Chapter 483 Earl Derek, who visited the wrong temple
Within the Granston family, it was a secret that had lasted for two hundred years.
While Campbell's ancestors were fighting demons outside Thunder City, Granston, the Grand Duke's close comrade-in-arms, was secretly forging another relationship with the enemy.
They secretly spared the Demon King, who was weakened in the war, and secretly worshipped the great man who was said to have a significant position in Hell.
After reaching a shady deal, they exchanged feigned respect for Hell's generosity, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the Demon King.
Hell possesses many resources that are scarce on the surface, such as precious magical materials, magic crystals, and most directly, gold.
The Demon King of Thunder County also had things he needed. For example, intelligence about the surface world, and battle achievements to report to the Demon Capital.
Although this behavior was clearly outrageous, the Granston family did not consider it a blatant betrayal.
After all, in the eyes of successive family heads, they were merely using their enemies!
Anyway, the Demon King can't conquer the surface of the earth. The Empire and Hell are just maintaining the status quo. What's wrong with taking advantage of them a little?
Didn't Thunder City earn its first pot of gold precisely because of the adventurers brought in by the labyrinth?
Even the nobles of the Holy City might not dare to say that they are completely loyal to Saint Sith and have never colluded with the demons.
For the powerful and wealthy, hedging their bets is perfectly normal.
Granston's territory is the furthest from the labyrinth, so they have no worries about the demons bringing the war to their backyard and can play with fire without a care in the world.
This was both a way for them to seize profits and a means to check the power of the Grand Duke. After all, Thunder City was too powerful, and the earls had to put up with the citizens who were taking advantage of them, as well as the Duke's ever-expanding ambition.
However, Earl Derek Gladstone was clearly unaware that the world is changing.
Aaron Campbell's Utawarerumono not only killed a powerless puppet demon king, but also brought forth an ambitious, true demon king.
Just as the situation in the Duchy of Campbell was turbulent, a cataclysmic upheaval also occurred in the hellish city of Hell, and the dust has long since settled.
With Elder Zacro being trampled underfoot and the Dragon family forced to shrink their sphere of influence, they no longer had any interests on the northeast coast of the Whirlpool Sea.
Even the current head of the Dragon family, Hino Dragon, is the most loyal "fanboy" of Councilor Luo Yan, following the latter's lead without question.
This is inevitable.
After his father and grandfather died tragically one after another, and his brother was imprisoned, this young terror demon, whose foundation was unstable, could only rely on the nepotism of the councilor.
To be more precise.
Without the protection of the "prospective son-in-law of the Padridge family," the Dragon family's vast empire in Hell would have long been divided up by other demons...
...
In the underground altar of Granston Castle, the crimson light in the eyes of the obsidian demon statue slowly faded, and the room, flickering with candlelight, returned to tranquility.
Meanwhile, in the distant, hellish city of Dublin, a commotion arose in the study of the Dragon family manor.
Hino Dragon abruptly opened his eyes, his consciousness withdrawing from the cold stone statue and returning to his own body.
Leaning back against the comfortable walnut chair, the seemingly young minotaur's head was now filled with question marks, unable to relax at all.
"Attack Thunder City? Me?"
"...Is this guy crazy?" Xinuo muttered under her breath, the blank look lingering on her domineering face for a long time.
He roughly understood what the human nobleman meant.
In short, the Glenston family, who had some ties with the Dragon family, hoped that he would take advantage of the internal turmoil in the Duchy of Campbell to launch a full-scale attack and avenge his previous defeat.
Once the demon army lands in Thunder City, Archduke Edward, who is caught in a two-front war, will immediately lose all his bargaining chips!
This idea does sound interesting, especially since the Dragoon family has long since ceased to be the owners of the Thundershire Labyrinth.
They clearly came to the wrong person.
Out of caution, Hino did not immediately refuse Granston's summons, but vaguely told him to wait for the "Demon King's" decree, claiming that he needed to "summon the Demon Generals for discussion".
In reality, he doesn't have any powerful generals; he's just a commander without any troops.
Hino Dragon rose from his chair and paced back and forth on the expensive cashmere carpet, his brow furrowed.
Corrupting human nobles on the surface is part of the demons' daily routine. As the head of the Dragon family, he responded to the distant call out of curiosity, but he never expected to hear such an outrageous request.
Is it a coincidence?
Or was it a test from Councilor Luo Yan...?
Thinking of this, Xinuo's heart clenched, and a bead of cold sweat involuntarily slid down her forehead.
No……
It shouldn't be that bad.
He's been quietly managing the Dragoon family's territory and cleaning up the mess left by Elder Zacro, without doing anything suspicious.
Without further hesitation, he strode to the desk and pulled a thin rope.
As the distant bells rang, a cold shadow slid down the wall, transforming into a tall and gaunt figure.
"Master, you wanted to see me?" The gargoyle butler bowed silently, his face, as cold as granite, filled with respect.
"Prepare the car immediately! I need to go to the Demon King's Administration Department!" Hino hummed.
The gargoyle's expression remained unchanged; it simply spoke respectfully.
"Do we need to prepare parliamentary documents for you?"
Hino shook her head.
"No need, I'm not going to a meeting. Just help me apply for the teleportation array there."
The gargoyle butler looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his gray pupils.
"Teleportation array? Master, where are you going?"
"The Demon King's territory of Thunder County!"
Hino grabbed the cloak from the hanger and strode toward the door, leaving behind only a resolute back view and a single sentence.
"I'm going to see Councilor Luo Yan!"
To avoid any potential misunderstandings.
He wanted to report to Luo Yan in person!
...
The teleportation chamber in the Great Cemetery remained as eerie as ever.
Just then, the light of the Netherworld Magic Circle suddenly intensified, accompanied by a flash of eerie green light, before abruptly shrinking.
A figure staggered out of the light, bracing himself against the cold floor with one hand, and let out a violent retch.
"vomit--"
The surrounding acolytes casting spells looked at him in surprise, clearly not expecting a terrifying demon to arrive from the teleportation array. Several acolytes exchanged glances, and one of them went to report to the Demon King.
Xinuo, who was leaning on the floor, took a while to stand up. His rugged face was ashen, and cold sweat soaked through his expensive, hand-sewn suit.
He felt as if his soul had been stuffed into a jar filled with broken glass and then shaken violently by a troll for a minute.
"This damned subspace..." Xinuo muttered through gritted teeth, thinking to himself that no wonder no one wanted to ride this thing.
This feeling was indeed unpleasant, especially the feeling of weakness that made him feel very insecure.
Since he broke through the bottleneck of the Silver level and advanced to the Gold level, the side effects of the teleportation array have also increased significantly.
However, now is not the time to be daydreaming.
Suppressing the dizziness that was making him feel like the world was spinning, he straightened up by leaning against the wall, straightened his disheveled collar, and then strode towards the audience hall.
It's just a minor discomfort, not enough to delay Councilor Luo Yan's important business!
...
In the audience hall of the Demon King's palace, Luo Yan was leaning back on the granite throne, leisurely flipping through a magic book copied from Xuebang.
When Xinuo's slightly hurried footsteps approached, he slowly raised his head and spoke in a gentle, soothing voice.
"Sino? My old friend, what brings you here?"
Xinuo quickly walked down the steps, bowed respectfully, and said in a deep, resonant voice.
"Your Excellency, the situation is urgent, and... it's too bizarre. I must report this to you in person to avoid any misunderstanding!"
"oh?"
Luo Yan closed the book and sat up straight with great interest.
Tell me about it.
Hino quickly organized his thoughts and recounted in detail how Earl Derek Gladstone summoned him, how he mistook him for the new Demon King of Thundershire, and his absurd plan to send troops to attack Thunder City.
After saying everything, the simple-minded demon stopped talking and quietly awaited the Demon King's decision.
To his surprise, Luo Yan's reaction after hearing his explanation was indifferent; he simply chuckled softly.
"interesting."
He was not surprised that the nobles of the Duchy of Campbell would be unable to restrain themselves and want to fire the first shot before Edward was fully established.
He never expected that, since everyone around him was on his side, the gun he had personally given away would somehow end up back in his hands.
Seeing that Luo Yan didn't seem angry that she was involved in the affairs of Leiming County, but instead seemed quite interested, Xinuo finally felt relieved.
As long as the Demon Lord doesn't misunderstand and think it's the Dragon family pulling strings behind the scenes!
A simple, honest smile appeared on Xinuo's face. He immediately leaned forward, lowered his voice, and offered his advice solicitously.
“Your Excellency, this Derek has openly summoned a demon! In human terms, that's blatant blasphemy! I have a plan. We can ‘inadvertently’ leak this information to Saint Sith’s lackeys… that is, the Church!”
His gaze grew increasingly sinister as he continued speaking with a vicious glint in his eyes.
"Have the court search Glenston's castle; they're sure to find something! Oh, and I have another clue: the altar has no windows, so it must be underground!"
Hino was not polite at all. The secret that Count Derek had told him from the bottom of his heart was revealed to the real Demon King.
Luo Yan listened with great interest, his gaze toward Xinuo showing both admiration and a touch of emotion.
Campbell's nobles conspired to use the power of hell to eliminate their political rivals.
Meanwhile, the demons of Hell are suggesting using the Holy See's tribunal to deal with a human underling who has caused them trouble.
This world is getting more and more upside down.
But maybe this is the real world.
After patiently listening to the entire plan until the end, Luo Yan shook his head and gave a fair criticism: "To be honest, your plan isn't very clever."
Hino's smile froze on her face, and she said blankly.
"ah?"
“The Tribunal is a double-edged sword,” Luo Yan said calmly. “They are currently looking for an excuse to expand the purge. If we lead them to North Creek Valley, it will only make the fire burn brighter and drag the entire Duchy of Campbell into it… This is not in my interest.”
Furthermore, Eileen finally gained the upper hand in her confrontation with the court, leaving the latter in a very awkward position.
At this point, allowing Jiménez to gain a moral advantage would actually put Irene in a passive position.
After all, no matter how you explain it, Earl Derek is still a Campbellian. Although it is true that he was a "traitor," it is unnecessary to label him a "traitor."
Of course, Luo Yan didn't tell Xinuo about Eileen.
After all, Hino is quite close to the Padridge family, and Mia is always asking around about her. What if he accidentally lets something slip?
Then I'll have to explain for ages that it was all for the demon god, for hell.
Hino was jolted awake.
Bringing the Tribunal to the Principality of Campbell is not in the Demon King's interest.
What does that mean?
Could it be—
The mysterious and terrifying Councilor Luo Yan has already incorporated the Principality of Campbell, the archenemy of the Thunder County Maze, into his own territory?!
When Xinuo realized this, the entire Bull Demon Clan was shocked.
When did this happen?!
Luo Yan closed the magic book in his hand, tapping his index finger lightly on the armrest of the throne, already having made up his mind.
"Xinuo, do as I say when you get back."
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
"Don't rush off yet, I haven't finished speaking."
Luo Yan called out to Xinuo, who was about to turn and leave, and a smile appeared on his lips as he continued in a slow and deliberate voice.
“Tell Count Derek that the ‘Demon King’ has agreed to his summons. Have him set a time for us to ‘work together’.”
"Huh?!" Hino looked up, a blank expression on her face. "Demon King, you... are you going to attack Thunder City?"
One second he was wondering if the Duchy of Campbell had changed hands, but Luo Yan's words made him undecided again.
To be honest, he didn't recommend Luo Yan do that.
Going head-on with human heroes will never end well. What if something unexpected happens?
He only has this one reliable person!
"Of course not, why would I hack into myself?"
Luo Yan looked at the minotaur with the eyes of someone looking at an idiot, resisting the urge to roll his eyes, and patiently instructed, "Next time Earl Derek summons you, tell him that the demon generals of the labyrinth have reached an agreement and are ready to return to the surface at any time to avenge their humiliation and the bullet wound inflicted on them by Duke Aaron Campbell! However, your forces are weak, and you have only just accumulated a little strength, enough to only harass the area around Thunder City."
“If you want us to attack, then show me your sincerity. I, Hino Dragon, swear that as long as the northern vassals ignite the flames of rebellion and challenge the throne of Campbell, Thunder City will be engulfed in flames.”
Xinuo was taken aback.
"Swear by my name?"
Luo Yan remained silent.
"Nonsense, why would I use mine instead of yours?"
"Hehe, you're right..."
Xinuo smiled sheepishly, touched the horns on his head, and suddenly the entire bull demon was stunned, a light of enlightenment bursting from his turbid eyes.
"I understand! You're trying to lure the snake out of its hole!"
Luo Yan nodded with satisfaction.
"You finally understand."
Once Count Derek actually makes his move, the count will soon discover that the demons of hell are not so simple after all.
The labyrinth of Thundershire was peaceful and uneventful. The demons were busy building structures in the southwestern swamps and having a great time playing with the lizardmen.
Whoever stands up first at this moment will be embarrassed.
At that time, Earl Derek would be fully convicted of treason. Edward would then have a legitimate reason to raise the banner of suppressing the rebellion and eliminate all internal opposition forces in one fell swoop.
Since a powder keg is destined to explode, let it detonate in a relatively mild way in a safe place.
Xinuo was filled with admiration and couldn't help but secretly give him a thumbs up.
No wonder he's the youngest councilor in Shanghai's history—
His strength is truly unfathomable!
Having fully grasped the Demon King's plan, Xinuo was in high spirits and ready to leave, preparing to return to the Demon Capital to carry it out immediately.
However, before he could take two steps, he was stopped again by the Demon King on the throne.
"What's the rush?"
Xinuo abruptly stopped and turned around respectfully.
To his surprise, Luo Yan had disappeared from the granite throne and was now strolling leisurely down the steps toward him.
"You just arrived via the teleportation array, and your body is still recovering. Using the teleportation array continuously has taken a toll on you. It wouldn't be too late to rest in the Great Tomb for a couple of days before leaving."
"Thank you for your kindness, Demon King! I'm actually fine; I could handle the two teleportations." Faced with this sudden concern, Xinuo was flattered and quickly expressed her gratitude.
He didn't know that someone wasn't being considerate of him; they were just tired of sitting on that cold, hard stone throne and wanted to get down and stretch their legs.
"Alright, don't be so polite." Luo Yan smiled and waved his hand to signal him to relax.
To be honest, he still admired this guy's unruly demeanor, but he didn't expect him to become so timid after advancing to the Gold level.
certainly--
It's also possible that he only acts this way in front of me.
Demons, like humans, also have two faces.
Seeing that Xinuo had relaxed, Luo Yan started talking again in a casual tone.
How's Shanghai doing lately?
"Everything is fine!" Xinuo smiled honestly and answered truthfully, "Nothing major has happened in the Demon City recently. The biggest news is that Miss Colin punched the advancement examiner of the Higher Demon Academy..."
“Haha,” Luo Yan chuckled, “that guy is quite the troublemaker.” He had heard Vivian mention this before.
To cause trouble?
Xinuo was taken aback.
He sensed that Miss Vivian's grandfather, His Highness Caesar Collin, who was serving as Minister of War, seemed quite pleased.
The reason this became news seems to be because Prince Caesar talked about it to everyone he met, which caused some unpleasantness at the Higher Demon Academy, and even brought up Professor Edonia's unknown past with Prince Caesar...
The two, one human and one demon, chatted for a while.
The recent popularity of the hot pot restaurant "Fen Di Lao" in Shanghai, and the fact that another batch of new students is about to graduate from "Demon King Academy," have also become topics of conversation between the two of them.
It is said that the Great Cemetery is now the most desirable "first choice" for graduates, and many junior students from the Demon King want to come here for internships.
However, based on Luo Yan's understanding of his alma mater's school spirit, those guys probably weren't there to learn from the masters, but rather to learn something else.
Humanity may have been living a somewhat decadent life lately, but compared to the demons of hell, it is still far too conservative.
Feeling that the atmosphere was quite pleasant, Xinuo hesitated for a moment before cautiously speaking, "Your Excellency, if I may be so bold as to ask... when do you plan to return to Shanghai? Many people in Shanghai have missed you dearly during your absence."
"Let's deal with these surface-level issues first," Luo Yan replied casually. "Has anything happened?"
"Hino quickly said."
"It's like this, I just happened to pass by the Demon King's Administration Department and ran into Miss Mia. She misses you very much and repeatedly asked me to convey her sincerest greetings to you if I see you."
"Mia?"
Luo Yan smiled gently, his tone becoming much milder.
"When you go back, please give my regards to Miss Mia and tell her that I will visit her after I finish what I need to do here."
"Yes, sir!" Xinuo immediately straightened his back and said happily, "I will definitely pass on the message!"
At that moment, the two people chatting were unaware that their conversation was being heard clearly by two figures hanging upside down on a huge candlestick high in the audience hall.
In the land of nightmares, Yuxi and Missy were diligently wiping away non-existent dust with feather dusters.
They weren't eavesdropping on purpose; they just happened to be waiting in the audience hall, and since the Demon King hadn't told them to leave, they could only try to minimize their presence and pretend they weren't there.
Actually, the things that can be said in the audience hall are not sensitive topics, and if they are overheard, they are overheard.
only……
Little devils often have abnormal thought processes and tend to focus on inexplicable things.
"Misi! Misi!" Yusi nudged her companion with the tip of her tail and said nervously, "Did you hear that? Mia?! And who is that?"
“Judging from Lord Xinuo’s tone, it’s definitely a woman’s name!” Missy’s pointed ears drooped. “And, moreover, it’s from Shanghai!”
"My God!" Yusi gasped, nearly falling off the candlestick. "Could it be... could it be that our esteemed Demon King really has a marriage agreement back in his hometown?!"
"Waaaaah... What about Lady Sissi?"
"No to such sad things... please."
A demon from the countryside versus a demon from the city... there's no way to win!
The two little devils exchanged a glance in the air and instantly reached a sorrowful consensus, completely forgetting the size difference that was even more insurmountable than the difference in household registration.
“Missie,” Yussie was the first to wipe away her tears, looking at Missy seriously, “This kind of sad thing…”
Before Yusi could speak, Missy nodded with tears in her eyes, but cried even more bitterly.
"Absolutely, absolutely not, can we tell Queen Sissi!"
The source of the mysterious liquid on the floor in the Demon King's study last time has not yet been investigated, and now such a sad thing has happened again.
Their king will surely go mad from the shock!
The minotaur brothers, who were chatting enthusiastically with Councilor Luo Yan, suddenly touched their bald heads in confusion, their faces beaming with ingratiating smiles.
Um?
Does Lord Luo Yan's palace also leak?
That's really strange!
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
