Return to the castle.

You're damn right. If I'm getting kicked out of the empire, I'm getting a fucking castle instead. Nobody's using it now. I beat the Demon King, and I earned this place. It's mine. Now that's an upgrade. It'll take a few days, let's do it. My own frustration is powering me now. We'll get there in record time.

After a couple days of travel, you reach the tree-filled valley where the dark stone walls protect a small town's worth of infrastructure within. A castle is not only a home, but a place for many to live. Through the front gate, you see many buildings, and of course, the towering structure that once housed the Demon King Sa'dis. There are still remnants of battle here. The two rocs lay motionless in debris. Scorch marks are present throughout. You even pass by the Flame General's body. For now, everybody enters the castle gates and makes it to the throne room.

Still standing, and strongly, even if there is a hole in the ceiling.

The Demon King's fractured sword sits in the center of the room. You walk past it, and gaze over his throne--gold with soft red cushions. You then turn back to your party. "We've made it. This is our home for now."

It's illustrious. If it wasn't for the broken walls, columns, and other damages, it would look fit for a king of the world. It's a solid structure, and the nearly-black stone bricks contrast sharply with the red and gold compliments. There are dozens of places you haven't even checked that you remember from the floor plan Lynx sent you.

For now, you sit on the throne, and let out a sigh. "We'll camp here and figure out what to do."

"It's kind of exciting being on the run, huh?" Niki says.

"Sure. It's like being banned from an inn, but on a grander scale."

"Yeah... Hey! Was that a shot at me?"

Still, leaving everything behind is heavy. I'm so lost. This place is a mess. I'm a mess. What do I even do next?

Everybody sets up their bedrolls and camps inside. You did bring food from home, so Amara puts together something to eat. You decide it's best not to find the kitchen or explore the other rooms for now, just in case there are other dangers around. Tomorrow is a new day. That's when you'll start making a plan, just like you always have. You and your party will work together to think of something.

Though when you go to red, you can't help but stay up for hours as your mind races. You're frustrated. Sad. Worried. It's nothing but negative emotions in your mind. It concerns you, given what's happened recently. If I fall to deep into a pit of despair, and I going to turn into an edgy Demon King?

But eventually, you fall asleep.