The Four Heavenly Kings... an almost indispensable element in the trope-heavy otherworld hero and Demon Lord narratives.
As a Demon Lord establishing his Monster Kingdom, Damien naturally had the authority to appoint his Four Heavenly Kings.
"Trya and Doris, in addition to monitoring the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion, you'll assist Treyni in managing the forest."
So, while it seemed like one Heavenly King position, both sisters held the title.
Additionally, the ruling class of the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion was the Elves.
As previously mentioned, the Elves was a type of sprites, descendants of elementals who entered the material world.
Trya and Doris, being Dryad, shared the same roots as elementals and fairies.
Having them liaise with the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion would minimize their wariness.
"Thank you for your appointment."
The sisters responded, "We will not betray your trust."
"Good. During this time, focus on gathering the Elementals."
Damien said, "I plan to develop the elementals into my fourth familia."
Elementals and daemons.
These were Damien's next targets.
Conveniently, the sisters' strategic goal, the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion, was home to a large number of Elves members.
"Wonderful!!"
"We'll do our utmost!"
The sisters were overjoyed, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Elementals (including fairies, sprites, and elves) for Damien's favor.
As for where Damien got the slot for a fourth familia...
With his evolution into a Demon Lord, his familia limit had increased from three to six.
This meant Damien could add new monster groups as his familiars.
"Master, how should we handle relations with the Armed Nation of Dwargon in the north?"
Hoshiga, representing the Star Wolves, would face the Armed Nation of Dwargon directly.
He wasn't afraid to clash with the legendary Hero King of the dwarves.
But he needed clarity on how to approach this.
"Focus on defense. Avoid initiating attacks if possible."
Damien said, "The Armed Nation of Dwargon has a population of 50 million. A reckless conflict would hinder our current development."
Of course, Damien could send his Demon Lords Seed.
No matter how strong Gazel was, he couldn't stop powerhouses like Hoshiga.
"The Dwarves can't be conquered through violence."
Racially, dwarves were descendants of earth-attribute sprites.
They were stubborn, honest, and highly trustworthy, making them reliable allies who rarely broke agreements.
"If we use force, even if we defeat the Armed Nation of Dwargon, we'll only gain useless ruins."
Besides, with no enmity between them, why would Damien attack for no reason?
He was a Demon Lord, sure.
But to Damien, being a Demon Lord was just a power level, not a mandate.
No rule said a Demon Lord had to invade nations or destroy worlds.
"Also, the Jura Forest is too vast."
"With our current population of less than a million, we can't develop much of the land."
Damien's plan for the Monster Kingdom, like Rimuru's, was to prioritize agriculture, supplement with commerce, and follow the path of a neutral nation.
"Our top priority is to increase our population."
"As for starting wars, that depends on their attitude."
Damien said, "I hope you'll keep that in mind."
"Especially you, Akahiko. The Oni needs to guard against the western nations."
"Humans have a poor view of monsters," Damien continued. "If they learn a Demon Lord has emerged in the Jura Forest, they'll surely take action."
"Rest assured, my lord. I won't let those humans cross the border!"
Akahiko wasn't one to swallow insults. If humans attacked, the Oni wouldn't let it slide.
Damien wasn't as naive as Rimuru, issuing commands like 'don't harm humans.'
Besides, what did this world's humans have to do with him?
He felt no attachment to them.
"It's not just about defense!"
Damien's voice deepened. "If the western nations declare war on us, they're digging their own graves!"
The Monster Kingdom wouldn't invade others unprovoked.
But if someone dared attack, Damien had his justification for war.
Thus, the Trya sisters would negotiate with the Sorcerous Dynasty of Sarion's Elves, the Oni would guard against the western human nations, and the Tengu, alongside Frey, would monitor the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania and Clayman's movements.
Four Demon Lord Seeds leading four races.
Such strength was more than enough to defend their territory... or even conquer four nations simultaneously.
"Rumble!!!"
Shortly after Damien assigned the tasks, terrifying waves of magicules surged from outside the castle.
Clearly, Diablo, Snow Empress, and the others had awakened.
This time, with both Damien and Violet fully conscious, their magicules were perfectly contained within the town, not leaking even a sliver.
"So... so terrifying..."
Even as Damien's familiars, Shuna felt an unimaginable pressure from the seven.
"So strong!"
Shion's expression grew serious, but she wasn't afraid... rather, she was eager to test herself. 'I really want to spar with them!'
"Well, well."
Hakurou stroked his beard, squinting at the unfamiliar four. "No wonder they earned our lord's favor. Truly remarkable."
The four Primordial Daemons, as newcomers, had received Damien's favor and undergone Demon Lord awakening.
Such preferential treatment sparked both envy and a touch of jealousy among the familiars.
"Boom!!!"
As if sensing the doubts, a flash of crimson glinted in Diablo's dark pupils.
In an instant, all the majins were enveloped in a chilling, bone-piercing killing intent and demonic aura.
Even the Demon Lord Seeds felt as if they'd fallen into an icy abyss, unable to move.
'This level of magicules!'
'Are you kidding me?'
'Where did these newcomers come from, so ridiculously strong?!'
'...'
"Hmph!"
Seeing Diablo's display about to succeed, Artoria let out a dissatisfied snort.
The next moment, the demonic aura dissipated.
In its place, a calm and warm holy light swept away the cold dread in everyone's hearts.
***
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