Chapter 255

Chapter 255

Otherworld Demon King Survival Guide.

Episode 255: Conquering The Barony (11)

There was a feeling of repulsion and tension in the air. Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to even look at the Duchess’s face. Anyway, from what I had heard, it seemed true that she had some affection for me.

If that was the case, I should handle this well.

“Then, Kyuse oppa! Let’s start talking!”

“Yeah. I’m ready to engrave everything into my mind. Start.”

“Okay!”

With that, Karuti began her explanation.

“The baron still hasn’t managed to restore his forces. Not only has he lost manpower, but he’s also lost all his equipment. Unless money falls from the sky, it’ll be hard for him to recover even as time passes.”

It meant that the territory was already in ruins.

Well, just the supplies stored in my warehouse are enormous. Armor, equipment—everything. It’s ridiculous. Just thinking about losing all that made me feel like throwing up.

“There are forces eyeing that baron like a hawk. Both the Angelic faction and the Anti-Angelic faction. There’s already a rumor spreading that the angels have intervened in the barony, so both sides have justification for an invasion.”

“Hmm.”

The baron might have thought he could quickly achieve results by bringing in the angels and earning a place among them, but his ambition was crushed by me.

Now, as a price for losing the angels, he might become a colony of the High Heavens, and there’s a high possibility he’ll be targeted by nobles who resent the angels.

No, it’s inevitable.

If I were a human ruler, I would do the same.

“Yet, the reason he hasn’t been invaded yet is that the Angelic and Anti-Angelic factions are in a deadlock. Neither has the luxury to send troops to a remote place like the barony.”

“It’s a geographical advantage.”

Well, with such a geographical advantage, the baron must have calculated and acted. The important thing was that he didn’t know about my existence. If I hadn’t been there, he would’ve successfully kidnapped the Saintess and offered her up.

If the baron was ‘protecting’ the Saintess, the angels would have no choice but to pay attention, even if it’s in a remote area. He must have intended to take advantage of that situation.

“Hehehe.”

Indeed, remaining unseen was a significant advantage. Now, well… even if I disliked it, exposure was inevitable, but I realized something. If you didn’t know your enemy well, always be cautious.

“Anyway, Kyuse oppa! Here’s the conclusion! You can infiltrate right away!”

The okay sign had been given.

“With the current Kyuse oppa, you could easily subdue the baron!”

“Hahaha! If Karuti says so, then it must be true! But how exactly should we do it?”

“The basic plan is to infiltrate through the sewers at night. I’ve released a lot of Evil Eyes into the sewers for this. You’ll be able to infiltrate just fine!”

Night infiltration through the sewers.

It sounded easy, but training would be necessary. But there’s no need to worry. Our Invincible Demon King’s Army was nicknamed the Viet Cong. We had done countless maneuvers using the kobolds’ burrows.

“The morale of the soldiers is low, and there aren’t many of them! Besides, they would never imagine that the baron’s castle would actually be attacked! If you use the route Karuti provided, you’ll be able to capture the baron!”

“Good. I’ll trust Karuti with that route. So, when?”

“Let me know the date of the advance, and I’ll send the Evil Eyes again that day. From then on, just follow the guidance, and you’ll be fine!”

“Alright! I’ll do that!”

The plan itself was simple.

With Karuti’s support, we’d infiltrate through the sewers, swiftly subdue the baron, and take over the castle.

It’s a risky operation, but without an army, it’s entirely feasible. The most important thing here was the accuracy of the information provided by Karuti, but I think it’s trustworthy.

Karuti had no reason to purge me.

“If Karuti is supporting us, there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll make sure to take over the barony.”

“I trust you, Kyuse oppa!”

Karuti answered with an excited face.

“To begin with, the baron has lost most of his forces. Even if it weren’t Kyuse oppa, another lord could easily devour the barony. That’s the situation. Of course, Kyuse oppa will win.”

Overconfidence wasn’t good, but considering all the conditions, this battle should end in my favor. When planning a military operation, you estimated and executed if there was a high chance of success. That was all there was to it.

I’d start with focused infiltration training from today, then set up a marching plan and head out.

“Oh, by the way, Karuti. I’m curious about something.”

“Yeah? What is it?”

“Can Lamias use the sewers?”

“According to my investigation, it’s possible. They can infiltrate through the sewers connected outside the castle walls and enter the baron’s territory.”

“But doesn’t the security seem too lax?”

“Of course, there’s a guard force keeping watch over the sewers. But Kyuse oppa, if you strike quickly, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Karuti also explained things like the size and shape of the sewers. Based on that, I drew a map in my head. Using the maze-like sewers, we’ll infiltrate at night and surface—then the battle begins.

We’d need to quickly take out the guards.

“I’ve roughly identified the locations of the guards. If you use the pixies you’re so proud of, you’ll be able to take out the guards on the watchtower too.”

“Yes. That’s the most important thing.”

Pixies were indeed overpowered.

Well, as we continued discussing tactics.

“Oh…! Kyuse oppa! Let’s wrap up the conversation here!”

Karuti announced the news.

“Is she coming now?”

“Yes! I just got the notification!”

Finally, I was going to reunite with the Duchess.

“Talk well! Karuti is going now!”

“Okay. Take care of yourself, Karuti.”

With that farewell, Karuti left. At the same time, the screen went dark. Are they changing the channel? I was starting to feel nervous.

—Creak.

I realigned my chair and straightened my posture as I sat properly. The Duchess. She was a woman who currently thought well of me. There’s no reason to appear unfavorably. Should I act like a good son?

“Hoo.”

Let’s relax.

I just needed to handle this well.

—Click.

And then, the screen flashed.

—Flash.

The screen came on.

“Ah.”

It’s been a while since I had seen the Duchess of the Demon Realm.

Keraxis.

“My son? How have you been?”

“…!”

But the moment I heard the Duchess’s voice, goosebumps rose on my skin, and the tension I had managed to release surged back up!

My goodness! I thought it last time, but she’s even more beautiful than I imagined! A woman possessing the unique, bewitching charm of a high-ranking demon!

Such a woman was smiling brightly at me, with a full smile on her face. Even though it was a video call, I felt like I was being overwhelmed…!

“Ah… Mother. Yes. I’ve been doing well.”

“Hehehe, the atmosphere has changed a lot since then, hasn’t it? And you’ve grown stronger. Your body has grown too. I’m really happy that my beloved son has grown up so well… If Kyuse were by my side, I would’ve hugged you.”

This woman dared to say something so shamelessly.

“…”

Anyway, the atmosphere was similar to the last time we met. But back then, it somehow felt like she saw me as a tool, whereas now, she genuinely seemed glad to see me.

Her attitude changed based on results, it seemed.

“Even though I couldn’t do much for you as a mother, you’ve grown up so well on your own… I’ve heard all the reports of your achievements. I’m sorry? This mother of yours didn’t recognize her son’s talents and ended up doing something so harsh. Will you forgive me?”

Ah, damn.

I almost forgave her for a moment.

“Huup!”

I quickly snapped back to reality. The bewitching beauty and aura typical of a demon. Her charm. Her alluring figure. Just looking at those things made my heart start to waver. Just making eye contact and talking to her could captivate any man—she’s like a monster.

Was this what they called a femme fatale? As expected of the Duchess of the Demon Realm.

The women I had seen in the Middle Realm, I was confident I could control them all. But the Duchess was different… If I showed any weakness, she could devour me in an instant.

Of course.

The current me had developed resistance by taking many beauties from the Middle Realm. Even though she exuded such charm, I wouldn’t be easily captivated… But even so, thinking about how such a woman was praising me made me feel like I was being ‘recognized’ from deep within my heart.

No!

I couldn’t fall for it here!

“Well, there’s nothing to forgive. It was only natural back then. There’s nothing to forgive.”

I clung to my wavering mind and delivered the line I had prepared. No matter what, the Duchess was currently looking favorably upon me and was making gestures to reconcile. If I didn’t accept this, it could hinder Karuti’s support.

So here, I had to pretend to reconcile and bow my head.

I needed to act like a good son.

“Besides, didn’t you send Karuti to support me? That’s enough, Mother.”

As I said that.

“Ah…”

Suddenly, the Duchess started to shed tears.

“Huh?”

“I’m happy. I actually thought it would be hard to be forgiven… My son. Thank you? Thank you for forgiving this lacking mother.”

The Duchess began wiping her tears with a handkerchief.

It’s a somewhat bewildering attitude.

“So, from now on, I’ll do my best to help you even more as your mother. My son. You’re really showing remarkable achievements. No demon since ancient times has had such influence in the Middle Realm.”

If it was not an empty promise, it meant she considers me very important. So, would the regret be on her side?

“If you return to the Demon Realm, I’ll give you the treatment you deserve.”

If I returned, that was.

Of course, I had no intention of returning.

“Hehehe, I’m beyond grateful that you would say that. Ah. But Mother.”

“My son? Won’t you treat your mother a bit more casually?”

“Hmm… Ugh, um. Yes. I will. So, Mother. When I return, will you treat my subordinates well too?”

“If that’s what you want, of course.”

With such empty words, I started to think about what kind of specific help I could get and discussed it.