Ch.142Prepare for the Battle (2)

After a long time, I faced the King’s Great Hall once again.

The path leading to the throne, where civil and military officials stood in rows on both sides, was dyed green. It had once been red as a symbol of the Red Horn’s rule, but now it was painted green in recognition of Serphin’s reign—the descendant of Caldrago and the Demon King of Istria.

“I heard you achieved a great victory, killing nearly 30,000 of the 100,000 Holy Army troops.”

“The actual casualties were 5,000 priests and knights combined.”

“The remaining 20,000 may have been human forces, but it’s still an impressive achievement.”

Serphin praised Durin’s accomplishments from the throne.

“And with 3,000 prisoners taken, you’ve effectively achieved results of almost 10,000. This is an unprecedented victory in demon realm history. I hope you feel pride rather than modesty.”

“I’m honored, Your Majesty. But the war is not yet over.”

Durin rose to his feet. Behind his dark helmet, his red eyes burned intensely. The warrior, whose fighting spirit remained undiminished, made a strong assertion to the king.

“The War Marshal is making a show of force in the east. He’s intimidating and executing those who were loyal to Your Majesty, trying to rule those lands as his own again.”

“Perhaps he’s trying to restore the fallen eastern human realm. From what I’ve heard, the east is wealthy due to its river trading cities…”

The young king calculated the practical benefits.

The eastern human realm, though swept up in war, remained relatively intact. The conflict had only burned the defensive lines at the frontier, while the rest had been quickly breached after receiving declarations of surrender, leaving no scars of plunder.

To Serphin, it seemed natural that an angel would march again to reclaim these territories and execute those who had declared surrender. But Durin did not agree.

“Your Majesty, you must view this from a ruler’s perspective.”

“A ruler? Isn’t that precisely what I am?”

“The Celestial Realm doesn’t extract gold from humans. They only extract faith.”

“Ah.”

The young king let out a gasp.

Having grown up watching the demon realm’s civil war, Serphin was accustomed to extracting maximum resources from conquered territories.

The Celestial Realm was different.

To them, the human realm was merely a garden. As long as they could extract faith, they were willing to abandon entire regions. It sounded insane, but according to rumors during the war, they had even considered abandoning all territories except the Papal States.

“They only care about receiving the Light God’s favor. If power becomes concentrated among the high angels, creating a new power structure, they won’t care about anything else.”

“What a terrible thought.”

The Legion was building its strength to become self-sufficient. Ironically, the Celestial Realm was moving in the opposite direction, with power becoming concentrated among the strong—the two sides were progressing in opposite directions.

“Then the War Marshal has likely come to suppress internal unrest.”

“And he’s preparing a negotiation table. Three thousand elite soldiers is a number too significant to ignore. With the Fallen Angel Yursael present, they can quickly complete their brainwashing operations.”

“Who are our commanders currently stationed in the human realm?”

“The Monster Queen Yoannina and the Grand Sorceress Rudmila are managing the front line together.”

“Make Rudmila our envoy. I judge her to be the right person for this.”

The king’s order was given. Durin immediately bowed his head.

“I will do as commanded, Your Majesty.”

“Very good, Durin.”

Serphin rose from the throne.

Click, click.

The sound of heels echoed throughout the vast hall. The ministers, including Grand Magistrate Marius, bowed their heads even lower. As golden demonic energy spread, the power of dominance captured them. Voices of worship grew louder.

Durin was the exception. He remained standing tall and dignified, maintaining proper etiquette.

“I was preparing a banquet to celebrate the conquest of the human realm.”

“I am honored, Your Majesty.”

“You say that, but you’re always busy moving about. Even now, you’ve brought up the War Marshal’s activities in the east and matters of negotiation.”

“The great cause takes priority. I will rest when times of peace arrive.”

“After conquering the Celestial Realm, I suppose.”

Serphin gave a bitter smile. Though understanding, disappointment was clearly visible on his face.

“Your Majesty.”

Durin made a request first.

“Before returning to the human realm, I would like to meet with you again.”

“Again?”

“On my way to the Demon King’s Castle, I recruited many soldiers. I was planning a banquet to boost their morale.”

Serphin’s expression brightened. The young Demon King made no attempt to hide his joy, displaying his emotions openly.

“Durin!”

“Your Majesty, please use the title ‘Regent.’ This is an official occasion.”

“You were the first to suggest a banquet, yet you respond so formally?”

Happiness spread to the king. His steps, which had been descending with dignity, became animated with excitement. It showed in his demonic energy as well—the golden particles seemed to dance.

“I’ll be waiting, Durin.”

Serphin returned to the throne.

“Though I regret the day of your departure, I can endure it knowing there will be a banquet.”

Despite maintaining proper decorum, he was still young.

#

After finishing the audience and leaving the Great Hall, a line of people was waiting for him.

“Your Excellency!”

Spranches was particularly delighted. Though he served the Regent at the frontlines, his lack of combat ability had prevented him from following during wartime. He had remained at the Demon King’s Castle, diligently organizing the Regent’s office and maintaining order among the remaining forces.

“Have you been well?”

“Of course. I’ve been keeping all the good news to report to Your Excellency, counting the days.”

“There must have been bad news as well.”

“I’ve personally dealt with all of those. The stability within the castle is under control, so please don’t worry.”

Spranches spoke with a solemn expression. Kneeling down to show proper respect, it was a sight that would greatly move any ruler.

But Durin was Durin. Never responding to empty formalities, he focused immediately on business.

“First, I’ll examine the monster farm. Bring me all the reports that have come in.”

“…As you command.”

Verdia’s sneer was an added bonus. The lizard secretary Spranches supported Durin while enduring his sorrow.

Groaning under the weight, he carried a mountain of parchments and placed them on the table.

“More than I expected.”

“We’ve succeeded in raising high-grade monsters, and various experimental reports have been submitted.”

“It would have been difficult to secure this many with just the northern trainers.”

“We supplemented with quantities from the south.”

“From the south?”

When Durin expressed doubt, Spranches quickly answered.

“Trainers were cultivated under the governor’s direction.”

“Come to think of it, minotaurs did inhabit mountainous regions.”

“Based on their successful use in cavalry charges during the western defensive battle, we began improvements.”

“Seems it was successful.”

“We hope they will be of great use on the battlefield.”

Swish.

Durin unfolded the parchment.

It depicted various forms, from lightly armored minotaurs to heavily armored assault types like Durahan.

“They were used to breach thin walls during the southern rebellion’s siege.”

“They’ll be especially effective in surprise attacks. They can break through palisaded camps in an instant, creating shock value.”

“Excellent.”

Since arriving in the demon realm, satisfying developments had continued.

Diversification of military units.

This was the first goal Durin had set when organizing the southern army. The wars fought so far had not yet yielded results, with many victories relying solely on Durin.

The Legion needed to become self-sufficient. Durin was preparing for a world after his death. Despite the upward trend, he couldn’t dismiss his concerns.

Victory is never guaranteed.

If the god of fate were to be even slightly capricious, the demon realm would head toward destruction. Though they could now withstand without Durin, they would be unable to achieve the long-desired conquest of the Celestial Realm.

They would have to wait another thousand years of patience.

“Your Excellency, there is another matter to report.”

While Durin was deep in thought, Spranches cautiously spoke up.

“What is it?”

“I would also like to report on new monster types.”

New monsters? Were there better species than minotaurs?

Seeing Durin’s interest, Spranches became excited.

“You will be very pleased with this, Your Excellency.”

“Speak without delay.”

“Aerial monsters, sir.”

Aerial?

The red eyes showed doubt again.

“Was there time to research that?”

“The monster farm examined previous records and found materials left by ancient researchers.”

“Can they be utilized by the Legion?”

“The farm has begun experiments. However, they’re not yet at the stage for practical use…”

“I will examine the progress myself.”

Durin pushed all the parchments to the corner. Spranches stood by his side, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“I will escort you, Your Excellency.”

He maintained a solemn expression and proper etiquette.

“……”

But Durin remained silent, standing still. The heavy silence continued until Spranches, who had been maintaining his posture, began to feel awkward.

“Your Excellency?”

“Legion matters will be discussed with Verdia.”

No way.

Spranches was taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated this situation. The lizard stammered:

“Th-then what about me?”

“Organize the parchments.”

After leaving this cold remark, he departed from the office. A gust of wind brushed past the lizard-man.

“Y-Your Excellency.”

A pitiful voice echoed.

Unfortunately, there was no response.