< Chapter 61 - Entering the Palace >
Chapter 61 – Entering the Palace
The demon followers of the Pleiades could be broadly divided into five groups.
The hand of the demon who serves Asmodeus, the overlord of lust.
The demon’s eye that serves Belial, the overlord of corruption.
The mouth of the devil who serves the great monarch of love and hate, Lilith.
The devil’s ears that serve Belkegoer, the overlord of cruelty.
The horn of the devil who serves Behemoth, the overlord of violence.
In Hell, there were five great monarchs who were virtually equal, but their followers on Earth were not all equally powerful.
After a fierce clash with the Holy Cross Guardians, the Devil’s Ears were virtually destroyed, and the Devil’s Horns were also in a state where all of the Mines except for the Mines Jabberwalk, known as the ‘Avatar of Behemoth’, were completely destroyed.
“But the remaining three still boast a fairly strong force.”
In particular, the Devil’s Hand boasted a wide sphere of influence, operating not only in the Kingdom of Cailun but also in the Argon Empire, and also had the largest number of minions under its command.
“The leader of the Devil’s Hand.”
An unidentified woman with long blue hair.
She is believed to be the avatar of Asmodeus, and her identity was not fully revealed in Heroes 2 or even in Heroes 3.
“Perhaps she is the strongest among the demon followers.”
Fortunately, however, she rarely appeared on the front lines.
Because I could always just sit behind the curtain and watch.
“The devil’s eyes are in the western part of the Argon Empire, and the devil’s mouth is in the far east.”
Therefore, in the second part of the Heroic Chronicles set on the Western Continent, the only groups of demon followers who serve as real enemies are the Devil’s Hand and the Devil’s Eye.
“Among them, the main enemy of the Kingdom of Seilun is the Devil’s Hand.”
Among the six branches of the Devil’s Hand, three existed in the Kingdom of Seilun, and the headquarters was also located in the center of the Kingdom of Seilun.
“It seems that because of the barrier, it is not located near the royal capital and is stuck in the outskirts.”
To be exact, it was located near the border with the Argon Empire, and the mine in charge of the center was Koros, a belligerent among the six branch leaders of the Devil’s Hand.
Like other branch managers, he longed for the leader’s favor and devoted himself to the ‘Plan to Exterminate the Seilun Royal Family’, a major undertaking aimed at destroying the central barrier.
To the point where he even asked for help from the Northern Branch Manager Soluzia, with whom he was not on good terms.
&
“Solusia.”
At Chorus’ call, Solusia took off the hood she had been wearing deeply, revealing her face.
The white face and purple eyes set between the extremely black ebony hair looked even more impressive under the dim light.
“Chorus.”
Solusia, dressed in white robes, let out a deep breath and slumped her shoulders slightly.
Normally, the branch managers were practically rivals, competing for the president’s favor, but in private, like now, the story was a little different.
“Your pretty face is now half gone. You must have been in a lot of pain.”
The demon followers of Asmodeus, the god of lust, were generally of outstanding appearance.
Koros was no different. He had a very handsome face, but apart from his thick lines and distinct facial features, his eyes were so intense that even when he just smiled quietly, he gave off a ferocious feeling.
On the other hand, Solusia, who was a beautiful woman with strong purple eyes but who was basically thin and delicate, looked around instead of answering and sat down on a chair that seemed suitable.
“Things have been messed up since they showed up.”
As Solusia spoke softly, Koros immediately knew who she was talking about.
“You mean, Juder Bayer and Cordelia Chase?”
The couple of the century who has fed Soluzia water several times, and now it is no exaggeration to say that the entire Kingdom of Seilun knows about them.
“It looks like you’re in the capital city right now.”
“know.”
They tried to kidnap the two who were on their way to the royal road.
“Is it harder to touch it now?”
At Koros’ question – no, at his words that were almost like a provocation – Soluzia frowned.
Secondly, it was difficult to touch Uther and Cordelia as he said, but it was also because Koros’ current attitude was irritating.
“Chros, shouldn’t it be you who needs help, not me?”
“Of course. Should I just say that they are just worried about each other?”
Solusia sighed again as Koros shrugged, but didn’t say anything else.
As Koros said, it was true that we were motivated by the same motive, and from the beginning, the reason we were cooperating like this was to please the commander, but it was also because of our relationship with Koros.
‘The reason Koros asked me for help… is because I need to devote my heart and soul to this matter, but also to help me after my recent series of failures.’
Should we really call it mutual assistance?
The relationship between Koros and Solusia was quite deep and long.
The ‘motive’ that Koros speaks of is not limited to the hands of the devil.
‘Orphanage classmate.’
I don’t even remember my childhood days very well now.
Soluzia, who had a bitter smile on her face without realizing it, opened her mouth with a face that was never seen in front of Kanos and his subordinates.
“So, Connie, are you looking for some bigger help?”
“Yeah, Sonny. I think we need to expand things.”
The two of them smiled as they recalled their nicknames from the orphanage days after a long time, but they were both devil followers. The story they were about to share was also a terrible conspiracy that would result in the sacrifice of innocent people.
“The Guardian’s arms and legs are being cut off.”
The Black Moon and its subordinate nobles were taking a beating.
If the aristocratic faction’s offensive continued like this, there was a possibility that things would not proceed as planned on the day of the resignation.
“So, are you saying we should expand the business?”
“A little bigger. If you’re going to do it, do it a little bolder.”
Koros opened his arms and looked at Solusia, and Solusia realized what Koros was talking about. So she slumped her shoulders again.
“Connie, are you willing to risk your life?”
“Because it’s worth it.”
The barrier of the royal road.
The holy sword Clausolas that maintains the barrier.
“As a bonus, it would be nice if we could also have that couple of the century.”
“···That’s kind of attractive.”
When Solusia spoke honestly, Koros laughed heartily.
“The commander-in-chief has given his permission.”
Pouring all the power from the central and northern branches.
“You set a condition that I accept, right?”
“Yes, that’s why I’m begging you like this now.”
At Chorus’ words, Solusia laughed out loud for the first time in a while and then said.
“I’ve always felt this way, but I don’t think you know how to ask for a favor, Connie.”
“Isn’t it enough if we can communicate? You know what I mean, Sonny.”
“Only I can recognize it.”
“So I’m only doing this to you. What do you think? Aren’t you happy?”
“You’ve come to your senses.”
It was a noisy Soluzia, but it didn’t feel so bad.
No, in order to make up for the failures of the past, there was no other way than to successfully carry out this plan to exterminate the royal family together with Koros.
“But I can’t just give permission. Tell me more details.”
How and how much more work will be done.
At Solusia’s question, Koros smiled and came closer to her. He began to speak in a soft voice.
&
The afternoon after the duel with Jeilgeom was over.
Cordelia sat on the long chair and smiled happily as she looked at the sword shining in the sunlight.
“Ah, the key sword is pretty no matter how I look at it.”
How can the colors be so pretty?
How beautiful are the jewels set into the handle.
Cordelia, with her face filled with ecstasy, hummed a tune without realizing it, and Uther, who was sitting next to her and watching her with satisfaction, spoke in a quiet voice.
“Cordelia, my love. I sacrificed my body to save you.”
Cordelia was not flustered by theatrical lines – and those lines were about love at that – but rather smiled brightly and tapped Uther on the shoulder with one hand as she spoke.
“Yeah, yeah, you did well. In the future, just like you have been doing, dedicate yourself and be loyal. Work hard. Got it?”
“No, Princess. Isn’t now the time to show your gratitude by giving a reward or something?”
“No, if you keep being nice to them, they’ll crawl up. Don’t you know that the ratio between the carrot and the stick is important?”
Cordelia spoke with a playful expression on her face, and Uther laughed again at that sight.
“Well, I already received the carrots earlier.”
carrot.
It’s so sweet, it makes my teeth melt.
Cordelia immediately understood what Uther was saying, flinched again, but didn’t say anything right away. Her mind was in a mess.
‘Hey, do you like me too?’
So, I do things like that too.
And ask me to do that too.
‘Hmm… When you say something like that, it seems really strange.’
But, if I were to fix it with some direct words, Cordelia would be a bit like that.
‘Oh, anyway!’
If it’s true.
If Uther really loves Cordelia herself-
Cordelia glanced back at Yuder, and Yuder faced her with his usual sly expression.
And that was the moment.
“His Excellency the Duke of Spencer calls you in.”
Because the place we are currently sitting in is the Duke Spencer’s waiting room.
Guided by a handsome old butler who could be said to be the very idea of a butler, Uther and Cordelia passed through a splendid and beautiful hallway and arrived at the reception room of the Spencer Duke’s household.
“Prince Juder Bayer and Princess Cordelia Chase have arrived.”
As the old butler spoke again in a deep voice, a clear bell rang from inside, and the old butler opened the door very politely.
And the sight that was revealed.
The beautiful glass-walled living room was filled with the fragrance of flowers, and two people were sitting on a stylish sofa in the center.
‘The Duke of Spencer and Princess Darian.’
The Duke of Spencer, a tall and thin old man, sat comfortably in purple robes, while Princess Darian, sitting next to him, smiled brightly and even waved her hand.
“This is Jude Bayer of the Counts of Bayer.”
“I am Cordelia Chase of the House of Chase.”
When Uther and Cordelia bowed together, Princess Darian, the highest person in the place, smiled brightly and greeted them.
“Nice to meet you both. This is my grandfather, the Duke of Spencer.”
Duke Spencer coughed slightly at the friendly introduction that seemed to push etiquette far away, but instead of saying anything, he faced Uther and Cordelia and spoke.
“This is the Duke of Spencer. Please take a seat.”
Yuder, who once again bowed to the permission to sit, escorted Cordelia to the sofa and slowly and respectfully sat down in front of Princess Darian, who was happily looking at the sight.
It was an action that was not lacking for a noble child, and a satisfied smile spread across the Duke of Spencer’s face.
“As expected of the children of the twelve northern families. However, since the princess wants a comfortable seat, you don’t have to be so nervous. Do you understand?”
“I will do so.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As Uther and Cordelia answered quietly again, Duke Spencer nodded with a satisfied expression again, and Princess Darian grabbed Duke Spencer’s sleeve and said.
“Grandpa, if you keep doing that, my sister and brother will only become more stubborn.”
Where can you find someone who is truly comfortable when a person of high status wants to be comfortable?
Rather, it just continued to be a burden.
“Sister, brother. It’s really okay. Grandpa isn’t that strict. Treat him comfortably.”
“Haha… Yes, I understand.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
But Princess Darian was also a high-ranking person.
Furthermore, unlike Duke Spencer’s words, which were practically just formalities, and so it was okay to just listen and pretend to follow along, Princess Darian really wanted Uther and Cordelia to act comfortably.
If we’re going to be picky, should we say that Princess Darian is higher?
Because of this, Uther and Cordelia answered somewhat quietly, but did not lose their composure.
And fortunately, Duke Spencer was not as picky as Princess Darian said.
Enough to fully understand the difficulties of Uther and Cordelia.
“Haha, the princess is so stubborn. Let me apologize on her behalf. I hope you all understand.”
“grandfather?”
Princess Darian’s eyes widened as if wondering what was going on, but Duke Spencer simply winked, and Uther and Cordelia smiled faintly.
‘He’s a good person.’
‘Yeah, it seems like he really cares for Princess Darian.’
In the original, the Duke of Spencer was ill and never made a proper appearance.
Of course, I had guessed his character to some extent through various indirect information, but I felt relieved after meeting him in person and confirming that he was a good person.
“Okay, let’s get to the point. First, I should express my gratitude. Thank you. Thanks to you guys for saving me the seven-colored grass, I was able to overcome my chronic illness and regain my health.”
“Thank you so much.”
When Duke Spencer expressed his gratitude coolly, Princess Darian also smiled brightly and thanked him again, and Cordelia recited a greeting she had prepared in advance beautifully.
“We are very happy to see Your Highness the Princess happy and to see Your Majesty the Duke in such good spirits. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do good work, Princess Darian.”
As she finished with a bright smile, Princess Darian blushed without realizing it and laughed hysterically before pulling on the sleeve of Duke Spencer’s shirt and saying,
“Look, isn’t Sister Cordelia really pretty? Not only is her face pretty, but her heart is also pretty.”
“Indeed. It seems to be more than the rumors.”
When the Duke of Spencer spoke with a satisfied expression, Cordelia felt both delighted and a little suspicious.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘I guess the rumor is that you’re as pretty as an angel. Let’s thank Miss Emma Pikes.’
Thanks to that, I was able to present a fully armed Cordelia to the world.
‘Of course, the real day is the National Foundation Day Ball.’
I will use the fairy dress, a last resort, to show Cordelia’s beauty to the world beyond the Kingdom of Cailun.
‘Hey, are you thinking of something sinister again?’
‘No, I’m not. I’m just thinking about right and beautiful things.’
As always, the two people showed signs of having a long eye contact, but both of them looked away.
Because the Duke of Spencer opened his mouth again.
“If you do something good, you deserve a reward. Of course, you can’t treat the Spencer Duke’s benefactor lightly.”
As the Duke of Spencer rang the bell lightly, the old butler waiting at the door placed a silver tray on the table.
“You two are the benefactors of the Spencer Dukes, and you will be able to promote our name anytime, anywhere.”
Duke Spencer, speaking in a more serious tone than usual, looked at the silver platter – or more precisely, the rose emblem of the Duke Spencer family contained within it.
In effect, it was a token that the two would be treated as members of the Spencer Dukedom.
‘bingo.’
With the power of the Spencer Dukes, the leaders of the aristocratic faction, at their backs, there were endless things they could do with just this sentence.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the seven-colored chrysanthemums were overflowing with gratitude.
But the Duke of Spencer had no intention of stopping there.
“Well, it’s a bit weird to say this myself… but this alone could be a huge benefit. But shouldn’t the reward be in a material form? I was wondering what I could give him, and this seems to be the best.”
As the Duke of Spencer rang the bell again, the old butler placed a new silver platter on the table, and Uther and Cordelia opened their eyes involuntarily.
“I will not allow you to refuse. Accept it.”
What was placed on the silver platter was a white, square piece of paper.
I’m talking about a piece of paper that has a ton of zeros written on it.
‘Wow.’
Royal Bank’s cheque.
In a word, cash.
Moreover, the amount was enormous. It was equivalent to the annual income of the Counts of Bayer.
‘Indeed, the leader of the aristocratic faction.’
In terms of wealth, it was an act of spending that would put him in the top three in the Kingdom of Seilun.
“There are many stories I want to hear from you. I was really curious because I heard so many stories from the Princess. What are the two of them really like? Are they really the people the Princess tells me they are? But before I start the story, I think I should tell you this first. It seems like our Princess is anxious to show you.”
Princess Darian pouted her lips when Duke Spencer spoke playfully, but only for a moment.
Soon, she smiled brightly and rang a bell to have a new silver tray brought out.
“Take it.”
What Princess Darian has prepared.
What I wanted to give to Uther and Cordelia.
“Your sister and brother want to see you too. Will you give them a chance to show off to each other?”
Repeated words.
But the person he was referring to was completely different, and Uther and Cordelia could immediately understand who he was referring to.
‘Princess Daphne and Prince Dion.’
The next queen and her younger sister, the first in line to the throne of the Kingdom of Cailun.
The silver platter contained an invitation to a tea party hosted by Princess Daphne.
&
< Chapter 61 - Entering the Palace > End
