Ch.172Golden Memories (1)

The stage briefly shows a different scene.

While Serphin was struggling in his past memories, elsewhere, a banquet for the lead actor was in full swing.

A historic day when the King’s horn color changed. A feast was indispensable.

“Me, sitting on the throne. I still can’t believe it.”

The protagonist, Belial Del Istria.

The young man, now burdened with tremendous responsibility, looked down at the world from the highest point of the Demon King’s castle. A landscape unreachable even if he stretched out his hand. Similar to what the Green-horned King was feeling.

“Is it really alright for me to take this position? One that only the Red-horned could possess.”

Though demon society valued strength above all, the primordial bloodline was the exception. They had successfully led their people to escape when they were nearly annihilated, and had secretly relocated the Mother’s body, which was almost seized by the angels, hiding it somewhere in the demon realm.

These were achievements that could not be surpassed, no matter how great future deeds recorded in the scriptures might be.

Having played such a crucial role in demon survival, all warriors naturally served them as kings.

“I lack confidence. No matter how hard I try, I’ll be compared to them my whole life…”

Though Belial was an excellent demon worthy of the Green-horned’s support, he was one with many fears. Having replaced those accustomed to advisory roles to ascend to kingship, he had to overcome all the trials that would come in the early days.

He had shouldered the duty of a pioneer.

“Steel your heart, Your Majesty.”

Even the strong often showed weakness before the waves of fate. That’s why there was always a breakwater arranged for them. Someone who would help them overcome any trial that came their way.

“You carry everyone’s hopes. Shouldn’t you show the future that will end this weak era and move forward anew?”

“The war with angels won’t be easy. Even the previous Demon King, the greatest Red-horned warrior, couldn’t overcome it.”

“Horn color doesn’t matter. What’s needed is the strength to lead the legion forward.”

As Belial expressed his concerns, a warrior boldly approached him. He didn’t bow, even in the king’s presence.

“Belial. Only you can do this. Illuminate this age as darkness approaches.”

His voice carried strength. Belial became detached from the world. He focused solely on the warrior who was encouraging him.

“You have such certainty.”

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes, so I have no doubts.”

“I wish I had more vassals who spoke like you.”

Belial gave a bitter smile. He sighed deeply, then looked at the warrior again.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve gained courage.”

“I’m glad, Your Majesty.”

“That title still feels strange, but I suppose I’ll get used to it. After all, I’m king now.”

The Demon King Istria stepped away from the railing. He was ready to get closer to the world. At the banquet, he would receive a celebratory procession.

With dignity befitting a king.

“Will you join me?”

But Belial needed a warrior by his side.

“You’re no longer a gladiator now, but should bear the name of Captain of the Royal Guard.”

“It’s too great an honor.”

“I’m the one who’s unworthy.”

He smiled and called out a name he could trust in this world.

“Durin, my friend.”

In a corner of memory reconstructed by the Milky Way.

There, a Red-horned bowed his head.

“As you command.”

#

“Ughhhh…”

The Istria entourage, having arrived at the royal capital, moved busily.

There wasn’t even time for family members to chat as guests poured in. Being a newly emerged royal family in the demon realm, there was a long line of those seeking audience.

Serphin, or rather Azmosa, was no exception.

Noble men from all sorts of families behaved disgracefully. There were so many who caught her eye and wanted to become part of the royal family that they couldn’t all fit in the carriages.

Some even resorted to knife fights to attract attention. Of course, their end was inglorious.

-What commotion is this on a feast day! Get out of here!

The castle guards mobilized and drove away all the immature young demons. At this time, the royal guard wasn’t composed of undead as it is now, but of pureblooded demon legions, so they enforced discipline with formidable power.

“They just can’t behave.”

“It’s the coronation! With all the nobles in the world gathered, isn’t this level of incident expected?”

The succubus maid answered cheerfully. Serphin wanted to smack her but couldn’t. Here, Serphin was Azmosa. Having followed her path, he couldn’t move freely.

In fact, he couldn’t influence the flow at all.

Normally at such an event, he should have been meeting with the head of the Istria family and sizing up young masters from various houses, but no such incidents were permitted.

This was because even in actual history, Azmosa didn’t mingle with the mainstream.

Because…

“As expected, Durin is devoted to one love. Not even looking at other men.”

The maid sidled up and whispered. Once again, Serphin felt a chill run down his spine. With a reddened face, he tried to cover the maid’s mouth, but the succubus skillfully stepped back.

He only managed to flail awkwardly in the air.

“Y-you. Stop saying things like that.”

“Why? It’s a good thing. Liking Durin.”

“It’s not good. L-loving a low-ranking gladiator is…”

Serphin hesitated. The fact that the flow wasn’t being blocked suggested that this matched what Azmosa had actually said. That made him even more reluctant. He didn’t want to say something that belonged in gossip while borrowing the identity of the shy Azmosa.

“Lo…”

“It’s alright, my lady. Durin is no longer a gladiator.”

Huh?

Serphin, who had been struggling alone, opened his eyes wide. The maid answered with an expression like she was looking at a cute child.

“Durin is Belial’s most trusted friend. He’ll probably be appointed Captain of the Royal Guard this time.”

“Th-the Royal Guard? What about the current captain?”

“Oh my, my lady. There’s no ‘what about’ – the position is vacant right now.”

Serphin stammered. It seemed the broken memories of the past hadn’t connected yet. Fortunately, the golden Milky Way immediately provided Azmosa’s previous knowledge.

“Right. That’s right. The previous Demon King died in the last war, and the Royal Guard was almost completely wiped out.”

“So they’re creating an entirely new one! A legion that believes in and follows Istria!”

The maid spread her arms wide. The joy of someone awaiting a new era flowed out naturally.

“Isn’t that wonderful news for you, my lady? Durin’s status is rising significantly.”

Once again, the whispering voice approached.

“Perhaps even marriage…”

“Hey!”

Serphin finally couldn’t hold back and exploded.

#

Murmuring voices.

“There seems to be a commotion. Please stay close.”

Durin quickly moved to shield Belial. As a protector, he was on high alert.

Belial pushed Durin’s hand away with a hearty laugh.

“Just the usual noise at a demon feast. Don’t worry too much.”

“But…”

“Do you think you’re already the Captain of the Royal Guard? You can fulfill that duty after the appointment ceremony. Until then, you’re still a gladiator.”

When Belial said this, Durin stepped back. The Demon King moved forward with light steps.

“There’s time before the coronation, so I thought I’d go see my father.”

“The family head?”

“Yes. I should pay my respects. And while I’m at it, I plan to discuss your treatment as well.”

Another demon might have questioned this. They could have become angry, wondering what more there was to discuss after mentioning the Captain position. The loyal Durin waited silently, but Belial spoke first.

“Don’t worry too much. It will be very good news for you too.”

“Good news is always welcome.”

“Haha! I really like how honest you are. What other Red-horned demon in the world could live so unpretentiously?”

“That’s probably why I became a gladiator instead of a nobleman.”

“And you became the strongest and greatest among gladiators. You’re now the strongest among the Red-horned.”

“With the previous Demon King dead, that’s true.”

“Hey! Don’t speak so carelessly. It could cause big trouble.”

Durin, showing a more relaxed side than now, and Belial, delighted to see it.

The two demons chatted as they made their way through the crowd. They passed through areas where appetizers for the coronation were being served and headed toward increasingly less crowded places.

“Here we are. This is where father is talking with the elders of the council.”

The place Belial led Durin to was a secret meeting place in the deepest part of the Demon King’s castle.

It was a banquet hall where only high-ranking officials who made political decisions could enter.

“This is where the future will be decided.”

Belial, standing in front of the door, smiled.

“Shouldn’t our families become even closer through marriage?”

Creeeeak-

Simultaneously, the closed door of the banquet hall opened by itself.