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

Chapter 26

"I have understood Your Excellency's intentions, and I wish to take my leave now. I will fulfill my duties once again."

The conversation at the observatory would remain a secret. Fate wished to become a mute observer, quietly watching the approaching crossroads. Even if the Chief Shaman were to come and ask, no answers would be given.

"May you achieve what you desire."

The spot where the Dullahan had disappeared was not expected to be filled for some time. He was a demon meant to assist the Demon King as a piece of the picture Durin was painting. The Royal Guard would now move to choose their master on their own.

A shifting dynamic was drawn, causing the power that had naturally gathered in the East to waver. The movements of the elite soldiers would instill tension in the previously complacent nobles. For the Red Horns, it was a new opportunity, while for the remaining warlords, it would become a target of caution.

"Your Excellency."

While lost in thought at the observatory, Verdia opened the door and entered. The Southern demon stepped carefully, observing proper etiquette.

"Has something else happened?"

"The Grand Duke's messenger pigeon has just arrived."

"It seems the time has come."

The results of the secret meeting regarding Serphin's treatment from some time ago. It was finally time to face them.

"Have Serphin and the other demons returned?"

"As per your orders, they have been assigned to the Royal Guard's quarters near the office. They will be treated as throne successors rather than external nobles."

"Even so, do not let your guard down. The East still harbors hostility."

"Are they our enemies?"

Verdia tilted his head in curiosity as he asked. As a Southern barbarian who had lived a detached life, he was still unfamiliar with the political landscape.

"It depends on how we act. If the worst comes to pass, they will turn against us as soon as this deal is over. In a situation where we must create allies, that must be prevented at all costs."

"If such a thing happens, I will stand at the forefront. As Your Excellency's sword, I will cut down all enemies and restore their power to its rightful place."

Verdia spoke with determination. Durin stopped his steps as he was about to leave the observatory. He looked at the spirited barbarian.

"The enemies you must cut down are not them."

"But aren't they the ones who could stab us in the back at any moment? We must prepare."

"Verdia. We will kill the past. The present and future are not for you to concern yourself with."

"Hmm...."

"It is still too early. Later, take some time to ask Spranches. If you're lucky, you might hear the story."

With those words, Durin walked forward with heavy steps. Verdia stood there, unable to grasp the meaning for a while. He remained deep in thought until the regent opened the observatory's door, and only the sound of the heavy stone door jolted him into hurried movement.

"Y-Your Excellency! My apologies. Foolish as I am, I dared to try to fathom the heavens. I will return after thoroughly studying again."

"Stop spouting nonsense and lead the way. We must see the Grand Duke's gift."

"I will escort you immediately!"

#

The legions operating in the Demon Realm can largely be divided into three categories.

First, the Undead Legion, which serves in the Demon King's Castle and fulfills the duty of protection, is the most notable.

A military force composed of the dead to prevent them from falling for the enchantments and sweet words of High Demons. They could form a solid battle line capable of withstanding even the holy power of angels and were regarded as the elite of the elite, showing unconditional loyalty to their ruler.

They demonstrated their undiminished strength during the Southern campaign, where they annihilated a rebel army over ten times their size in a single strike. They could be considered the guardians of the Demon King's Castle, serving as a bulwark to prevent the warlords from recklessly stirring trouble.

After counting all such soldiers, the next notable force was the Border Legion.

Stationed at the boundaries of each continent, away from the central regions, these soldiers were primarily composed of local demons or undead dispatched from the central command. While the leadership was solid, as it consisted of the castle's elite, the lower-ranking soldiers often lacked proper equipment and discipline, making it difficult to consider them first-rate.

However, their loyalty to the castle remained intact, allowing them to withstand the angelic detachments that launched skirmishes amidst the chaos.

After accounting for these forces, the remaining soldiers were undoubtedly of lower quality.

No matter how much effort was put in, the last group to be considered was the Noble's Private Army.

Their purpose was fundamentally different. Unlike other legions that emphasized the duty of protecting the castle, these forces existed solely to display the authority of the nobles. Compared to the central demons, they compensated for their relative lack of strength with sheer numbers. However, according to the Demon Realm Law, they could not be composed of undead, leaving lower-ranking nobles struggling to maintain even a minimal headcount. It was not uncommon to see them reduced to the level of mercenary bands hastily assembled from barbarians....

"So, this is the Grand Duke's army...."

"They are in no way inferior, even compared to the Border Legion."

Thus, the march of the Green Horn Demons captured everyone's attention. As soon as the Elector's selection was announced, the Eastern forces moved swiftly, proving themselves worthy competitors to the central powers.

"Forward, Legion."

The orderly sound of footsteps echoed through the tall and wide corridors. The Green Horn Demons, who had arrived at the castle via warp, immediately moved toward the Great Hall. The imposing sound repeatedly struck the hearts of the Red Horns.

"It's been a long time since we've returned. I thought it would take much longer."

At the forefront of their ranks was an old knight. Alberto, the Grand Duke's secretary and one of the East's greatest warriors. A retainer of Istria who remembered the past, he slowly reminisced about those times.

"The Black Army was always on standby at the training ground. Whenever a Hero or angel invaded, they swallowed their excitement to rush out and crush them."

"It is time to revive that glory."

"Indeed. If we tip the scales in the Elector vote, we can surely win."

"But, Secretary, the castle's Royal Guard still keeps a sharp watch. Can we surpass them?"

"It will certainly be difficult, as they are the Red Horns' greatest force."

From the high vantage point of the King's Hall, looking down the stairs revealed a vast corridor. The space once occupied by the Green Horns was now taken over by the Dullahans.

Neatly aligned spearheads and rugged halberds faced each other. Without any exchange of words, they aimed at one another. However, this was not a place where they could act recklessly.

Alberto stepped forward with a gentle smile.

"It is a pleasure to see you here. Truly, it brings back memories."

"Welcome, Green Horns. It is unfortunate to see you again before death."

"Hahaha. The same as ever, I see. The same. Yes, this is the spirit we need to face each other."

Even a brief exchange failed to hide the anger between the Dullahans and the demons. Though they lived within the same Demon Realm, past grudges boiled their blood.

Yet, they refrained from acting in front of the Great Hall.

"Both your side and ours have masters who have spoken. Let us avoid causing any major incidents. Wouldn't that be for the best?"

"That is what we wish to say. If you act as though you've already claimed the throne, you might find yourselves eliminated without a trace."

"Ha! Despite maintaining contact even when the King fled, is this how you treat us? It seems the central powers truly desire war!"

A young demon, who had been quietly waiting nearby, finally burst out in frustration.

"If that's what you want, so be it."

Between the central and eastern forces, emotions ran high among the lower-ranking demons, unlike the diplomatic rhetoric of the High Demons. The blood spilled during rebellions and suppressions made unity difficult.

"Enough! Do not act rashly and wait. This is the central region."

If Alberto had not intervened, a bloodbath might have occurred on the Elector's first day. The Grand Duke's secretary quickly stepped in to prevent a clash.

"Royal Guard, you too, stand down. If you truly wish to fight, propose a duel to your leader and settle it separately. We are here to determine the throne's rightful owner, not to wage war. Any further disrespect will be reported to the regent."

"......."

"Your silence will be taken as agreement. Now, let me ask—where is the regent? I wish to receive a proper welcome."

The secretary looked around. The East was flaunting its strength by sending troops for the Elector, but there was no one to truly acknowledge it. Only a few Red Horn nobles were whispering among themselves.

If things continued like this, it would only appear as if they had caused a commotion for no reason...

"Let us postpone the welcome for later. For now, we are pressed for time."

A voice was heard from afar. The Dullahan Royal Guard parted to the sides, opening a path. A Red Horn warrior clad in Black Armor walked through the halberd blades and looked down at Alberto.

"Arrange for the Grand Duke's army to rest here. I will have an important conversation with that secretary."

"As you command, Your Excellency."

"Hurry. Many distinguished guests will arrive today."

The Dullahans, who had been asserting their presence against the Eastern warriors, scattered and went about their tasks. They seemed crushed under overwhelming authority. These were the same ones who had fought against Angels, yet they relinquished everything at a single word.

"As expected... a true vanguard of the Black Army."

Alberto smirked. A strong warrior. A figure that all members of the Demon Tribe would admire.

He was more than capable of claiming the throne, yet for some unknown reason, he had refused. The Grand Duke had once remarked that there must be a vow strong enough to defy instinct.

"But I am the Great Warrior, the Elector's representative, and the leader of the Eastern delegation. There's no reason for me to concern myself with that."

"...Is something the matter?"

"No. It was just a monologue. Follow the regent's orders and rest. I will personally deliver the Grand Duke's message."

Leaving the army behind, Alberto headed toward the regent.

It was time to set aside old grudges and hatred, and focus on the benefits at hand.