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

Chapter 23

Central and East.

The land of the Grand Duke, free from the order dominated by the castle.

However, ironically, it was the only force that maintained contact during the precarious time when the king fled.

The relationship that began 1,000 years ago, when the First Demon King born from the Red Horn Tribe failed to conquer the Green Horn Tribe of the East, continued to this day. Even though the king who led the Demon Realm's golden age created the current titles and established a formal vassal contract, it remained unchanged.

The demons who ruled like kings in the East and preserved their autonomy built their own independent power. By possessing an army not restrained by the law, they endured the greed of successive Red Horn Demon Kings. This was the driving force that allowed them to maintain a peculiar coexistence through repeated divisions and negotiations over the long years.

In fact, the greatest Duke of the East in history was even crowned king during a time when the Red Horn Demon King was incompetent.

It was inevitable that the Senate, which had always elected kings based on the principle of strong bloodlines, would split into two.

"Your Excellency. A response has come from the East as well. We can connect immediately."

Thus, the Regent ensured that the secret meeting would not leak out. The hostility was at an appropriate level for now. Anything beyond that could not be tolerated. He intended to completely block any potential sources of frivolous rumors that could arise from his every action.

Durin stationed Dullahans in front of the castle's communication room. He suppressed them with force, ensuring they dared not open their mouths.

Even the personnel handpicked by Rudmila were added to the effort, turning the area into an impregnable fortress.

"Grand Duke. Can you hear me? If so, I hope you'll respond."

In the space thus prepared, in a room shrouded in darkness, Durin spoke. Simultaneously, the shaman stirred the magic energy to draw out the other party's response.

-I've been waiting for a long time. I almost turned to stone sitting here, wondering when you'd join.

A voice flowed out from the void.

Instead of a greeting, it was a frivolous joke. Judging by the atmosphere, it felt more like a reunion of close friends than a meeting of great figures.

-And how about you? The situation at the castle doesn't seem good, so I imagine you're having a hectic time.

"The castle stands firm, Rukifel. As long as I am here, it will never falter."

-Still as confident as ever. But living like that, I doubt you'll hear kind words from those nobles.

"I hear the old men of the Senate dislike me. It's natural to make enemies in life, so I'll just have to bear it all."

-Making enemies. You've always seemed to want a life of constant opposition.

"That's the life of a demon, Rukifel."

To a third party, their conversation might seem questionable. It hardly resembled a confrontation between someone holding a daughter hostage and someone offering a way for the Central to survive.

That was why the Grand Duke's casually thrown words felt all the heavier.

-Isn't that why the current situation has come to pass?

He was the first to break the flow of the conversation. A hidden blade glimmered faintly in his chest.

-Are you planning to make me your enemy this time?

"That would never happen. We are a continent of blood-bound brothers."

-A madman who threatens his brother's daughter dares to say such things. I'd love to hear what my vassals are saying about this.

"I will accept any challenge that comes my way. But don't forget that it could lead to mutual destruction."

-I know. Do you think I wouldn't understand that? It's precisely because I know it so well that I'm doing this.

The Grand Duke chuckled softly. It was a kind smile, unbefitting an angry demon.

-So, demon who imprisoned my daughter, you'd better state your desires.

"Do you remember the promise of land and power?"

-If not for that, this meeting wouldn't have happened in the first place.

"I will give you the land of the Northwest Region. I will transfer all rights to the remaining ruins and resources there."

-Ha! You speak as if the Angel Settlement is already your land.

It was a sneer. The Grand Duke did not hide his emotions as he retorted to the Regent.

-I heard the war with the angels is imminent. So, you want troops after all.

"The Demon King has crossed into the Human Realm. The angels must send their forces there to protect their territory and humans. The number of troops crossing over here won't be significant."

-I heard you've been building up the Central's army. If we combine our forces, we could certainly outnumber them. But you know better than anyone that numbers alone don't win wars.

"Are you worried about the Archangel?"

-It's not about whether we can overcome them. They have a supreme commander, and we do not. Even if you've built authority through your conquest of the South, you can't overcome such a fundamental deficiency. Is the Central truly united around you? Even now?

The Grand Duke's question was simple. Without a king, there was no focal point.

He was saying that someone was needed to push forward against the overwhelming holy power.

"It will soon unite. The Central will become even stronger."

-I hope you'll prove that with actions, not words. Otherwise, this conversation might end here.

"Rukifel. Do you remember the promise of land and power?"

-Have you truly gone mad? You're repeating yourself. Didn't you already say you'd grant rights to the Northwest Region?

"There's a Warp Gate there. Aside from the ancient ruins, it's the only facility in the Demon Realm that can be fully operational."

-You certainly know how to pique my interest. Go on.

The voice grew serious. The invisible curiosity of the Grand Duke seeped through the swirling magic energy.

"If we win the upcoming war against the angels and drive out this settlement, you will also gain the rights to the gate. I'm asking just in case, Rukifel. Do you intend to transfer those rights to your daughter?"

-What do you mean by that?

"I mean, do you plan to transfer the rights to the Northwest Region to your daughter as they are?"

Silence filled the room. The Grand Duke could not easily answer.

Was it ignorance or hesitation? Durin had no intention of giving him time and pressed on.

"The first verse of the Demon Realm Law states this."

-To oppose the angels and rule over humans.

"To rule over humans, we must cross into their lands. Not remain confined to the Demon Realm, lamenting as we do now."

-The will to advance into the Human Realm can belong to only one in the Demon Realm.

"Duke of Istria. You already know who that demon is, don't you?"

-The Demon King.

A great resonance spread. The shaman, who had been restraining their emotions for the secret meeting, showed cracks in their expression.

Amid the scattering ripples, the two continued speaking calmly.

"Your daughter has been granted the qualifications of a king. Were you aware of this?"

-If I had known, I wouldn't have sent her. Regent Durin.

"We, who have lost our king, are living on a castle built on a crumbling foundation. The unstable cracks could bring us down at any moment. That is why I have decided."

But when it came time to declare, he was more resolute than anyone.

"I will establish Serphin del Istria as the rightful Throne Successor. So cooperate."

A resolute voice, as if to declare there would be no withdrawal, echoed through the dark room.

#

Caw— Caw—

The crows of the East caused a commotion outside the window. It signified the end of the communication spell that had separated them from the world.

Sunlight poured back into the dark room. In the now-brightened space stood a luxurious marble table and the Duke of the East.

Tap... Tap... Tap...

He was deep in thought. The meeting he had entered with a light heart had delivered a significant shock.

"A king. A Demon King, huh...."

Long ago, even the Istria Family had produced the most powerful being in the Demon Realm. He recalled how, when the incompetent Red Horn kings of the Central Forces were ruining the world, a faction of radical senators had made a decisive move to enthrone one.

For the demons of the East, it was an unforgettable scene. The throne, held by the only one who had preserved sovereignty under the oppressive rule of the Red Horns, stirred a bittersweet nostalgia within him.

"Your Excellency. If what the Regent says is true... we may reclaim our era after 200 years."

The elderly secretary, Alberto, spoke with a trembling voice. The demon, who had quietly carried out his duties for decades while serving the Duke, was now revealing his determination.

"Then why do you hesitate? Is it because of a significant issue with the war against the angels?"

"That is not the case. The Central Forces have greatly expanded their troops under the Regent's leadership, likely nearing ten thousand. Honestly, even if the angels sent just one legion, it would be enough to handle them alone."

"Then I am curious why the Regent has extended a hand to us. I cannot even fathom why he would need a king."

The secretary expressed his doubts. He voiced his curiosity to his master without hesitation.

"If it's Regent Durin, he is one of the strongest in the Demon Realm. At this point, without a king, he could easily ascend to the throne, ignoring all opposition. Since the previous king fled, he wouldn't even bear the stigma of being a usurper."

"Durin would never choose that path."

"I apologize, Your Excellency. My dull mind cannot comprehend his choice."

"It is natural that you do not understand. He is bound by an oath that defies the very nature of demons."

An oath. It was unlikely to be something made merely with words or loyalty.

It must be akin to a verbal command so binding that even a powerful Great Demon could not resist.

The wisdom of the ages conveyed this speculation, causing the secretary to bow his head.

"It seems a transaction beyond the comprehension of insignificant beings has taken place."

"No one would know. Not even the Creator God could have glimpsed a fragment of that day."

The Duke spoke cryptically. Yet, he made one thing clear.

To seek further knowledge would undoubtedly cross a line.

"Then I shall return to my place. Please forgive my rudeness."

"If you understand, act swiftly. There is a destination for the gathered troops."

The Duke rose from his seat. The covert negotiations with the Regent had concluded.

Now, it was enough to act accordingly.

"Prepare one more gift that would please the Regent. I will inform you of the destination once we arrive at the training ground."

"As you command."

#

Three days had passed since Serphin was imprisoned.

Though not much time had passed, it felt like an eternity to her. While she was spared the indignity of crouching alone in a dark dungeon thanks to the privileges of a high-ranking noble, she had to remain completely isolated from the world during this period.

Perhaps because the prison strongly reflected the Regent's preferences, it was utterly stifling. There wasn't even a single window to view the outside. The only world Serphin could access was the small bedroom illuminated by an ornate chandelier. Once, out of boredom, she had tried to sneak a peek outside the door.

That small act of rebellion was immediately retracted when she heard the heavy sounds of the Dullahans guarding the entrance. She was already in a difficult position due to suspicions of treason; if an escape attempt were added to that, she might truly face execution, just like that maid.

"Ugh...."

It was fortunate that she had fainted. The last thing she saw before being dragged to the prison was a corpse with its head completely crushed, giving her a rough idea of what had happened.

She needed to tread carefully.

Serphin resolved herself once more. Making any unnecessary moves could lead to real trouble. She had been too arrogant, emboldened by the Senate's praise of her as a candidate for the throne. She would have to exercise more restraint from now on.

She would wait for the right moment. If an opportunity arose to surpass the Regent....

"I must seize it at all costs!"

Bang!

Just as she had mustered her resolve, the sudden opening of the door startled her out of her wits.

Serphin, with her fists clenched, faced the uninvited guest who had barged into the room.

"You're in high spirits."

Skull Crusher Durin. The very person who had imprisoned her in this room and held her life in his hands.

"......."

Serphin quietly sat back down on the bed. Her tightly pressed lips stifled the scream threatening to escape.

How long had it been since she vowed to tread carefully, only to end up in this situation? She experienced the rare combination of shame and fear washing over her.

"Well. On a day like this, it's fine to be in a good mood. Come out."

"?"

It was the same intimidating voice as always from Durin. Yet, his words were unexpected. Serphin lifted her head abruptly.

"Uh...."

"Did you not hear me? I said come out immediately."

With that, Durin turned and left. The wide-open door now faced Serphin. The prison corridor came into view. The Dullahans who should have been guarding it were nowhere to be seen. Only a lizard and a Blue Horn barbarian woman accompanying him were present.

"C-Can I really?"

Serphin cautiously lifted herself. No one stopped her. Even when she stepped outside, it was the same.

Though still within the prison, just stepping out of the room brought her a sense of relief. Her spirits lifted, and her heart began to race with excitement.

Finally, freedom! Surely, it must be Father who arranged for my release! Or perhaps Durin had struck a deal involving me!

Overwhelmed with joy, countless thoughts raced through her mind, only to be swept away. She wanted to savor this moment....

"You will accompany me to the Great Hall. Do not act recklessly like before and follow quietly."

Durin left those words and walked ahead. Serphin froze in place.

The Great Hall? Did he mean the King's Hall?

Why? Why was she being dragged there instead of the reception room?

A silent scream erupted once more. But Serphin had no choice in the matter.

The lizard and the barbarian warrior, who had approached her at some point, grabbed her on either side and practically dragged her along.

'Did the deal fall through? Or has Father abandoned me!'

Ten minutes of following Durin's footsteps.

That time was destined to feel even more eternal than the hours spent locked in the prison.