An Interlude of When the Demon King's Women Scheme

The Arena of Trial's stadium was almost filled with bums on seats to watch the main derby race soon to happen.

In a private booth tucked in a cozy niche of the stadium's wing was a small party of influential figures. The booth spared no expense to exhibit grand luxury similar to the throne booth. A few silver and plush red klinē-sofas were aesthetically set-up with a clear view of a midair view screen.

Valerr and Yanmu eased onto a sofa and drank wine from lavish jeweled goblets. Leela was pacing the floor behind them with frustrated worry.

"Leela, dear, if you pace the floor too much, you'll leave a hole." Valerr calmly advised her daughter who stopped and decided to sit in an armchair. 

Leela began examining her blades. "Mother, that alien is becoming too powerful. We have to stop him."

Yanmu's eyes narrowed as he watched a minor race of traxon's stirring up the betting energies of the stadium crowds. "While he's the demon prince's favorite toy, anything we do will be countered by the court visors. Unless he's no longer a favorite toy."

"My thoughts exactly. There are many nobles displeased with our prince's interest in that alien rubbish. If you can help us eliminate him, we'll give you the Andes Power Scroll and a promise of resource support for your kingdom."

"And the Demon King?"

"His wishes are my wishes."

Yanmu's eyes twitched with interest and caution. Demon King Alric's women were not to be underestimated. Clearly Valerr's intentions for a collaboration of the alien's removal had other strings attached. Still, both were strong-win gains.

"How would you win the scroll?"

"We've been leaning on our Head Chamberlain quite a bit. She can ensure our means."

Leela sat back with a gloating smile at seeing an easy win.

"Cheating. Wouldn't that stir the nobles against you?"

"Not if they earn a substantial amount from the win. Those who don't win will soon understand their place as losers within the nobility hierarchy."

Yanmu smirked as he sipped his wine. "Well, I see you've covered your bases. If so, it'll be one scroll for one alien removal."

"Then we have a deal."

Yanmu placed his cup on the side table and rose to take his leave. "I'll have my pirates ready. But I want the scroll upfront. I may need it."

"As you wish. It will be delivered to you before you leave."

The Valide Sultan waited until she was sure he was out of earshot when she gave an order to Leela.

"Make sure our lady does what she's told. Take her son as leverage. Her daughter won't be in her right mind much longer anyway."

Leela snorted. "Consider it done."

She strutted out of the booth with an overeager urge to make good on the order.

 Eldor-sekkat had been listening, hidden in the shadows near the eaves. His body was concealed by a cloaking spell.

He saw Leela headed for the booth exit and ambled up to a set of roof rafters.

He waited for her to be a safe distance before following her glide down the long flight of stairs, ensuring he was undetected as she wove through waiting crowds in the player tunnels.

Both of them were unaware of Genie passing by as he hurried after a trail left behind by Lady Foster.