I Was Abandoned by the Demon King I Served for 10 Years

Chapter 17

The Demon King's Castle was bustling from early morning.

Recently, there had been frequent incidents, leaving many Demons on edge. If such an atmosphere had formed yesterday, there would have been plenty of individuals angrily lashing out. However, today, no one revealed any discomfort.

"His Excellency has returned. Prepare to greet him."

The Warp Gate located in the eastern part of the castle.

When the Shaman shouted from there, the gathered crowd parted to the sides. As the surging Magic Energy spewed out Durin, a path was immediately cleared for him to proceed.

It was evidence that the conquest of the South had boosted the Regent's popularity.

Until now, there had been more skeptics of him than expected. This was especially true among the High Demons who had spent many years in the castle.

No matter how much the young nobles, enamored by his strength, praised Durin, the elder nobles remained unmoved. To those who had witnessed Demon Kings far stronger than him over centuries, Durin's power was merely a basic prerequisite. While no one doubted his personal prowess, the real issue was whether he could lead many soldiers as the castle's commander.

"Can a former gladiator truly earn trust? I have my doubts."

"Some Eastern families have also sent letters expressing their distrust in him."

"If this subjugation drags on, even his abilities will come under suspicion. A decisive action will be necessary then."

However, Durin proved himself in the South.

As the castle's second-in-command, he was not just a Demon of great strength but also a commander capable of leading soldiers. While other High Demons argued in the King's Hall, he was always the first to act. Resolving chaos was always his responsibility.

This soon led to fractures within the Senate. With the Angelic invasion looming closer, tensions were high.

The factions split into those advocating for trusting Durin a bit more and supporting him as Regent, and those insisting on quickly enthroning a new Demon King to reduce the Regent's power.

"Stop wasting time and enjoy the moment. It's been a while since we've had a victory to celebrate."

Fortunately, the situation did not escalate further. The Chief Shaman Rudmila, who shared power with the Regent, maintained a neutral stance in the power struggle, preserving an unstable balance. This came as a shock to the faction hoping for the enthronement of a new Demon King, as she had been Durin's fiercest opponent from the beginning.

"And you too. Focus on the event for now."

Even the pro-Durin faction couldn't find much to smile about. Rudmila did not lend her support to Durin. While she assisted with matters necessary for the castle, that was the extent of it. The Seal of the Demon King she possessed still had not fallen into anyone's hands.

"If you don't want to die, you'd better behave wisely."

Kwaaaaaa—

As soon as Rudmila finished speaking, the Gate began to tremble violently. Purple Magic Energy surged out, spewing forth Demons.

At the forefront, as expected, was Durin. Accompanying him were veteran soldiers of the Golden Guardians and the Blue Horn Barbarian, Verdia.

Step. Step. Step. Step.

With each step he took, he captured the attention of those who revered him.

Without needing any instructions, the young nobles collectively showed their respect. Their bowed backs adorned the path leading to the King's Hall.

The Expedition Force marched confidently along that path. The Royal Guard, who had found a new master, exuded confidence. The procession of the castle's elite, a sight rarely seen in a lifetime, provided an answer to the castle's lingering unease.

At the end of the procession, amidst countless gazes, a meeting awaited.

Durin stood before Rudmila, who had been waiting.

"As promised, I have returned with victory."

"Did we make such a promise? It seemed like we were too busy tearing each other apart."

Rudmila smiled faintly, as if speaking to someone else. However, no joy was visible in her crimson eyes. Durin could roughly sense the atmosphere around her.

"You've been through a lot."

Divided public opinion, the movements of Heaven, the Demon King who had crossed into the Human Realm, the Warlords' unrest, the actions of the East, and so on...

Unlike Durin, who had invested everything in the South, Rudmila was burdened with an overwhelming number of tasks. A monumental crisis, impossible to overcome alone, was pressing down on her.

"Let's go inside and talk."

"I've been waiting for you to say that."

Though Rudmila spoke calmly, given the other Demons' gazes, the concerns and worries hidden within her were significant.

A life of constant struggle had spiraled into chaos, bringing unending wars to her doorstep.

This time, it wasn't just about the castle's authority but a critical turning point for the survival of the Demon Realm itself.

"......."

Even as Durin entered the King's Hall without a second thought, Rudmila glanced back.

The nobles were still locked in a battle of opinions. It would have been better if they had at least shared their impressions of the procession. But as soon as the situation stabilized even slightly, they immediately resumed their disputes, leaving Rudmila with nothing but a sigh.

#

After the grand event had passed, a calm settled over the King's Hall.

"I want to see the Hero's face. I heard you nearly killed him?"

Clink. The Succubus Maid poured tea into a cup. Durin stared at it silently before lifting his gaze.

"I didn't see him during the procession earlier... You must have hidden him well."

Rudmila's expression was brighter than before. With the castle's commotion subsiding, she seemed much better. The subtle aroma of tea transformed the hall into a reception room rather than a battlefield. Was it to ease the mental burden?

Durin pushed the tea aside.

"I distorted the Warp Coordinates. That guy will be transported to an area outside the castle. A portion of the Royal Guard has been deployed, and Spranches will accompany them."

"Those comrades are reliable. But if you want to manage him personally, you'll need to bring him into the castle. Have you decided on a location?"

"At first, I considered placing him in the office, but I changed my mind. The reception room at the Demon Beast Farm should suffice."

The hostage detention center where the Warlord's successor resided. It was also where he had first met Verdia. Even now, if one ventured into the garden, half-rotted heads still hung from poles like fruit.

"Hmm... The Hero's frailty is concerning. He might go mad just from seeing that. I don't particularly enjoy keeping hostages who've lost their minds."

"It's the Hero Party, Rudmila. You don't need to worry too much."

"That's true. I'll leave that matter to you, so I won't interfere... But the real issue is this."

Rudmila gestured. The Maid holding the teapot stepped back. In her place, another Maid appeared, carrying an elegant piece of parchment.

"You'd better prepare yourself."

A radiant light shimmered on the jade table. The Maid, unable to withstand the energy emanating from the parchment, quickly retreated. It was a rare force in the Demon Realm. No, Durin had recently encountered it extensively.

"Holy Power."

"Yes. It was sent directly from Heaven. It arrived exactly two hours before you did, delivered by a Messenger."

"Did they leave any specific message?"

A weakened castle. The proud Angels wouldn't remain idle.

Rudmila gave a bitter smile and nodded.

"Their mocking departure caused quite a stir in the castle."

"But it wasn't anger."

"It's concern. Not knowing what the future holds, they're desperate to find someone stronger."

The emergence of a new Demon King. The ultimate goal desired by the castle's nobles.

To alleviate their anxiety, this path was the best option. However, the conditions to become a king, as dictated by the laws of the Demon Realm, were stringent. Not just anyone could ascend to the throne.

It must either be a high-ranking position in the Central authority capable of determining the castle's direction or a force commanding at least five warlords under its banner. Moreover, one had to win the favor of the Demons, which required possessing enough power to easily crush the Angel Warrior Chief in battle.

One might question whether a Demon King should be capable of facing multiple Archangels, but that power is inherited. The power of the Demon King, passed down for a thousand years, resided in a secret location hidden by the accumulated years of magic energy. On the day of the coronation, the successor would inherit this power.

"But I told you before, didn't I? There's no one. Truly, no one. If someone claiming the throne appeared out of nowhere, I'd want to bring them in and test them immediately."

"Rudmila, you mentioned that the nation's opinion was divided."

"I didn't say it, but... you're right about what you felt."

"Then there must be a faction that supports me as Regent, and on the other side, those who wish to establish a new king. Am I correct?"

"Y-yes?"

Rudmila felt uneasy. When Durin spoke like that, it was as if he was already declaring his intention to take action. She quickly asked.

"You're not planning another purge like last time, are you?"

"The purge only applies to Rebels. Since they aren't trying to overthrow me and have presented a solution to the problem, I won't say much."

"Still, issue a warning. If they overstep the line thinking it's fine, I won't be able to handle it."

"Then I'll deal with it according to the law. So, first, I want you to tell me the name of that person."

Durin crossed his arms and looked at Rudmila. His sharp gaze pierced through the Shaman.

Another commotion was bound to arise. Just thinking about it gave her a headache, but it was a future she had foreseen. This was why Shamans, who could peer beyond the veil through starlight, often felt weary. She cautiously opened her mouth.

"For now, there's only one place among the remaining continents that has maintained stability."

"The Eastern Continent."

"Yes. There's a warlord there with considerable power...."

#

"The Regent has arrived?"

The reception room of the Demon Beast Farm was a place where nobles exchanged both discord and unity. It was a gathering spot for those designated as heirs of various regions, and the tension between them was palpable.

Due to the mass purging of Southern nobles last time, many had been beheaded, leading to a period of restraint. However, as time passed, they began to crawl back out again.

"The rebellion has been completely suppressed. The Regent personally brought back the head of the ringleader, so it's truly over."

"Goodness... Even though he took the castle's Royal Guard, it only took a week?"

"Well, he was the most favored warrior of the Previous Demon King. He must possess that level of strength and capability."

The conversation was far too candid to have taken place in the castle. Such were the nobles of the East. Unlike the savage regions, this continent was home to true Demons. The birthplace of the first Demon, the homeland of all. Simply being born in this region conferred authority.

"If he hadn't resolved the issue quickly as Regent, it would have been precarious. A single misstep could have led to his downfall."

Among them, there was one with the most formidable power: Serphin Del Istria, the daughter of the Eastern Grand Noble. Her family had once produced a Demon King, and with the support of the Eastern warlords, she was a Demon with the strength to back her position.

"Lady Serphin."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Others might overhear. You must be cautious."

"Hehe. I am not worried."

Despite the fear that gripped the nobles in their conversation, Serphin remained composed. She knew her position well. In the past, she might have stayed quiet, but the situation had changed.

Those who had reluctantly supported the Regent to end the chaos were now beginning to reveal their true colors. They wanted a Demon King. A Demon with both the strength and the noble bloodline to claim the throne.

"We were merely discussing the castle's current situation. Is there any reason to be wary?"

Serphin couldn't help but feel elated. Among the many names proposed by the Elder Demons as candidates for the new king, hers was included. She had learned this by slipping gold to a Succubus Maid.

Thus, she could laugh leisurely, covering her mouth with her fan.

"Besides, he succeeded in the end. He conquered the South. This crisis will be remembered as a great epic without any room for dispute."

"Indeed. Haha. The Regent is truly remarkable."

Those who laughed awkwardly began to sing his praises again. They believed eyes were watching them here, so they made every effort to appear loyal. But this was a problem born of their lack of authority.

Serphin Del Istria was a descendant of the Demon King who had died gloriously in the Heavenly War exactly 587 years ago. Frankly, this place felt beneath her. She wanted to play in a bigger arena.

Creak-

"Lady Serphin?"

"Ah, I just wanted to get some fresh air. Please excuse me for a moment."

With those words, Serphin left her seat. Thinking about her brilliant future, she suddenly felt repulsed by the idea of mingling with these people. It gave her chills.

Tap, tap, tap.

She quickly left the reception room and headed for the balcony. It was a spot with a clear view of the central park. She thought that gazing at the severed heads of the Rebels might calm her mind and help her put on the mask needed to converse with them again.

"......."

As she opened the door, a refreshing breeze swept in. Her mind cleared.

Serphin leaned against the railing and closed her eyes.

It had been twenty long years of holding her breath. The throne her family had always longed for.

Beyond the dark void, it flickered incessantly. She reached out toward a place untouched by white hands. Though her trembling fingers felt only a cold chill, she was determined to claim it one day.

"So, I must overcome it."

Regent Durin. The towering mountain she had to surpass.

And, as she envisioned the rival who would fight her for the throne, she made a firm resolution.