Ch.26Blood Memory (1) (Partially Revised)

“I have understood Your Excellency’s intentions and wish to withdraw now. I shall fulfill my duty once more.”

The conversation that took place at the observatory would remain secret. Fate wished to be a mute witness, silently observing the approaching crossroads. Even if the highest sorcerer came to inquire, it would not reveal anything.

“May you achieve what you desire.”

Durachan’s position would remain unfilled for some time. He was a demon who would serve the Demon King as a piece of the picture Durin was painting. The Royal Guard would now move to determine their master on their own.

A new power dynamic was forming, with forces that had naturally concentrated in the east now beginning to stir. The movement of the elite forces would instill tension in the previously relaxed nobles. For the Red Horns, this was a new opportunity, while for the other warlords, it would become a target of restraint.

“Your Excellency.”

While lost in thought at the observatory, Verdia opened the door and entered. The southern demon carefully stepped forward and paid his respects.

“Has something else happened?”

“The Grand Duke’s messenger has just arrived, sir.”

“It’s about time.”

The result of the recent secret meeting regarding Serphin’s treatment. Now was the time to welcome them.

“Have Serphin and the other demons returned?”

“As you ordered, they’ve been assigned to the Royal Guard quarters near the office. They will be treated as royal candidates, not as outside nobles.”

“Still, don’t loosen the reins of surveillance. Hostility toward the East remains.”

“Are they our enemies?”

Verdia tilted his head as he asked. Having lived an isolated life as a southern barbarian, he still couldn’t read the political situation well.

“That depends on how we handle things. If the situation deteriorates to the worst, they will turn away as soon as this deal ends. We must prevent that at all costs in a situation where we need to make as many allies as possible.”

“If such a thing happens, I will stand at the forefront. As Your Excellency’s sword, I will cut down all enemies and restore them to their proper place with their power.”

Verdia spoke with emphasis. Durin stopped as he was about to leave the observatory. He looked at the spirited barbarian.

“They are not the enemies you should be cutting down.”

“But aren’t they the ones who could stab us in the back at any time? We must be prepared.”

“Verdia. We will kill the past. The present and future are not areas for you to peer into.”

“Hmm…”

“It’s still too early. Ask Spranches when you have time later. If you’re lucky, you might hear the story.”

With those final words, Durin walked steadily forward. Verdia didn’t understand his meaning for a while. He stood there pondering until the regent opened the observatory door, and only when he heard the heavy stone door did he hurriedly move.

“Y-Your Excellency! I apologize. In my foolishness, I dared to measure the heavens. I will study thoroughly again and return.”

“Stop talking nonsense and lead the way. We need to see the Eastern Grand Duke’s gift.”

“I will escort you immediately!”

#

The legions active in the demon realm can be broadly classified into three categories.

First, the Undead Legion, which serves and fulfills its duty of protection at the Demon King’s Castle.

An army composed of the dead to prevent them from falling for the seduction and honeyed words of high-ranking demons. They could form ranks solid enough to withstand even the holy power of angels, and they showed unconditional loyalty to their ruler, making them considered by all demons to be the elite of the elite.

They were the supreme legion that had demonstrated their unrusted power through the southern conquest, where they annihilated rebels ten times their number in a single blow. They could be called the guardians of the Demon King’s Castle, acting as a breakwater to prevent warlords from recklessly stirring.

After counting all those soldiers, the next noticeable unit was the Border Army.

The soldiers serving away from the center at the boundaries of each continent were mainly composed of local demons or undead dispatched from the center. While the command structure remained solid with elites from the castle, the further down one went toward the rank-and-file soldiers, the more lacking they were in armament and mental state, making it difficult to consider them first-rate.

However, they maintained their loyalty to the castle and withstood the angel detachments that engaged in local battles amid the chaos.

After accounting for all these, the remaining soldiers were clearly of inferior quality.

No matter how hard one tried, the legions that could only be counted last were the nobles’ private armies.

Their purpose was different from the start. Unlike other legions that emphasized the protection and duty of the castle, these were merely means to display the nobles’ authority. They were used to make up for their relatively insufficient power compared to the central demons by sheer numbers. Even then, according to demon realm law, they couldn’t be composed of undead, so lower nobles with less influence barely maintained their numbers. It wasn’t uncommon to see mercenary bands that were roughly assembled from barbarians…

“Those are the Grand Duke’s army…”

“They’re not at all inferior even compared to the Border Army.”

That’s why the march of the Green Horn demons captured everyone’s attention. The eastern military force, which had moved immediately after the announcement of the Prince-Elector selection, could indeed be called a central competitor.

“Legion, forward.”

Orderly footsteps echoed through the high and wide corridor. The Green Horn demons, who had arrived at the castle through a warp, immediately moved to the great hall. The intimidating sound repeatedly pounded the chests of the Red Horns.

“I return after a long time. I thought it would take much longer.”

At their head was an old knight. Alberto, the Grand Duke’s secretary and one of the East’s greatest warriors, slowly reminisced about that time as a vassal of Istria who remembered the past.

“The black army was always waiting at the training ground. They would swallow their excitement, ready to rush out and crush any hero or angel invasion.”

“It’s time to revive the glory of those days.”

“Yes. If we tip the balance in this Prince-Elector vote, we can surely win.”

“But Secretary, the castle’s Royal Guard is still watching us with sharp eyes. Can we overcome them?”

“They are the Red Horns’ greatest force, so it will naturally be difficult.”

From the king’s great hall located at a high place, looking down the stairs that led below, a vast corridor came into view. The place once occupied by Green Horns was now occupied by Durachans.

Neat spear blades and rugged halberds faced each other. They were aiming at each other without exchanging words. But this was not a place where they could act recklessly.

Alberto stepped forward first with a gentle smile.

“It’s good to see you here. It truly brings back memories.”

“Welcome, Green Horn. It’s unfortunate to see you again before death.”

“Hahaha. Same as ever, same as ever. Yes, this is how it should be when we face each other.”

There wasn’t even a brief retort. Durachans and demons made no effort to hide their anger toward each other. Though they lived in the same demon realm, past grudges made them boil with rage.

However, they wouldn’t act on it in the face of greater matters.

“For both your sake and ours, I hope no major incidents occur. Wouldn’t it be better if we could get along?”

“That’s what we want to say. If you walk around as if you’ve already claimed the throne, you’ll suffer a fate no one will know about.”

“Ha! Even though we maintained contact out of consideration for our relationship even when the king fled, this is how you treat us? Truly, the center wants war!”

A young demon who had been quietly waiting nearby finally burst out in anger.

“If that’s what you want. By all means.”

Central and Eastern. Unlike the high-ranking demons who exchanged only diplomatic rhetoric, emotions intensified among the lower demons. The blood shed between rebellion and suppression prevented them from easily becoming one.

“Enough! Don’t act rashly and wait. This is the center.”

Had Alberto not calmed them down, there might have been bloodshed on the first day of the Prince-Elector’s inauguration. The Grand Duke’s secretary quickly stepped in to prevent a clash.

“Royal Guard, you too should stop. If you really want to fight, make a direct request to your captain for a separate duel. We came here to determine the owner of the throne, not to wage war, and I will protest all other rudeness to the regent.”

“…”

“Since you don’t answer, I’ll take that as agreement. Now let me ask, where is the regent! I want to receive a welcome.”

The secretary looked around. Though the East was displaying its military might for the Prince-Elector, there was no one to acknowledge it. Only a few Red Horn nobles were whispering among themselves.

If things continued like this, it would only look like they had caused a disturbance…

“Let’s postpone the welcome. I’m in a hurry now.”

A voice was heard from afar. The Durachan Royal Guard parted to the sides, opening a path. A Red Horn warrior in black armor walked between the halberd blades and looked down at Alberto.

“Arrange for the Grand Duke’s army to rest here. I will have an urgent conversation with that secretary.”

“As you command, Your Excellency.”

“Hurry. Many distinguished guests will arrive today.”

The Durachans who had been intimidating the Eastern warriors scattered to find their duties. They appeared overwhelmed by the commanding authority. Those who had continued to fight against angels laid down everything at a single word.

“As expected of the vanguard of the Black Army.”

Alberto grinned. A powerful warrior. A figure all demons would admire.

He was a demon who could have taken the throne without any deficiency but refused for unknown reasons. The Grand Duke had once mentioned that there must be a vow strong enough to go against instinct.

“But I am the Prince-Elector Grand Duke’s representative and the warrior leading the Eastern delegation. There’s no reason to worry about that.”

“…Is something wrong?”

“No. I was talking to myself. You all rest as the regent instructed. I will personally deliver the Grand Duke’s message and return.”

Alberto left the army behind and advanced toward the regent.

It was time to look past old grudges and hatred, and consider the benefits.