In the demon territory of Nerazath, nearly half of the demon kingdom's capital lay in ruins, shattered by the Demon Queen's rampage.
Pandora watched Vivian as she carefully tended to the infant in her arms.
"Wow... You're really good at this, Master. I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised," Pandora said, a hint of awe in her voice.
Vivian smirked, not breaking her focus. "How long do you think I've been alive? Of course, something like this is easy."
Pandora's gaze shifted to the baby's face, and a memory surfaced — the image of the child's mother, crushed beneath the rubble of a collapsing building. She clenched her fists, her thoughts heavy.
"They died without the chance to reach heaven or hell. Knowing something like that..."
Pandora exhaled deeply, tilting her head back.
"But maybe... that's better," she thought. "In Ijdornia, war is as common as breathing. Sins pile up like corpses on a battlefield."
---
Later, in the castle corridors...
After tending to the infant, Vivian and Pandora made their way to the throne room. As they passed a shattered window, Pandora caught a glimpse of the ruined city beyond.
"What a mess..." she whispered.
The once thriving capital of the demon kingdom, Nerazath, had become a ghost town. The streets were empty, the silence suffocating. No soldiers, no servants, not even the faintest echo of life within the castle walls.
Pandora glanced at Vivian, then spoke without warning.
"Master, how did you feed that baby?" she asked bluntly.
Vivian flinched, momentarily caught off guard.
"W-What kind of question is that, all of a sudden? You nearly gave me a heart attack," she replied, placing a hand over her chest. "Of course, I used cow's milk. I got it from a nearby farm."
Pandora raised an eyebrow. "Is that really safe for a baby? I heard it can be dangerous."
Vivian shrugged. "That might be true for human infants, but this child is a demon. Besides, it's already four years old."
Pandora blinked in surprise. She had forgotten how slowly demon children matured, but this was the first time she had seen a four-year-old that still looked like a newborn.
---
When they reached the throne room...
Vivian pushed open the grand doors without hesitation. The Demon Queen sat on her throne, her posture regal, her presence commanding.
The Queen slowly opened her eyes, their crimson glow piercing the shadows. "Why...? Why did you refuse Agramon's offer?" she asked without preamble, her voice like a blade cutting through the silence.
Pandora froze for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden question.
"E-Em... How should I put this..." she stammered, mentally scolding herself. "Calm down, Pandora... Speak with care and sincerity."
She took a deep breath, her mind clearing.
"Well... as you know, I could have gone with my siblings, but I chose to stay," she said, her tone firm yet gentle.
The Queen's intense gaze never wavered.
"And the reason is simple," Pandora continued, a small, sincere smile forming on her lips. "I chose to stay... because I'd rather be with the one who brought me into this world."
Despite her warm tone, the Queen's expression remained unchanging, her eyes unreadable.
"Are you certain?" the Queen said, her voice cold. "I am not the kind of mother you imagine. I am not as kind as Vivian, especially now. I could lose control and kill you if my temper flares."
Pandora met the Queen's fierce stare without hesitation, her eyes steady and unwavering.
"That's fine," Pandora replied.
The Queen let out a long, weary sigh.
"Four years," she said abruptly.
Pandora frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"
The Queen's voice sharpened. "You will stay with Vivian for four years. In that time, I will leave the throne to you."
Both Pandora and Vivian's eyes widened in shock.
"Your Majesty! Are you serious!?" Vivian exclaimed.
"What about you?" Pandora demanded, her voice tinged with desperation.
The Queen's expression hardened. "I will be gone. For four years, do not seek me. Do not follow me. I have restored the barrier around this castle. No one will be able to enter."
Pandora clenched her fists, her jaw tightening in frustration. She bit back the urge to shout, her heart aching at the thought of being abandoned again.
Vivian placed a gentle hand on Pandora's shoulder, guiding her away before the tension shattered the fragile silence.
---
That night...
The Queen stood by her window, staring at the full moon that bathed her in a cold, silver light. Her face, framed by the soft glow, seemed more beautiful and distant than ever.
From the shadows, Vivian emerged, her steps silent.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly, her tone casual, as if speaking to an old friend.
Vivian's lack of fear, her calm demeanor in the presence of the most powerful demon queen, hinted at a relationship deeper than mere loyalty.