The Least of My Problem

Larkin only closed his eyes and hissed.

He had a feeling that something so urgent was behind this intrusion. There were only a few things that would make Miel force his way into the archduke's chamber especially when he had an inkling of what was bound to happen. The arrival of the demon emperor was one of them.

"I will meet you in a moment." Larkin begrudgingly answered. He could chase out the king but not the demon emperor. Multiple reasons included Albas's tolerable attitude towards him and regard to his authority in Ellis Plains. The demon emperor gave a sliver of respect, and so Larkin had to return it.

"Wait for me to return," Larkin whispered before kissing Artie again for a few seconds. He then moved away from her and left the baths. He picked up a new towel and wrapped it around him before heading to the chamber to fit into fresher clothes.

As for Artie, she slid down into the water, sinking into the bath. She curled up in excitement and embarrassment that she didn't want to be seen by anyone. How nice was it that the water glowed around her, covering her image from anyone who would dare rescue her?

…

In the waiting room, the maids stood at a side while holding onto their empty trays. Their eyes were on the floor as if just having the courage to see the demon emperor through the reflection of his image. Only Monique was allowed to keep her eyes on the guest, in case he gestured for their service.

The man sat on the long couch was donned in black clothes with golden pipping. His complexion was grayish, and his long grayed hair was riddled with four horns edging on the sides of his head. His eyes were purely black with a reddish glint. The nails on his hands were long and sharp.

He was served with tea, but he wasn't savoring it like a normal person. It was as if he was thirsty that he kept on drinking and refilling his cup until the kettle ran out of contents. However, when Monique moved to refill the kettle, he only waved his hand to dismiss her thought.

It was already nine, and the household had already retired. However, they all moved to get back into service as a very important guest had arrived. They all knew that only the demon emperor was allowed inside the castle after dark; Larkin wouldn't even entertain the king personally.

Like expected, Larkin turned up minutes after the demon emperor had come. He waved at the maids to leave them, only letting Monique stand around outside the waiting room for any orders. The archduke then sat down across the demon emperor.

"I was notified that you burned down a Tetrokan ship in your harbor," Albas spoke in his deep voice, seemingly displeased by Larkin's action. However, he still went to verify with him. "It was not like you to destroy any property from Tetroka."

"Demon servants sent bandits to my harbor through a Tetrokan ship after setting my marketplace on fire. Did I really act wrongly, emperor?" Larkin didn't dare to be too casual or too formal with Albas. It was as if he was speaking with a very respectable blood uncle.

His eyes then landed on the tea kettle whose lid was left open. It was evident that its contents were checked. He then looked up at Albas. "Your concern didn't seem to match your haste. You could have rested and waited in the morning, emperor. How are the devildoms in the north?"

Albas snorted as he crossed his arms on his chest. "Do not take the liberty to change the subject of our conversation. I believe you have proof of your claims?"

"I only have a witness… and dozens of dead harbor workers." Larkin's eyes were growing sharp, but it was not enough to mistake as a glare towards Albas. "My black lightning would seek those who were enhanced by demonic magic, and all the bandits—which was quite suspicious—ended up dead.

"I have no physical evidence, but I do have enough to make Machiav answer for his failing attempts. How many more lives should I lose to his tactics before he gets to face me?" Larkin paused as he took a deep breath discreetly, calming himself. "Emperor Albas, I demand Machiav's head.

"If it's bothersome for your forces, help me find him to harvest it myself."

Albas only breathed through his nose loudly. He stared at Larkin and seemingly gauged the look on those silver eyes before shaking his head. "Machiav is, at best, suitable for an important position in the Tetrokan forces in Galacia. I would need to find a replacement should I decide to hand him over.

"The best I could offer is to distract him; however, that wouldn't seem to solve the problem in your eyes. Am I wrong?"

Larkin nodded, but it was a long nod to not make it look casual. Albas only clicked on his tongue. "How troublesome. I had to mobilize troops to the North while keeping an eye out in the West. Pray tell, Larkin, what would be the least of my problem?"

The archduke only stared for a while before lowering his eyes as if hesitating to speak about something. He then realized that Albas was getting impatient, and so he spoke, "The West."

"...what do you fear?" Albas seemed to know that kind of strange look on Larkin's face. He only wore it a few times when he was worried about his children. Right now, it was on his face again. "Could it be that you fret falling by the hands of Machiav?"

"The glass spirits rather. Someone gave me a premonition that the glass spirits might target the East instead. As for my evidence… it's all dependent on my trust in that person." Larkin didn't lie. It would be better to alarm the emperor earlier in case he needed to bother Albas for protection.

Albas, however, frowned. The North was barricaded by demons and ice-cap mountains that the glass spirits would never be able to cross to the East. He would rule it as impossible, but he was speaking with Larkin Ellis, the demon descendant with silver eyes.

The demon emperor then breathed out loudly again. "I came in hopes to get an explanation about the destroyed Tetrokan ship that carries important cargo. However, at what expense? Headaches. I cannot promise enough hands in the East, but I will have eyes.

"As for Machiav… hold on for a little longer." Albas already got to his feet. "I won't keep you more than necessary. I have to fly back to the North as soon as possible. Take a rest and pray to your lady for protection. I doubt this is the end of Machiav's alleged attack towards you.

"The ship you destroyed belonged to Tetroka after all."