episode_0019
by fnovelpiaLate at night.
The red moon of the Demon World rose in the sky. It was normal for the world to become brighter when a round shape appeared, but this was the land where demons lived. As darkness fell, the vicious cries of the demonic beasts filled the place.
“Your Excellency. The warrior party was taken over by the Golden Guard. They would risk their lives to keep this secret.”
Sfrancese took the lead and led Durin to the eerie beast farm. Verdia followed suit, saying she would join, but she had more important things to do.
-It doesn’t matter whether you scare or appease the southern nobles. Take the oath of allegiance so I can handle you when I need you.
-Chu, are you talking about the loyalty oath?
-From now on, the southern warriors will become my royal guard, not the castle, and act independently. Verdia, the vanguard, I have you in mind, so prepare to fulfill your duty as the guardian of the regent.
-Huh! I will make every effort to sharpen my bones. dismissal.
Verdia, who was happy that he had been given an important mission, was currently running around the parade ground and building relationships with the southern warriors. Thanks to this, I was able to focus a little more on my work because I had less to deal with with two crazy subordinates.
“You can trust them. What is more important than that is the place to hold the party.”
“It was placed in a dungeon a little away from the reception room.”
Sfranches, who had his gun back, was in a hurry. He guided Durin to his destination using the quickest route through the castle.
“This is the place.”
Sfrances bowed and announced that he had arrived at his destination. Durin could see a tall and massive structure.
A prison where the steeple that forms the castle’s exterior blends in with the red moon.
It was originally intended to imprison those who committed crimes among the demons in the drawing room, but it became useless after the Great Purge. I thought he wouldn’t be visiting for a while, but he soon found a new owner.
The corpses of the sleeping one-armed warrior and wizard collected by Durin were to be stored here until the deal was concluded.
“It is an appropriate mission for the Golden Guard to take on now that the king is gone.”
“Yes. dismissal. With them, no demon would dare enter here.”
“Just don’t be too strict. Useless waste of manpower is not desirable.”
“It is said that it will remain in the form of a statue like before. Demons who do not know much about the castle will not approach it because it is a prison, and demons who know the castle well will sense the energy of the Golden Guard and avoid it.”
“A high-ranking devil would know. The fact that the moment you try to find out what the castle is keeping secret, you have no choice but to die.”
Unsavory rumors could spread. But that would be it. Uncovering the secret meant looking into Durin’s other side, and this was an act that could be considered treason.
“But there are always young devils full of curiosity. I plan to watch for a while.”
“If necessary, I will inform the shaman and install a simple warp gate so that you can move here directly.”
“Not bad. The location should be the garden midway between the drawing room and the spire.”
It is close to the reception room. There will be a demon who will be interested in this prison after hearing that Durin has come here.
There was already a name given to me by Ludmilla. Some people have already stood out… .
“Lastly, tell me a rumor. Sfrances.”
“Please tell me.”
Durin thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a look at his face this time.
#
The castle entered a turbulent time.
Even though the throne was empty, the center where chaos had ended was being reborn. The biggest change was, of course, the army that Durin was in charge of. The central corps, which had previously been organized around the Dullahan, began to accommodate various races.
“You are no longer warriors, but soldiers! Castle soldiers!”
“Give all glory to the castle. Then the regent will give you infinite honor.”
“Take steps! How can a legionnaire not do just that?”
Shouting continued at the parade ground. The warriors supplied from the south, who came under the direct control of the castle, were changing to fit the central system. Instead of a ferocious fighting style driven by instinct, the focus was on having the unit move as one body, emphasizing individuality and unity. Although they were still clumsy, they were born to be great warriors.
Led by Verdia, Durin’s direct subordinate, they were quickly transforming into elite soldiers. In addition, the number of Dullahan that made up the Royal Guard was increasing, and the growth was so steep that it resembled a high cliff.
For the Demon King, their development was good news. But not for the rest. In particular, several nobles who were looking at the throne were looking at them with uncomfortable eyes.
“It’s not good. Durin’s power is becoming too strong.”
Eastern nobles gathered in the drawing room again today. This is because various rumors that spread around the castle made them feel uncomfortable.
“The southern warriors are the royal guard in name only, but in fact they all operate under the command of the regent. The commander is that barbarian woman. ”
“Power is too concentrated in one place. In the Demon King’s Castle, isn’t the person who holds military power the king? Even Supreme Judge Mateus and Supreme Shaman Ludmilla are ignoring this, so special measures are needed.”
“If the East wants to seize the throne… We too must develop the same strength.”
We must create a force that can keep Durin in check. As long as he existed, even if the Demon King was born, there was a high possibility that he would not be able to use his power. The Golden Guard and the Royal Guard could be taken away, but the regent had full control of the power of the South. In fact, it was as if a new warlord had appeared in the center.
“Serpin. Is there any new news from your hometown?”
The eastern nobles turned their heads and looked in one direction. Serpin del Istria, sitting at the head of the long table, was the main character. She was silent, as if she was in deep thought. Didn’t answer.
“The only opportunity is now.”
As Serpin stayed still, the frustrated nobles poured out their opinions one after another.
“If the Grand Duke uses his strength, he will definitely be able to help us. That’s all you need to do to deal with the regent.”
“At a time when the angel is imminent, wouldn’t it be possible to send troops under the pretext of supporting the regent?”
“We will be with you. Make a decision.”
The fear of being left out was engulfing them. Serpin lifted his downcast eyes forward. Those who met golden eyes fell silent for a moment. The hall became quiet for a moment.
Serpin asked just in time.
“I’m really happy that you’re so passionate. But do you also want to participate in that?”
“Of course. As long as we have an army, we can always… .”
“I hope that the army comes not only from our family but also from the Eastern Allied Forces. Our Istrian family has always been honored. A good opportunity has come, so I would like to share it with you. How do you feel?”
“… … .”
This time, it was the nobles who kept quiet. Serpin made a pitiful expression, as if he knew that would happen.
“Why. Are you not confident? It must have been you who suggested raising an army.”
“Se, Serpin. It’s not about raising an army, but just adding strength… .”
“How do you add strength? I don’t know. I would like you to explain in detail. For example, go with the regent’s army to destroy the angel garrison in the northwest, or destroy all the remaining warlords except the southern ones and absorb them into the castle’s direct jurisdiction. Things like this.”
A series of unrealistic stories emerged. But no one could refute it. This was because it was obvious that if he uttered even a single word, he would be told to hand over the soldiers. In the demon world, the power that was as important as the power of the main body was the army. There was nothing more foolish than using one’s own power.
“If you don’t want to be brave enough to do this in the future, don’t talk about the military. If you really want, you can request it directly from your family, right?”
“… Sorry.”
“Hmph! I wanted to tell you a good story today, but it’s still the same. I’m not interested anymore, so you guys can figure it out on your own.”
Serpin expressed his discomfort and stormed out. Those damn guys weren’t any help. If they were vassals in the east, they wouldn’t have said such foolish things, but this was a hostage gathering place.
A place where only empty-headed people who are far from succession gather. Since Istria was a prestigious family with a long history, he only came to show his loyalty. To become a great devil, you have to meet good devils in good water, but it was a waste of time as I was struggling in such a shithole.
“I think it would be better if I take charge of things myself.”
Serpin was busy. I wanted to properly understand the dynamics of sex. Now that we’ve talked about military-related things, I thought I’d dig a little deeper into the factions that support the regent and those that don’t. When she came out of the drawing room and into the garden outside, there was a maid waiting for her.
“I was waiting. Miss.”
“Nice to meet you. It must be hectic at the castle these days, so thank you so much for coming out here.”
“It was something I always did. Please call me anytime.”
The succubus maid smiled broadly and answered Serpin. She asked, meeting Serpin’s golden eyes.
“Is there anything I need to do today?”
“It’s not a big deal. I just want you to talk about the things that happened at the castle and the various rumors like last time. It’s fun to listen to while taking a slow walk.”
“I will take you there. Miss.”
Serpin headed to the cute park spread out in front of the parlor, escorted by a maid. It was the site of a large-scale purge of southerners by Durin some time ago. Before, there were heads lined up like an orchard, but now they have all been cleared away.
Flowers were taking the place of all empty spaces. The flowers blooming in the thorn vines were always beautiful.
“The regent is reorganizing the military system and preparing for a battle with the angels.”
“I know that because I’ve heard it before. At the same time, he is seeking to strengthen his power by placing the Confederate army under his command.”
“You already knew everything. But this might be your first time hearing it.”
“There’s news I’m hearing for the first time?”
Serpin, who was caressing the vines with his hands, suddenly stopped. She got back up from squatting down.
The golden eyes looked directly into the maid’s eyes again.
“Please tell me quickly.”
“It is said that the regent recently installed a prison in the spire near the drawing room.”
“That happened before too. I knew it was originally a place to house political prisoners… .”
“It is said that during the conquest of the southern part of the country, key figures were imprisoned there.”
“… Didn’t you say there were Lactelun’s children in the drawing room?”
“No one knew exactly who was inside, so I couldn’t find out that much. Some false rumors even said that a warrior who had entered the demon world was imprisoned.”
“I think that went too far. If there was any chance, ‘key figures in the South were locked up.’ It would be like this… . Could it be that they included at least a blood relative of the warchief? In the sense of punishment?”
Serpin was troubled. There was always a basis for what Durin did. I wasn’t swayed by emotions.
He was more cautious because he only focused on sexual gain.
“Looking at the fact that even the Golden Guard is stationed there, it seems like he is an important person.”
“The Golden Guard?”
“Yes. This is exactly what I heard while on my way to and from Naeseong.”
“Hmm.”
What does the regent want?
No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t come up with an easy answer. Is it just a rumor?
With that in mind, Serpin checked the maid’s eyes. Golden eyes identical to hers were smiling in this direction. It doesn’t mean that the effect has disappeared. This person was even a maid who had the authority to enter and exit quite deep into the castle. The information may not have been seriously wrong.
“Please take a closer look.”
“Lady. It’s hard for me to know more than this. It seems that only high-ranking people in each department know about the subject…”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Serpin grabbed the maid’s face. As I was held in place and looked into the eyes, golden light began to flutter greatly.
“You absolutely have to listen. Got it?”
“Ugh… uh… .”
“Okay?”
“Yes… I understand.”
A muffled voice answered. However, his face was fine. The maid was answering with a blank expression as if nothing had happened.
“Good. Then let’s go.”
widely!
Serpin slapped her once more, and the startled maid took a step back. But that was only for a moment.
As soon as she received the order, she ran towards the inner palace at a fast pace. Serpin looked at that and squatted down again. I wanted to see more flowers that I had not been able to appreciate before.
“Hmm. I hope there is some interesting news.”
The Witch of the East smiled. The leaves that touched her fingertips were crushed to pieces.
The girl, hoping that the waiting time would not be too long, got up and went back to the living room.
“… … .”
In the garden where the commotion passed for a moment, the sad cries of a soul with its head cut off were heard.
Only the statue that silently guarded the spot kept track of what happened there.
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