The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 62

Chapter 62
## Chapter 62: Hillun Kagil and Hildran

“The Sovereign has requested the presence of the hero.”

The moment had finally arrived.

In the deep hours of the night, a royal messenger reached the palace wing where Hillun Kagil was currently residing.

Hillun prepared himself. He donned a sharp suit and fastened his tie with precision. Though the palace attendants stepped forward to assist him, he waved them off.

“I can manage this personally.”

He inspected his reflection, ensuring every line was perfect.

‘He took longer to call for me than I anticipated.’

Earlier that afternoon, he had made a grand entrance into the capital, celebrated by a parade of victory. He had been settled into the royal annex, where a steady stream of aristocrats had already attempted to pay their respects.

Curiously, the monarch, who should have been the first to receive him, had remained distant until now.

Hillun interpreted this silence as the King’s desire for a meeting away from prying eyes. And now, the summons was here.

He marched behind a knight toward the royal inner sanctum. Reaching the King’s private study, he noted the absence of guards at the entrance.

“You are expected. Enter.”

“Understood.”

The heavy doors swung inward. The room was cast in shadow, saved only by the silver glow of the full moon bleeding through the glass.

“Step inside.”

A rhythmic *clink* echoed.

Transparent white wine cascaded into an empty vessel, releasing a sugary fragrance that permeated the room.

“Your Majesty.”

“Take a seat.”

“Thank you.”

“Share a drink with me.”

The King extended a glass. They toasted with a sharp metallic ring.

“Antura Pournin, I believe?”

“Vintage 1311. You possess an impressive palate, Your Majesty.”

The King let out a low laugh, leaning back into his chair while his eyes remained fixed on the moon outside.

“I didn’t think you would return to Hildran so submissively. Even less so that you would bring a gift as significant as Elena.”

“I am pleased that my actions met your approval.”

“They did. And even if they hadn’t, I would be forced to say they did. After all, you are the legendary figure who brought home the kidnapped princess.”

There was a subtle, sharp edge to the King’s tone.

“I offer my regrets for our past friction. As you are aware, my devotion to Ernyan clouded my judgment and led to a lapse in character.”

“That matter has already faded from my mind.”

“I am glad to hear it.”

Another round was poured and consumed.

“I have only a single inquiry.”

“Please, ask.”

“Is it true that the tower remained hidden from you?”

The King shifted his gaze. His expression was mask-like and steady, but beneath the surface, a volatile fury simmered like a pressurized magma chamber.

“I was unable to locate it.”

“I will ask once more.”

“I could not find it.”

“Again.”

“I did not find it.”

The glass in the King’s grip suddenly fractured into shards. The pale wine ran down his fingers like water.

Documents on the mahogany desk became soaked, and fragments of glass peppered the rug.

“Answer me again.”

The King’s voice was a low, dangerous snarl.

Hillun simply shook his head.

“I cannot testify to seeing something that never appeared.”

A sudden, booming laugh erupted from the King—a sound filled with mana that caused the very walls of the office to tremble.

Hillun remained entirely still, watching the display with a cold, unblinking stare.

“I am aware.”

The laughter cut off as quickly as it started.

“Daphne sought you out, didn’t she?”

“She did.”

“What were her questions, and what were your replies?”

“She inquired about my journey, so I recounted the events of the Erjest Mountains in detail.”

“Daphne claimed she was unable to find it as well. That suggests it is currently beyond anyone’s reach.”

The King cleaned the spilled wine from his skin and produced a replacement glass.

“However, I do not believe you will remain unsuccessful forever.”

“Is that your intuition?”

“What obstacle could possibly stop a hero capable of decapitating both the Lust Demon King and the Beast Demon King?”

“I am honored by your confidence.”

“Therefore.”

One day.

“One day, you shall bring Ernyan back to me.”

“I shall commit my full strength to that goal.”

“Excellent. That is my only requirement. You will find no resistance within the borders of Hildran.”

The King signaled with a clap. The knight waiting outside cracked the door.

“Summon a servant to tidy this mess.”

“At once.”

The guard disappeared.

“Forgive my lack of composure. View it as the desperation of a father pining for his child.”

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

“On another note, I heard your financial backing vanished after your victory over the Lust Demon King…”

“I have been fortunate enough to secure a new benefactor.”

“In that case, I shall provide my own additional patronage.”

“Is refusal an option?”

“It is not.”

“Then I accept with gratitude.”

“Leave me. I wish to drink in solitude.”

The audience was over.

“He has transformed.”

The rumors of him slaying the Beast Demon King were clearly true.

His very presence had shifted, radiating a far more potent future.

“Even in the era of the Demon Kings, it is a rare feat for a single hero to strike down two or more of their kind.”

Such individuals were destined for the annals of legend.

“In the old days, there was a precedent for heroes who saved members of the bloodline to marry into the royal family…”

It was a custom that had died out as heroes became more common and the necessity of such unions faded.

But looking at the current situation, the idea wasn’t entirely unappealing.

The wine left a pleasant sweetness on the King’s tongue.

—

“Viscount Broilter has arrived!”

“Baron Pensilven and his Lady are entering!”

The nobility streamed into the ballroom.

Massive chandeliers cast a golden glow over the hall.

The resident musicians played elegant, sweeping scores with effortless skill.

The sound of social laughter and quiet gossip merged into a constant hum.

Exquisite spirits and gourmet dishes enticed the senses of every guest.

And then, the announcement came.

“The legendary hero who defeated the Lust Demon King and the Beast Demon King, Hillun Kagil, accompanied by the vice-captain of the Red Hawk Strike Team, the elf Granada!”

The night’s primary attractions had arrived.

The bustling room suddenly fell into a heavy silence. Every pair of eyes locked onto the entrance.

They stared at the hero in his perfectly tailored suit and the striking elf at his side.

Hillun Kagil pushed his brown hair back with a practiced, casual motion. Soft gasps and hushed murmurs of admiration rippled through the crowd.

“What is this display for?”

“A gala isn’t just for the high-born to mingle.”

“You’re just showing off.”

“You’ll find plenty of admirers among the ladies here. A handsome elf is a rare commodity.”

“I’ll pass.”

“From this point on, watch your tone. In a formal setting, I am your commanding officer.”

Hillun plucked a drink from a passing tray. The moment he consumed the fruit garnish, the spell of silence broke, and the nobles descended upon him.

“Sir Hillun!”

“I am Baron Merton. Surely you recall our meeting?”

“Hero Hillun, please, spare a moment for a word…”

Granada stepped back, overwhelmed by the sudden crush of bodies. Fortunately, Hillun was the primary target of the swarm.

The elf retreated to a quiet alcove with his own drink.

“Why are you hiding in the shadows all by yourself?”

A woman took the seat next to him.

“You’re the renowned Granada, aren’t you? I am Joy Bourain, of the House of Viscount Bourain.”

“Granada.”

“I know. A toast?”

“If you wish.”

“Talk with me.”

A hand reached out to him. A golden-haired woman was smiling brightly.

“And who might you be?”

“I am Gaina Dayas, daughter of Count Dayas. Surely you’ve heard of my father.”

“And your point is?”

“I simply wished to converse.”

“With me?”

“Is there anyone else standing here?”

Granada finally surveyed his surroundings and realized the situation.

The main ballroom was no longer visible. He was entirely hemmed in by the daughters and ladies of the high houses.

‘There’s no escaping this…’

He had waited too long to move.

Granada let out a weary, quiet breath.

—

“Hillun Kagil.”

Social standing existed even among the elite, dictated by title.

And even those with identical titles were separated by lineage and influence.

Duke Heinz was the undisputed master of this hierarchy.

Carrying the purest blood of Hildran, he had secured his status through sheer competence. A multitude of nobles existed in his wake, all vying for his favor.

The crowd surrounding Hillun parted like the sea as Duke Heinz walked forward.

He moved with an innate, aristocratic poise.

A man born to command, looking down upon the world.

“Long time no see.”

“Your Grace.”

“I offer my gratitude on behalf of the throne for the safe return of Elena.”

“I merely fulfilled my obligation.”

“Your obligation… quite right.”

He offered a smooth smile.

“Does everyone present realize the magnitude of this occasion?”

The Duke’s voice boomed across the hall, drawing every gaze.

“Hillun Kagil is a son of Hildran who has served as our protector for many years. You all know his face; many of you have shared his company.”

“You flatter me too much.”

“Flattery? I’ve barely started. Some might overlook his worth because he is familiar, or because he carries himself with such humility. But Hillun is a celestial light among men.”

The Duke hoisted Hillun’s arm into the air. The room erupted in applause.

“Despite a prior setback, he remained dedicated to the safety of the Crown Princess and ultimately secured the return of the 13th Princess. Such steadfast fealty!”

“Absolutely!”

“Long live Hero Hillun Kagil!”

“What are you playing at?” Hillun hissed under his breath.

The Duke paid him no mind.

“But there is more!”

“He took the head of the Lust Demon King and forced the Beast Demon King to submit to his prowess in both blade and sorcery. This is nothing short of legendary!”

“A hero of two Demon Kings belongs to the ages!”

The fervor in the room reached a fever pitch.

“I am immensely proud to call Hillun Kagil a lifelong friend. It has been my privilege to support him since his early days and witness his ascent to this height.”

“You are truly shameless.”

A tiny flicker of irritation crossed Hillun’s face, though his anger was buried by the cheering.

“You’ve spoken with my brother, then?”

Duke Heinz, the only person close enough to hear the whisper, gave a radiant smile.

“I did.”

“The King oversteps. Our connection is far older and deeper. I have no intention of surrendering my claim on you.”

“That is a very tight leash you’re holding.”

“It’s only a leash until you grip it—then it becomes a bond. I am a man of many ambitions.”

“Perhaps. But having dealt with entities far more avaricious and chains far heavier, yours feels a bit loose.”

“A witty response.”

The Duke’s smile thinned.

Suddenly, a messenger knight sprinted into the room, leaning in to whisper urgently to the Duke.

“…What? Gold…?”

The Duke shot a quick, stunned look at Hillun before his voice trailed off.

“Apologies, but our conversation must be cut short.”

“That is unfortunate. I was looking forward to a deeper discussion.”

“As was I. I shall schedule a proper meeting soon.”

“Farewell.”

Hillun gave a polite nod. The Duke exited the hall in a blur of motion, his personal guard trailing behind him.

“What could that have been about?”

“What’s happening?”

The aristocrats were momentarily bewildered by the Duke’s abrupt departure, but the distraction was fleeting.

The rising star of the kingdom, Hillun Kagil, was still standing right there.

“Hero, it has been far too long!”

“Lady Ishir, daughter of Baron Ishir. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

“Hmph, Hillun Kagil, I trust you haven’t forgotten our history?”

“Never, Marquis Mohir. I remain in your debt for your past kindness.”

Hillun was once again swallowed by the social tide.

The atmosphere of the celebration grew more intense.

—

The attendant assigned to the Hyacinth Palace gave a soft, hesitant knock.

“Princess, may I come in?”

Silence met her. However, Elena had been spending the majority of her days in deep slumber lately.

The maid pushed the door open. A sharp, cold draft hit her immediately.

‘Did she leave the casement unlatched?’

The Princess’s health was fragile; she couldn’t afford a chill.

As she rushed to shut the window, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Elena was still in her bed, but a dark silhouette was towering over her.

“Wh-who are you…?”

“I am the Dark Spirit Sorceress, one of the Four Heavenly Kings serving the Great Demon King.”

The voice was bizarrely distorted and bone-chilling.

“Under the decree of my master, I have come to seize the 13th Princess of Hildran.”

The intruder’s eyes flashed with a sinister light in the gloom.

The maid’s heart hammered against her ribs.

“D-Demon! An intruder!”

She threw every ounce of strength into her scream.

The alarm successfully reached the patrolling guards.

The sound of heavy boots thundered down the hallway.

“Aaaargh!”

“It’s a demonkin!”

“Protect the room!”

Then, following a series of panicked shouts, the noise vanished. A wave of stifling heat rolled through the air.

“Oh dear.”

The Dark Spirit Sorceress pressed a hand to her lips in a mock gesture of surprise.

“Have all the brave knights who came to your rescue already perished?”

She reached down and carefully gathered the sleeping Princess into her arms.

“No… you cannot take her…”

“Such touching devotion. It truly warms my spirit.”

An object flew through the air. *Thud.* A minor impact struck the maid, and her world began to spin into darkness.

“By the time you wake up from your rest, this will all be a memory.”

The maid slumped to the floor.

Ernyan moved toward the window and slipped outside.

“Big sister.”

Elena, who had been merely acting, cracked one eye open.

“Yes?”

“Wasn’t that script from a play we saw over a decade ago?”

“…It certainly was not.”

“It was. My memory is perfectly fine.”

Ernyan’s cheeks turned a bright shade of crimson.

“If you’re supposed to be the Dark Spirit Sorceress, are the others nearby too?”

“…There is no Death Legion Commander or Hell Giant present.”

“What about the Dark Knight?”

“…I have a few potential candidates.”

Likely so.

She added in a low, hushed breath.

“…She isn’t just eccentric; she’s on another level entirely.”

Berge, following closely in their wake, let out a tired, dry laugh.

Behind the departing group, the Hyacinth Palace began to be swallowed by growing flames.

The magical sirens of the capital, signaling a foreign invasion, began to wail throughout the entire royal grounds.