The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 54

Chapter 54
## Chapter: 54

## Chapter Title: Warning

—

“A fresh Demon King has made their entrance.”

“This early?”

“Archduke Alcaine is undoubtedly spinning a web. We need to remain vigilant.”

Vivian Blunt.

Berge possessed little information regarding her. However, the emergence of a new Demon King less than a week following the demise of Drakson provided ample grounds for distrust.

“It raises questions, certainly, but Demon Kings aren’t guaranteed victory over Heroes. Especially not in a place like Aren. There isn’t anything specific that Archduke Alcaine would find peculiar about the situation… wait…”

Actually, there was.

“Are they hunting for those who broke the regulations?”

“Most likely. It is safe to assume Vivian is an auditor acting under the Archduke’s confidential instructions.”

“…Are we at risk of discovery?”

“We aren’t. That was the whole point of destroying the evidence beforehand. Just maintain your usual silence and keep a sharp eye on Vivian Blunt.”

“I understand.”

Gordon gave a solemn nod.

“Ah, I almost forgot—that wasn’t my primary reason for coming. The princess of Hildran permitted the main entrance to be opened without putting up a fight.”

“She opened the gate herself?”

“Indeed. Would you mind clarifying how that came to pass?”

“Why would she take such an action?”

“The imperial princess of Jespain attempted to flee the tower. The gate was opened while we were in the process of intercepting her.”

“A breakout attempt, then.”

Following the situation with Ernyan, he had granted her some freedom, assuming she had understood her position. Clearly, he was mistaken.

“Lock her in the subterranean cells.”

“Understood. Shall I record this as your personal decree, my lord?”

“No, attribute it to the tower’s will. The tower has recognized her as one of its inhabitants. Roger as well.”

“…Excuse me? The tower accepted humans? When did this start…?”

“From the day Hillun Kagil launched his assault.”

Specifically, it began the moment Ernyan and Roger turned their blades against Hillun Kagil and assisted in dragging him to the dungeon.

⚔ TOWER STATUS ⚔
Tower Lord: Berge Dayas
Sub-Tower Lord: Gordon Dirik
Floors: 5

Affiliates
Demons: Gordon Dirik
Beasts: Frost Orcs, Kurutu
Monsters: None

1st Floor: Dwarf Hero, Roger
2nd Floor: None
3rd Floor: None
4th Floor: Hildran Princess, Ernyan Hildran
5th Floor: Demon King’s Floor

He summoned the tower’s status display.

The 1st and 4th levels, which were meant to be uninhabited, now listed residents.

This development was not part of Berge’s original plan.

“It seems the tower identified them as comrades because they stood in opposition to the Hero.”

“The structure possesses such a capability…? But are you not able to revoke their status?”

“I am.”

The tower’s consciousness existed solely to support the Demon King. Ultimately, the power of choice rested with him.

“However, there is no necessity for it. Does it look like Roger is planning a getaway to you?”

“…Well.”

Gordon found it difficult to disagree.

He harbored a distaste for Roger’s status as a Hero, but looking past that, the dwarf had integrated himself flawlessly.

As galling as it felt to admit, the vice officer had actually been quite productive.

“Then what is the plan for the princess of Hildran?”

“Think of it as a trial.”

Virtually nothing involving Ernyan had unfolded according to his expectations.

He had bungled the abduction of the 13th princess, inadvertently sparked a Hero’s intervention, and had reached a point where he was willing to accept any help he could get.

Then he was met with her bewilderingly helpful demeanor.

It had proven beneficial, so he had remained quiet, observing and even heartening her.

But was this the correct path? Would the ‘kingmaker princess’ of the humans truly remain loyal to him, a Demon King, when things turned dire?

Berge lacked complete faith in her. Humans were fundamentally unreliable beings.

‘Still, she will be under the impression that she has secured my confidence.’

She had gone as far as forming a pact with a high spirit, acquiring a degree of personal strength.

And now she was aware that she possessed the means to exit the tower of her own volition.

‘She is bound to tip her hand.’

A minor hint regarding her true motives would likely surface before long.

The reality behind Ernyan Hildran’s goals.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“Mm.”

Kaede’s eyelids fluttered open. Darkness surrounded her, and a repulsive stench hit her senses.

“Ah.”

Her limbs were secured by bindings. Her internal energy refused to flow.

‘I failed.’

Now she was confined to a cell. The period of leniency had clearly ended.

“……”

Perhaps this was the preferable outcome.

Enduring hardships as a kidnapped imperial princess would bring less shame to her name and the empire than serving as a puppet for a Demon King.

A self-deprecating smirk touched her lips.

Screeech—

The heavy door to the dungeon groaned open. The sudden influx of light forced Kaede to cover her eyes.

“Are you holding up?”

“…Lady Ernyan?”

A hand reached through the iron bars, clutching a container of water.

“Here, drink.”

“…I appreciate it. Ah.”

Clank—

The restraints prevented her from reaching the bottle.

Ernyan shifted closer to the bars.

“Just lean forward and open your mouth.”

“Okay.”

The refreshing liquid flowed in, soothing her dehydrated throat.

“Thank you.”

“…This is exactly why I cautioned you against leaving.”

“…I had no desire to become a creature or a servant of the Demon King. I am a knight of the empire.”

“I don’t recall the Demon King ever commanding anyone to act like a dog.”

“Kindness is never without a price. If the Demon King is hospitable, he expects a return on his investment. You as well, Lady Ernyan…”

Kaede cut herself off. “I apologize,” she whispered, lowering her gaze.

“You’re free to believe that. But I chose this path because I wanted to.”

“…That makes even less sense to me.”

The reputation of Ernyan Hildran extended far beyond the borders of Hildran.

Her abilities were considered elite throughout the world; she was the undisputed successor to the throne in every sense.

She was youthful and striking, with a line of suitors from every corner of the globe.

“You have a brilliant path ahead. Hildran is full of royalty, yet none compare to your stature. Ascending to the peak of the kingdom is your birthright. To abandon that to be a subordinate to a Demon King…”

“Did you never stop to think that the situation was odd?”

“…?”

“The Hildran line consists of 27 princes and 35 princesses. It is the largest royal family on this continent. Yet, with the exception of myself, not a single one has a name anyone recognizes.”

“…What? I was under the impression Hildran had 12 princes and 16 princesses?”

“Ah, according to the public records, yes.”

I assumed a princess of the empire would be better informed, but I was wrong.

Ernyan rose to her feet.

“…Wait. Please, elaborate on that.”

“Seek your answers when you return to your empire. I’m sure the emperor is aware.”

“……”

Kaede didn’t have the heart to mention that her relationship with the emperor wasn’t exactly one for sharing secrets.

“I’ll continue to drop by. The Demon King put me in charge of your care since everyone else is occupied.”

“…Even if that’s true.”

“Even if?”

“I understand you have your reasons. But if this news spreads, it will be an enormous blot on the honor of your crown and family. Do you truly not care?”

“That’s quite a statement coming from a princess who ran away to dodge a wedding, isn’t it?”

“……”

Kaede’s face turned a deep shade of red.

“I’m only teasing.”

Ernyan offered a mischievous smirk.

“And I don’t see it that way. In this era, even Heroes form alliances with Demon Kings—why should a princess cooperating be any different?”

“……”

“It is far more effective to work with the Demon King and discover a route that actually aids the empire.”

“No such route exists…”

“It’s just a thought. It beats wasting away in a cage, doesn’t it?”

With those words, I’m heading out. I’ll leave the water here. Ernyan disappeared.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“I’ve been told you are looking to purchase elven slaves.”

“That is correct.”

Aman Katrashu offered a respectful bow.

The head of the Golden Moon Merchant Guild scanned the paperwork.

“This is a request from Granada, I see.”

“Yes. He intends to acquire slaves from every major market across the land. Hero Hillun gave orders for total cooperation with Granada, so we are making it our top priority.”

“And what about this Jetson fellow?”

Jetson had arrived at the guild’s doorstep one afternoon. He looked like a beggar and was nearly tossed out until Aman stepped in.

“He possesses remarkable interpersonal skills.”

“He’s nothing but a fast-talker.”

The guild leader made a clicking sound with his tongue.

“He looks like a smooth-tongued swindler to me. Is it truly necessary to keep him on the payroll?”

He couldn’t shake his initial perception of Jetson.

‘Oh, you’re the actual guild master? You look so young, I took you for the successor. Haha.’

‘The Golden Moon Guild is truly impressive. Staying afloat through past hardships is a testament to the grit of your people.’

‘With significant capital arriving, the potential for growth is…’

He was full of nothing but hollow praise—a textbook grifter.

Every instinct urged the leader to let him go, but Hillun Kagil’s endorsement prevented it.

“Why would a prestigious Hero associate with a con artist like that?”

“He’s performing well enough so far.”

“Sigh. You can see the greed in his eyes. A merchant needs drive, but he takes it to an extreme…”

“He’s paired with the elf Granada, so things should stay under control.”

“Ugh, I certainly hope so.”

The guild leader slid a periodical across the desk.

“What is this?”

“Take a look. It was printed just this morning.”

📰 LATEST UPDATES
Alzenta Territory: A Coven of Over Twelve Succubi Uncovered… Public Order in the Dormunt Kingdom Reaches a Crisis Point… Populace in Shock. Count Alzenta States: “This is intolerable… The time has come to put these demons in their place…” Demons Encroaching on Human Lands After a Century of Silence—Is a New Demon King the Cause? A Successor to the Beast Demon King is Rumored to be Constructing a Tower in the Seratin Archipelago… 5th Prince of Dormunt Abducted by the Demon King… “Was Rosel Charnt’s Sudden Departure Premeditated?” Hero Gillian Aint and the White Eagle Raiders Set Out for the Tower of Extreme Cold…

The headlines were a chaotic mess.

“…Succubi.”

“Secure military provisions.”

“You intend to involve us?”

“There are few ventures more lucrative than a Hero’s campaign. We lacked the capital previously, but our situation has changed.”

“Do you truly believe a Hero’s campaign is imminent?”

“It makes no difference if it actually happens.”

The frequency of Hero-led expeditions had spiked recently.

Movements against the Demon King in the Erjest Mountains and the Beast’s Tower were rising.

The reason? Demon Kings were deviating from their historical patterns.

They were seizing royal bloodlines and eliminating high-ranking heirs.

Now, they were subverting the nobility through the use of succubi.

The suspicion of a grand demonic plot kept the nations, Hero Guilds, and mercenary companies in a state of high alert.

“Conflict generates profit. Even the threat of it does. Make the necessary arrangements.”

“Understood. May I keep the periodical?”

“Do as you wish.”

Aman exited the office, returned to his quarters, and studied the text intently before activating a communication tool.

”Yes, Lord Gordon. It’s Aman…”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

At that same moment, another individual was reviewing the news.

“Is something the matter?”

Jason pushed the paper aside and took a bite of his bloody steak.

“What?”

“Didn’t I provide a warning? Refrain from sending demons into the world—exercise caution.”

“Is this the reason you summoned me?”

Vivian took a slow sip of her crimson wine.

“I am asking a question, Lady Vivian.”

“It was merely a small test while I was retrieving the prince.”

“A test of what?”

“To see the nature of the dimension called Aren. I didn’t anticipate being discovered so rapidly. Just a bit of misfortune, I suppose.”

A Hero just happened to be passing by at that precise moment.

“You’re calling that misfortune?”

“I expected it to take months, at the very least.”

“I hate to break it to you, but luck had nothing to do with it. You could send them out a hundred times and the result would be identical.”

Stab—

The fork slammed into the steak.

“Identical?”

“The Archduke has gone too far. Sending a mindless harlot.”

“What did you… What did you just call me?”

The sharp change in his tone caused Vivian’s eyes to narrow in shock. Jason pointed a finger at his head.

“Excuse my lack of manners. If you possessed any intellect, you wouldn’t have set foot in this miserable dimension regardless of what the Archduke promised you.”

Why did only novices like Drakson, Reina, Ugart, and Berge end up here?

“Everyone is aware of the situation, yet a Demon King who has already seized a dimension remains oblivious? I can’t be blamed for momentarily losing my patience.”

“What are you talking about?”

“How many Heroes inhabited the world you conquered, Vivian?”

“What did you say?!”

“How many Heroes were in your previous dimension? Vivian. I’m asking you nicely. Don’t make me lose my manners again.”

Hic—

Vivian’s voice failed her.

A cold shiver raced down her spine like a crawling serpent.

“Roughly seventy.”

“And how many Heroes do you believe reside in Aren?”

“…Quite a few, I imagine. A hundred? Three hundred?”

“You truly are clueless.”

Jason let out a cynical laugh.

“Even if the specific numbers are kept secret because so many refuse to be posted to Aren, I didn’t think you’d be this ignorant.”

Jason’s mouth curled into a smirk.

“I see now. If you knew the truth about Aren, you never would have come—so the Archduke selected a fool like you. Someone blinded by one mediocre victory.”

“……”

She found herself unable to speak back to his biting remarks.

“Listen closely and etch this into your mind. You will regret your ignorance for the rest of your days.”

He leaned in and spoke in a low tone.

“3,198.”

“…What?”

“As of the end of last month, there were 3,198 Heroes officially on the books with the Hero Guild.”

“…That’s a lie.”

Vivian gripped her glass to steady it. It was already half-empty.

“You think I’m lying?”

Jason casually picked up his steak knife.

“You think this is a joke?”

“Why would I waste a joke on a demon like you? I have better things to do.”

Slice slice—

He began carving the meat. The knife moved rhythmically.

“Your succubi being caught wasn’t a fluke or a streak of bad luck. That is simply how life works in Aren.”

Crack—

The porcelain plate beneath the meat fractured.

“There are too many Heroes here for a Demon King to operate with any freedom.”

“Demon Kings are constantly looking over their shoulders at Heroes and humans alike.”

“Even the most veteran Demon Kings refuse to come here.”

Jason’s cutting grew more aggressive.

“That is the reality of this place.”

“It’s impossible… Even if there are many, there has to be a cap!”

“If there were a cap, Aren would have fallen to the demon realms eons ago.”

“No, no. That can’t be!”

Vivian refused to accept the truth.

“The fact that your delusional succubus stunt ruined everything—that is the peak of your idiocy.”

“Berge Dayas has the excuse of ignorance—he was given no data, so he acts like a typical Demon King. But you don’t have that luxury. I instructed you: stay out of sight. Be silent and wait.”

Crack—

The table itself split under the pressure.

“If you realized the catastrophe your succubi have triggered, you would be on your knees begging for forgiveness right now.”

The steak and the broken plate tumbled onto the expensive floor; he finally stopped cutting.

“But I won’t force you.”

Jason let out a heavy breath, centering himself.

“I don’t care about your actions. Your identity and your past glories mean nothing to me.”

He used a napkin to clean the grease from his hands.

“But this is the end of it.”

“Do not step over the boundary I have set. Do not ruin the game I am playing.”

He straightened his monocle, his icy stare locking onto Vivian.

“This isn’t an invitation to discuss. This is a final warning.”

I suggest you make the intelligent choice.