★48
THIRD POV
The trio, Asteri, Shinn, and Atlas returned to Star Island through a shimmering portal. They emerged on the second floor, where Elaine, Elfaria, Hinata, and Annie were gathered. The women turned at once, drawn by the pulse of energy as the portal flared open.
"We're back."
Shinn announced.
Almost instantly, Majo materialized before Asteri, kneeling with reverence.
"Welcome home, my Lord."
The others, save for Hinata followed suit, bowing deeply in respect.
Asteri let out a quiet sigh.
"You guys won't stop with the bowing stuff. It makes me feel like I'm the owner and you're the slaves."
"I won't mind being your slave."
Annie answered.
"I'm the first so make me your first slave, your highness."
Elfaria added.
"You guys..."
Elaine was unsure of how to react.
<
Enta teased but Asteri ignored him.
"Het up. I don't want this relationship."
They were all surprised.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not the king or anything, just that I'm at the top of the hierarchy in this island."
"That's what kings are."
Annie pointed out.
"She's right, Master. Based on this world a king fits the same features you possess. You might reject being the king but a leader, ruler, emperor, lord, majesty and many more is what you are. Basically someone who leads takes such titles."
"You talk too much, Shinn."
Asteri responded with a childish pout, clearly not expecting Shinn to take their side. His expression softened the tense atmosphere, drawing a few faint smiles from those nearby.
"You might be right but I don't want that. Now that I've officially become a Demon Lord, all that's left is to protect you guys and let's live a happy normal life."
They all nodded agreeing with his words.
"I'd like to host something called a celebration but I don't know how. I need your help guys."
"Leave it to us."
Elfaria spoke.
"Let's go ladies."
They left, Shinn and Atlas gave him some space too. The hall was quiet, just Asteri and Hinamatsuri.
"...you've made it."
"Yes. And I'm glad I did it the right way."
As he approached, two thrones appeared, and he took a seat after speaking. He gestured for her to sit on the other one.
"What do you mean?"
"Guy played me but I'm also glad that happened."
"I don't understand.'
"I met some Demon Lords who had no subordinates. I think influence isn't a major factor in being a Demon Lord."
"..I.. I guess."
"But thanks to Guy's game, I was able to find you."
Hinamatsuri was happy when he said that.
"I'm glad we get to meet too, Ati chan."
She smiled warmly, their hands just inches apart when the door suddenly burst open.
"Asta-kun… huh?"
It was Ramiris.
"Uh, did I interrupt you two?"
She asked innocently.
Asteri froze, his jaw tightening. Though his expression remained composed, the faint tremor in his aura betrayed his barely contained fury.
"Lady Ramiris, what brings you by?"
"Heh? I told you I was going to meet you after Walpurgis, didn't I?"
<>
"Oh... I must've forgotten."
She flew closer to his face.
"Y...you've changed."
"W... what?"
"You don't behave like this before."
"She's right. He's been acting out of line ever since he woke up."
Hinamatsuri also noticed it.
Asteri lifted his palm calmly.
"Oh… that."
A miniature version of himself peeled away from his hand, drifting into existence like a fragment given form. Smaller, sharper, radiating an unsettling coldness.
"This is my past self."
Asteri said evenly.
"My current body has access to human emotions. Unlike him."
The tiny Asteri scowled, veins of irritation flaring across his face.
"However."
Asteri continued, unfazed.
"just like him, I still have to learn those emotions. I don't instinctively understand them yet. I'm experiencing them in real time."
The chibi Asteri snapped. He shot forward and began punching Asteri's face with everything he had. The blows landed, but there was no resistance, no reaction, not even a shift in posture. It was like striking a concept rather than a body.
"Are you really okay with that?"
Hinamatsuri asked quietly.
"Of course not!"
The chibi shouted, furious, hovering mid-air.
Asteri glanced at him.
"Same body. Different personalities. That's what we are."
"I think you've gone too far, Ati-chan."
Hinata said, uneasy.
"Ati-chan?!"
Ramiris echoed, spinning mid-air.
"Don't worry, Hinata. It's all under control."
"Hinata?!"
Ramiris froze, eyes twitching. She looked between them, completely lost.
"Shut up!"
She snapped, flailing her arms in frustration like a sulking child. The room fell silent instantly.
"She's right, Asta-kun."
Asteri nodded.
"Remember when I said this body is just a vessel? Not my actual self."
"…Yeah."
Hinata replied slowly.
"The real you exists somewhere between worlds."
"Exactly."
Asteri said.
"If things truly go wrong, my main body will simply purify this vessel."
There was no arrogance in his tone. Just certainty.
"You might wonder whether my emotions affect my true body."
He went on.
"Well, they don't. Everything happening here is allowed because the real me wants this version of me to exist. To live. To enjoy this life."
Hinata processed that.
"Oh… that actually makes sense."
She hesitated.
"But what if you can't purify your vessel? I know it's impossible but… what if?"
"That's simple. It exterminates this one and creates another."
Asteri replied casually. The words landed heavily. It was cruel yet inevitable.
"Another one?"
Hinata asked, her voice tightening.
"Would you still be… you?"
She asked, not ready to lose 'this' Asteri.
"Speaking as a vessel? Probably."
He answered honestly.
"I don't have access to everything my true body knows anyway. I'm incomplete by design."
"Oh…"
She nodded, still uneasy.
"Relax, Hina. It won't come to that."
Asteri said gently.
"Besides, I have two backups in this world. No reason for the real me to intervene."
"Two… backups?"
Ramiris squinted.
"Yeah. This little guy, and a seal that restores my previous self."
"Hm…"
The chibi Asteri crossed his arms.
"Stop calling me 'little you'..."
Asteri flicked him and...
Poof.
The miniature version vanished with a ridiculous sound.
"This one can't take over anyway."
Asteri added.
"I scripted that before we separated."
"And the seal?"
Hinata asked.
"It can't activate on its own either. I'd have to break it manually."
Hinamatsuri smiled faintly.
"As expected of you, Asta-kun."
Asteri returned the smile, soft and genuine.
"Anyway."
Ramiris said, glancing between them, mischief creeping into her eyes,
"What did I hear earlier? Ati-chan? Hinata? So you two really are in love."
Ramiris burst out laughing, the tension finally breaking.
"L..lady Ramiris, that.."
"Yes. I'll admit that."
Asteri said it plainly, without hesitation.
"Heh?"
Ramiris froze mid-air, completely thrown off.
"I was just joking, Asta-kun."
"But I'm not."
His voice didn't waver.
"I've admitted it once, and I'll say it again. Hinata, you've given me another reason to stay longer in this world."
Hinata's expression softened. A quiet, genuine smile spread across her face.
"I know…"
She said gently.
"And I'll be there for you, Ati-chan. No matter what. No matter who stands against you."
For the first time, Asteri didn't know how to respond immediately. Surprise flickered through him, followed by something colder. Fear. Not for himself, but for her.
The memory of what had almost happened to her resurfaced.
She noticed the shift and stepped closer, taking his hands before he could pull away.
"Don't look like that. Don't scare me."
He said softly. His grip tightened instinctively.
"…If you do."
Asteri said with a faint smile that carried a dangerous edge.
"I might end up destroying this world for you."
"Better not. Or I'll personally stop you."
Ramiris shot back quickly.
Before the mood could deepen further, the door slid open. Sasha walked in, her expression serious.
"Sasha? What's wrong?"
Asteri asked.
"Forgive me, Asteri-san. I'll be borrowing Hina for a while."
She said.
"Huh...?"
Hinata barely had time to react before Sasha grabbed her arm.
"Where are you taking me, Sasha?"
"You won't be working. But you'll be guiding us. Mikasa's here too."
Sasha replied calmly as she started dragging her away.
The two disappeared down the corridor, Hinata's voice fading as she protested lightly.
Asteri watched the door close, still feeling the warmth of her hands lingering in his own.
"Oh I haven't told you... yhe girls are organising a celebration for me. I told them to do so."
"And you didn't invite me?"
Ramiris got angry.
"You know it now so..."
He got up from his throne.
"Make yourself at home Lady Ramiris. I have something to attend to promptly"
He vanished leaving Ramiris.
"Why are you all leaving when I just came here?"
"We're not. It's just that this is really important I have to attend to it as soon as possible."
Asteri's voice echoed through the hall.
"Better get back soon before I eat all the food."
"I will. Besides, you can't eat all that with that little body of yours. I'm sure a watermelon will last you weeks if not a month."
Asteri laughter filled the hall and his presence was gone.
"You'll pay for that once you come back!"
Ramiris spoke angrily before heading towards the direction Sasha took Hinata.
...
...
...
ASTERI'S POV
Queen Towa sat gracefully upon her throne. The air was still until a voice, distant yet unmistakably clear, echoed through the chamber.
"May I have a minute of your time, milady?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, the calm around her beginning to ripple like disturbed water.
She quickly recognised the voice.
"W...no need for formalities, remember."
I materialize in front of her with a smile on my face.
"You're a Queen, I'm a nobody."
"You're like a king to your people, you know?"
"Shinn kept saying that, but I don't rule over them like most people do. I'm simply protecting and giving them the life they deserve."
"That's also what kings do."
She's also taking their side. I sighed, frustrated.
"You need to sit? Let's go somewhere."
"Nah, it won't be long."
"Oh, I almost forgot to congratulate you on becoming a Demon Lord . Apologies, it came late."
She stepped down from her throne, as she lowered herself to bow, I closed the distance in an instant and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
She froze, a faint tremor running through her before I withdrew my hand.
"I'm sorry."
I said quietly.
"N… don't worry…"
She replied, her voice soft and hesitant, a faint blush of embarrassment colouring her face.
"How's Eto and the Demons holding up?"
"All good master."
Eto materializes kneeling.
"I wasn't talking to you."
Eto didn't know how to respond but just to keep his mouth shut.
"I apologise."
"They're doing good, as you can see. Eto volunteer to be my personal bodyguard. Is that ok with you, Lord Asteri."
"Hmm..of course, it doesn't matter. I'll call for him when I need to but don't worry, I'll bring some as his replacement when that happens."
"This whole kingdom and my people are safe because of you."
"Hey, stop treating me like that.. I don't like it."
"Forgive me.."
"Anyway, I'm here to invite you to a little celebration that'll be held on my Island tonight. I personally came to invite you."
Towa's eyes widened in surprise.
"I..I'll...it'll be a pleasure to attend."
"Good. When it's time, you'll know."
She nods.
"Should I tell her or.."
"I shouldn't say this but..no matter what people say or what you do, I'll always follow you."
I was surprised upon hearing that now that makes them two?
"Follow me? I appreciate it, my Diva."
"Wh..."
She flinched at the sudden and new nickname.
"Please, make an exception for me to call you that for the time being."
"...if that's what you want then no problem.
I don't know what happened but...he's completely changed. He's not like before.>>
<
Asteri was embarrassed and quickly turned his face.
<
Enta laughed cheekily.
<
"S... see you later then."
He stammered.
"Ok. I'll start making preparations."
"What about me, Master? Am I not invited?"
Eto is getting good at pissing me off.
Perhaps I'll show him where he belongs. My mood changed and the effect was immediate. He closed his eyes and buried his face in the ground, submitting. It is part of his play, so I ignored it.
"You're her bodyguard, remember?"
"I... I know."
I turned to leave but stopped and turned.
"Oh, one more thing, my Diva."
"I'm all ears."
"I.... "
Eto and Enta heard weird noises, unable to decipher what he said. Towa alone got the message. She froze at his words, unable to move or say anything.
"I promise and I won't keep you waiting."
I said before disappearing.
.
.
.
Later in the afternoon Asteri went back to his island. As he was walking down the stairs he met Elfaria.
"Your highness."
She bowed.
"Are you ladies done?"
"Almost. What is it, my Lord?"
"Lady Ramiris, Milim and Queen Towa are invited make it count please."
<
"O..ok.no need to beg. We will make tonight the best of the best."
<
"Thank you."
<
I ignored Enta and went upstairs.
To be continued...