The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 172: A Surprising Offer

While Kaeli was almost always in her workshop, surrounded by a cacophony of hammers and forge tools, engulfed in her work, this time, Lance was reviewing construction plans in with her in the workshop. It was also around that time that a figure entered the room. She was a tall, curvaceous beastkin woman with feline features, pointed ears, and a sleek tail. Her amber eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her movements were fluid and graceful.

"Lord Lance," she said, her voice mid-toned as she bowed respectfully.

Lance raised a hand, acknowledging her greeting. "And who might you be?" He asked.

"I'm Sarella. I've been assisting Kaeli with a few special projects."

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Lance raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sarella... What special projects?"

Sarella set a rolled scroll on the table, her tail swishing almost playfully as she explained. "We've been working on an idea to enhance the quality of life in the kingdom. Inspired by the human kingdoms, we want to build a grand bathhouse. Not just for cleanliness, but as a place for relaxation and community. Though the humans only open theirs on certain occasions to the public, we plan to do the opposite."

Lance unfolded the parchment, revealing detailed sketches of a large, multi-tiered structure with pools, steam rooms, and private baths. "A bathhouse?" he mused, studying the designs. 'This is great! I never even got to see one with my own eyes back on earth…' he thought to himself, though, all that showed outward of his excitement was a smile.

Sarella leaned closer, her tone enthusiastic as she looked at the scroll in Lance's hands. "Exactly! Imagine it, a place where warriors can unwind after training, where workers can relax after a long day, and where everyone can come together, regardless of race or status. It's more than a luxury; it's a statement about who we are as a kingdom!... E-ehem… excuse me, my Lord… I got a bit excited for a second. Please, forgive my rudeness." She said, readjusting herself.

Lance nodded slowly, impressed by her vision and energy. "You are fine. This…" He said, handing her the scroll, "I like it. It's just as you have said. Keep up the good work."

"M-my Lord! I am not worthy of your praise, my lord…" Sarella said, bowing deeply a couple of times, her face clearly flustered… perhaps, she was too much of a kind soul? Even that was rare for beastkin.

Kaeli, standing nearby, smirked. "She's got a point. And don't worry, I'll make sure it's built to perfection."

Chuckling lightly, Lance agreed. "I look forward to it."

As the little meeting concluded, Lance watched Sarella leave after finalizing some things with Kaeli, her tail swaying behind her, her dress doing little to obscure her fine figure. Rynne, who had entered mid-discussion, nudged Lance with a knowing smirk. "She's got quite the charm, doesn't she?"

Lance sighed, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Rynne." Though he could vouch for the shape, he didn't want to pounce on it.

The day ended with Lance visiting the temple, where Mira and Lia were overseeing a gathering of goblins and demons. The sight of so many demons in a temple was certainly unexpected, as they'd naturally be seen as anti-temple… in most fantasies Lance could remember from earth at least. Then again, that was only if it was a temple of some goddess of light or sun god.

Lance chuckled as the thought crossed his mind.

As night fell, Lance returned to his quarters, his thoughts filled with the day's progress. Everything had been going so well and smooth, with little unexpected discoveries and incidents. Even then, if anyone was to tell Lance that the most unexpected was yet to come, he would doubt.

…

The following day, around afternoon, Veyrath had met with Lance in a private meeting in the newly constructed council chambers of the demon city, well, it was more of a refurbished centre.

The Demon Lord's usual calm demeanor seemed tinged with a mix of nervousness and determination, which immediately put Lance on edge.

'He doesn't look like one… but are all demons in all worlds the same after all?' Lance thought to himself, awaiting words from Veyrath.

"My Lord," Veyrath began, his voice measured, "I must thank you for what you've done for my people. You've given us more than a second chance, you've given us hope."

Lance nodded, smiling a bit as he waved it off. "It's not just me. It's the collective effort of everyone in this kingdom. Your people earned this chance by proving their worth. Besides, how many times must you thank me? It is only natural that the dog would eat the crumbs that fall from the masters table."

Understanding Lance's words and perceiving them as rather philosophical perhaps, Veyrath bowed his head slightly, a deep gesture of respect. "Well spoken, my Lord. Such insightful words… it is exactly as you speak…" he said, raising his head slowly back up. "Still, I feel indebted. And I wish to offer something in return, a gesture to solidify the bond between our races if you may."

Lance raised an eyebrow, curious. "Go on."

Veyrath hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I would like to offer you my sister's hand in marriage. She is of noble blood, wise, and more than capable of standing by your side as one of your queens, or perhaps, a concubine."

For a short moment following Veyrath's proposal, the room fell silent as Lance stared unblinking.

'Shit… it is true after all… all demons are crafty and scheming.' Lance thought to himself with a blank but surprised expression in his mind.

Lance blinked, letting out a dry cough before he spoke. "Marriage?" he echoed, his tone cautious.

Veyrath nodded.

Lance, growing unsurprised in a matter of seconds, stated. "Veyrath, do you wish for my death? I know I'm strong, but I already have a lot of women surrounding me…"

Lance took a deep breath, "I appreciate the offer, Veyrath, and I understand your intentions you cunning fox… But, I believe marriage is a deeply personal decision. It's not something that should be arranged or decided on behalf of others. You understand, right?" Lance said, stressing the last part.

Veyrath tilted his head to the side, avoiding his piercing gaze. "Of course, my lord… I understand completely. We need to let it happen naturally."

"Huh?"

"Why not have my sister become a close assistant of yours?"

"Stop it."

"Right, my lord… perhaps, a much more natural way then." Veyrath said, his voice almost quite as he avoided Lance's gaze directly.

'All demons are certainly the same… at least this one isn't after me with bad intentions…'

…

Later that evening, Veyrath relayed the conversation to his sister, An'xiel, a striking demoness with flowing crimson hair, curved horns, and an air of sharp wit.

An'xiel's response was immediate, and unfiltered as she listened to what er brother had done behind her back. "You WHAT?" she exclaimed, her golden eyes widening.

"I thought it would be a good idea," Veyrath said defensively. "And you're not exactly in a hurry to marry anyone else. Besides, who would refuse someone like Lord Lance for another? Those that even make sense?"

An'xiel groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Veyrath, I love you, but sometimes you're as dense as a rock golem. Do you really think I want to be paraded around as a political pawn?... then again, this isn't even political, so I don't even understand your reasoning behind this…" She glared at her brother.

Veyrath frowned. "Lord Lance didn't even see it that way. In fact, he refused on principle. He said marriage should be a personal decision." He explained, making a stern face as he did.

An'xiel paused, her irritation giving way to curiosity. "He did, did he? Well, at least he has more sense than you. Besides, I have no intention of marrying anyone anytime soon. Especially not a human! Demons live for centuries. Why would I set myself up to be a widow just like that? I've got time."

The siblings shared a lighthearted heated moment as they argued and discussed, the subject eventually shifting to other things.