Black Cookies

Once upon a time there was a kingdom filled with treacherous humanity and evil called The Kingdom of Hel. And reigning at the top, was a person so evil that even the demons were afraid of him. His name was Rico Denalo. At the age of fourteen he was able to dethroned his own father, the previous Overlord, Lord Hades. He also isolated Hades and his own mother Miriam in an uninhabited island to die. He led the kingdom with an iron fist and made the people lived in, for the lack of better term, hell.

And it's not enough for him. He made some 'expeditions' to the little kingdoms around Hel with his Legion of Terror. Lord Rico was the worst of the worst

Or was it?

In truth, Lord Hades had stopped becoming an overlord after marrying Princess Miriam who melted his heart. They lived happily and had two children. That was, until a group of heroes came barging on the door and demanded for Princess Miriam. No ones believed that the princess (now queen) married Hades at her own will. No matter how many times they explained it, more 'heroes' kept on coming.

Finally, getting fed up with all these craps, Lord Hades decided to take an early retirement and spent his time with his wife in a tropical island. A little bit irresponsible yes? But Hades trusted his son. Rico was proved capable of politic and quick to make an alliance with his expeditions. Soon, the little kingdoms united as one under his command and protection.

The point is, the title of Evil Overlord was just that, a title. A title used so the other kingdoms won't underestimated him just because he was a teenager.

***

Rico Denalo was a more than capable swordsman. He had countlessly defeated the 'heroes' who tried to end his 'tirade'. And most of them were older and bigger than him. But he knew that it didn't matter right now... he was hopeless... "Dammit!" Rico cursed as he let out another burned cookies from the oven.

A red haired boy who was sitting behind him was trying his best to hold his laugh. He was Andrew Leander, the little brother of Rico's trusted Lieutenant, Vernados Leander. He was also Hades'. And since he did such a good job Rico had no reason to replace him. While Andrew was Rico's best friend. They first met when Rico was practicing his swordsmanship with Vernados. But that was the story for another time.

Anyway, tomorrow's the birthday of Rico's older sister, Diana. He knew that Diana liked a handmade present better than the one you got from the store. That's why this young overlord was baking cookies. But the results were... let's just say it was less than favorable. "Sheesh Rico! Just buy one from store!" Andrew said, half pitying half amused at Rico's attempts.

"No! It had to be handmade!" Rico insisted.
"Whatever." Andrew gave up.

The young overlord glared at his dough. What did he do wrong? Didn't he followed the instruction perfectly? Was that mean he's not talented at it? Rico shook his head. No time for being gloomy! He had to finish it soon before the party!

***

"Happy birthday!" Diana smiled at her small party. She wasn't the typed to do extravagant things. The only ones coming were some maids, the Leander brothers, and of course her little brother Rico. Diana was sickly since he was little and hardly ever came out from her room. That's why she befriend the maids.

Everybody brought a handmade gift. Finally, it's time for Rico to give his present. He seemed to hesitated, but gave his present nonetheless. "Happy birthday..." he mumbled. Diana smiled and opened the gift. Turned out it were black cookies. "I'm sorry... I'm not good at baking... the cookies were burned..."

"Burned?" Diana raised an eyebrow, "But brownies were always black like these."
Rico looked surprised, "B--But! Andrew said---." then it hit him, "You!" Rico pointed his finger accusingly at Andrew, "You lied to me!"

That day, Andrew learned a valuable lesson. If you lied to an evil overlord, make sure they don't find out....