Ch.140Development (2)

The Legion made the south its base.

With Ludmila’s help, they could have immediately entered the central capital, but announcing their victory came first.

“Prioritize honor. March with your chests held high.”

While guarding against arrogance, they instilled hope. When commoners were encouraged, they could supply quality warriors based on that foundation. As Durin and the Durakhan cavalry took the lead, crowds naturally gathered.

[The fall of the celestial realm. The conquest of the human world begins now.]

[The Regent will lead us into the future.]

[The lost god has returned to the demons; rejoice and worship.]

Raktelun didn’t miss this opportunity. They scattered telegrams on the streets, inspiring lower demons. The Senate, which had barely clung to life during the rebellion, took a central role in this action.

Aurelia, the ruler and governor, filled in while busy preparing to formally receive the Regent.

“There’s nothing wrong with getting on the Regent’s good side.”

“Let’s put all our grown children into the Southern Army this time.”

This war had made it clear. Those seeking connections with Durin would increase. It didn’t matter if the Regent and Southern Army Commander Verdia weren’t swayed by personal feelings.

The Legion’s main force was the Southern Army. As long as they held the center, opportunities would definitely exist. Even if it was just a minor connection, even just one, the next step would be guaranteed.

“In the current central region where Red Horns are weak, Green Horns are the mainstream.”

“That’s natural since they gather around the Grand Duke. In a situation where the hierarchy is established, our rival to check is the North.”

“I’ve heard that Tribal Chief Chapir has achieved merit. Since the Regent is trying to develop the cavalry, many Black Horn demons will flow into the central region.”

“Then…”

The expression of the Raktelun Senate grew serious. With Durin choosing the southern route, they could aim for the advantage of first contact. But that was all. If they moved even slightly away from a position favorable for exerting influence, they would inevitably lose significant power.

Though they emphasized the Southern Army, they weren’t bound by bloodlines. They valued the Legion even more. Having completely overhauled their identity to erase the past rebellion, they had a much stronger identity as the Central Army.

The Senate boldly moved forward to overcome these difficulties.

“We make the first move. We must secure our position as much as possible before being pushed out.”

Unification of the demon realm. They had succeeded in creating a foothold to advance into the human world, but demons hadn’t developed beyond that yet.

This was where the arrogance Durin warned against lay. Despite not yet having conquered the human world, they shamelessly revealed their ambitions. They were beings born and raised in the demon realm.

They prioritized their own interests over the will of their ancestors.

“I’ll immediately deploy smooth talkers to approach the Southern Army.”

“Let’s completely exclude Chapir’s beast cavalry. Their loyalty to the Tribal Chief is too strong to overcome.”

“It would be effective to contact support troops rather than elite soldiers. Those who manage beasts would be particularly effective.”

“Those who haven’t received immediate opportunities can be sufficiently persuaded with money.”

“We could open opportunities for them through the Southern Army, which is directly under the Regent. The power of the Raktelun Senate is certainly sufficient for this.”

As they schemed behind the scenes, Raktelun became lively. An incongruous wind blew among the demons participating in the victory celebration.

Dreams of success and advancement, stronger than joy, seeped through the crowd.

“Hahaha! Welcome, Regent. The Raktelun Senate deeply welcomes you.”

Those who stepped forward at the gate showed their smiles.

They were the most artificial. Masks to get what they wanted from Durin.

Expectation, rather than fear, consumed them.

#

“I apologize, Your Excellency.”

They couldn’t be unaware of the change. As soon as the Legion command took their seats in Raktelun’s inner castle, Aurelia apologized.

“I knew there would be many greedy ones, but I never dared imagine it would be to this extent.”

The governor trembled visibly. She appeared afraid that Durin might become angry.

“I will discipline the Senate, so please withdraw your anger.”

Durin silently stared at Aurelia. As his red eyes fixed on the governor, she broke out in a cold sweat.

“Y-Your Excellency. Please show mercy…”

“There is no need to show mercy, Aurelia. There’s also no need to discipline the Senate; go and attend to the people’s welfare.”

“P-Pardon?”

Aurelia asked again in confusion. When he actually showed mercy, she didn’t know how to react. Seeing this, Verdia sneered.

“Governor, you’re too transparent, that’s why.”

“What nonsense is that, General Verdia? Transparent, you say?”

“Do you think His Excellency doesn’t know? Aren’t you trying to reduce the Senate’s power to consolidate your own?”

“Consolidate power? How could I harbor such terrible thoughts about His Excellency?”

Aurelia hurriedly argued. She glanced at Durin, who was still observing, then continued rambling.

“I merely wish to prevent any potential disloyalty. My heart is always directed toward the Demon King’s castle.”

“Ha! Disloyalty? Where is there disloyalty now that His Excellency has pacified the demon realm? No, wait, I see it right here.”

Verdia strode forward. He stood right in front of the governor.

“Isn’t there a certain dignitary who wants to replace the Senate with her own faction?”

“To think that Aurelia, the governor of the South bestowed by the Demon King himself, would harbor dark intentions.”

Aurelia slightly turned her head to glare at Verdia.

“I would prefer you not make such hasty remarks before His Excellency.”

“Hmm. I’m merely preparing for contingencies. If that’s not your intention, I won’t press further.”

The exchange was not pleasant. Verdia, who had resolved to build the Legion’s future before the expedition, found Raktelun distasteful. How could they already be grasping for power so soon after the war ended?

He also held Aurelia responsible for failing to properly control these disloyal movements.

“Your Excellency. Our loyalty remains unchanged. How could I harbor such disrespectful thoughts?”

Caught up in Verdia’s accusations, Aurelia became desperate. She bowed her head to Durin, trying to prove her purity and reaffirm her loyalty to the Demon King’s castle.

“I’ll say it again, Aurelia. I know better than anyone that your loyalty hasn’t changed.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

“So don’t try to excessively rein in the Senate. As long as they don’t commit serious crimes approaching treason, it’s fine to leave them be.”

Durin surprisingly offered a conciliatory approach. This was unusual for the Regent who normally emphasized strictness. Even Verdia, who had been pushing hard in accordance with his master’s usual temperament, was taken aback.

“Leave them be? I fear chaos might return.”

“Don’t worry, Verdia. I will handle this matter.”

The Regent rose from his seat. Verdia and Aurelia hurriedly followed him. As they moved through the corridors of Raktelun’s inner castle, all eyes turned to them.

-Is that His Excellency?

-I thought he would leave after consulting with the governor.

According to their plans, Durin should have left soon. They thought Durin’s intentions would be to meet with the Demon King to receive commendation for his achievements and reorganize the army. But his movements were completely different.

The Regent headed toward the barracks where the Southern Defense Force was staying, the place where warriors were being nurtured.

-Surely not.

Demons had a keen sense of smell. Perhaps from their long years of hardship, they were remarkably adept at finding and pursuing paths to survival. This time was no different. Many ruling-class demons, including the Senate, followed behind Durin.

The elite guards didn’t need to crowd around him. They quietly accompanied him.

“Y-Your Excellency!”

“What brings you here?”

When Durin arrived at the Raktelun military camp, warriors rushed out hurriedly. There were many lower demons, but even more children of nobility.

“It’s an honor.”

“Please share tales of your victory with us!”

All the warriors knelt at once. The greatest warrior of the demon realm had appeared. His presence among warriors could mean only one thing.

“Write it with your own hands.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m starting recruitment for forces to maintain our occupied territories in the human world.”

Durin surveyed the crowd. The warriors who had rushed out were startled and all raised their heads, only to meet his red eyes and quickly lower them to the ground again.

Seeing this, the Regent smiled.

“Those who wish to join, come to the inner castle parade ground by evening.”