My Stepmother Is an Ex-Demon Queen-Chapter 23 - 24 – “My First Royal Banquet Got Hijacked by a Magical Ex”

Chapter 23: Chapter 24 – “My First Royal Banquet Got Hijacked by a Magical Ex”
1. The Calm Before the Feast (aka I Should’ve Known Better)
It was day two of being a magically mistaken prince, and I had exactly:
Five princesses trying to marry me for political peace.
Five original harem girls tracking me across dimensions.
A demonic marriage deadline ticking like a bomb.
And now... a royal banquet in my honor.
"So," I asked the head butler, "what’s on the menu?"
He bowed low. "Roast phoenix, moonfish soufflé, and soul-flavored jelly."
"Cool cool cool. That last one sounds illegal."
I was dressed in an outfit that screamed ’overcompensating prince in denial’. Silk. Shoulder pads. Way too much gold trim.
In other words: I looked like the final boss of a dating sim.
2. The Banquet Begins (With Stares and Wine)
The hall was massive. Crystal chandeliers. Floating candles. An enchanted harp played by a ghost with good rhythm.
The princesses were already seated, smiling sweetly... and eyeing one another like rivals in a magical MMA tournament.
"Prince Kazuki," said Duchess Noelle, sipping her wine, "if you sit by me, you’ll avoid three minor assassination attempts."
Mirelle smiled at her. "Four, if we’re counting dessert."
I was sweating before the appetizers.
Suddenly—
CRACK—BOOM—ZINGGGG
A portal opened midair, showering the table in rainbow sparks and ominous glitter.
"Oh no," I whispered. "Not her."
3. Enter the Magical Ex: Rei
Out stepped Rei.
My magical ex-girlfriend from middle school.
The one who "accidentally summoned a tornado made of frogs" on our first date.
Tall. Fierce. Way too confident. Wearing a dramatic cloak that billowed with zero wind.
"Hello, darling," she purred. "Miss me?"
Entire table: staring in scandalized silence
Me: "What. Are. You. Doing. Here."
Rei: "Heard you were getting married. Thought I’d crash the party... and reclaim what’s mine."
She blew a kiss that shattered two glasses and gave Duchess Noelle a nosebleed.
4. The Harem Girls React (Badly)
From across the room, the original gang arrived—clearly in formation.
Sayuri cracked her knuckles.
Ayaka pulled glitter knives from her sleeves.
Luna conjured a black flame and calmly whispered a curse.
Lilith unsheathed a soul-bound sword.
Mizuki just handed Rei a cease-and-desist letter.
Airi popped up next to me. "Should we cancel dessert or livestream this?"
5. Rei’s "Love Trial" Announcement
Rei raised a scroll.
"By ancient magical rights, I declare a Love Trial!"
Me: "That’s not a real—"
Rei: "It is if the music starts and everyone claps."
The enchanted harp began a slow dramatic tune.
Everyone clapped.
Me: "You’ve GOT to be kidding—"
6. The Love Trial Challenge
The rules?
Each girl had to present an offering of love.
I had to choose one.
If I refused all offers, Rei would "drag me into her dimension for forced re-coupling therapy."
Lilith: "I’m going to destroy time itself."
Sayuri: "No need. I brought poison cookies."
Rei: "Too late. Trial begins now!"
7. Presentations of Love (And Chaos)
Ayaka baked a cake that exploded into fireworks spelling "Marry Me."
Mirelle gifted me a crown made from enchanted ice roses that burned on touch.
Lilith offered a contract... written in ancient blood runes.
Luna sang a haunting lullaby that made everyone in the room weep. Including me.
Rei conjured a floating memory orb of our first kiss (which was awkward and involved sneezing glitter).
Mizuki just threw a giant binder labeled: "101 Reasons Why Marriage Is a Bad Idea."
Me: "Can I vote for the binder?"
8. And Then the Banquet Exploded
A magical tension crackled.
The soul-jelly on the table began to vibrate.
Suddenly—BOOM—the enchanted ceiling cracked open.
The demon marriage enforcer dropped in from the sky wearing a new suit.
"TIME’S RUNNING OUT, KAZUKI."
He pointed a flaming clock staff at my chest.
"TOMORROW, YOU MUST CHOOSE... OR BE CHOSEN."
Me: "What does that even mean?!"
"THE BRIDE WILL BE DECIDED. WITH. OR. WITHOUT. YOU."
Everyone gasped.
Sayuri smiled.
Lilith unsheathed her blade.
Ayaka screamed, "WEDDING PLANNER MODE, ACTIVATE!"
I fainted.
End of Chapter 24
✅ Call to Action:
💥 Who do YOU think should win the Love Trial?
💔 Should Kazuki be allowed to escape fate—or should the girls decide for him?!
💬 Comment your favorite girl and wild predictions for Chapter 25!
Coming next:
Chapter 25 – "I Woke Up in a Wedding Dress and Everyone Pretended It Was Normal"