Chapter 358

Both clans watched in disbelief as Zack held an awakened Oni beneath his foot. This was no footsoldier struggling to breathe on the ground, but a chieftain. They knew Seto would never yield, and waited for the crack to echo in the streets.

Feeling a young oni watching from the crowd Zack noticed the connection. Maintaining appearance was crucial, but he didn't desire to orphan a child over a loudmouth drunk. Seto was almost unconscious and released his grip when Zack pulled back.

'They are hardy enough to handle this, and it should deter others.' Zack noticed the crowd observing closely.

"Anyone planning on disrupting our date should keep this in mind," Zack announced as he snapped an arm.

The sudden pain was enough to reawaken Seto as he writhed upon the ground. All the other warriors crept closer, and contemplated retaliation. When Ryoto's shadow cast upon them and revealed they were surrounded everyone retreated.

'Can a halfling really be this strong? There is enhancement magic, but no way it could push that far.' Ryoko examined Zack closely.

After Seto's clan dispersed the others were unsure how it would shake out. Zack was at Ren's side ready to battle again if needed. Ryoto's gaze fell upon Ren and her belly as tension rose in the crowd.

Finally, the two couldn't wait any longer and quickly embraced. Regardless of the trouble, it was still his daughter. Now that Seto was set straight upon the matter she could return.

"I couldn't marry that man." Ren rubbed her shoulder.

"We should've never put you in that position." Ryoto apologized.

Once the nostalgia of the reunion was over tension returned. Having his daughter return was a blessing but her state was another matter. Not approving the suitor was bad enough, but they presented a sudden child.

The aura oozing around Ryoto caught the crowd's attention. They took cover expecting his horns to extend at any minute. Zack defending her honor was the only thing causing hesitation.

"It's nice to meet you." Ryoto forced a smile.

Ryoto extended his hand in peace but the aura never subsided. When Zack accepted the truce a contest of strength began. Ryoto kept an awkward smile as he attempted to crush Zack's hand.

'How is this bastard so calm.'

Ryoto exerted more force and heard a loud crack. He smirked but the bones in Zack's hand began to heal. By the time Ryoto noticed Zack returned the favor. He rapidly yanked his hand back before massaging it.

"We need to talk about how you two met, and when this happened." Ryoto popped his wrist back into place.

Once Ren returned to Zack's side with a smile the doting father calmed down. The mood could've stayed this way if Lilith didn't descend right after. Watching Lilith kiss Zack on the cheek ignited the flame once more.

Before Ryoto could make his complaints known the others caught up. Hearing Ozen address Lilith in a familiar way he held his tongue. This wasn't out of fear of fighting a Demon Lord, but a tactical decision to preserve strength for tomorrow.

'After that display, we are likely to get challenged. I'll just find out where they live and deal with it then.'

They began searching nearby inns to secure lodgings but every place was booked. Being a Demon Lord freeing up one spot wasn't difficult. The others didn't have the influence to accomplish this. When it appeared they would be sleeping on the streets Zack offered a solution.

"We've some rooms to spare," Zack told Ryoto.

"Gonna build us a hut?" Ryoko teased.

"If that's what you prefer I can arrange that," Zack replied.

Approaching an open spot next to an inn Zack retrieved his wagon. To ensure there were no issues from the locals Zack offered compensation. Ryoko and the other clan members looked at the wagon with skepticism.

'How are we gonna sleep in that?' Ryoko glanced at her father.

Watching Ren, and the others pack into the wagon without an issue they began scratching their heads. Ryoko's curiosity led her inside, but the others were out of sight. She noticed the door cracked and pushed it open.

"You g-gotta see this," Ryoko announced.

Gradually the other Oni shuffled inside and saw how spacious the seating was. Hearing voices echoing nearby they saw the tavern. Ryoto entered and saw large kegs being prepared by a doll.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted to try so I had them pull one of each," Zack told Ryoko.

'No way those are all different.' Ryoko examined the row of kegs.

"Do you want an update, or should I pour drinks?" Aida asked.

"I'm sure everything is running smoothly with you in control." Zack smiled.

"Drinks it is." Aida bowed.

"It's still hard to believe she can use that many bodies at once," Ren stated.

"A great companion for a King to have," Lilith smirked.

"Don't start." Zack pinched her thigh.

'I heard Ozen appointed a new ruler, but I just assumed they were a pawn.'

Ryoto wasn't done evaluating Zack, but he was curious to sample some new booze. While they were mingling Crowley was searching the streets. He noticed a familiar wagon stationed in the alley.

'I knew following the fight was a safe bet.'

Crowley landed on the streets and approached their wagon. Watching him closely from a nearby roof was Lucille. After the outburst, she had nowhere left to go, and decided to investigate Crowley further. Watching him disappear into a wagon, and never return she assumed it was his bed for the night.

'Guess it's better than the streets.'

Lucille descended from the roof as her wings retracted. She circled the wagon for some time, and hearing no chatter inside she peered in. With Crowley missing she pushed further and found a door out of place.

'Why would they put a second door?'

Upon entering the tavern Lucille was struck with overwhelming auras. She began to quiver under the pressure and saw a familiar demon. Before Lucille sat a Demon Lord chugging drinks, and shouting as two people arm-wrestled.