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

Chapter 24

As the Central region established order and the balance of power gradually stabilized, the castle found its peace. The addition of another prominent figure to the leadership, which had been divided between Rudmila and Durin, provided significant assistance.

A judge who reined in the instinct-driven demons, based on the Demon Realm Law.

The protagonist of this role was the long-lived Chief Justice, Mateus. A scholar of law who always carried the scripture in his right hand, he had such a kind and gentle demeanor that one might not even recognize him as a demon from afar. Thus, he calmed the confused demons, preventing them from feeling a sense of crisis.

"Strange rumors are circulating in the fortress."

However, the peace that came too early turned out to be a poison. Though he sat quietly in the Great Hall as usual, demons approached him first, showering him with flattery. Such a thing would have been unimaginable if Durin were present.

"They say the Regent is searching for a new king."

"Haha. I know nothing of it. It could just be a baseless rumor, or perhaps it is truly happening."

"Then I must inform the Chief Justice of the rumors spreading among the people."

"I am indeed curious about what you know. I will listen."

"How could you be so humble? It's no wonder everyone is captivated by your character, Chief Justice."

Words unbefitting of a demon flowed out incessantly. Neither strength nor enchantment, but something mediocre and unimpressive.

It was from this moment that the Chief Justice's smile began to fade.

"Enough with the unnecessary remarks. Please get to the point. This old man does not have time to wait."

"Haha. It's nothing much, but it seems someone is inciting the Regent to search for a Throne Successor. Even though, according to the Demon Realm Law, everyone knows which demon should be granted the coronation."

"That is a dangerous rumor. If it reaches Her Excellency's ears, there will be severe consequences."

"Exactly my point. Who else but the Regent could dare to discuss the throne so recklessly? However, such talk is circulating in the streets. To interpret it, they say the Green Horn Demons are secretly plotting something...."

The Red Horn Demon trailed off. His intent was so blatant that it bordered on foolishness.

"Haha. Isn't it truly seditious?"

"Hmm...."

The Chief Justice refrained from speaking. He maintained his silence, as was fitting for someone responsible for upholding order in the Demon Realm. Moreover, matters often resolved themselves without him needing to intervene.

"What nonsense is this!"

A large group entered through the wide-open doors of the Great Hall. The Green Horn Demons, dressed in ceremonial attire for the first time in a long while, flooded in like a tide.

"Who dares to spread such rumors? I will crush them with my own hands!"

"Step aside, Duke of the East. This is a conversation between the Chief Justice and us."

"Isn't it absurd to involve us in such baseless nonsense and then make such claims? It seems everyone has lost their minds since the king fled."

"How rude!"

"The rudeness started with you, didn't it?"

The Eastern nobles smirked as they looked at the Red Horns. Though emotions ran high and a fight seemed imminent, the Red Horns offered no response.

"It's the same old story. The brilliance of the First Demon King is long gone, leaving only such incompetent individuals among the Red Horns.... The Regent truly has my sympathy."

It was a scene that aptly reflected the current state of the castle. Ironically, after Durin's sudden purge of rebels, the East had gained power. Initially, it seemed like the East was being suppressed for centralization, but the situation unfolded in the opposite direction.

After a secret meeting with the Grand Duke, there was no sign of expelling the Eastern nobles, let alone touching them. Durin focused solely on nurturing the Southern Warriors he had personally trained. Compared to the efforts the Central Red Horns had put into elevating the Regent to the throne, their rewards were pitiful.

Furthermore, with the Red Horn who had abandoned the throne and fled, they were inevitably at a disadvantage in terms of power. With the expectations placed on the Regent now dashed, only one lifeline remained.

Of course, even that was not easily within reach.

"Hmm. Voices are raised in this sacred Great Hall. Wouldn't it be better for everyone to exercise some restraint?"

When Chief Justice Mateus intervened, the heated atmosphere instantly cooled. As the Elder Demon fiddled with the scripture, a heavy weight seemed to press down on the Great Hall. It was the authority he wielded as Chief Justice.

The years of the longest-surviving resident of the current Demon King's Castle were imbued in the law. Unlike the tyrannical Durin or the enchanting Rudmila, he was of a different nature. In some ways, it resembled the Dominion Power wielded by past Demon Kings, leaving the demons no choice but to fall silent.

"The decision will be made by the Regent and the Chief Shaman, who will determine the direction of the castle. Our role here is to listen to their decision and offer assistance if there's a better path. Isn't that right?"

Mateus looked around. He demanded an answer.

The invisible, immense pressure weighed down on everyone, forcing them to stare at the ground. It was a sight that pleased the Chief Justice.

"Haha. Thank you for following the words of this old man. Now, let us prepare for a constructive discussion."

His kind smile returned. Holding the scripture tightly to his chest, he gazed down the distant corridor.

Step—step—

"Regent Durin and Chief Shaman Rudmila are entering. Everyone, show your respect!"

The one who carried the weight of fate and the shaman who could foresee his path were arriving together.

Behind them trailed a small demon, trying to look composed but appearing rather foolish.

That child. That child would determine the fate of the throne.

"Let us hope the nightmares of the past do not continue."

Even if he could not carve out the future, his task was to place the present on a solid foundation.

As always, the Chief Justice would support with the law.

#

"Reports about the Human Realm are coming in steadily."

It began quietly. Though the content was unsettling, considering the urgent matters the current Demon Realm had to address, it was within the norm. When Durin looked at Rudmila, she formed a seal and conjured a large sphere in the center of the Great Hall.

"It doesn't seem like the Demon King is causing major trouble. Rather, it feels like the humans are in chaos, stumbling over themselves. Could this also be that woman's doing?"

"She doesn't have the capability for that. If she had any sense, she wouldn't have fled but would have led the Demon Realm's army to crush the human kingdoms entirely, without resorting to such strange schemes."

"That's why I can't figure out her intentions. Our shamans are trying to reconstruct the information sent by our informants in the Human Realm, but... it's not easy."

Rudmila let out a deep sigh. Durin could understand her frustration. The various texts and images floating on the surface revealed no single connection.

[Arrived in the Southern desert region. Avoiding major cities during movement.]

[The Pope. Suspects the Hero's disappearance and blames the Demon King. Declares annihilation of demon-worshipping factions in retaliation.]

[Eastern regions destroyed by inquisition. Demon King's traces found in the Western ruins.]

[No further traces of the Demon King found. Only the number of cities destroyed by the inquisition continues to rise.]

"What on earth is happening?"

"It's the usual in the Human Realm. They fight among themselves, raising only their fear of death. It's actually beneficial for us, so it's better to leave it alone for now."

"That's true. Eventually, an angel will come to clean up the mess, so let's not waste our strength over there. Besides, we don't even have a Gate to cross over, do we? It's laughable how we're mere bystanders in the grand flow of the world."

Rudmila chuckled dryly. Thanks to the demon-worshippers in the Human Realm, they could at least receive this much information, but beyond that, they were in the dark. Even the Hero, who had been thrown as a reason for her escape, was now unconscious and imprisoned by Durin.

Then, what was the purpose of her actions?

A shaman could only glimpse the faint flow of fate, unable to fully unveil the veil. That was something only the Prophetess of Oracle, who occasionally appeared within the flow of fate, could know. With no Gate to the Human Realm except for the Southern ruins that only the Demon King could use, there was nothing they could do.

"For now, we prepare. Whatever happens, we must be ready to endure."

"We have no choice but to trust, don't we?"

"We will overcome. Do your part."

"If more information comes in, I'll share it at the next meeting. For now, this is all we have."

The Chief Shaman gave a bitter smile. The power of the castle was still far too insufficient for her to fully exert her strength. The future belongs to those who endure all hardships.

Durin focused even more on strengthening the foundation.

"Then, let us move on to the next agenda. I believe this is something everyone is aware of."

The Regent's meaningful remark awakened the Great Hall.

The Red Horn, who had been gloomy at the mention of the Demon King, perked up his ears, while the Green Horn, eyeing the next great authority, gleamed with anticipation.

"For the Demon Realm to survive, that throne cannot remain empty. A figure to stabilize the center is necessary."

If Durin made an official declaration, a rightful successor would soon be established.

The Regent's final task: to crown the Demon Realm's king.

The era he had forged with power would fade, and a new dawn would rise. The future of the High Demons was at stake.

"However, such an important matter cannot be hastily decided by the Regent's authority alone. It must be discussed and verified thoroughly."

"Indeed. We cannot repeat the calamities caused by the Previous Demon King."

It was a comment left by a Green Horn Demon. Their momentum was considerable, and for good reason—Durin had personally brought the Grand Duke's daughter to the Great Hall, whom they served. To anyone, the outcome seemed predetermined.

"Your Excellency, Regent. Please make a wise decision and lead our castle."

"As I just said, I will not hastily crown anyone. Shouldn't it be a king supported by all?"

"Indeed. Through thorough verification, a great demon must be..."

"The Electors will be selected first. High Demons, capable of properly assessing the qualities of a king, will choose the successor."

Electors. An ancient relic mentioned somewhere in the Demon Realm's scripture.

The Green Horn Demons, who thought Durin would make an immediate declaration, were taken aback.

"E-Electors, you say?"

"You heard correctly. To select a more certain king, we will follow the Demon King Selection method written in the scripture. Chief Justice, does my statement violate the law?"

"It is lawful. The selection of the First Demon King was also conducted in this manner, creating the current Demon Realm. In this time of chaos with the king's absence, it carries the meaning of a fresh start. As a legal scholar of the castle and a maintainer of the Demon Realm's order, I support the Regent."

Chief Justice Mateus also joined in. The gazes that had gathered on Serphin, who had been sitting idly in a corner, scattered all at once.

Considering his past actions, it was inevitable that support would lean toward the East. However, the direction he now proposed allowed demons from other continents to seize an opportunity.

Of course, if the East became king without any surprises through this selection, it would establish a golden legacy of legitimacy, having produced a Demon King before and following proper procedures. But it was better than having no possibility at all.

"The method for selecting the Electors is simple. From the five continents, including the Central Continent, two of the highest-ranking demons will be nominated. Those with the authority to select a king will be seated in that position, and once all members are gathered, the throne will be opened for claims to the kingship."

Durin looked around. For now, only the divided Red Horn and Green Horn were visible.

However, if this rumor spread, powerful figures who had been observing from afar would emerge.

"So, find them. You can directly support and establish the king you desire."

A small breeze stirred by the Regent.

It was the starting point of a storm that could only grow into a massive gale.

#

"That child has caused quite a stir again."

After the meeting ended and the nobles dispersed, Rudmila glanced around cautiously as she spoke. Her crimson eyes were fixed on Serphin.

"Weren't you planning to put forth a king here? I thought you would."

"Rushing things only leads to trouble."

"Even after making a deal with the Grand Duke, I didn't expect you to stop here. I thought he would immediately lead his army and declare his daughter as the Throne Successor."

"Something similar will happen soon."

"...What?"

Rudmila lowered her voice. However, she couldn't completely suppress the scream that escaped. A few nobles paused their steps and looked at the two, prompting Rudmila to cover her mouth with her hand.

"The Grand Duke's army is coming here?"

"Yes. In exchange for imprisoning his daughter, I gained his permission."

"Wait, wait. Normally, I would interrupt you here and scold you for your thoughts."

Rudmila composed herself. She exaggerated her gestures to express her pounding heart.

"But I'm different now. I've been closely observing your actions."

"You've put in a lot of effort."

"I appreciate the compliment, but I'm feeling a bit scared right now, so it's not sinking in."

She displayed an expression that seemed somewhat broken.

"As you said, to form the Electorate, we need to bring strong individuals from each continent. But the problem is, with the king's escape, the West and North have completely cut off contact with us."

"Even the few nobles we sent have all fled. At the time, we lacked the capacity to capture them, which was regrettable."

"Right. So, those regions won't participate in this Demon King Selection. Even if they wanted to send armies, they can't easily withdraw them because they're bordering the Angel Outpost."

"If they withdraw... they'll die outright. No, even if they come, I will stop them."

"Then that leaves three continents?"

The Central, East, and South.

"But if you think about it carefully, the South is Durin's, essentially your territory."

"Who knows? They are demons with free will, after all."

"Don't say something so absurd. The East, you've clearly made a deal, so they'll put forth that child named Serphin. As for the Central... they'll probably support someone, but as I mentioned during the Southern rebellion, they lack a successor. There's no Red Horn Demon with the necessary capabilities."

"They were all killed by someone."

It was a matter of the distant past. Despite the Red Horn Demons having historically produced kings, this was part of the reason they currently lacked power.

"So, in the end, it will flow into a battle between the powerless Central and the East, which has your support."

"A battle wouldn't even form. The gap is too wide. Wouldn't it proceed more smoothly?"

"The problem is that this isn't what you want. You're planning to see bloodshed again."

Rudmila shuddered. It seemed as though past memories were resurfacing.

"The Central will eventually find candidates close to the throne within the Demon Realm and make them claimants to the kingship. Information about those who have been waiting in silence will surface."

"......."

"You've already decided on the king in your heart and hold a list of those who could threaten that position."

Thus, the Chief Shaman had no choice but to ask the Regent.

"Are you planning to eliminate them all?"

Purge.

The bloodshed that always followed the consolidation of power.

Durin did not deny it.

"If necessary."

He smiled instead, through the crimson eyes beyond the helmet.

"We must eradicate them all before the Angel arrives."