "I think you could help us a great deal by smoothing out things by keeping on with your little activities. In particular, if you could try tempting the angels only with seduction and show them they can safely enjoy the pleasure given by the monsters their goddess used to hate the most, I am pretty sure it will help us a good deal to mend relations…"

Astaroth smirked back. "I will. I'll make sure they all forget about their petty goddess as they finally indulge themselves in the desire they so fruitlessly denied…"

As she left, she ignored the shocked gazes aimed at the yoma.

"…You just surprised me. I'm also not sure this is a good idea. At all."

Saja happily flapped her wings as she sat herself back. "Why? Did I end up with the title of ruler of Remina without anyone trusting my judgment?"

Tamamo sighed in exasperation. "This won't sit well with most angels and you know it. This is not even taking into account how likely the Lilith Sisters are to do a bit more than just hit on their targets."

"Everyone needs to be taken out of their comfort zone once in a while… Now, maybe they'll even learn to value the pleasures life can offer, and if the Lilith Sisters don't behave, I'm sure both of you will call them back on their obligation, won't you?"

Both Alma Elma and Tamamo nodded. As far as the kitsune was concerned, her sister had definitively recovered her commanding abilities. Still… They were at loss as to what they could do next.

"What now? We avoided an all-out war, but the Monster Lord is still comatose, we don't know where Luka could have ended, and the only one who can possibly know where he could be died!"

"We still didn't ask Kanon."

"Right… I almost forgot about her… I don't think she'll know anything, but still, you're right, we should check on her. Kanade, Alma Elma, keep an eye on the inside on the castle and keep your ears open for any information. We should be back soon."

After getting the approval from both monsters, Tamamo and Saja left the council room at their turn, silently making their way through the hallways of the castle until the flying yoma finally gave in to her own curiosity.

"You really do not know where the Dark Goddess is?"

Tamamo shook her head negatively. "No. I really, sincerely don't. She completely altered everything about herself to the point that I would need some time to recognize her, even if she was standing right in front of me."

"Mmh. It's a shame she didn't decide to even pass by. We could have used her assistance."

Her latest argument with their mother still in mind, Tamamo offered a half-hearted answer.

"Maybe…"

Saja haughtily glanced at Tamamo. "You don't seem so affirmed… Are you actually concerned by her return? Even after your quarrel, I'm sure she still approves everything you did."

The kitsune shrugged. "She symbolically passed all her authority to her descendant anyway. If she wanted to do anything to change this world, she would have already done it by now."

"It is true indeed… Still, I would have appreciated her company again…" Saja was regretfully looking down. "I can still take solace in the company of her descendant, but I wished she would be here to guide us again. I might even understand how those angels feel..."

For the first time, Tamamo didn't know what she could say. The Dark Goddess had been the antithesis of Ilias in most aspects. Light against Dark. Transformation of the mind against transformation of the body. And… She did guide them in the war against Ilias, but beforehand she had progressively started disengaging herself from the world while it was clear the Goddess of Light wanted to be in control of everything. Even before that, Alipheese did barely educate the Ancestors before letting them loose on the world to let them learn by themselves, while Ilias…

I never asked Micaela how Ilias raised her. I definitively should.

Still lost in thoughts, Tamamo and Saja ended in front of the castle. Saja closed her eyes, and, a second later, the two of them were near the easternmost point of the region of Hellgondo.

The duo frowned when they arrived: Instead of the usual wastelands that made for most of the continent, the area was covered by a dense exotic forest of every color. She also recognized several species of carnivorous flowers and other dangerous flora that she hadn't seen since the Great Monster War. As the duo approached, the closer ones threateningly turned toward them, showing off thorn-covered vines as well as unexpectedly sultry interiors. The two monsters waited for a few minutes, carefully examining all the plants in front of them until Tamamo decided to soberly call out the responsible of this verdant hell.

"Please, come out, Kanon. We have to talk."

The plants in front of them didn't react in the slightest to her words. Before she could try again, Saja's voice boomed by her side.

"Kanon! Show yourself! We have come to discuss an important matter in the name of everyone, the descendant of the Dark Goddess included!"

An unprepared Tamamo could feel her ear ringing when Saja was done. She grimaced in pain and prepared a few words of choice for Saja, but before she could say anything a large flower sprouted to reveal a morose looking Kanon. The kitsune decided to remain silent. As brutal and forward as the methods of her sister were, she had to acknowledge that they were effective. She instead focused on the alraune, who reminded Tamamo of a jaded old timer. Her behavior showed none of the usual cruelty or charm that she always displayed.

"What do you want? I'm not disturbing anyone here."

The eyes of Saja dangerously narrowed. "Why did you leave the Monster Lord's Castle?"

Kanon answered in kind, her vines getting threateningly closer as well. "Why is this your problem?"

"The Monster Lord got attacked by angels and the hero disappeared." Tamamo decided to answer first in an attempt to interrupt the apparent escalation.

"I don't know anything about that. Good bye."

The large flower that surrounded Kanon's body started closing. However, before the alraune disappeared, both Tamamo and Saja had jumped in and were trying to keep the flower open with much effort.

"We won't leave before you tell us what you are doing here!"

Kanon grimaced while readying vines to strike at her sisters. "I said I was doing nothing! Leave me alone! You already have your whole world to play with, can't you at least leave me alone?!"

Both Tamamo and Saja moved back to avoid the vines while Kanon was glaring at them. The kitsune raised her hands in a conciliatory attempt.

"I'm just concerned about you, you disappeared without a word, and it was at a wrong time… Can we at least talk it out?"

"Talk it out… Like we talked out how I would live in the castle? I only lived as you wanted, being a happy slave taking care of the garden of the Monster Lord and of humans who wanted a quick fuck! I wasn't allowed to grow any of my carnivorous plant or to eat anyone! And you know this is exactly what I want! But instead, I must live according to YOUR rules."

Tamamo snarled. "These aren't MY rules. They're the rules instated by generations of Monster Lords. You're living in their castle, it's up to you to follow these and not eat anything with a pulse!"

"And remind me who educated her to make them softies? That's right, it's the one who kept putting nation at her boot!"

"It's better than if it was the one who ate her partners so often she almost starved when every single human fled her land! The Dark Goddess had chosen me for a reason! I have responsibilities to this world, and people to answer to!"

"Why do you care if I'm away then? I'm not under your responsibility if I'm striking on my own."

Tamamo raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What?"

"…This is why I left the castle. I'm no longer bound by its rules, you're not bound by any responsibility of what I do. If someone comes here and I kill them, nobody will accuse you or your Monster Lord of letting it happen. I just want my own little corner where I can live of my own accord and do as I want… Is it good for you, or are you afraid that simply letting a single person slip from your influence will lead to your downfall?!"

It's only then that Tamamo realized that Kanon was actually tearing up. The alraune continued her diatribe, her teeth gritted in anger.

"I just… I just want to be left alone! To live as I want, without all those rules, without people asking for my advices… I'm not like you who enjoy tutoring other monsters or keeping company for long… I'm not like you… I don't like this new peaceful world, where each life is seen as precious and not something to savor whole… So please…" Kanon inelegantly sniffled as she looked up at her sisters. "Just let me be there… It's nice here…"

Tamamo hesitated for a moment to transform and bring her sister back by force, but a single nudge from Saja stopped her dead in her track. The flying serpent'expression seemed unusually sympathetic, and Tamamo decided to let her handle their rebellious sister.

"…We'll let you be then. You will always be our welcome sister, and we hope that you will find happiness one way or another."

Kanon didn't answer, instead disappearing for good in her flower which itself got hidden by a wall of thick, thorny vines. After a moment, Saja delicately turned Tamamo away with one of her wings, and the kitsune regretfully departed. They decided to go back to the castle on foot to clear their mind. After a moment, Tamamo decided to confide herself.

"…Thank you Saja. If you hadn't stepped in back there, it would have ended badly."

"You're welcome." Saja smirked. "Do you trust me with the reign of Remina in this new world now?"

"That will be up to the local population to see…" Tamamo gave out a small smile. "But yes, you should be a fine ruler. You always had been, after all."

Saja giggled as the duo continued their stroll back to their home. Eventually, feeling the distress of her sister, Saja flew right in front of her.

"Don't try hiding it any longer. I can tell there's something eating at you."

Too lost in thoughts, the kitsune needed a moment to stop, her head almost hitting Saja's large chest. She hesitated before telling her sister, but the latter's attitude being softer than usual convinced her to let that weight off her chest.

"Do you think that, even moreso than taking care of the Fateburn bloodline, I did everything to make this world how I want it to be?"

Saja shrugged. "It's hard to say. You always did enjoy influencing other. However, you changed so much over the years that I have difficulties recognizing your mark, whatever it is now. You still kept the Fateburn family strong after so much time, which was no easy feat as you were forced alone against the plans of Ilias.

"I see… Thank you."

The two resumed their slow walk. Tamamo's mind was still focused on what Kanon laid on her.

I always thought I was simply doing my best to keep the bloodline of the Dark Goddess strong… Did I actually just use my duty as an excuse to slowly make the whole world how I wanted? Just how much is Alice's mentality the result of my education compared to everything else? What is it exactly I've been really trying to do all these years?

"Now that Kanon has been dealt with, we should resume our search for the husband of the Monster Lord… If only we had any clue as to his whereabouts…"

"As I said, I have no idea where he could be. I have no idea how Kagetsumugi managed her pocket dimension. If it collapsed upon her death… His existence may have simply stopped."

Fortunately, before they could ruminate on the grim implications, a telepathic contact gave them something to focus on as a childish voice echoed through her mind.

"Hey, Saja, Tamamo, can you please both come at the lab? I miiiight need a hand with your surprise gift."

Saja raised an eyebrow. "What? Didn't you already take care of monsters transformed by that damn puppeteer? It should be the same for angels, shouldn't it?"

"It's a bit more complicated than that. Also if Tamamo could bring her seraph friend, that would be helpful as well, and for more reasons than one…"

Tamamo frowned, suspicious of her sister's motivation. "And what reason would require her presence?"

"All the ones that you can possibly think of actually. And then a few more as well."

The kitsune checked on her fellow Ancestor. Even Saja looked incredibly suspicious of what she was hearing. Before they could come to a decision Hiruko's childish voice echoed again.

"…If only because it would make company for that little archangel? I think she feels a little uncomfortable alone…"

"We're on our way!"