Work Text:
A True King
...king? No. Mephisto would never acknowledge that bastard Derkila as king. He wasn't worthy of such a title.
As far as he was concerned, Derkila was just a fool. A jester playing the role of king. Clowns like him get bored easily. And it seems he was right because Derkila had gotten bored and simply vanished.
It was no real surprise to the demon that this had happened. He figured it would happen eventually. While everyone else focused on the past and trying to get that spoiled demon to come back, Mephisto chose to focus on the future.
Derkila was not what the netherworld needed. Who would want a selfish ruler that came and went when he pleased? One who left behind all responsibilities to do as he wished.
No. That wouldn't do at all. Hell seemed to collapse on itself when the Neanderthal left. Cast into darkness. A stage awaiting the main character.
But no, silly Sully and the other thirteen crowns claimed he'd return. Well, if that ever did happen, he'd be in for a rude awakening. One can't just abandon their post and expect it to remain empty after all.
Once upon a time, Mephisto had thought that Derkila might have made a good king. But that all changed with a single sentence. Sending his hope and dreams of the future crashing down.
The audacity! The disrespect! Why it nearly drove the kingmaker into insanity. Making him feel irrelevant and replacing him with unqualified spoiled imps!
Mephisto still grinds his teeth at the memory of that awful day. But it would all change soon. He had his own plans to witness.
Mephisto would choose a new king. He would mold him and guide him into being the perfect leader. Sheading the darkness from hell and casting it into a new light.
This new king would be different. A king who would not leave anything or anyone behind. Embracing new ideas and cherishing traditions. A king who doesn't just throw orders but one who listens.
Hundreds of years pass by, and Mephisto still hasn't found the perfect king yet. There were so many demons, but none seemed to be a good choice.
Too arrogant, too selfish, too violent, mm that one's a pushover. The quest for the perfect king took a toll on him. But he just had to find them. He knew they existed.
To his surprise, he found his candidate in the most unlikely places. Sullivan's grandson. He had been curious at first. Who wouldn't be?
That child who popped out of nowhere and gained ground at an unusual speed. That child who seemed to draw in powerful demons like a siren luring sailors.
Now, he'll admit, he was intentionally planning on failing the kid during his test. He had made it super easy to fail. Yet somehow, he hadn't.
Iruma had somehow managed an endless amount of surprises. Calling his two companions as his help item, denying the title of king of the many ears. Building a school, teaching magic. Farming.
Even promoting those damn carrots with Mephisto's own face. Damn, that punk had some nerve. It made the thirteen crown members laugh whenever they saw the poster.
The most shocking thing, however... was this brat's resolve. Going as far as to pierce his arrow into a shield made by Amy clan member. Destroying that wall... amazing!
How it sent a rush through the old demons soul. His blood pumping. Finally, finally, his search was over. He had found his king. A true king!