This will be an interesting day. Emperor Andron thought to himself.

The reigning Emperor of Steylia sat atop his golden throne and observed the room in front of him. The throne room was packed with dozens of courtiers and officials, all eagerly awaiting for the Emperor to officially begin holding court. There were merchants hoping to earn exclusive trading privileges, peasants complaining about overly-demanding landlords, landlords complaining about overly-demanding peasants, mercenaries seeking employment, and plenty of Steylia's finest ladies trying to find an opportunity to earn the Emperor's attention.

But unfortunately, they would all have to wait, for the Emperor had other business to attend to. Turning to his right, he spoke to most loyal advisor.

"Chamberlain Ionnes, has she arrived?" The Emperor asked.

Chamberlain Ionnes turned to face him. The faux-eunuch had chosen to maintain his glamor at court for appearances sake, and to let down people's guards. When Andron first learned that his advisor's lost equipment was still very much present, he was initially annoyed at being lied to for the entire time he knew the man. Eventually though, he decided to overlook the matter in recognition of the eunuch's role in stopping Phokas and securing the alliance with Mamono Realm Lescatie.

And he does seem happy with Alia, and I am happy for them. The Emperor had offered to employ Ionnes' elven wife within his court, but she had declined his suggestion. The elf preferred to continue to operate on her husband's behalf in the shadows, and since her loyalty was assured the Emperor was content to accept that arrangement.

Hmm, perhaps it is time I finally find a suitable Empress for myself. But all the women here likely have their own motives for marrying me, whether it be power, wealth, or securing their family's future. Father did tell me that forgoing love was the sacrifice one had to make when becoming Emperor, but it is a rather gloomy arrangement. Hmm, unless…

"Yes, my Emperor, she is waiting just outside the throne room." Ionnes replied. "Though I'm afraid she did not listen to all your commands, the boy is not with her."

The Emperor sighed. "I suspected it would end up this way. But very well then, we can still proceed without him. Let her in."

The doors to the throne room swung open, and two Steylian guardsmen arrived escorting a very very special guest. A few of the courtiers gasped in surprise, for it was still rather uncommon for a monster to enter the throne room of the Steylian Emperor. Walking in between the guards was a redheaded woman with flames emanating from body, giving her a glowing orange appearance. She looked around the room with suspicion in her orange eyes, as if expecting a trap to be sprung at any moment. Eventually, the guards stopped her just before the throne, and she glared at the Emperor.

Could she not at least wear a skirt, those flames are barely concealing her! These mamono have no sense of modesty!

"Welcome." The Emperor greeted the ignis standing in front of him. "Do you have a name I could address you by?"

The Fire Elemental stared at him for a moment. "Jaziya." she said in a low voice, her flames at a low smolder. "My name is Jaziya."

"Thank you for answering my summons, Jaziya." Emperor Andron replied. "But you did not listen to me entirely. Where is your husband?"

"Do you really think I'd be dumb enough to bring him!" Jaziya the ignis suddenly shouted, her flames shooting up. "I know how you human leaders operate! You lure people in with false promises of security, then you seize them once they let down their guard!"

Loud murmurs sprang out within the court- to talk to the Emperor like that was unthinkable! But Andron raised a hand, and everyone went silent.

I see that these mamono also lack decorum as well. Sigh…this is going to be more difficult than I thought.

"Jaziya", the Emperor spoke in a stern voice. "When I make a guarantee of safety, I intend to keep it. I will overlook your disobedience this one time, but do remember that the outcome of this meeting will depend on your cooperation."

The ignis stiffened, realizing what he meant by those words. "Sorry, um, Emperor." the ignis replied apologetically. "I'm just really worked up at the moment."

"Apology accepted." Andron said. "Now, let us get to the main purpose of why I called you here. Over the past few weeks, my guards have rounded up every agent formerly under the traitor Phokas' payroll. All, that is, except for one. Your husband."

"Georgios is a good boy!" the ignis shouted, her flames glowing even brighter. "He just made some bad choices! He only joined Phokas because his family had fallen into poverty! Once Phokas began paying them a stipend, he had no choice but to work for him; Otherwise, Phokas would take away his money and leave them all to starve! He didn't choose to become a traitor!"

The Emperor was rather annoyed that Jaziya was continuing to ignore all sense of decorum, but he decided it was better to just move on. "Hmm, a rather sad tale. But even if he was cajoled into working with the traitor, the fact remains that he still committed crimes in his service."

"He's regretful of his actions, I promise!" Jaziya's flames grew even larger. "He's already sworn to me that he would never commit a crime again! I even had him return any stolen valuables he had to their proper owners! I've burned away his worst impulses and brought out the good heart within!"

"So he is remorseful? That is good to hear." The Emperor replied. "But crimes cannot be washed away with remorse alone. Justice must be performed."

The ignis looked like she was about to cry, tears forming underneath her flaming eyes. "Please, don't take him away!" She spoke in a pleading voice. "I'll take responsibility for him! I promise he won't do anything bad ever again!"

Jaziya's pleadings managed to tug at even the Emperor's heartstrings- the ignis truly did care for her ex-traitor husband. But he suppressed those feelings, for an Emperor cannot allow emotions to cloud his judgment.

"Jaziya, your commitment towards protecting your husband is commendable. But the fact remains that he served under a traitor, and I cannot make any exceptions for treason."

Tears began streaming down the ignis' face, and her flames were at a low ebb.

"However, in recognition of the service you performed in foiling Phokas' plot, I am willing to enact a special sentence."

Jaziya's sad eyes brightened a little, and she looked up at the Emperor with interest.

"Your husband Georgios will be placed under probation for the next decade. During that period, he is to remain in your custody, and it will be your responsibility to keep him from relapsing. If he commits even a minor offense, he will be arrested and thrown into prison. I am aware, however, that you mamono possess certain…needs, so I would allow you to share his sentence and remain together with him. Are you fine with this arrangement, Jaziya?"

The ignis stood up straight, her flames bursting with a bright-orange light as she grinned at the Emperor. "Yes, I'm definitely fine! I promise that I'll keep him on the straight-and-narrow for the whole 10 years, and beyond!"

The Emperor smiled. "I am glad to hear that. You may leave, Jaziya, and tell your husband of my decision!"

"I sure will, Emperor! Wow, I was so wrong- some of you human leaders aren't that bad after all!" Then she gave him a bow before striding out of the room, the guards close behind her.

"Hmm, that turned out quite well, my Emperor." Ionnes said as the throne room doors closed. "You are truly a merciful man."

"Lady Druella warned me that monsters do not react well when separated from their husbands." Andron responded. "And I'll admit, her devotion to reforming her husband was rather charming. And considering her role in saving the Temple of Ares, it was the least I could do."

Ionnes nodded. "I agree, my Emperor. But are you aware of the precedent you just established? Now any criminal could avoid prison by quickly marrying themselves off to a monster."

Andron's eyes shot open. His ruling for the ignis was out of a sense of mercy- he never intended to create a loophole such as this!

"However," the eunuch continued. "Mamono do have an aversion to violent crimes. Perhaps their reforming guidance will help some misguided souls find redemption."

The Emperor relaxed, for Ionnes did have a point. The Mamono Quarter had some of the lowest crime rates in all of Litanopol, and there were very few mamono within the Steylian prisons. This didn't mean they were all model citizens; Just a week earlier, Alia had busted a ring of goblins who were minting counterfeit coins. Apparently they were only doing it to invest in a business owned by a human they fancied, but they still faced charges for threatening the stability of the Steylian economy. Andron had kept a few of the coins however- like normal coins, they featured his likeness, but the goblins had been particularly flattering in how they depicted his physique.

Hmm, at this rate we will have to completely overhaul our legal system to incorporate the growing mamono population. Perhaps we could create a general probation system? Or maybe establish prisons where mamono can stay with their husbands, and vice versa? Anything to avoid a repeat of the "Hellhound Incident".

"What is next on the docket, Ionnes?"

"Hmm, it appears that an ambassador from Lescatie has arrived. Should I allow her in?"

From Lescatie? Hmm, this day is truly interesting indeed.

As Emperor, Andron had to deal with his fair share of diplomats. The majority of them had similar traits- constant attempts to weasel out more favorable deals, incessant probing to discover Steylia's weaknesses, and a generally unpleasant demeanor.

Mamono diplomats, however, were different. While there were still plenty of attempts to wrangle better trade deals and the like for the Mamono Realm, their incessant probing usually focused on discovering the weaknesses of whatever Steylian citizen struck their fancy. They were also far more pleasant to converse with, even if Andron and Ionnes had to constantly redirect them from topics that did not belong in the Steylian throne room.

Lastly, the Emperor just enjoyed meeting them. He could always expect to meet a new variety of monster every time Lescatie sent an ambassador, and all of them were gorgeous in their own special way.

The last ambassador to arrive was that Owl Mage, the one that absconded with one of my court mages. I wonder who it will be this time…

and I wonder who I'll lose from my court this time.

But there was one encounter with a monster that remained in Emperor Andron's mind, and he did not even meet her in person. Not long after defeating The Order in battle, the Emperor received a special letter from the Royal Makai, penned by none other than the Mamono Lord itself. It read:

To Andron, Emperor of Steylia,

My fellow monarch, I welcome you as an official ally of the Mamono Realm. You and your people now bear the honor of being part of a grand alliance united against the aggression of The Order of the Chief God, and together I hope we may achieve prosperity for both our races.

I understand that this may be a rather tumultuous time for your people as they must now learn to reconsider monsters not as enemies, but as friends. But fear not, I am always willing to provide assistance should you ask for it, whether it be economically, diplomatically, or even militarily- my armies would never abandon an ally in distress. Though, after hearing about your victory against General Tyrax, perhaps you won't need my assistance?

I also understand that you met my daughter, Druella, in person when arranging this alliance. Like all Lilim, she has her own quirks and intricacies, but I am glad to hear that the meeting went smoothly. Lescatie will also be available to provide you with assistance should you require it, and its markets will be open to Steylian merchants.

I would also like to commend you for the fair treatment you've shown to the mamono residents of your Empire. Although there were close calls, especially through the actions of your traitorous sibling, your commitment to maintaining the peace fills me with nothing but gratitude towards you. I know how difficult it may be to properly rule over mamono, however, so feel free to contact me if you ever desire advice.

Finally, while my diplomats will hammer out the more intricate details, I do have a few requests from you. Through your status as an ally rather than a client state, I cannot compel you to do anything, but I earnestly request that you avoid excessive conflict against your fellow humans. If war becomes unavoidable, show mercy and benevolence to the civilian population, and avoid bloodshed in battle whenever possible. I am willing to arrange shipments of mamono realm silver to Steylia if you need it. Lastly, if you obtain large amounts of prisoners through battle, it would be better to hand them over to the Mamono Realm rather than leave them to rot in captivity. Your treatment of the captured Order soldiers following your victory is deserving of praise, and I hope you continue to show such benevolence.

If I ever find the time to do so, I would like to meet you in person, Emperor Andron. Or, if it is more convenient, you are always welcome to visit the Royal Makai. I do hope you and all of Steylia achieve peace and prosperity, and may our alliance never falter!

Yours Sincerely,

Lilith, Mamono Lord

PS- I heard that you are currently single, Emperor Andron. If you ever desire to be matched to a monster of your choosing, or even a human for that matter, know that you will find no better matchmaker than me!

While the letter was full of the praise and flattery always present in communications from foreign leaders, Andron was quite surprised to see that the Mamono Lord did not try to portray herself as superior to him. Instead, she called him a "fellow monarch", and she respected Steylia's status as an ally rather than a client state.

Of course, she is superior to me, I'm not arrogant enough to deny that. But it is touching nonetheless. Perhaps I should pay the Royal Makai a personal visit? Maybe the Mamono Lord would appreciate some of Steylia's finest silks?

As for being single…

But Andron then pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind- the day's business was not yet over.

"Let her in Ionnes."

The doors to the throne room swung open once again, and the ambassador from Lescatie made her way down towards the Emperor. Excited murmurs sprang out through the crowd of courtiers at the sight of the ambassador's exotic appearance; She had blue skin, red eyes, black wings and a spaded tail, and her scantily clad form was well-proportioned in all the right places. Even the prettiest of Steylia's ladies looked drab compared to her.

Is there any mamono out there with a sense of modesty?! An Emperor cannot leer at foreign diplomats!

The Emperor straightened himself, trying his best to keep his eyes trained upward.

"Greetings, Emperor Andron." The Demon spoke with a rich, melodious voice as she knelt before the throne. "I have come from Lescatie to deliver a message from Druella, Fourth Princess of the Mamono Realm."

"Welcome to Litanopol." the Emperor replied. "What is it that Lady Druella wishes for me to know?"

"Recently, Lady Druella and her husband have secured an alliance with the Tazchek Khanate. Turgal Khan has sworn off all aggressive actions against those aligned with the Mamono Realm, including your Empire. She asks that you respect this alliance, and perhaps even cooperate with the Tazchek in their campaigns against The Order should they ask for it."

The Emperor's eyes widened. He had been worried by the rapid rise of Turgal Khan and the threat he posed to Steylia and surrounding nations. Many a sleepless night had been spent planning out defenses and building signal towers in case the Khan ever set his sights on Steylia. To hear that the threat was suddenly gone, and the Tazchek now allies, was nothing short of shocking.

"My Emperor," Chamberlain Ionnes leaned over. "This is an excellent development. With Lescatie on our side and the Tazchek no longer an issue, perhaps our border regions will finally know peace."

The Emperor nodded. "Indeed. Lady Druella is proving herself to be a worthwhile ally to Steylia."

He then turned back to the Demon ambassador. "Tell Lady Druella that I acknowledge her message, and will be open to cooperating with the Tazchek."

The Demon kneeled again. "I shall, oh Emperor. Lady Druella would also like you to know that the next shipment of mamono realm silver shall arrive in about three days, and that she has received the Steylian olives you sent her and would like you to know that they were absolutely delicious."

The Demon ambassador's red eyes then glowed a little brighter, and she briefly licked her lips. "Finally, I have a personal-"

"Emperor! Emperor!" A loud yell suddenly cut through the room.

Emperor Andron turned towards the direction of the interruption. Running towards the throne was none other than Alia. The elf's face was flushed red, as if she had been running for miles. Stopping just before the throne, she took a moment to catch her breath before speaking again.

"Emperor, forgive the interruption, but I have urgent terrible news!" Alia exclaimed. Then she put a finger to her lips.

The Emperor understood her signal- this is something that should remain confidential. Turning to his court, he exclaimed:

"I'm afraid I will have to call an early recess today. Please, go wait outside in the courtyard and I will call you all back in later."

The courtiers and petitioners obliged, though there were some grumblings at the news. Then, Andron turned towards the Demon ambassador, who looked up at him with curious eyes.

"Forgive me, but I must hear my retainer's message. Could you please wait outside the room- I will immediately call you in once I am done."

The Demon nodded. "Yes, oh Emperor." she replied as she made her way out of the room, leaving Alia, Ionnes, and the Emperor all alone.

"Now, what is the urgent terrible news you wish to tell me?" he asked Alia.

"It's Phokas, he's escaped!" Alia exclaimed, her eyes wide.

The Emperor could not believe what he was hearing. "What! How? Impossible, he was thrown in one of the most secure prisons of all of Steylia! How did he escape?!"

Emperor Andron had not yet decided how to deal with his traitor brother following his arrest. Part of him wanted to give him the same fate he would have faced had Phokas' plot succeeded- a blinding. Part of him considered executing him, though that would have been likely too extreme an option. And part of him sincerely wished he could find some reason to pardon him- they had been close as children before he became Emperor. But he had failed to pick any of those options, hoping to leave it for later.

Clearly, that had been a mistake.

"I left to warn you before I could find out everything." Alia replied. "But after giving some of the jailers a few hard kicks in the ribs, it looks like Phokas had been bribing the jailers and prison guards for years. That bastard had a contingency plan, and last night he finally used it!"

Emperor Andron grit his teeth in anger and frustration. There was no telling how much damage Phokas would cause if he remained loose. If he somehow found his way to Order-controlled territory, they could potentially use him as a puppet and revive their invasion plans!

Chamberlain Ionnes then spoke up. "Alia, did you hear anything about how he escaped the city?"

"Via horse, husba- I mean, Chamberlain." Alia replied while trying to disguise a blush. "He must have snuck out with one of the trade caravans!"

"We cannot allow Phokas to remain free!" Andron declared. "Alia, return to the prison and see if you can find out any more information! While you're leaving, tell the Ambassador from Lescatie that she may come back inside!"

"Understood, my Emperor!" Alia replied before giving the Emperor a quick bow and running out of the room. Not long after her exit, the Demon made her way back before the throne.

"Is something troubling you, oh Emperor?" The Demon asked with concern in her voice.

"I have a message of my own for Lady Druella." The Emperor replied. "Tell her that Phokas has escaped from prison and is likely making his way to Order-controlled territory. Be on the lookout."

The Demon nodded. "I will be sure to relay it to her. But before I leave, may I make a personal request?"

Andron sighed, knowing exactly what this request would be. "Very well, go ahead."

"The guardsman who escorted me through the palace was such a pleasant and well-mannered young man." The Demon replied, her eyes glowing even brighter. "Seeing his bright young face under his helmet made me want to…see it utterly twisted in the throes of ecstasy. And after teasing him a little, I can tell that he secretly desired the same thing. Is it alright if I take him with me?"

Great, another guard poached. But Andron was not one to ruin other men's dreams. "If he consents, then you may."

The Demon's eyes brightened, and she smiled even wider. "Thank you, oh Emperor! You are most kind!" Then she knelt one more time before leaving the throne room. Andron could not help but observe her elegant swaying form as she walked off.

These monsters truly are in a league of their own. It is a shame I can't- or I can I? I may not necessarily need to sire a son to continue the dynasty- some of my cousins have children of talent. Perhaps I can revive the old practice of imperial adoption?

"Ionnes," Andron turned to his Chamberlain. "Add three things to the docket. First, message all generals in the south to be on the lookout for Phokas. I want him dead or alive."

"Understood, Emperor!" the faux-eunuch replied as he hurriedly wrote that down.

"Second, replace all palace guards with men who are already married. We are losing too many good men to the charms of monsters."

"I fear that will only partially rectify the problem." Ionnes said with a slight grin.

Andron sighed. "Well, partial is better than nothing. And third, prepare my horse and a mounted escort. I intend to ride through the Mamono Quarter this afternoon."

"The Mamono Quarter?" Ionnes asked, his eyes wide. "Why would you be going there, my Emperor?"

"Just for a little bit of sightseeing. That is all."

[]

Author's Note: Thus ends a little update to how things are going in Steylia. Some might call it filler, but I hope it was a fun lookback. Keep an eye out for Phokas, he will be back. Next, let's see what Aram and Co. have been up to.

Mind - Yep, I've read Sword and Claw. It's actually one of my main inspirations for starting this fic, and I recommend it to all.