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

Chapter 19

Late at night.

The Red Moon of the Demon Realm rose into the sky. When its round shape cast its light, the world should have brightened, but this was the land of Demons. Darkness hung heavily, and the ferocious cries of Demon Beasts filled the air.

"Your Excellency. The Hero Party has been handed over to the Golden Guardians. They will risk their lives to keep the secret."

Spranches led the way, guiding Durin to the eerie Demon Beast Farm. Verdia followed, insisting on accompanying them, but she had more pressing matters to attend to.

- Whether you intimidate or persuade the Southern nobles, it doesn't matter. Make them swear loyalty so they can be handled when needed.

- L-loyalty oaths, you say?

- The Southern Warriors will no longer serve the castle but will act independently as my Royal Guard. Verdia, I have you in mind as the vanguard, so prepare to fulfill your role as the Regent's protector.

- Hah! I will make every effort, Your Excellency.

Delighted by the significant mission entrusted to her, Verdia was now running around the training ground, building relationships with the Southern Warriors. Thanks to this, the two troublesome subordinates were less of a distraction, allowing for greater focus on work.

"They can be trusted. What's more important is where to confine the party."

"They've been placed in a dungeon a short distance from the reception room."

Spranches, now fully alert, moved swiftly. He guided Durin to the destination using the fastest route through the castle.

"Here it is."

Spranches bowed, signaling their arrival. Durin looked up at the towering, massive structure.

A spire, part of the castle's sharp exterior, blended with the Red Moon, serving as a prison.

Originally used to detain Demons from the reception room who had committed crimes, it had fallen into disuse after a major purge. It was thought it would remain unused for some time, but it soon found new occupants.

The sleeping One-Armed Hero and the Mage's corpse, which Durin had taken in, were to be stored here until the deal was finalized.

"Now that the King is gone, this is a fitting task for the Golden Guardians."

"Indeed, Your Excellency. No Demon would dare enter this place with them guarding it."

"Just don't make it overly strict. Wasting manpower unnecessarily is not ideal."

"As before, they will remain in statue form. Demons unfamiliar with the castle will avoid it simply because it's a prison, while those who know the castle well will sense the Golden Guardians' presence and steer clear."

"High Demons would know. The moment they try to uncover the castle's secrets, they risk death."

Unsavory rumors might spread, but that would be the extent of it. Delving into secrets meant peering into Durin's depths, an act that could be deemed treasonous.

"But there are always curious young Demons. I'll keep an eye on things for now."

"If needed, I can have the Shaman set up a Temporary Warp Gate here for immediate access."

"Not a bad idea. Place it in the garden between the reception room and the spire."

It was close to the reception room. News of Durin's presence here might intrigue some Demons.

A name had already been passed on by Rudmila. Some were already making their mark....

"Lastly, spread a rumor, Spranches."

"As you command."

Durin thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to see their face this time.

#

The castle was entering a period of upheaval.

Despite the empty throne, the Central region was being reborn, its chaos subsiding. The most significant change was the army under Durin's command. The Central Legion, previously composed mainly of Dullahans, began incorporating various races.

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

"Dedicate all glory to the castle. In return, the Regent will grant you boundless honor."

"Keep in step! A Legionnaire who can't even do that is unfit!"

Shouts echoed across the training ground. Warriors recruited from the South, now part of the castle's Direct Territory, were adapting to the Central system. Instead of their instinct-driven, fierce combat style, they focused on formations and moving as a unified force. Though still clumsy, they were born to be exceptional warriors.

Under the leadership of Durin's direct subordinate, Verdia, they were rapidly transforming into elite soldiers. Additionally, the number of Dullahans forming the Royal Guard continued to grow, their progress soaring like a steep cliff.

For the Demon King's Castle, their development was welcome news. But for others, it was not. Especially for the nobles eyeing the throne, who viewed them with unease.

"This isn't good. Durin's power is growing too strong."

Eastern nobles gathered in the reception room once again. Various rumors circulating within the castle had unsettled them.

"Those Southern Warriors may be called the Royal Guard, but they operate entirely under the Regent's command. And their commander is that Barbarian Woman—need I say more?"

"Power is becoming too concentrated. In the Demon King's Castle, the one who controls the military is effectively the King. Neither Chief Justice Mateus nor Chief Shaman Rudmila is intervening, so drastic measures are necessary."

"If the East is to claim the throne... we must amass equivalent strength."

A force capable of countering Durin had to be established. As long as he existed, even if a Demon King emerged, they might not wield their full power. While the Golden Guardians and Royal Guard could be taken away, the Regent held complete control over the South's strength. It was essentially the rise of a new warlord within the Central region.

"Serphin, have you heard any news from your homeland?"

The Eastern nobles turned their heads toward one spot. At the head of the long table sat Serphin Del Istria, the center of attention. She remained silent, seemingly deep in thought.

"This is our only chance."

Frustrated by Serphin's silence, the nobles began voicing their opinions one after another.

"If the Grand Duke were to act, he could surely lend us his strength. It's the only way to confront the Regent."

"With the 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 being left behind gripped them. Serphin lifted her downcast gaze. Her golden eyes met theirs, silencing the room.

Seizing the moment, Serphin spoke.

"Your enthusiasm is truly delightful. But do you all wish to participate in this endeavor?"

"Of course. With an army, we could always...."

"It would be better if that army came not just from my family but as the Eastern Allied Forces. Our Istria family has always shared its glory. Now that a great opportunity has come, I hope we can share it together. What do you think?"

"......."

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

"Why? Are you not confident? You were the ones who suggested raising an army."

"L-lady Serphin. We weren't suggesting raising an army, just offering support...."

"Support, you say. I'm not sure I understand. Please explain in detail. For example, joining the Regent's forces to destroy the Northwest Angel Garrison or crushing all the other warlords except the South and absorbing them into the castle's Direct Territory. Things like that."

She listed off unrealistic scenarios. Yet no one dared to refute her. Any attempt to speak might lead to her demanding their soldiers outright. In the Demon Realm, military strength was as crucial as one's inherent power. Revealing one's full strength was a foolish move.

"If you're not prepared to make such bold moves, don't bring up military matters again. If you truly want it, you can directly request it from your families, can't you?"

"...My apologies."

"Hmph! I thought we'd have a productive discussion today, but it's the same as always. I'm no longer interested, so handle it among yourselves."

Serphin openly displayed her displeasure before storming out. Those wretched fools were of no help. If she were among her retainers in the East, such foolish discussions wouldn't occur, but here, it was a gathering of hostages.

A place filled with empty-headed individuals far removed from succession. The Istria family, a prestigious noble house, had sent her to demonstrate loyalty. To become a Great Demon, one needed to meet worthy Demons in a favorable environment, but here she was, wasting time in this cesspool.

"It seems I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

Serphin moved swiftly. She wanted to properly grasp the dynamics of the castle. Having already discussed military matters, she planned to delve deeper into the factions supporting the Regent and those opposing him. As she exited the reception room and stepped into the outer garden, a maid who had been waiting for her appeared.

"I have been waiting for you, my lady."

"It's good to see you. Things must be hectic in the castle these days, so I truly appreciate you coming out like this."

"It’s what I always do. Please call on me anytime."

The Succubus Maid responded with a bright smile. Meeting Serphin's golden eyes, she asked her a question.

"Is there anything I need to do today?"

"Nothing major. I’d just like you to talk about the recent happenings in the castle and any rumors, like last time. It’s always fun to hear them while taking a leisurely walk."

"I will accompany you, my lady."

With the maid escorting her, Serphin headed toward the quaintly arranged park in front of the reception room. It was the site where Durin had previously conducted a large-scale purge of the Southerners. Once lined with orchard trees, the area had since been cleared.

The empty spaces were now filled with flowers. The flowers blooming amidst the thorny vines were beautiful no matter when one looked at them.

"The Regent is reorganizing the military system and preparing for a decisive battle with the Angel."

"I’ve already heard about that. At the same time, he’s consolidating power by bringing the Southern army under his command."

"You already knew, I see. But this might be news to you."

"News I haven’t heard before?"

Serphin, who had been gently stroking the vines with her hand, suddenly stopped. She straightened her body, which had been about to crouch.

Her golden eyes locked onto the maid’s gaze once more.

"Go on, tell me."

"The Regent has recently installed a prison near the spire by the reception room."

"That’s been there before, hasn’t it? I thought it was originally a place for holding political prisoners…."

"During the recent Southern conquest, it’s said that key figures were imprisoned there."

"… Weren’t there members of the Ractelrun family in the reception room?"

"It’s unclear exactly who is inside, as no specific details have been disclosed. Some rumors even suggest that a Hero who invaded the Demon Realm has been imprisoned there."

"That seems far-fetched. At most, it’s likely ‘key figures from the South were detained.’ Could it be that even the Great Chieftain’s kin were locked up as a form of punishment?"

Serphin fell into thought. Durin’s actions always had a basis. He was never swayed by emotions.

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

"Judging by the deployment of the Golden Guardians there, it does seem to involve important figures."

"The Golden Guardians?"

"Yes. This is something I confirmed while moving through the inner castle."

"Hmm."

What could the Regent be aiming for?

Even after pondering, the answer didn’t come easily. Was it merely a baseless rumor?

Thinking this, Serphin checked the maid’s eyes. The same golden eyes as hers were smiling faintly in her direction. The information wasn’t entirely without merit. After all, this maid had access to quite deep parts of the castle. The information was unlikely to be significantly wrong.

"Look into it a bit more thoroughly."

"My lady, it’s difficult for me to find out more. It seems only high-ranking officials in each department are privy to the details…."

"I’m the one telling you to do it."

Serphin grabbed the maid’s face abruptly. As the maid was held in place and forced to meet her gaze, the golden light in Serphin’s eyes began to ripple intensely.

"You must obey. Understand?"

"Uh… yes…."

"Do you understand?"

"Yes… I understand."

A dazed voice responded. However, the maid’s face remained expressionless, as if nothing had happened. She answered with a blank look.

"Good. Then go."

Smack!

When Serphin slapped her cheek once more, the startled maid stepped back. But only for a moment.

As soon as the command was issued, she hurriedly ran toward the inner castle. Watching her retreating figure, Serphin crouched down again. She wanted to admire the flowers she hadn’t yet fully appreciated.

"Hmm. I hope she brings back some interesting news."

The Witch of the East smiled. The leaf she touched at her fingertips crumbled faintly.

Hoping the wait wouldn’t be too long, the girl stood up and returned to the reception room.

"......."

In the garden, where the brief commotion had subsided, the mournful wail of a beheaded soul lingered eerily.

Only the silent statue that stood guard over the place retained the memory of what had transpired there.