The demon led Saruto with steady steps through the halls of the imposing palace, its black walls carved from hellish stone pulsating with an eerie energy. Saruto looked around in wonder, but he didn't lose sight of Baymon, who walked beside him; his long white hair swayed with every step, his red eyes radiated an aura of majesty, and his formal attire lent him an air of dignity and authority.
Breaking the silence, his voice was deep and sharp: "What's making you so astonished, Lord Saruto?"
Saruto was slightly flustered and tried to appear calm: "Nothing… don't worry about it."
Then, suddenly remembering, he added in a low voice, trying to balance curiosity with respect: "But you haven't introduced yourself yet."
He smiled cautiously and replied: "I'm sorry, that's impolite of me. My name is Paimon, one of the dukes of the Demon Realm. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Saruto responded with a mixture of respect and admiration: "The honor is mine, Lord Paimon, to meet one of the dukes of the Demon Realm."
He hesitated a moment, then asked, trying to understand the purpose of the invitation, "Duke Baymon, how did the king know of my arrival? And why does he wish to meet me?"
Paimon chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "First, just call me Paimon. I dislike formalities. Second, you'll know everything as soon as we reach the throne room."
They walked together in deliberate silence through the long corridors until they reached a massive door, guarded by two imposing figures. Upon seeing Paimon and Saruto, they bowed respectfully and opened the gate with a soft murmur.
They entered, and the vastness of the space made Saruto heart flutter with amazement. He craned his neck toward the high throne where King Demon sat, radiating an aura of power that emanated from everything around him. At the foot of the throne, nine demons sat around a large table, each exuding an air of authority. The king smiled, his voice deep and regal. "Welcome, Saruto, to the kingdom of the Goetia."
Saruto and Paimon bowed respectfully, and Saruto said in a quiet voice, "Greetings to the King of the Demon Realm."
The king waved his hand, smiling, and said, "No need for formalities, Saruto. You are my guest now, and you may call me Lucifer."
The king rose from his throne, walked to the table, and sat among the demons, inviting Saruto and Paimon to join them. They sat down, and the demons looked at Saruto with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
The king said, "Let me introduce you to them. These are the dukes of the Demon Realm: Duke Paimon, Duchess Astaroth, Duke Barbatos, Duke Gusion, Duchess Bune, Duke Orobas, Duke Bathin, Duke Focalor, Duchess Vepar, and finally, Duke Zepar."
Saruto greeted them, and they returned the greeting with great respect. Moments later, servants entered and placed the food on the table. Everyone began to eat, accompanied by hushed conversations among the demons. Saruto gathered his courage and asked the king, "My lord, how did you know of my arrival?"
Lucifer smiled mysteriously and replied, "I learned of it from Duke Europas. He received a prophecy about a boy carrying the power of darkness coming to the demon realm, a boy who would be instrumental in helping me exact my revenge."
Saruto paused for a moment, then said, "So, you know why I have come."
The king nodded in agreement. "Yes, to forge for you a weapon that will enable you to kill a ruler."
Saruto nodded. Then Duchess Astaroth interjected, her voice sharp yet calm. "My lord... do you trust this boy? And is he capable of avenging you against Umbra? We all understand why you allowed him into the kingdom of Goetia, but his future connection to Emilia doesn't inspire complete confidence."
The king slammed his fist on the table and, with a stern look, ordered her to be silent: "Silence, Astaroth."
Saruto thought to himself, "So the reason I entered the Demon Kingdom is because I'm involved with a demon, and that demon is Emilia."
Saruto smiled faintly, raising his hand slightly in a gesture of respect and reassurance to the king: "There's no need to be angry, Demon King. I have a way of gaining everyone's trust."