Ch.19The Demon Lord’s Qualification (3)

Late night.

The red moon of the demon realm rose in the sky. Normally, when its round shape appeared, the world should have brightened, but this was the land where demons dwelled. As darkness descended heavily, the ferocious howls of demonic beasts filled the air in all directions.

“Your Excellency. The hero party has been handed over to the Golden Guard. They will guard the secret with their lives.”

Spranches led the way, guiding Durin to the eerie demonic beast farm. Verdia had insisted on coming along, but she had more important matters to attend to.

“Whether you intimidate or persuade the southern nobles, I don’t care. Just make sure they swear loyalty so you can handle them when needed.”

“L-loyalty oath? Is that what you’re asking for?”

“The southern warriors will no longer serve the castle but will become my personal guard, acting independently. I have you in mind as the vanguard commander, Verdia, so prepare to fulfill your duty as the protector of the regent.”

“Huk! I will make every effort, Your Excellency.”

Having been given this important mission, Verdia was now running around the training grounds, building relationships with the southern warriors. Thanks to this, Durin had fewer distractions from his two overzealous subordinates and could focus more on his work.

“They can be trusted. More importantly, we need a place to confine the party.”

“They’ve been placed in the dungeon a short distance from the reception hall.”

Spranches, who had regained his composure, was sharp and efficient. He guided Durin to the destination using the fastest route in the castle.

“This is the place.”

Spranches bowed at the waist, indicating they had arrived. Durin could see a tall, massive structure.

A prison tower with pointed spires that formed part of the castle’s exterior, bathed in the light of the red moon.

Originally used to confine demons from the reception hall who had committed crimes, it had become useless after the Great Purge. Though he thought it wouldn’t be needed for a while, it quickly found new occupants.

The bodies of the one-armed hero and the mage that Durin had collected were to be stored here until the deal was completed.

“With the king gone, this is an appropriate task for the Golden Guard.”

“Indeed, Your Excellency. With them in charge, no demon would dare enter this place.”

“Just don’t make the security too strict. Unnecessary waste of manpower is undesirable.”

“They will remain in statue form as before. Demons unfamiliar with the castle will avoid approaching because it’s a prison, and those who know the castle well will sense the Golden Guard’s aura and stay away.”

“High-ranking demons will know. The moment they try to uncover what the castle keeps secret, they can only die.”

Unsavory rumors might spread. But that would be all. Digging into secrets meant looking into Durin’s hidden side, which could be considered an act of treason.

“But there are always curious young demons. I intend to keep watch for a while.”

“If needed, I’ll have the sorcerers set up a temporary warp gate for immediate transport here.”

“Not a bad idea. Place it in the garden between the reception hall and the tower.”

It was close to the reception hall. There would be demons who might show interest in this prison after hearing that Durin had visited.

He already had names provided by Rudmilla. Some were already making themselves known…

“Finally, spread one more rumor, Spranches.”

“As you command.”

Durin thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see their faces on this occasion.

#

The castle was in a time of upheaval.

Despite the vacant throne, the central region was being reborn as the chaos subsided. The biggest change was in the army under Durin’s command. The central legion, previously centered around the Durahan, began to incorporate various races.

“You are no longer warriors but soldiers! Soldiers of the castle!”

“Give all glory to the castle. Then the regent will grant you boundless honor.”

“Keep in step! How can a legionnaire not manage even that!”

Shouts constantly echoed across the training grounds. Warriors recruited from the south, now under the castle’s direct control, were adapting to the central system. Instead of their instinct-driven, fierce fighting style, they now focused on maintaining ranks and moving as a single unit. Though still awkward, they were born as excellent warriors.

Under Verdia, Durin’s direct subordinate, they were rapidly transforming into elite soldiers. With the number of Durahan in the guard also increasing, their growth was not just steep but cliff-like.

This development was good news for the Demon King’s Castle. But not for others. Particularly, various nobles eyeing the throne watched them with discomfort.

“This isn’t good. Durin’s power is growing too strong.”

The eastern nobles gathered in the reception hall again today. Various rumors spreading through the castle had made them uneasy.

“Those southern warriors are called the royal guard in name only, but they all move under the regent’s command. And their commander is that barbarian woman—it’s outrageous.”

“Too much power is concentrating in one place. In the Demon King’s Castle, whoever holds military power essentially becomes the king. Even Chief Justice Matheus and High Sorceress Rudmilla are turning a blind eye to this. We need special measures.”

“If the east is to claim the throne… we need to cultivate equivalent power.”

They needed to create a force that could check Durin. As long as he existed, even if a Demon King emerged, they might not be able to exercise their power. They could take away the Golden Guard and the royal guard, but the regent held complete control over the south. It was essentially the same as a new military faction appearing within the central region.

“Lady Serphin, is there any news from your homeland?”

The eastern nobles turned to look at one place. At the head of the long table sat Serphin Del Istria. She seemed lost in thought and remained silent, not answering.

“Now is our only chance.”

As Serphin remained quiet, the frustrated nobles poured out their opinions.

“If the Grand Duke exerts his influence, he could surely lend us strength. That’s the only way to counter the regent.”

“With angels approaching, couldn’t we send troops under the pretext of supporting the regent?”

“We will join as well. Please make a decision.”

Fear of becoming obsolete enveloped them. Serphin raised her downcast eyes. Those who met her golden gaze suddenly fell silent. The room grew quiet for a moment.

Seizing the moment, Serphin asked:

“I’m pleased to see such enthusiasm. But do you really want to participate in this?”

“Of course. If we had an army, we could at any time…”

“I’d like that army to come as an eastern alliance force, not just from our family. The Istria family has always bestowed glory. Now that a good opportunity has come, I’d like to share it. What do you think?”

“……”

This time, it was the nobles who fell silent. Serphin looked at them with a contemptuous expression, as if she had expected this.

“What’s wrong? Not confident? Yet it was clearly you who suggested raising an army.”

“L-Lady Serphin. We didn’t mean raising an army, just lending support…”

“Lending support, you say. I’m not quite sure what you mean. I’d appreciate a detailed explanation. For example, joining the regent’s forces to destroy the angel garrison in the northwest, or crushing all the military factions except the south and absorbing them into the castle’s direct territory. Things like that.”

She continued with unrealistic suggestions. But no one dared to object. They knew that if they said a word, she would demand they provide soldiers. In the demon realm, military power was as important as one’s true form. Nothing was more foolish than openly revealing one’s strength.

“If you’re not prepared to show this much backbone, don’t talk about military matters. If you really want to, why not directly request it from your families?”

“…We apologize.”

“Hmph! I thought I might hear something good today, but you’re all the same as ever. I’m no longer interested, so figure it out yourselves.”

Serphin openly displayed her displeasure before storming out. Those damnable fools were of no help. If her vassals from the east were here, they wouldn’t have made such stupid suggestions, but this place was just a collection of hostages.

A gathering place for empty-headed individuals far from succession. She had only come because Istria was an ancient noble house and needed to show loyalty. To become a great demon, one needed to meet good demons in good waters, but here she was floundering in a cesspool, wasting her time.

“I suppose I’ll have to arrange matters myself.”

Serphin moved quickly. She wanted to properly grasp the castle’s situation. Having discussed military matters, she now intended to delve deeper into the factions supporting the regent and those against him. As she left the reception hall and entered the outer garden, a maid was waiting for her.

“I’ve been waiting, my lady.”

“It’s good to see you. Thank you for coming out like this when the castle must be so busy.”

“It’s what I’ve always done. Please call me anytime.”

The succubus maid smiled brightly as she answered Serphin. Meeting Serphin’s golden eyes, she asked:

“Is there anything you’d like me to do today?”

“Nothing major. I’d just like you to tell me about the happenings in the castle and various rumors, like last time. I enjoy hearing them while taking a leisurely stroll.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Serphin, escorted by the maid, headed toward the quaint park in front of the reception hall. It was where Durin had previously carried out a large-scale purge of southerners. Before, it had been lined with heads like an orchard, but now they had all been cleared away.

The empty spaces were now filled with flowers. The blooms that emerged from thorny vines were beautiful as always.

“The regent is reforming the military system and preparing for a battle with the angels.”

“I already know that. At the same time, he’s placing the southern army under his command to strengthen his power.”

“You already know all that. But this will be news you haven’t heard before.”

“There’s something I haven’t heard?”

Serphin, who had been caressing the vines with her hand, stopped abruptly. She straightened up from her crouching position.

Her golden eyes once again fixed on the maid’s.

“Please tell me.”

“I hear the regent has recently set up a prison in the tower near the reception hall.”

“But that was there before, wasn’t it? I understood it was a place where political prisoners were held…”

“They say he’s confined key figures from the southern conquest there.”

“…Weren’t the children of Raktelun in the reception hall?”

“Since it’s not known exactly who’s inside, I couldn’t confirm that. Some rumors suggest he might have imprisoned heroes who invaded the demon realm.”

“That seems far-fetched. If there’s any possibility, it would be ‘key figures from the south were confined.’ Perhaps the blood relatives of the great chieftain? As a form of punishment?”

Serphin fell into contemplation. There was always a reason behind Durin’s actions. He wasn’t swayed by emotions.

He moved solely with the castle’s benefit in mind, which made him all the more cautious.

“Given that even the Golden Guard has been stationed there, it must be an important figure.”

“The Golden Guard?”

“Yes. This is something I heard clearly while moving around the inner castle.”

“Hmm.”

What could the regent want?

No easy answer came to mind. Could it just be a baseless rumor?

With that thought, Serphin checked the maid’s eyes. Golden eyes identical to her own smiled back at her. The effect hadn’t worn off. Moreover, this maid had the authority to access quite deep into the castle. The information shouldn’t be too far off.

“Please find out more details.”

“My lady, even I would find it difficult to learn more. It seems only the high-ranking officials of each department know about the subject…”

“I’m telling you to do it.”

Serphin grabbed the maid’s face. As their eyes met, the golden light began to ripple intensely.

“You must find out. Understand?”

“Uh…ah…”

“Understand?”

“Yes… I understand.”

A hazy voice answered. Yet her face remained composed. The maid answered as if nothing had happened, expressionless.

“Good. Now go.”

Slap!

When Serphin slapped her cheek once more, the startled maid stepped back. But that was only momentary.

Having received her orders, she ran toward the inner castle with quick steps. Serphin crouched down again after watching her leave. She wanted to admire the flowers she hadn’t fully appreciated.

“Hmm. I hope some interesting news comes of this.”

The witch of the east smiled. The leaf she touched crumbled away.

Hoping the waiting time wouldn’t be too long, the young woman rose and returned to the reception hall.

“……”

In the garden where the commotion had just passed, the mournful cry of a beheaded soul echoed eerily.

Only the statue standing silently in place knew what had transpired there.