Return to the throne.

Once again you sit upon your throne in the Great Hall. This time, however, you're properly dressed, and standing beside you is Thomas Whitham--sword at his side, bow on his back. That isn't all who currently find themselves in the room, however. There's also a harpy nearby, whether she realizes a meeting is about to begin or not. It's Chini, the pink-haired girl with matching wings instead of arms, a white crop top over her busty bosom, and tight-fitting blue shorts. Her talons tap against the stone floor as she wanders closer, and she smiles sweetly as the two of you make eye contact.

"Am I interrupting something?" Chini asks.

"Not yet. Where are the other harpies?"

"They're around, but I just felt like exploring a little."

"You can stay, but some people are about to come in here to speak with me, so you'll have to get out of the way."

"Ah... I see." She looks around for a moment before flapping her wings. She lifts off, and soars up near the ceiling for a moment before slowly descending behind you. She eventually perches her butt down upon the back of your throne, and hangs her bird-like legs over your shoulders. "Is this out of the way?"

Tom looks over. "I mean, technically. I guess."

Chini giggles. "Yay! Just let me know if I need to move," she says with a smile. Her talons kick out forward and back, scratching slightly against the seat behind you.

After a few more moments, the double doors once again push open. The first thing you see on the other side is Taiga the blue-haired bee. She marches forward like a proper soldier, with a spear at her side which taps along the carpet leading straight down the middle of the room. Behind her is once again a group of people, though this one exceeds a dozen. It's a mix of races. Unlike before, however, they don't look like brigands at all. They seem to be a variety of different commoners. Some look like craftsmen, some like traders, others like labourers.

Taiga comes to a stop and the others do as well. She salutes before slamming the bottom of her spear down aggressively against the floor. "Everybody, silence for the Demon King!"

That's a bit much...

You look down at those now staring back at you with a similar fear. However, these aren't individuals hardened by the streets. They're regular folk. So you sit up straight and speak with a mighty yet respectful tone. "Welcome to Castle Phoenix," you say. "You've come far to be here. I must ask what brought you so far from the cities of Tivera. Is there one of you which represents the group?"

They look among each other, though many of the eyes are cast upon the same individual--an older woman with curly greying hair. She stands tall despite facing a Demon King in at his throne and speaks. "Demon King Warren. I admittedly never thought I'd be speaking someone like yourself, especially not in peace. I had an ancestor who perished two centuries ago in a battle against the Demon King Mas'och's army. I heard rumours that the demon who resided in these very walls not long ago was related to him. Is this true?"

"You're right. Sa'dis was his son. He came here to rise to power just like his father, but we destroyed the amulet that bolstered his strength and he fell in this very room."

"That makes you much more of a hero than a Demon King."

One of the others speaks up. "Be careful. Demon Kings battle each other as well. A beast being replaced by an even stronger beast doesn't mean heroism was involved."

The woman looks rather nervous, hearing one of those with her bad-mouth you directly in your presence. "But I've also heard rumours that the beautiful Lady Tesgella trusts you, which baffles me, yet somehow in my heart I believe it to be true. If this is the case, perhaps you are no true Demon King after all."

"Titles were chosen, but not by me," you respond. "Nonetheless, it's what I'm called now. Everything you've said so far is true. We all rallied together to slay Sa'dis, though after King Thadius and the shadows behind him decided I was a threat, they exiled me through propaganda. Now I'm here, with others who have no other place to go."

"I can't speak for everyone here specifically, but we all have our reasons to have come. Some seek work, others trust in who you are, while a few are simply rebellious. Either way, we've noticed trade coming and going from the mountains. It's grown more frequent in recent times. I personally would like to reside here and aid in any way I can, if possible. Everyone here can do something. But we're not certain if your domain is one where people reside, or if the homes are simply barracks for your soldiers."

"And p-please don't kill us!" shouts one of the younger men before dropping to his knees.

Chini giggles and looks down at you from behind your head. "These people are silly. They think you're some kind of deadly monster overlord."

You watch as her feet continue to bounce forward and back. After growing tired of the sound, you gently take hold of her talons and keep them still beside your shoulders. "I do have wanted posters everywhere, so I'm not surprised."

The woman continues. "But if I'm mistaken, please allow us to leave in peace."

After letting go of Chini's legs, you stand up from your throne and bring your hands behind your back. "If you seek a place to live, and can offer your services to the community, then my gates are open for you. Just know that King Thadius won't be pleased, but also know that nobody will hurt you within these walls. We love one another, and we don't care what someone's species is or anything else. They tried to keep us down, but we rose up from the ashes. That's something we all somewhat have in common."

A squeakin girl steps forwards and cups her hands in front of her mouth to project her tiny voice farther than it would. "You're so cool, Demon King!"

One of the older men laughs. "I never thought I'd be cheering for anyone titled Demon King, but here we are. And it's a damn fine castle."

"Walls could be sturdier," says a dwarf.

This is really happening. First it was just a place for me and my friends to live, and then it grew into a safe retreat for outcasts. Now it's growing into an actual town, with crafters and merchants and other kinds of people. Soon the courtyard will be filled with buildings, and we'll be a proper threat to King Thadius' rule. The Empire isn't the problem. It's Elok Daven and his manipulations. We need to get Queen Catherine II back on the throne of Tivera. Then maybe Castle Phoenix can grow into a properly recognized settlement. That would be neat. And at that point, hopefully I won't have to worry about another Demon King likely planning my downfall.