The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 115

Chapter 115
## Chapter 115: Flame Spirit Sorcerer

“I’ve been told you had encounters with my kin.”

The cycle of imperial introductions—beginning with the eldest prince, moving to the second, and then the first princess—finally concluded late that evening in a private audience with the 3rd Prince.

“Indeed. They each expressed a notable curiosity regarding my person.”

“What was the nature of your discussions?”

“Likely exactly what you suspect, Your Highness.”

“And how did you respond?”

“I informed them that since a pact already exists with you, I wasn’t in a position to agree to anything new just yet.”

“You claimed you needed time to deliberate, yet they didn’t even afford you a moment’s peace. I shall have a formal agreement drafted immediately.”

“The more favorable the conditions, the better for everyone.”

“Why have you chosen me?”

“To what are you referring?”

“Your objective is gaining assistance for your journey as a hero to the Erjest Mountains. To be perfectly honest, my siblings are far better equipped to provide that than I am.”

The landscape of power was clear: an ancient ducal line, a marquisate overflowing with gold, and a marquisate that had seen better days.

Unless the Emperor granted specific state authority, the strength of the imperial children was measured by the influence of their maternal families.

The 3rd Prince’s mother belonged to the Ainchile Marquisate, which was certainly respectable and held significant sway and capital.

However, in the world of the court, everything was comparative. When measured against the houses of the other two empresses, it was noticeably lacking.

This was the primary reason the 3rd Prince trailed behind his brothers and sister.

The choice seemed illogical.

“If your goal is to secure a connection with the next occupant of the throne, you would be wiser to court my eldest brother, my second brother, or my sister.”

“The explanation is quite straightforward. I simply do not wish to do that.”

“Then what is it you truly desire?”

“To bring about the downfall of the Demon King of Erjest.”

“You are being evasive.”

“That is the sum of my motivations.”

Martin observed him with a dark, heavy gaze. That constant, lighthearted smirk on the other man’s face was deeply bothersome.

Yet, rather than lashing out, he carefully calculated. Should he discard this man, Hillun, whose goals remained a mystery, or should he embrace him as an asset for what was to come?

“The circumstances are becoming rather peculiar.”

He opted for the latter. To reject him would only drive Hillun into the arms of another royal, an outcome he found unacceptable.

“His Majesty intends to transform this current crisis into a trial.”

“A test of the royal children’s capabilities through the hunt for the black mage?”

“Precisely.”

Hillun fought to maintain a mask of indifference.

Berge’s foresight was flawless. The pieces were moving exactly as he had predicted.

*How does he do it?*

A cold shiver raced down his back, accompanied by a strange, sudden flicker of devotion.

“And will he recognize the contribution of the heroes involved?”

“Regardless of which heroes are brought into service, the Emperor will view the ability to recruit them as a testament to the royal’s own talent.”

“That explains why the entire family has been at my door.”

“You could put it that way.”

Out of the vast numbers of active heroes, only a few truly reached the pinnacle.

Among those icons, Hillun—the man who had ended the lives of two Demon Kings—was a figure of immense prestige. Given his presence in the capital, it was inevitable he would be targeted.

“I suppose I should present this as an official petition, then.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Will you provide your aid in this hunt? You and your entire assembly.”

“To tell you the truth…”

Hillun let the words hang in the air for a second.

He took a slow, methodical bite of a biscuit.

“I rely heavily on my instincts. From the moment I first detected the signs of that black mage, I had a premonition it would lead to this.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. If the heroes do not eliminate the black mage, who is left to do it?”

“What is your conclusion?”

“Provided the compensation is adequate, I find no fault in the proposal.”

“And if it isn’t?”

“I would be forced to seek out whoever offers a more lucrative arrangement.”

“I was under the impression you were my ally.”

“Do not mistake me for a prize already caught in your net. I am still very much a free agent in the open ocean.”

“What do you seek?”

“Might I give you my terms once the hunt is concluded?”

“You are a formidable man.”

“It will never be a request that harms Your Highness.”

“Very well. You came to me with a gesture of friendship first and recovered my sister’s precious necklace. I can grant you that much patience.”

The hero and the prince shook hands, sealing their temporary alliance.

—

Gold and reputation are the only constants.

Renown would follow the successful resolution of this affair, so the logical demand would be financial—specifically, massive capital for the Golden Moon Merchant Guild.

However, he hesitated. He felt that establishing a direct, traceable tie to the 3rd Prince would be a tactical error.

*No matter the angle, the 3rd Prince’s path to the throne looks incredibly narrow.*

Hillun Kagil had committed to the 3rd Prince on the orders of the Demon King, but internally, he remained doubtful about the prince’s prospects.

The current Emperor had climbed to the throne over the bodies of his own relatives, and he expected the same ruthless drive from his offspring.

It was a policy of total indifference. Survival of the most capable.

The royals were forced to become powerful to avoid being purged, or to align themselves with someone stronger.

From this brutal selection, four remained: the 1st and 2nd Princes, the 1st Princess, and the 3rd Prince.

While the Emperor preached survival, he offered them no official military or political power.

They were expected to charm the nobility and forge their own coalitions. In this struggle, their maternal lineages—the houses of the empresses—were the deciding factors.

The Osrian Ducal House backed the 1st Empress.

The Boulderbuf Marquisate supported the 2nd Empress.

And the Ainchile Marquisate stood behind the 3rd Empress.

Ainchile was the weakest link, a fact reflected in the lack of aristocratic support for the 3rd Prince.

*If your political backing is fragile, you need to possess extraordinary personal skill…*

It wasn’t that the 3rd Prince lacked talent. On the contrary, he possessed the qualities of a ruler.

The tragedy was that his three rivals were equally gifted.

The 1st Prince, in particular, was rumored to possess abilities that dwarfed the rest, naturally commanding superior resources and personal power.

“What did the 3rd Prince have to say?”

Berge was waiting for Hillun when he returned to their quarters.

“You’ve been up all this time?”

“I was inquisitive.”

“How were you aware of this?”

“You omitted the subject of the conversation.”

“How did you know the Emperor would link this crisis to the line of succession?”

“It’s basic. The Emperor is the sort of man who corners his children, hoping the pressure forces them to evolve—just as he did to seize power. To his eyes, this disaster is a perfect laboratory to test their mettle. Isn’t that transparent?”

“It’s not transparent at all.”

“Well, it matters little.”

Berge wouldn’t have possessed such insight without the knowledge from his previous life.

“So, what was your final word?”

“I haven’t even detailed the exchange to you yet.”

“Knowing it’s a trial means it’s proceeding as expected. Thus, the 3rd Prince attempted to secure your loyalty. You’re too significant an asset to discard over minor doubts—especially after you recovered his sister’s keepsake.”

“Wait, wasn’t Princess Kaede still among the living?”

“It was a metaphorical expression.”

“I’ve committed to the 3rd Prince’s side.”

“Excellent.”

“I truly hope your judgment is sound this time, Pale.”

“My judgment?”

“Didn’t you claim the 3rd Prince has a shot at becoming Emperor?”

“Did I say that?”

“Pale.”

“You must have misheard. I said ‘perhaps it’s a possibility, maybe.'”

Hillun bit his lip in frustration.

“I’ve already rejected the 1st Prince, making a foe of him. The same goes for the 2nd Prince and the 1st Princess. You witnessed it.”

“I did.”

“If the 3rd Prince fails to take the throne, my life in this Empire is effectively over.”

“You still have Hilderan.”

“Pale.”

“And you have Akan. Don’t lose sight of that.”

I am the one who pulled you from the depths and brought you here.

“Because I am the one in command.”

I am not your servant.

“Have I been so indulgent that you’ve forgotten your place?”

“…The Empire is the most formidable power on this continent. Turning it into an enemy is never a wise path.”

Berge closed the distance between them. Their faces were inches apart. Hillun flinched, but Berge stopped just short of contact.

“That is exactly why.”

He spoke in a low, dangerous murmur.

“I intend to break it into pieces.”

His red eyes burned with intensity.

“So simply follow my lead. You won’t regret it.”

Hillun felt a cold dread at the sheer instability lurking behind those eyes.

—

Days passed.

Several other members of the royal family, excluding the three main contenders, also sought out Hillun.

A few showed a passing interest in Berge, but the lion’s share of attention was fixed on Hillun.

A hero credited with the death of two Demon Kings was infinitely more valuable than Berge, whose mana was strangely refined but unfamiliar.

Besides, they had presented Berge as merely Hillun’s subordinate.

One by one, they attempted to entice and enlist him.

“Was that the 7th Princess? A royal wearing a scrap of cloth that barely qualifies as a rag, attempting seduction. This Empire truly is in its twilight.”

“That is the nature of the Empire. For a seat on the throne, they will abandon all dignity.”

“Just a desperate creature flailing because it doesn’t know its own limits.”

“She certainly seemed to lack any royal grace.”

That lack of standing was precisely why she had resorted to such desperate tactics.

“Regardless, the wheels are in motion.”

Berge opened the morning paper that had just been delivered.

【His Imperial Majesty decrees the eradication of the Hupstrain black mage…】

【The populace expresses gratitude for the Emperor’s divine compassion…】

【To lead by example, the royal children will spearhead the subjugation. A true display of noblesse oblige…!】

【Princes Rufus Jespain, Floyan Jespain, Princess Marlene Jespain, and Prince Martin Jespain answer the call…】

【Other members of the royal bloodline will provide support in this virtuous endeavor…】

Because the Emperor was involved, the press was nothing but sycophantic praise. But the underlying reality was easy to decipher.

“The Emperor officially gave the order?”

“Yes. The 3rd Prince informed me. He will provide backing for any royals who choose to take part.”

“Four have stepped forward as leaders.”

“They are the pillars; the others will cluster around them.”

“Who has aligned with the 3rd Prince?”

“The 8th Prince.”

“He’s dead.”

“The 9th Princess.”

“She’s in my tower.”

“And lastly, the 6th Prince, Trista Jespain.”

“Who is that?”

Berge had no recollection of him. By the time he had seized the crown prince in his past life, this man was long gone.

“You are aware that all royals must master either the blade or the craft of magic, provided they have the spark?”

“I know the basics. Kaede was the premier duelist among them.”

“Correct. The 6th Prince specialized in sorcery.”

“How talented?”

“He achieved five sigils by the age of twenty-eight.”

“A prodigy.”

“He was raised within the 3rd Empress’s social circle, much like the 8th Prince. Their mothers were close, so the children grew up as companions.”

“So, aside from those old bonds, there are no other ties. He doesn’t sound like a failure.”

“In a court where survival is a luxury, maintaining childhood friendships while at a disadvantage is a feat in itself.”

“A different way of looking at it.”

The discussion of the royals ended there. Berge pivoted to another subject.

“What level of resources is the Emperor providing?”

“It hasn’t been finalized, but the 3rd Prince anticipates the use of one knightly order, one division of mages, and two hundred infantry.”

“That’s the extent of it?”

“The remaining forces must be recruited independently.”

“Typical of his methods.”

Berge gave a dark, sharp laugh.

In the end, the royals with the wealthiest backers would start with a massive lead.

“And what of the heroes?”

“The Empire hasn’t sent a formal request to the Hero Guild. However, they aren’t stopping the royals from hiring them privately.”

“Fascinating. Deeply fascinating.”

In truth, it was incredibly dull.

The 3rd Prince was starting from a position of profound weakness.

From Berge’s perspective—hoping this event would elevate the 3rd Prince to make the succession more chaotic—this wasn’t ideal.

“Contact Granada and Red Hawk immediately.”

“Understood.”

“And what about Argand from the guild—do you have any hero contacts?”

“None.”

“You mean to tell me that a man who spends his days smiling hasn’t formed a single useful connection?”

Completely worthless.

“No, I’ve been traveling between the Dwarf Kingdom and the frozen wastes ever since I took on the name Argand. When would I have had the time?”

“Even in the midst of a war, new life manages to find a way.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I’m saying your lack of competence needs no excuses.”

“……”

“This is a nuisance.”

Since this was an imperial matter involving the succession, commoners who weren’t registered heroes couldn’t participate.

They needed high-tier heroes, but…

“I’ve had a brilliant thought.”

Hillun’s eyes lit up with sudden inspiration.

“What is it?”

“I don’t have the means, but you do, Pale. With just a small amount of work, heroes will be begging to join us.”

“Work?”

“If you were to provide a bit of your mana…”

“You want me to use my own power to patch up your deficiencies? Are you tired of living?”

Berge manifested a aura of deep red flames.

“A little cooperation goes a long way, doesn’t it?”

Hillun remained unfazed by the heat. His audacity was grating, yet he wasn’t wrong. They needed to maximize their strength to tilt the scales for the 3rd Prince.

Berge dispelled the fire.

“I’ll take care of the recruitment. You ensure everything is smooth with the 3rd Prince.”

Heroes from Akan might be a problem given their history of conflict.

“Yes.”

Hillun gave a respectful bow.

—

Daphne had received a formal summons to the imperial heart of the nation.

Walking past breathtaking masonry and manicured lawns, he entered a luxurious wing of the palace.

“The Prince is expecting you.”

“My thanks.”

He pushed the door open.

“Welcome, Duke Daphne.”

“It has been some time, Your Highness.”

“I appreciate your prompt arrival.”

“I may be a hero, but I am a mercenary at heart. I could hardly decline such a generous proposal.”

“I’ve always admired that pragmatic streak of yours. As long as the gold flows, your loyalty is ironclad.”

Kuhuhu. The 2nd Prince, Floyan Jespain, gave a light, almost frivolous chuckle.

“I’ve reviewed the details from your courier. Will there be other heroes joining the effort?”

“I am enlisting as many as I can. Star and Diaphrin are set to join the ranks as well.”

“Her? That is a comforting thought.”

“This is our moment. The one who delivers the head of the black mage will win my Father’s ultimate favor.”

“I will not fail you, Your Highness. I’ll track him to his hole faster than any man alive.”

“Exactly. That is why I summoned the greatest hunter I know.”

The meeting continued for some time.

“I shall take my leave then. I’ll head to the local Hero Guild to start signing on mercenaries and independent heroes.”

“I’m counting on your expertise.”

“You have it.”

“I will escort you out.”

“Much appreciated.”

Daphne exited the 2nd Prince’s quarters, following the armored guard. As they walked back through the complex, something tripped his internal alarm.

“Hmm?”

A whisper of an aura.

It was faint, but incredibly scorching and untainted.

It felt like a spirit.

“Who resides in that direction?”

“That is the palace of the 3rd Prince.”

“The 3rd Prince…”

*…Does a member of the 3rd Prince’s retinue employ a flame spirit sorcerer?*

But the sensation was too familiar to be a standard fire spirit.

*What is this feeling?*

It nagged at his brain. It was a familiar heat, something he had encountered before. His curiosity was piqued, but he forced himself to look away.

This was the capital, and he was dealing with the 3rd Prince. Even a hero of his standing couldn’t just go poking around without causing a diplomatic incident.

*Probably just a talented fire sorcerer.*

He dismissed the thought and kept walking.