"The demon lord?" Jessica asked, her expression shifting to concern. "Are you sure that's safe? What if he tries to hurt you?"

"Then you'll just heal me again," Satou replied with a faint smile. "But I don't think he's here to fight,I've got a feeling about this."

"Still," Kelvin said, falling into step beside them. "We're coming with you. Just in case."

Satou didn't argue. Having backup, even if he could barely stand, was prudent.

They entered the meeting hall, and Satou immediately understood why this building had been prioritized. It was large, well-lit, with a high ceiling supported by impressive wooden beams that bore dwarven craftsmanship. Tables and chairs filled the space, creating areas for meals and meetings.

And at a table near the far end, sitting casually with a cup of what looked like tea, was Demon Lord Loki.

He was not what Satou expected.

Demon lords in stories were usually massive, intimidating figures with horns and wings and an aura of menace. Loki was... none of those things.

He appeared human, or close to it. Medium height, slim build, with sharp features that might be called handsome if not for the unsettling quality of his amber eyes. His hair was dark green, tied back in a loose ponytail. He wore elegant but practical clothing—dark pants, a deep green shirt, a black coat with subtle embroidery that suggested wealth without being ostentatious.

The most notable feature was his smile. It was pleasant, friendly even, reaching his eyes in a way that seemed genuine. But there was something about it that set Satou's instincts on edge. Like looking at a predator that had learned to mimic harmlessness.

"Ah!" Loki stood immediately upon seeing them, his smile widening. "The legendary goblin awakens! Please, please, come sit. You look like you're about to fall over, and I'd hate for our first meeting to involve you face-planting in front of me. Bad for both our dignities."

His voice was smooth, cultured, with a hint of amusement that never quite left it. He gestured to the chairs across from him with genuine enthusiasm.

Lyra helped Satou to a chair, and he gratefully sank into it, trying not to show how much even that short walk had taken out of him. Jessica and Kelvin positioned themselves behind him, their hands on their weapons.

"No need for that," Loki said, waving dismissively at their defensive postures. "If I wanted to harm anyone here, I've had two weeks of opportunity. I'm here to talk, nothing more."

"Then talk," Satou said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "What does a demon lord want with us?"

Loki's smile shifted, becoming more genuine and less performative. "Direct. I appreciate that. Very well, let's skip the pleasantries and get to business." He took a sip of his tea. "You killed Vegeta, the Shadow Hero. That's quite an accomplishment. Heroes are blessed by gods, wielding power that puts them above most beings in this world. Yet you, a goblin barely a month old, killed one."

"I had good reasons," Satou said carefully.

"Oh, I'm not judging," Loki said, waving a hand. "Vegeta was a bastard. Arrogant, cruel, took pleasure in inflicting suffering. The world is arguably better without him. But his death has consequences. Specifically, it's created an opening."

"An opening?" Satou repeated.

"In the demon lord ranks," Loki clarified. "You see, there are thirteen demon lords, ranked by power and influence. I hold the thirteenth position—the weakest, as I'm sure you've been told. But here's something interesting: Vegeta killed the previous holder of the seventh seat, Demon Lord Astaroth, He Killed him in single combat, actually, which was rather impressive."

Satou felt a chill. "And now I've killed Vegeta."

"Exactly!" Loki pointed at him enthusiastically. "By the ancient laws that govern both heroes and demon lords, you have claim to that seat. The seventh seat. You, a goblin who killed a hero who killed a demon lord, have the right to take Astaroth's former position."

The room was silent for a long moment.

"That's insane," Lyra said finally. "He's a goblin. The demon lords would never accept—"

"Some would," Loki interrupted. "Some wouldn't. It would be... contentious. But the law is clear. Right of succession through combat. If Satou can prove his strength and defend his claim, he could take the seat." He paused, his smile becoming sharper. "Of course, that means facing challenges from other demon lords who don't think a goblin belongs in their ranks. And trust me, several would challenge you just on principle."

"Why are you telling me this?" Satou asked.

"Because I want to make a proposition," Loki said, leaning forward. "An alliance. Between you and me."

"An alliance," Satou repeated flatly.

"Yes! Think about it. You're building something interesting here. A mixed settlement of goblins and orcs, working together, creating something new. I find that fascinating. But you're also vulnerable. The humans see you as a threat now,you killed one of their heroes. That won't go unpunished. Other heroes will come. Armies might march. You need protection, resources and allies."

Loki gestured around them. "I've already demonstrated what I can offer. Skilled workers. Resources. Protection. That vampire outside? One of my most trusted subordinates. He'll guard this settlement as if it were my own territory."

"And what do you get out of this?" Satou asked suspiciously.

"An ally in an interesting position," Loki replied smoothly. "A goblin who can kill heroes, who's building a multicultural settlement, who has potential claim to a demon lord seat. That's valuable. And unlike the other demon lords, I'm willing to invest in that potential rather than trying to crush it out of fear or prejudice."

He took another sip of tea. "Plus, honestly? I'm bored. The other demon lords are so predictable. Always fighting for power, always plotting against each other in the same tired ways. You? You're something new. And I like new."

Satou studied him carefully. Everything Lyra had said was true—this demon lord was dangerous not because of power but because of cunning. This offer, attractive as it sounded, undoubtedly came with strings attached.

But the benefits were real. The settlement was being rebuilt faster than they could have managed alone. The elves and dwarves brought skills and knowledge the goblins and orcs lacked. And protection from a demon lord, even a relatively weak one, might deter immediate retaliation from the humans.

"There's something you're not telling me," Satou said finally. "Everything you've said makes sense on the surface, but I can tell there's more to this. What's the catch?"

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