Show me your smile [Beelzemon x Reader]

50: A jolly king

The pair stops in front of you and you stand there stiff. "What shall we call you, newbie?" the taller one asks. You get flustered. "U-uh how did you know I'm new here?" you ask, trying to make your voice sound like a man's. The taller one expects an answer to his question. "Oh, r-right, I'm Daniel" you answer. He pats the back of the shorter soldier. "You must've come to report in to the king like young Sariel here. He likes to get to know his soldiers. Where is your mentor?"

You look away. "He had some urgent business to attend to somewhere else so he left me here, telling me someone else would help me out from now on. I don't remember his face though, but he was tall and had a good build and a moustache." The man shakes his head. "The king should've known Nithael was no good with recruits. Well, my name is Zophiel and I'm a senior soldier to our king, Michael. He is a great man to lead us and protect this place from the demons of the world under us ever since the almighty gave us orders to depart for this world."

You nod. "Have there been many casualties since you came to this world? What's the world like under us?" Zophiel coughs. "So far we haven't had any casualties, only bruises and scratches but the world under us is the embodiment of hell where the seven demons reign and we dare not come down to it for we weaker-minded might taint." You nod again. "Shall we go then?" he asks. "Yeah, I want to see the great king with my own eyes."

You stand behind him, next to Sariel, as the doors in front of you open, leading to a hall before another pair of doors. "Please walk with me. The throne room is right behind those doors so I want you two to behave." You walk quietly behind the man, following him to the throne room.

The doors open and a shining light fills the room that's called the throne room. On a high throne there sits a man in a shining armor and possesses wings on his back. "Oh great king Michael, I have brought you recruits once again" Zophiel says, kneeling. Sariel follows the custom and you do the same. Michael walks down from his throne to in front of Zophiel.

"Zophiel, how nice to see you again. Do get up, we must get to know each other by a cup of tea" Michael says. Zophiel looks at you and Sariel, motioning to follow his moves. He gets up and you follow him. "But first, I would like to examine the wings of the recruits to determine what jobs I can give them later on." You're getting tired of all the standing with half-witted legs but try enduring it. Zophiel takes a sturdy stance, placing his right fist on his heart and after that, magical wings form into his back. They have gold and jewels as decorations and they look awesome. Michael claps. "Magnificent, Zophiel. Your wings are the greatest sight in the castle."

The boy next to you, Sariel follows the custom. "M-my name is Sariel, your greatness." His wings are smaller and much more plain than Zophiel's. "Your wings are very able for quick flight. We'll determine your stamina later on." Then it's your turn. You form your energy-based wings on your back as you follow the custom, stating your undercover name. "My name is Daniel. I'm honored to be in your presence." The king doesn't speak for a moment.

"Zophiel. Where did Daniel come from?" he asks finally. Zophiel shakes his head. "I don't know since Nithael was supposed to be his mentor." The king laughs. "Oh Nithael, that old fellow. He's avoiding his job as usual?" he asks. Zophiel nods. "Then, Daniel, would you tell me where you came from?" the king asks, smiling. "I-I came from the outskirts, far away from the city." He pats your shoulder. "And I see exactly why! Ghost wings are earned after hundreds of years of practice but you're just a newcomer so I would like to know more. For how long have they been like that?" You look straight at the king, bowing your head ever so slightly as you answer. "Since birth, my king."

He ponders for a moment. "Then I shall arrange you to train under me from the time being. Shall we get to the table?" he asks Zophiel. He nods and follows the king there, sitting to the table. You and Sariel follow his lead. Maids bring you tea and biscuits to the table. Michael smiles, having himself poured a cup of tea. "Do have a taste. It's the least I can do to make you feel comfortable after your long, difficult journey." The others smell the tea before taking a slow, small sip. You copy.

After going through Sariel's family ties and education, it's your turn to speak your status. But as you're struggling to speak, a few other soldiers come into the room. "Oh our beloved king, we apologize profusely. Your hostage has escaped and there's a soldier missing his armor. We have to examine the castle if you permit it" one of the soldiers say. The king nods. "I suppose you should go speak to Nithael of the new arrangements while we're searching the castle, young lad. You can find him at the fourth floor of the western tower. The leftmost room is where he spends the most of his time." You bow and start walking towards the tower.

Soon you reach the door, knocking on it before opening it and walking in. "Nithael?" you ask. A grumpy teenage boy's voice answers. "What now." You look around, seeing a long shelf where a man is laying down on. "I... need your help." He grunts, getting down from the shelf. "With what?"