Chapter 12:

Valerr's First Move

When I bought That Suspect Baroque Closet and Lamp, I Didn't Expect to Be a Mundane Wizard for the Demon Prince of Another World


Valerr sipped wine, hiding her seething at Kairo's combat victory. Should the alien show strength and value in Lyon's court, it could undermine her support. She needed to balance the court scales in her favor, and the Demon King's of course.

"He did well for the first trial." Lyon commented.

"It was his choice of combat." Valerr soberly noted.

Lyon's eyes narrowed. "Then how do you propose we tackle the next one? My brother's going to be in it."

Valerr's mind was a whirlwind of questions and plans. It's clear Lyon was up to something again, this time he couldn't get the upper hand.

"May I suggest Countess Turnstine participate in the next trial."

"Oh? It's a strategy one, do you think your daughter is clever enough for it?" Lyon didn't hold back his bluntness to test the woman.

"I doubt it would be that challenging, considering the alien would know nothing of our world."

"Very well, tell her to give this scroll to Genie." Lyon casually handed a serving girl a sealed pocket scroll, who handed it to Valerr.

Valerr frowned, but magically stowed the scroll in her belt pouch. "Sire, if you please excuse me. I need to powder my nose." She rose and bowed to announce her departure.

Lyon nodded. The combat trial had been more than a show of strength. The alien had won people's admiration. He was keen to see how Valerr would try to outdo him, although he had already calculated likely probabilities.

Valerr, hurried down to the stadium levels and ordered one of her guards to bring her daughter to her private booth in a wing. She hurried down a tunnel and upstairs into the booth to stand before a long window.

Her daughter made a ballsy entrance as she uncouthly slumped on a sofa and began tossing grapes into her mouth.

Valerr shook her head with a sigh at Leela's mannish behavior. She sat on the other sofa, upright and got straight to the point.

"I want you to be in on the alien's next trial."

"Me? Why?" Leela sat upright with a frown.

"Genie is participating."

This was all Leela needed to hear to give a hearty agreement. She unquestionably pocketed the scroll and headed down to the pitch to where Kairo and the others were.

Valerr rose to stand before the window again and stare out to the pitch grounds. Her long ball game was about to take a turn.