In a secluded corner of the bustling party venue, two figures stood face-to-face, their expressions worlds apart. One, Lystia Asmodeus—the member of the Ten Demons known as Lilim—wore a grimace as if she had just chewed on a bitter bug. In stark contrast, her companion, Satania Darklord—also one of the Ten Demons, known as Moloch—wore a defiant, amused smirk.
Both were attending the event in their official, public capacities: Lystia as the mother of Empress Chris, and Satania as the President of the Lord Trading Company. It was this very public role that served as the primary cause of Lystia’s irritation.
"My, my, Nia-san. It is an honor to cross paths with you here. I have heard my daughter... Her Majesty Chris, has been in your care..."
"Well, well, if it isn't Lystia-sama. Yes, indeed. I believe Her Majesty Chris and I have established a very fruitful relationship."
After exchanging these ostensibly polite greetings for the benefit of onlookers, Lystia snapped her fingers. A silent barrier expanded around them, ensuring no part of their conversation would reach the ears of the other guests.
With their privacy secured, Satania’s formal tone vanished instantly.
"You truly have a detestable look on your face, Lilim. It seems you simply cannot stand the fact that your daughter is on such intimate terms with me. Fuhaha! How delightful."
"Moloch... let me ask just to be certain: you aren’t cooperating with Chris-chan solely to provoke me, are you?"
"And if I were?"
"I’d kill you."
"Heh heh. Well, rest easy. Spiting you is not my objective. Looking toward the future, the Empress is a leader of the Reformist Faction. I simply judged that it was in the best interest of the Lord Trading Company to align with Her Majesty Chris while she is in the midst of her rapid ascension. Though, given that you haven't attacked me yet, I suspect you already realize that."
"Yes... the support of you and the Lord Trading Company is invaluable to Chris-chan. But personally, I still find it unbearable."
Indeed, the Lord Trading Company, under Satania's leadership, had recently thrown its weight behind Chris, providing extensive support. For a reformer like Chris, the backing of such a massive commercial entity made it far easier to initiate change. Thanks to this alliance, the internal reforms of the Arclesia Empire were progressing at a remarkable pace.
However, for Lystia—who wished to keep Chris as far away from the other Ten Demons as possible—the situation was fraught with conflict. She knew the partnership was vital for her daughter’s success, so she didn't interfere, but that didn't mean she had to like it.
"Fine. I don't care how much you cooperate with her, but if you ever show Chris-chan even a glimpse of your repulsive hobbies, I won't show you any mercy."
"Good grief. You simply have no eye for the Beauty of Skewering. This is exactly why I can't stand One Drowned in Lust. I have no intention of discussing my private interests and risking my public identity, even without your warnings. It is a tragedy that I cannot proselytize the Beauty of Skewering, however."
"It’s just disgusting. There isn't a shred of beauty in it..."
"What? To not grasp the magnificence of the skewer... Truly, even for a fool, such ignorance is unforgivable. Since we have the chance, allow me to demonstrate the splendor of—Wait, our conversation is over for now."
"Hm? What are you—Oh, I see."
Satania, who had been on the verge of an aggressive outburst, suddenly cut herself off. She produced a hand mirror and began meticulously checking her hair and appearance.
Lystia tilted her head in confusion for a moment, but then she felt a presence approaching. Realizing what was happening, she gave a knowing nod.
"Hello, Listy-san, Nia-san. Thank you both for coming today."
"No, thank you for the invitation, Kaito-san. I enjoy parties, so I’m having a wonderful time."
"Allow me to offer my most humble greetings to Miyama Kaito-sama... To think you would personally walk all this way to see us. I am moved to trembling by your incredible benevolence. Truly, as expected of Miyama Kaito-sama, a party of this scale is unlike anything I have ever witnessed..."
"...Your attitude certainly flipped the moment he arrived, you Skewer Maniac..."
To Kaito, who had come over to greet them, Lystia spoke with natural ease. Moloch, on the other hand, offered a greeting and a bow with movements so perfectly refined they felt rehearsed. Lystia let out a heavy sigh at the blatantly obvious change in her companion’s behavior.
Serious-senpai: "But honestly, in this situation, Kaito is going to give much higher marks to Lystia for being natural and easy to talk to, right?"
???: "Well, Kaito-san definitely prefers being treated casually like that. Though for Moloch, who’s part of the Loyalty Bug Group, acting frank with him is probably impossible..."