While Charlie was contemplating visits to other demonic territories, Beelzebub received a message from Lucifer, summoning her to the Castle immediately. Charlie attempted to persuade Beelzebub, but he remained resolute, saying, "If His Majesty agrees, I will personally escort you to other territories." Charlie sat down, pouting, and Alastor offered, "Princess Charlatan, if I may be so bold, His Majesty may have called you for something of greater importance. Moreover, you will need to convince him to permit your journey to Heaven." Charlie's determination was reignited, and Alastor's creepy smile hinted at his own motivations.

  Meanwhile, Lucifer's gaze fell upon Ariel, who seethed with rage at being ignored. Lucifer's smile grew as he began, "Have you heard the legend of an angel who believed himself superior to humans?" Ariel's glare intensified, water splashing from his glass. Lucifer's charming voice continued, "No, my little friend, this angel thought humans could never achieve perfection." Ariel interrupted, his voice laced with accusation, "You, too, believed that. Look where you are now. You've always manipulated humans to prove your point." Lucifer rolled his eyes, his smirk unwavering. "Do you truly think I need to manipulate those who are already blind to their own nature?" Lilith's soft chuckle drew Lucifer's attention, and he shifted his gaze to her. "Tell him, Lilith darling," he said, "I have no time for these insignificant creatures. My conflict lies solely with Adam and his followers."

  Ariel remained silent, his anger simmering just below the surface. Lucifer closed one eye, lifted his hands in a shrugging motion, and said, "It's such a shame you don't know about him." His voice dripped with mockery, and Ariel's grip on the glass tightened, his knuckles turning white. Lucifer chuckled, clearly amused by Ariel's growing ire. "He was made human," he revealed, his eyes glinting with mirth as he sipped his wine. "Now, he's utterly condemned, devoid of memories from any realm." Ariel's surprise was evident, and Lucifer savored the reaction.

  Lilith intervened, her voice laced with concern, "Darling, you're frightening the poor angel." Lucifer's smirk deepened as he turned to Lilith, his hand cradling her chin. "You know, Lilith, I never hated humans. I simply believe they're unworthy of the title they've been given."

  Lucifer turned back to Ariel, his voice laced with sarcasm, "It seems some angels are hypocrites, don't you agree, Ariel?" Ariel seethed with anger, his emotions barely contained. Lucifer's chuckle only fueled the fire.

  Just then, a messenger entered, awaiting Lucifer's signal to speak. "Your Majesty, Her Highness the Princess has arrived," he announced. Lucifer's smirk grew wider as he instructed, "Send her in!"

  Lilith brushed her hand against Lucifer's, her voice low and teasing, "Now, darling, you're going to lose, just like every time." Lucifer's eyes sparkled with mockery as he took her hand, gently kissing it. "Perhaps, my dear, I want to lose to you." Lilith's twitch betrayed her awareness of Lucifer's sly nature. He winked at her, then turned to Ariel, whose gaze had wandered, avoiding further mockery.

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  In the realm of Heaven, Mikhail's smile transformed into uncontrollable laughter. Gabriel's confusion deepened, unsure of the reason behind Mikhail's sudden amusement. Mikhail wiped away tears of laughter, still chuckling, and said, "Oh, poor Ariel!" Gabriel's bewilderment grew, and he asked, "Mikhail, what's wrong? What's happening with Ariel?"

  Mikhail's eyes sparkled with mockery as he replied, "Oh, it's nothing. I was just imagining what Lucifer might say to Ariel. And it seems Lucifer will have the upper hand... again." Mikhail's tone was laced with a hint of dry amusement, implying he was familiar with Lucifer's tactics.

  Gabriel watched as human souls recited their prayers, some heading to mosques, others to temples, churches, or their own private sanctums. A pang of sadness touched his heart. He turned to find Mikhail observing the souls with an unnervingly cold gaze, a stark contrast to his warm laughter just moments before.

  "Why do you watch these pitiful souls, Gabriel?" Mikhail asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

  Gabriel's white hair fluttered in the breeze, and his green eyes sparkled with hope. "I wonder when they'll understand."

  Mikhail scoffed. "The time for understanding is lost. Now, they'll live forever in this state, just as they've wished."

  Gabriel turned to him, his expression thoughtful. "Don't you think this is a punishment?"

  Mikhail smiled, his blue eyes closed, and his voice took on a hint of melancholy. "My dear Gabriel, humans are granted Heaven or Hell based on their choices. Yet, they fail to realize that Heaven and Hell are merely states of existence. If a human was a killer in life, they'll find themselves in Hell, where such actions are condoned, but forbidden in Heaven."

  Gabriel felt a pang of emptiness and thought, "If only I could tell them." Mikhail's gaze turned to him, and he said, "You're reminding me of a certain angel who thought he'd be a better human than humans." Gabriel's expression turned melancholic. "No one knows where he is now." Mikhail's smirk hinted at a hidden truth. "Well, who knows?"

  In the realm of Hell, Charlie made her appearance before Lucifer and the guests from Heaven. Lilith attempted to greet her warmly, saying, "How is my lovely daughter?" However, Charlie ignored her and approached Lucifer, asking, "Your Majesty, I'm feeling rather tired. May I retire to my room?" Lucifer exchanged a mocking glance with Lilith before responding, "Of course, my little princess. We'll speak later."

  Lilith seethed with rage, unaccustomed to such blatant disrespect. Meanwhile, Charlie entered her room, where she found Veggie waiting. "Veggie, please leave me alone for a while," Charlie requested, her tone firm. Veggie tried to offer a comforting hug, but Charlie rebuffed her, insisting on solitude.

  Alastor arrived, greeting Lucifer and Lilith. Lucifer's gaze shifted to Ariel, who looked perplexed. Lucifer's smile grew wider as he said, "You may leave Alastor." Alastor departed, heading toward Charlie's room. He had noticed Veggie's abrupt exit, which suggested that Charlie was upset.

  Lucifer's attention turned to Ariel, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "Listen, Ariel: I'm sending my daughter to Heaven, but if anyone dares to harm her, I'll eradicate Heaven from the realms." Ariel offered a reassuring smile. "Rest assured, we mean her no harm."

  Lucifer's gaze drifted back to Lilith, his expression playful. "She remembers the part where you left her behind, just as I instructed." Lilith's eyes blazed with fury, and Lucifer grasped her chin, saying, "You're even more captivating when angry, my love." Lilith jerked her chin free, and Lucifer chuckled, rising from his seat. "The meeting is concluded. You may leave my realm."

  He summoned a messenger and handed him a letter. "Deliver this to Vox," Lucifer instructed, his eyes glinting with intrigue.