The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 71

Chapter 71
## Chapter 71: Necessity

Hillun Kagil was deep in thought.

He struggled to find a way to convince her that she was in danger of being abducted by the Demon King. Should he claim the Demon King told him personally? Or perhaps suggest they were on friendly terms?

She would never believe such absurdity. Given her temperament, she would likely lose her temper and brand him a double agent.

*I have to construct a believable lie.*

The story didn’t need to be flawless; it just needed to be enough to deceive a single princess.

“What is this nonsense you’re spouting? The Demon King plans to kidnap me?”

“That is correct.”

“And what proof do you have?”

The abduction of royalty by Demon Kings was a common trope, occurring countless times since their arrival in this world. However, there had never been a case where such a plot was uncovered before it was carried out.

“Are you aware that I once set out as a hero specifically to take down the Demon King of the Erjest Mountains?”

“What does your past have to do with this ridiculous claim?”

“I fell short back then. Honestly, I was too embarrassed to even call it a failure, as I couldn’t even locate the tower. While I’ve regained some status by defeating the Beast Demon King, my reputation as a ‘star’ took a serious hit that day.”

Louise tilted her head, silently prompting him to get to the point.

“Following that incident, I stationed informants throughout the Erjest territory.”

“Informants?”

“Indeed. A Demon King is rarely content with just one royal captive. I anticipated he would eventually strike again, targeting another noble house. My vigilance paid off.”

“Are you referring to the 9th Princess of the Jespain Empire?”

“Not only her—he set his sights on Hildran once more.”

“I heard about that. The 13th Princess was taken, wasn’t she?”

“It threw the entire kingdom into chaos.”

“So, did you follow this abductor back to his stronghold?”

“Regrettably, no.”

The spark of hope that had briefly lit Louise’s face vanished, replaced by a scowl.

“Are you toyng with me?”

“Please, just listen a moment longer. You’ll see why this matters.”

“…Fine. Continue.”

“Even though the tower remained hidden, I discovered something else of value.”

“Which was?”

“I couldn’t track those entering the lair, but I managed to spot those leaving. And I identified where they were headed.”

By this point, the implication was obvious to anyone with basic intuition.

“…It can’t be.”

“It is. Their destination is the Kingdom of Berft, and the specific target is you, Princess Louise Berft.”

—

The narrative was full of gaps. Even if one accepted that he tracked demons to Berft, the reason for her being the specific target remained unexplained. To bridge this lack of logic, Hillun Kagil leaned heavily on his own prestige.

“Fine, let’s say I believe they are coming here. But why me? What’s the proof?”

“I am not at liberty to reveal my sources.”

“You must be joking.”

“However, I give you my word, sworn upon my honor and my status as Argon of the Hero Guild. I mean you no harm, but the Demon King’s shadow is falling over you.”

“……”

Louise’s verbal assault died away. Despite being a pampered royal of the Dwarf Kingdom, she couldn’t ignore the gravity of a man who had slain two Demon Kings and held a high rank in the Guild. A hero’s formal oath was a heavy thing, possessed of genuine weight.

Seeing her fall into a contemplative silence, Hillun layered on a final deception.

“Mind you, I cannot be certain it is the Erjest Demon King himself.”

“You just claimed it was him moments ago.”

“The movement originated from those mountains, yes, but my reports mentioned a succubus. You know that Demon Kings typically employ their own kind for such tasks.”

“…A succubus? You mean the Demon King of Lust?”

“You may not be aware, but among the Demon Kings…”

“They hold councils. Yes, I’ve heard the rumors.”

“My contact likely spotted an emissary departing from one of those very meetings.”

*That should do it.*

He felt a burning desire to expose Berge immediately, but he knew that was premature. Heroic missions weren’t organized in a day, and if it were revealed that Hillun was the whistleblower, the entity inside his mind might react violently. The Demon King might fall, but Hillun would perish with him. He had no interest in a future he wasn’t alive to see.

*Now is not the time for an open betrayal.*

Hillun watched Louise quietly as she processed the information.

“The Lust Demon King wants me?”

“Me? Targeted by such a creature?”

“Kidnapped?”

“This is outrageous!”

She paced, muttering to herself, before suddenly snapping into action.

“Where are you going?”

“They dare to target me? Do they think I’ll just sit and wait? Never!”

“Your Highness!”

“I must inform my father immediately! We must prepare for an invasion!”

“You cannot do that!” Hillun grabbed her shoulder to stop her.

“Release me!”

“This is still speculative.”

“Speculative?”

“I am not the Demon King; I cannot know his mind with absolute certainty. I am offering you the most logical conclusion based on my intelligence.”

“But you have enough confidence to swear an oath on it, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“Then why the delay? Warn the court and double the guard!”

“Conventional guards won’t stop a Demon King.”

“What?”

“His ability to move unseen is legendary. If he detects a trap, he will simply vanish and wait. We cannot keep the kingdom on high alert forever.”

“…What are you suggesting?”

“I will personally act as your guardian. I will ensure the kidnapping fails.”

“And why would you do that?”

Her suspicion returned, her eyes narrowing. Hillun opted for a version of the truth.

“For my own prestige.”

“Prestige?”

“If a Demon King attempts an abduction and I am the one to repel him, imagine the glory. It would be a historical first.”

Hillun allowed a flicker of ambition to show in his eyes, making his motive seem grounded and real.

“…I had heard you were a selfless protector of the people.”

“Being a hero doesn’t mean I lack ambition. I simply value my reputation above all else.”

“The citizens of Hildran might be disappointed to hear that.”

She paused, a small smirk forming. “But personally, I find that honesty refreshing.”

“The masses are irrelevant. You are what matters, Princess. Grant me the privilege of guarding you for a single month.”

“You’re certain? That he will strike within the month?”

“I am positive.”

“Very well.”

Louise reached out.

*Grip—*

Her hand clamped down on Hillun’s with surprising strength.

“I don’t fully understand your hidden motives for this arrangement.”

“But if your word holds true and you keep me safe…”

“The Hero Guild and the Kingdom of Berft will forge an unbreakable bond. And the credit will be yours.”

Hillun bowed low.

“I am honored. And once this matter is resolved, I will reveal the source of Roger Friedri’s weapon.”

“Ah.”

Louise’s expression darkened as she ground her teeth.

“So that wretch was involved after all?”

—

Berge withdrew his hand.

“How does it feel?”

He found the expectant look in her eyes somewhat taxing.

“Your internal mana levels are receding. It will take more time, but the process is working. Eventually, you will be able to practice magic.”

“I am so grateful!”

The two sisters, who shared a striking resemblance, bowed in unison.

“Once the mana drops further, you can use what remains to fortify your physical frame. A mana heart would be far more compatible with your constitution than an aura orb.”

Aura was too volatile and dense for Elena’s delicate body; it risked causing internal damage. However, a different problem weighed on Berge’s mind. Elena was frail, but she was a hero, and heroes were fundamentally incompatible with demonic power.

“Could I not simply instruct her myself?”

While she had some affinity for spirits, it wasn’t a perfect solution. Ernyan and Nairuniel were outliers; generally, spirits and their casters detested demons. Nairuniel had mentioned that when Ernyan attempted to call upon high-tier spirits, they refused because of her association with Berge. Ernyan had found a rare exception in Nairuniel, but there was no such promise for Elena.

—*She’s correct.*

—*Most spirits lack the vision to see the grace in things labeled ‘forbidden.’*

Nairuniel’s commentary only confirmed his doubts.

“We have some time. Give it more thought.”

“I will.”

He left the sisters and descended to the second floor. A wave of intense heat and the scent of salt and sweat greeted him.

*Bang—*

A figure blurred past Berge, crashing into the stone wall with a pained grunt.

“You’ve arrived?”

Gordon, the one responsible for throwing Kaede, gave a brief nod. Kaede struggled back to her feet.

“Demon King.”

Regardless of her initial feelings, once Kaede had committed to her role, she became a fiercely dedicated warrior. Her rigid adherence to principle was almost extreme, but Berge found it useful.

“Don’t mind me. Carry on.”

“Understood.”

Kaede gripped her blade once more, launching a swift, calculated strike toward Gordon’s blind side. Her movements were efficient and heavy with intent. Golden aura erupted as Gordon drew his own weapon.

*Clang—*

The dark energy and the golden light clashed violently. What began as a sparring session quickly escalated in speed and intensity.

*Slash—*

A few locks of Kaede’s hair were shorn away, and a thin line of red appeared on her cheek. Simultaneously, a piece of Gordon’s hair fell to the floor. Berge watched the display with genuine interest.

“She has made significant progress in a short window.”

“She has an exceptional instructor,” Gordon replied.

“And you aren’t half bad yourself, are you?”

“Believe what you wish.”

The duel continued. Gordon took the initiative, forcing Kaede into a desperate defensive rhythm. In the midst of the flashing steel, she looked vulnerable, yet she held her ground.

*She’s more capable than I gave her credit for.*

She was well-grounded in the fundamentals of the imperial knights and learned at an impressive rate. Moreover, her status as a hero—and the raw spite she harbored—was something Berge appreciated.

“On a different note, ‘Dark Knight’…”

The title felt like something out of an old, mediocre play. It was a childish name, designed to make the hero look grand while painting the Demon King as a caricature.

A heavy impact sounded, and Kaede was sent skidding across the floor.

“Your concentration broke for a second. What were you thinking about?”

“My apologies, Master.”

Kaede breathed heavily, bowing to Gordon’s stern correction. For a fleeting second, she glanced at Berge.

*……?*

“Dark Knight.”

She flinched.

“Dark Knight?”

She tried to remain stoic, but the flush creeping up her neck betrayed her.

“Dark Knight, Dark Knight, Dark Knight.”

“…Stop, please.”

“You were the one who embraced the title first.”

“…I was told that was your preference.”

“I find such labels incredibly juvenile.”

“Then why…?”

“I said nothing, yet here we are with a Dark Spirit Mage.”

“…I was misled.”

“Not exactly. Having to call my subordinates a Dark Spirit Mage and a Dark Knight is a bit humiliating for me, but I suppose I can respect your tastes.”

“Please don’t.”

“The more you react, the more I feel compelled to respect it.”

“……”

Kaede bit her lip in frustration. Berge turned toward the stairs leading to the ground floor.

“Gordon, ensure the Dark Knight’s training is thorough.”

“As you command.”

Leaving the flustered Kaede behind, Berge walked past the nearly finished magical artillery and entered the smithy. He could feel the thrum of energy in the air. Roger was there, working with a corrupted mana stone.

“How is the progress?”

“Ah, Demon King.” Roger wiped his brow. “I’ve been analyzing it, but the properties of demonic energy are vastly different from standard mana. This is outside my usual wheelhouse.”

“Do you require a mage?”

“If you want the results you’re looking for anytime soon, then yes, it would be a massive help.”

“A mage, then.”

Between Roger’s technical needs and Elena’s education, the requirement was clear.

*There should be mages among the elven slaves.*

It seemed the time to retrieve them had moved up on his schedule.