The New Castle Kelsey

When David returned to Castle Kelsey, he was stunned by the renovations made to the keep.

He knew his forces were painting the walls, but he didn’t expect them to be completely black with spikes along the battlements and towers. There was even a little bit of red painted on the tip of each spike as if it was blood.

God, this is the sort of thing an edgy teenager would find cool. David cringed a little. This…is the Demon Emperor’s bastion of evil, but it’s too much!

“Master, you’ve returned!” Mania bowed to him. “How was your trip to Themis?”

“…Tedious, as expected,” David muttered as he glanced around to see whatever else had been done to the keep. “Mania, whose idea was it to renovate the castle this way?”

“This was the combined efforts of all of us generals, Master. We all thought hard about what would help transform Castle Kelsey into the bastion of evil you envisioned!”

This was agreed by all of you? Even by Mímir?!

“What do you think of the Dread Keep, Master?”

“…Dread Keep?”

“Ah.” Mania blushed from embarrassment and giggled. “When we were in Stonefall, I asked Mímir if we should think about renaming Castle Kelsey and giving it a more suitable name. I suggested the Dread Keep. W-what do you think?”

I think it’s very edgy and very cringy, David wanted to say, but he bit his tongue. It’s what you’d expect the last level to be in an old RPG. In that sense, it’s perfect for a Demon Emperor.

With an internal sigh, David loudly proclaimed, “It is a fine name, Mania.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Master! Is there anything you wish to ask of me or for me to report?”

“Hmm, perhaps. Raven.” One materialised from the shadow of the gates and knelt before him. “Has there been anything out of the ordinary around the castle since I left?”

“No, your majesty.”

“Excellent. Then-”

“Your majesty, might I make a quick report about the situation in Stonefall?”

“I will hear the full report from Mímir later, so keep it brief.”

“As you wish. I just wanted to say that the plan is progressing as per your orders and that Stonefall is on the breaking point.”

“Excellent. Then-”

“The brutal murders caused the intended pandemonium that your majesty wanted, and the whole city believes that it’s a part of the Great Disaster, just as you said it would be.”

“…Just as I said it would be?”

“Yes, your majesty.”

“Who told you that I ordered those murders?”

“Sire?”

“Answer the question. Who told you that?”

“…Lord Mímir did, your majesty.”

“Funny,” David grunted with a snide laugh, turning to Mania who was cowering in fear. “I don’t remember ordering that.”

“Y-your majesty, I-

“Raven. Summon the generals and the rest of the Ravens that aren’t occupied to the throne room. Now.”