Chapter 281
Chapter 281. Growing Sense of Crisis
“—I see.”
Emelgias nodded slightly after hearing the complete explanation about the beast’s attack in the Autonomous District and Zilbagias’s swift response.
“Is it too swift?”
“Yes. The village of the Autonomous District was devastated two days ago in the evening. We received the report just now during our routine communication.”
Hysidia answered seriously while flipping through the report.
“In response, the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince had already flown to Evaroti after sunset that same day, even though he had just returned from Evaroti the day before.”
Originally, Zilbagias should have only learned about the beast attack for the first time during the routine report earlier.
“As a result, it seems the locals and the vampiric race worked together to handle the situation, resolving it before the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince could intervene… but the fact that Zilbagias was already showing movements that suggested a response to the incident is concerning.”
Emelgias, who had been silently listening, heard a sticky voice resonate within him, saying, “Could it be a coincidence?”
A voice that only Emelgias could hear.
It was the demon of jealousy, Gealia, who dwelled within his soul.
“Or is he trying to pressure the Izanis Tribe regarding the beast attack? A self-made performance?”
(If it were that simple, Hysidia would have said so from the beginning.)
With a delightful air, Gealia enjoyed the situation, while Emelgias quietly responded.
Ever since returning from the demon world, Emelgias had been holed up in his room, familiarizing himself with his powers, but thanks to Gealia as a conversation partner, he felt no boredom.
Until now, there had been no one he could honestly talk to, not even from his own family. Constantly being expected to behave in a way befitting a prince had somewhat rigidified his attitude.
However, with Gealia, who could revert Emelgias to a childish state at any moment, putting on airs was pointless, and because his soul was under her control, lies and bravado were useless.
Once he had refused her after touching on a topic he didn’t want to discuss, only to have his ego reduced to that of a babe, leaving him to be pampered and have his dignity shatter, Emelgias had given up on various things.
Once he surrendered, it became easier.
He and Gealia were essentially two halves of one whole—fighting with such a partner felt foolish, and if he accepted things, Gealia turned out to be an irreplaceable partner.
Gealia consoled Emelgias for the anxieties and frustrations he bore, and when it came to the strong and fortunate, she would share in his jealousy.
Ironically, Emelgias might be in the most stable mental state he had ever experienced since being born into this world. …At the same time, it was also the most unstable state, at the mercy of his partner’s whims.
“In Izanis territory, a White Dragon has been spotted flying at an incredibly high speed that far exceeds the normal cruising speed.”
Completely unaware of Emelgias’s inner thoughts, Hysidia continued her report.
“There’s no doubt he was in a hurry. That prince, who is rumored to dote on the daughter of the White Dragon, no less.”
“Hmm…”
Emelgias thought that was weak. After all, the daughter of a sin dragon from another race might just be a façade, and besides, Zilbagias should possess skills in mental manipulation, as evidenced by the pathetic High Elf’s pet.
“Could it be a self-made performance? That little brother knew in advance that the Manticore would attack the village—”
“I can’t deny that, but if he wanted to use that as a basis to denounce the Izanis Tribe, there would be no need for such haste. It would be more natural to stir things up after receiving this report.”
Hysidia answered swiftly to Emelgias’s interjection.
“And regarding this, there’s a rather concerning piece of information…”
Saying that, she turned her gaze to the Night Elf maid pushing the food cart.
“Yes… Allow me to explain. This information was obtained from those close to His Highness, the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince.”
With Emelgias’s magical pressure bearing down on her, the maid straightened her posture with all her might as she began to speak.
—The Night Elves have a higher level of solidarity within their race compared to demons, and blood-soaked conflicts rarely occur.
They don’t have the position or power to behave as freely as the demon race does, so they must unite against their common enemy, the Forest Elves.
However, this does not necessarily mean the Night Elves are completely united. As is often the case with sentient beings, various factions exist within.
Among those factions, the Izanis faction boasted the greatest influence. The Izanis tribe, which understands espionage and schemes even among demons, meshed well with the Night Elves. Up until now, the Izanis tribe has been helpful, and the Night Elves have responded by providing valuable information.
But recently, another faction has been rising in prominence—the Sidarl faction, a group significantly influenced by the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince, Zilbagias. The faction’s leader, former prison warden Sidarl, has been entrusted with the distribution of medical supplies provided personally by Zilbagias and seems to act as he pleases, engaging in subversion of other factions and poaching of talents.
Naturally, there has been considerable backlash. Some oppose him for personal reasons, disliking the young upstart, while others conspire to weaken his influence from a sense of crisis regarding their families being absorbed into Zilbagias’s private army.
And now, the maid who is present here is also one of those opposing Sidarl.
“The Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince is also deepening his friendship with the Undead King, Enma.”
“Mm.”
The words “Zilbagias of quality” were swallowed by Emelgias.
‘What do you mean by ‘quality Zilbagias’?”
(A nickname derived from his lack of principles, surpassing the love-struck brother.)
To Emelgias, a sentient corpse that was once human was disgusting; he didn’t understand what was enjoyable about engaging with them.
“Previously, sightings of the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince visiting Enma’s underground base were frequent. However, since the district’s administration began, it seems they have been exchanging letters once a day.”
“Letters?”
“Yes. After reading them, he seems to incinerate them without fail, so the contents are unknown. However, on the day of the incident with the beasts, the Seventh Demon Lord’s Prince received a letter just after sunset and rushed off from the Demon Lord’s Castle, neglecting even his morning meal,” the beastmen in charge of the Reiju Tribe section spoke.
—The Night Elves keep their mouths sealed. It’s only natural, considering their proficiency in espionage; unless they are incredibly foolish or hopelessly dimwitted, they don’t let information slip easily.
However, the same cannot be said for other races. The beastmen servants and dragons love gossip, and unless strictly prohibited, they carelessly spill their secrets. Everyday trivialities, their masters’ actions, and when, where, and with whom they were seen—lots of information can be gathered just by the Night Elves overhearing gossip with their long, pointed ears.
“……”
And this time.
The information brought by the Night Elf maid was particularly intriguing.
At the same time, Hysidia’s choice to report it became clear.
While she mentioned movements that seemed to respond to the beast attack, if he really was responding immediately…
“Speaking of which… Was it Aulora Fortress? Given to my father?”
He had specially had the Korvto Tribe remodel the fortress. Emelgias clenched his teeth.
His elder brother had apparently asked their father, “What is the purpose?” but had been evaded with “For the sake of national interests,” leaving the matter unclear.
However, during an encounter between Spinethia and the youngest brother, it was revealed that they were supposedly conducting “research related to some highly confidential national project.”
“—Spinethia mentioned that Zilbagias requested a small magic tool.”
“A magic tool, you say?”
In response to Emelgias’s mutter, it was now Hysidia’s turn to tilt her head.
“Yes. It seems he was looking for a small container that could repel magical interference, called the [Hunting Domain]. He claimed it was for personal research…”
It was undeniable that he was working on something.
“This matter seems to involve neither the Korvto Tribe nor the Gigamut Tribe—Zilbagias supposedly said as much. Indeed, at this point, it must have been true that they weren’t involved.”
Emelgias frowned.
Not the Rubyphia faction—but could the Undead be pulling some strings?
Skeletons for simple tasks and tireless skeletal carriages are spreading as handy “tools” of the Undead in the Demon Lord Kingdom.
Even with a dislike for the Undead, many demons might use them as mere tools. Emelgias himself is one of them.
From this perspective, the possibility of the Undead becoming more widespread within the Demon Lord Kingdom is certainly probable. And while the specific method is unclear, what if they were trying to extend their reach into the field of communication…?
“…If a messenger were sent from the Demon Lord’s Castle to Evaroti at top speed…”
“It would take four hours. But that’s if a strong dragon is chosen, and a powerful mage maintains the winds’ blessing without interruption.”
Hysidia replied crisply but darkened her expression.
Then she locked eyes with Emelgias—each with a distinct sense of crisis in their hearts.
Even elite messengers of the Izanis Tribe would take four hours to deliver a message. Yet Zilbagias demonstrated movements as if he was able to respond immediately just after the beast incident occurred…
Was an alternative means of communication being developed?
…This cannot be overlooked.
It simply cannot be tolerated!
In the Demon Lord Kingdom, communications have been solely entrusted to the Izanis Tribe!!
Both tactical messengers on the battlefield and strategic communications from city to city, from the front lines to the Demon Lord’s Castle, were handled by messengers of the Izanis Tribe riding dragons.
Although there are whispers of “runners” among the gossiping lot, the high-ranking demons understand its significance, and the Izanis Tribe has prided themselves on being the kingdom’s eyes and ears.
But if that pride were to be stripped away…
Especially to the likes of the Undead! Moreover—by that—
“Zilbagias…!!”
The annoying grin of his triumphant younger brother resurfaced in his mind.
If that were just a six-year-old, he would dismiss it as foolish overthinking.
However, ironically, Emelgias has come to trust that younger brother’s competence.
He couldn’t be so optimistic as to laugh it off.
That’s why it was so enviable. So hateful!!
Why was that brat so blessed, as if he had the favor of the gods poured over him?
No, it wasn’t just the gods—also from his flesh and blood parents—
Oh, oh!!
Thick emotions began to spill over from the vessel of Emelgias’s soul.
“Ah… cough…”
Overwhelmed by the toxic magical power, the Night Elf maid couldn’t help but kneel.
“That’s good, that’s really good! You know, you’re looking great right now.”
The demon of jealousy laughed.
“I envy you so much; I can’t take it anymore. …Shall we take it all away?”
Whispering in his ear.
“Let’s make everything yours. The results of your research, your accomplishments, —even your power.”
Emelgias didn’t reply.
Yet his snake-like eyes were ablaze with darkness and rancor.
