While Cui Ciyou silently grumbled to himself, the soldiers in black armor hurriedly raised their swords before their chests.
Though flustered, their movements were perfectly synchronized.
One man in the ranks, however, did not follow suit.
It was Muya, the soldier who had led the group when Cui Ciyou first met them.
He stepped out of formation and approached Atofe.
"Lady Atofe."
"I have informed you repeatedly that you should ascend the rear staircase when receiving guests."
"This concerns etiquette and your dignity. Why have you once again..."
"Do you even need to ask?"
Atofe looked as though the answer were obvious.
"Because walking up from the front feels better, of course."
"You cannot decide these things based on your mood!"
Muya's voice rose an octave.
"Did you know?"
"A hero must endure a long journey before entering the Demon King's castle to challenge the Demon King."
"They say that when he enters this castle, ready to fight the Demon King, he feels incredibly proud."
Cui Ciyou was too exhausted to even comment. Why did she make a hero's quest to slay the Demon King sound so ceremonial?
They were fighting for their lives, and she still cared about this nonsense.
"This is the ceremony for the Demon King to take her throne! The honor of the entire immortal demon race is at stake!"
"Do you understand? If your late father-one of the Five Great Demon Kings of old-saw you behaving so casually, he would be heartbroken!"
"Moreover, your husband, Lord Reibak, always stressed during his lifetime..."
"Shut up!"
A red gleam flashed in Atofe's eyes, and the sword at her waist shot out of its sheath.
The slash was impossibly fast. The shriek of air being torn apart came only afterward.
Muya tried to draw his sword and block