The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 315 I want to do something for the people of the Empire who are enduring the aftermath of the storm

Deep in the Stairway to the Sun Mountains, the devastated battlefield could no longer be seen, and the thick smoke from the artillery fire had been obscured by the dense bushes.

Seeing that they were far enough away from the battlefield, Thanos finally stopped and put Ig on his shoulder in the grass beside him. While setting up a defensive spell in his shadow, he placed a map next to him.

That should be fine.

He clapped his hands and stood up from the ground. At this moment, the rustling sound of a poisonous snake swimming in the grass came. Soon, several green vines coiled upwards and transformed into a noble lady in a black dress.

That person was Blancia, the lord of Despair City and the "Thorny Demon General" under the Demon King.

"Have you seen the Demon King?"

"I see." Hearing the condescending tone, Thanos responded coldly.

Blancia looked at her nails and continued to ask casually.

"Did he give us any new tasks?"

Thanos replied in a hoarse voice.

"No, that adult asked us to wait here."

A trace of resentment appeared on Blancia's face, and she couldn't help but complain.

"How long are we going to stay in this hot and humid place... I'm getting prickly heat all over my body."

Demons are afraid of heat?

Thanos grinned.

This is the funniest joke he's ever heard.

Reading the mockery written on that face, Blancia narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Are you thinking of something disrespectful?"

"No."

Blancia narrowed her eyes and stared at Thanos, who had a fearful look, for a while, and her eyes suddenly fell on Iger, who was lying flat in the grass.

"Is this the devil from the Demon City? The Demon King from the Janna Continent? He doesn't look... that good."

"Yeah." Thanos did not deny this. In fact, this was also the most confusing part for him along the way.

He doesn't understand.

Why would Hell do this, or is there any benefit to Hell from doing this?

It’s really incomprehensible!

If it comes to being a demon king, he is actually a better choice, at least more suitable than this guy!
However, unlike Thanos, Blancia didn't care at all about the things that he was worried about.

On the contrary, she was more interested in his appearance.

"...Tsk tsk, what a cute little face. No wonder the Demon King is fascinated by him." Looking at the beautiful face carefully, Blancia's eyes revealed a hint of jealousy. She wished she could cut it off and stick it on her own face.

certainly--

After all, this person is the Demon King's guest, and she dare not disobey him, so she can only think about it.

Looking at the cold light emanating from the nails, Thanos was unsure what the old woman was going to do. He could only cough and warn her in a hoarse voice.

"Oh, there is one thing... I'd better remind you. Our Majesty has become stronger again."

"Becoming stronger again?!"

Blancia was slightly stunned, and her whole body froze in place, with admiration and intoxication gradually appearing on her pale face.

His Majesty the Demon King who defeated Elder Zakro has become even stronger!
What is above Grandmaster?
Demigod?!
As expected of the Demon King...

Now, not to mention the parliament, even the cabinet is probably in his pocket!
Seeing that this crazy woman didn't seem to be going to attack Yiger, Thanos breathed a sigh of relief and his shadow disappeared into the woods.

He definitely didn't remind Blancia out of some inexplicable desire to protect her...

Mainly for the Demon Lord.

……

The setting sun sank into the sea, and the slowly lighting lights replaced the last ray of afterglow in the sky. The rising and falling waves pushed the ship full of the night into the harbor as quiet as a dead tree.

The sound of cannons echoing along the coastline could no longer be heard, and the originally panicked residents also quieted down, sitting in the tavern with a broken wooden bridge to toast the victory of the empire.

It’s not just the residents who are immersed in the joyous atmosphere—

There were also imperial soldiers from Fort St. Il.

Having been on the front line all year round, they had never fought such an easy battle. The opponents were wiped out in the overwhelming gunfire and hail of bullets without even seeing their faces.

"...I have never seen such weak demons. Are they really from hell?"

"What else? Where else could these ugly things be born except in that damn place?"

"Not all of them are ugly. For example, the demon king looks pretty good."

"Ah, you mean that... I saw it too."

"I heard it was a succubus."

"Succubus?!"

"Hehe, what a pity! It would be better if we could capture him alive..."

"Wipe your saliva! Don't let the chaplain see it!"

At the temporary naval base in St. Ilburg, the imperial soldiers who had just returned from cleaning up the battlefield were still talking about their easy victory with relish.

At this moment, a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds came from far away.

The soldiers looked back and saw a rider riding a horse galloping towards them.

His riding skills were skillful and steady. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he pulled the reins and dismounted gracefully and elegantly.

When his cloak was lifted, revealing the purple moon badge that symbolized his identity, all the soldiers present stood up subconsciously and saluted respectfully.

They might not recognize the face, but they would recognize the Purple Moon emblem. After all, the same Purple Moon flag was flying on the roof of the Governor's Palace in Deadwood Port.

Luo Yan nodded slightly to them, then looked around solemnly, a rare hint of worry showing on his handsome face.

"I heard that Deadwood Harbor was attacked by demons... What's the situation here now? Where are those demons? And how many casualties have you suffered? Where is Baron Teach Kosiah! Ask him to come see me!"

He asked a series of questions one after another, as if he was really anxious. The soldiers standing around looked at each other, and then a non-commissioned officer stepped out and answered respectfully.

"Reporting to His Royal Highness, the demons that attacked Deadwood Harbor have been defeated by our General Hammerton. Peace has now been restored in the port... Please do not panic."

After a pause, he continued.

"Lord Teach Cosia should be with General Hamelton. I can call him over for you."

"Already defeated?"

Luo Yan looked at the sergeant with slight surprise, as if he was hearing the news for the first time.

His frown relaxed slightly, he calmed himself down, and continued.

"No need... Since they are together, take me there. I want to personally thank your general for what happened today."

After saying this, he looked at the servant of the Governor's Mansion who was sent by Captain Kedesen to reward the troops and gave the order.

"How can a banquet celebrating the victory be without wine? Go to the Governor's Mansion and bring ten barrels of rum to distribute to the soldiers!"

Originally they were not allowed to drink alcohol.

But if it was a reward from the prince, it would be different. Even if General Hamelton blamed them, they could also push the blame on His Royal Highness.

"Oh oh oh!!"

"Long live Prince Colin!"

"Long live the Empire!"

The soldiers cheered for the prince's wisdom, and then selected a few young and strong men to follow the servants of the governor's mansion to get wine from the warehouse.

Luo Yan then looked at the non-commissioned officer beside him, who immediately understood and nodded.

"Your Highness, please follow me... I will take you to see the general."

Luo Yan nodded slightly, climbed back on his horse, followed the sergeant, and headed towards the fortress on the nearby hill.

On the fortress walls, the zombie soldiers on duty had been withdrawn and replaced by the militia from Deadwood Port.

They also did not recognize Luo Yan's face, but like the sailors of St. Ilburg, they all recognized the purple moon emblem on his cloak, guessed his identity, and bowed to him.

"Your Highness the Prince!"

Luo Yan did not greet them, but just nodded slightly, then handed the warhorse to the militia guarding the gate.

"Just send me here, and I can go on my own from now on."

Nodding to the sergeant who led the way, Luo Yan thanked him and then strode towards the camp inside the fortress.

In the main tent in the center of the camp, a bonfire was burning.

Hamelton was leaning back in his chair, savoring the delicious food that he had not had time to finish.

As the saying goes, when you are well fed and clothed, you will think about sex. Although the baron of Deadwood Harbor has treated him well with good food and drink these days, he still feels that something is missing.

Deadwood Harbor is a place with beautiful scenery and rich resources, but it is a little deserted. The tavern is full of men, just like Saint Ilburg, there is not even a dancing girl to accompany the drinking.

Is this appropriate?

It's so inappropriate!

General Hamelton couldn't help but think for the Governor of Deadwood Port, why not open a brothel here?

This doesn't seem to be something an imperial general should do, but... this is an emergency and we have to take the necessary measures.

He even built a port and a quarry, but he still lacks a place for the soldiers to drink and have fun?

Well, one is missing. General Hamelton started to plan again. Why not just use Deadwood Harbor as a resort for the Imperial Navy? Oh no, a repair base. It just so happens that the Lizardmen here are also good at repairing ships.

Asking professionals to do the wrong things will eventually lead to a situation where the plan is haphazard. The admiral was completely unaware that his plan had deviated from its original track.

His thoughts continued to wander, and as he thought, he somehow thought of the rookie devil he met this afternoon.

Speaking of which——

That little face is so handsome, especially that look of shame and anger, which makes people want to lock it up in the dungeon and bully it severely.

In the past, he could never understand why the nobles of the empire would leave beautiful girls behind and keep male lovers. Now he understood a little bit. If it was that guy, then it was not impossible...

General Hamelton suddenly woke up, a drop of cold sweat ran down his forehead, and he took a gulp of rum to suppress the evil thoughts in his heart.

so close--

As expected of a succubus!
I almost got into trouble!

Seeing that General Hamelton's glass was empty, Teach, who was unaware of the situation, immediately refilled his glass and urged him to drink more.

"General, you have a good alcohol tolerance! Let's continue! Haha! We won't go home until we are drunk tonight!"

He urged Hamelton to drink not because he wanted to take advantage of him, but mainly because if he got this guy drunk he wouldn't be asked any questions.

All lies are exposed because of inconsistency. The more he says, the more holes there are. If you want to avoid revealing holes, you can only try not to say anything yourself and let the other person say it.

Just as the two were toasting each other, a report suddenly came from outside the tent.

"His Royal Highness has arrived!"

Teach and Hamelton were stunned when they heard this, then they put down their glasses and stood up to face the door of the tent.

Almost at the same time when the two men stood up, the curtain of the tent was lifted, revealing a face with sharp edges and imposing demeanor.

Unlike those soldiers who only recognize badges and not faces.

General Hamelton did not see the purple moon on the cloak at first glance, but almost the moment he saw the face clearly, he was sure that this person was no ordinary person!

This was the vision he had developed in the Holy City—a truly noble person would not use badges to demonstrate his status.

Just by standing there, they will automatically become the nucleus of a group of people and the center of everyone's expectations.

Teach, who was sitting opposite him, quickly confirmed his first instinct, as he saw the baron performing aristocratic etiquette respectfully and humbly.

"Your Highness the Prince!"

In order not to be considered a vulgar person by the other party, General Hamelton also subconsciously followed suit and saluted...but he would not normally do this.

"Your Highness, ever since I set foot on this port, I have often heard people here mention your reputation. And seeing you today, it is indeed different!"

"You are too kind, General Hamelton," Luo Yan responded with standard imperial aristocratic etiquette, looking at the humbly bowed Imperial Navy Admiral and said sincerely, "I have received your letter, and I have been looking forward to meeting you. Unfortunately, I was meeting with the King of the United Kingdom of Gutaf in Assam City, and only recently returned to the north of the Stairway to the Sun Mountains... I am really sorry to have kept you waiting here for so long."

"That's nothing!" Hammerton smiled naively, looking at the prince in front of him, and continued eagerly, "A noble person like you is worth my time and wait. What's more...what happened this afternoon shows that my decision was correct. Perhaps this is also the will of Saint Sith."

"Speaking of which...I have to thank you."

Luo Yan nodded to Hamelton and continued speaking in a solemn and sincere tone.

"On behalf of the people of Deadwood Harbor, thank you for lending a helping hand to us in times of crisis! Everyone here, including me, owes you a favor... I toast to you with this glass!"

After saying this, he picked up the wine glass on the table, took the wine jug from the waiter and filled it up himself, then drank it all in front of General Hamelton.

General Hamelton looked flattered and spoke quickly.

"You are too polite, Your Highness. It is our duty as soldiers to defend the empire. We can't just leave you and your people alone. Besides, there are only a few hundred monsters. They are nothing to worry about. My soldiers can defeat them in a matter of minutes... It's a pity that the demon king escaped!"

This statement is different from that of the previous sergeant.

As for which one Luo Yan believed, he would of course believe what General Hamelton said.

After all, he was just standing there watching those players die, and when the game was almost over, he sent Thanos to finish it off.

Otherwise, relying on Iger's small body, it would be difficult for him to escape from this general with gold-level strength.

Demons of the same level are no match for humans, let alone those who are one level lower.

"Demon King?" Luo Yan frowned slightly and looked at General Hamelton in confusion. "Sorry... I don't quite understand, what does Demon King mean?"

Tiqi glanced at him secretly, with admiration written all over his eyes, and then hurriedly looked away.

“…This is exactly what I want to explain to you!”

Without noticing the look in the baron's eyes, Hamelton looked at Luo Yan seriously and said earnestly.

"It is very likely that Hell has already set its sights on this land! And that demon king was sent here as an outpost by them!"

The air in the tent became quiet, and the candlelight on the candlestick dimly reflected the changeable expression on Luo Yan's face.

He pondered for a long time, then looked at General Hamelton and said.

"I'm sorry, General. It seems that in the past five hundred years... too many things have happened outside that the Colin family doesn't know about. Can you tell me in more detail? I think this is not only related to the safety of the Principality of Colin, but also to the United Kingdom of Gutav... Please tell me everything you know."

Hamelton nodded to show his understanding, took a deep breath to suppress his drunkenness, and continued.

"The so-called Demon Lord Territory... is the nail that Hell has stuck in the heart of the empire. They usually appear in the form of a maze, and sometimes they are castles or ruins. In short, they are not good things. Monsters will continue to pour out of the maze. But on the other hand, killing monsters will drop magic crystals, and some adventurers make a living from it."

Luo Yan nodded and motioned for him to continue.

General Hamelton continued.

"From the Empire's perspective, we certainly hope to eliminate all of these labyrinths, but those demons are quite cunning. They never fight us head-on, but rely on the terrain for defense. Once our forces are tied down by them, they can take the opportunity to gain a greater advantage on the front line. Therefore, we usually can only rely on the Adventurer's Guild and the power of the local lords to deal with these demons hiding in the labyrinths... Even if we can't wipe them out, we can at least suppress them."

"How were they born? I'm more concerned about this." Luo Yan said with a frown.

General Hamelton said in a deep voice.

"At present, we are only speculating that among the drowning survivors you have taken in, there may be followers of the demon god."

"How is this possible?!" Luo Yan looked at him in astonishment. "Aren't they all devout believers? How could there be followers of the devil mixed in with them?"

Hamelton smiled bitterly and sighed.

"Everyone claims to be a devout believer, but no one knows what they really think. Maybe some people pray to the statue of Saint Sith during the day, and sell their souls to succubi at night... ahem, I mean demons."

"How can there be such a hateful person..." Luo Yan clenched his fists tightly, his lips trembling with anger.

"Indeed... these unforgivable guys must go to hell! I cannot coexist with them!" Hamelton swore a sinister oath, and then quickly changed the subject, "In short, the empire's territory is too large, and the population is too large. We can't guarantee that everyone believes in Saint Sith from the bottom of their hearts, especially those sailors who have been away from the church for many years... I don't trust them at all."

Luo Yan pressed his index finger between his eyebrows and spoke in a sad tone.

"That is to say...the people who fell into the water and I rescued sold their souls to the devil?"

General Hamelton nodded and spoke in a heavy voice.

"So far, yes... I believe in my soldiers, and your territory has not been corrupted by hell for so many years. I think the natives of Deadwood Harbor are simple and honest. So there is only one explanation - the drowning people you rescued ran to the depths of the Stairway to the Sun Mountains and drew a teleportation array there to summon demons. Now that things have come to this, there is no point in cursing them. We can only prepare countermeasures to prevent greater bitter consequences."

Luo Yan had a complicated expression when he heard this, and sighed after a moment.

"So that's how it is... When I took them in, it was only out of my noble duty. I couldn't leave those drowning people adrift without support. Moreover, Deadwood Harbor was originally built by the survivors of drowning, and taking in the imperial people left behind here was the ancestral teaching passed down to me by my father. What reason did I have to reject them? But I didn't expect... that they would repay me in this way."

Teach, who was slacking off, suddenly noticed that Lumire, who was disguised as a servant, was winking at him, so he quickly stepped forward and said with a sad face.

"Your Highness! These bugs are not worth saving! Let's drive them out—"

“No, Baron Cosia,” Luo Yan shook his head and interrupted Tiqi’s mid-sentence in an unacceptable tone. “Even if something like this happened, I still have to say that only a very small number of people betrayed us... Just like General Hammerton said, we cannot guarantee that everyone is loyal to us. There will always be people who sell their souls to the succubus at night.”

Hamelton quickly responded, "Yes, uh...but I'm talking about the devil."

"It's all the same, the same meaning." Luo Yan shook his head, then cast his eyes towards the campfire outside the tent. "It is precisely because of such a regrettable thing that we should not shut out the people of Saint Sith, but should be kind to those compatriots who share the same faith with us. If we close the door, we will push them into the arms of the devil, and their resentment will turn into endless trouble for us... I think it is precisely because they have been neglected for a long time that they have gone astray. Let me bear this price."

"Your Highness..." Tiqi stared at Luo Yan in a daze. For a moment, it was as if he saw the Holy Father in the Book of Holy Words.

There seemed to be a real glow behind him!
After a pause, Luo Yan continued.

"In order to prevent them from being corrupted by demons, we should let them live a better life. I think this is also one of the missions entrusted to nobles like me by Saint Sith - am I right, General Hamelton?"

When Hamelton heard these words, he was immediately in awe and couldn't help but put his fist to his chest.

"…Your Highness is indeed broad-minded. I admire you very much! Imperial nobles like you who uphold noble responsibilities are becoming increasingly rare nowadays."

Luo Yan's face was calm and he nodded slightly humbly.

"General, you are too kind. Just like you are fulfilling your duty as a soldier, I am just fulfilling my duty as a nobleman."

If only the nobles of the Holy City were like this gentleman—

This thought flashed through Hamilton's mind for a moment.

Most of those guys had forgotten their obligations and only remembered the power in their hands and the wealth they had gained with it. They even wanted to get a piece of the disaster profits from the "Big Storm".

He hated it.

Perhaps it was for this reason that he passively refused to cooperate with those businessmen.

Even if, as the quartermaster said, it was actually a good solution, at least it was much easier than building a port and a quarry in unfamiliar waters.

Looking at Hamelton who looked moved, Luo Yan continued speaking in a sincere tone.

"I want to do something for my subjects, and for the people of the Empire who are enduring the aftermath of the storm, but my power alone is too small... Are you willing to lend me a hand?"

"Your Highness, you are too kind. Your idea is admirable. It is my honor to be able to help you."

General Hamelton performed a noble salute respectfully, his enthusiastic eyes seemed to be burning with flames.

At this moment, there was no longer any succubus or those empty evil thoughts in his eyes.

He found the meaning of his existence here!
"If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know!"

Luo Yan nodded slightly, looked at the general with appreciation, and then continued.

"My parents taught me that if you want to solve your own urgent needs, you must first find the urgent needs of others."

"First, please tell me what you need."

(End of this chapter)