Chapter 153

Chapter 153

I Proposed While Drunk and Now the Princesses are Obsessed.

Episode 153: 0th Princess, Reunion, Forced Marriage (28).

A few more days passed after Jaekiel made a deal with the Emperor, and the day arrived when he had to visit Han Shin’s city.

[It’s time. There’s no reason to delay any longer.]

[Pillar Husband, come visit my city.]

Jaekiel slowly left the place where Akne had not yet returned.

Perhaps because Akne, the Spider Goddess, was an important force within the Demon Realm, she said she would be busy for the time being.

‘Let’s aim for the city’s destruction, but stay alert.’

Jaekiel reminded himself several times.

The place he was heading was none other than Han Shin’s city. It was like walking into the tiger’s den, and he could not even imagine what kind of schemes might have been laid out.

‘There are eyes watching me.’

Had Han Shin ordered the demons to be prepared in case he tried to escape? Jaekiel could feel the eyes of demons hidden all around, watching him.

He sharpened his senses and slowly entered Han Shin’s city. There was nothing difficult about it; he only had to pass through the massive dimensional gate of Atra.

Swish!

And the moment he entered Han Shin’s city…

“…”

He paused for a moment at the sight before him.

He had expected to see suffering, especially among humans and non-demon races, but the scene before him was vastly different from what he had imagined.

A festival.

Fireworks exploding in the sky, demons drunkenly celebrating, overflowing vitality everywhere… The entire city was filled with the splendor of a grand festival.

That made it all the more horrifying.

“Over here! Move them over here, you trash!”

“Seems like they haven’t been whipped enough yet.”

Looking as if they would collapse any moment, those who had been dragged into the Demon Realm were forced into labor in a corner.

“Should we try going that way next?”

“Sure. There’s a lot of delicious food over there.”

However, the demons of the city viewed it all as a natural scene, carelessly enjoying their freedom.

This created a stark contrast, making the city feel bizarre.

‘As expected, this city must be destroyed.’

Jaekiel repeated his goal in his mind and followed the map attached to the message.

It wasn’t long before he arrived.

It was a large hall-like structure, filled with beings resembling Han Shin, with flames flickering where their heads should have been.

Jaekiel knew their species.

‘Dullahan.’

The Dullahans each had a small table in front of their knees. The tables were full of alcohol and snacks, and the atmosphere was one of eating, drinking, and chatting loudly.

Han Shin, who was at the center, recognized Jaekiel.

“Everyone, attention! The Pillar Husband of the Spider Goddess has personally arrived. What an honorable event.”

He used the derogatory term “Pillar Husband” while simultaneously speaking of honor. He was essentially mocking Jaekiel in a roundabout way.

“The Pillar Husband of the Spider Goddess… that human?”

“Spiders are creatures with many eyes, aren’t they? But to be so blind as to take a mere human as a mate, how strange is that…”

Since coming to the Demon Realm, Jaekiel had proven himself in many ways. In fact, there were few demons who still disrespected him.

They treated him only with respect.

But this place was different.

Perhaps because Han Shin had gathered only Dullahans who shared his ideals, the atmosphere was full of open disdain for Jaekiel. Not a single one was exempt.

Han Shin, who had approached, smirked.

“I’ve explained your greatness a hundred times, but those fools probably can’t understand. Don’t take it too badly. Got it?”

It seemed like he was worried about Jaekiel, but his tone was full of mockery, as if he had planned to make fun of him today.

Han Shin naturally guided Jaekiel to a seat in front of the most lavishly arranged table of food.

He quietly thought to himself while looking at Jaekiel,

‘Today, I’ll tear you apart.’

He had been monitoring Jaekiel closely all this time.

He had been observing him, who had been carefully exploring every corner of Atra. It was suspicious how Jaekiel was gathering information about the Demon Realm.

How dare a mere human do this?

He had even heard from the Demon Gods that, by the Spider Goddess’s will, Jaekiel could change the internal structure of Atra as he pleased. It was a matter that shook him deeply.

How could a human interfere with the Demon Realm’s city?

However.

All of this only served to fuel Han Shin’s anger. He had finally found the conclusive evidence.

‘You spoke into the air.’

Had the conversation been with a demon, Han Shin’s subordinates would have surely noticed. Jaekiel must have a connection to the continent’s network.

‘Spy, insolent bastard. There’s no reason to let you live.’

However, Han Shin’s thoughts didn’t end there.

He had always disapproved of the behavior of the Spider Goddess Akne, but now, he thought that if things went well, he could eliminate Jaekiel while also putting Akne in a difficult position.

So, he carefully thought things through and prepared meticulously.

The festival that had started in the city the day before was part of that preparation.

“Didn’t you ask for a duel? Why a festival?”

Jaekiel asked.

“To witness a rare human and the strength of the Pillar Husband in person. For lowly demons like us, this is nothing less than a festival.”

Han Shin continued to talk in circles, mocking Jaekiel. He then pointed at the snacks on Jaekiel’s table.

“Does the snack not suit your taste? Why not try eating it?”

“…”

Jaekiel quietly stared at the table.

This place itself was designed to mock him.

There were strange raw meats on the table, and he quickly realized their true nature. They were all human flesh.

“When I heard the Pillar Husband, a rare human, was coming, I, Han Shin, personally captured a live one and prepared the meat. I worked on it while it was still alive, and the screams were music to my ears. I made sure to prepare it well for you.”

Jaekiel did not respond.

He felt it wasn’t worth answering.

Perhaps his reaction seemed dull and boring to them; as a few demons began making remarks, their speech increasingly lewd due to their intoxication.

“Did you obtain the Spider Goddess’s virginity?”

“To have absorbed so much dark energy and then have her first union with a human—what a waste.”

“Do you really sleep at night? How pitiful.”

Their boastful chatter was laughable, but Han Shin was thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.

It was then…

Whoosh!

The hall began to fill with a few more demons. Familiar faces—two Demon Gods who had been with him when Jaekiel met the Demon Lord.

“It’s the God of Death and the God of Separation. I called them.”

Akne was not present, and Han Shin continued speaking.

“Since there is an important event today, I’ve invited two additional Demon Gods to ensure fairness. Let’s raise a toast before we begin this grand affair!”

The Dullahans poured wine into the flames where their heads should have been. The wine evaporated without flying off, truly appearing to be drunk.

‘It seems like it’s starting now.’

Jaekiel quietly thought to himself.

The room, which had been filled with boisterous sounds just moments ago, suddenly became quiet as if everyone had made a pact. Only a tense atmosphere hung heavily in the air.

A taut, almost breaking tension.

Everyone instinctively understood. Something bloody was about to happen.

“…Han Shin.”

At that moment, a Demon God clad in a black hood from head to toe spoke. His scythe, three times longer than his body, was leaning against him.

He was the God of Death.

“There is no time. Proceed quickly.”

“That was the plan anyway.”

Announcing the true start of the important event, Han Shin finally took his seat in the most prestigious spot.

“The Snow Ghost challenged me. But as a Demon God, there is no reason for me to personally deal with a mere human as requested…”

Han Shin’s gaze shifted to the corner.

“Zeld.”

Boom!

When he called the name, a massive Dullahan appeared before Jaekiel. The flame that should have been its head flickered green, and it wore full plate armor.

“Recently, ominous energies have swept across the Demon Realm, and it is undeniable that the Snow Ghost is the cause! Therefore, I wish to settle this today, including the punishment.”

Han Shin, excited, continued speaking.

“If the Snow Ghost loses to one of my mid-tier knights, it would mean that the Spider Goddess married someone lower than a mid-tier demon. In that case, the Spider Goddess will no longer qualify as a Demon God.”

“Correct!”

Other Dullahans shouted in agreement.

Han Shin had his eyes on this.

It would be fine for Han Shin to kill Jaekiel himself, but it would be even better if one of his subordinates did it.

That would diminish the authority of the Spider Goddess as well.

“Based on the outcome of this, I will approach the Demon Lord to seriously request the revocation of the Spider Goddess’s authority. How can a low-ranking demon hold such high status? It’s impossible—”

However.

Suddenly.

Han Shin’s words stopped.

“…”

It wasn’t just Han Shin. Everyone’s words stopped.

Swish! Boom!

The sound of something falling as it slid down.

Zeld, the knight, had been frozen and now lay in pieces, his body cleaved in half.

The cause was clear.

It was Jaekiel. The outcome had already been decided.

The Snow Ghost spoke in silence.

“…Next.”

Jaekiel was confident that he could handle any demons, except the Demon Gods. In fact, now he was even ready to face a Demon God if necessary.

“Han Shin, come face me yourself.”

Victory was certain.

Because he had a trump card that would ensure victory.