The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 114

Chapter 114
## Chapter 114

### The Empire’s 1st Prince

—

“So, that is the current state of affairs.”

“The cranium of a dullahan.”

Martin’s forehead creased with distaste.

Despite the professional manner in which it was presented, the severed head of the dullahan, emitting a foul stench of rot, was undeniably stomach-turning.

He forced himself to maintain a neutral mask.

“There were hundreds of those creatures, supplemented by death knights and multiple liches.”

“Liches and death knights were present as well?”

“Death knights act as field commanders. They oversee divisions numbering in the hundreds or thousands. What I saw was merely the tip of the iceberg. The true scale of the undead nesting within that ravine remains a mystery.”

Such a force was insufficient to topple the Empire entirely.

However, if they were to surge forth in a mindless frenzy, they could easily annihilate every living soul in the vicinity of Haupstrine Gorge.

“There is likely a circle of black mages involved. It is improbable that a lone practitioner could maintain a legion of that magnitude, wouldn’t you agree?”

“…That is likely.”

Martin suppressed a heavy sigh at the implications of this news.

“Hillun Kagil. Your assessment was accurate.”

“I have no reason to provide anything but the facts, Your Highness. My only regret is that the urgency of the situation prevented me from gathering further evidence.”

“I understand. This is sufficient. The mere confirmation of a black mage with the power to raise dullahans ensures the Empire will not remain passive.”

In the lands of Aren, black mages had been systematically hunted to extinction. Or so it was believed.

Thus, the revelation of a necromancer commanding dullahans was a significant tremor.

Given the recent stirrings of the Demon Kings, it sounded a loud alarm.

‘We must strike before they take root.’

Before this cabal of dark sorcerers could expand their influence.

“I will take this report to His Majesty and initiate a response.”

“I would advise against that immediate course of action, Your Highness.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“I am aware of your devotion to the citizenry. However, this matter requires more than a simple report. I suggest you prepare a thorough plan first, then present it to ensure you receive the full recognition for resolving the crisis.”

“You are stepping beyond your station.”

Regardless of Hillun Kagil’s prestige or his recent contributions, interfering in the internal politics of the imperial succession was a boundary that should not be crossed.

“It is merely a suggestion.”

“Do you take me for an amateur?”

“By this point—or very shortly—the other members of the royal bloodline will have noted my arrival. They see a man of my standing aligning himself with your cause.”

“So, you are placing your wagers on me?”

“Indeed, I believe it is a gamble worth taking.”

“We do not typically require the intervention of heroes or their guilds in these matters.”

“Naturally, neither your siblings nor the Emperor would prefer my involvement. But these are high-level dark mages. They are undeniably linked to a Demon King. In fact, there is no doubt about it.”

Black mages were only born through dark pacts with Demon Kings. That was a fundamental truth recognized across the continent.

“Is it not the duty of a hero to intervene when a Demon King’s machinations are uncovered?”

“……”

The logic was sound.

While heroes meddling in succession was a political nightmare, their presence was a standard requirement when dealing with the spawn of Demon Kings.

One could fight demons without them, but it was inefficient. Why waste lives and resources when a specialist was available?

No kingdom would choose the harder path out of pride.

“…Remain here for the time being. We shall continue to host you as an honored guest.”

“Understood. My thanks.”

Martin signaled for him to leave. Hillun Kagil exited the room.

“Your thoughts?”

“His logic is sound.”

The guard knight inclined his head respectfully.

“If this were a purely political move, it would be detrimental. But with the involvement of black mages—and potentially a Demon King—this could be pivoted to your advantage.”

“Do you believe Hillun Kagil orchestrated this approach with that specific foresight?”

“Honestly, yes. We should remain on guard. He clearly has his own agenda.”

“We are in agreement on that.”

Martin turned his attention back to the grim trophy Hillun had left on the table.

“What do you suppose his true objective is?”

“It certainly isn’t the altruism he preaches.”

“Precisely. If his only goal was to assist the Empire, approaching my brothers would have been a far more efficient path.”

“However, regardless of his ambitions, he knows better than to cross us.”

It was a bold statement, but a true one.

This was the Empire. Even a hero who had felled two Demon Kings would be crushed if the full weight of the imperial throne were brought down upon them.

“And regarding this specific incident, the benefit of cooperation outweighs the risk of refusal.”

“It does.”

The opportunity was simply too valuable to pass up.

Therefore.

“We shall proceed with the arrangement.”

Gladly.

—

A formal missive was delivered to the residence of Count Travian, the warden of Haupstrine Gorge.

The courier who arrived unannounced at the estate was Baron Torion, a high-ranking noble from the capital known to speak with the Emperor’s own voice.

“Please review this, Count.”

“Hmph.”

The ornate letter was sealed with the golden dragon—the unmistakable mark of the Emperor.

Count Travian took the document with a trembling hand.

“This is a clandestine order from His Majesty.”

“…To investigate and confirm the presence of a black mage sect within the Haupstrine Gorge?”

“You are to verify this immediately and report directly to the throne.”

“Wait—black mages? Here?”

“The order is quite clear.”

“I have governed this region and watched over that gorge for nearly a decade since my father’s passing. No one understands those lands better than I do.”

“Are you implying that His Majesty has invented this threat out of thin air?”

“No, I didn’t mean… ”

“Our sources are beyond reproach.”

“Sources? How could anyone know more about my own territory than I do?”

“That information is classified.”

“So, secrets are being kept from me within my own borders.”

“It is not that secrets are being kept, Count—it is that you were oblivious to what was happening under your nose.”

“……”

“……”

The two men locked eyes, the tension thick. The Count ground his teeth in frustration.

“His Majesty…”

“Is providing you with an opportunity to redeem yourself. Why else would I be here personally?”

“Do these mages truly exist?”

“You have reported a decline in the local monster population over the last few years, have you not?”

“I have.”

“You couldn’t explain the phenomenon. However, does it not make sense if necromancers were harvesting those creatures to build an undead army?”

“Even the heroes who passed through found nothing.”

“They are entrenched in the deepest pits of the gorge, in the subterranean levels beneath the ruins of the Demon King Tower. Have you surveyed that area?”

“Subterranean…”

He hadn’t even been aware that such a lower level existed.

“Express my deepest gratitude to His Majesty. I will uncover them.”

“I shall relay your words.”

“I will make those heretics suffer for this intrusion.”

“No, that is not the instruction.”

“Excuse me?”

“Your task is identification and surveillance only. That is the Emperor’s decree.”

“Is there a larger operation in motion?”

“All will be revealed in due time.”

“…I understand.”

“I leave the matter in your hands.”

“Please inform His Majesty of my loyalty. I will not fail him a second time.”

“Indeed.”

The Baron gave a short nod and departed.

—

Berge spread out the latest edition of the imperial broadsheet.

> 📰 **Special Report**
> **Terror in the Ravine: Undead Remnants Found in Haupstrine Gorge…** Is the Gorge a Sanctuary for Dark Arts? What has the Count been doing? Reports of Skeletons, Zombies, and Dullahans. How did the gorge become a necropolis? Are there tens of thousands of corpses waiting to rise? Why the Empire is on high alert! Chernian Margrave: The Frost Tower expedition was a blunder… Chaos in the Northern Tundra? Are the Barbarians plotting?

The paper was dominated by the Empire’s most pressing controversies.

The headlines swung between the undead discovery in Haupstrine Gorge and the persistent instability in the north.

However, since the northern issues were old news, the public’s fascination was fixed on the gorge.

The stories of the undead were being blown out of proportion, fueling a firestorm of rumors.

“The 3rd Prince’s handiwork?”

“Almost certainly. He’s magnifying the threat of the black mages to make the inclusion of a hero seem mandatory.”

“It may not just be the 3rd Prince—the Emperor might be orchestrating this as well.”

It was a guess, but a calculated one.

While the timing differed slightly, a similar sequence of events had unfolded in his previous life.

Right then.

“I… thi…nk…”

“No…!”

The sound of something breaking was followed by the heavy rhythm of boots and the sharp rasp of steel leaving scabbards.

*Click—*

The door was thrown open. Soldiers swept into the room, securing the perimeter. A man walked in behind them, exuding an air of absolute authority.

“So, it’s you two.”

He looked down at Berge and Hillun with a gaze that expected submission.

“The renowned Hillun Kagil and the one they call Pale.”

The man radiated the kind of pressure only those born to rule can project. He was the embodiment of a sovereign—regal, intimidating, and naturally superior.

Hillun stood and offered a deep bow.

“Greetings to Prince Rufus Jespain.”

“You recognize me?”

“There are few in this Empire who wouldn’t.”

“Fair enough.”

The man conceded. His hair was a brilliant gold, similar to Kaede’s or Martin’s, and his eyes were a matching shade that seemed to glow with amusement.

He pulled out a chair and sat down with effortless grace. Only then did Hillun and Berge sit back down.

“Your fame precedes you. They say you are the most capable hero of the current era.”

“You are too kind.”

“Slayers of Demon Kings are a rare breed. To have slain two? That is unprecedented.”

Rufus’s mouth curled into a confident smile.

“Meeting you in person, I see the appeal. Your aura, your bearing—I find it all quite satisfactory.”

“I am honored by your approval.”

“Ah, could we have some tea?”

“Immediately, Your Highness.”

Servants appeared shortly with steaming cups.

“Please, drink.”

“Thank you.”

Rufus lazily stirred his tea.

“You arrived in the capital at Martin’s behest?”

The question was asked casually, yet it felt like a trap.

“Yes.”

“Because of this sudden ‘crisis’ with the black mages in Haupstrine Gorge?”

“That is correct.”

“Did Martin truly seek you out first?”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

“Martin claims he was the one to uncover the threat. But how? Even the local Count was oblivious. It doesn’t add up.”

“I wouldn’t know about that.”

“On the contrary, I think you know exactly how it happened.”

He took a slow sip of tea.

“The order of events is backward. It wasn’t that he found a problem and called a hero. It was that you presented him with a problem, and he gave you a job to solve it.”

The Prince leaned in.

“It was you, wasn’t it?”

“A misconception, I assure you. I am simply fulfilling a contract for the 3rd Prince.”

“Careful. Deception rarely ends well when practiced against me.”

Hillun remained silent. Rufus gave a dismissive shrug.

“I’m joking. It’s irrelevant.”

*Clink—*

“If you were merely fulfilling a contract, delivering the dullahan’s head completes your obligation, does it not?”

Rufus set his cup down firmly.

“Therefore, there is no further reason for you to remain tied to Martin.”

His expression turned icy.

“That is yet to be determined.”

“Determined?”

“If the 3rd Prince offers another contract, I may choose to accept it.”

“Whatever Martin is offering, I will double it. Align yourself with me instead.”

“I must decline.”

“And why is that?”

“A hero’s reputation is built on trust, much like a mercenary’s. Especially for a member of the Star Guild like myself.”

“You’ve already bartered something with Martin.”

Rufus clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Terminate that agreement, and you are a free agent. Is that not how it works?”

“If a contract is dissolved, I am free to entertain other proposals.”

“Hold onto that thought.”

Rufus rose to his feet.

“Oh, and a word of caution.”

He paused at the door.

“Betting on Martin would be a significant lapse in judgment.”

His eyes crinkled in a cold smile.

“Heroes should stay out of the business of choosing Emperors.”

“I shall keep that in mind. This was enlightening.”

“Indeed. It was a pleasure.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. Pale, was it? A pleasure to meet you as well.”

“Yes.”

“Until our paths cross again.”

*Clink—*

Rufus exited. His entourage followed, and the door clicked shut behind them.

“…That went well, all things considered.”

“Don’t give me that.”

“I mean it. I thought you were going to lose your temper.”

“Do you think I have no self-control?”

“You didn’t exactly show much with Prince Cain Akan.”

“Cain is a different story entirely.”

“You’re familiar with him?”

“Very. I know him better than anyone.”

Berge’s mouth twisted into a bitter scowl.

He had every reason to know him.

This was the man responsible for his downfall back when he had the world at his feet.

He had walked into the trap himself, so he couldn’t shift all the blame—but the memory still burned.

In his past life, this was the Crown Prince who had cleared the board by eliminating every relative who stood in his way.

Now, he was just the 1st Prince.

Rufus Jespain.

“How exactly do you know the 1st Prince, Pale?”

“Is a full explanation necessary?”

“It would certainly help.”

“It’s a nuisance. I didn’t think he’d show up in person.”

“Agreed. I expected a representative, not the man himself…”

Just then.

*Knock knock—*

The house attendant signaled at the door.

“Another visitor has arrived.”

“A visitor?”

“Yes. Prince Floyan Jespain is here to see you.”

“……!”

“……!”

Berge and Hillun swapped looks of disbelief.

“…Please tell me this is the last one.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.”

“This one is your responsibility.”

Floyan Jespain—the 2nd Prince of the Empire, and the only one standing on equal footing with Rufus in the race for the throne.

It was going to be a very exhausting night.