The Royal Summons

Riven nearly dropped his coffee when he saw the black envelope lying on his desk.

It hadn't been there yesterday.

The paper was unlike anything made in the human world. It was pitch black with crimson patterns flowing across the surface like living veins. In the center was a wax seal bearing a symbol every demon recognized.

A seven-pointed crown.

The crest of the Seven Demon Lords.

Riven's face instantly turned pale.

"...Why would they send something to me?"

He was just a Lesser Demon.

Royal summons were meant for Generals, Dukes, or powerful Bloodline Demons.

Not someone who could barely use offensive magic.

With trembling fingers, he broke the seal.

«By the order of the Seventh Demon Lord, all demons currently residing in the Eastern Human District are to report tonight. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to appear will be considered treason.»

Riven gulped.

"T-Treason...?"

Before he could think further—

Someone snatched the letter from his hands.

Victor.

He scanned the contents before raising an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"The little runt got a royal summons?"

The surrounding demons immediately crowded over.

"No way."

"He must've done something stupid."

"Maybe they're finally executing him."

Laughter erupted around the office.

Riven quietly took the letter back.

"I... I don't know why they called me."

Victor folded his arms.

"You'd better not embarrass our district."

"As if a weakling like you could be useful."

Riven didn't answer.

There wasn't anything to say.

He honestly didn't know why someone like him had been summoned.

---

That evening...

He reached home earlier than usual.

The apartment was filled with the comforting smell of stir-fried vegetables.

Ethan looked up from the kitchen with his usual gentle smile.

"You're home early."

"...Yeah."

Riven tried to smile back.

Failed.

Ethan noticed immediately.

"What happened?"

"It's nothing."

"You've been saying 'nothing' a lot lately."

Riven looked away.

"I just... have to work late tonight."

"Again?"

"...Mm."

Ethan set down the spatula.

"I was hoping we could watch that movie you've been talking about."

Riven's heart clenched.

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Ethan smiled softly.

"We'll watch it another day."

He stepped closer and gently fixed Riven's crooked necktie.

"You always apologize."

"I don't like disappointing you."

"You never disappoint me."

Those simple words made Riven's eyes sting.

If only Ethan knew.

He wasn't working overtime.

He was answering a summons from the Demon Realm.

If Ethan ever discovered the truth...

Would he still say those words?

"...I'll be home before midnight."

"I'll leave the porch light on."

---

After dinner, Riven quietly slipped out.

Instead of taking the train...

He entered an abandoned alley.

The moment he crossed its shadows—

The scenery changed.

The bustling city vanished.

Ancient black stone streets stretched before him, illuminated by floating crimson lanterns.

Demons walked everywhere.

Some had horns.

Some possessed wings.

Others hid monstrous appearances beneath elegant suits.

The Human World and the Demon Realm overlapped each other like reflections.

Only supernatural beings could pass between them.

Riven kept his head down.

He hated coming here.

Especially alone.

Soon he reached a massive palace carved from obsidian.

Thousands of demons had already gathered.

Strong demonic pressure filled the air.

Riven struggled just to breathe.

"So many..."

Most of the demons present were far stronger than him.

Many looked at him with open contempt.

"What is that weakling doing here?"

"They must've made a mistake."

"He can barely survive ordinary missions."

Riven pretended not to hear.

He found an empty corner and stood quietly.

That was safest.

---

A thunderous boom echoed through the hall.

Every conversation stopped.

A figure descended onto the throne.

The Seventh Demon Lord.

His crimson eyes swept across the assembly.

"I'll keep this brief."

"Three Abyss Gates have been destroyed."

"Mysterious enemies have begun interfering with our operations."

"They wear white."

"They wield divine power."

The hall erupted into whispers.

"Angels..."

"So they've finally moved."

The Demon Lord raised one hand.

Silence instantly returned.

"Our spies have confirmed that Heaven has deployed one of its highest commanders."

"The identity of that commander remains unknown."

"They appear only during battles."

"They leave no survivors."

Riven swallowed.

This sounded far beyond anything he should be involved in.

Then the Demon Lord continued.

"Every district will increase patrols."

"No demon may reveal our existence to humans."

"Any violation will result in immediate execution."

Everyone bowed.

"Understood."

The meeting ended almost as quickly as it began.

Relieved, Riven turned to leave.

Only—

"Hey."

He froze.

One of the royal guards was looking directly at him.

"The Demon Lord wishes to see you."

"...M-Me?"

Every nearby demon turned in shock.

Victor, standing several rows away, frowned deeply.

"What does His Lordship want with that weakling?"

Riven's legs felt like jelly.

"I... I didn't do anything..."

The guard remained expressionless.

"Follow me."

---

Inside the palace...

The room was enormous.

Only the Demon Lord and Riven remained.

The pressure was so overwhelming that Riven instinctively lowered his head.

"I greet Your Lordship."

A long silence followed.

Then—

"You are Riven Ashcroft."

"...Yes."

"You've lived among humans for six years."

"Y-Yes."

"You have never failed to pay your realm taxes."

"...Yes?"

"You have committed no crimes."

"...No."

The Demon Lord leaned back slightly.

"Good."

Riven blinked.

"...Good?"

"I have a task for you."

His heart nearly stopped.

"A task... for me?"

The Demon Lord nodded.

"Because you're weak."

Riven's shoulders slumped.

"...I see."

"You misunderstand."

The Demon Lord's expression remained unreadable.

"Powerful demons attract attention."

"You don't."

"You blend into human society better than most."

Riven slowly looked up.

"For that reason..."

"You will deliver a sealed artifact to one of our hidden safe houses in the northern district."

"It is a simple mission."

"No fighting."

"No investigation."

"No opening the package."

"Deliver it."

"And return home."

Relief flooded through Riven.

"...I can do that."

"Good."

The Demon Lord handed him a small black box wrapped in crimson chains.

"Guard it with your life."

Riven carefully accepted it.

"I will."

He bowed respectfully before leaving the palace.

Neither he...

Nor the Demon Lord...

Noticed the tiny golden feather drifting silently outside the palace window before disappearing into the night.

Far above the clouds, someone had already learned that a certain weak little demon had accepted a mission.

And for the first time in years...

Heaven and Hell were unknowingly walking toward the same destination.

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