Chapter 38: Chapter 37: The Night Elf Queen, Nia
At dawn, Ryuu returned to the Demon King's Castle, with Galadriel by his side.
Shortly after, a declaration was sent across the continent: The Forest Elves had officially sworn allegiance to the Demon King.
The entire Eastern Continent was thrown into turmoil. The Dwarves and Orcs—furious at the elves' betrayal—declared war against the Forest Elves. Yet, despite their anger, no one dared make the first move. The fear of Demon King's retaliation kept them in check.
The tension sent waves of unrest throughout the land.
For Ryuu, however, the greatest battle at that moment… was inside his own castle.
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Inside the Demon King's Castle
"Master," Artoria spoke coldly, arms crossed. "You said you were going out to scout the land. I didn't expect you to bring back another woman."
Galadriel narrowed her golden eyes and scoffed. "Watch your tone, King of Knights. I am the queen of the elves. Show some respect."
"Master, I demand an explanation."
"Hmph," Galadriel smirked. "Demon King Ryuu needs no such thing. He does what he pleases."
Ryuu sighed. Just hours ago, he had been reveling in his victory. Now, he was caught between two powerful, prideful women—both unwilling to back down.
Though Ryuu had been ruthless toward his enemies, when it came to his own people, he had no interest in ruling with an iron fist.
Luckily, he had one way to deal with Artoria.
Stepping forward, he gently placed his hands on her armored shoulders and locked eyes with her.
"Artoria," he said, voice smooth. "You know nothing can shake your place in my heart."
"W-What?!" Artoria's expression faltered, her composure cracking.
Ryuu pressed on. "You are, and will always be, the greatest king in my eyes. So fight beside me, as you always have."
"M-Master… I…" Artoria's face turned crimson. She quickly turned away, flustered. "I-I understand! But don't think this means I approve!"
Ryuu finally let go, sighing in relief. Crisis averted.
Artoria was his knight, the future general of his armies. Her leadership in battle was unparalleled. Ryuu knew that when the time came to command troops, he would entrust it to her.
With Galadriel settled in, it was time for the next step.
The Night Elves.
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Bringing Artoria along, Ryuu activated his Kamui—a space separate from the real world.
As they phased into the swirling void, Artoria's eyes widened with curiosity.
"Master! Is this your Reality Marble?"
Ryuu chuckled. "No, it's a dimension beyond the real world—far more advanced than a Reality Marble."
"Incredible… I wonder if my Excalibur Morgan could shatter it."
"Cough—" Ryuu stiffened. "I'd prefer if you didn't test that theory."
With a flicker, they arrived at their destination—the border of Rune Country.
There, Ryuu found exactly what he expected.
The war between Night Elves and Dwarves had come to a sudden halt.
Why?
Because the Forest Elves had allied with the Demon King.
Now, both factions stood in uneasy silence, neither side willing to make the first move.
In the Night Elf war camp, Queen Nia stood at the edge of a river, deep in thought.
Her forces had fought for years. She had led her warriors into battle time and time again. But now, everything had changed.
Galadriel had surrendered to the Demon King.
That meant only one thing—he would come for her next.
As if confirming her fears, Nia suddenly felt a shift in the air.
Her instincts screamed danger.
Whipping around, she drew her twin daggers—only to freeze.
Sitting casually on her throne, legs crossed, was Ryuu.
Golden eyes glowing.
A smirk playing on his lips.
"I don't believe we've met, Queen Nia."
Nia held her stance for a moment… before slowly sheathing her weapons and bowing.
"I did not expect the Demon King to arrive so soon," she said. "Forgive me for the lack of proper reception."
Ryuu tilted his head. "Oh? You recognized me so quickly."
Nia smiled. "At this moment, no one else would dare enter my war camp unannounced."
Sharp. Ryuu liked that.
"Then you must know why I'm here."
Nia's gaze flickered. "I would ask the Demon King to clarify."
Ryuu's smirk didn't waver. She's stalling.
Of course, he had anticipated that.
The Night Elves had fought for too long to simply surrender. Nia had built her power through war, and now, he was telling her to stop.
Ryuu stood, stepping toward her.
"The Night Elves," he said, voice firm. "Will unite with the Forest Elves under my rule."
Silence.
Nia's fingers twitched toward her daggers, but she kept her face neutral.
"The Night Elves have suffered heavy losses," she said carefully. "We are not suited for war any longer. Perhaps it would be difficult to fight for the Demon King."
Ryuu's golden eyes flashed.
"I'm not asking for your opinion. This is an order."
Nia exhaled sharply. He's not bluffing.
Still, surrendering so easily would be a disgrace. She had to test him.
"Our people respect only the strong," she said at last. "If you wish for us to follow you, then fight me."
Ryuu raised a brow. "And if you win?"
"You leave. I remain queen."
A small chuckle escaped his lips. She's bold. I'll give her that.
"Alright," he said. "But I have no interest in fighting you myself."
With a flick of his wrist—
Artoria appeared before him, black armor gleaming.
"If you can defeat Saber, then our deal stands."
Nia exhaled in relief. She had never fought the Demon King before—but this knight?
She was human.
This would be easy.
Twin daggers gleamed in her hands. She dropped into a stance, her speed quick as a shadow.
"Very well, Demon King," she said.
"I accept your challenge!"
With a burst of speed, she lunged, her blades flashing toward Artoria's back.
The battle had begun.
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