A/N: Don't forget to check out my original novel: Can I Magic Please. It's like really good. đ
ANYWHOOO. ENJOY THE CHAPTER
Ohh also. Can you all send me some Son meme variants if you have any. Much appreciated.
---
The feast began before the applause had fully died.
Servants poured into the capital square carrying trays piled high with food.
Roasted meats glistened under torchlight.
Fresh bread was stacked in towering baskets.
Fruit, sweets, and steaming dishes filled tables that seemed to stretch endlessly across the plaza.
Barrels of wine and ale were rolled into place.
Music began shortly thereafter.
At first, the celebration was hesitant.
The people of Coleus still carried too much uncertainty.
Too much fear.
Too many unanswered questions.
But as the night continuedâ
Those fears slowly gave way to something warmer.
Hope.
Children laughed while running between tables.
Adventurers challenged one another to drinking contests.
Merchants spoke excitedly about new opportunities.
Nobles cautiously mingled with commoners.
Musicians played lively songs that soon drew couples and families into spontaneous dancing.
And at the center of it allâ
Loki sat among his people.
Not hidden behind guards.
Not isolated on a distant throne.
But seated openly at a large table, eating and speaking with anyone brave enough to approach.
At first, only a few dared.
A merchant thanked him for addressing the trade concerns directly.
A mother tearfully expressed relief after hearing Velzard's promise.
A group of adventurers enthusiastically asked about his plans for the guild.
Loki answered each with surprising patience.
And once word spread that he genuinely listenedâ
The line grew.
"Your Majesty, will there really be reduced taxes for blacksmiths?"
"That's the plan."
"Will the roads to the wastelands be improved?"
"Absolutely."
"Can I have another piece of roast boar?"
Loki blinked at the young boy asking the question.
Then grinned and handed him two.
The child nearly fainted from joy.
Nearby, Milim would have declared him the greatest king alive.
Though thankfully, Milim herself was nowhere in sight.
Rimuru, had he been present, would have considered that the greatest blessing of all.
Shizue moved through the crowd with a soft smile.
Velzard sat calmly beside Loki, her presence reassuring rather than frightening.
Ultima and Carrera sampled wine while criticizing nearly everything and somehow still enjoying themselves.
Moss stood discreetly among the guests, already observing the political currents of the kingdom.
And Testarossaâ
Watched it all with unmistakable satisfaction.
This was what she had hoped for.
The fear was fading.
The people were beginning to believe.
When the celebration had fully settled into joyous momentumâ
Testarossa rose gracefully and stepped toward the main podium.
She tapped a glass lightly.
The clear tone echoed across the square.
Gradually, conversations quieted.
The music softened.
Thousands turned their attention toward the Primordial White.
Testarossa smiled elegantly.
"Citizens of Coleus."
Her voice carried smoothly across the gathering.
"Tonight marks more than the beginning of a new reign."
"It marks the beginning of a new government."
Interest spread immediately through the crowd.
Testarossa continued.
"A kingdom cannot be rebuilt through strength alone."
"It requires structure."
"Responsibility."
"Competence."
She allowed herself a small, proud smile.
"Fortunately, Lord Loki has gathered exceptional individuals."
Several members of the future administration looked mildly surprised.
Others looked smug.
Testarossa began.
"First and foremostâŚ"
She turned slightly toward Loki.
"Our Supreme Leader and King."
"Lord Loki Arashi."
Thunderous applause erupted immediately.
Loki raised one hand awkwardly while chewing.
Testarossa continued smoothly.
"As sovereign, Lord Loki will provide the ultimate authority and vision guiding the future of this kingdom."
In other wordsâ
He would make the final decisions.
And terrify any enemies foolish enough to challenge them.
"Prime Minister."
She placed one hand lightly over her chest.
"Testarossa."
The applause remained strong.
"As Prime Minister, I will oversee the daily administration of the kingdom and ensure that every branch of government operates efficiently."
Several demons nearby nodded reverently.
Testarossa's smile deepened slightly.
"Lady Carrera will serve as Commander-in-Chief of the Army."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"In this role, she will direct the strategic use of our military forces and coordinate national defense."
In practical termsâ
She would handle almost everything.
And everyone knew it.
"Chiefs of Staff."
She gestured toward Prince Sauzer and Prince Aslan.
"Prince Sauzer and Prince Aslan."
The two princes straightened proudly.
"As joint Chiefs of Staff, they will represent the concerns of the people, coordinate with the nobility and military, and assist in implementing national policy."
The applause that followed was heartfelt.
The princes were trusted.
Their inclusion reassured the crowd immediately.
"Director of Intelligence."
Moss stepped forward with a composed bow.
"Moss."
Some citizens shivered instinctively at his presence.
"As Director of Intelligence, Moss will gather information, monitor threats, and ensure the kingdom is never caught unaware."
No one doubted his ability.
Especially since many were quietly convinced he already knew their deepest secrets.
"Minister of Finance."
Cien stepped forward elegantly.
"Cien."
"As Minister of Finance, he will oversee taxation, budgets, and economic planning."
In other wordsâ
The kingdom's money would be in terrifyingly capable hands.
"Minister of Foreign Affairs."
Veyron bowed respectfully.
"Veyron."
"He will manage diplomacy, treaties, and relations with foreign nations."
A vital role, particularly given current circumstances.
"Chief Prosecutor and Supreme Legal Enforcer."
Ultima grinned with obvious delight.
"Lady Ultima."
The crowd applauded with a mixture of admiration and fear.
"She will oversee the legal system and ensure that justice is carried out throughout the kingdom."
Several criminals in attendance suddenly reconsidered their life choices.
"Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces."
Agera stepped forward.
The ancient warrior bowed respectfully toward Loki first, then the crowd.
"Agera."
"He will lead the military in the field and command our armies during wartime. As well as provide training for the army."
The old swordsman's presence alone inspired confidence.
And fear.
Mostly confidence.
"Chief of Internal Logistics."
Zonda stepped forward.
"Zonda."
"He will manage transportation, supply chains, and the movement of resources throughout the kingdom."
A role essential to trade, infrastructure, and military readiness alike.
Finallyâ
Testarossa folded her hands elegantly.
"These individuals will serve as the core government responsible for rebuilding Coleus."
She looked across the cheering crowd.
"A government founded upon loyalty."
"Competence."
"And absolute devotion to Lord Loki."
That final line earned the loudest cheers of all from the demonic contingent.
The citizens followed suit.
Applause thundered through the capital square.
Hope had transformed into celebration.
And celebration into belief.
Loki looked around at the people of his kingdom.
Laughing.
Eating.
Cheering.
Trusting.
For the first time since taking the throneâ
Coleus truly felt like his nation.
---
The morning after the banquet dawned bright and clear over Coleus.
Despite the late-night celebration, the royal castle was already bustling with activity.
Servants moved through the halls carrying documents.
Demons reported to their newly assigned offices.
Messengers came and went with increasing urgency.
The machinery of government had begun turning in earnest.
And at the center of it allâ
Breakfast was being served.
The grand dining hall had become unusually lively in recent days.
One of the main reasons for that was Shizue Izawa.
Having taken a personal interest in the castle kitchens, Shizue had effectively become the head chef.
Not officially.
No one had actually appointed her.
But after introducing entirely new dishes from another world and winning overwhelming approval from nearly everyone in the castleâ
The position had become hers naturally.
This morning was no exception.
Steam rose from freshly prepared dishes as Shizue, assisted by several eager demon attendants, directed the final preparations.
The demons had taken to cooking with almost frightening dedication.
Naturally, anything associated with Lord Loki received their utmost effort.
And since Lord Loki clearly liked Shizueâ
They treated her with extraordinary respect.
One by one, dishes were placed upon the long breakfast table.
Fluffy omelets.
Golden pancakes.
Crisp bacon.
Fresh bread.
Fruit preserves.
Sausages.
Rice.
Soup.
And several other dishes unfamiliar to most of the attendees.
Seated around the table were the principal figures of the Coleus government.
Loki sat at the center.
To one side sat Testarossa and Velzard.
Nearby were Ultima, Carrera, Moss, Cien, Veyron, Zonda, and Agera.
Prince Sauzer and Prince Aslan sat together with Princess Zenobia.
And Shizue herself finally joined them after ensuring everything was properly arranged.
As soon as everyone began eatingâ
Questions started immediately.
Carrera raised her fork while staring suspiciously at a stack of pancakes.
"What exactly is this?"
Shizue smiled.
"Pancakes."
Carrera took a bite.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"âŚDangerous."
Ultima pointed at the syrup.
"And this?"
"Maple syrup."
Ultima poured far too much onto her plate.
Several seconds later, she froze.
Then looked toward Shizue with complete seriousness.
"âŚI understand why Lord Loki likes you."
Shizue laughed softly.
Prince Aslan tasted an omelet and looked genuinely impressed.
"I've never had anything like this."
Zenobia nodded eagerly.
"It's delicious."
Moss adjusted his glasses while cutting into his breakfast with impeccable precision.
"These flavor combinations are remarkably efficient."
Carrera snorted.
"Only you would describe food as efficient."
Cien sampled the fruit preserves thoughtfully.
"The sweetness is well balanced."
Veyron nodded.
"This could become a profitable export."
Even during breakfast, they were still thinking like government officials.
Shizue answered each question patiently.
Where the dishes came from.
How they were prepared.
What ingredients were used.
At this point, everyone present knew she was an Otherworlder.
And rather than fearing that factâ
They found it fascinating.
Loki, meanwhile, ate with visible enthusiasm.
"This is incredible."
Shizue smiled warmly.
"I'm glad you like it."
Velzard calmly added:
"It is excellent."
Testarossa nodded in agreement.
"Shizue-san continues to exceed expectations."
Shizue looked slightly embarrassed by the praise.
The breakfast continued in a warm and surprisingly domestic atmosphere.
For all their overwhelming power and frightening reputationsâ
This gathering felt less like a meeting of monsters and more like a family sharing a meal.
Eventually, as the last dishes were cleared awayâ
Loki stood from his seat.
Several eyes immediately turned toward him.
Loki looked at Shizue.
"Shizue."
She blinked.
"Yes?"
"I want to take you somewhere."
Shizue tilted her head curiously.
"Where?"
Loki smiled faintly.
"It's a surprise."
Then after a brief pause, he added:
"You'll like it."
Shizue's curiosity immediately deepened.
Before she could ask furtherâ
Velzard set down her teacup.
"I shall accompany you."
Loki looked toward her.
"No."
Velzard blinked once.
"âŚNo?"
"You can't come."
Velzard narrowed her eyes slightly.
"As your principal bodyguard and secretary, I must accompany you wherever you go."
The title was not merely honorary.
Since the previous night, Testarossa had formally acknowledged Velzard as Loki's primary personal protector and secretary.
An arrangement that, under normal circumstances, Testarossa would have fiercely opposed.
But nowâ
She had accepted it.
Not because she trusted Velzard completely.
But because she understood how important Velzard had become to Loki. Plus that night she had spent with Loki washed away all her concerns.
Besides, Testarossa had little desire to spend her days away from the administrative heart of the kingdom.
Coleus would become the finest nation in the world.
And she intended to oversee every detail personally.
Loki scratched the back of his head.
"I understand."
"But where I'm taking ShizueâŚ"
He smiled awkwardly.
"âŚyou'd probably scare everyone to death."
Velzard considered that.
She did not disagree.
Loki's expression softened.
"And this is something personal to Shizue."
At that, Shizue's interest sharpened considerably.
Something personal?
What could he possibly mean?
Velzard looked at Loki for several long moments.
Then finally asked:
"âŚYou will take me next time?"
Loki nodded immediately.
"Definitely."
He then grinned.
"Besides, I'm not alone."
Loki raised his hand.
"Kumara."
At onceâ
A small blur of golden fur shot out from beneath the table.
The adorable nine-tailed fox landed directly in Loki's arms and wrapped herself around him affectionately.
Her nine fluffy tails fanned out proudly.
"I shall protect Lord Loki-arinsu!"
The tiny fox puffed out her chest with exaggerated confidence.
Loki immediately melted.
"Oh my god."
He buried his face into her soft fur.
"You're too cute."
Kumara squealed happily as he showered her with affectionate pats.
"I am happy to be praised by Lord Loki-arinsu!"
At that momentâ
Three sharp gazes pierced the little fox.
Testarossa.
Velzard.
And Shizue.
Each stared with unmistakable jealousy.
Kumara noticed.
And, with shameless audacityâ
She stuck out her tongue at all three.
"Bleh!"
Carrera burst out laughing.
Ultima nearly choked on her tea.
Even Moss's glasses slipped slightly.
Loki remained entirely oblivious while continuing to cuddle the fox.
After a few moments, he finally looked toward Shizue.
"Ready?"
Shizue rose from her seat with growing anticipation.
"Yes."
Loki held out one hand.
Shizue took it.
Space distorted.
And in the next instantâ
The two vanished.
The dining hall grew quiet for a brief moment.
Then Testarossa stood gracefully.
Her expression shifted immediately from affectionate to professional.
"Cien."
Cien rose at once.
"Yes, Lady Testarossa."
Testarossa turned toward the doors.
"Join me in my office."
"The financial reports should be ready now."
Cien bowed respectfully.
"Of course."
The two departed together.
And just like thatâ
The warm domestic atmosphere of breakfast gave way once more to the serious business of building a kingdom.
---
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