ALGTS: 3

When Celestria spoke to Lord, she was terrified. But less so than the previous night. “O Merciful King. Your justice is fair and swift. There is no doubt. That is why it will not befall those who are blameless.” Again, Lord was surprised. A human spoke to him. Not just once, but twice. The same human woman. “Have mercy on your subjects who bore no ill will to you, Righteous King.” Deep in her bow, Celestria could not tell what his reaction to her words would be.⁣

Annoyance? Perhaps. After all, she was doing everything in her power to butter him up. “Please have mercy on their wives and children.”⁣

⁣

“In human society, a man and his wife are one, are they not? Whatever decisions are made are made with both in agreement. Why should I spare those who agreed to attack me?” It was a genuine question, and yet felt like the greatest threat. “In theory, that is how marriage is supposed to be like. But that is not the case. There is nothing a wife can do to stop her husband when he has made up his mind. And children are blameless in all situations. They know not what is right and wrong yet. The sins of the father must not fall on the head of the son as well.”⁣

There was silence. A rather heavy one. All the demons in the courtyard did not understand this line of reasoning. It did not make sense. If one stood against you, then eradicate all that stood with them as well. They expected their Lord to think the same.⁣

⁣

So they were surprised when he said, “alright. I will spare the wives and their children. This time, I will punish only those who conspired against me and rose their swords against me.” Celestria was taken aback, but she knew that she had to act swiftly, despite her shock. She kneeled quickly, her hands out like as if she were receiving a blessing, and exclaimed, “Your mercy knows no bound, our Compassionate King! Glory be upon you now and forever!” After this, she shot up and walked to the cluster of women and children as fast as her skirts and petticoats would allow her. With strength she did not know she had, she pulled each and every woman up, and whispered, “Hurry. Do not look at him. Be strong, for your children. Take them and follow me.” At the mention of their children, the women’s muscles, which had stiffened with fear, began to rouse. Each of them grabbed their young, almost desperately, and followed after Celestria out of the courtyard.