★8
ASTERI'S POV
Upon entering, the exterior's grandeur was undeniable, but it was the interior that left Ramiris utterly speechless.
The lowest floor gleamed with silver ornaments and masterful random paintings adorning the pristine walls. Every inch of the place, from the marble-white tiles to the smooth pillars and vaulted ceiling, radiated purity and refinement. A faint divine glow illuminated the hall, making the entire floor feel alive, almost sacred.
Without a word, we made our way through the vast corridor, our footsteps echoing softly, and began ascending to the second floor.
"You think the previous floor was lit? The floor above us will clear that out."
I told her calmly, and she gulped, catching her breath as we ascended toward the second floor.
The moment our feet touched the golden tiles, a warm, yellowish-orange radiance flooded our vision, bathing everything in divine brilliance. Ramiris froze mid-step, her wings trembling in disbelief.
"H–hey… d–don't you think you're overdoing it a little?"
She stammered, eyes wide with awe.
"If you saw the place I grew up in, you'd understand."
I replied evenly.
We walked down a long, ornate corridor that opened into a vast hall. Unlike the previous floor's silvery purity, this one was forged entirely of gold, walls, ceiling, tiles, even the railings shimmered with divine light. The air itself seemed heavy with majesty, as if the floor embodied the essence of royalty itself.
"Behind these walls on either side are rooms for my companions. You can see the doors."
I explained as we walked toward the end of the golden hall.
Pushing open the next door, we stepped into another corridor, long, silent, and lined with identical doors facing each other. The faint glimmer of gold traced the edges, giving the hall an ethereal symmetry.
"It's the same as what's behind that door."
I added, glancing back at Ramiris, who was still frozen in awe.
With a sigh, I gently took her by the arm and dragged her along, her wings twitching uselessly as she mumbled incoherently, still overwhelmed by the grandeur around her.
"That's a hall, but let's skip that for now and head to the final floor."
With a snap, we teleported upward, and the sight that greeted us outshone anything below.
The entire floor shimmered with crystalline brilliance, walls of diamonds, floors reflecting every hue of light, and ceilings that looked like frozen starlight.
"I'm the only one living here."
I said, walking forward, the faint echo of our steps ringing like glass chimes.
"And for some reason, the hall here is the biggest."
I pushed open the grand doors, only to pause. A group was already inside.
"This is the biggest hall in this building."
Asta's voice carried from the far end as he turned mid-explanation. His gaze met mine, recognition flickering across his face as he picked up my presence instantly.
"Indeed, it's bigger and more beautiful than the rest."
"Yeah, that's because I'll be staying here."
"S...stay? Why not make a room."
Ramiris finally snapped out.
I'd completely erased my presence so thoroughly that even the Stars themselves would need to focus to sense me.
"Like this!"
My voice resounded across the vast crystalline hall.
All eyes turned toward the throne at the end of the hal, where Asteri sat, one leg crossed over the other, gaze calm yet commanding. The faint luminescence from the diamond walls danced over his form, making him seem less like a ruler and more like a god.
"Oh, I get it."
"It's simple this is my hall, the other one is for Atlas and Elaine cause they'll be my second in charge whenever I'm not around."
"Rest assured, Young Master, we will take good care of your land in your absence."
"Yeah, leave it to us."
Atlas and Elaine spoke up.
"I know I can count on you guys."
"The world will soon know who you are."
"They sure will."
"Well, I have to go to Asta kun. If you need anything you know where to find me."
"See you later, Lady Ramiris."
"Hmm, you never listen, do you? Well, see ya."
Ramiris waved before disappearing.
"So, are you guys done?"
My gaze is now at the first party.
"Yes, sir. I've shown everyone their rooms."
"You've seen yours too, yes?"
"Yeah."
"Good."
I spread my palm and a bird eye view of my clones. Yami, Ban, Sai, Shinn, and Eto appeared.
"These are my clones. I've sent them to different lands, scattered across nations to free the enslaved."
"Once freed, each is given a choice. They can join me and build a future without chains, or they can walk their own path in freedom. The choice is always theirs."
"Sorry, but that shouldn't be our job."
Atlas complained.
"You have an important job. Being in charge while I am not here, that is."
"Oh, I see. Forgive my complaint."
"I'll visit someone right now. I'll be back as soon as possible."
"Good luck, sire."
"Um."
"...excuse me...what about us?"
The elf leader spoke up before I teleported.
" What's your name again?"
"My name is Elafria."
She introduced, bowing.
"Elafria. Well, you know who I am. I'm Asteri."
"Your Highness."
The elves spoke in unison.
"So, I assume you've decided to stay with me?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Lord?? Listen, I'm not doing it for my ambitions alone. I have bad ambitions, but I have a soft heart at some point. I'll provide you with all you need and keep you safe."
"Sorry, but we're the ones who are at your disposal."
I sighed, and it seems convincing that they won't work right away.
"Well, anyway, this is your new home now."
"B.."
I quickly disappeared, not wanting to hear any complaints for now.
...
..
.
Knock, knock.
"Who's this knocking in the middle of the night?"
Hinamatsuri asked softly, her voice carrying clearly even without effort. She stepped closer and gently pushed the door open, only to freeze in shock.
Standing before her, framed by the dim moonlight, was me.
"O... oh."
She froze, not expecting me.
"Come in, please.'
"Appreciate it."
I arrived to find the building in ruins, its walls cracked and air thick with dust. Still, I paid it no mind. I pulled out a chair from the debris and sat down, the creak of wood echoing through the silence.
"Can I get you anything?"
She asked.
"No."
I replied dismissively.
'I came here to talk to you. Please, sit."
"Well... ok."
She quietly took a seat across from me, her gaze cautious yet composed. Sasha lingered in the kitchen, eavesdropping on every word.
"I knew you'd come. So that means you met them, right?"
"Yeah. A lot has actually happened."
"That's good. I'm grateful."
"Remember what I said before you left?"
"Yes, about me repaying you for saving Issei kun, right?"
"I've made my choice. You said you've been facing many challenges ever since Mikoto passed away, so I thought I might help."
"No way... Do you want to help us again? You've done more than enough."
"Nah. As long as you're still in trouble, I have to find a solution, and here's what I want."
There it was again, that strange, unexplainable pull toward her. That instinctive need to stay close to shield her from everything.
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After our mental exchange faded into silence. I exhaled softly, pushing those thoughts aside and fixing my attention back on the matter at hand.
"I want you and Issei to come with me."
Sasha and Hinamatsuri's eyes widened, disbelief flickering between them.
"Come with you…? To where?"
She asked cautiously.
I raised my hand, and a holographic projection shimmered into existence above the table, an image of a radiant island suspended in the middle of an endless sea of clouds.
"This is Star Island. The result of the 'lot that's happened' all this time."
"What's this?"
"It's my island."
"Island?"
"Yeah. But before that, I'll like to tell you my intentions and who I really am."
That's right, it's best to know what they're dealing with before it's too late.
"You might as well come out, Sasha."
She freaked out and raised her hands as if she's surrendering.
"Opps."
She sat next to Hinamatsuri.
"Where's Issei?"
I asked.
"He's asleep."
"Ok."
"What are your true intentions then?"
This is my second time today, explaining myself. It's not interesting at all but I have no choice."
"This will be the last time I'll be explaining myself."
I went on and told them I really was, why I came to this world. I left the Star Realm stuff because I think it'll be too much for them. And besides, I'm discarding that life for now and starting a new one. I told them everything that happened and why I chose to become a Demon Lord as well as what I'm currently doing in order to create a peaceful environment.
They were caught off guard, but I'm happy they stayed silent all the way.
"Well, I've always thought you're unique, but it turns out to be more extraordinary."
She chuckled dryly.
"So, after hearing my story, it's up to you to decide?"
I asked them, curious about their answers.
"Demon Lord, though."
"Never thought people would fear the Demon Lords this much. Back at home, the strongest gods aren't feared but respected. Not all Demon Lords are bad guys, you know. Guy is the strongest, and after fighting and taking a break with him, I realized he's a good demon. Maybe I'm only seeing this because he's only interested in strong people."
"That's the point. They only care about the strong, and when they fight, us weaklings will be caught up in their mess."
"Yeah, you're right. But I promise to protect everyone under me. You know I'll always keep my word."
Hinamatsuri was left speechless. That line is kinda manipulative, but hey, don't worry.
"I don't know about you, Hina, but after all he's done, he's proven more than enough that he cares about you."
Sasha smirks, and Hinamatsuri blushes. She didn't answer right away, I gave her the space she needed.
"F... fine then, we'll come with you."
"Great. I'd like us to leave now, but it's best not to interrupt Issei's sleep, so we'll leave tomorrow."
"Not fair, what about me?"
Sasha began crying.
"You're free to come too."
She stops crying and wipes her tears, appearing like a child.
"Really?"
She asked with starry eyes.
"I felt relieved to find you all here. That made it easy for me."
"Yay!"
She jumped excitedly.
"I'll be here tomorrow, and we'll get going."
As I was about to leave, Hinamatsuri said something.
"Um... why not spend the night here? I mean..."
I don't know what she's planning. Is she afraid I might get attacked or what?
"Heh? Hina chan, what are you plotting?"
Sasha said teasingly. Hinamatsuri grew more embarrassed, knocking Sasha.
"N...nothing, you fool!"
"Well, if that's what you want, then fine. I'll stay. According to human analysis, it's not appropriate for a stranger to be in the same house with two ladies alone. I'll be on the roof in case you need anything."
I dropped this and teleported away before they could voice a single complaint.
Now seated atop the roof with nothing to do, I gazed into the endless expanse above. My golden eyes pierced through clouds, stars, and nebulae alike, reaching deep into the heart of the cosmos.
The silence, the shifting colours, the quiet pulse of distant celestial bodies… it was mesmerizing. As a Star, I'm naturally drawn towards celestial bodies.
Locked in, I remained there, lost in its beauty, until the night faded into dawn.
By morning, Sasha called me down for breakfast. Soon after, they began packing, preparing for the journey that would change everything.
"Mama, where are you going?"
The curious kid asks.
"Oh, we'll be living with Asteri san from now on."
"Seriously?"
He asked, his expression brightened and she nodded in reply.
"Yay!"
"Now go get your stuff."
"I don't know if you'll need much. Everything is there for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Clothes, furniture, and many more I've created based on my recent knowledge on humans. You can pack some stuff though."
"Ok."
After an hour or so, they were done and ready to leave
"If you have any goodbyes, now is the time."
Hinamatsuri shook her head.
"Nah, we're the only one living here, and Sasha used to come by sometimes."
"Ok."
A portal shimmered open before them, its surface rippling like liquid light. They exchanged one last look at their old home, a mixture of nostalgia and quiet resolve in their eyes before stepping through.
I followed last, and the instant my foot crossed the threshold, the portal sealed shut behind us.
On the other side, the air was serene yet heavy with divinity. Atlas, Elaine, and Elfaria awaited our arrival. Elfaria, now adorned in a flowing white gown, radiated an elegance that bordered on regal. The transformation was striking. She no longer looked like a refugee leader, but a queen standing proudly within her new domain.
"Huh? Did you guys spend the night in my hall?"
I asked, snapping them out.
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I shook my head, dismissing the thoughts.
<
"We beg your pardon. We're just leaving."
"Y.. yeah."
"It's good to have you back, Young Master.
"The fact that you're not apologizing means you brought them here, didn't you Atlas?"
"Yes. I was the one responsible, but as Elfaria said, we're just leaving."
"I'm not bothered anyway. None of them came back, did they?"
"No, sir. Looks like we've got new guests."
His green eyes moved to the newcomers.
"They're not guests. They'll be staying here. Everyone, meet Hinamatsuri, Sasha, and Issei."
But the trio stood frozen, completely entranced by the breathtaking beauty of the hall. The crystalline light reflecting off the crystal walls danced around them like living stars, and for a brief moment, they seemed to forget where they were.
I cleared my throat softly, the sound echoing through the vast chamber and snapping them back to reality. Their eyes darted toward me, faces flushed with embarrassment as they realized they'd been lost in awe.
"Wwwwwa."
"Um.."
"..."
"You guys meet Atlas, Elaine, and Elfaria. Atlas and Elaine are both like me. They're Stars, just like me."
"Nice to meet you Atlas san, Elaine chan and Elfaria san."
"Hey, I'd be jealous if you call everyone san."
Entares spoke from my lips.
"Sorry."
"That was unexpected."
I cursed, biting the urge to go deal with him.
"Nice to meet you guys."
"Yay, more friends."
"That's right, Issei. Guess what, the fun is just getting started. Follow me, I'll show you all where you'll be staying."
"I'd like to take the role of Young Master."
Atlas intervenes.
"Don't worry, I'll let you know when I need anything. Let's go, leave your bags, it'll be waiting for us."
We began walking as I explained our palace.
"This palace has four layers. Three above ground. Each has its own hall, but the one on the first floor is the largest. It takes up more than sixty per cent of the entire level. As you can see, this is where I live.
"The second floor holds twenty rooms in total."
I continued.
"Each one fit for a king or queen of this world to live comfortably. There's a kitchen on every floor… except the first and the fourth."
"Heh? Don't you eat food?"
Hinamatsuri asked.
"No."
I replied simply.
"We only do that to blend in with society."
I glanced at the two before me.
"Atlas, Elaine, Elafria, Yami, Ban, Shinn, Sai, Eto, and the two of you will take the remaining rooms. The other ten are already occupied by the six elves.
"As for the third floor, it has fifteen bedrooms, all still empty, for now."
I paused mid-sentence, turning toward the window.
"The rest can leave here."
I said quietly.
Beyond the glass, the elven huts had transformed, no longer humble dwellings, but grand homes gleaming under the sunlight.
"The building is big, but I doubt it'll hold too many people."
"I know. I'll let my people decide what they want to build there. Of course, I'll lend them a hand."
We walked on, our steps echoing softly as we reached the golden floor. Their eyes widened, catching the reflections that danced across the walls and ceiling, every surface shimmering like a living jewel.
"There are portals and stairs leading to any floor."
I explained, glancing at them.
"Since I'm not here to rule over you, even my floor is open to anyone."
We continued forward, stopping at the first section, a corridor lined with ten ornate doors, each one humming faintly with power.
"Hina and Issei, this is your room. He's still a child, so I'll let him stay with his mother."
I opened the door, and the two of them walked in. The living room was neatly decorated, adorned with silver and gold accents. As they stood there, awestruck, I led them to the bedroom, which was equally elegant. The wardrobe was filled with clothes of various sizes, colours, and designs.
"Heh, clothes too?"
Surprised, she rushed over and began inspecting them.
"I told you."
I said, watching as she held a few outfits against herself to check the fit.
"They match perfectly."
She said happily, her eyes sparkling.
I nodded.
"According to human culture, as a guy, I'm not supposed to interfere with certain aspects of clothing, especially for ladies, so Elaine handled most of it."
"I...I'll have to thank her later."
"There's also a hot spring and a garden behind the Palace."
I added, walking toward the window.
"It's reserved for those who live here, though I'm thinking of creating a public one for everyone to use."
"Wow... ... this is truly incredible."
Her voice was filled with surprise and happiness.
"Well, I shall excuse you."
As I was about to leave, Sasha grabbed my arm, her eyes glistening with tears.
"Where's my room?"
She asked softly.
"Yours is opposite this one. Come..."
Before I could finish, she dashed off, bursting into her room. Moments later, her joyful screams echoed through the hall.
"Okay, see you later."
"Asteri-san… thank you so much."
Hinamatsuri called out.
[[IMAGE]]
[[IMAGE]]
I turned, and she bowed deeply.
"Don't bow to me. You just paid your debt, remember? There's nothing to thank me for. I'll see you two around."
Closing the door behind me, I exhaled slowly, then continued down the corridor.
To be continued...