The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 53

Chapter 53
## Chapter 53: The Rising Sovereign

—

Whenever a Demon King perishes, a successor is sent to take their place.

This ensures that the dimensional balance always maintains its mandated set of five rulers. However, the transition is rarely instantaneous. In truth, unless one possessed the strange temperament of Berge, few would ever choose to be stationed in Aren, a realm widely considered the most wretched of all dimensions.

Given that context, there were several unsettling details regarding this latest arrival.

*‘Archduke Alcaine is likely pulling the strings behind this.’*

The abrupt passing of Drakson Dolph must have blindsided him. Considering Drakson had intended to investigate the tower’s archives just before his demise, it was logical for the Archduke to begin a suspicious inquiry.

*‘He won’t be able to trace it to me, though.’*

Since the tower had been leveled, every shred of physical proof had vanished.

That was the end of that matter.

“Greetings. Your arrival has been anticipated.”

Following the lead of the counterfeit adjutant, Aina, they reached the peak. The remaining Demon Kings were already in their places.

False, Frost, Adamant… and then, the newcomer.

Berge’s attention fixed on a specific chair—the one once occupied by Drakson Dolph.

A waterfall of pink hair draped down to her waist, shimmering with every movement. Her complexion was as pale and flawless as high-grade porcelain, contrasted sharply by a daring black garment that left little to the imagination. A tail flicked behind her, and miniature wings pulsed above her shoulder blades.

“So, you’re the renowned Berge Dayas?”

Their gazes met.

“Pleasure. I am Vivian Bluntranda, Sovereign of the Crimson Moon Clan.”

She offered a bold smirk, her heavy eyeliner giving her eyes a crescent, feline shape.

“…Berge Dayas.”

Berge sat down without further ceremony. With that terse introduction, the council officially commenced.

“Now that the seats are filled, let us begin. As is common knowledge, Drakson Dolph fell before dawn. The elite forces of the Akan Kingdom acted in shadows, supported by a hero group consisting of Rosel Charnt, Hillun Kagil, and even Ralph Schmidt.”

*‘How is he so well-informed?’*

Jason Corkmundo had acquired a precise breakdown of that clandestine military operation.

*‘Has he embedded a mole within the heroes? Or perhaps he has connections within the Akan Kingdom’s high command?’*

Regardless, Jason proved to be a formidable player. The only saving grace was his apparent ignorance of Berge’s role in the event.

“…Ralph Schmidt?”

Ugar’s expression turned to one of shock.

“That wretch actually managed to bring down Drakson…!”

“Control yourself. While it is a loss, it isn’t our primary concern. Even with Ralph Schmidt’s involvement, the Drakson I knew wouldn’t succumb to such a force.”

“They must have cheated! Humans couldn’t possibly best Drakson in a fair fight!”

“I concur. Despite my personal distaste for him, Drakson’s martial prowess was undeniable.”

Ugar and Reina both voiced their agreement with Jason’s view. Berge gave a curt, silent nod.

“But humans are defined by their deceit. Drakson was well-aware of their habits. That isn’t a valid defense.”

“I’m not offering a defense.”

Jason adjusted his eyewear and surveyed the assembly.

“My intelligence indicates the Akan Kingdom spearheaded the assault. Three heroes engaged the Demon King. That is the extent of the report.”

The narrative felt incomplete.

“Does anyone here maintain contact with the Akan Kingdom?”

Silence followed. It was expected. Reina Sordain didn’t care for human politics, Ugar Belbeck lacked the finesse for espionage, and Berge—having been there for only a year—was an unlikely candidate for such deep-rooted ties.

“…Aren, Aren… this realm is truly bizarre.”

Vivian spoke up suddenly.

“Demon Kings holding meetings, grouping up to analyze a single death…”

“As stated before, Aren functions under different rules than other worlds.”

“I see that. It’s why I’m staying put, isn’t it? It’s odd, but not a breach of protocol.”

While Demon Kings were notoriously solitary, these gatherings weren’t strictly against the rules.

“However, more importantly…”

Her crimson eyes drifted toward Berge.

“…I find him far more intriguing.”

A faint sound of amusement reached his ears.

“The legendary Berge Dayas.”

Vivian stood up and sat on the edge of Berge’s desk, leaning in with a seductive grin.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“I’m simply inquisitive.”

“Inquisitive about what?”

“What sort of demon could cause such a stir throughout the entire Demon Realm?”

“And your conclusion?”

She ran her tongue over her lips.

“You’re quite striking. I find that appealing.”

She reached out toward him.

“Let’s aim for a friendly relationship.”

“Back off.”

“…Beg pardon?”

*Smack—*

Berge roughly swatted her hand away.

“Do not lay a hand on me without my consent.”

“A bit sensitive, aren’t you?”

“Try that again, and I might just incinerate that lovely hair of yours.”

“Isn’t that usually my threat? They said you were difficult, but you’re actually entertaining.”

However, she paused.

“Being too stiff leads to carelessness. I’ve seen it happen many times.”

“I take it you’ve subdued other dimensions?”

“Compared to the others in this room, my record is likely the most impressive.”

Curiosity sparked in her gaze, but she eventually turned away.

“Well, it seems I’ve already made an enemy.”

“Enough games. Jason, is there anything further?”

“Is there something else you wish to address?”

“Before his passing, Drakson claimed a high-ranking demon had trespassed on his land. I’d prefer to believe it wasn’t you.”

“I assure you, it was not. And I doubt anyone else here is responsible, which is why I omitted it.”

The two locked eyes intensely.

“Then there is nothing left to say. I’m leaving.”

Reina was the first to stand. Ugar and Berge followed her lead.

“And you, Lady Vivian?”

“I’d like to stay and hear a bit more.”

“I am happy to provide it.”

*‘Berge, huh.’*

Vivian watched Berge’s retreating figure as he entered the gate.

*‘There is no way Drakson was killed that easily. That territory intruder is suspicious no matter how you look at it. Conduct a full investigation and report. Keep a close watch on Berge Dayas.’*

*‘If a Demon King has strayed from the rules, he is the most likely candidate for violating doctrine.’*

The instructions from Archduke Alcaine echoed in her mind.

*‘Seducing a man like that shouldn’t be too difficult.’*

He was defensive, but those were frequently the easiest to break down. She wore a delighted, predatory smile.

—

*‘This is the moment.’*

Over the last few weeks, Kaede had meticulously learned the patterns of the tower.

The Demon King rarely stayed long once he departed. The dark elf spent his entire day trapped in the office, swamped with paperwork. Roger became so engrossed in his inventions that he wouldn’t notice a houseguest unless they hit him—and Ernyan was always busy helping him.

Crucially, the tower had no guards. No one was monitoring her movements. She had never encountered a stronghold so poorly secured.

*‘Though this is the only tower I’ve ever tried to escape…’*

She gathered her gear and weapons. Checking her surroundings with a wary eye, she packed some dried meat and a flask of water.

*‘Maximum stealth.’*

She didn’t quite understand why she had to avoid another princess, but Ernyan’s recent actions suggested that being careful was the only way forward.

*‘Princess Ernyan has completely defected to the Demon King’s side.’*

Perhaps she was under a spell. That thought only sharpened Kaede’s desire to flee. There was no promise that such brainwashing wouldn’t be used on her next.

She crept down the stairs toward the third floor, moving with deliberate slowness.

She was unaware that a tiny spirit of the wind was recording her every move.

—

The ground floor. Kaede managed to slip past Roger—who was currently obsessed with mana cannon mechanics—and made it to the exit without issue.

She believed she was undetected, right until the princess of Hildelan blocked her path. The atmosphere was cold.

“…Have you truly become the Demon King’s lapdog?”

“That is quite a claim. We are both in the same situation.”

“How did you know I was here?”

Ernyan only smiled, refusing to answer. The ambiguity made Kaede more frantic.

“Get out of my way. I am leaving this place.”

“You won’t survive. Do you honestly think you can cross the Erjest Mountains?”

“It doesn’t matter. I would rather die out there than remain here as a pawn of the Demon King, discarding my knightly pride.”

“Yet you only fled home because you didn’t want to get married?”

“…That is a separate issue.”

Negotiations had been ongoing, almost finalized, but the pact wasn’t yet sealed. She had run away before the ink was dry. She had hoped to become a champion before it was too late—joining the heroes to defeat the Demon King and gaining fame as a warrior, not just a royal daughter.

That plan had ended in her imprisonment, a fact she couldn’t deny was foolish. This was exactly why she had to leave now—before she did something even more humiliating.

“I sympathize with your plight, Lady Kaede. But I have my own motives for stopping you.”

Joint accountability.

Kaede couldn’t grasp it, but Ernyan actually enjoyed life in the tower. In fact, compared to the suffocating life at the palace, this was heaven. She had freedom within these walls, and she refused to let this fragile peace be ruined. She wouldn’t allow someone else’s recklessness to destroy her sanctuary.

“I don’t wish to fight you.”

“But you will if I don’t move?”

“……”

Kaede prepared herself. Ernyan let out a weary sigh.

“…I suppose I have to resume my role as a dark spirit sorceress.”

“…A dark spirit sorceress?”

The tension was thick enough to cut.

“Go on then, try it.”

The dark elf’s voice shattered the moment.

When had he arrived?

Kaede recoiled, her blade snapping up like a cornered animal, eyes darting.

“Leave if you must. But you will own the consequences. This is why humans are a lost cause—you show them kindness, and they do this…”

Gordon crossed his arms, gesturing toward the door. Ernyan moved aside. Kaede made a break for the exit.

“I wouldn’t exactly call what Gordon does ‘kindness,’ would you?”

Gordon shot Ernyan a look, and she quickly pivoted.

“Are you sure about this?”

“This tower isn’t as vulnerable as it looks.”

Perhaps the Demon King’s unique personality had made the captives too comfortable. These princesses seemed to have forgotten the nature of their prison.

“Entering is simple. Leaving is another story entirely.”

“Those raiding parties seemed to come and go as they pleased.”

“…Ahem. No system is perfect.”

Gordon cleared his throat, having recently studied the history of Aren and what those “raiders” actually were.

*‘What a cursed world.’*

He never expected heroes to treat a Demon King’s fortress like a common dungeon crawl. If you followed the traditional rules of the Demon Realm here, everything fell apart. He was beginning to understand Berge’s perspective.

*‘If only we were in a proper dimension…’*

He could have achieved global conquest by now. Why did this one realm refuse to follow doctrine?

“Regardless, it is not a place a solitary, mediocre hero can simply walk out of.”

*Whoosh—*

The second Kaede’s fingers brushed the handle, a burst of obsidian hellfire erupted, swallowing her whole.

“That is the standard result.”

Kaede flared her aura to protect herself. But these flames, laced with the Demon King’s specific power, wouldn’t be extinguished so easily.

“Humans always need a physical reminder of the truth. She won’t be trying this again.”

“Should I intervene?”

“It’s annoying, but she’s technically an imperial princess for now. If she burns to death, the Demon King will be livid.”

“We can’t have that. Joint accountability, after all…”

Nairuniel doused the area with pure water. The droplets hissed and turned to thick steam.

Kaede, her skin scorched, struggled for breath. The pain was immense, yet she raised her blade once more.

*Clang—*

The hellfire flared again.

As she prepared to strike the door repeatedly, Gordon delivered a sharp blow to her neck, knocking her unconscious. The fire died down.

“…Heroes really are a stubborn lot.”

A minor scuff was visible on the door. Gordon touched it softly, and a swirl of dark energy mended the wood.

“Does it only react to non-demons?”

Gordon didn’t answer. Ernyan walked up, looking curious.

“Don’t touch that carelessly. You might—”

*Click.*

Her hand rested on the door, and it swung open without any resistance. The freezing mountain winds rushed into the room.

“…Huh?”

“…What?”

“How…?”

A stunned silence filled the hall.

“…I’ll just close this.”

*Heh heh…*

Ernyan gave a nervous, shaky laugh.