Chapter Text
Angel Dust sat in a luxurious limousine provided by the Devil's Crown. He just sat there, staring off into space with wide eyes, Fat Nuggets resting in his lap, as they were taken to the Magne District. He still couldn't believe what had just happened.
One minute, he was scraping together rent, and the next, he was offered a penthouse suite in one of the finest apartments in the Magne District.
At first, he thought it had to be a scam, maybe some sleazy bastard trying to kidnap him or something. But when those towering, black-armored guards (who probably had huge dicks under all that metal, he joked to himself) showed him the Seal of the Morningstar, pulsing with powerful energy, he knew it was real.
And let's be honest, he couldn't exactly say no. You don't turn down the Devil's Crown. Not unless you're into eternal suffering.
He was escorted into the limousine and brought to the Magne District. Even then, he couldn't believe his eyes. He'd heard all the rumors, that it was the most elite, cleanest, and most exclusive district in all of Pentagram City.
They finally arrived at Burning Light, one of the district's most famous apartment complexes. Angel Dust couldn't help but admire the place. The rumors were true — it was like a little piece of Heaven. No creeps, no kidnappers, no grime on the streets. Everything was clean, high-class, and crawling with former champions of the Hell Games.
"Mr. Angel Dust?"
The spider demon turned his head and saw a petite woman with silver-white hair and eyes as blue as gemstones. She regarded him with a calm, composed expression.
"Hello. My name is Yumna, Assistant and Secretary to Prince Andreus," she greeted with a polite smile.
Angel Dust blinked, a bit thrown by the formal greeting, but quickly gathered himself. He adjusted Fat Nuggets in his arms and gave a half-smile.
"Uh...hi. Are you here to give me a tour or somethin'?"
"If you're referring to the Burning Light Apartments, then yes. Do you need assistance bringing up your essentials?"
"...My what?"
"Your stuff," Yumna clarified patiently.
Angel glanced back at the small pile of boxes and bags he had brought along. It wasn't much, but it was enough for him and Fat Nuggets.
"Oh, uh...yeah, sure?" he said, sounding a little unsure.
Suddenly, his belongings floated into the air, wrapped in shimmering blue mist. Startled, Angel Dust jumped back a little.
"What the hell?!" he muttered.
"Come along now," Yumna said simply, already walking ahead as his floating luggage followed behind her.
Angel snapped out of it and hurried after her into the building. He took in the interior design, elegant blacks accented with gold and silver. It was jaw-dropping. He spotted former Hell Games champions lounging around, chatting, or minding their own business. The district really was paradise for the elite.
They approached the front desk. Yumna spoke briefly with the imp receptionist, explaining that Angel Dust was the newest resident of Burning Light. The imp typed something into her computer until a chime dinged, confirming his arrival.
"Here we are. Room 787," the imp said, handing Yumna a keycard. "Need any help, Ms. Yumna?"
"That won't be necessary. Thank you," she replied in a respectful but neutral tone.
"Have a Helluva day," the imp nodded and returned to her work.
Yumna motioned for Angel Dust to follow, and he obeyed. They stepped into the elevator. As it rose, Angel Dust looked out through the glass walls, admiring the glittering view of the district below. He still couldn't believe he was here, let alone about to live here.
When they reached his floor, Yumna led him to his new apartment and began explaining the situation.
"As you know, you're acquainted with Prince Andreus' younger sister, Charlotte Morningstar," she began. "Because of this connection, you are now under the protection of the Devil's Crown. Any outsider who threatens you will face severe consequences."
Angel Dust's eyes widened. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Well, damn. Who knew the Devil's Crown had a soft spot for little ol' me?" he said, fluffing his hair.
Yumna's expression didn't change. But her tone did.
"Don't take this lightly, Mr. Angel Dust," she said, her voice firm. It caught him off guard. "Your safety is guaranteed only due to Princess Charlotte's personal request. If you abuse this kindness, you will be returned to the Vees."
That shut him up.
He swallowed hard. He knew better than to mess with the Devil's Crown. If he did... Valentino wouldn't just hurt him. He'd break him.
"Heh...yeah. Got it. I won't spill any beans, promise," he said nervously.
Yumna nodded. "Good. I'm glad you understand."
She handed him a card. "This is the address of your new job, a boutique called Kumo no Ito. There, you will assist our seamstress with new designs and serve as a model. Do you understand, Mr. Angel Dust?"
Angel Dust, who usually half-listened to people, paid close attention this time.
"Yup. Loud and clear."
"Excellent. You'll start tomorrow morning. 7 a.m. sharp. We'll send an imp to escort you to the boutique."
"Uh...okay," he said, giving a small nod.
"Enjoy the luxurious meals provided in the cafeteria, or visit the restaurants nearby. Someone will give you a proper tour of the district once you've settled in. You'll be contacted shortly. Have a Helluva day, Mr. Angel Dust."
With that, Yumna left.
Angel Dust stood in the middle of his new apartment, overwhelmed. He let out a long sigh, mind buzzing with questions. He walked over to the lavish sofa and gently set Fat Nuggets down beside him.
He still couldn't believe any of this was real.
A penthouse apartment. No rent. Protection from the Devil's Crown. No creeps breathing down his neck. It almost felt like he was free...
But his thoughts drifted to his contract to Valentino.
Angel Dust pulled out his phone, half-expecting a barrage of threatening texts.
But there was nothing.
No missed calls. No messages. No voicemails. Nothing.
In fact...Valentino's number was gone.
Frowning, he tried dialing it manually, thinking maybe he accidentally deleted it.
But when he typed it in, it just vanished.
As if he'd never had it in the first place.
"What the—?"
"FUCK!?!?!?!"
Screamed Valentino, the Moth Overlord of Lust.
He was having a meltdown in his penthouse, furiously trying to call Angel Dust to drag him back into his sexy videos and business. But when he tried to dial the number, it vanished. All that played was an auto-response:
"Unfortunately, the person who gave you this number doesn't want to hear from you ever again. We know this sucks. And fuck off, bitch. BEEP!"
"GOD! FUCKING! DAMMIT!!!"
Valentino hurled his phone at the wall, shattering it on impact.
Growling, he took a long drag on his cigar and exhaled a plume of red smoke.
"KITTY! BRING ME A DRINK!" he barked at a small, red jester-like robot.
The grinning robot obeyed immediately, zipping off and returning with a drink.
Valentino tried calling Angel Dust again using a spare phone from his drawer, but was denied again. Enraged, he smashed that phone too.
"That son of a bitch thinks he can ignore me?!" Valentino snatched the drink from Kitty's tray and downed it in one gulp. "That cum-sucking whore thinks he can just walk out on me?!"
He flipped the nearby table in a rage, sending everything crashing to the ground.
As his tantrum continued, the doors to the penthouse opened, revealing Vox, the T.V. Overlord with a flat-screen for a head.
He had come to check on Valentino after Velvette called him, saying the moth demon had trashed her entire department.
Vox sighed as he watched the chaos unfold. "So...what's got you all pissy this time?"
"CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT UNGRATEFUL PIECE OF SHIT?!" Valentino raged, flinging his now-empty glass at Vox, who coolly sidestepped it.
Vox raised a brow. "Which whore are we talkin' about? You've got so many."
"FUCKING ANGEL DUST!" Valentino stormed up to him. "WHO ELSE?! THAT FUCKING SLUT WALKED OUT ON ME!"
Vox held up his hands. "Alright, damn. Chill." He turned away, checking his phone for damage reports from the department.
"Without me, he's just a bag of meat with some mildly entertaining holes," Valentino sneered bitterly.
"Oh, Angel quit?" Vox asked dryly.
"NO! He didn't fuckin' quit! It's worse!" Valentino snatched Vox's phone and hurled it against the wall. "HE MOVED!!!" he screamed.
"He thinks he can just work for me and then go home to some other fucker?! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?!" Valentino ranted. "He's probably shacked up with some random asshole right now!"
"Wait, wait...Angel's living with someone?" Vox blinked in confusion.
"YEAH! And I'm gonna kill him and whatever poor bastard he's staying with!" Valentino stomped to his weapon cabinet and opened it, revealing rows of guns, drugs, and a disturbingly large poster of himself. He grabbed a long revolver and a semi-auto pistol.
"Which one makes me look sexier?" he asked with a grin, twirling them.
Vox groaned. "You don't even know who he's with, do you?"
Valentino ignored him, loading bullets. "That slippery twink is gonna remember who owns him. I'll fuck up everyone in that rancid little apartment!"
Before he could rant further, Vox grabbed him by the collar, slamming their faces together.
"VAL!!" Vox shouted, his voice distorting with digital rage. Then he sighed and let go, smoothing out his suit. "Think about it."
He wrapped an arm around Valentino and guided him toward the shattered window.
"Our brand is perfection. Chasing after whores like a jealous ex makes us look pathetic."
Valentino frowned, offended. "I ain't pathetic!"
"Then act like it." Vox smiled tightly. "You still own his contract, don't you?"
Valentino blinked. "...Yeah?"
"Then relax. He's not going anywhere. So...you should?"
Valentino hesitated. "Do...nothing?"
Ding-ding! A cartoonish slot-machine noise played.
"Exactly! See, that's why they pay you the big bucks." Vox smirked, pinching Valentino's cheek.
Valentino crossed his arms. "Ugh, but I really wanted to shoot someone."
Vox chuckled and sparked up a heart-shaped flame with his powers, lighting Valentino's cigarette.
"Well, let's call up the lowest earners this month. You can shoot them."
Valentino grinned. "Ooooh, you do know me well."
Just then, two Shadow Guards materialized outside the window. Black-armored and cloaked in darkness, they phased into the penthouse silently.
"AAAHHH!"
Valentino stumbled back in fear.
Vox's face glitched. "Oh shit...not again."
He had just recovered from the last incident involving Prince Andreus' Shadow Guards, when Katie Killjoy insulted the prince's sister. It nearly bankrupted his entire operation.
This could be worse.
Before they could react, there was a cold chuckle in the room, he turned and froze as he saw a demoness was suddenly sitting on Valentino's couch, sipping a cocktail, one Kitty had prepared. She was striking: dark hair with a white streak, glowing red eyes, black lipstick, four wings (two black, two red), and a pointed tail.
(Voice Actress: Beyoncé)
She smiled coldly.
"Hello, boys. How've you been?" Her voice was smooth but laced with malice.
"Ma-Ma-Mazikeen?!" Vox stuttered. "Wh-What are you doing here?!"
Mazikeen
Lucifer's lieutenant. Hell's Executioner. Mentor to Prince Andreus. A living nightmare.
Mazikeen sipped her drink and leaned back. "This is a warning."
Vox and Valentino both went stiff.
"The warning is for you, Mr. Valentino," she said casually.
"ME?! What did I do?!" Valentino barked, but instantly shut up when Mazikeen glared at him.
She stood, her wings stretching wide, as she paced.
"One of your employees, Angel Dust, has been taken in by the Devil's Crown. He's now under royal protection. You can't harm him. You can't take him back by force. Not even with a contract."
Valentino's jaw dropped. "You're fuckin' kidding."
"Oh, I'm deadly serious." Mazikeen's aura flared, lights flickered, the room trembled, and screens crackled with static.
"If either of you lays a finger on anyone under the Devil's Crown's protection, it will be seen as treason against the Royal Family, and war."
Vox and Valentino tried to back away, but the Shadow Guards blocked them.
Mazikeen smirked. "But don't worry. If someone under our protection betrays us, they'll be cast out without hesitation. And their souls, if contracted, will revert back to the original owner."
Valentino raised a trembling finger. "S-So...if he screws up, I get him back?"
"Yes," Mazikeen said flatly. "If he returns..."
Valentino blinked. "Wait. What's that mean?"
Mazikeen conjured the original contract Valentino had with Angel Dust and held up a magnifying glass.
"You forgot one detail," she said smugly. "Your fine print. It says: 'If the sinner who made this contract wishes to leave, they may buy their freedom for $70,000."
"WHAT?!" Valentino and Vox screeched in unison.
"You seriously didn't read your own contract?" Mazikeen deadpanned. "You added that clause as a joke, and now he's using it."
She tossed the contract at Valentino's face, who read it fiercely.
"You forgot you had fine print in the contract?!" Vox whispers harshly.
"Oh, shit, I put it there as a joke! I didn't think he might get a new job to pay it off!" Valentino barks back.
"You dumbasses really thought there was no way out?" Mazikeen snorted. "You let this happen."
The two overlord sinners tried to find a loophole of the contract but there were none.
"Oh, and by the way," she added with a wicked grin, "Since Angel Dust is now working in the Magne District, he will get good pay there, and he'll be free within 13 months!"
"13 MONTHS?!"
"Yup!"
"But Angel Dust doesn't know anyone from the Devil's Crown!" Valentino cried.
Mazikeen turned, sipping her drink again.
"Oh, you didn't know?" she said coyly. "He met Princess Charlotte. She personally requested his protection."
Both overlords froze.
"Y-You mean THE princess?" Vox whispered. "The one we're not allowed to touch?"
Mazikeen's smile turned cold again. "Try to interfere with her or Angel Dust again, and I will HUNT YOU DOWN until the last thing you see is my rage."
BOOM!!!
A blast of demonic energy exploded through the room, shattering every window in the penthouse. Fire scorched the walls. Vox and Valentino were thrown to the floor.
As smoke filled the room, the Shadow Guards phased out with Mazikeen.
Vox groaned, coughing. "Of all the demons...Mazikeen had to be the one to show up..."
Valentino, blackened and trembling, screamed, "I CAN'T GET ANGEL BACK NOW! HE'S IN THE MAGNE DISTRICT! THAT'S FOR THE NOBLE RICH ELITES AND THE HELL GAMES WINNERS!"
Vox sat in silence, pondering.
He couldn't send spies THERE. Anyone without an invite dies. But if Angel Dust got in because of Charlie... maybe...just maybe...
A new idea was forming.
He just needed to find a stupid, expendable idiot to get close to the princess. Someone dumb enough to get in and plant a bug in that district.
Before he could finish the thought, his spare phone rang.
He sighed and picked up.
"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED UP THERE, VOX?!" Velvette's voice screamed. "THE WINDOWS ARE FUCKING GONE AND THE POWER'S OUT!"
Vox groaned. "Ah, crap..."
The plan has to wait; he has to fix the tower and bring the electrical power back up.
Angel Dust was putting his things in the closet of his new room. He still can't understand why his contact with Valentino was gone and why he suddenly got a new job here. A place for the rich and champions. He heard rumors that only the chosen few have the privilege of coming here. And to be honest, Angel Dust always wanted to come here. After all, he saw many celebrities and influencers visiting the Mange District, looking like a golden paradise.
Just then, a knock came from the door, causing Angel Dust to stiffened. He walked over to the door and checked the peephole to see who it was. He then becomes surprised for some reason and opens the door.
It was a tall bulky demoness with white skin, a ridiculously big puffy, blond wing, and flashy yet fashionable hot pink outfit, and bright white stiletto heels, and a bright red lipstick on her puffy lips and green eyeliner. Bright blue eyes looked at Angel Dust with enthusiasm.
"Hello, Darling, my name is Paulette Chardonnay! Owner and founder of Big Fashion and the number one bar of Hell, Beautiful Pride!" She greeted (Voice actor: Trixie Mattel).
Angel Dust's eyes widened by the introduction. Paulette Chardonnay is Hell's Number One Drag Queen and is the top fashionista in all of Hell, and owner of a top bar with great alcohols and wines. He idolizes her the moment she started Big Fashion and opened a successful bar called Beautiful Pride. He wanted to work in the fashion business but due to his contract with Valentino, he never got the chance.
"Ms. Chardonnay! I'm a huge fan!" Angel Dust said in idolization.
"Sweetie, just call me Paulie." She said with a smile. "Not every day we have new hires around here."
"New...hire?" Angel Dust asked in confusion.
"Yup! Since you're new in the Magne District, new hires are often Hellborns." Paulie said casually. "However, there are few Sinners coming here for work, but only the exclusive ones. But you are the lucky ones."
"Oh yeah, very lucky... hehehe..." Angel laughed awkwardly, already wishing he could slap himself.
Luckily, Paulie was as friendly as she was fashionable. "Oh hon, you don't have to be nervous. We're basically family here."
"Family?" Angel Dust repeated.
"You bet! In this district, your coworkers become your chosen family. They won't backstab you—and even if they tried, they wouldn't survive," she said with a surprisingly serious tone.
Angel tensed slightly. "Wait, what do you mean by—"
Before he could finish, Paulie pulled out a gift basket full of chocolates, a bottle of fine wine, and an assortment of cookies.
"Here's a little something from the fam. We wanted to make sure you're settled before your first day at the boutique tomorrow."
She handed over the gift basket, and Angel Dust accepted it with surprise.
"Whoa... wow, that's... that's something," he said, setting it down on a nearby counter. "So... I'm gonna work at the boutique called... uh, Ku-something?"
"Kumo no Ito. It's Japanese for 'Spider Silk,'" Paulie said. "It's one of Hell's number one fashion houses, with the best products this side of the Underworld. Much better than anything the Vees ever had." She laughed.
Angel had to agree. The products from the Devil's Crown were so rare and authentic they made the Vees' merch look like clearance rack trash. He'd always wanted to try them, but they were either too expensive or sold out before he could snag any.
"Anyway, I hope you're not too tired," Paulie said with a smile. "I was going to give you a tour around the district."
"Huh? Oh, nah—I'm good. Just settling in with Fat Nuggets." Angel gestured as the tiny demonic piglet peeked out from behind him.
Paulie gasped. "D'awww! What a cutie!" She knelt down and pulled out a butter cookie. "Does wittle Nuggie want a cookie? Yes, you do! Yes, you do!"
She gave the cookie to Fat Nuggets, who munched it happily while she gave him belly rubs. Angel smiled, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in his chest—something fuzzy and safe, though he tried to shake it off.
"Now, let's give you the grand tour!" Paulie said brightly.
Angel Dust and Paulie left the Burning Light tower with Fat Nuggets safely nestled in Angel's arms. Paulie drove them around the Magne District, showing off its best spots—cafés, restaurants, spas, salons, malls, resorts, and Lu Lu World, the most famous theme park in all of Hell.
"Wow! This place is fucking awesome!" Angel Dust exclaimed.
They eventually settled at Grande Festa, a high-end Italian restaurant owned by Nero, Hell's number one chef and a former winner of the 1990 Hell Games. A bulky bull demon, Nero had been sent to Hell after killing a man who was harassing his employees. Later, he was burned alive by a rival business who torched his restaurant. In Hell, he entered the Games and survived alongside six other sinners, earning the title of 'The Survivor Seven'.
Paulie ordered carbonara, tiramisu, spaghetti, and fine wine. They dined at a premium table, chatting while live Italian music played.
"Now this is the stuff," Angel Dust said, loving the food.
"I hear you, girlfriend," Paulie replied, slurping her spaghetti.
Fat Nuggets nibbled on a slice of pizza Paulie had ordered just for him, tail wagging happily.
"Compliments to the chef!" Angel said with delight. "I missed good Italian food when I was alive."
"Why thank you," came a deep male voice.
"Nero, darling!" Paulie waved.
"Ciao, Paulie. How are you today?" Nero greeted her warmly.
"Fabulous as always. I'm just giving Angie here a tour."
"Holy shit! You're Nero the Bulldozer!" Angel exclaimed.
Nero chuckled. "Been a while since someone called me that."
"Man, you bulldozed through the 1990 Hell Games like it was nothing!"
"Now I bulldoze in the kitchen," Nero said with a grin.
"And you're killing it!" Paulie winked.
"So you own this joint?" Angel asked.
"Yup. I earned it after surviving the Games with my fellow champions."
"Oh yeah, the Survivor Seven," Angel recalled.
"Yup. The seven of us made it through. That year's Games were brutal," Nero said, shaking his head. "We're lucky Kathy-Kat helped us out in some trials."
"Kathy-Kat?" Angel blinked.
"That's what we call Kathleen," Nero chuckled. "She didn't like it at first, but it grew on her after we survived."
"Damn... wait, does she live here with her brother?"
"No. She and her brother Price live somewhere between the Weapon District and the Cannibal District," Nero explained.
"Wait, why would they live there instead of here in paradise?" Angel asked.
"Because Kathy isn't the fancy type," Paulie explained.
"Yeah, and neither is her brother. Living near the edge makes it easier for them to access the Cannibal District," Nero added.
"...Huh." Angel could only nod. "So... who else from 'The Survivor Seven' lives here?"
"Well, there's me, the twins Azure and Scarlet, Drake, Arion, and Phazr," Nero answered. "They live here but often leave the district for...other work."
Paulie nodded, familiar with them due to her role in the district registry. She knew their histories.
Azure and Scarlet are Combat Sinners. In their past life, they were assassins, raised from birth to be killers. They died after completing a mission to destroy an enemy base. However, their superiors ordered them to stay behind during the final phase of the operation, deeming them expendable. The twins were caught in the explosion and perished.
After arriving in Hell, they were chosen to participate in the Hell Games. They accepted without question and followed Kathleen, who had helped them survive the first round.
Drake is a Dragon/Chimera hybrid Sinner. In his past life, he worked as a mercenary. He killed many people, but only to earn money to support his impoverished family. Once he'd saved enough and ensured his family was safe, he tried to hide them when his former commander came hunting him, believing he still had more wealth.
Drake led his pursuers away to protect his loved ones. He and his former commander faced off in a final battle, both falling off a cliff and dying. After being sent to Hell, Drake entered the Hell Games and used the opportunity to finally eliminate his ex-comrade for good.
Now, Drake works as a private operative under the Devil's Crown. No one knows exactly what he does, but a few sinners are aware of where he's been stationed.
Arion was once a humble songwriter and musician. His life took a dark turn when a colleague stole his work and passed it off as their own. Betrayed and furious, Arion murdered his colleague in a fit of rage. After realizing what he'd done, he vanished from the music industry.
He later awoke in Hell as a humanoid snake Sinner, though he doesn't remember how he actually died. Regardless, he was selected for the Hell Games and emerged as one of the champions.
Now, Arion is a leading music producer in Hell. His company, Seraksa Studio, is one of the most powerful music labels in the Underworld. It boasts the best singers Hell has to offer, enhanced by powerful enchantments.
And lastly, there was Phazr, the digital/tech Sinner, was an inventor and hacker in his past life. During his time on Earth, he created an encrypted code that triggered explosions in target computers. He designed it as revenge against high school bullies who relentlessly abused his autistic younger brother, simply because he couldn't speak.
The bullies were all seniors; his brother was just a sophomore. They would beat him, harass him, and torment him for no reason. In retaliation, Phazr used his code to overload and destroy their computers while they were in their dorm rooms.
The authorities never discovered it was a hack—they assumed the explosions were caused by overuse or faulty hardware. Though Phazr had protected his brother, he was killed not long after. A stranger stabbed him at a bus stop during a mugging.
He was sent to Hell for committing murder out of revenge.
Phazr was chosen for the Hell Games, where he fought and won alongside the other champions. Afterward, he founded his own tech company: Nexar Inc. It quickly surpassed Vox's technology, offering more futuristic and advanced innovations than Vox ever could. Phazr's knowledge was simply generations ahead.
Despite their dark pasts, they all found purpose in the Devil's Crown.
"Wow...six of the Survivor Seven are here." Angel Dust said with a grin.
"Yup! We had a shitty life back then...but winning the Hell Games gave us a new start." Nero said with a smile.
"No shit, you guys survive the hardest of all trials!" Angel Dust commented. "It's amazing you all survived."
"That would be Kathy, she saved our sorry ass, after all, she's the survivor one." Nero said before someone called out to him that table 15 wants some food. "I'm coming!" Nero called out before looking at Paulie. "Well, duty calls, enjoy your meal!"
"Thanks, darling!" Paulie called out as Nero headed back to the kitchen. "Now, once we're done with lunch, I'll show you where the boutique you're working for is."
"Sweet." Angel Dust said, clinking glasses with her.
After their meal, Paulie took Angel Dust to a fancy-looking boutique, decorated with spiderweb designs and spider symbols. It was Kumo no Ito, the number one boutique in all of Hell, and Velvette's biggest rival.
Paulie explained to Angel Dust about Shiruku, the founder and owner of the boutique. She designs all the clothes for royals, nobles, and the winners of the Hell Games, and she's also responsible for creating the outfits for the contestants.
When they entered the shop, Angel Dust's jaw dropped. The whole boutique looked like a massive fashion hall. New outfits and designs filled every corner of his vision. There were even pet outfits, which Angel Dust definitely planned to use for Fat Nuggets.
They soon approached a male Blue Butterfly Sinner, who was doing inventory work, checking a clipboard in his hand.
"Good morning, Skye! How are you?!" Paulie greeted kindly.
The Sinner named Skye smiled. "Hello, Paulie. How are you today?" he replied in a posh English accent.
"Skye, say hello to the new employee of Kumo no Ito, Angel Dust!" Paulie introduced. "Angie, this lovely and fine-looking sinner is Skye."
Skye extended his gloved hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Angel Dust."
Angel Dust shook it. "You too, boss man. Your place is swanky."
Paulie and Skye stifled laughs, causing Angel Dust to frown. "What? What'd I say?"
"First of all, yes, everything here is very swanky, but I'm not the boss," Skye said with a chuckle, pointing toward the silk-covered ceiling. "The boss is up there."
Angel looked up to see Shiruku, elegantly maneuvering through the spider webs like a professional silk acrobat.
(Voice Actress: Kelly Hu) ( This image was made by @IsabelCHernandezRobl)
She floated from floor to floor with graceful ease before landing near the trio. Angel's jaw dropped again, he clearly hadn't expected that kind of entrance.
"Skye-san," she said calmly, "please remember to restock some of our fine silk robes on floor ten. Also, be advised, Lady Cerian's dress for her upcoming banquet will be delivered within two days. And begin preparing the combat attire for the upcoming Hell Games."
"Yes, Madam Shiruku," Skye said with a respectful nod.
Shiruku smiled and turned to Paulie. "Ah! Kon'nichiwa, Paulie-chan. How are you today?"
"Doin' fine, luv! Oh! say hello to your new employee, Angel Dust!" Paulie said, gesturing toward him. "He'll be working here at the boutique."
Shiruku looked at Angel Dust, who stiffened under her golden gaze. She then smiled.
"Ah, good to hear. We need all hands on deck with the Hell Games coming up. There's a lot to prepare, outfits for the contestants, nobles, and guests."
"Wait...the rich elite enter the games?" Angel asked, confused.
"Oh no, hon, they don't," Paulie corrected with a chuckle. "They just order new outfits to watch the Hell Games. Gotta show off, you know?"
"Ohhh, that makes more sense," Angel said, realizing. He thought back to all the nobles and rich folks he'd seen wearing extravagant outfits. "Do you also make outfits for the royal family? And the Devil's Crown?"
"Hai," Shiruku replied proudly. "My boutique is the only one with rare materials that make any outfit shine."
"That reminds me," she added, "I should prepare Charlotte-hime's dress. How is it coming, Skye-san?"
"The dress will be delivered to Princess Charlotte within two days, just putting on the finishing touches," Skye replied.
"Good."
"Wait-she's gonna be there?" Angel asked in surprise.
"Oh yes," Paulie replied casually. "As the sister of Prince Andreus, she has to be present at all times."
Then, thinking aloud, Paulie added, "I wonder what she's up to now..."
"Remember to mind your manners, Princess Charlotte," Lady Ophelia instructed Charlie as they sat inside the limousine, heading toward their destination.
Charlie and Vaggie sat across from her, with Charlie wearing her formal outfit. Razzle and Dazzle sat next to Charlie, looking at the window.
"When you meet Lady Xiáng of the Yàn Family and Lady Alondra of the Songbird Family, you must greet them with respect. You may be a princess, but their status is much greater than yours. Remember that."
"Yes, Lady Ophelia," Charlie replied softly.
The Yàn Family is a high-ranking Ars Goetia bloodline, known for their mastery of dark arts and combat. The Songbird Family is also a noble Ars Goetia house, second only to the Yàns. Members of the Songbird family possess enchanted voices that can hypnotize or curse any sinner who dares to challenge them.
Lady Xiáng and Lady Alondra are high-ranking consorts of the Goetic Prince of Hell, Prince Stolas, father of Octavia and husband of Stella.
The reason they were forced into this arrangement was due to Stolas' father, Paimon, King of the Ars Goetia. He assigned both women as Stolas' official consorts, or concubines, for the sole purpose of producing heirs. Neither had a choice in the matter, as their families were closely tied to the royal Goetia bloodline. And so, they became Stolas' consorts.
However, Lady Xiáng and Lady Alondra do not live with Stolas. They refuse to reside in the same home as Stella, and never will. Instead, they live in a grand estate, more like a palace than a mansion, attended by many servants and guarded day and night.
They also have children, both born three years before Octavia.
Prince Fèng, the son of Stolas and Consort Xiáng, is a high-ranking Ars Goetia noble who can conjure Hellfire. He is the youngest general in Hell's army and one of Prince Andreus' closest allies and subordinates. As the firstborn, he is the half-brother of both Octavia and Princess Aya.
Princess Aya, the daughter of Stolas and Consort Alondra, is a famous singer, the number one diva in all of Hell. Her voice enchants both Hellborns and sinners alike, making them fall in love with her. Like her brother, she also serves under Prince Andreus, who personally sponsored her career. She is the second-born, and half-sister to Prince Fèng and Princess Octavia.
Because of their strong alliance with the Devil's Crown and their high status, nearly all noble families of the Ars Goetia favor the two oldest royals, especially Fèng, due to his reputation as the youngest general in Hell's history. Many even wish for him to be named the next heir of the Ars Goetia.
However, Stella strongly opposes this. At every noble gathering, she insists that she is Stolas' lawful wife, and that Octavia, her daughter, is the rightful heir. But she is often shut down by nobles who point out that Octavia has yet to fulfill her duties as a princess, she hasn't even completed her magical training.
In fact, the only reason she's considered one of the potential heirs is because she serves as Princess Charlie's Lady-in-Waiting, a position she holds thanks to her older half-brother, Fèng, who personally requested it from Prince Andreus. Andreus agreed and allowed Octavia to serve his younger sister in the royal palace.
Stella, of course, was fuming with rage whenever anyone brought it up. Even though she was the wife of Stolas, her status wasn't nearly as grand as that of the consorts. In fact, due to their children being prodigies and prominent nobles, many favored Prince Fèng as the next ruler. After all, he had become a general at a young age and had already led armies into battle.
Others favored Princess Aya, whose voice and presence captivated the masses, making them eager to follow her every word.
Two powerful factions, each supporting a different heir.
And Octavia?
She was barely a topic of serious consideration among the nobility, a fact that only fueled Stella's growing frustration.
Desperate, Stella tried to push Octavia into High Society. But every conversation ended in comparisons, questions about her half-siblings, their achievements, their growing influence. No matter what Stella did to shift the spotlight onto Octavia, Fèng and Aya always outshined her.
Of course, Octavia didn't mind. Unlike her mother, she loved her half-brother and half-sister. They were always kind to her, checking in, buying her thoughtful gifts. Though they shared only a father, the bond between them was real, and warm.
But Stella couldn't stand it. She hated her daughter associating with "the competition".
She wanted Octavia to be the sole heir of the Ars Goetia.
In a desperate and disgraceful move, she tried to arrange a marriage between Octavia and a random noble Goetia, one significantly older than even Stolas himself.
That plan, however, was swiftly and mercilessly shut down by none other than Lady Ophelia.
The Archduchess was furious. She had already disapproved of her brother's decision to betroth Stolas to Stella at a young age, and to saddle him with two consorts without her counsel. But now, Stella was attempting to force her own daughter into a marriage she didn't want, history threatening to repeat itself.
And Ophelia would not allow it.
She made sure that Stella knows her place.
"This is your one and only warning," She once told Stella coldly. "If you, or any member of your family, dares to arrange a marriage for Octavia without her full and willing consent, you will face immediate and absolute consequences. No exceptions. No negotiations."
The threat was crystal clear. Stella backed off.
Even she knew better than to provoke the head of the monarchy.
Lady Ophelia was, without question, the living embodiment of law in Hell, and her word is law.
After that ordeal, Lady Ophelia appointed Xiáng and Alondra as Octavia's personal tutors and governesses. They would be the ones to teach her the rules and etiquette of what it truly means to be a noble of the Ars Goetia.
Both women accepted the task without hesitation, because to them, Octavia was like their own daughter.
Unlike Stella, who viewed her child as a tool to elevate her status, Xiáng and Alondra loved their children deeply. They didn't treat them as accessories or political leverage. They nurtured, protected, and guided them with genuine affection and care.
And they extended that same love to Octavia.
They ensured she felt valued, safe, and loved, not because of her title, but because of who she was. In their presence, Octavia was not just a princess, she was a young girl who deserved kindness, patience, and family.
Stolas was deeply grateful to his consorts. While there was no romance between them, there existed something just as powerful, a shared parental bond, forged through mutual respect and the love they had for their children.
And through it all, they remained close, not just as co-parents, but as true friends. Good friends.
They made proper arrangements: Octavia would stay with them for half a month, as she preferred spending time with her aunties, a term she lovingly used instead of calling them stepmothers.
It was fun, comforting, and most importantly, she felt genuinely cared for.
They gave her the emotional support she needed, especially during times when her mother was too busy with her own affairs. And her father, though often tied up with duties, always made the effort to be present for her whenever he could.
All in all, Octavia was happy with this arrangement.
The limousine passed through a large, elegant gate and pulled up to the entrance of the mansion. There, the servants were lined up in formation, and standing in the center were Lady Xiáng and Lady Alondra.
(These images were made by @IsabelCHernandezRobl) (Voiced actress for Yàn Xiáng is Phillipa Soo and Alondra Songbird is Queen Latifah)
Lady Xiáng bowed deeply, hands folded within her sleeves, as she formally greeted the high monarch.
"Chénqiè kòujiàn Tàihuánggū, yuàn dé Tàihuánggū chuí ēn guānglín."
(This humble concubine respectfully greets the High Imperial Aunt. May we be honored by your gracious presence.)
Lady Alondra gave her own graceful curtsy, smiling gently at Lady Ophelia.
Ophelia returned the greeting with a firm nod.
"Greetings, Lady Xiáng. Lady Alondra," she said in a respectful, yet neutral tone. "I am pleased that you received my message."
"Of course. We're always happy to hear from you, Lady Ophelia," Xiáng replied with calm grace. "Please, come in. We have much to discuss."
They entered the manor, with the servants trailing behind. Charlie walked beside Ophelia, towering slightly over both Xiáng and Alondra. She knew that her mentor was considered the most powerful Goetia in all of Hell. Lady Ophelia had once tutored her brother, the so-called prodigy, and Charlie often felt the pressure of living up to his legacy.
Just then, from around the corner, came a tall, slim adolescent avian demon with unkempt slate-gray feathers that formed into back-length shaggy hair with bangs. Her pale, mask-like face and overall owl-like features gave her an ethereal appearance. Her eyes had pink sclera and bright white pupils, and her long, pointed fingers were stark white. A small black beak protruded slightly from her face, and her long tail feathers were tipped in a shade slightly darker than the rest.
She wore soft purple eyeshadow, and when barefoot, the lower part of her legs appeared white and boot-shaped. Her attire included a black beanie with a pale yellow tiara design, a magenta choker, and a matching magenta long-sleeved dress decorated with pale yellow stars. Over this, she wore a black feathery cardigan, along with black leggings and heeled boots.
Two Imp maids followed closely behind as the young owl demon scrolled through her phone, unaware of the approaching guests.
"Princess Octavia," Ophelia called out sternly.
The Owlet, known as Octavia, nearly tripped and dropped her phone in surprise. She quickly stood up straight and faced her great-aunt, hiding her phone behind her back as beads of sweat slowly rolled down her face.
"O-Oh! Great Aunt...I-I mean, Lady Ophelia! Greetings!" Octavia stammered.
Ignoring her flustered tone, Ophelia continued in her usual cold and authoritative voice.
"I see you are doing well. How is your education?"
"D-Doing well! I mean... doing great!" Octavia fumbled, throwing in a thumbs-up before quickly trying to correct her posture and adopt proper etiquette.
"Wh-What brings you here?"
"I'm here to discuss important matters with the noble consorts," Ophelia said, referring to Octavia's stepmothers. "Please spend the afternoon with Princess Charlotte for the time being."
Octavia glanced at Charlie, surprised, then looked over at her aunties, who offered her gentle, encouraging smiles.
"O-Oh... um... okay?"
"Via, sweetie," Alondra said gently, "why don't you girls stay in the private gardens? We'll send some refreshments over."
"Are you sure, Auntie Ally?" Octavia asked as she walked over to her.
Alondra smiled kindly. "I'm sure, sweetie. It'll be nice for you two to catch up, it's been six months since your last visit." She didn't notice the brief guilty expression on Charlie's face.
Octavia gave a small nod in response.
"Well, with that settled..." Xiáng began, "Chun, Hua, please escort the princesses to the private garden and inform the cooks to prepare refreshments."
Chun and Hua bowed respectfully before guiding the girls toward the garden.
Ophelia turned calmly to Vaggie. "Keep an eye on them," she ordered.
Vaggie nodded silently and followed the princesses out, while the three noble Goetia women proceeded toward the meeting room.
Both Charlie and Octavia sat across the small table beneath a fancy marble gazebo, both looking awkward. Vaggie stood silently beside Chun and Hua. Razzle and Dazzle were playing around the garden. And the two royals attempted to make small talk, but the sheer awkwardness prevented any real conversation.
"This is so awkward," Vaggie thought to herself, glancing between the two royals.
Truth be told, there were many conflicts weighing on the minds of the two young royals.
Charlie felt awkward and guilty; she had ghosted Octavia for six months. She didn't know what to say. Was she supposed to apologize? Would it even matter now?
Octavia, on the other hand, was equally uncomfortable. She hadn't spoken to Charlie since she disappeared. She didn't know how to react. Should she be mad? Annoyed? Happy? Sad? Everything felt so complicated.
"Via—"
"Charlie—"
Both girls spoke at the same time, then fell silent.
"No, you go first," they said in unison again.
The awkwardness only deepened as they struggled to speak.
"Um... Via, you should go first," Charlie said quietly. "I... I think I should listen to what you have to say... about me."
Octavia raised an eyebrow. "You think? Charlie, you ghosted me for six months." Her voice trembled slightly, equal parts hurt and frustration. "I don't even know where to start."
Charlie flinched at the words. Her guilt twisted deeper in her chest. She had ignored Octavia while focusing entirely on building her dream hotel for redemption. Her brother had been right, again. She should have kept in touch.
"Via... I'm sorry," Charlie murmured, staring down at her untouched tea. "I've just been so focused on helping sinners find redemption."
Octavia looked at Charlie, really looked at her, and asked softly, "But why?"
Charlie let out a slow sigh. "I... I don't like the way my brother runs the Hell Games," she admitted. "It's...it's too extreme."
"But...doesn't it keep the population steady?" Octavia asked, blinking. "I mean, he's running things pretty smoothly. You don't have to do anything. And he cares about you, like my siblings care for me."
"That's the thing!" Charlie said, her voice growing more desperate. "He does things his way...but I want to make a real difference in Hell. I want to give people a second chance."
Octavia hesitated, her expression shifting. "Still...sometimes the sinners...aren't good people," she said cautiously, thinking about how her older half-brother Fèng always sent guards to accompany her when she left the palace, or how Aya insisted she keep a powerful potion on hand. Or that time Aunt Alondra advised her to just punch someone in the gut if they got too close.
"I know," Charlie said, nodding. "But I truly believe some of them can change. And they deserve a chance at Heaven."
Octavia stared at her, surprised. She understood now, Charlie wasn't just trying to be a rebellious princess. She wanted to prove something...to Hell, to herself. Octavia had seen the hate forums, the online comments calling Charlie foolish, naive, even dangerous. Some said she was tarnishing Prince Andreus' legacy. But that wasn't true. Charlie wasn't ruining anything, she was trying. She was trying to do something good, even if it meant trying too hard...and yes, ghosting a friend for six months.
"Well... at least you're trying to do something good," Octavia said softly, her tone turning supportive. Then she glanced around with a sigh. "Meanwhile, I've been dealing with my parents' constant arguing since my dad slept with an Imp."
Charlie blinked and turned to her in confusion. "Wait, what?"
Octavia slowly stirred her tea, watching the dark liquid swirl gently in the porcelain cup.
"It happened during one of my mum's parties," she said quietly. "Dad got drunk with some Imp... and they slept together. Mum blamed him for being unfaithful, but Auntie Xiáng's royal eunuch later found out they had both drunk a Super Party Spiked Drink of Belphegor. The twist? It was Mum who ordered it for the party she hosted."
Charlie blinked. "Wait...so it was basically your mom's fault?"
Octavia nodded with a tired sigh. "Yeah. She didn't even remember ordering it. But it still caused a huge mess."
"I remember that," Vaggie suddenly spoke up, surprising both royals. "Lady Ophelia was furious about that incident. She called Lady Stella personally and banned her from ever hosting another party. I always wondered what happened at that party that made Lady Ophelia so mad...Now I get it."
"Yup," Octavia said with a small, wry smile. "Great-Aunt Ophelia stripped Mum of her party-hosting privileges and handed them to Auntie Xiáng and Auntie Ally. Guess she finally had enough of Mum's over-the-top disasters."
She took a slow sip of her tea.
"...To be honest," Charlie said, glancing over with a gentle smile, "your mom's parties were always about her. Remember your sixteenth birthday?"
Octavia let out a small laugh. "Yeah... she kept bragging about how fancy the party was. But really, I just wanted something simple."
Charlie chuckled softly. "Right? Until our siblings came to our rescue. Andy and General Fèng distracted the nobles by talking politics, and Aya snuck us out so we could just have some girl time."
Octavia's smile softened. She could still remember that night, how her older half-sister had whisked her and Charlie away to the Magne District. Just the three of them, walking through the glowing streets, laughing, exploring shops, and eating junk food their parents would never approve of.
It had been the best birthday she'd ever had.
Her siblings always knew what she needed, even when she didn't. Fèng was her strength, calm, steady, unshakable. And Aya...Aya had always been her support, her shield from the weight of royal expectations.
"It was a great birthday," Octavia said quietly, her smile lingering. "One of the best."
Slowly but surely, the two friends began to mend their bond, their conversation flowing more easily now, genuine, no longer weighed down by awkwardness.
Vaggie smiled at the sight, her heart warmed by the two royals reconnecting. It felt right, like something broken was finally being made whole again.
Their peaceful moment was gently interrupted by the arrival of a Goetia eunuch, a tall crane demon in elegant robes. He bowed respectfully before the two young royals.
"My apologies for interrupting your tea time, Your Majesties," he said with a calm, practiced voice. "I've been sent to inform you that Lady Ophelia, Lady Xiáng, and Lady Alondra will be extending their meeting. Additionally, Lady Alondra has asked me to personally deliver this package."
He held out a small crimson wallet, elegant and embossed with golden patterns. Attached to it was a folded note.
Octavia took it and immediately recognized the handwriting.
This wallet has all the credit cards. Go out and have fun in the Magne District with Charlie. Bring a bodyguard.
Love you! – Auntie Ally
Octavia couldn't help but smile. The corners of her eyes softened, and her heart felt a little lighter.
Aunt Alondra always knew exactly what she needed, even when she hadn't said a word.
"Let's go out to the Magne District," Octavia suggested.
"You sure?" Charlie asked, surprised.
"My aunties are busy with Great Aunt Ophelia. They said we can go have fun. So, come on!" Octavia said, almost smiling.
And so, they did. Razzle and Dazzle got the limo driver to pick them up and take them to the Magne District. Vaggie came along as their bodyguard, keeping the royals safe. To her credit, the Magne District was the safest district in all of Hell. Many would do anything just to get into it, to have a little taste of paradise.
"Wow, I always visit this district, but I never get tired of how cool it is," Octavia said, admiring the glamour of the Magne District.
"Well, Prince Andreus is the one in charge of this district," Vaggie reminded her, sitting on the side, between Chun and Hua.
Just then, Octavia's phone buzzed. She glanced at it.
It was a text from her half-sister Aya.
-If you have time in the Magne District, you should check on your new outfit for the Hell Game. It's at Kumo no Ito, the trending boutique.-
Octavia texted Aya back to say she'd check it out, maybe even grab some boba tea afterward. Aya responded with a heart and kissing emojis, making Octavia smile.
Octavia told the group they needed to make a quick stop at Kumo no Ito. The limo driver nodded and headed toward the enormous, mall-like boutique.
Inside, the place was bustling, likely with people prepping for the Hell Game events. That's when they saw Shiruku talking with Paulie, Skye, and...
"Angel Dust?" both Charlie and Vaggie said in surprise.
Angel Dust turned, equally stunned.
"Wow, Princess. Scary Bodyguard. What are you two doing here?"
"Getting our outfits," Charlie replied, still surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I work here now," Angel Dust said, eyes wide, then looked at Octavia. "So... is she your friend?"
"Oh! Right. Angel, this is Octavia. She's my friend, and the Princess of the Ars Goetia," Charlie explained.
Octavia waved awkwardly. "H-Hi..."
"Sup...Wait. Does that mean you're related to Charlie's nanny, Lady Olivia or something? Because she's the duchess?"
"Her name is Lady Ophelia. And yes, she's my great-aunt... my dad's aunt. Who is, by far, the scariest Goetia ever known," Octavia confessed.
"Wow, here I thought my family was scary," Angel Dust commented.
"Wait 'til you meet her brother and sister," Skye said, jotting something on his clipboard.
Shiruku giggled and walked over to the girls as Angel Dust looked confused. "Gokigen'yō, ohime-sama-tachi. Are you ready for your fitting?"
"Yeah, Aya made my appointment," Octavia replied.
Shiruku chuckled. "Hai. Your onee-san informed me about your dress." She gestured for them to follow. "Come, your dresses are in the back. Angel Dust-san, I believe we should test your skills first."
They headed toward the back while Paulie chatted with the girls.
"Well, it's good to see you girls back together," Paulie said with a warm smile. "I missed you two."
Charlie and Octavia returned a small smile. "We missed you too, Ms. Chardonnay," Charlie said.
"Oh, don't call me that, darling," Paulie said in a stern yet playful tone. "Remember what I told you when you visited the Magne District?"
Both girls giggled. "Yes, Auntie Paulie."
"Good. Now give your auntie some sugar~!" Paulie grinned, arms open.
Charlie and Octavia laughed as they hugged her, then followed Shiruku into the private dressing room. It was a luxurious space, filled with mirrors and racks of exquisite wardrobes.
Each royal stood on a separate mirrored platform. Shiruku measured Octavia while Angel Dust helped Charlie, he could definitely pull off being a fashionista when he felt like it. Paulie assisted by helping them choose the perfect jewelry, provided by the imp stylists.
"Holy shit, you guys have everything here," Angel Dust said, clipping earrings onto Charlie.
"Big Fashion and Kumo no Ito have a strong partnership," Paulie replied, examining which crown suited Charlie best. "By the way, how's your big brother, Lil' Star?" she asked.
"Oh, Andy's fine. He's in a meeting with Cain and General Fèng," Charlie said, extending her arm for Angel Dust to measure. "Though I don't think Aya was there."
"Oh, Aya's at a photo shoot today. She'll be home tonight, after I get my dress ready," Octavia added, shaking her head at the silk scarf offered by a nearby stylist.
"Wait a second...Aya...Aya..." Angel Dust muttered, repeating the name over and over before his eyes widened. "AYA SONGBIRD IS YOUR SISTER?!"
"Technically, she's Princess Octavia's half-sister, while General Fèng is her half-brother," Skye clarified while taking notes.
"Hold the fucking phone... If she has half-siblings, does that mean she has a stepmom or stepdad?" Angel Dust asked, lifting Charlie's hair so Paulie could style it.
"No, actually, we were all born from different mums, same dad," Octavia explained. "Fèng's mum is Lady Xiáng, Aya's mum is Lady Alondra, and my mum is Stella."
Angel blinked. "You have two stepmoms? Damn... your dad must've had a field day with three wives."
"Actually, Auntie Xiáng and Auntie Ally are royal concubines of my dad," Octavia clarified, letting a succubus hairdresser fix her hair. "My grandfather, King Paimon of the Ars Goetia, appointed them to expand the royal bloodline."
"Huh... wow. So... who's gonna be the big boss of the bird nobles?"
"Goetia, Angel Dust-san," Shiruku corrected, adjusting Octavia's bracelet.
"Well... everyone's voting for my brother, Fèng, to be the next heir," Octavia said, picking a lipstick from the options displayed by a fashion imp.
"Makes sense," Skye added, signing a paper handed to him by an incubus. "General Fèng became the youngest general in Hell's history. He's a diplomatic genius."
"Yup, I think my dad's choosing Fèng as his successor," Octavia said casually. "Though...maybe Aya. I don't know. Everyone in the noble circle has different opinions."
"What about you?" Angel asked, handing Shiruku some diamonds. "Aren't you like...one of the succors or something?"
Octavia shrugged, choosing a nail polish color for the Hell Games. "Meh. I don't fit the credentials of a ruler. There's no noble faction supporting me, except for the Devil's Crown, of course, but I'm not into politics."
"Seriously?" Angel asked, surprised.
"Seriously," they all said in unison.
"Fuck...who knew nobles had to deal with this kinda shit," Angel Dust muttered.
"You tell me. Everything's about reputation and titles," Octavia sighed. "That's why my mum keeps pushing me to interact with the other socialites."
"Damn. Did your mom actually try to make you do shit to impress those rich people?" Angel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"She tried, and failed. It was exhausting," Octavia groaned. "I hated every second of it. It's hard enough trying to impress the other Goetias, but when she tried to hook me up with one of them who was older than my dad..."
"I'm sorry, she tried to do what now?" Angel nearly dropped a box of accessories. "She tried to set you up with some rando rich pervert older than your daddy?! That's fuckin' messed up!"
"Oh, you have no idea," Octavia muttered as a succubus adjusted her crown. "My dad and mum had a massive argument that night. But the one who finally shut it down was Great Aunt Ophelia."
"She's the one who stopped your mum?" Angel asked, stunned.
"Yeah. After all, Great Aunt Ophelia is basically the Law of Hell," Octavia said. "I still remember, she stormed into our house. Dad told me to stay in my room while he and mum talked with her. But before I went, I think I heard my aunt threatening my mum...I don't know what happened next, but the next day, everything was quiet. Neither of them ever spoke of it again."
"Makes sense. She is the feared Archduchess of Hell," Vaggie chimed in with a sigh. "I don't blame them for being scared, I was scared shitless when I first met her after getting hired as Charlie's bodyguard."
"Fuuuccckkk..." Angel Dust said in a shocked voice. "Your mom really screwed up. No offense."
"None taken," Octavia muttered as the other designers left the room to gather more supplies. "That wasn't even the worst thing she did."
"What do you mean? What's worse than your mom forcing you to date some crusty old pervert?" Angel asked, raising a brow.
"Are you talking about that one incident? Of your mommy buying that drink that wasn't meant for a high-society party, got your daddy drunk, and then he slept with that drunken Imp? What was his name again? Benji? Bark? Blank...Bob?"
"His name is Blitzo," Skye corrected calmly. "He runs a company called The Immediate Murder Professionals, I.M.P. for short. It originally started as an assassination business within Hell, but later expanded to carrying out hits on humans on Earth. These contracts are usually commissioned by Hell's residents as a form of revenge against people who wronged them in life."
"They can't do that!" Charlie shouted. "They can't just kill humans-"
"Those humans manipulated others into committing sins—like adultery, murder, fraud, and worse," Skye interrupted. "Is it really so unfair for the victims to want payback?"
Charlie fell silent, unable to respond.
"Isn't that illegal?" Vaggie asked, glancing at Charlie with concern.
"Technically, yes," Skye replied. "But the I.M.P. was granted an exception because they have a minor partnership with the Devil's Crown."
"Wait, WHAT?!" Charlie, Vaggie, Angel Dust, and Octavia nearly choked in unison.
"You didn't know?" Skye blinked at them. "It was publicly announced. The I.M.P. has a deal with the Devil's Crown, killing specific humans who were responsible for sending their clients to Hell. It's also meant to bring in more sinners for the Hell Games. How did you not hear about this?"
"Uhhhh...Iiiii waaaas...umm..." Charlie scrambled for an excuse, clearly flustered. The truth was, she hadn't been paying attention to the news while trying to launch her hotel, with Vaggie too busy keeping her from getting into trouble.
"I didn't listen to the news," Angel Dust said flatly. "I was busy making porn for Valentino." He rolled his eyes. "Which he didn't even pay me overtime for."
"I didn't know either," Octavia admitted. "I was still upset about what happened with my dad...and then my mum got into trouble again with Great Aunt Ophelia...for bringing a banned drink to a noble event."
"What drink did she bring?" Angel Dust asked, intrigued. He knows his alcohol well.
"The Super Party Spiked Drink of Belphegor," Octavia replied flatly.
Angel's jaw dropped. "Oh, SHIT! That drink is only for crazy motherfuckers who party 'til they pass out and wake up in someone else's bed that they don't even remember sleeping with them!"
Octavia scoffed. "Well, my mum forgot she even bought it. She was too busy partying instead of checking the inventory. Now she's been stripped of her title as princess. She's ranked below my aunties and holds the title of madam of the house."
"Wait, isn't she supposed to be, like, the lady of the house or some shit?" Angel asked, blinking.
"Nope," Octavia said bluntly. "She can't hold that status. Great Aunt Ophelia made sure she doesn't get any royal privileges anymore, especially hosting parties. All event and hosting duties were transferred to my aunties instead. They never overdo it. They never embarrassed themselves or my dad. And trust me, Mum was not happy about it."
"To be honest, sugar pie," Paulie chimed in as she adjusted the last details of Charlie's outfit, "your mommy doesn't have a single shred of proper education in royal duties or any of that noble shit."
Octavia sighed in agreement.
"I know. And Great Aunt Ophelia refuses to reinstate her title until Mom learns proper etiquette and reeducates herself on royal duties."
"Huh... so it was your mom's fault that no one supports you becoming the next royal big boss," Angel Dust finally understood.
"Yup. Ever since her status was demoted from princess to madam—and after everyone found out about the scandal she caused with my dad—my chances of becoming the next ruler are basically zero. Which is fine. I actually prefer staying neutral," Octavia said with a sigh.
"Though, I've had to stay with my aunties until everything's sorted back home. And to be honest... I'd rather be with them than with my parents."
Charlie looked at Octavia with sadness and guilt.
She hadn't been around for her. Only Octavia's half-siblings and stepmothers were there to help during her difficult times. Charlie quietly admitted to herself that she hadn't been a good friend.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Via. For not being there," Charlie said softly.
"It's... fine, Charlie. Home's been... pretty intense. But I manage," Octavia replied with another sigh.
After they finished preparing their dresses, a succubus entered, followed by a group of imps rolling in a mannequin covered in silk.
"Ms. Shiruku, we've brought Kathleen's battle outfit for the upcoming Hell Games," the succubus announced.
"Bring it in," Shiruku ordered.
The succubus clapped her hands, and the imps pulled away the silk cover to reveal Kathleen's outfit. It was badass, the design was sharp and clearly made for battle.
Charlie, Angel Dust, Vaggie, and Octavia stared in pure astonishment.
They had always heard that each battle armor Kathleen wore during the Hell Games was sponsored by Rosie the Cannibal Overlord and Alastor the Radio Demon. Being backed by two of Hell's most powerful Overlords—and having won every single Hell Games, Kathleen was a force to be reckoned with.
"Wooow... Kathleen's outfit is badass," Angel Dust said in awe.
"It's like the first one she wore back in the 1990's Hell Games," Octavia recalled from footage she had seen on Voxflix.
"But sexier," Angel Dust added with a smirk, earning a glare from Vaggie.
"Yup. We had to upgrade it after the last Hell Games—where she may have caused the explosion of a lifetime that made her champion again," Shiruku explained.
"Oh yeah! The Mother of All Fuckin' Explosions! My bestie Cherri loves her!" Angel Dust said, grinning.
"Ah yes, that one. All the pyromaniac demons adore her," Shiruku said with a nod.
"Thank you for your help. You may go now."
The imps and succubus obeyed and left the room while Shiruku stored Kathleen's outfit in a secured chamber.
"That's all for today. Thank you for your assistance, Angel Dust-san. I look forward to your continued work here at my boutique," she added.
"No prob! Thanks for having me!"
"It is by Prince Andreus's decree that you must work in this district to pay off your debt to Valentino and regain your freedom," Shiruku reminded him, then turned away.
"You may go now. I'll finish up with Skye-san today."
Skye added with a polite smile, "We'll deliver your dresses tomorrow, Your Majesties. Take care, and have a helluva day."
With that, everyone left the boutique, saying their goodbyes to Shiruku and Skye. Angel Dust picks up Fat Nuggets, who was lodging in the waiting room, which Octavia found adorable. As they headed to their vehicles, Paulie received a call.
It was from a delivery service, they needed her signature and ID to release a new shipment of liquor. The deliverers refused to give it to anyone without proper identity, no imposters allowed.
Paulie gave Angel Dust an apologetic look.
"Sorry, sweetie, but I have to cut this trip short. I need to head back to the bar—there's a delivery that needs my signature and ID," she said gently.
"Aww... I was enjoying the tour," Angel Dust whined a bit.
"Hey, I have an idea. Why don't you gals show Angie around the district?" Paulie suggested, gesturing to the three demon girls. "Since you all know the place like the backs of your hands, I think it's a good idea."
"Are you sure?" Charlie asked, almost sounding excited.
"Sure, hon. Besides, it'll give Angie here a leg up in the district. Oh! And make sure he doesn't leave without his ID Pendant. It'll let him come and go from the Magne District—and protect him from any assholes who might want to hurt him," Paulie informed them.
"We will, Paulie." Vaggie said, giving Angel Dust a stern look. He just grinned innocently.
"That's good to hear! See ya later, sweet peas!" Paulie said, heading to her car while the others waved and said goodbye.
As she drove away, Angel Dust looked at his new tour guides. "So, any cool places to watch movies?" he asked.
"Well, there's Fallen Star Cinemas. Or we could go to the Hell Games Archives, they've got recordings of past events," Octavia suggested.
"Oh! I wanna go there!" Angel Dust exclaimed with a grin. "I wanna see all the champions of the Hell Games, especially Kathleen's! I never got to watch some of it 'cause my power went out, and I was working overtime."
"I kinda want to see Kathleen's clips too," Octavia said, holding Fat Nuggets, who nuzzled into her chest. "I missed some of the fights because my mum made me socialize with nobles."
"Yeesh, your mom made you miss the Hell Games for that?" Angel Dust asked, gesturing dramatically.
"Yeah... I only saw half of the first round," Octavia muttered.
"Well, I guess we can watch there. And they sell snacks too," Vaggie added, opening the door to lead the others in, with Chun, Hua, Razzle, and Dazzle standing beside her.
"Sounds good," Charlie said as they walked toward the limo. "I have to tell Andy I'm here before he sends his Shadow Guards to search for me."
Angel Dust laughed. "You gotta work on your sarcasm, toots. Almost believed you for a second."
"No, no, like, he will actually put together a search party to find me," Charlie corrected, making Angel Dust's grin disappear. "He's...heh...been a little much lately."
"I don't blame your brother for being protective," Angel Dust said as they got in the limo. "You're his baby sister. He probably still sees you as a baby, with your doe eyes, chubby cheeks, and tiny nose..."
"Angel!" Vaggie scolded, sitting on the other side with Octavia's maids and Charlie's bodyguards. Charlie blushed in embarrassment as Octavia giggled.
"What? It's true!" Angel Dust argued, sticking his tongue out.
The limo drove off, with Vaggie and Angel Dust bickering inside.
It was shaping up to be an interesting day.