"I'm a demon. Pleasure to meet you, Mayor," Sirus said, grinning so wide the Mayor briefly feared his head might be lopped off.
The guards roared, rushing forward—but before they could close the distance, the Mayor stood and raised a hand, signaling them to halt.
He turned to face the grinning stranger. "What do you want from us?" the Mayor asked, his voice cold and measured.
Sirus let his smile fade and gestured toward the manor doors. "Let's talk inside."
Once they were seated, Sirus glanced at James, then addressed the Mayor. "Your men likely told you why I came, but I'll repeat myself. I'm here to become a temporary citizen. Of course, if there are tasks you need done, I'm open to negotiation."
The Mayor raised a skeptical brow. "Such as?"
"I'll protect this town. Bandits, monsters, mercenaries—anything that dares threaten this place, I'll deal with it."
"I see. But are you willing to kill other monsters?"
Sirus grinned again, more handsomely this time, and slammed his palms on the table. "If I were a monster, would I still be sitting in these chains, Mayor? And besides... I already told you. I'm a demon."
The Mayor leaned back with a sigh. "If you're not a monster, then what are you? Some failed human experiment?"
Silence fell. Sirus stared at the Mayor. Then he threw his head back and laughed.
"Bahahaha! Ah… Mr. Mayor. You've got jokes. I'll give you that." His smile vanished. "I am neither a monster nor an experiment. Just as elves, dwarves, and fae aren't called monsters, neither am I. And I am certainly no lab rat, as you so disgustingly implied."
"Then what are you?" the Mayor shouted, his frustration cracking through.
"I already fucking told you." Sirus's eyes began to glow a deeper, angrier red. "Are you so old you can't comprehend that a demon is in your town talking to you?"
"You're not joking?" The Mayor recoiled, coughing violently.
James and the guards rushed forward to help.
'A demon? I've never seen one before,' James thought, locking eyes with Sirus. 'But he doesn't act like the stories say. Still… he said it himself. We can't take that lightly.'
After a tense few minutes, the Mayor calmed down enough to speak again.
"Fine, demon."
"The name's Sirus. I'm not a thing," Sirus snapped, narrowing his eyes.
"Ahem. Of course… Sirus. Before I allow you to stay here, I need something dealt with. A red ogre—causing all kinds of problems near the outer farmlands."
Sirus's ears perked. "A red ogre, huh? Sounds strong. I've been itching for a good fight."
The Mayor noted the flicker of excitement in Sirus's eyes. A battle maniac, he thought.
"Very well. If you're willing to slay it, I'll allow you to remain—so long as you don't cause any trouble among my people. Bring back its head as proof."
"That won't be a problem," Sirus replied. "I'll give it a good, bloody beating and deliver its head myself. Oh—and you should probably inform your citizens that someone… unique… is moving in. So long as they don't start anything, I won't finish anything. Deal?" He extended a clawed fist.
The Mayor blinked. "What… are you doing?"
"Well, I'd offer a handshake, but unless you want scars, a fist bump will have to do. My claws aren't exactly manicure-friendly unless you've got a spare set of nail clippers."
"I… see. Very well." The Mayor awkwardly bumped his fist against Sirus's.
Sirus grinned. "Now that was boring. Where's this red ogre?"
"James will brief you. Take as long as you need, but don't forget to bring back the head."
"I'll do just that, sir," James said, bowing before leading Sirus out.
Once outside, the Mayor slumped back in his chair. "I can't believe I negotiated with a demon... And I'm still alive."
"Sir, with all due respect," one of the guards said, "can we really trust him?"
"I'm not comfortable with it," the Mayor admitted, "but if he wanted in without asking, he could have taken it by force. Ahh… get me a drink. I'm exhausted."
"As you wish."
'I'll use his power for now—but carefully. If he turns… I have no way of stopping him.'
…
Outside the gate, James walked beside Sirus.
"The ogre isn't far. With your speed, it won't take long to reach."
Sirus stretched. "Good. I'm hoping it gives me a real fight."
Then he paused. "Oh—what happened to that tiger fellow? And my dagger?"
James handed over the blade. "Tiger Eater's in the infirmary. You treated him like a toddler."
Sirus chuckled. "You've got strength too. Just use it smartly. That oversized bull rushed in without a plan—easy to break. Anyway, I'm off."
Without waiting for a reply, he walked into the forest.
James watched him go. "I need to sleep for a week. Today was… whatever." He turned back toward the manor.
…
"Hey, the Mayor's giving a speech. What's it about?"
"Probably apologizing for that evacuation warning."
The townsfolk murmured among themselves until the Mayor cleared his throat. "Ahem."
Silence fell.
"Beloved citizens of Kurtz," he began. "I've summoned you for two reasons. First, to apologize for the recent evacuation alert. Second—ahem—to inform you of a new, temporary resident."
He wiped sweat from his brow.
"He is not human. But he is also not a monster. Yes, he may look terrifying. Yes, he may feel threatening. But listen to me. This individual, named Sirus, will not harm you unless provoked."
He paused, scanning the silent crowd.
"If you're uncomfortable, speak with a guard or Head Guard James directly. But know this—he is not a monster. We have reason to trust him, for now. That is all. Resume your lives."
The crowd remained silent as the Mayor stepped down, his back drenched in sweat.
"…What the hell was that?"
"I've never seen the Mayor that nervous."
"Did he say the guy isn't a monster? That means he looks like one…"
Whispers spread like wildfire, but slowly, the crowd dispersed.