Page 86 of The Dark Lord Awakens
He seemed genuinely taken aback by the observation. “I… had not noticed any change in my appearance, my lord.”
“Well, I have. It’s subtle but definitely there.” I studied him more openly now, noting how his already impressive physique seemed more defined beneath his impeccable butler’s attire. “It’s a good change. You were already intimidatingly perfect—now you’re just showing off.”
Was that a flicker of pleasure in his expression? It was gone too quickly to be sure, but I could have sworn Azrael looked momentarily pleased by the compliment.
“If my appearance pleases you, my lord, then I am satisfied,” he said, his voice perfectly controlled once more.
As we neared the grand meeting hall where the planning council would gather, I wondered about these physical changes. If regular Earth products were causing demons to evolve, what did that mean for the future of Iferona? And what might it mean for me—technically human but now inhabiting a demon lord’s body?
Questions for another time. Right now, we had a city to rebuild, starting with proper sewage systems—because even in a demon realm, nobody should have to live with medieval plumbing.
20
Lucien/Beau
The grand meeting hall had been transformed for the afternoon planning council. Gone were the dusty tapestries depicting various demon conquests and torture scenes that had previously adorned the walls—seriously, who decorates with “101 Ways to Disembowel Your Enemies”? Instead, detailed architectural drawings and city maps covered every available surface. A massive scale model of Iferona dominated the center of the room, surrounded by smaller models showing specific districts and building designs.
Sir Formalitee had outdone himself with the preparations, creating what looked like a professional urban planning office. He fluttered nervously around the displays, adjusting models by millimeters and straightening papers that were already perfectly aligned.
“Someone’s excited,” I murmured to Azrael as we approached the hall. “I haven’t seen anyone this worked up since they announced a new season ofThe Great British Bake Off. Though in this case, it’s more like ‘The Great Demonic Build-Off.’”
“Sir Formalitee has always been… thorough in his administrative duties,” Azrael replied. “Though I admit his current enthusiasm exceeds historical parameters.”
“That’s one way of putting it. The man’s about to vibrate through the floor. I’m worried we’ll need to scrape him off the ceiling before this is over.”
The camp had evolved far beyond my initial expectations. What started as emergency relief had transformed into a stable community structure. The kitchens now operated with professional efficiency, the medical facilities had expanded to include preventative care, and educational programs for children and adults were flourishing. But the most exciting development was today's meeting—the culmination of weeks of planning for the actual rebuilding of Iferona itself.
As we entered, the room fell silent. Unlike my regular briefings with just the department heads, this session included representatives from various citizen groups, guild masters, noble houses, and technical experts who had been studying the reference materials. All rose and bowed deeply as I approached.
“Please, sit,” I said, waving them back to their seats. “We’ve got a lot to cover, and I’d rather not waste time on formalities. Also, if Sir Formalitee has to wait any longer to start his presentation, I think he might actually explode, and I just had this suit cleaned. Blood and viscera are so hard to get out of silk.”
A ripple of surprised laughter moved through the room—still tentative, but more genuine than it would have been a month ago. Progress, definitely.
I took my place at the head of the table, Azrael standing at my right as always. “Let’s begin with an overview of the proposed plan. Sir Formalitee, you have the floor before you wear a hole in it with your pacing.”
The administrative demon practically levitated with excitement as he moved to the center of the room. “Esteemedcolleagues, honored representatives, and most exalted lord,” he began, his voice taking on a ceremonial quality. “Today we embark on a journey that will transform Iferona from a crumbling remnant of past glory into a beacon of innovation and prosperity!”
He gestured dramatically to the central model, which I now realized was illuminated from within, certain areas glowing with different colored lights. “Behold, the New Iferona! Designed according to the most advanced void principles of urban planning, with integrated systems for water distribution, waste management, transportation, and energy circulation!”
A murmur of appreciation ran through the room. Even I was impressed by the model’s complexity and apparent functionality. Someone had spent way too many hours on this thing, but the results were undeniably cool.
Sir Formalitee pointed to a glowing blue section near the center. “The Administrative District!” he announced with the fervor of a televangelist. “Centered around a magnificent Grand Council Building where all departments may collaborate in unprecedented efficiency!”
He paused, glancing nervously at Azrael. “Naturally, the Grand Council Building will maintain a respectful height differential from the Dark Citadel—no more than sixty percent of its glorious elevation—to preserve the proper symbolic hierarchy of authority.”
I bit back a smile as Azrael gave a nearly imperceptible nod of approval.Heaven forbid anyone build a taller phallus than the dark lord’s castle.
“The Administrative District will also feature specialized buildings for each department,” Sir Formalitee continued, indicating smaller structures surrounding the central building. “Lady Shadowfax’s Intelligence Division, Lord Taxman’s Treasury Department, and General Smashington’s MilitaryCommand will each have dedicated facilities designed to their specific requirements!”
His paperlike finger moved to a vibrant purple section. “The Commercial District! A revolutionary concept in Iferona’s economic development! Traditional marketplaces enhanced with what the void manuals call ‘retail establishments’!”
He lifted a small model from the table, revealing it to be a miniature multistory building with tiny display windows. “Boutiques! Department stores! Specialized food venues! All arranged around a central plaza with fountains and seating areas to encourage social interaction and consumer activity!”
“So basically a shopping mall,” I translated for the confused-looking citizen representatives. “Places to buy stuff and hang out.”
“Precisely, my lord!” Sir Formalitee beamed. “Though the void term ‘shopping mall’ lacks the gravitas of ‘Commercial Activity Nexus,’ which is how we’ve designated it in the official documentation.”
Of course they had. Bureaucrats were gonna bureaucrat, even in demon form.
