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

Chapter 21

-Serphin del Istria. In this place, you must always speak the truth.

In the solemn atmosphere, the Black Shaman began the interrogation.

He was a mad Demon who peered into sinners in the Punishment Room. Unlike ordinary Shamans who divined fate by observing the heavens, his interests were sinister. Discovering the greatest pain and fear one could experience in life. That was both their reason for living and catharsis itself.

-If you speak falsehoods, there will be punishment. Do you agree?

-.......

-Refusing to answer is also included in the punishment clause. I will ask again. Serphin del Istria. Do you agree?

-...I agree.

Serphin reluctantly answered.

She was pretending to be composed. She showed a determination not to bow before the Demon in front of her, but her body was honest. She trembled uncontrollably, consumed by the terrifying aura emanating from the Shaman. It was a reaction stemming from the most primal part of her being. Yet, as befitting the daughter of the Grand Duke, she regained her composure and answered steadily.

-Then I will ask. Did you bribe a court lady of the Demon King's Castle to extract information about the castle?

-I know nothing of such matters.

-This time, I will phrase the question differently. Did you cast Shamanism on a court lady of the Demon King's Castle to extract confidential information?

-...I truly do not know.

-I hope you understand the intent behind the interrogator's repeated questioning.

The Black Hooded Shaman slowly circled around Serphin. A disturbing aura spread around her like mist.

-We already know. Serphin del Istria. Numerous testimonies about your actions have already been gathered.

-....

-Remember, if you continue to deny, only death awaits at the end. The castle does not tolerate rebellion.

The Shaman pressed down on Serphin. His voice was like a noose tightening around her neck. He whispered incessantly from close by, scratching at the truth hidden deep within her heart. If it had been any other High Demon, they would have already succumbed at this point. Enveloped in the black mist, they would have confessed everything.

But Serphin was different. When her soul was pushed to the edge of a cliff, she forcibly swallowed her fear. She raised her head and met the Shaman's gaze.

-I have never entertained thoughts of rebellion. The Regent need not worry about such matters.

She did not yield. Unlike her trembling body, her mind pushed back against the oppressive aura. When Serphin's golden eyes gleamed, the black mist that sought to envelop her lost its power. Even the Shaman, witnessing this for the first time, took a step back.

-This won't be easy.

The Shaman confirmed that his Magic Energy was ineffective. The traditional interrogation method of exploiting fear only worked on Serphin in the beginning; once she displayed her strength as a High Demon, it lost its effect. He even sensed an aura similar to Enchantment. Feeling the danger, he withdrew his energy. Then, looking behind the curtain, he addressed Durin, who was waiting.

-Shall we proceed to the next stage?

"Permission granted. Proceed."

-As you command, Your Excellency.

The Shaman turned back to Serphin. Smiling slyly at her gleaming golden eyes, he spoke.

-We'll delve a bit deeper, so you should prepare yourself.

-I hope my innocence is proven quickly.

Serphin regained her composure. Once she began using her power, she completely overcame the oppressive atmosphere of the Punishment Room. It felt as though she had returned to the time when she faced Eastern nobles in the Reception Room.

Of course, it was only for a fleeting moment.

-Let's see how long you can maintain that attitude.

Snap!

The Shaman snapped his fingers. At the same time, the tightly shut door of the Punishment Room opened, and a loud commotion poured in.

-Y-Your Excellency! I am innocent! I truly know nothing of this! I have devoted my life to the castle, and now you accuse me of rebellion? It's not true!

It was a bloodied Maid. Her appearance was utterly wretched. The Succubus, who always dressed impeccably as the castle's hostess, now looked half-mad, leaving Serphin speechless.

-Please. Please. Spare me. I want to live. I am truly innocent.

With trembling fingers, she clung to the Shaman's robe. Her desperate voice fervently begged for life.

-If you speak about her, I will give you a chance.

-Pardon?

-Explain why you were lingering near the Regent's office.

-Ah....

The Maid slowly turned her head. Serphin could meet her gaze. The emptiness in the Succubus's eyes was replaced with a spark of life. She had glimpsed a sliver of hope for survival. She did not hesitate.

-I will tell you everything. I will say it all, so please....

If she could speak, the Maid would have revealed everything Serphin had instructed her to do. She was ready to betray her to escape this dreadful Punishment Room and save her life. However, the moment the Succubus opened her mouth to speak to the Shaman, her voice vanished. It was an eerily strange scene.

-Ack! Gah!

The panicked Maid clutched her throat. No matter how hard she tried, no sound came out. She struggled to convey her intentions to the waiting Shaman, but even that was gradually suppressed.

-Mm, mmph! Ugh! Guh!

It was as if someone had forcibly taken control of her body. The Maid froze, kneeling and placing her hands on her lap. Her tear-streaked face contrasted with her demure posture. It was as if she was being told to sit quietly and await death. She could only roll her eyes to glance at Serphin.

-....

The Grand Duke's daughter stared at her intently. Her golden eyes shone more fiercely than ever within her expressionless face. The urgency she had barely concealed was evident as she bit her lower lip. Serphin silently mouthed to her.

Die with it. I know nothing.

-I-I mean....

-....

-Th-that is....

To any observer, it was clear that a third party was interfering. However, according to the law, no testimony could serve as evidence unless it was explicitly voiced. Without a voice in the Punishment Room, there was no definitive record. The final judgment rested solely with the Chief Justice behind the curtain.

-Hmm.

The Shaman observed the scene quietly before approaching the curtain. Covering his mouth with his hand, he asked.

-What should be done?

"That will suffice. Now, come out."

-As you command.

The Black Hooded Shaman stepped away. He left the two locked in their silent battle without hesitation, for someone else was about to take his place.

"You handle it better than I expected."

Durin tore through the curtain and entered the Punishment Room. His voice, like scraping metal, shifted the atmosphere. Both individuals struggling to survive turned their gazes toward him.

"Durin...."

Unlike the Maid, who froze in place, Serphin uttered his name. There was a hint of anger in her voice. With the departure of the fearsome Shaman, all that remained was her fury. Dominion Magic Energy whispered to her, urging her to resent Durin for putting her in this state.

Having overexerted her mental strength, Serphin succumbed to the impulse. She glared at Durin.

"Aren't you afraid of the consequences? You have just crossed the daughter of the Duke of the East."

"I was prepared to kill you if necessary."

"Do you think my father will stand idly by? The stabilization of the Demon Realm that you so desperately wanted—remember, from this moment on, it will become an unattainable dream."

"You'll find out when you face the Grand Duke. Whether I sever his neck or clasp hands with him as an ally."

"What a ridiculous notion."

Serphin frowned. Her golden eyes turned toward Durin. The energy that had engulfed the Maid now directed itself at him.

Dominion Magic Energy began to take control of her. The rough magic energy struck against the Black Armor.

"I will never forget what happened today. I will remember every single moment you threatened me."

"Life will become quite uncomfortable for you. But before that, take a moment to rest."

"Durin!"

The moment Serphin, unable to hold back, tried to rise from her seat, Durin's hand reached her first. The Regent subdued Serphin with sheer strength. It was pure physical power. He forced the daughter of the Grand Duke, who was cloaked in Dominion Power, back into her seat with nothing but brute force.

"Y-you...!"

Serphin trembled uncontrollably, unable to endure it. She tried desperately to shake off Durin, but it was futile. With the addition of the Red Aura, even breathing became a struggle.

"Now, sleep."

"Du... Du..."

"I have urgent matters to discuss with the Chief Justice."

Thud.

As Durin infused her with Magic Energy, the strength drained from Serphin's grasp. Her body, pushed to its limits by Dominion Magic Energy, could no longer hold out. The young Demon of the Green Horn fell into a deep slumber. Having achieved his goal, Durin called for the Chief Justice.

"Mateus."

"At your command."

"What do you think of the daughter of Istria?"

This was the part he was most curious about. Since the power Durin had directly confronted wasn't particularly strong, it was difficult for him to make a judgment.

In his stead, Mateus examined the sleeping Serphin.

"She seems to have some awareness of her power. However, her ability to wield it is still lacking. I've served many Demon Kings and witnessed various forms of Magic Energy, but I've never encountered energy this unrefined."

"So you're saying she discovered it on her own. Should we assume it awakened after she arrived at the Demon King's Castle as a hostage?"

"Further investigation is needed, but for now, that seems to be a reasonable assumption."

"One last thing to confirm. In your opinion, does this child possess enough power to become a king?"

At Durin's question, Mateus hesitated briefly. This was a critical turning point that would determine the fate of the castle.

The Elder Demon rose from his seat and followed Durin beyond the curtain of the Punishment Room.

"The basics are roughly in place. Judging by her ability to suppress lower-ranking Demons at will, she can wield Dominion Power beyond mere Enchantment."

He looked down at the Maid, who still couldn't speak. She seemed lost, unable to keep up with the sudden shift in conversation after enduring the marks of torture. Her wide-open eyes wandered aimlessly. Mateus peered into her depths.

"But not yet. Dominion Power must also govern the hearts of insignificant beings. She has not yet reached that level."

"So, she's above Enchantment but below King's Power."

"Precisely. With that level of ability, she is comparable to the capabilities most past Demon Kings had during their time as successors. However, since she awakened it on her own, she doesn't recognize it as King's Power and merely considers it a Special Ability she can wield with her Magic Energy."

"No need for unnecessary details, Mateus. Is she qualified or not?"

"If Your Excellency decides so, then it shall be."

The Chief Justice delivered his verdict. He presented Fate's Choice to Durin.

"What will you do?"