Aurelia had her hands full, both showing around the large palace and assigning new roles.
It took her a whole week of assigning and providing basic instructions to the best of her ability.
Cedric had summoned a horde of Guardians who now lined the walls of the palace, replacing former royal guards.
The ragtag group that was welcomed by Aurelia had started living their life in the palace, assigned to a role they said they could fulfil.
Even those who did not have particular skills were put to work as either assistants to more skilled people or servants and maids.
More and more people arrived every day. Every single person cured and instructed by Cedric made their way to the palace, and each one was welcomed with open arms.
Fortunately, many had experience and were not lost causes when it came to conducting their new duties.
Noble guests were not allowed under the pretense of contagious sickness, and so Aurelia had time to prepare herself.
Former beggars were cleaning the ashes, a laborious task due to the sheer amount of ash and dust that remained after the former guards were annihilated.
Aurelia walked together with her loyal Archangels, she needed to move her chambers to the former king's room.
It was a first step to fulfill her dream, she needed to embrace being a queen.
However, her worries were many: Noble houses, Military, even the church of Chrunus.
They were all bound to oppose her and cause issues, especially after the news of the King's death spread.
She worried about Ayano, and she worried about other royal brothers that had a stronger claim on the throne than Aurelia, While she had sisters, they were married off, and their current whereabouts were unknown.
It would not be easy to gain their approval, and she worried that they would all be dealt with by Cedric.
'I hope they don't try anything... Cedric isn't someone who tolerates anyone standing in his way.' She didn't particularly like her siblings, however, she didn't want to see her entire family slaughtered despite everything they had done to her.
If God wills it they would accept it, unlikely as it was.
Aurelia stepped into the former King's chamber. The wall was still broken but was in the process of being rebuilt.
Guardians were conducting repairs at the moment as Aurelia entered the room. She approached the king's bed, stretched her arms, and collapsed on top of it.
'There is just too much to do!' She buried her face into the pillow.
Soon, she would be required to accept the guests into the palace, both nobility and citizens requesting aid.
She was terrified.
Not only because of the responsibility but because many would attempt to kill her. She wasn't afraid for herself anymore due to her beloved's involvement, however, she worried that Noble houses might be dealt with if they dared send assasins.
Aurelia witnessed what Cedric was capable of doing; he was responsible for ridding the entire palace of all life, and he had personally brutalized Avaros for daring to defy him.
He would treat humans the same as Demi-humans if they antagonized him enough.
If they were lucky, they would get a warning, however, nobility would never accept it lying down.
Their hubris knew no bounds; they always schemed and manipulated.
In a way, they had even more authority than the king; the only card the royal family had was control of the military, which kept the houses in check, a card that could easily be wrested away from a female ruler.
While she now did not need the Military, as the Angels fulfilled that role better than any human could, it was not something she should just give away.
'Perhaps Grahm will be able to help with military...' She sat at the edge of the bed, deep in thought, as she watched the city through the hole in the wall.
"My lady! There is a letter addressing the king!" One of the newly assigned servants rushed into the room.
She was a younger girl with short black hair and brown eyes. She wore a maid uniform as she was assigned as a maid.
"What is it?"
"It say it is important and only for the eyes of King!" Maid bowed as she held the letter in her hands.
Aurelia stood up and approached the girl. "Huh... Let me see."
As Aurelia opened the letter, her heart sank.
[By Order of Grand Emperor, Iguva]
[The Kingdom of Valar has been marked for eradication.]
[Cassus Belli: Escalation of Conflict and Enslavement of Harpy and Minotaur Population.]
[Goals: Destruction of Valar and Freedom of Enslaved Harpies and Minotaurs.]
[In the name of the Emperor, Humans will be exterminated, and lands of Valar will come under the rule of General Coek- 7th General of 11th Legion.]
[Armies will be deployed within 3 months.]
"Demi-Human Empire had declared a war of extinction," Aurelia spoke heavily.
'I need to find Cedric! Vitpacar would surely be the first one hit, I can't let Grahm die.' She rushed out, leaving the confused maid behind.
***
"BEHOLD, MY GLORIOUS FORM! FILTHY DEMONS!" Ariel shouted at the top of her lungs. She flew to the top of the highest tower of a demon nest, making sure she had a good vantage point.
She balanced herself on the steel tip of a tower as she scanned the demonic nest.
Her voice reached every corner, despite the size of the city.
"BY DAD'S DECREE I DECLARE THIS NEST TO BE PURGED [Enlighten]." Ariel smirked wryly as a massive pillar of light descended from the heavens, obliterating the entire city from the map.
"Sis, did you have to do it so flamboyantly?" Ayil asked.
"I have to make the demons fear me before they are sent to hell, sis!" Ariel placed her hands on her hips as she explained herself.
"Where are Sophia and Usiel?" Ariel asked inquisitively, She hadn't seen Virtue and Power in a while.
"They are searching for the next nest. I 'volunteered' to keep an eye on you," Ayil spoke softly, with a small tinge of fear when she spoke.
How couldn't she fear, she spoke to Dominion not lesser Angels.
"They better not destroy the nest without me! heh~" Ariel spoke with a small giggle.
"Smell of burnt demon flesh truly is wonderful, it is the finest incense." Her smile became twisted as she reveled in the smell of the eradicated demon nest.
Harpies, Minotaurs, Lizardmen, their strength or gender did not matter, in the eyes of God, they were impure, and Dad had ordered their death.
"Sis Ariel. Usiel and Sophia have found a nest around 50 kilometers from here," Ayil spoke softly.
"Excellent! I have a plan to have some more fun with them~"