I wasn't even sure whether the conversation Diablo mentioned ever actually happened.
I had planned on enjoying a peaceful day—no battles, no political chaos, no new headaches.
But of course, Diablo approached me and whispered:
"—We have had a similar situation before. Although these demons are under my command, there is no predicting their impulses. Atem-sama, you need not worry… but please remain aware."
"…Is that so."
I stared at him, my expression flat and dignified, though inwardly I wondered:
Weren't these three demonesses recruited by you?!
I exhaled silently. Complaining wouldn't change anything.
I had wanted a day free of conflict, yet somehow another burden was placed on my shoulders.
I simply wished to welcome new companions into Eterna—
but instead it seemed I was inheriting potential chaos.
Well, no matter. Whether Diablo's warning was true or exaggerated, they were under his command.
He could take responsibility.
Employer responsibility?
What an amusing concept.
Would it bring me any benefit at all?
With that, I released my troubles to the wind and handed the situation back to Diablo.
Unexpectedly, our military strength had skyrocketed, but I was genuinely pleased to have more allies joining us.
I ordered Diablo to bring the demonesses so we could discuss their roles.
Testarossa, Ultima, and Carrera arrived as representatives of the new personnel.
Their insights were worth hearing.
"There are three roles I want filled as soon as possible," I explained.
"A military attaché—my plenipotentiary in foreign and diplomatic affairs.
A chief prosecutor—who will root out corruption, crimes, and hidden evils.
And a chief justice officer—responsible for judging the fairness of tribunals."
I wasn't forcing them, only presenting the options.
But these positions were far from simple. Accepting them meant heavy responsibility… and the potential backlash of Eterna's leaders.
Of course, that would fall on Diablo to handle.
They would also need to avoid corruption—no bribes, no manipulation.
That was precisely why I wanted individuals I could trust near me.
If they violated anything, Diablo would purge them.
Simple and efficient.
"Then please allow me to serve as your military attaché," Testarossa said instantly.
"A greater evil than myself waiting to be hunted? How thrilling!" Ultima smirked.
"I shall deliver judgment with perfect fairness. I hope to meet your expectations, my lord," Carrera declared.
…They agreed immediately.
Without hearing any details.
"Are you certain? These positions might be far more complicated than you expect," I cautioned.
"Please entrust everything to us," Testarossa replied.
"I'm excellent at investigative work!" Ultima added proudly.
"And I can render the fair verdict of death," Carrera said with calm enthusiasm.
…That last one was especially worrying.
A quiet sense of unease spread through me.
I glanced toward Diablo.
He had that smug grin—the kind that said clearly:
"Finally, I am free from those responsibilities."
Of course. Diablo would never accept the role of military attaché.
I cleared my throat.
"Listen well. As military attaché, you will serve as my representative at the Western Nations Council and speak on my behalf.
If we deploy military forces outside Eterna, you will command them.
It is an important duty."
"Yes, Atem-sama," Testarossa answered gracefully.
"There will be no issues. I understand perfectly."
"Testa is sharp," Diablo added.
"She will never act against Atem-sama's interest."
He says that because he refuses the job himself…
I could read him easily.
Regardless, Testarossa truly did seem intelligent.
"You will also need to learn our legal codes," I continued.
"They are still experimental. You will be responsible for explaining them to other nations—"
"I have already memorized them," she said immediately.
Then she began reciting each decree word for word, even analyzing their flaws.
"…Hired. Completely hired."
I nodded.
"You may become irritated during council meetings, but remember that you carry the honor of Eterna. Never act on impulse. I will rely on you, Testarossa."
"I shall not disappoint.
If something occurs, I will—of course—remove all traces of my involvement."
"No. Absolutely not. That is not what I meant."
But Testarossa was clearly the best choice.
With my own behavior at the last council… I wasn't in a position to judge too harshly.
Next was Ultima.
"It's my turn!" she shouted, and began reciting major laws flawlessly.
Sharp. Very sharp.
"My king, we demons hold contracts in the highest regard. We excel at exploiting loopholes. We never fall to bribery. Only strength can bend us… and even among demon lords, few could overpower us."
—At least she didn't say no one could.
There were a few who might surpass them.
Most likely that red-haired one… but that was not my concern.
Carrera would become the chief justice.
"Then, I shall appoint all three of you."
I stood, my voice carrying the weight of a sovereign.
"From this day forth, I will be in your care."
" " "Please leave it to us, Atem-sama!" " "
And so the three demonesses became provisional officials of Eterna.
It was the correct choice.
In the years to come, Eterna would develop a legal system unmatched by any nation, one praised across generations.
As for me…
I was not exempt from the law.
I would need to be careful.
I had no desire to be arrested for bribery.
Our nation finally possessed the framework of a true constitutional country.
Even if we were still in a trial phase, the foundations were firmly in place—
a clear system of governance, separation of powers, and a governing structure befitting a rising world power.
Ultima and Carrera were both extraordinarily diligent in their duties.
Their efficiency was astonishing, but credit was also due to the many exceptional employees working under them. Each department collaborated smoothly, their synergy forming the backbone of Eterna's new administrative system.
Ultima had been assigned to learn directly from Rogurd.
She affectionately addressed him as "Uncle
Rogurd," always listening intently to his instructions. Rogurd, in turn, called her "missy" and treated her like a daughter he never had.
Of course, Rigurd had no idea who Ultima truly was.
Bold as he was, if he learned she was a demon peer, he would undoubtedly handle her with far more caution. For that reason, I—Atem—only informed him that she was one of Diablo's recruits. The truth was unnecessary. Her performance was all that mattered.
As for Carrera, now serving as Chief Justice of Eterna, she too was thriving.
Rigurd had returned to the executive branch as Attorney General, while the judicial department officially operated as an independent branch. But independence did not mean unchecked power—each branch monitored the others, a balanced structure guided by my authority.
Rugurd reported Carrera's progress with surprising approval. Despite her temperament, she stayed firm against both bribery and intimidation. She did not bend.
This was excellent.
No political system was perfect. All we could do was build the foundation and correct problems as they surfaced.
Now, all that remained was to send our legislative drafts to the council.
"Testarossa, have you prepared everything properly?"
"Yes, Atem-sama. Moss has handled all necessary procedures."
Testarossa lounged gracefully before me, the picture of elegance. She had personally brewed and poured a cup of black tea for my enjoyment.
The tea was exceptional.
Shuna's tea was sublime, and Shion's had its own warmth… but Testarossa's tea was refined in a different way—aromatic, sophisticated, lingering like a delicate melody across the tongue. No bitterness. No harshness.
Just a natural, subtle sweetness that needed no sugar.
Diablo, standing behind me, widened his eyes.
"Testa… I never imagined you would personally prepare tea for another. Truly surprising."
"Hehe, of course. Atem-sama deserves special treatment. Naturally, that means no tea for you."
"I don't mind," Diablo replied calmly, preparing tea for himself.
"As long as you acknowledge me as your superior, I can graciously overlook such things."
Their relationship was… difficult to define. Not hostile, but not quite friendly.
A complex balance—much like rival scholars who respected yet challenged one another.
"By the way, Atem-sama… the reactions from the surrounding nations are quite… intriguing."
Her tone implied personal observation.
"Some nations seek to earn our favor, while others intend to exploit us for their own gain. Roughly half are welcoming, yet most remain anxious."
I narrowed my eyes.
"And where did you obtain this information?"
A ruler must never allow misinformation to shape his decisions.
"My apologies. I ordered Moss to investigate. I wished to be useful to Atem-sama."
Again, Moss.
His talents were proving… impressive.
I remembered that his strength was second only to the three Primordial demonesses. A demon who evolved into a demon peer—one whose might even surpassed Veyron's. And now he showed skill in intelligence gathering as well.
"How accurate is this information?" I asked.
Solarys, Sovereign of Wisdom, quietly assisted my judgment from within, sharpening my scrutiny.
Did he use magic? Stealth? Direct observation?
Testarossa smiled faintly and gestured.
"Moss possesses a unique ability—he can divide into countless small 'clones' and disperse across vast regions. Gathering information from multiple nations at once is trivial for him."
An impressive ability, indeed.
A valuable asset to the Kingdom of Eterna.
"In that case," I said, "I will introduce him to Souei. Their strengths differ—perhaps they can complement each other."
"Ara… Atem-sama, if only I could earn such praise. I might become jealous of Moss," Testarossa said with a charming smile.
"S-surely you jest…"
Moss had appeared silently behind her, unnoticed until now. He trembled slightly, a cold sweat sliding down his cheek.
Veyron looked like an old gentleman with a curled mustache.
Moss, on the other hand, resembled a timid young boy—maybe ten or eleven years old.
Nothing about him looked threatening… yet he was anything but weak.
"Is Moss's information valid?" I asked.
"We removed several hostile councilors recently. Paranoia is expected. But are there truly nations bold enough to exploit Eterna?"
Moss stepped forward.
"Y-yes, Atem-sama. Nations south of Eterna—centered around the Kingdom of Blumund—are supportive of us. But knowledge of our kingdom has not yet spread to the northern nations. Many nobles there doubt the truth of the rumors."
He continued:
"As for the former councilors, their words lack credibility. However, some rumors suggest that certain royal families harbor ill intent toward us.
While the authenticity varies, the hostility is unmistakable."
So Moss could listen directly to conversations he targeted.
A powerful talent, yet one that required careful interpretation.
"If we can detect suspicious actions early," I said, "we can respond long before they become threats."
"Indeed," Testarossa agreed.
"In that case," I continued, "Testarossa, I leave the matter in your hands."
She bowed.
"Of course. Should I destroy their nation entirely?"
"No—that is excessive."
Even Eterna must show restraint.
"Hold the responsible parties accountable," I ordered.
"Do not cause unnecessary casualties."
"As you wish. I will not act in any way that brings condemnation to Eterna," Testarossa said, smiling brightly.
Despite that gentle smile, her aura radiated a quiet menace.
Entrusting her with this task…
Well, if she went too far, I could always intervene.
A ruler must show strength but avoid needless cruelty.
If other nations mistook Eterna for a weakling, it would only invite disaster.
"Good," I said. "Safeguard our reputation—but be ready to demonstrate our power if necessary."
Testarossa bowed deeply, radiating grace and deadly dedication.
And so, I watched her depart for the council hall—
another step in shaping the future of Eterna.