The Riddle Of Magic

Chapter 17: Concert with Demons

Charlie was practically vibrating with excitement as they walked back up the entryway to the Hotel's property, past a sleek black car parked by the entrance. It was an enormous vehicle taller than her family's limo, but not one she was familiar with.

Alastor moved to open the door for her; and she had to take a few deep breaths to focus, remembering her manners as Princess of Hell. Technically their guest wasn't a patron, this was another Overlord, though clearly friendly judging from Alastor's casual demeanor. The deer demon smiled at her as she went past him, his cheeky grin cocksure.

She scanned the lobby as they entered, and saw the newcomers at once.

A large red elephant demon with blunted tusks and thick red hair chatted with Husk at the counter, a glass of water with lemon in front of him. As befitting the creature whose features he shared, he was easily one of the larger sinner demons she'd ever seen; and was dressed in a fine dark purple suit with a gray tie that matched his eyes.

It occurred to her that they may need to get bigger doors if any other guests matched his size. She made a note to remind Alastor of that later.

The other guest was sitting on a nearby couch with the others, a young brunette demoness with messy bangs and hair done up in a large bun. She was also nicely dressed in a business suit, though her colors appeared to be inverted from the Overlord's. Her blazer and skirt were a dark gray, similar to her skin. She had a long purple scarf that she toyed with as she listened to Angel and Vaggie debating the facts of a story he was telling, clearly bored, but sitting courteously nonetheless alongside Cherri.

The Overlord looked over as her business partner shut the door, trunk waving cheerily as he greeted them. "Ah, my lady Princess, I'm glad you've returned!" he called, his voice surprisingly gentle and light, considering his larger frame. "And you as well, good sir Radio Demon!"

"I don't believe I've heard my title and the word 'good' in the same sentence before, but I'll take the courtesy!" Alastor smirked, summoning his microphone cane and leaning on it.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance before?" Charlie noted.

The elephant demon offered his hand, and when she extended hers, he took it formally, and his trunk brushed against the back of it lightly as he let it go. "The pleasure is mine, my lady. My name is Laurence, and the young demoness over visiting with your patrons is Cassandra."

The girl, most likely his assistant, had a keen ear for her name. She took her leave from the others politely, heading over to them, bringing a large black briefcase with her.

As she neared, Charlie saw that Cassandra was a rabbit demoness about Vaggie's height, though her features were far vaguer than her Overlord's. She had full cheeks and a darker nose, with long feet; and her large front teeth were visible for just a moment as she smiled nervously.

She gave a slight curtsy, but didn't say anything. She had pale eyes with green sclera, and they darted from Charlie to Alastor nervously. Doubtless, she knew about the Radio Demon's reputation, and shifted closer to Laurence's side, letting him do the talking.

"Oh! Alastor had mentioned you," Charlie noted to the taller demon, who towered over her and Alastor both. "You're very polite for an Overlord." It was honestly surprising to see outside of Cannibal Colony, or certain hellborn families.

She left the subject of spells and demons from other dimensions unspoken.

"As befitting the company I keep," he smiled, nodding to her as well as the deer demon beside her. "With any luck, your redemption project will encourage others in this city to act with a bit more dignity!"