The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 331: The Passion of the Empire

The setting sun slowly sank into the horizon following the wheels of the carriage, and the twilight enveloped the Valencia family's estate like a veil.

This majestic building stands on the outskirts of the holy city, as majestic as the unshakable power of the empire for thousands of years.

Unlike Hilfen Manor on Sage Street, there are no streets here and no fashionable house numbers.

The Valencia Family is the only gate here, and it is said that five hundred years ago, this place itself was a castle. It was not until the urban area of ​​the holy city expanded to this area that the Valencia Family demolished the castle walls and turned it into a manor.

In the tea room on the second floor of the manor, Albert Valencia and the "Regent" Granville Porta were sitting leisurely in front of the tall French windows.

On the coffee table, there is a silver-colored tea set, and the rose-colored tea soup is swaying slowly in the crystal clear bone china cup.

Albert narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the carriage that was slowly driving into the courtyard, with a hint of sincere admiration in his tone.

"I didn't expect Prince Colin to be so young. I thought the rumors were a bit exaggerated, but I didn't expect what I saw with my own eyes to be even more incredible than the rumors."

The Hilfen family's carriage rolled over the gravel path, making a low, crisp rumbling sound.

Outside the window, the servants in the garden were lined up neatly, waiting respectfully and quietly for the arrival of the guests.

Granville chuckled when he heard this, and flicked the teaspoon in his hand with his index finger, saying slowly: "Indeed, the power of platinum level is something that many nobles struggle for their entire lives to achieve. Young people like him may not be seen once in a hundred years."

The friendship between the Porta family and the Valencia family is even older than the Valencia family's manor, and can even be traced back to the First Era a thousand years ago.

Although there is a big age gap between Granville and Albert, there is no barrier between them in their conversation, just like close friends.

In fact, it was with Abbott's support that Granville became regent.

Although the Bota family was prominent, it was still far behind the Valencia family. Whether in terms of historical background or supernatural power, the latter was absolutely T0 in the entire Holy City.

Even though Albert, the head of the family, is not known for his extraordinary powers.

Looking at the carriage outside the window, Granville put down the teaspoon in his hand, paused for a moment and continued.

"To be honest, a platinum-level warrior in his early twenties, even if he is protected by his ancestors, this strength is quite impressive. Even if you tell me that he is the chosen one of Saint Sith, I will believe it without a doubt."

"Who knows? You might have guessed it right," Albert smiled and continued with a bright look, "Otherwise it is hard to explain why he is so perfect... Whether it is the purity of his soul, his elegant and decent conversation and manners, and the most valuable thing is his emphasis on tradition and honor. No wonder the Hilfen family is so interested in him."

"A defender of traditional aristocratic honor." Granville nodded slowly, with approval in his eyes, and continued, "This is exactly the power our Senate needs."

Various forces in the Holy City are fighting against each other. The military officer faction continues to expand its influence among civilians in the name of loyalty, while the Vatican faction is ambitiously coveting secular power.

If the elder statesmen could establish a solid alliance with Prince Colin, they could at least curb the ambitions of all parties.

The carriage outside the window finally stopped steadily, the servants opened the door respectfully, and the first person to step out of the carriage was a pair of shiny black boots.

The lights in front of the manor gate gradually lit up at the same time, making the young and tall figure even more eye-catching, just like a pair of eyes focused on him.

Granville and Albert looked at each other, smiled knowingly, and put the bone china teacup back on the tray.

"It's time to go greet our guests."

Night fell over the entire manor, but the arrival of Prince Colin lit a bright light for the future of the Senate.

However, this lamp illuminates not only the elders of the empire, but also the devout believers who see the invisible light emanating from Prince Colin.

On the terrace of the Valencia family estate, the evening breeze was cool, and the gorgeous glass chandeliers softly cast a layer of warm yellow light, playing a soothing prelude to the feast that was about to begin.

Count Cassiter Hilfen stood beside the carved stone railing with a gentle smile on his face, holding a half glass of amber wine in his hand, and quietly watching his own carriage parked not far away.

Next to him, a man standing upright and well-dressed had a look of surprise on his face and praised generously.

"I've always heard people say that Prince Colin is young and promising. Today I see that his reputation is well-deserved!"

After a pause, he couldn't help but speak again.

"To have achieved platinum-level strength at such a young age is not an easy feat even with a distinguished family background...Did he successfully defeat a demon king?"

This man's name is Todwin Abol - this name is also a well-known name in the continent of Os.

In addition to titles that are familiar to countless adventurers, such as "Leader of the Silver Hand Adventure Group" and "The Unfathomable Baron", he is also the president of the Adventurers' Guild!
As everyone knows, the Adventurer's Guild was founded by the Holy See. In other words, Mr. Todwin not only has a baron position with the Emperor, but also has a position with Saint Sith.

Cassidy laughed when he heard that.

"How can there be so many demon kings to fight? Besides, the Janna Continent has just broken free from the Dragon God's barrier... But I heard that the Janna Continent is a poor and barren land with countless dangerous monsters and poisonous insects, as well as primitive lizard tribes that eat raw meat and drink blood. I think there should be no shortage of opportunities for training."

Tuo Dewen nodded, agreeing with this statement.

Then, he turned his gaze from outside the terrace and looked at Cassidy again, speaking with interest.

"You seem to know him well."

"I can't say I know him very well, but compared to you guys, I do have more contact with him."

When he said this, Cassid smiled slightly, his eyes revealing some genuine appreciation, and he spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Moreover, I am more surprised by his attainments in the field of art than his extraordinary powers. The other day I learned from Baron Harvey Medea that when he was painting for Prince Colin, he and Prince Colin had a discussion about art techniques and schools. His understanding of abstract art...even Baron Medea is ashamed of himself."

"Even Baron Medea is ashamed of himself?!"

Tuo Dewen raised his eyebrows, showing an interested expression, and continued.

"This...this is too unexpected."

As a member of the Vanity Fair of the Holy City, although he did not often deal with artists, he had heard of Baron Medea's amazing painting skills.

According to the Pope himself, Baron Medea is the only one who can make the canvas come alive like a magic photo through pure painting skills.

That is art so pure that it reaches deep into the soul!

He is the only one in this field!
"That's not all that surprised me," Cassiter said, taking a sip of wine leisurely. "In short, both I and His Holiness the Pope are quite satisfied with him."

Art and religion are inseparable. Both are reflections of the human spiritual world, except that one is projected onto canvas and the other onto scriptures.

Since before the First Era, the Church of Saint Sissis has been the patron of artists in the Holy City. Even until two hundred years ago, artists in the entire Holy City made a living by painting for churches.

Including the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts.

The emergence of so many art schools is only in the last two hundred years. Before that, most famous painters were priests or people related to priests.

Therefore, from the perspective of the Vatican, a family that understands art and values ​​the education of their children naturally has the attribute of piety.

To describe it in one sentence - his character is as perfect as the textbook of the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts!
At least in his eyes.

The smile on Tuo Dewen's face gradually deepened, and he understood and said, "It seems that he is not only powerful, but also thoughtful. Such a person must be a worthy target for the Senate, the Imperial Army, or our Church."

Cassite smiled slightly, with a secret and confident light in his eyes: "The Adventurer's Guild must also be very interested in this young prince, right?"

Tuo Dewen laughed heartily and said frankly, "That's right, Your Excellency! I have always wanted to talk to Prince Colin about opening a branch of the Adventurer's Guild in Janna! The Colin family is very powerful in Janna. If we can get their support, our work will be much smoother... I wonder if you are willing to help?"

Cassidy nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his face.

"Why not? I am happy to introduce you. I believe that with His Highness Colin's devotion to Saint Sith, he will not refuse such a thing."

The Adventurer's Guild's expansion of overseas business was something the Holy See welcomed, so of course he was willing to act as a lobbyist to bring the two together.

Tuo Dewen was delighted when he heard that. A hint of excitement flashed uncontrollably in his eyes, and he raised the wine glass in his hand with joy.

"Great! With you in charge, this matter will definitely be settled!"

Cassidy clinked glasses with him with a smile, accepting the favor, and everything was said without words.

I think tonight must be a fruitful night...

……

While the Vatican faction was pondering how to establish a deeper bond with this promising young prince, the military officers of the empire were not willing to lag behind.

Right at the entrance of the main building of the manor, which was crowded with people and beautiful women, two men with completely different temperaments stood among a group of people in gorgeous costumes of various colors.

They were also wearing aristocratic clothing, but the same clothes were worn on their bodies with sharp edges like blades, like a military uniform without a rank.

One of the middle-aged men with black hair and a resolute face was Marshal Laco Aberg, known as the "Black Iron Eagle". The man with fiery red hair standing next to him was Army Commander Julian Keller, the president of the "Red Shield Brotherhood". The so-called "Red Shield Brotherhood" was not an organization like the Adventurer's Guild, but an unofficial club organized by middle and lower-level officers. Its organization was inspired by the Adventurer's Guild of the Holy See, and its core was inspired by the large and small "invitation-based" salons in the Holy City.

Its original purpose was to help veterans solve their livelihoods in the second half of their lives. Later, as the number of members increased, it naturally developed into a political entity in which civilian officers helped each other.

From the perspective of the nobles, this is of course evil without a doubt. After all, it is natural for the nobles to stick together. That is the friendship between their ancestors and it is for the cohesion of the empire. What do a group of cannon fodder want to do by sticking together?
However, although the Senate has many complaints and criticisms about the Red Shield Brotherhood, since these "Emperor's adopted sons" are ultimately under the banner of loyalty to the Emperor, the Emperor's true sons cannot say anything.

Over time, as the Aberg family, which possessed the "demigod heritage", disagreed with the mainstream nobles and was gradually squeezed out to the side of the young officers, the originally weak officer faction immediately became a rising new force.

They represent citizens whose voices have long been silenced.

If the nobles and clergy still had some reluctance to win over Roxel Colin, they would do whatever it took to win him over to their side.

In fact, they are already doing it.

General Hamelton invested a lot of resources in Deadwood Harbor regardless of the cost. It would have been impossible to accomplish this with just his own strength and the face of a few letters.

He felt that he had not taken sides, but in fact he had been in Marshal Laco Eberg's team from beginning to end, it was just that the people who used him were not interested in pointing it out.

"...The news from General Hamelton is indeed not exaggerated." Marshal Laco put his hands behind his back and stared straight at the prince who was getting off the carriage. The more he looked at him, the more admiration he felt. "He is so young but already has platinum-level strength. I wish he was a general under my command."

Julian laughed and said with a hint of joking in his tone.

"Haha, isn't it a waste of talent to let a prince be your general?"

"I'm just saying this," Marshal Laco grinned, paused for a moment, squinted his eyes and continued, "There are many powerful young nobles in the empire, but it is rare to find someone like this who has both strength and reputation and is recognized by all parties."

not only that--

What's even rarer is his loyalty!
Not to mention the nobles who sucked blood from the empire, even within the officer faction there were a large number of corrupt and profit-seeking people.

But this Colin was different.

He is not a moral purist who regards money as dirt, but he has strict bottom lines and good ethics about "what money can be earned and what money cannot be earned".

This is the most valuable thing.

What the nobles of the empire lack the most is bottom line. Their willful use of power has corroded the foundation of the empire. The Aberg family was squeezed out of this circle and was not tolerated by the mainstream simply because they expressed dissatisfaction with this.

"...Hamilton told me that when the prince was in Deadwood Harbor, he not only helped the empire solve the urgent supply problem, but also demonstrated extraordinary organizational and management skills. Most importantly, he is not as arrogant and frivolous as ordinary nobles, and he always maintains enough respect for the soldiers. This kind of pragmatic and well-educated noble is almost a rare animal in the empire." Julian couldn't help but admire him.

If all the nobles of the empire were like this prince, he would not be so disgusted with these hypocritical and pedantic guys.

Marshal Laco saw the bottom line and ethics, while he saw pragmatism and respect.

certainly--

The most important thing is land.

Expanding the empire's territory is the value of the imperial warriors.

Not only that, from the perspective of practical interests, the vast undivided territories outside the vast ocean do belong to the sphere of influence of the "officer faction".

This is also their biggest bargaining chip to compete with the Senate and the Vatican.

Marshal Laco nodded slowly.

"That's right. The Empire's army doesn't judge heroes by bloodline. It only looks at whether a person is capable and responsible. If this young prince can truly stand on our side, it will undoubtedly be a huge boost to the Empire's future reforms."

When he said this, he paused for a moment, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he continued.

"Since he's here, let's stop chatting here and go talk to him directly."

Julian thought so too and nodded happily.

However, just as the two were about to step forward, they saw two familiar figures appear under the gate of the main building of the manor.

The owner of the manor, Albert Valencia, and the "Regent" Granville Porta walked side by side with friendly smiles on their faces and came out of the door of the banquet hall.

This action instantly caused whispers from the people around.

Marshal Laco raised his eyebrows and chuckled: "I didn't expect the people in the Senate to be so proactive. It seems that our Prince Colin means a lot to them."

But it's a pity——

They didn't know that Prince Colin had already been theirs.

Julian smiled faintly, but his eyes fell on Count Hilfen and the President of the Adventurer's Guild who also walked down from upstairs, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"I thought they would be more reserved, but it looks like tonight's party will be more lively than we thought."

Three groups of people walked towards the carriage parked at the gate of the manor at the same time, and a loud welcome floated into Luo Yan's ears from a distance.

"Your Highness Colin!"

Luo Yan adjusted his cuffs slightly, a calm and reserved smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes fell on the Regent Granville Porta, who was standing in the front with a graceful demeanor.

Regent of the Empire!

The first person under the emperor!
However, contrary to what he had learned at the Demon King Academy and what Teach had said, this Granville was more like a spokesperson for the Duke of Valencia next to him than the Emperor's spokesperson.

The respected Regent Prince stepped forward with a sincere smile on his face and extended his right hand to Roxie Colin.

"Welcome, Your Highness Colin. Your great achievements and outstanding contributions in the Janna continent have spread throughout the empire. On behalf of the Os Empire and the Emperor who is unable to come in person, I would like to express my sincerest respect and welcome to you!"

“Welcome home!”

Luo Yan bowed slightly in return, his expression humble but not losing the dignity of an aristocrat, and said in a steady and fluent voice: "It is a great honor for the Colin family to receive such a high-level courtesy from His Royal Highness the Regent. As a member of the Oss Empire, I am able to return to the Emperor and contribute my humble efforts to the Empire. I believe my father will be proud of me."

Luo Yan's words won the appreciation and applause of the guests around him, including Granville's political enemies who were not on good terms with him.

At this moment, he represented the empire, not an individual or the Valencia family, and no one would undermine him.

Prince Colin also expressed his submission to the empire on behalf of the Colin family... This was in line with the core interests of everyone present.

However, Luo Yan knew very well that the highlight was yet to come.

Those pairs of naked eyes could no longer suppress the desire in their hearts, and they were eager to get the biggest piece of cake from him.

But they don’t know who they are making deals with while bathing in the holy light.

Luo Yan responded to every greeting gracefully and appropriately, from Count Cassiter Hilfen, whom he had already met, to the Grand Duke of Valencia with a profound historical background, to Marshal Laco who represented the officer faction and his right-hand man.

He memorized each of their faces and, with his rich experience, read the desires hidden behind the masks.

What the Senate desires is not the glory of the nobility at all, but to return the empire, a wild horse that is increasingly out of the control of the nobility, to the golden age when the nobility has the final say.

And those officers were not noble either. Although they talked about the emperor every other sentence and always expressed loyalty, that was just to cover up their shame.

They don't want to end the war with Hell at all, they just want to become the new nobility. It just so happens that the people of the Empire also think so, so it seems that they represent the citizens of the Holy City.

If they really won, it would definitely be the biggest disaster for ordinary people in the empire. The elders would at most just not play with the common people, but they might really take the young men of the empire into hell to "achieve great achievements."

As for the priests, they were the most corrupted. Luo Yan even suspected that one of the people who shook hands with him was a servant of Karamos.

reason?

There was no need for a reason to identify Kalamos's servants, just to give him goosebumps.

As for the polite words they each said, they were just words in name only to please outsiders.

What he had to do next was to feed everyone at the banquet as much as possible and maintain a neutral position in the process.

The Colin family has just arrived and does not understand the conflicts of interest in the Holy City. They do not want to take sides hastily. "Roxy Colin" hopes to learn more from you.

We can talk about cooperation first and then talk about ideals.

I believe that those bigwigs who are unwilling to force him into the opposite camp will give him time to understand the rules of the game.

The banquet itself was prepared for this purpose.

(End of this chapter)