The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 61

Chapter 61
Chapter: 61

Chapter Title: Then, It Isn’t?

—

“My Sovereign. A correspondence has arrived from Demon King Ugur.”

“Ugur?”

Reina placed the yeti offspring on the ground. With a small motion from her, the mother beast gathered the creature up.

“Provide them with excellent care.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“This marks the first instance Ugur has initiated contact personally, does it not?”

Reina reached her study and grasped the pulsing communication sphere. She dismissed her attendants and channeled her demonic power into the device.

The image of Ugur materialized.

“This is quite a surprise, you reaching out to me. What is the occasion?”

『I found the prospect distasteful, but circumstances gave me no choice. Reina Sordain. I have uncovered something truly shocking.』
His facial expression and vocal fry were so somber that Reina’s own demeanor shifted to one of gravity.

“Continue.”

『Shorty ago, I received word from Berge Dayas. He declared his intention to claim the 13th Princess of the Hilde Kingdom.』
“Berge?”

『I informed him that I would not simply surrender a royal I had already seized. Berge countered that if I intended to leave her languishing in the lower strata as you do, he would come and take her himself.』
『That…』
“Are you suggesting Berge is in league with the heroes? That is inconceivable.”

Reina didn’t necessarily think Berge was above making deals with humans. His public mockery of the Standard of the Demon King proved his rebellious nature.

However, Berge Dayas had only arrived in Aren a year ago. What could he possibly gain from sabotaging the graduation event? With only his personal guard and his own strength, would he even have the resources to orchestrate such a plot?

『Rozel Charnt and Hillun Kagil infiltrated my sanctuary and liberated the princess.』
“That is even more difficult to swallow.”

『I was equally skeptical, yet it is the truth. I contemplated how such a feat was achieved and arrived at a single deduction. You are aware of this, yes? Those two heroes are credited with the death of Drakson.』
A piece of the mystery finally aligned.

『I do not believe Berge was the one who ended Drakson. Nor do I believe he has a direct alliance with those heroes.』
Reina’s thoughts turned to a specific individual.

The demon king who had held his position in Aren the longest, frequently assisting others when complications arose outside the towers. He was the one with the deepest ties to humanity, yet he remained a total enigma.

“Jason Kokmun.”

The individual the humans referred to as a charlatan.

『Indeed. I view Berge through the same lens.』
“Did Jason slay Drakson?”

『No. Jason lacked any incentive to execute Drakson. I am familiar with his nature from the demon world. He never acts without a precise objective and a guaranteed profit. Killing Drakson would have resulted in more trouble than it was worth.』
“Then what is the point you are trying to make?”

『Consider a different angle. While Jason’s hand in this is obvious, he lacked a motive. What if he didn’t require one?』 『What if he was a puppet being pulled by human strings?』
Reina’s expression darkened.

『The humans of Aren consider demon kings to be beneath them. It is an arrogant view, but not entirely divorced from their reality. they see us as a necessary evil, and some even attempt to exert authority over us. What if they have found a way to manipulate a demon king?』
“…Are you certain you wish to follow that line of thought?”

『It isn’t baseless! Before Jason, no demon king survived in Aren for more than three decades. He was the pioneer, and with his guidance, Drakson, yourself, and I all managed to establish our domains. We ignored the oddity of it then, but it supports my theory!』
Reina let out a weary breath. She had heard enough.

His logic contained a massive oversight.

“Do you truly believe human sorcery is capable of breaching the consciousness of a demon?”

This wasn’t a matter of vanity. Mental magic was a demonic invention, filtered down to humanity through the practice of black mages.

Furthermore, in the current era of Aren where demon kings had lost much of their terrifying prestige, the art of mental magic had withered alongside the decline of black magic practitioners.

『…Then, it isn’t so?』
“It is not.”

『Ahem. It seems I have made an embarrassment of myself.』
“Nevertheless, I concur that Jason is involved. I will conduct my own investigation.”

If it turned out that Jason truly had a hand in Drakson’s demise…

“I will not permit it to go unpunished.”

Her internal fury burned with a chilling intensity.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The revelation that the latest demon king was a succubus queen earned her the moniker “Lust.”

“The Lust Demon King instigated a single disturbance in Dormunt and has remained dormant ever since.”

“The situation in the Dormunt Kingdom remains unchanged. They made a great show of declaring they would execute the demon king, but no actual moves have been made.”

The arrival of a new demon king was always significant intelligence. In some circles, it was treated as a testament to human dominance.

After all, a new arrival signified that the previous occupant of that power had been slain.

Consequently, it was easy to dismiss. While the succubus’s debut was the most active event in years and caused a stir, it was viewed as a minor complication.

Some funds were dispatched to Dormunt, and the matter was largely closed.

“What is the status of Rozel Charnt?”

“She has proven to be quite flexible, so negotiations concluded smoothly. The upcoming second hero expedition will be framed as an operation strictly managed by the guild. Rozel Charnt and Hillun Kagil will receive minor reprimands for the lack of foresight that led to unnecessary casualties during the first attempt.”

“She wasn’t being ‘cooperative’—she simply secured everything she set out to get.”

The elders ground their teeth in frustration.

“It is still a better outcome than a public scandal. The reputation of the guild is far more valuable than the remnants of a demon king. It is vital that the public believes all hero missions are under guild jurisdiction. Maintaining that illusion is paramount.”

“Understood.”

“Has there been any word from the guild master?”

“None. One would assume a crisis of this magnitude would warrant his return…”

“Have we identified the benefactor behind Valraf Disrod?”

“The trail leads toward the Empire, but we reached a dead end.”

“The Empire.”

An elder mused while stroking his chin.

“Cease the investigation there. Probing further into that territory is a liability.”

“Yes, sir.”

He could make an educated guess.

The monarchs and emperors lived as ultimate sovereigns. They wielded total control and viewed themselves as divine figures.

Would they permit a powerful, independent organization to exist outside the bounds of national law?

Hardly. There had long been efforts to undermine the Hero Guild.

There had been countless attempts to lure away guild heroes, transforming them into the personal enforcers of various kingdoms and empires.

Despite this, the Hero Guild persisted and flourished. And it would continue to do so.

“Any updates on the demon king from Erjest? Did Daphne manage to locate the tower?”

“The search was unsuccessful.”

“What did you say…”

“Even with her specialized skills, there were certain zones she could not penetrate. We assume the tower is hidden within those areas.”

“Confounded nuisance.”

The elder let out a sigh.

“He utilizes fire, correct?”

“That is the intelligence we gathered.”

“Then label him the ‘Flame Demon’ and release a statement saying the guild has successfully identified his attributes.”

“Understood.”

“A few setbacks are tolerable. However, a pattern of failure cannot be allowed to take root. The Hero Guild must be seen as the ultimate victor.”

The remaining elders bowed their heads in agreement with the grand elder’s decree.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Mm…”

She woke to a sense of heavy, peaceful warmth.

Chirp chirp chirp—

The morning sun pressed softly against her skin. The melody of birds filled the air.

Under a vast blue sky sprinkled with soft clouds, Elena blinked her eyes open.

“…Where am I?”

She was confused.

She tentatively moved her hands. She felt just as frail and exhausted as usual. Nothing felt out of the ordinary.

‘I am certain I was seized by the demon king…’

Abducted.

Her final memories were of the estate.

The secluded mountain villa where she went to recover her health. Because the sun set so early in the mountains, she had retired to bed at an early hour.

The screams of the palace guards had jolted her awake.

The ring of steel against steel had disoriented her; the scent of blood filled the room.

The bedroom door had burst open, and a dying knight collapsed at the foot of her bed.

Then, a massive shadow had eclipsed her vision.

“…Who are you?”

“The demon king.”

That was the end of the memory. Large, callous hands had grabbed her.

She had prepared herself to wake up in a dark fortress, so why was she staring at the open sky?

“You’re finally up?”

“…Sister?”

Was this a hallucination?

She reached out a trembling hand. She felt the softness of a real cheek beneath her palm.

“Is it truly you, sister?”

“Do you think I’m a ghost?”

The voice and the physical touch were unmistakable.

“A demon king took me away…”

“And I came to save you.”

“But you were the one who was kidnapped first.”

“True, so I returned with the demon king who took me in the first place.”

“…What?”

Elena tried to sit up quickly, but a wave of pain forced her back down.

“Don’t strain yourself.”

“I don’t understand anything that’s happening.”

“Just look around you.”

Still lying flat, she slowly turned her head. She saw faces she recognized and several she didn’t.

“Hero Hillun.”

“It has been some time, Princess.”

“Were you the one who saved me, Hero?”

“Indeed. It is a privilege to return you to safety.”

“And my sister as well?”

“I am sorry to say that I was unable to rescue Crown Princess Ernyan.”

“Then how is it…”

That her sister was standing right there?

“Allow me to present him to you.”

Ernyan guided Berge toward them.

“This is the demon king who established his domain in the Erjest Mountains, Demon King Berge Dayas.”

“…Excuse me?”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
After parting ways with Rozel Charnt, Hillun Kagil secured a high-end carriage and began the journey back to the Hilde Kingdom with the princess in tow.

“…Haaa.”

“You look like a beaten dog.”

“I was really hoping she wouldn’t have to go back to Hilde for a long while.”

Hillun Kagil was a hero born and raised in Hilde.

A hero’s duty involved more than just killing monsters; he had built a reputation by taking on local contracts within Hilde as his primary base of operations.

His success in slaying the Lust Demon King and dismantling her tower was a monumental achievement that accelerated his career, but he had put in the hard work long before that.

Hilde was his territory, but his failure to protect Ernyan had seemingly ended his career there.

“I heard the Azure Knights were sent to the Assoin Principality to hunt you down. How did you get away?”

“They retreated.”

“…”

“I gave them a warning. They are likely fuming right now.”

“That doesn’t sound like your usual polite self.”

“Respect is a two-way street. It is wasted on those who show none.”

“I suppose that’s true. Sending the Azure Knights after a hero just because a mission went sideways… Hilde is truly falling apart.”

“I can’t say you’re wrong.”

“…What’s that look for? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“How much do you actually know about anything?”

“Are you challenging me?”

Hillun scowled. Granada’s constant poking was irritating his already frayed nerves.

“If it weren’t for Faye, you’d be on the ground pleading for mercy right now.”

“Classic hero—all image and no substance, hiding behind the power of an elf. Do you ever worry that might bite you?”

“Where do you get this much arrogance?”

“I have confidence in my own abilities.”

“I didn’t realize elves could be this thick-headed…”

“What did you just call me?”

Hillun glanced back at the members of the Red Hawk Mercenaries and signaled for more speed. Granada had to rush to keep up with the sudden acceleration.

“What’s the rush?”

“Keep them at a distance.”

Following Granada’s lead, the Red Hawk group slowed their pace.

“Have you ever heard of the magic known as ‘World Tree’s Child’?”

“World Tree’s Child? You mean that pathetic human imitation spell used to augment unborn infants?”

It was a clumsy bit of magic that had no right to use the name of the sacred tree.

“Human greed is bottomless. They try to force mana into a fragile fetus to force growth? Obviously, the child can’t handle it. There are easier ways to commit suicide, and they—wait…”

Granada’s eyes went wide.

“You can’t be serious.”

“…”

“Is it really that?”

“In the Hilde Kingdom, there are technically 62 direct royal descendants.”

“The official records only list 28.”

This was madness.

Granada took a hard gulp.

“That many have died?”

“The King possesses two Queens and 33 separate concubines.”

Granada had only ever heard of eight. The strain of the World Tree’s Child spell affected more than just the children.

“Why would anyone go to such lengths?”

“I couldn’t begin to understand the desires of a king.”

It was simple.

“All I know is that they pursue grand delusions that are far beyond the understanding of normal people.”

Whether it was a visionary goal or pure insanity was anyone’s guess.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The return of Hillun Kagil was the biggest story in Hilde.

“Hillun Kagil is approaching the capital city.”

“The audacity of that man.”

The secret mission of the Azure Knights to Assoin had been kept quiet. Arresting a national hero over a failed raid was a move that could never be justified publicly.

Yet the King’s temper was famous; the high-ranking nobility were well aware of the situation.

They knew the knights had returned with nothing, pushing the King’s fury to its limit.

“He is returning with Princess Elena.”

“Elena?”

Hillun Kagil had breached the Indestructible Tower and saved the abducted princess!

It was common for royals to be snatched by demon kings.

However, no nation took the kidnapping of their own lightly.

To lose one princess and then fail to protect another was a massive embarrassment for Hilde.

It didn’t matter if the 13th Princess was considered unimportant.

The pride of Hilde had been wounded.

Now, Hillun Kagil, the son of Hilde, had restored that pride by saving the 13th.

“Glory to Hillun Kagil!”

“Long live Princess Elena!”

“Victory to the Red Hawk Raid Team!”

The stories grew taller with every mile. Every village they passed through held massive celebrations.

Their path was public knowledge; the royal court had to act.

When they finally arrived at the gates of the capital…

Boom boom boom boom—

“We welcome you, Hero Hillun Kagil.”

Waaaaaaaa!

Blessings upon Hillun Kagil!

Long live Granada!

Praise be to the Red Hawk Raid Team!

A grand festival and a victory parade were waiting for them.

“I am grateful for such a spirited reception.”

Hillun walked along the red carpet that lined the main thoroughfare. Granada and the rest of Red Hawk followed behind.

“Incredible…”

“Stop staring like a tourist.”

“Are we really going to focus on raids from now on?”

“With this much money and fame? Absolutely.”

“Quiet, keep smiling for the crowd.”

The knights lined up to raise their blades in salute. The sound of trumpets filled the air.

The noise of the crowd blended with the sound of celebratory fireworks.

The members of Red Hawk, experiencing fame for the first time, did their best to look the part.

Meanwhile, a man and a woman watched the procession from the shadows.

“Quite a show. They were ready to riot not long ago.”

“My father sent the Azure Knights because of what happened to me, but he usually prefers to maintain a proper public image. Welcoming a hero who saved a princess is the logical move.”

“So, what is the schedule?”

“The grand banquet. My father knows the truth about the demon king situation; he will host a lavish party to smooth things over.”

“The guests of honor are the 13th Princess and Hillun Kagil.”

“But Elena isn’t in any condition to host a party.”

“In that palace decorated with hyacinths? The place where you used to live.”

“Yes. Right there.”

“Since you were kidnapped once already, I assume security will be tight?”

“Actually, the opposite is true. The chances of a royal being kidnapped a second time immediately after being rescued are almost zero.”

“The perfect moment for another one, then.”

Berge gave a short, dry laugh. It was a bizarre situation—planning the abduction of a Hilde princess while working with another Hilde princess.

“But.”

“Yes?”

“At a gala for a rescued princess, most of the nobility will be present, right?”

“Hillun is the premier hero of Hilde. Unless my father continues his grudge, the nobles will see this as the conflict being resolved and will try to gain favor with him.”

“It’ll be a long night.”

“It will go on until dawn.”

“Then we should take the opportunity to visit some noble vaults.”

“…What did you say?”

“The manor houses and hidden treasuries of the nobles you despise.”

“…You caught on?”

Ernyan gave a sheepish grin.

“You’ve been pushing me to drain your country’s resources like there’s no tomorrow. But I didn’t think you actually wanted to see Hilde destroyed.”

“…Hehe. I wasn’t trying to deceive you.”

“Political enemies or personal vendettas, it makes no difference to me. Gold is gold.”

“Exactly. Money has no allegiance.”

“Do you have targets in mind?”

“I have two. One is a merchant conglomerate, and the other is a high-ranking noble. But unlike the situation with Akan, the security here is very high.”

“I am a demon king. Infiltrating palaces to steal royalty is my specialty.”

No private estate was more secure than a royal palace.

“And you don’t need to worry about the detection of demonic power.”

Why didn’t demon kings usually rob wealthy merchants or nobles?

The risk of leaving a trace of demonic energy. They could sneak in, but using power to break wards or silence guards would reveal their identity.

If a theft was linked to a demon king, the humans could track it back to the tower.

Berge didn’t have that limitation.

“Which noble is it?”

“Duke Hainz, my father’s own brother.”

“The security will be formidable.”

“That’s fine. I know the floor plans, the magical defenses, and the guard rotations. But are you sure you’re up for it? You gave Rozel a massive amount of mana; you look exhausted.”

“The party is still days away. I’ll be fine.”

“I suppose so.”

The two conspirators disappeared into the moving crowd.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
End of Chapter 61. Then, It Isn’t?