The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 334: The Ending of Everyone's Own Motives

As the night deepened and the banquet came to an end, the satisfied guests got on the luxurious carriages and left the manor one after another.

But some people did not leave.

For example, the honorable Regent.

In the study of the Valencia manor, Granville Porta sat in an armchair by the window, playing with a gold pocket watch inlaid with diamonds.

It was a gift from Prince Colin.

It is said that in the distant United Kingdom of Gutaf, diamonds symbolize unbreakable friendship. He looked at it carefully and found that it was indeed very hard.

There are also diamond mines in Oss Continent, but the ones produced are not as big as this one.

Albert Valencia stood beside him, quietly gazing at the brightly lit holy city in the distance and the carriages leaving the manor under the light.

Especially the carriage printed with golden roses and scriptures. He never took his eyes off it and watched it disappear at the edge of his sight.

"Your Highness is truly unexpected," Granville put down his pocket watch, and said slowly with a playful smile on his face, "At just over 20 years old, he can handle interpersonal relationships with everyone at a banquet like this with ease, being elegant, decent, and tactful... It seems that the United Kingdom of Gutaf is not as barbaric as we thought."

Apparently, that continent also had its own nobles.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why this descendant of the Colin family was able to integrate into the upper society of the Holy City so quickly as soon as he returned.

A person's cultivation is directly linked to his education and experiences growing up. Granville does not believe that there are people in this world who are born good at socializing. This skill is even rarer than supernatural powers.

After all, there is no shortage of extraordinary people in the Holy City. The nobles can become powerful extraordinary people with a little effort, but there are only a handful of people who can unite the extraordinary people.

Albert smiled faintly and said softly.

"The smarter a young person is, the more likely he is to think highly of himself and to think he has everything under control. In fact, the joint-stock knights he proposed is a great opportunity for our Senate. After all, in terms of financial resources and connections, no one can compare with us."

Granville nodded slightly.

"Indeed, whether it is the victory or defeat of a war or the rise and fall of a kingdom, it is ultimately determined by money. As long as we have enough funds, we can completely decide the future direction of the Knights... However, we must also guard against the secret alliance between the officers and the church. After all, they are much freer in the Cana Continent than in the Holy City."

Albert chuckled and spoke softly.

"Of course. Those guys who crawled out of the mud have a deep desire for land. They would rather die for it. And the ambitions of the Church are even more unfathomable. They are increasingly restless in the church and are beginning to interfere in worldly affairs."

After a pause, he continued in a decisive tone.

"I plan to ask the Lambert and Castellón families to participate in the formulation of the Templar Knights' Charter. Let's not waste our time among ourselves at this time. We must not make the same mistakes again in the New World!"

"Great! What I'm most worried about is that the two families will fight over the distribution of benefits. It will be much safer with your intervention." Granville was delighted and nodded with satisfaction. "We can no longer underestimate our opponents like we did in the past. At least at this stage, we have to prioritize the interests of the Senate."

The interests of the Senate are the interests of the Valencia family.

Of course, it is also in the interests of the Porta family.

The two smiled at each other, knowing tacitly what to do next.

……

On the other side, outside the window of the study in Valencia Manor, Laco Aberg and Legion Commander Julian were getting on the carriage heading back to the Marshal's Palace.

As the carriage drove through the quiet streets, Julian was the first to break the silence and spoke with a sharp gaze.

"Your Excellency Marshal, do you think the knight order proposed by Prince Colin is feasible?"

He was not in a position to ask before at the banquet, but now that there was no one else around, it was the perfect time to talk behind closed doors.

As for his own thoughts, they were already written on his face!
Laco's eyes were deep and a faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth, and his thoughts coincided with those of Legion Commander Julian.

"Feasible? Oh, it's more than feasible. It's tailor-made for us."

General Hamelton's investment was not in vain, although the general, who was reluctant to get involved in politics, might not have known what he was doing.

Seeing that the marshal had the same idea as himself, Legion Commander Julian's face lit up with excitement in his eyes, and he immediately spoke.

"That's what I think too! Although the nobles in the Senate may contribute the most, it is our own brothers who are fighting on the battlefield! Moreover, the Janna Continent is different from the New World. It is owned by someone else. We only need to uphold the Colin family's local legal system. The Senate has no reason to send a governor there!"

Money can certainly determine the outcome of a war, but it cannot determine who will reap the fruits of victory!

Looking at Julian who was getting excited, Laco whispered a reminder: "We must be cautious. The Duke of Valencia and the Regent are not fools. They can see what you can see. We must ensure that the officers of the Knights are absolutely loyal and reliable and will not be bribed by the people of the Senate."

After a pause, he continued with a normal expression.

"Also, we have to ensure that Prince Colin remains ours."

Although the Valencia family did not take any action, it was obvious that the Castellón family and the Lambert family could not help but take action.

The favorite thing of these decadent nobles is to collect ancient bloodlines and incorporate them into their own family tree.

Especially since the Colin family not only has ancient blood, but also has the claim to the Janna continent tacitly approved by the three forces of the Holy City!
For these long-established families, exchanging a dowry for the identity of "little Colin's grandfather" is simply a huge profit.

Laco couldn't help feeling regretful when he thought of this.

pity.

His two children are both men, so they are destined not to take this shortcut.

Hearing the marshal's reminder, Julian immediately suppressed his confident expression and said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, Marshal. I will hint to General Hammerton to work harder on Colin. I believe that enough benefits will keep him firmly by our side!"

After a pause, he continued.

"In addition, there are countless loyal and reliable reserve talents in the Red Shield Brotherhood. I will personally select the elite to go to the Janna Continent to ensure that the leaders who can decide the fate of the Knights in the future are all our own people!"

"I'm just giving you a reminder. As long as you know what to do, that's all." Laco nodded approvingly, leaning his head back on the carriage seat and closing his eyes to rest.

The future of the empire will eventually belong to those young men who have truly shed blood for the empire.

As for those guys who are holding on to the beautiful dream of a thousand years ago and refuse to wake up...

Let them take the glory into the coffin!
……

The carriage printed with golden roses and scriptures drove slowly along Sage Street towards Sage's Courtyard. The magic crystal lamps in the carriage cast soft light, and it was exceptionally quiet and comfortable as it swayed.

Sitting opposite Roxel Colin, Count Cassiter Hilfen looked at the young and steady prince with a smile on his face, his admiration evident in his eyes.

"...I didn't expect you to bring such a big surprise to the Empire tonight. To be honest, I was shocked by you."

Luo Yan smiled gently and said calmly: "To be honest, I was inspired by Mr. Tuo Dewen and came up with this idea. I didn't discuss it with you in advance, I hope you don't mind."

Cassite laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Your Highness, you are too polite. Of course, you have the final say over your territory. Besides, as a citizen of the empire, why would I mind another loyal imperial subject's sincere desire to serve the empire?"

"What I want to say is... I am impressed by your generous gesture! Of course, if you have any special plans in the future, you may want to talk to me first. The Hilfen Family will always be your partner. We can provide you with what others can provide you."

There was a hint of complaint in his voice. It was obvious that he did not believe that this huge plan was something that His Highness Colin came up with on the spur of the moment.

Luo Yan smiled slightly and said calmly.

"Definitely next time."

The two continued chatting in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, and the topic soon flew beyond business and turned into a discussion of philosophy and art.

However, Mr. Cassidy was not as serious as usual tonight and was immersed in academics.

Especially when talking about the dance party, Cassite's eyes became obviously ambiguous, and he said in a joking tone: "Speaking of which, compared with the idea of ​​the Knights Templar you proposed, I am more concerned about your dancing skills... I heard that you have a good relationship with the nobles of the Kingdom of Gutaf. Do those lizardmen often hold such banquets?"

"They have their own unique culture, which is quite different from the Empire," Luo Yan paused, then continued with a smile, "As for my dancing skills, they are nothing compared to yours. It's mainly because the ladies I dance with are very patient and they guide me well."

Cassidy said with a smile.

"Really? I think it's because you caught their eyes. Ballroom dancing is not about the dance itself, but the communication between dancers, especially the body language and eye contact."

"Mr. Count, you're joking. I don't have that ability... Perhaps, my comprehension is higher?" Luo Yan certainly wouldn't say that. The culture of Hell and the Empire are too similar, like two melons growing on the same vine.

The dance he performed at Mia's birthday party was not fundamentally different from the ballroom dance in the Holy City, just like two pronunciations of the same word.

Cassidy said, shaking his head.

"I'm not kidding. I've actually been paying attention to you. I noticed that all the girls' eyes are on you alone."

It's not just girls—

Isn’t it the same for you?

Luo Yan smiled in his heart but did not expose him. He was just confused as to why the Earl kept harping on this topic.

However, his confusion did not last long.

After making a big detour, Cassiter soon revealed his purpose and tested it in a nonchalant tone.

"I just wonder which girl is lucky enough to have your eyes on her?"

Luo Yan was slightly startled, and then he coughed and said, "My Lord Earl, this topic is too early for me to discuss. I have no plans to start a family yet."

This is actually a flaw for the Colin family. No heir means instability. Many contracts in the old times were maintained by blood. However, "Prince Colin" has his own special characteristics after all.

Currently, he has a good relationship with the three major factions in the Holy City, and the "empire" they form together needs Prince Colin as a chess piece to knock on the door of the Kingdom of Gutaf. Therefore, he does not need to worry about anyone wanting to overturn the table, both publicly and privately.

Overturning the table is something only a gambler who has lost all his money would do. At least for now everyone is still winning, and all he has to do is to maintain this balance.

as well as--

Make everyone at the gambling table think they are a "big winner."

Hearing His Highness Colin's answer, Cassidy felt relieved, but he still smiled calmly on the surface.

"That's true. Your Highness is still young, so there's no need to rush. What's important is to find a partner who truly shares your interests."

He said this insincerely, but he was secretly glad in his heart.

Of course he could see that the nobles in the Senate had long been eyeing the Colin family, and once the prince really married into those families, the Holy See's future layout in the empire would become even more difficult... especially when the Holy See and the Colin family had not yet established a sufficiently solid bond of interests.

But now, it seems that I don’t have to worry about it.

There was silence in the car for a moment, and Cassidy suddenly changed the subject and said with a smile.

"By the way, Baron Medea mentioned to me the abstract art you talked about when you were painting a portrait. He praised your achievements in the field of art. You know that I am the president of the Imperial Royal Academy. Please allow me to make an unwelcome request... I hope you can spare a class to share your insights on abstract art with the teachers and students of the academy."

Luo Yan was stunned for a moment when he heard this, caught off guard by this proposal, and then he laughed and said.

"My Lord, you really misunderstood me. I am a complete layman in art. I just had a casual chat with Baron Medea at that time. I can't say that I have any profound insights... The things he told you were probably his own insights."

He knows nothing about abstract art, but he does know a thing or two about abstract words.

however--

Count Hilfen, however, did not listen to what he said at all. He still stubbornly believed that he was being modest and continued to persuade him in a sincere tone.

"Your Highness, you are too modest! Baron Medea has always had very high standards. You have impressed him with your ideas, and this cannot be achieved with just a few casual words. Even if he has realized something, it is because of your inspiration!"

Luo Yan smiled bitterly and said, "My Lord Earl, you really overestimate me... I can talk about other things, but I really don't understand art."

He thought that after he had said this, Mr. Cassidy would give up, but he did not expect that he would be unexpectedly persistent.

Looking at that sincere and expectant expression, Luo Yan was silent for a moment, and finally sighed and nodded.

"Well... if this is just a casual remark, I just hope that the young students of the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts will not be greatly disappointed in me."

It seems that Count Hilfen has made up his mind to get me to talk about abstract art.

Considering the meticulous care that the Hilfen family had shown him, he couldn't just deny the earl any face.

Besides, it doesn’t take much time.

At worst, let the players prepare lessons for you.

When Cassite heard his promise, he was immediately delighted and said happily: "Your Highness, you are too kind! You can rest assured that the teachers and students in the academy will definitely feel honored... Your Highness's arrival is already their greatest gain!"

There are many girls in the Royal Academy of Arts who are both knowledgeable and beautiful. This is not something that a mere ball can compare to!

Since His Highness Colin is not interested in family background, he must be more interested in young and beautiful bodies - oh no, holy souls!

There was a glimmer of shrewdness in Cassiter's eyes, which he hid behind an elegant and proper smile.

As long as he can seize this opportunity and prevent those old foxes in the Senate from taking advantage, he will have lived up to the expectations of His Holiness the Pope.

Looking at Count Hilfen who was somewhat abnormally happy, Luo Yan's expression was a little strange, but in the end he said nothing.

It wouldn't hurt for him to have a good relationship with the Hilfen family.

Anyway-

This is also part of the plan.

……

Holy City, midnight.

An inconspicuous stone door slowly closed, isolating the noise from the ground.

In the dimly lit basement, an elaborately carved obsidian statue stood in the shadows. The man in the statue had a beautiful and feminine face, his eyes half-open, and a half-smile on his lips.

As he watched, a cloaked figure came from the doorway holding a silver candlestick and gently placed the candle under the stone statue.

In the dim candlelight, the shadow cast by the hood obscured his face as always, and only a pale chin and slightly pursed lips could be seen.

He knelt on one knee, his voice low and respectful.

"Respected Lord Karamos, I have brought you the latest news."

After a brief silence, a faint smile suddenly appeared at the corner of the statue's mouth, and he continued speaking slowly.

"Tell me, how did the party go? What new tricks did our Prince Colin have? And whose bed is he in now?"

The statue's voice was soft and playful, as if one was watching a dramatic stage play, and its obsidian eyes could see fun that ordinary people could not.

The cloaked man was stunned for a moment and didn't turn around for a long time. After a moment, he whispered.

"This... I don't know, but he should be returning to the Court of Sages in the Hilfen family's carriage now."

Not knowing whether Lord Kalamos was satisfied with this answer, he continued speaking hurriedly.

"In addition, His Highness Colin proposed at the banquet to use the land of an earldom to establish an organization called the Knights Templar, and successfully aroused the interest of the Senate, the Imperial Military, and the Vatican."

"The Knights Templar?" The statue said with obvious interest, clicking its tongue. "That name sounds really pious..."

The cloaked man nodded heavily and continued, "Yes, sir. He proposed to establish the Knights' Order on the continent of Janna and operate it in the form of a joint-stock system. The wealthy nobles would provide the money, the officers would provide the personnel, and the Church would provide the priests and missionaries. All parties would be happy. And from what I have observed... the Regent and the Marshal are both quite interested in this."

As for more details, it is beyond his level to access.

The Valencia family invited many people to the banquet, but the families that could truly enter the core of power in the Holy City could not even fill one room.

"Heh," Karamos chuckled and commented as if it had nothing to do with him, "What a genius idea, it actually twisted the three forces into one rope."

If the real Prince Colin knew that he had such a powerful "grandson", I wonder if he would be unable to sleep at night.

By the way, that guy didn’t need to sleep anyway.

The man pursed his lips and cautiously said, "But... My Lord, if this Knight Order can really be established, it would not be a good thing for our Hell, right?"

He didn't know Hell's layout in Janna Continent, but he could get a sense just by looking at the information in the newspaper - Hell, which sent the Demon King to Janna Continent, was definitely not without interest in that land.

The smile of the Kalamos statue deepened a little, and he spoke in a relaxed tone with an elusive joy in his voice.

"Really? Then you underestimate us."

The man quickly lowered his head and spoke in fear and trepidation.

"I dare not..."

Karamos smiled meaningfully and continued.

"I don't think this is a bad thing for us. Three people with their own ulterior motives decided to do something big together, and the final outcome must be a mess. Perhaps this is exactly the purpose of Prince Colin. That guy is not an easy person to deal with."

At this point, a creepy laugh suddenly escaped from the mouth of the stone statue.

"Hehehe... I'm getting more and more curious about what he will do. I really want to talk to him about his plan in person. Who knows, maybe I can help him."

The cloaked man shrank his neck, feeling a hint of fear from the sinister laughter, but he could only stand there with his head held high.

This is often the fate of those who sell their souls to the devil. They will sink deeper and deeper, and at some point lose the right to exit.

This is what is so terrifying about the corruption from hell.

They rarely won on the frontal battlefield, but rarely lost in corroding the holy city.

From Lord Calamos's implication, he could vaguely sense that Prince Colin seemed to be a pawn of this lord, and that he might have been caught by the devil just like himself and became dependent on them.

but--

Is it really that simple?

He had met that gentleman several times, and it was obvious that that gentleman was not someone who could be easily manipulated, but a chess player who was hiding his true potential.

The statue's voice gradually faded and began to become vague and distant.

"The news about him always makes me happy. Let's continue to observe—"

"I look forward to you bringing me more joy."

(End of this chapter)