Long ago, back when the beings who would eventually become the Six Kings spent their days together under Kuromueina, there were frequent opportunities for the "family" to gather for a meal. This was partly due to Kuromueina herself being something of a gourmet who took great pleasure in eating.
Lilliwood, being a spirit, consumed nothing but water, and Magnawell’s gargantuan physical form made the act of dining impossible, but the other members enjoyed those feasts in their own way.
Isis had always cherished those moments. Sitting around a table with her family, sharing food in a harmonious, lively atmosphere—it was a warm time that allowed her to truly feel the reality of being with others.
That was precisely why Isis had included a grand dining hall when she built her own citadel. She had done so with a quiet hope that, one day, she might be able to share a meal with the many people living in her castle, just as she had back then.
But unfortunately, she had been destined for a long period of solitude. Since she did not strictly need food or drink to survive, the dining hall was eventually left abandoned, preserved only by magic... a room that saw no use.
However, as if in sync with her frozen dreams beginning to stir, those happy memories were starting to take a new shape.
"It has been quite some time since I last sat for a meal, but this is a fine thing indeed. I have no regrets regarding my life of constant training, but as Isis-sama suggested, I may have lacked a certain mental leeway. I see now that moments like these, where one can simply take a breath, are equally necessary."
"I know the feeling. I used to spend my own days entirely immersed in my training. I only started eating regularly to keep Iris-dono company, but I’ve found that dining is a rather wonderful experience. Of course, that might be largely due to Iris-dono's prowess in the kitchen."
Currently, Isis sat before Sirius and Polaris, her newest subordinates, and Iris, her very first follower. The four of them occupied the same table, sharing a meal together.
Because Iris was a former human, her habit of eating remained deeply ingrained, and she still strictly observed three meals a day. Furthermore, since cooking was her personal hobby, her skills were exceptional.
Initially, Iris had dined alone, but Isis had eventually begun to join her. Polaris, her curiosity piqued, followed suit. Before long, it had become a tradition within the Land of Death for the subordinates and their King to gather for breakfast and dinner.
"Still, I must admit my surprise. I wouldn't call myself the most informed individual, but I thought I had a grasp on the various powerhouses of the Demon Realm. To think a warrior as formidable as Iris-dono was right here..."
"My circumstances are somewhat unique. It is only natural that you did not know of me."
"Hmph. I hope you will grant me another spar sometime."
Sirius had also integrated herself into this new tradition. With the four of them gathered, the table had become quite lively.
Isis found herself uncontrollably happy. Above all, she savored the joy of having met such wonderful subordinates who could laugh and eat alongside her. At the same time, she felt a natural resolve to be a ruler worthy of their loyalty.
By gaining these followers, Isis, too, was growing as a King.
"...Isis-sama, would you like a second helping?"
"...Yes... I’ll have some more... thank you."
"Iris-dono, I’ll take another as well."
"Don't be lazy. Get it yourself."
"The disparity in how you treat us!?"
"Fufufu."
Though their relationship was officially that of a monarch and her subjects, there was no stifling formality. Just as Isis had truly desired, the subordinates she had gained were a warm presence, much like a family.
As Isis smiled, savoring that happiness, a tranquil aura—one distinct from her Magic Power of Death—seemed to flow around her.
In a room with an excellent view and ample sunlight, a single Blue Crystal Flower swayed by the window.
(Well now, this isn't at all what I expected. At first, seeing that dreadful magic power of hers, I thought she’d be a terrifying person... but I suppose I was mistaken. Her magic is ominous, certainly, but I can feel just how much she loves these flowers. She’s likely a very gentle lady.)
The spirit Spica, who resided within the flower Isis had brought home, had initially planned to flee the moment she saw the Death King. Now, however, those fears had completely vanished.
She had taken a liking to the view from this window, but it was the way Isis cherished the Blue Crystal Flowers that had left the strongest impression. Her evaluation of the Death King had shifted drastically.
(And more than that... I like the air in this castle. It’s warm. And the one at the center of that warmth is undoubtedly Death King-san. Her gentle nature makes everyone around her feel the same way. It’s really quite lovely.)
Hearing the faint echoes of their laughter, Spica felt her own heart grow warm.
(I wonder what this feeling is? I don’t quite understand it, but... I think I’ll stay here for a while. I really do love the view from this spot.)
The stars were beginning to gather around Isis... and it would not be long before a new brilliance joined their ranks.
Extra: Sirius's Sword
The Seven Star Sword (Shichiseiken)
A masterpiece by the legendary blacksmith Crafty, widely known as a "Magic Sword." It was crafted using leftover materials from a Seven Star Magic Beast—the same stock used to create Alice’s daggers before she switched to Machina’s blades. Its sharpness and durability are of a different order entirely.
However, the sword possesses a trait that forcibly absorbs the wielder's magic power to enhance its edge. It is a treacherous weapon; an ordinary person would have their magic power uprooted and be left a withered husk the moment they gripped it. For this reason, it was once sealed away in the depths of the Demon Realm. The sword possesses a will of its own and chooses its own master.
When Sirius first obtained the weapon, she immediately noticed it was draining her magic power. Rather than recoiling, she simply thought, "I see! So pouring magic power into it increases the sharpness. Marvelous!" and proceeded to flood it with an absurd amount of energy.
Sirius's magic power—both in total volume and output—was on a completely different dimension compared to typical demons. The sheer pressure was so immense that the sword nearly shattered under the strain. Desperate to survive, the sword instinctively developed a way to manifest "Magic Power Blades" outside its physical frame to vent the excess energy.
In that moment, the hierarchy was permanently established. The sword became fanatically loyal to Sirius, to the point that it would return to her hand of its own accord the moment she called for it.
In summary:
Seven Star Sword: (Oh? A new owner? Time to drain them dry.)
Sirius: "A slight drain on my magic power in exchange for a sharper edge? I see! So the more I give, the sharper it gets! As expected of a legendary weapon. Very well, if that is the case!"
Seven Star Sword: (Wait—hold on—stop! That’s too much! It’s way too much! No way, no way! What kind of insane power is this!? Stop it! I’m past my limit! I’m going to burst!!)
Sirius: "Splendid! It even has the ability to manifest blades of raw power! Truly, it was worth the effort to acquire this. I look forward to working with you, Seven Star Sword!"
Seven Star Sword: (...Yes, Master! You can count on me!!)
Incidentally, despite being called the Seven Star Sword, there are only six physical blades. This is due to a specific gimmick designed to appeal to a certain dramatic flair: when the six blades are merged, a seventh sword—the true, ultimate blade—reveals its form.