Chapter 808 Chapter 807: Citizens of Custodia (2)
The building we entered was a large hall that had been stripped of all unneeded ornamentation - statues and pillars that weren't needed were taken down, freeing up some more space for the many bedrolls and mattresses that were laid out - as well as all sorts of other furniture and even what seemed like a few walls, opening the space up as much as possible.
Inside, we found dozens upon dozens of people milling about, laying on the bedrolls, sitting in chairs, standing around and chatting, but as soon as we entered they all turned to look at us, with many letting out surprised gasps and taking a few steps back, like we were here to kill them.
Children rushed to hide behind their parents or guardians, whilst the elderly glared at us without care, not bothering to hide their hostility as they remained where they were, though one had the courage to shuffle forwards and glare not at us, but at Mary as this older man hissed "Now why are you consorting with those murdering, monstrous Demons Mary?! Don't you know that they're-!"
Before Mary could try to calm the man down, Satanya just grinned as she approached the man, who now showed some fear as the taller, grinning Demoness loomed over him, hissing "Murdering, monstrous Demons? Perhaps you should take a better look at your own people's history, human. It was your kind who slaughtered innocent villages on the border, your kind who initiated those wars with the Empire. We killed because of YOUR blind arrogance. Remember that, human. If we wanted you gone, you would be gone. Now shut the fuck up and go wither away for your remaining years and let those of us who are still of use talk about the future instead of being stuck in the past."
We all gave Satanya a look before shrugging, while Mary pursed her lips and stared at the Demoness and older man for a few moments, before letting out a sigh and wearily saying "Please, Joffrey, just... be quiet. I saw the wars happen like you did; they were wars to us, but mere skirmishes to them. Let's look forwards to a better tomorrow instead of holding onto the past, alright? That... That goes for all of you. The Beliali and Cimeriesa are here to help us as the new rulers of Tragon."
Murmurs filled the hall as the humans all looked towards the mature woman with mixed feelings, though many just fell silent as the gazes of the various Demons swept over them, our group scanning the group and mentally taking note of any humans that seemed especially disgruntled with that announcement, knowing that those would be the first ones to try and undermine the attempts to integrate Tragon into the Empire.
Satanya just continued to grin at the man before turning away and walking with Mary towards the?far end of the hall, where a giant round table remained, laden with maps and books that made it clear it was being used as the headquarters for these survivors.
"Sit. Alessia, Jenny, Mike, get some tea on and tell the others to help prepare a meal please."
Mary took a seat and gestured for us to do the same, though she stared at Satanya in surprise as the Demoness turned and said "Luci, Leraie, take the rest of our supplies and help them. Take a few of the others as well. Let's patch some of the holes in the building as well."
"Oh, you don't need to do anything Lady Beliali! Really!"
Satanya looked back at Mary before waving the Demons off, replying "It's either let them do something or have them linger about and do nothing. Besides, the appetites of you humans and the appetites of us Demons is vastly different, so I'd rather have my people help out. Now, let's get to talking about you and your people, Custodian Mary Ixan."
Leaning forwards, Satanya began to talk with the Custodian about the changes that were going to be coming soon, while discussing the happenings around the area to get a better idea on what was going on; personally, I began to lose interest rather quickly as I focused instead on the maps on the table, studying them as I left the business to Satanya.
The idea of having to hash out legalities wasn't that intriguing to me, so I picked up the map and began to look over the various reported groups of monsters, 'copying' the map into my mind and using it to understand what we would be dealing with in the upcoming days.
Behind us, the various humans muttered and whispered to one another as they tried to remain 'quiet' as they discussed whatever idiocies and fears pervaded their minds; I could still sense the unease permeating their minds even from here, making me shake my head as I focused back on the map, finding it far more interesting.
Especially as I began to cross reference the other maps to get a better idea on what was happening; monster groups on one, animal locations on another, damage reports to the city and nearby villages, patrol routes, hunting routes.
All of it was fun for me to cross reference and understand what we were working with, creating an ideal route depending on the things we wanted to get done; if we wanted to just hunt monsters, route a would lead us through the various hot spots and allow us to hunt to our hearts content.
If we wanted to get some materials and food for the people, route b would be perfect to harvest all sorts of materials, like wood, crops, animals, metal and more for them to begin repairing Custodia.
Some new clothing, blankets, some better bedding, repaired structures... all sorts of things could be done to help these people, which was what Satanya was currently discussing with the mature Mary who was listening intently to the plans, all while her people continued to stare at us with wary gazes.
Leone and Jahi joined in to add their opinions to Satanya's, giving the Custodian some more ideas and choices on what to do in these upcoming days.
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