“Humans require public approval.”
Nina stopped chewing. “…That sounded threatening.”
“It is procedural.”
“That is threatening language.”
Anderson, sitting farther down the table with visible exhaustion already, sighed quietly. “The kingdom wants reassurance that the humans can adapt to demonic society.”
I blinked once. “You people watched us survive Hell portals, assassination attempts, and palace politics. What exactly are we proving now.”
One ruler answered calmly, “Competence.”
Nina pointed. “Absolutely not. Nobody informed me there would be exams.”
The younger brother leaned closer toward her lazily. “You once argued with a ruler about lighting design for forty minutes.”
“And I was RIGHT.”
“Exactly.”
The older ruler continued speaking while completely ignoring Nina’s growing outrage.
“Each of you will complete traditional palace assignments over the next several days.”
Then Nina lowered her pastry. “That sounds fake.”
“It is not.”
“Can I decline?”
“No.”
“Wow. Dictatorship.”
Meanwhile I was already suspicious. “What kind of assignments?”
The ruler stared directly at me first.
“You will assist in resolving disputes among lower court houses.”
I blinked once.
“…You’re putting me in charge of demon arguments.”
“You speak to the nobility without fear.”
“That sounds less like a qualification and more like a personality flaw.”
Several council members looked thoughtful after that. Oh no. Then the ruler turned toward Nina.
“You will participate in ceremonial combat instruction.”
The entire table went silent. Nina stared blankly.
Then: “…I’m sorry WHAT.”
The younger brother started choking laughing beside her.
