Two months had elapsed since the extermination, and gradually, life was starting to resemble a semblance of normalcy once more. However, it is important to reflect on what "normal" truly signifies when one is residing in Hell. Charlie and Vaggie were increasingly dedicating their efforts to the lesson plans related to the redemption project. With the hotel having been rebuilt thanks to Lucifer's unexpected assistance, and his announcement that he would now be taking up residence there as well, Charlie's resolve has grown stronger in the aftermath of the extermination. Although she continues to grapple with moments of sorrow for the loss of Sir Pentious and Dazzle, these experiences have only served to deepen her commitment to the daunting mission she has undertaken. On this particular day, Emily sent an urgent message from Heaven, requesting that Lucifer and Charlie convene at the embassy.
While at the embassy, Lucifer found himself genuinely astonished by the events that were unfolding before him. He struggled to maintain his composure as he witnessed a heartfelt reunion between Charlie and Sir Pentious, a moment that brought tears to both of their eyes. Meanwhile, as Lucifer stood nearby, Sera engaged in a quiet discussion regarding the decision to halt the exterminations. Lucifer expressed his gratitude to Sera, who then mentioned that an investigation was underway concerning Adam's death, implicating his first lieutenant.
As Sera provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances, Lucifer became quiet upon discovering that he was obligated to attend the heavenly court to provide testimony regarding his role in the extermination. His face shifted from one of disbelief to one of irritation. While he understood his reasons for intervening, he recognized the necessity of crafting a persuasive argument to defend his actions. However, the very idea of facing the heavenly court again filled Lucifer with a sense of dread, sending a shiver of anxiety through him that traveled down the length of his wings, which were concealed by magic.
Fortunately, Charlie and Sir Pentious had managed to stop their tears and had shifted into a more direct conversation. During this discourse, the former snake demon expressed a desire for Charlie to deliver messages to the other residents, accompanied by a quiet hope that he would eventually reunite with them, especially now that the prospect of redemption seemed possible. Charlie readily agreed and observed as Pentious pulled out envelopes from inside his coat, each marked with the names of his former fellow residents. He elaborated on his wish to meet with Charlie sooner to convey that he had been redeemed, yet he felt it would be inappropriate to do so without first writing personal messages to everyone who helped him get into Heaven. Charlie empathized with this sentiment and held no grudges against Pentious, which brought him a sense of relief.
After gathering all the envelopes, the four individuals present at the embassy exchanged their farewells, with Sera informing Lucifer that she would relay a message regarding the upcoming trial. Lucifer nodded in acknowledgment, his focus shifting to Charlie as he silently reminded himself that all these efforts were for the sake of his beloved daughter and her dreams. Once the doors of the embassy closed behind him, Charlie began to bounce with excitement as the two of them headed back to the hotel. While Lucifer endeavored to sustain Charlie's optimistic spirit, he found himself weighed down by a multitude of thoughts.
Upon their arrival at the hotel once more, the door swung open before shutting behind the two individuals. Vaggie stepped forward to warmly greet Charlie at the entrance. Meanwhile, Lucifer stood awkwardly to the side, feeling increasingly uncomfortable as the two women engaged in lively conversation. His unease intensified when Charlie began to pull Vaggie toward the lobby, eager to gather everyone in order to share the news that she and Lucifer had brought back with them. After a few moments of contemplation, Lucifer let out a resigned sigh and moved away from the front door, making his way to the bar where he settled onto one of the stools.
As he glanced up, he noticed that Husk had momentarily left his post, likely anticipating the news that Charlie was about to convey to the residents in the other room. With a snap of his fingers, Lucifer summoned a bottle of liquor into his hand, accompanied by a glass. The bottle then magically poured itself before righting itself and resting back on the countertop. Lucifer reached out to grasp his drink, taking small sips and savoring the flavor for a fleeting moment before experiencing the burn as it slid down his throat. If anyone were to ask why he opted for bourbon on that particular evening, he would find it difficult to articulate a coherent rationale. Unfortunately, the only honest answer he could provide would be that the drink was serving to alleviate his tension in that moment.
At present, Lucifer found himself teetering on the brink of confronting his inner demons, with his most formidable adversary being his own depression. He speculated that this condition might have been triggered by his "fall" from grace, or perhaps it had been brewing even before he was cast out of Heaven, stemming from the immense expectations and judgment he perceived from his celestial family. Lucifer could not deny that his inability to maintain order among the inhabitants of Hell could be interpreted as a sign of his waning interest in his own dominion. During Lilith's presence, she managed most of the governance in Hell, a responsibility that Alastor previously had a heated disagreement with Lucifer about months earlier, among other grievances. Nevertheless, Lucifer found himself reflecting on his situation; after participating in some of Charlie's lessons and discreetly receiving support from Belphegor following a recent discussion with Ozzie, he began to recognize the possibility that he might be grappling with a major depressive disorder or clinical depression. He was acutely aware of how this mental state impacted his self-perception and his relationships with others, before Charlie's influence began to reshape his views on sinners and Hell itself, which he had always regarded as a place of eternal punishment. In fact, Charlie, bless her soul, was the only beacon of hope in his life. Furthermore, his interactions with others often left him feeling uncomfortable in social settings, leading him to be quick to judge or respond defensively. Bel had also pointed out that Lucifer displayed signs of PTSD and potential anxiety disorders, but she expressed her overall happiness at seeing him reconnect with his daughter once again.
As Lucifer raised the glass to his lips once more, he began to hear the footsteps of Husk and Angel approaching the bar. Both gentlemen halted in surprise at the sight of Lucifer sitting alone before Angel took a seat beside him, while Husk moved behind the bar to examine the drink Lucifer had chosen.
"You're drinking a strong one, you attempting to drown your sorrows, your highness?" Husk inquired, as Lucifer tilted his head back to finish his drink before gently placing the empty glass on the table.
"If I am being honest, yes, quite a lot...and that is as much as I can share at this moment," Lucifer replied, his tone almost dismissive, prompting both Angel and Husk to raise their eyebrows in curiosity.
"Short King, are you happy that Pentious has been redeemed?" Angel asked cautiously, fully aware that Lucifer had been present when Charlie received the news.
"Oh…yes, I genuinely feel happy for him. But please, do not trouble yourselves with my…" Lucifer began, only to be interrupted by the sight of Alastor making his way to the bar.
"Husker, my good man, might I trouble you for a rye, if you please?" Alastor requested, as Husk glanced at Lucifer before serving his boss his drink of choice.
As Alastor settled into one of the stools positioned near both Lucifer and Angel Dust, he maintained a respectful distance between them, adhering to the Radio Demon's principle of a 'five-foot rule' as closely as possible. He observed the others, intrigued by the peculiar sense of amusement that seemed to permeate the atmosphere. Husk placed a glass of rye in front of Alastor before redirecting his focus back to Lucifer, who had rested his head on his arms, gazing down at the floor.
"You know, you're not going to discover your answers at the bottom of a glass," Husk remarked, while Alastor took a moment to assess Lucifer's posture as the fallen angel lifted his head.
"Look, I can't divulge much, and I am aware that you are probing. I wasn't born yesterday. I'm especially not going to share anything with the bellhop present... All I ask is that you don't inform Charlie you saw me in this state, alright?" Lucifer requested, to which Angel nodded in agreement, responding with a casual, "Sure, Small King."
Lucifer rose to his feet, collecting his belongings, which he could not recall having set down but must have done at some point, and pushed his stool back in. With a casual wave of his hand, a portal materialized, leading to his private chambers, and in an instant, the king disappeared from sight. Alastor took a sip of rye as the portal closed and inquired of the others about what had transpired during his absence upstairs. Husk, who wasn't really eager to keep his boss informed, but had to since it was his job, detailed how Lucifer and Charlie had just returned from the embassy with the surprising news that the serpent, Sir Pentious, had actually been redeemed and had not perished during the extermination.
Alastor paused momentarily, his smile tightening as he scrutinized the two, seemingly assessing the truthfulness of their claims. Finding no deceit in their words, he shifted his focus back to his drink, raised it to his lips, and emptied the glass before requesting Husk to pour him another, wishing to conduct himself with proper decorum. Angel, perplexed by the gesture, watched as Husk handed Alastor another glass. Once he had it in hand, Alastor lifted his glass as if to offer a toast to the serpent, commenting, "You were entertaining, the first to ever take a piece from me, hardly memorable by any means, and truly lacking in the rivalry department. Nonetheless, you were entertaining, Sir Pentious." He then clinked his glass against the counter and, with a swift motion, drank the entire contents as if it were a shot. After placing the empty glass on the table, Alastor stood up and exited through the use of his shadow vanishing into the floor, leaving Angel and Husk to gaze at the spot where Alastor had just performed an unexpected act. Both were aware that Alastor likely did not recognize Pentious's sacrifice, as he was probably hiding somewhere after his unsuccessful attempt to defeat Adam, but neither of them held it against him.
Once alone, Husk and Angel reflected on their personal messages in the envelopes they received from Pentious. As eager as the snake was to possibly see them again, both were stewing in the fact they were both still under their contracts and if redemption was even possible while being under a contract. Either way, the two continued to drink and chat finding solace in just spending a calm moment in time.
Alastor emerged from the shadows in the corridor that connected Lucifer's quarters to his own within the newly established hotel. While the king appeared to be preparing to indulge in excessive drinking that evening, Alastor was adept at deciphering subtle cues. At that moment, the Radio Demon was resolved to address Lucifer regarding the situation. Although the king was reluctant to discuss matters while Angel and Husk were present, the use of the term "bellhop" suggested to Alastor that Lucifer needed to have a conversation with him. As he approached Lucifer's door, the Radio Demon entered without hesitation.
Reclining on his own bed, Lucifer turned his head to see Alastor standing before him. Reluctantly, Lucifer sat up and gestured for Alastor to come in as the Radio Demon made his way to a chair positioned near the fireplace.
"I suppose you picked up on the memo?" Lucifer remarked, to which Alastor responded with a chuckle.
"When was the last time you referred to me as 'bellhop,' sire?" Alastor retorted, eliciting a groan from Lucifer.
"Look, I didn't intend to suggest that something was amiss; the best way I could bring it up was through some lighthearted banter, so sue me," Lucifer explained, but Alastor raised his hand, effectively silencing the king.
"That aside, what is it that you wish to discuss?" Alastor inquired as Lucifer rose from the bed and took a seat in a chair not far from his counterpart.
"Well, we have a predicament, and you are the most reliable ally I have at the moment. I would like to ask you for a favor," Lucifer stated, prompting Alastor to regard him with a strained smile.
"You are seeking another deal?" Alastor questioned, to which Lucifer shook his head in disagreement.
"To be precise, it is a favor," Lucifer remarked, resting his head in his hands and slicking back his hair leaning back into his chair. "Charlie remains completely unaware of the events that are about to unfold. During my time at the embassy, I was informed of the plans that Heaven has initiated an investigation into Adam's death. I am going to be summoned for a trial even with my own banishment, I am required to answer the summons, and I need to gather as much evidence as possible. As a powerful Overlord, your testimony carries significant weight in the heavenly court, especially regarding matters that affect Hell right next to the Ars Goetia. Your influence and other Overlords was crucial in the governance of the Pride Ring during my absence. With all that you also engaged Adam, and you can attest to the fact that I was not present at the onset of the extermination," Lucifer elaborated, his gaze fixed intently on Alastor.
"Hmm... this is not quite what I anticipated, sire. However, I will will not work for free sire…I am curious to know what benefits I may gain from assisting you with the trial preparations?" Alastor inquired, while Lucifer could only gaze at him in silence.
"That's the million-dollar question, isn't it, Bambi? Honestly, not much... I have been exiled from heaven for centuries, and now I am faced with the prospect of returning there, and I must admit, I am not dealing with it well. Do you remember our agreement regarding the 'Gentlemen's Bond'? I consented to allow you to take action if I fell back into despair. I once mentioned how much I value your wise counsel. Though I embody pride, I find myself unable to navigate this situation on my own… I wish to shield Charlie from this knowledge, and in return, you would have a second favor from your king at your disposal," Lucifer remarked, as Alastor reclined fully in the plush chair, deep in thought.
Alastor contemplated the fact that he had already secured one favor from the king due to their initial blood pact, and he recognized that acquiring a second favor would be advantageous. His insatiable thirst for power drove him, and although he had amassed numerous 'favors' through his skill in deal-making, none could compare to the significant influence of having 'favors' from the King of Hell. Additionally, he understood that being bound by a blood pact necessitated his assistance for Charlie's benefit. With a resigned sigh, Alastor rose from his seat and approached Lucifer. Extending his hand in the traditional gesture of forming a deal, Alastor awaited Lucifer's response. The king regarded him with a sense of acceptance before taking Alastor's hand. In that fleeting moment, a cascade of lights in shades of green and gold illuminated the room, creating an enchanting spectacle before the atmosphere settled once more.
"Your Majesty, what approach should we take for our testimony?" Alastor inquired. "I can attest that you were not present during the extermination at the onset of the conflict, as I had established a force field that prevented any unauthorized entry. However, how do you intend to persuade the angelic council that your intervention was warranted?" He added, summoning a quill and parchment that elegantly settled on the table between them.
"In the time preceding Charlie's birth, I entered into a contract that safeguarded the Hellborn from exterminations. My intervention was solely justified by the fact that Adam inflicted physical harm upon my daughter and took the life of Dazzle, one of Charlie's bodyguards, who was a Hellborn dragon. This was the only circumstance that allowed me to act," Lucifer explained, while Alastor diligently noted down the details with his pen as it flowed across the parchment.
"I find it difficult to explain to the counsel the moment you intervened, particularly because, as you are aware, I had sustained an angelic injury," Alastor remarked, while Lucifer nodded in acknowledgment, recalling that he had administered healing to the demon standing before him two months ago, just before they entered into the 'Gentlemen's Bond.'
"That is indeed accurate; however, the only individual we can rely on at this moment, provided they even permit him to testify on my behalf, is Sir Pentious. This is contingent on whether the angels choose to be merciful or allow me to endure further suffering," Lucifer responded, as Alastor made a note on the parchment for Lucifer's reference.
The two gentlemen persisted in taking notes, acknowledging that nothing had yet reached a final draft. If Alastor intended to maneuver this situation to benefit Lucifer, and consequently himself, he recognized the necessity of gathering as much information as possible from the other residents without raising their suspicions regarding the current circumstances. With this objective in mind, he began to formulate a strategy, and by the conclusion of the evening, both Lucifer and Alastor planned to reconvene the following night. However, before Alastor departed, he directed his gaze toward Lucifer and issued a caution.
"As much as I desired to see redemption fail, and despite having been proven wrong, I must express that it would be quite unfortunate if His Majesty were to succumb to exhaustion, particularly given that there are many who would exploit your position to ascend the hierarchy of power," Alastor cautioned as he turned to exit the room.
As Alastor departed, Lucifer remained seated in his chair, perplexed by the fact that Alastor exhibited any semblance of concern for him. He acknowledged that he was grateful their relationship had significantly improved, now that they were no longer verbally attacking each other, wreaking havoc in Charlie's hotel to the brink of being banished, or competing for the title of "best dad." Since they had forged a blood pact, everything had been relatively tranquil. Furthermore, they had largely allowed each other space, and whenever collaboration was necessary, they had demonstrated their ability to function effectively as a team. There had been numerous occasions where Alastor's advice proved to be not only warranted but also beneficial for both his and Charlie's interests.
With these reflections in mind, Lucifer rose from his chair and made his way back to his bed. With a snap of his fingers, his duck-themed pajamas materialized on his body as he flopped onto his red satin comforter, desperately attempting to summon sleep, yearning for it to envelop him.
The night proved to be quite unfavorable with sleep for Lucifer. The incessant tossing and turning throughout the night drove the king to the brink of madness due to his mounting frustration. He found himself in a state of heightened anxiety, particularly with the pressing concern of when Sera would provide updates regarding the impending trail, which could occur at any moment. With these thoughts weighing heavily on his mind, he reluctantly emerged from the comfort of his bed, severely sleep-deprived and disregarding Alastor's warnings. As he snapped his fingers to don his usual attire, he prepared to make his way downstairs that morning. Although he was uncertain about who was responsible for preparing breakfast for the residents, he held a quiet conviction that it should indeed be Alastor's turn.
As Lucifer opened a portal to the main lobby, he stepped out and immediately noticed that the area was quiet and devoid of any activity. He proceeded towards the kitchen, contemplating that he could at least begin brewing some coffee, even if the food preparations were not yet underway. Upon his arrival in the kitchen, Lucifer discovered that he was not the only one awake. To his delight, he realized that Alastor was the one responsible for preparing breakfast that day. Before him stood Alastor in a more casual appearance, a sight not often afforded to the other residents. The Radio Demon was positioned at the stove, lacking his typically tailored coat, and instead wore a pair of black slacks secured by a black harness, paired with a red button-up shirt. Alastor's sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his black arms and perfectly manicured red claws on his bare hands. To further enhance his delight, Lucifer was given the opportunity to observe the small red and black tail with a white underside that Alastor had, for once, revealed instead of concealing it beneath his coat.
The king was unaware of what Alastor was preparing for the residents that morning; however, he was certain that whatever Alastor was concocting would undoubtedly be delicious. As Lucifer approached the coffee pot, he momentarily glanced at Alastor who was currently stirring something brown in the pan, which Lucifer could only speculate involved making a roux for a dish. Meanwhile, Lucifer began gathering the necessary materials to start brewing the coffee, immersing himself in his work while silently contemplating the upcoming events and the lingering guilt of disappointing his daughter once more. Once the coffee machine was brewing, Lucifer positioned himself on the opposite side of Alastor to observe. Initially, the radio demon was perplexed by Lucifer's decision to make himself comfortable nearby, but ultimately, he accepted the king's presence.
As the quiet in the kitchen persisted, Alastor concentrated intently on his roux, carefully stirring it until Lucifer observed him incorporating sausage into the pan. This action validated Lucifer's deep-seated suspicion that Alastor was indeed preparing a batch of biscuits and gravy for the hotel breakfast that day. With a subtle tilt of his head, Lucifer maintained his silent watch, occasionally closing his eyes to enjoy the quiet. Alastor would, occasionally, catch a brief sight of the King of Hell dozing off, only for Lucifer to jolt himself awake moments afterward causing Alastor to smirk all knowingly. Lucifer was fully aware of the risks he was taking as he sought to avoid validating Alastor's claims or 'him not sleeping'. Nevertheless, the King of Hell, fueled by a mixture of exhaustion and resentment, felt compelled to demonstrate that Alastor's caution regarding his anxiety was unfounded.
"You see, sire, while I have found it somewhat entertaining for my king to be lost this morning, which has felt like a glorious torment for the picking, it is now starting to dampen my spirits," Alastor remarked, casting a sidelong glance at the king.
"Well, I apologize for ruining your morning; it's not as though your existence has ever bothered me on any given day," Lucifer replied with a touch of sarcasm.
"Oh, so our king exhibits childlike behavior—such sass! One would do well to tread carefully around me; it does not suit you," Alastor commented while stirring the gravy and adjusting the heat under the pot.
"Look who is talking, Mr. Prim and Proper. While many of you sinners can afford to relax, some of us are dealing with real issues," Lucifer retorted, prompting a mischievous grin from Alastor.
"It appears you have not taken my advice to heart, have you? Your tantrum is quite revealing. However, as I find myself in a generous mood, if you allow me to offer you some counsel? Your outbursts are exposing your vulnerabilities. If you wish to avoid being taken advantage of, it is essential that you learn to read the room," Alastor stated as he began transferring the biscuits to a serving tray.
"What on earth does that even mean?" Lucifer inquired, watching as Alastor summoned his tentacles to transport the dishes to the dining hall.
"To put it simply, if you continue down this path, you will render yourself as defenseless as the prey I pursue for entertainment. If you keep exhausting yourself mentally and physically, exhausting your strength, you will inevitably reach a breaking point. And believe me when I say there are many within your realm who would be eager to seize power in such a moment of weakness. As you have previously mentioned, the conditions to our agreement, I see it leading you to spiral once more. You explicitly requested from me, and I quote: 'a firm kick to your backside' to help you emerge from this state, if you recall. The trial will proceed smoothly; we will gather the necessary evidence. I have promised to assist you in this endeavor, and I intend to keep that promise, but you must have patience," Alastor concluded, meeting Lucifer's incredulous gaze with calm assurance.
Lucifer found himself staring down at the countertop before him, grappling with the undeniable truth that Alastor had triumphed in their exchange, delivering what could be described as a masterful verbal defeat. This realization rendered Lucifer speechless. Before he could fully process the moment, he noticed Alastor standing beside him, extending a hand in a gesture of assistance. After a brief hesitation, Lucifer decided to accept the offer. He placed his small hand into Alastor's, who then lifted him up and suggested they proceed to the dining hall for breakfast.
"We shall reconvene this evening in my quarters" spoke Alastor, to which Lucifer responded with a nod, following closely behind the Radio Demon as they made their way to the dining hall.
After breakfast had concluded, the hotel residents began their daily routines. Angel went to work according to his usual schedule, Husk assumed his position behind the bar, and Nifty concentrated on cleaning the third floor to start. Meanwhile, Vaggie and Charlie were seated in their office, diligently engaged in filing paperwork and developing new lesson plans in light of the events that had occurred the previous day. Alastor was making his rounds throughout the hotel, addressing minor issues, checking inventory, and playfully bothering Husk at the bar to ruffle his feathers for a bit of entertainment. Following his conversation with Lucifer, Alastor arranged a lunch date with his good friend Rosie in Cannibal Town.
Although lunch with Rosie was typically an enjoyable affair, Alastor had a specific purpose for his visit that day: to gather information regarding what had occurred after he had withdrawn during the extermination. Rosie, with her characteristic sass, playfully reprimanded Alastor for sustaining injuries in the first place, but she was willing to share the information as long as he agreed to do her a favor. With a heavy sigh of resignation, he adhered to his own principle that "nothing in hell is free," not even information. He inquired of Rosie what she required from him, and the Cannibal Queen responded with nothing but a smile.
Consequently, this was how he found himself standing in front of a full length mirror wearing a burgundy dress while Rosie worked along the hem of the gown working in some intricate stitchings. It turned out that Alastor's figure closely matched the dimensions of the customer who had ordered the dress, necessitating some last-minute adjustments to the bottom before it was scheduled for pickup that afternoon. Alastor, clearly displeased with this arrangement, could hardly hide his dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, the information obtained proved to be highly valuable. Unbeknownst to Rosie, Alastor had captured her testimony using his microphone staff, which had been repaired when Lucifer healed him of his angelic injury months prior.
After Rosie finished her task of altering the dress for her client, she expressed her gratitude to Alastor for his assistance. Once the friendly exchanges were concluded, and they had made plans to meet again in the future, the Radio Demon departed from Cannibal Town, making his way back to the hotel. Typically, he would stroll back, relishing the minor chaos he generated wherever he went. However, after the challenges he faced that afternoon and the attempt to juggle too many responsibilities simultaneously, he opted for shadow travel to reach the hotel entrance, wishing to avoid wasting any more time.
At the entrance, Alastor reappeared and opened the door, making an effort to conceal his annoyance at having spent the majority of his afternoon in a dress. He felt a sense of relief to be back in his usual attire. As he stepped inside, Alastor observed that Husk was tending the bar, while the rest of the staff seemed to be absent from the main lobby. Approaching the bar, Alastor took a seat near Husk, who cast a brief glance at him, silently inquiring if his boss desired a drink. Alastor politely declined and instead asked Husk what he knew regarding the events following his confrontation with Adam. Husk raised an eyebrow at the Radio Demon, questioning why Alastor was inquiring about the extermination efforts after a span of two months. With a chuckle, Alastor assured Husk that he was simply curious, to which Husk immediately retorted with skepticism, labeling it as 'bullshit.' Alastor raised an eyebrow in response, challenging Husk to proceed with caution, especially given that the Radio Demon was already simmering with frustration. Sighing, Husk decided that the safest course of action was to recount the details of what had transpired: Adam's attacks on others, Sir Pentious's sacrifice as he piloted his blimp and ultimately met his demise, Charlie's battle against Adam, Lucifer's timely intervention, and, of course, Niffty's decisive strike. Alastor listened intently, processing the information while correlating it with Rosie's testimony, all the while documenting Husk's account with his staff.
After Husk had finished his explanation, Alastor thanked the man while getting up making a comment he wanted to discuss something with Charlie. Husk feeling immediately concerned, braved his skin asking if Alastor was about to do something reckless. Alastor turning to the once Gambling Overlord, smiled saying that something was in the works, but it was for the benefit of the hotel. Reeling back slightly, Husk stared at Alastor as if the man had grown a second head as the Radio Demon once again disappeared into his shadows and making his way upstairs.
Alastor reemerged near the office where he typically dedicated his time to reviewing the hotel's finances and tackling the extensive paperwork that Charlie often left for him whenever she found herself utterly perplexed by a particular issue. Vaggie was similarly inclined to this behavior, which irked Alastor; however, despite his annoyance, he understood that the two women were largely unfamiliar with handling tasks independently. Upon opening the office door, Alastor paused at the entrance, observing that both women and Lucifer were gathered in the room. The trio was clustered around Charlie's workspace, where she appeared visibly frustrated. After closing the door behind him, Alastor approached the three of them and leaned over the desk to examine the situation that seemed to be causing the problem.
On the desk in front of the now quartet sat a package devoid of any sender information. However, it was the contents of this package that elicited a startled shriek from Alastor, generating a wave of radio static that compelled the occupants to cover their ears. Lucifer was the first to shake off the shock, instructing the Radio Demon to stop his outburst. Alastor blinked in surprise and offered an apology uncharacteristic of himself for his peculiar display of behavior. Nodding in understanding, Lucifer turned his attention to the package, where in the box sat a red vibrator and a ball gag both the colors red and black and placed a reassuring hand on Charlie's back.
"We will uncover the identity of the sender, my duckling. Trust me on this matter," Lucifer remarked darkly, prompting Alastor to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
"That's not the issue, Dad. The only person who comes to mind to send me something like this is Seviathan von Eldritch, but I doubt he would resort to something so uh-gross," Charlie replied with an exasperated sigh, while Vaggie remained silent.
"This could very well be the work of the Vee's. If I remember correctly, didn't Valentino proposition you while he was licking your arm?" Alastor stated with a sinister grin, observing the swift shift in Lucifer's demeanor toward barely contained rage.
"Excuse me, what?" Lucifer snarled, causing Charlie to draw back in her seat, locking eyes with her father.
"Alastor! Ugh, it was nothing, Dad. I simply went to the studio where Angel works to advocate for him to have more time off at the hotel, and his boss thought I was there for a role in one of his films and that was the entirety of it," Charlie explained, genuinely apprehensive that her father was on the verge of unleashing his anger upon the sinners.
"Charlie, I can comprehend your father's anger; it reflects disrespect to your position as a princess. They have mocked and ridiculed you behind your back, showing little regard for your position as a future ruler," Vaggie interjected, only to be interrupted by Alastor.
"Vagatha is correct, my dear. You have much to learn about the happenings within your kingdom, which is why I propose that you and your father retire to the other room for a cup of tea," Alastor suggested, leaving both royals puzzled by his sudden shift in demeanor, while Vaggie regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze as if she suspected he was scheming.
"You know what? Yes, let's proceed with that, Dad…" Charlie replied, seeking an escape route and seizing the opportunity without hesitation.
As Charlie and Lucifer departed, Vaggie leaned against the desk, directing a piercing glare at Alastor, as if she suspected him of having ulterior motives. In truth, her instincts were not entirely unfounded for he was originally going to ask Charlie something, too bad it backfired. Not showing a fault in his demeanor, Alastor soon approached his personal desk and settled into his chair, leaning back in a moment of relaxation before turning his attention back to Vaggie.
"Do not fret over trivial matters; I simply wished for them to vacate the room so that I could work in peace. You are aware of how Charlie behaves when she becomes exasperated, and our dear king appeared to be on the brink of causing mass warfare," Alastor remarked, while Vaggie continued to scrutinize him. Eventually, she closed her eyes and set aside her suspicions.
The fallen angel then took a seat at Charlie's desk, pushing aside a package of dubious nature. In an instant, Alastor snapped his fingers, causing the package to vanish into his personal pocket dimension. Vaggie initially stared at Alastor in astonishment before nodding silently and turning her attention to her own paperwork. Summoning his quill and parchment once again, Alastor arranged them on his desk, placing his cane within reach to pick up sound, ensuring Vaggie's voice could be heard, as he worked on the next step of his plan.
"So, how have things been at the hotel today?" Alastor inquired, attempting to engage in light conversation while subtly phishing for the information he desired.
"The bathrooms on the third was clogged again, and Niffty got stuck in the toilet while chasing yet another roach, but the king managed to rescue her. Then, there was yet another issue with the lighting in the dining hall, which Charlie's father assisted with," Vaggie explained, recounting several instances in which Lucifer had intervened to resolve minor problems within the hotel, until the arrival of the package disrupted the flow of events.
Alastor sat in silence, feigning interest in some financial paperwork while he attentively listened to Vaggie. He realized that Lucifer was once again acting foolishly, allowing his anxiety to drive him into overworking. Consequently, Alastor found himself in another position of having to deliver a metaphorical "kick to the ass" to Lucifer, as the saying goes. With a sigh, he placed the document he had been concealing onto the desk, leaned back in his chair, and rested his folded hands on his chest.
"Have you received any updates from Charlie regarding the exterminations following Adam's demise?" Alastor inquired, hoping to entice Vaggie into divulging information without becoming suspicious of his intentions.
"Aside from Pentious being redeemed, no... I am concerned, though; Heaven is usually not this indifferent about such matters," Vaggie replied, casting a glance at Alastor before her expression shifted to one of scrutiny, as if questioning his true motives.
"I'm merely curious about the potential gossip that might arise, although I am particularly interested in what transpired after Adam left me on the rooftop," Alastor stated, irritation creeping into his voice.
"Why would you be concerned about that now, it happened two months ago!? Furthermore, didn't Charlie's dad update you when we practically found you unconscious in a hallway due to your angelic injury?" Vaggie remarked, causing Alastor to internally wince at the memory of that brief moment of vulnerability that everyone had witnessed. He realized that obtaining the answers he sought would not be straightforward, but changed his tactics.
"Would you believe me if I said I was asked to inquire by someone?" Alastor posed, hoping to lower Vaggie's defenses against his probing questions.
"No... but I wouldn't be surprised if Carmilla had a hand in this. After all, she is an Overlord, and according to Charlie, you do have a meeting coming up," Vaggie responded, prompting Alastor to direct his attention to his desk, contemplating how best to navigate the situation given the terms she had laid out before him while just nodding quietly and playing along Vaggie's game.
Casting another glance at the Radio Demon, Vaggie took the opportunity to explain her perspective on the extermination to Alastor, providing him with details about Adam's Lieutenant, Lute, and their subsequent confrontation. She recounted the precise moment when Lucifer entered the fray, just as Adam was struck in the face. Alastor smirked darkly, secretly wishing he had been present to witness the first man being put in his place. In all honesty, Alastor had not anticipated that Vaggie would divulge nearly everything, yet he felt grateful for her candor, as it would aid Lucifer during the trial later without violating the blood pact between himself and the king.
"That should explain everything. Please make sure the information makes it to Carmilla. Although I did not strike a deal when she taught me to fight, I still owe her that much," Vaggie stated after relaying all the information to Alastor, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"Very well, my dear. It shall be accomplished," Alastor replied, feeling it prudent to neither confirm nor deny the intended recipient of the information.
The two remained silent in the room for a moment after the conversation ended, during which Vaggie redirected her attention to the tasks on Charlie's desk. Meanwhile, Alastor made his scroll and quill disappear as he leaned over to collect some papers, which he neatly placed into a folder to tuck under his arm while reaching for his staff. Once he had his staff in hand, Alastor quietly approached the office door, bidding Vaggie a pleasant evening before stepping outside and closing the door behind him.
During the time that Alastor and Vaggie were left in the office, Charlie had taken the initiative to lead Lucifer to the hotel lobby. Husk was currently stationed at the bar, diligently cleaning and rearranging glasses to enhance accessibility. Charlie quickly turned to face Lucifer, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders. By this point, he appeared to have calmed down after the earlier events in the office. With a sigh, she leaned slightly forward, maintaining her grip on her father's shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly, lifting her gaze to meet her father's gentle eyes before finally releasing her hold on him.
"I am truly sorry, Dad. I don't understand why Alastor chose to bring that up after all this time," Charlie expressed, momentarily fixating on the stairs before turning her attention back to Lucifer, offering him an awkward smile.
"That's alright, duckie, but I have to ask: I thought I had taught you better than to take shit from other demons!? You should never have allowed him to lick your arm; you ought to have demanded respect," Lucifer responded.
"But that is so mean!" Charlie protested, seeking comfort from her father.
The two stood at the entrance of the lobby, processing the 'tea' that Alastor had spilled between them through a calm conversation. Once the atmosphere had settled, Lucifer inquired whether Charlie needed any assistance navigating the hotel that afternoon, While he spent a good amount of time assisting throughout the day, he found himself feeling restless. Aware that he would be reconvening in Alastor's room later that evening, he felt utterly exhausted from lack of sleep, yet his nervous energy required an outlet especially after what had just occurred. Charlie's face lit up with enthusiasm as she replied that there was always something to do. Within moments, Lucifer found himself with a small list of tasks, predominantly consisting of housekeeping duties, which would involve interacting with Niffty. With a grateful smile directed at her father for helping to lighten her workload, Charlie stepped over to the seating area and settled onto one of the sofas in the lobby, summoning a stack of her own paperwork to work on further lesson plans for the hotel residents.
With a warm smile, Lucifer expressed his pride in Charlie before departing from the lobby in search of Niffty. As he meandered past the bar, where Husk was diligently cleaning glasses, he decided to take a seat, reasoning that indulging in a drink or two would not cause any harm before attending to the tasks assigned to him by his daughter. Husk, noticing Lucifer's presence at the bar, glanced up from his work and raised an eyebrow in silent inquiry. A nod from Lucifer prompted Husk to pour a drink and slide the glass over to the king's outstretched hand. Despite his general aversion to Alastor, Lucifer had to acknowledge that the staff members chosen by the Radio Demon for the hotel's daily operations were commendable selections. He appreciated Husk's calm demeanor and laid-back attitude, except when it came to Angel's relentless flirting, which would show Husk's colorful vocabulary depending on the crime committed. Niffty on the other hand, was exceptionally adept and swift in maintaining the hotel's cleanliness and organization; although many regarded her as harmless, her ability to stealthily approach and stab a man in the back was indeed surprising. While Lucifer held concerns about Niffty's mental stability, he felt a sense of trust in her ability to keep Charlie safe.
Husk observed the king as he enjoyed his drink, aware that something unusual was occurring within the hotel because Alastor was acting out of character. There was no chance that Alastor would ever disclose anything about his thoughts or plans. The fact that his boss had made such a shocking statement and then walked away as if nothing was wrong heightened Husk's suspicions. This feeling was further amplified by Alastor's question about the extermination, particularly regarding Husk's viewpoint. The feline was not naive; he understood that Alastor's staff was recording their conversation. This was a skill that had caused him trouble more than once in the past concerning certain subjects, and Husk could still remember the fear he felt when the microphone staff relayed his words from long ago, when he felt unheard. This was one of the primary reasons Husk was careful about what he said in Alastor's absence.
However, his attention shifted back to Lucifer, who seemed to be gradually unraveling and displayed clear signs of mental and physical exhaustion. As Husk returned to cleaning another glass, he decided to prepare a stronger drink for the king. Lucifer, while sipped his drink, had thoughts shifting from one concern to another. With Adam dead, significant changes were on the horizon. Naturally, the King never truly expressed those worries to Alastor or anyone for that matter; after all, the demon in question was already doing so much by gathering testimonies from the residents who had fought against Adam during the extermination. With the treaty broken, Lucifer now had to be concerned about all the Hellborn in Hell. They were no longer protected, along with the Ars Goetia, which was the highest authority under the Sins who govern Hell. Granted, the Sins could probably fend for themselves, but their people in their rings were now caught in the crossfire. Sighing, Lucifer pulled himself out of his thoughts to glance at Husk, who placed another glass in front of him without saying a word. With a nod of thanks, Lucifer slid his old glass to the bartender, who took it and brought it over to the sink. Once the task was completed, Husk approached Lucifer once more, offering his ear if the king needed to vent.
Lucifer engaged in a conversation with Husk once it was offered. Although the king was aware that Alastor was in the process of gathering testimonies, he remained unaware of the specific individuals that Alastor was focusing on. Furthermore, he acknowledged that the former Gambling Overlord possessed a remarkable skill for extracting subtle hints from conversations an example he called him out earlier for. Consequently, with a sense of caution, Lucifer resolved to keep the more troubling matters to himself this time around. As the last of the alcohol was drained from his glass, Lucifer expressed his gratitude to Husk for the time spent together and concluded that it would be an opportune moment to meet with Niffty and commence the tasks assigned to him by Charlie. Rising from his seat at the bar, Lucifer offered Husk a brief farewell before ascending the stairs in search of her.
When Lucifer ultimately discovered the energetic maid, she was situated on the fourth floor after everything that happened that morning, engrossed in the pursuit of bugs once again. The source of these bugs, which had appeared after the hotel underwent reconstruction, perplexed him, prompting him to dismiss the thought entirely. Naturally, when Lucifer managed to get the woman to pause and offered his assistance, Niffty was overjoyed, enthusiastically proclaiming how the quintessential bad boy was coming to her aid. Lucifer could only respond with an awkward laugh at her exuberance as the two commenced tackling a variety of tasks within the hotel.
From washing windows, dusting and cleaning banisters, to flying up to the chandelier for a thorough dusting, Lucifer found himself deeply engaged in the monotonous chores. Nevertheless, these activities proved beneficial in keeping his anxiety and depression at bay. Niffty certainly presented as a fascinating character; through their time spent working together, Lucifer began to comprehend why Alastor kept her in such close proximity. The young woman was undeniably a handful, yet her occasional naivety raised concerns for Lucifer, leading him to ponder whether anyone had ever attempted to harm Niffty or if Alastor had intervened before they had the opportunity. In general, he felt that he was getting to know Niffty better as he spent more time with her, and this development would also likely bring Charlie joy, as it indicated that her father was forming connections with the other residents.
Approximately two hours had passed since Lucifer began assisting Niffty. During this time, he utilized his magical abilities to mend various items he encountered throughout the day just like he had done that morning. He soon became acutely aware of his exhaustion starting to build, a result of his sleepless night, the persistent anxiety that had been haunting him since the announcement of the trial, and a host of other personal issues he preferred to keep to himself all afternoon. At that moment, Lucifer found himself manually repairing the stovetop in the kitchen. This situation arose because a resident, who should not have accessed that kitchen of the hotel without permission form either Charlie, Alastor, or himself, had snuck in with the intention of preparing a grilled cheese sandwich. Unfortunately, this individual succeeded in igniting a fire on the stovetop after managing to burn the sandwich to a crisp and inadvertently spilling melted cheese onto the ignition area of the burner, which ultimately led to the flames being ignited.
With his sleeves rolled up and his hands stained with grime and grease, along with a few smudges on his face, Lucifer diligently employed delicate tools to address the issue manually, opting against the use of his magic for the time being. The most challenging aspect of his task was removing the thick layer of crisped cheese that had accumulated on the burner, which proved to be an incredibly frustrating endeavor. Moreover, Lucifer felt a sense of relief that Alastor had not yet discovered this chaotic situation; he could only imagine that if the Radio Demon were to find out, the sinner who messed up his kitchen would face dire consequences before breakfast the following day. As he scraped away another chunk of burnt cheese, he turned to dispose of the charred remnants in the trash, he continued his work. During one of those small turns towards the trash can, Lucifer's vision became hazy, darkening around the edges as he struggled to maintain his balance while he worked. He took a deep breath to regain his composure and snapped his fingers, understanding that attempting to finish this task manually could pose risks if he was not cautious, particularly given the dizziness he was experiencing. At that precise moment, when he snapped his fingers, he lost his balance and collapsed against a chair nearby, sliding down to the floor as his vision blurred once more. Believing that his faintness was due to hunger, he pushed himself off the floor and made his way to the pantry in search of a light snack. As he rose, it was evident that Lucifer was unstable, with fatigue pressing heavily upon him.
Determined to clear his mind, Lucifer persevered in his journey to the pantry, where he retrieved one of Angel's granola bars, a snack the spider often enjoyed. Lucifer reasoned that the spider would likely not object to him consuming at least one of the bars. After unwrapping the bar and taking a bite, the king surveyed the room, his gaze eventually returning to the stovetop. To his surprise, he realized that despite nearly fainting in the midst of repairing it by snapping his fingers, the stovetop was now in impeccable condition. Nodding to himself in acknowledgment, Lucifer soon departed the kitchen to seek out Niffty once more.
After catching up with Niffty, both of them resumed their work on Charlie's list. Another hour had passed and Lucifer started to experience feelings of illness; he felt dizzy and lightheaded even after eating, alternating between feeling hot and cold, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue washed over him. Despite this, he had learned from his experiences with the importance of maintaining a façade, often summarized as 'fake it until you make it.' Soon the number of tasks completed from Charlie's list began to diminish, Lucifer eventually reached a threshold where the pressure became too great. With as much politeness as he could muster, he informed Niffty of his decision to stop working for the day and expressed his gratitude for her assistance. In response, Niffty simply smiled, climbed up his leg, and embraced him, advising him to take care of 'King Roach,' which left Lucifer puzzled about the identity of the individual she mentioned. Disregarding the thought, Lucifer made his way back to the bar, hoping that Husk would be present to serve him a glass of water.
As Lucifer made his way back to the bar, Alastor was seen descending the staircase, also heading in the same direction. When their paths crossed, they exchanged a nod of mutual understanding, though Alastor couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Lucifer's weary appearance. With his folder securely tucked under his arm, Alastor settled into a seat, positioning his staff nearby, while Lucifer took the adjacent seat, crossing his arms over the counter and resting his head upon them. Husk, the bartender, was taken aback to see both men seated at his bar without any inclination to threaten one another, a rarity he found puzzling. Attempting to dismiss the thought, Husk retrieved two glasses in preparation for their drinks, but just as he was about to pour, Lucifer lifted his head and requested a glass of water. Husk raised an eyebrow at this unusual request, shrugged, and slid a glass of water towards the king while simultaneously passing a glass of rye to his boss. Ensuring that neither man required anything further, Husk informed Alastor that he would be stepping out for a brief break. The Radio Demon responded with a hum, acknowledging that Husk's action was merely a gesture of politeness.
Once Husk exited the room, Alastor summoned a piece of parchment and a quill once again, activating his magic to synchronize with his staff. By focusing his magic on radio waves, he gained control over the volume of sound that could be emitted from his staff at any given moment. As the staff radiated a luminous green light, the quill and parchment mirrored this hue, causing the pen to glide across the paper at an astonishing speed that Lucifer, in his fatigued state, could hardly fathom. Nonetheless, the king found solace in the pleasant glow, as he was merely moments away from succumbing to sleep at the bar. After taking a sip of his rye whiskey, Alastor, with his magic now in place, cast a knowing smirk in Lucifer's direction.
"If you persist in tempting fate, I might as well have placed wagers on how long you would remain upright, your majesty. I simply cannot permit you to cultivate a habit of confirming my predictions multiple times a day; it would ultimately make the game quite tedious," Alastor commented, provoking an exasperated groan from Lucifer in response to the implication.
"Listen, Bambi, could you possibly refrain from speaking for more than ten minutes, or do you genuinely take pleasure in the sound of your own voice? Regardless, overseeing the hotel today has been thoroughly exhausting, and the sinners appear to be courting disaster following the ordeal I just faced," Lucifer countered, as Alastor raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Nevertheless, Lucifer's expression conveyed a clear, unspoken warning: 'do not inquire further.'
"Nonetheless, I have managed to gather some pertinent information. I have instructed my staff to transcribe any recordings made during the interrogation onto the parchment, while the quill diligently writes and organizes my notes in preparation for this evening's meeting concerning your trial," Alastor elaborated, prompting Lucifer to momentarily lift his gaze before quickly refocusing on the quill as it moved efficiently across the parchment.
"Are these the final notes?" Lucifer asked, to which Alastor replied with a nod of affirmation.
The two men remained in silence as the quill continued its work. Alastor leisurely sipped his rye, treating it with the same reverence one might reserve for fine wine, while Lucifer took small sips of water, his stomach churning violently enough to prompt Alastor to silently question his companion's well-being. With a groan, Lucifer lifted his head and straightened himself in his seat. Alastor could only glance at him in mild shock, his expression conveying a mix of surprise and a silent 'I told you so.' In the short time they had spent at Husk's bar, Lucifer had visibly paled. Alastor was reluctant to stir up any drama, a tendency more characteristic of Angel, but he found it difficult to suppress his concern for Lucifer. With a resigned sigh, Alastor ceased his magical activities, tucking the parchment and quill back into his pocket dimension. He then grasped his staff and set off in search of Charlie.
It did not take long for Alastor to locate Charlie, who was seated on one of the sofas in the lobby and surrounded by a disarray of papers. As he approached, Charlie looked up from her paperwork, offering him a friendly smile as she greeted him.
"Hey! I'm sorry for my reaction earlier; I panicked when you mentioned Valentino to my Dad. I was really concerned about him going to Vee Tower and potentially starting a conflict," Charlie remarked, while Alastor raised his hand to assure her.
"Not an issue at all, my charming demon belle. However, I do require your assistance with another matter; I hope I am not interrupting?" Alastor inquired, to which Charlie shook her head in response when he mentioned that Lucifer had been behaving unusually.
Upon hearing where her father was, Charlie promptly rose to her hooves and hurried to the bar area. As they reached the stools, they discovered Husk, who had seemingly just returned from his break, on the floor with Lucifer slumped against his chest, appearing to have lost consciousness during the time Alastor had been gone to find Charlie. As the group gathered around, Alastor noticed that while Lucifer's complexion remained largely unchanged, he appeared to have dark circles under his eyes along with his labored breathing were alarming new developments. Amid Charlie's rising panic over her father, Vaggie arrived at the bottom of the stairs after hearing the commotion. She quickly rushed over, inquiring about what had transpired, which caused everyone to turn their attention toward Alastor.
"I am innocent this time, my dear. I was simply enjoying a glass of rye with His Majesty while he rested his head on the counter. When he lifted his head and I noticed him turning pale rather quickly, I thought it best to inform Charlotte," Alastor stated as everyone observed him with scrutinizing eyes.
"The boss is being truthful for once. I walked away after serving Lucifer a glass of water and the boss a glass of rye. I informed both of them that I was taking a break; Lucifer had already rested his head on the counter when I handed him the water," Husk added, casting a brief glance at Alastor, who nodded in acknowledgment as Vaggie began to assess Lucifer's vital signs.
"It appears to be exhaustion, accompanied by a cold, which I was unaware seraphim could even contract," Vaggie remarked, prompting Charlie to inquire about her father's condition. Vaggie responded with a reassuring smile.
While the group was preoccupied with their concerns for the king, Alastor summoned his tentacles to gently lift the king off Husk's chest. When Vaggie shot him a disapproving glare, Alastor maintained his position until she permitted him to relocate Lucifer to the sofa, where he had just encountered Charlie. The princess, realizing Alastor's intentions, hurried over to clear her paperwork before Alastor carefully placed the king onto the sofa and retrieved a blanket from a nearby chair to cover him.
Lucifer was unaware of how close he was to losing consciousness until he experienced the disorienting sensation of the world falling away beneath him as he tipped backward off his stool. The anxiety that had haunted him since the previous day, combined with the suffocating darkness of his depression, felt as though it was wrapping around him with a cruel grip, constricting his lungs and making it difficult for him to breathe. The temperature fluctuated drastically, leaving him feeling both excessively hot and unbearably cold, as if his powers were battling for some semblance of control. At that moment, the only sensation he could register in his own body was the firm pressure of a strong chest against his back, accompanied by sporadic shakes and the sound of someone calling his name. He felt a sense of gratitude toward whoever was trying to reach him.
As more voices joined the fray, Lucifer felt increasingly lost; wasn't he being taken somewhere? He struggled to pry his eyes open, acutely aware of the fatigue he had been concealing for several hours. He heard Vaggie's voice mentioning something about a cold and expressing her disbelief that seraphim could catch them. An inward chuckle escaped him at the thought; of course he could catch a cold—after all, he was a fallen angel. In the next instant, he felt himself being lifted by something slippery yet gentle, as if he were the most delicate piece of glass. He surmised that it must be Alastor's tentacles. Soon, he felt the softness of something against his back, followed by the comforting warmth of a covering being draped over him. The oppressive weight that had clouded his mind and constricted his lungs began to lift, allowing him to slowly regain awareness of himself. As he relaxed further into the warmth enveloping him, he came to the realization that he was safe. With this comforting thought in mind, he finally allowed himself to surrender to rest.
As the other residents of the hotel gathered in the room where Lucifer seemed to finally be at rest, Charlie turned to Alastor and expressed her apologies, feeling a deep sense of remorse for her father's decision to remain silent about his condition. Alastor responded with his customary indifference, assuring her that it was of no consequence. His attention then shifted to Husker, for whom he expressed gratitude for the assistance provided. In response, Husk let out a grunt of annoyance before rising to return to the bar, where he intended to tidy up the mess that had been left behind. Once Husk left the room, Alastor redirected his focus to Charlie and Vaggie, who were engaged in a quiet conversation, careful not to disturb the slumbering king. Unbeknownst to them, Lucifer began to stir, gradually opening his eyes and surveying the room in a state of confusion. Charlie was the first to notice, and she quickly rushed to her father's side, bombarding him with inquiries regarding his health. Lucifer responded with a soft chuckle at her concern, gradually maneuvering himself into a seated position.
"I apologize, duckling; it seems I have once again overexerted myself," Lucifer remarked, his voice laced with regret, as Charlie's expression shifted to one of alarm.
"You did much more than simply overdo it, Dad! You fainted and collapsed from a bar stool! I know you may not want to hear this at the moment, but the hotel can manage without your assistance for a few days. I insist that you take a few days of rest," Charlie asserted firmly, leaving Lucifer in a state of disbelief that his own daughter believed she could command the king of Hell. His thoughts were interrupted by an unexpected fit of chuckles.
Alastor, known as the Radio Demon and feared by many, was laughing at Lucifer while discreetly covering his mouth with his hand. Charlie and Vaggie could only observe in astonishment as Alastor displayed emotions, a rarity in their experience.
"It appears I have won our little wager, my liege. You would do well to heed your daughter's advice; although you have not shown much concern for her well-being in the past, she genuinely cares for yours. Furthermore, she is correct: while you take your leave, I will ensure that the operations of the hotel run smoothly in your absence," Alastor stated, leaving Lucifer to ponder whether he should feel insulted or touched by Alastor's remarks.
"I am don't know of what wager you both engaged in, but I stand with Charlie on this matter. You need to rest, Your Highness. Allow us to escort you to your room, where you will be more at ease," Vaggie suggested, moving to assist Lucifer. However, Alastor interjected before she could reach him.
"I believe it would be much simpler for me to teleport him to his quarters. No offense intended, ladies, but helping his majesty up thirteen flights of stairs would be quite the formidable challenge for both of you," Alastor commented. Vaggie was ready to become defensive, but Charlie quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation.
The girls gazed at Alastor with expressions of defeat as the Radio Demon approached Lucifer and effortlessly bent down to lift the king into his arms. Charlie could only smile at Alastor, who ensured that the blanket draped over Lucifer remained mostly in place. Naturally, Lucifer was not one to make things straightforward; he made a few offhand remarks insinuating that the Radio Demon must have a fondness for him if he was willing to carry him to bed. Alastor's static emitted a sharp screech for a brief moment in response to the innuendo before he pulled both Lucifer and himself into the shadows. Charlie paused for a moment as the innuendo registered in her mind, causing her to blush deeply. She found it hard to comprehend that her father would make such a remark, especially directed at Alastor of all people. Nevertheless, as she continued to reflect on the situation, she came to the realization that the hotel must have had some influence over Alastor, given that he did not directly react to the taunt.
Within the confines of the king's quarters, Alastor reappeared, supporting a gasping Lucifer who had placed a hand to his forehead. With a murmured apology, Alastor approached Lucifer's bed and carefully laid the king down on the surface, summoning a damp cloth to wipe the perspiration from Lucifer's brow. After taking several slow, calming breaths, Lucifer gazed at Alastor in gratitude before the Radio Demon made his way over to a nearby lounger and took a seat.
"Would you prefer to have this conversation now, or would you rather wait until you feel better?" Alastor inquired, noting Lucifer's groan, which led him to believe that this was the reason Alastor had offered to escort him to his room.
"I suppose we might as well get it over with, right?" Lucifer replied as Alastor summoned his parchment.
"Well, there's no time like the present, as they say. In any case, my lord, the notes I have gathered are as follows," Alastor stated as he began detailing the testimonies of various individuals, including the information he had obtained from Vaggie, Husk, and Rosie, along with his personal account of the encounter with Adam. Lucifer was taken aback by how meticulously everything had been documented.
As the two continued their discussion, outlining notes and adhering to the terms of the 'Gentlemen's Bond,' they worked to strategize the entire case in hopes of securing a favorable outcome, contingent upon Sir Pentious's confirmation of the information. However, despite Lucifer's deteriorating condition, it was evident that Heaven was not inclined to delay matters, as a golden envelope materialized on his workbench before the two men. Alastor, surprised by this unexpected occurrence, asked if he should retrieve the envelope for Lucifer, to which the king gave a nod of agreement.
Rising from his seat, Alastor approached Lucifer's workbench and reached out to touch the letter. Upon making contact, a wave of unease washed over Alastor's stomach, prompting him to swiftly pass the envelope to Lucifer's outstretched hand. With a snap of his fingers, Lucifer opened the top of the envelope, revealing a golden parchment that unfurled before him, accompanied by the resonant voice of Sera.
"Lucifer Morningstar, you are hereby summoned to Heaven for a trial regarding your connection with the death of the first man, Adam. Until the conclusion of this trial, the extermination will be suspended; should the outcome favor Hell, a new treaty will be established. However, if you are found guilty, you will be stripped of your powers and compelled to have Lilith govern your sanction. A portal will be sent to your location within the next day. Farewell!" The voice proclaimed, leaving both Lucifer and Alastor in a state of mild surprise and disbelief.
"I warned you that they don't play fair… Heaven prefers to deal with Lilith rather than me, burdened as they are with the guilt of their inaction while my wings were taken and my halo was torn away," Lucifer remarked casually, eliciting a sigh from Alastor.
Alastor was not one to easily admit to his flaws; however, as he observed the angel's perspective on Lucifer, he was struck by an unsettling feeling, as though something momentous was about to unfold. With this thought occupying his mind, as Lucifer began to succumb to sleep once again, Alastor made a firm decision to triumph in this battle against heaven, driven not by loyalty to the so-called 'Gentlemen's Bond,' but rather by a deep-seated resentment. He summoned his quill and parchment once more, and, mindful of the need to keep his staff's powers almost quiet as to not to disturb the king's slumber, Alastor meticulously revised his document of testimonies and commenced preparations for a potential conflict.