Scattered footsteps drew closer from the distance.
They came from a squad of imps serving as the vanguard.
These imps were of a fairly ordinary sort in terms of strength, but judging by their relatively orderly formation, they were certainly no band of wild demons!
Their equipment looked decent. Judging by their clothing and the quality of the weapons in their hands, these imps were at least members of the Guard Corps of some count fief.
The maximum number of imps a demon noble of each rank could command was more or less fixed. The equipment and weapons issued to these imp subordinates were also restricted by rank. Even the most unruly demon noble would not give his peers grounds for criticism over such matters.
Preserving one's strength and avoiding excessive hostility with other demon nobles of the same rank were still essential in the Abyssal World.
Farther behind them came several greater demons, followed by a small group of demons under their protection.
"Sino, my son, go ahead and take a look. See whether we've reached the place you mentioned," Demon Count Kasas said languidly. "My son, you should recognize it, shouldn't you? If we're already there, have that squad of imps up front secure the surrounding area first, so no other nobles can exploit an opening."
At that moment, Count Kasas sat on a litter carried by eight imps. A cushioned chair of a comfortable height rested upon it, draped with a blanket. Everything had been made from excellent materials. It had to be said that demon nobles sometimes knew how to enjoy themselves, even though they could actually fly indefinitely.
Kasas reclined on the litter in utter indolence, a faint smile on his exceptionally handsome face.
Yet any demon who saw that smile could not help feeling