Here we are ! A new story on my AU ! In this story, there more lore than the other, more headcanon on how function this universe. I hope you'll like it !


Charlie looked at the paper in her hands with growing interest. Her eyes gleamed with a thousand and one lights and her heart swelled with happiness. With a confident step, she walked towards her father, who was gardening with Angel.

"Dad!" she exclaimed. The King turned his head towards her, a big smile on his face.

"Yes, sweety?" he asked.

The hotel's other residents turned towards her at the same time as Lucifer. Angel was next to him, his arms covered in dirt. Husk, not far away, was watering tomatoes, while Adam sat a few yards away, busy scratching his belly. Niffty was digging uncontrollably under Alastor's watchful eye. Vaggie, for her part, had a rake in her hands and looked at her with interest. If she hadn't already been his girlfriend, Charlie would have blushed at the intensity of her gaze. But she turned her attention back to her father.

"Niffty brought me this earlier!" she said as she handed him the exquisitely folded piece of paper. He raised an eyebrow as he retrieved it and glanced at it. Then he winced.

"Ah, you're talking about that..." he rinsed. He returned the paper to her.

"It's an invitation, Dad!" she enthused, jumping up and down on the spot.

"I know, sweety." he breathed "An invitation from Amodeon for his annual ball. He invites me every year."

"And you're going?" she smiles.

"No!" he laughs, returning to his activity "It's been a long time since I didn't impose this torture on myself!"

"Dad!" she protested, now frustrated. "You can't not go!"

"And why that?" he asked, his expression cheerful as he pulled some weeds.

"Because it would do you good to see people, in the first place!" she explained.

"Which I'm doing by being here." he said. His daughter frowned.

"Besides," she continued, her smile twitching. "It would allow you to show your presence as king of Hell."

"Which I'm doing by being here." he repeated calmly. The young woman bit her lip.

"It would affirm your politics." she breathed. In the periphery of her gaze, she saw Vaggie glancing at Angel, who was desperately trying to get a message across to Lucifer, completely oblivious to his offspring's progressive irritation.

"Which I'm doing by being here." he sneered.

"Not to the Nobles, Dad." she growled.

"Nobles are just a pain in the ass," he laughed. "Besides, let's be serious, they don't give a shit about the fate of sinners."

"They might not be indifferent to it anymore!" she shouted. This drew her father's attention back to her. He seemed at last to notice his daughter's state of annoyance and made a saddened pout. Charlie took a breath and ran a hand through her hair.

"Dad," she continued. "I know this is difficult for you, but I really think it would be good for you to show everyone your commitment to my project. You're still King of the Hell, and at some point we're going to need help from the Natives. Starting with the Nobles could do us a lot of good."

"Charlie," he breathed. He stood up and approached her gently, as if it were a draft he was afraid to let out. "I assure you that I believe in you and what you're proposing, and I'll support you, come what may. However, I don't think I can sell your project to anyone. I'm not..." He licked his lip as if searching for the words and peeling them from his flesh. "I'm not a salesman."

"Then I can come with you!" she offered enthusiastically. "I'll take care of promoting the Hotel and you, you'll support me!"

He winced at the thought.

"You can go by yourself, Charlie!" he said, taking her hand. "You're vastly more charismatic than I am."

"I don't agree," Husk suddenly declared. Everyone turned to look at him, and he raised an eyebrow. "What? I'm just stating my opinion. Frankly, Your Majesty, I think it would make quite an impression to have you. Charlie's all right and everything, but the star is you."

"He's not wrong, old man," Angel continued. He rested his head on his palm, laughing at the dirt that might be on his face. "You're a sensation with everyone. Just look at the leeks you pass on the street. I can't even imagine how the big guy must react."

Lucifer rolled his eyes as a mumble came from his mouth.

"I don't make any impression anymore, kiddo. They've forgotten me since I stopped meddling in kingdom affairs," he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Oh, because you had influence over these?" asked a voice with a pungent radio effect. Charlie looked at her father and, when she saw his annoyed expression, decided to intervene to bring him back on topic.

"Dad." she said, bringing her father's gaze back to her. "Amodeon didn't invite me. Only by the laws of the Court of Nobles, you're obliged to come if I have to go."

Lucifer looked at her and, for a moment, seemed to consider what she had just said. After a moment, he sighed and rubbed his face with his hands.

"Ah yes, that's right." he grunted. "See? I can't even remember how all this crap works!"

"Are there laws for nobility?" asked Angel as he raised an eyebrow.

"You have no idea." groans Lucifer. "Given that these morons aren't capable of getting along without stabbing each other in the back, it was necessary to put some rules in place."

"What kind?" questioned Vaggie, curious. Adam, in the distance, glanced over too, more intrigued than he let on.

"Bullshit that, if flouted, can bring the Noble culprit into a zone of retribution." sighed Lucifer.

"So what?" protested Adam, which got everyone else's attention. "These assholes are immortal, what the hell do they care about little hurt?"

"You should know there are spells worse than death, fatso," the Fallen Angel cut in, aggressively. The First Man looked away, suddenly embarrassed. Charlie frowned and stared at her father, who had a very venomous look in his eyes towards the leader of the Exterminators. She wondered if the King was referring to his fall, the clipping of those wings, or something else? She decided to ignore these questions for the time being.

"Well, you weren't very nice when you introduced those laws," Husk grinned.

"It wasn't me who created them, it was my..." began Lucifer, before stopping himself. Suddenly, all the anger in his features transformed into something much sadder and more melancholy. Charlie saw Angel cast a reproachful glance at the bartender, who simply shrugged, as if to say he couldn't possibly know.

"Ha!" reasoned the radio voice again. Suddenly, a shadow formed beside Lucifer and, with a mocking, menacing smile, Alastor leaned towards the angel. "No wonder such a wise decision didn't come from you, little King."

Charlie again saw a gleam in his father's eyes and decided to intervene.

"I remember those labels very well, Dad!" she exclaimed, as she put a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. It wasn't difficult. "I could help you! We'll stay together the whole time of the ball ! It'll be fun!"

Lucifer blinked, and suddenly the realization that he was going to spend time with his daughter seemed to hit him. A huge smile spread across his features.

"Ah!" he exclaimed suddenly, excited. "Yes, yes, you're right! A father-daughter evening! It'll be fun!"

Charlie hugged his father back. He returned the embrace and her heart swelled with happiness. They had never really been close, when she was younger, but she remembered every one of those hugs. None of them were bad, and they always gave her a strong sense of protection.

"I'll have to get a nice dress!" she laughed happily.

"Whatever you do, you'll look beautiful," her father replied, rubbing his nose against hers, which made her laugh.

"Sur." she heard further on, and when she looked up, she saw Vaggie gazing at her adoringly. Those cheeks colored immediately at the purity of feeling she projected with her one eye. Her comment wasn't sensual, it just shone with a sincerity that it would seem only angels possessed. And it made her feel a warmth in the pit of her stomach. She pulled away from her father, suddenly embarrassed, and heard her girlfriend's little laugh. Her eyes suddenly had a more amused, tempting gleam, as if she knew precisely what Charlie was feeling. The Princess of Hell hadn't said anything: Vaggie's intentions weren't as pure as she'd thought, and that pleased her all the more.

"My dearest Charlie," a voice from beside her called out. She turned back to Alastor. The Radio Demon was staring at him with a mysterious yet determined gaze.

"Yes, Al?" she asked.

"I think it's an excellent idea to want to conquer the hearts of the Nobles!" he exclaimed, making a big theatrical gesture with his hand. He put his arm around her shoulders, causing both Vaggie and Lucifer to tense up. "Really, very clever! However, isn't it too ambitious to want to carry the burden alone of promoting the Hotel?"

"What do you mean?" questioned Charlie as she frowned.

"What I mean is, to go there only with the pathetic paternal representation of your life would give more the impression that your business is a small ..." he seemed to ponder the exact word, as those eyes were set on Lucifer's, who was trembling with rage. "Fancy." he said, the word sounding far more insulting than it was.

"It's not a joke, Alastor." replied Charlie as she crossed her arms. The Radio Demon tapped her nose with his finger.

"Oh, but I know, my dearest! I know it all too well!" he whispered, his eyes shining with a gleam she recognized: the one that showed he was withholding information from her. "But imagine our beloved Immortals who, for hundreds of years, haven't seen their King even make the effort to come! And then, suddenly, he shows up! With his progeny, no less! And he lets her spout nonsense about redemption and sinners? By God, no, it's not serious!"

He moved behind her, his head close to her ear.

"Whereas if you showed the extent of your business..."

Charlie understood what he was getting at. She wasn't the only one.

"You can't come, bellboy." growled Lucifer, crossing his arms in a position very similar to his daughter's.

"Why is that?" asked the Radio Demon, turning his sharp gaze on the King.

"No sinners are invited to the Lands of the Nobles," he replied. "Although I'd love to see you try." An evil smile settled on those lips. Alastor raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, really?" questioned the Stag Demon. "And what do I risk?"

"To have you eaten." said Lucifer matter-of-factly, shrugging his shoulders.

"Whereas I would be the King's guest?" continued Alastor, which provoked a frown from Lucifer. "Is your power so insignificant that they would dare touch anyone under your protection? Well, I knew you were low, but that's as low as you can go..."

"Oh, you fat cocksucker, I'm going to..." growled the King as he began to advance toward the Radio Demon. Charlie sighed.

"Dad..." she said. This, again, stopped her father. He looked at her and she looked at him. Suddenly, he stirred.

"No, sweety!" he cried. "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! And no."

"He's not wrong." she moaned as she moved closer to him. She took his hand. "If I bring him with Vaggie, it shows my Hotel manager and my second in command! It would be great publicity!"

"Wait, me too?" his girlfriend puzzled as she winked.

"Of course!" exclaimed Charlie, looking at her. "If Alastor can come, then I don't see why you shouldn't be along for the ride! You've managed the Hotel's communications so far! You'd be a great help!"

Vaggie didn't seem convinced. Charlie didn't have time to explain before Lucifer growled:

"Okay for Maggie, but no for the bellhop."

"Dad..." his daughter pleaded. He looked at her firmly.

"Charlie," he said, in a tone she rarely heard him use. It was dry and determined. He'd used it in the old days when she was having a fit or a tantrum. "Inviting you means I take responsibility for your actions. I trust Maggie and you not to cross the line and misbehave. I don't want to be responsible for him." He nodded at the Radio Demon as he finished his speech in a scathing tone. She looked at the Overlord, who said nothing and stared at her patiently. She turned back to her father.

"I'll vouch for him," she said, her tone determined too. "I trust him completely. If you don't, then trust me."

A tense silence stretched out between them, under the gaze of the hotel's other residents. Lucifer seemed to reflect and finally sighed.

"Very well," he finally said.

She smiles.

"Thanks, Dad."

"On condition that kiddo comes too," he added. Angel was stunned.

"Of course!" exclaimed Charlie, his eyes sparkling. "Great idea, Dad! Bringing in the Hotel's first resident will show the project's full potential!"

"Sold then," smiled Lucifer.

"Wait, what?!" exclaimed Angel.


Alastor ran a hand through his hair and took one last look at his suit in the bedroom mirror. He looked very presentable in his black three-piece 18th-century bourgeois suit, his hair tied back in a small ponytail with bangs disciplined to the side, his best monocle on his nose. His bow tie, in a red reminiscent of those eyes, added an exquisite touch to the ensemble. Rather proud of his appearance, he grabbed his microphone and slipped into the shadows to join the band in the hall. When he appeared, he wasn't surprised to see Angel huddled at the bar, sipping a drink whose origin he didn't know. The Porn Star was elegantly dressed, too. He wore a pinkish shirt with a distinguished plain white vest. His long, rosy pants fell straight down his legs, emphasizing their size. His hair was slicked back with gel. He looked stressed. Alastor raised an eyebrow at his behavior. His unwanted presence wasn't a problem for these plans as long as the Spider Sinner kept to himself. If he had insisted on coming, it was to get a glimpse of the powers that be in Hell, as well as to glean information about these potential future victims. He certainly wasn't so stupid as to want to kill a Noble now, but having the chance to study them could bring him opportunities for territory extensions. What's more, being the first Ovelord to kill and appropriate the powers of a Noble would be an indispensable asset.

He glanced at Charlie, who was wearing a floaty red dress that came to her mid-knee, with the flared bottom tightening at the waist, supporting her bosom. Over her shoulders, she wore a little gold-shouldered cardigan to match her porcelain skin. Vaggie, at her side, wore a long purple dress, reaching to her ankles. Slit up the side, it hugged the young woman's curves gently, without vulgarity. Her shoulders were bare, covered only by a white scarf. Alastor couldn't help thinking that everyone had prepared well. The only person missing from the room was the King. Husk stood at the bar, Adam seated as usual on the sofa opposite. Niffty was tending to a cockroach in the corner of the room, laughing her head off.

Charlie turned to him, a dazzling smile on his face. Alastor returned the favor with a gentle bow. For someone who had been resistant to the idea of taking him along, she seemed happy to see him.

"Oh, Alastor, how elegant you look!" she exclaimed as she moved closer to him. Vaggie followed her like a shadow, and although she didn't seem quite as enthusiastic, there was an appreciative gleam in her eyes.

"I thank you, my dear," he said, straightening up. "I've paid great attention to the appearance I send back. I wouldn't want to embarrass you in any way."

Charlie tinkled at the little spike, but didn't have time to explain her previous intentions when Angel suddenly whistled.

"Oh fuck!" he exclaimed, drawing the eyes of the three people who'd been chatting to him. When they saw that the other occupants of the room were looking at the staircase, they turned towards it. Alastor froze at the image before him. Lucifer was closing his cuff buttonhole, a grimace of annoyance on his face. This was far from distorting the image he was reflecting. His Mister Loyal costume had been forgotten in his wardrobe, replaced by a magnificent three-piece suit in dazzling white. On his jacket, in fine gold thread, were runic symbols of exquisite elegance. The garment seemed to move on its own, needing no wind to carry the symbols along the man's body. His shirt, also white, blended with his skin. His golden tie matched those golden eyes. His hair was combed sideways, far from his ducktail cut. He emanated an eye-catching aura. A divine aura. The Overlord frowned at this realization.

"Sorry I'm late." he said as he came running in, those heels clacking on the Hotel's tiled floor. "I couldn't remember where those cufflinks had gone!"

"Dad!" exclaimed Charlie as she jumped up and down. "You look beautiful!"

"It's fucking hot, you mean." murmured Angel, which drew a curious glance from Lucifer.

"I think it's pretty cold," he said. The Spider Sinner rolled his eyes.

"Never mind." he sighed.

"Just." intervenes Husk, washing down a glass. "I stand by what I said the other day. You're the star."

Lucifer glanced at him and, with a slight yellowing of the cheeks, whispered a "Thank you". The King turned his attention away from the duo, and Alastor caught Angel's disillusioned face at the bartender, whose only response was a shrug and a teasing glance.

"Is everyone ready?" asked Lucifer.

Alastor gave him a mocking smile.

"Only you were missing, Your Majesty."

He received only a murderous sideways glance from the King before he summoned his cane with its apple knob. With a snap of his fingers, he opened a gilded gate leading to a long alley. Alastor raised his eyebrows, while Charlie bit her lip.

"Dad..." she began, "According to the laws of the Court of Nobles, it's forbidden to teleport onto someone else's domain."

Lucifer gave him a mischievous look, accompanied by a wry smile.

"We're a centimeter from the entrance to his domain," he says, "Technically, we weren't breaking the rule."

Alastor's smile curved a little wider as a small approving gleam passed through his eyes: he liked this way of thinking. This was not the case for Charlie, who sighed but let herself be guided by her father through the door. The Demon Radio followed, accompanied by Angel, who whistled in admiration at the alley they were facing. The driveway, lined with prunus trees, stretched for well over a kilometer and opened onto a huge courtyard where several distinguished vehicles were parked. The building itself resembled a Greek temple, with a façade featuring an immense golden door. The building was enormous, and Alastor's only thought was that maintaining it must be an ordeal. He was more the type to have small residences so he could control their cleanliness and entrances.

"Show off" Lucifer growled under his breath. The Stag Demon looked up at him, thoughtful.

"I don't know." he says, clearly mocking. "What's flashier: a Greek temple in the countryside or a huge white and gold tower in the center of a black and red city?"

The King's expression frowned, but he decided to ignore the comment, advancing down the aisle followed by his companions. They walked in silence for a moment before Charlie, shining with nervousness, took a deep breath.

"Well!" she exclaimed, "So, little rules to respect inside: when faced with a Noble of greater rank than yourself, you must bow. If he agrees to speak with you, then he's the one who starts the conversation. You must remain silent at all times, unless Dad includes you. He'll do this all the time, of course, so you can explain the Hotel's role and your experience!"

"Of course, you remain respectful," Lucifer said, glancing at the Radio Demon. "And direct. No innuendo, no sarcasm, just factual."

"Oh, fuck..." sighed Angel. He squeezed himself with those multiple arms, his face a far cry from the self-assurance he usually displayed.

"Oh, and you stay permanently next to Charlie or me," the King clarified. Vaggie looked at him, raising his eyebrows.

"Wouldn't it be more practical to split up to promote the Hotel?" she asked. Lucifer grimaced.

"Nope!" he said as he started up the steps in front of the big door. "If you walk away, they might eat you."

"Excuse me?!" cried Angel. Alastor lowered his ears at the loud sound.

"Yep!" continued Lucifer as he stood in front of the entrance. "Sinners aren't allowed, normally, so there's no law framing it. If they want to, they can kill you. That's why you have to stay with us. They won't do anything in our presence."

The Spider Sinner looked at Charlie in awe, who gave him an apologetic smile. He sighed and approached her, taking her arm. Vaggie raised an amused eyebrow as she took his girlfriend's hand. Alastor stayed where he was and watched Lucifer, who hadn't moved. He seemed nervous. He took a deep breath.

"The show must go on," he murmured, before pushing open the huge doors with a small movement, as if the size of this one weighed nothing compared to those frail arms.

When they entered, they saw the hall crowded with a silent world, as if they were holding their breath. Alastor noticed many different types of demon, each more different than the next. Some were anthropomorphized animals, others more classical figures from biblical literature. All of them towered over him, who was already 7 feet tall. Their eyes, varying in menacing color, stared down at a point far below him, just to his side. When Alastor looked in that direction, he saw that Lucifer looked uncomfortable. He licked his lip in annoyance, but remained upright, as if defying them. The Radio Demon had the intuition that this was pointless. And he was right.

In a matter of seconds, all these immense figures were on their knees before their King.