Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Encounter
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There were many when they walked into the teleportation circle, but he was alone when he came out.
‘Ah, correction. I still have Karak.’
Felicia was surrounded by her followers, disappearing as if half-dragged away. So many people were talking to her at once that she seemed overwhelmed just trying to answer them all.
Chris and Caitlin were in a slightly better situation. In place of the passion and excitement of the crowd surrounding Felicia, there was a calm and heavy atmosphere. Chris lowered his voice as he moved with the illegitimate children who had come to greet him, as if sharing a secret. Caitlin, seemingly pressured by the mood, simply gave Ingong a silent nod before following Chris.
Ingong was left to his own devices, but he wasn't particularly flustered. He had already foreseen this situation. The reason Felicia, Chris, and Caitlin had so heartlessly (?) abandoned him was because they had discussed it beforehand.
The official schedule, including the audience ceremony, was set to begin tomorrow. In an ordinary royal palace, the princes and princesses would have been tied down by a myriad of detailed schedules even before then, but the Demon King's Castle was different.
Freedom. Or, to put it another way, neglect.
If you had many people to meet, like Chris or Felicia, you were busy. If you had no one to meet, like Ingong, you were free.
‘I’m supposed to meet Chris and Caitlin again in the evening.’
So it was fine. Now was the time to enjoy the freedom he had been given.
‘It’s nice and quiet.’
The followers of Felicia and Chris, along with everyone else who had gathered at the teleportation circle for various reasons, had all disappeared.
Karak, who had been looking around at the open view, asked quietly.
“Prince, are you really a prince? Was I had?”
“I’m a prince.”
Not a single person was there to welcome him, but he was a prince nonetheless.
“Follow me. Let’s go unpack our things first.”
“Alright.”
Just as Karak said this and lifted the large luggage bag again.
“Your Highness, the Ninth Prince.”
A beautiful woman appeared from the entrance. She wore the blue uniform common among the lower-ranking officials of the Demon King's Castle, and her race seemed to be Dark Elf.
‘Oh, of course.’
No matter how dire Shutora’s situation was, it didn’t make sense for him to have no attendants at all.
“Is she the Prince’s subordinate? Then she must be my coworker.”
Karak asked quietly with a grin. Ingong wanted to say yes, but he knew nothing about the Dark Elf woman approaching them, so he remained silent for now.
‘She’s pretty.’
The purple-haired woman, with a slender figure befitting an elf, was, to put it bluntly, a beauty. Her neat short-cut gave off the chic sophistication of a cool city woman.
‘It’s a bit surprising that she’s a Dark Elf and not a Gandharva.’
But what did it matter? The important thing was that he had a subordinate. And a beautiful female one at that.
Ingong calmed his excitement and waited for the woman to approach, feigning composure as best he could. The woman stood before him, narrowed her eyes slightly, and then said something completely unexpected.
“Are you His Highness Shutora, the Ninth Prince?”
“Hm? Uh, yes?”
Asking if he was Shutora? Did this mean she wasn't his subordinate?
“My name is Flora Sevensword. I am affiliated with the Demon King's Castle Property Management Office. It is an honor to meet you.”
After a mechanical bow, Flora continued.
“I bring you news. As His Highness the Ninth Prince’s Merit Level has increased, you are now able to select a new residence.”
“Huh?”
A new residence?
The reason for Ingong’s surprise was simple. It was common knowledge in Knight Saga that one's treatment improved as their Merit Level increased, but it was unheard of to be assigned an entirely new residence.
‘Ah, was that just because I was Zephyr?’
Zephyr had used a grand mansion provided by his maternal family as his base. Thus, he had no need for a new residence, and it was doubtful if there were many residences in the Demon King's Castle better than Zephyr's mansion to begin with.
But Shutora was different. There were plenty of mansions in the Demon King's Castle far better than Shutora's current dwelling.
‘No reason to refuse what they’re offering.’
Having neatly accepted the situation, Ingong nodded readily.
“Alright. Should I go to the Hall of Merit to make my selection?”
“That is correct. Shall I guide you to the Hall of Merit?”
“Please do.”
He already knew the location of the Hall of Merit, but there was always a chance things could be different. To prepare for any deviations from Knight Saga, Ingong accepted Flora's offer.
“Very well. I shall lead the way.”
Though mechanical, Flora bowed politely once more, then turned and began to lead the way, the sound of her high heels clicking.
Karak, watching her depart, grinned and said.
“Ooh, you really are a prince.”
“Of course I am.”
Ingong shrugged and quickened his pace.
&
The Demon King's Castle wasn't just a single, large, and fearsome castle like those commonly seen in RPGs.
Within the thick, high walls were several smaller castles and palaces, and between them lay well-maintained roads and residential areas that could be called towns or cities.
The Hall of Merit was located at the northern gate, which was the passage to the deep forest also known as the true Demon King's Castle. Since the northern teleportation circle Ingong's party had used was in the same building, it was a short walk away.
‘The northern teleportation circle is on the first floor center, and the Hall of Merit is the far-right room on the second floor. It’s exactly the same as in Knight Saga.’
But there was quite a difference between seeing it in a game and seeing it in reality.
Flora, who had guided Ingong to the Hall of Merit, gave a final bow and departed. It felt a bit of a shame to let her go just like that, but he couldn't just hold her back without reason.
Neatly shaking off his lingering thoughts about Flora, Ingong looked at the large, black door of the Hall of Merit and the intimidatingly written nameplate. He couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth.
‘It’s nice to see you again.’
This Hall of Merit was a facility one had to use while playing Knight Saga. He even felt a pang of nostalgia for the NPCs in charge, Igor and Isabella.
Ingong was lost in a strange sentimentality, similar to when he had faced Bandal, but Karak's impatient glances left him no time to linger. Ingong personally opened the door to the Hall of Merit.
The Hall of Merit wasn't very large. It was like a bank's VIP room, with a single well-decorated room containing a high-class desk and a single employee.
At the desk sat a Lamia (a race with the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a snake) with long red hair and an intelligent air.
It was Isabella, whom Ingong had just started to miss.
Isabella, dressed in a neat uniform unlike most Lamia who were known for their scantily clad nature, tilted her head for a moment upon seeing Shutora burst through the door.
Instead of sighing, Ingong strode forward and stood before Isabella.
“Ninth Prince, Shutora Ignus.”
When he announced his identity, Isabella’s face showed a moment of surprise, but she quickly regained her professional composure. She offered a graceful smile and bowed to Ingong.
“Isabella of the Hall of Merit greets Your Highness, the Ninth Prince.”
Lowering herself elegantly, she slowly raised her head and added.
“Thank you for visiting the Hall of Merit. We welcome Your Highness the Ninth Prince on your first visit.”
‘No wonder she didn’t recognize me right away.’
Furthermore, if this was his first visit, it meant he had truly accomplished nothing until now.
The situation was so pathetic that not even a sigh would come out, so Ingong once again didn't waste any time. He sat in the visitor's chair in front of the desk and stated his business.
“I’m here to check on the merits I’ve earned. I was told my Merit Level has risen and I can receive a new residence.”
“Please wait a moment.”
Isabella, looking somewhat excited, moved her fingers in the air, and letters of light, like Ingong’s status window, appeared in the void.
[Ninth Prince Shutora Ignus]
[Merit Level: 0 -> 5]
[Accumulated Merit: 0 -> 15,000]
[Currently Usable Merit: 15,000]
[Merits related to the Red Lightning Tribe Subjugation]
- Discovered the Dwarf Tunnels/Portal.
- Defeated the forces of Kaichin, Chief of the Red Lightning Tribe.
- Slew Kaichin and Kaidum.
- Rescued the Seventh Princess, Felicia.
- First-Class Merit in the raid on the Red Lightning Tribe's main camp.
- Discovered/Secured the Thunder-Birthing Anvil.
- First-Class Merit in the Red Lightning Tribe Subjugation.
[Your Highness the Ninth Prince's Merit Level has risen to 5.]
[The number of facilities you can use within the Demon King's Castle has increased.]
[Your monthly stipend has increased from 5 gold to 500 gold.]
‘Isn’t 5 gold a bit too harsh?’
He now understood why the luggage in the tent had been so meager. Five gold a month. Even Karak earned more than that.
But now it was 500 gold. His Merit Level had also jumped to 5 in one go.
And that wasn't the only thing that had risen.
“Truly incredible!”
Isabella said with a bright smile. Her cheeks were flushed red, as if she were genuinely impressed.
“You are the first to achieve so much on your first mission, Your Highness. It's embarrassing to say, but when the information about your merits first arrived, I thought it might be an error. That’s how remarkable it is.”
Her words were as pleasant to hear as one of Caitlin’s barrages of 'amazing'. Ingong carefully straightened the corners of his mouth and said in a relaxed voice.
“Thank you, Isabella. Now, could you tell me about the new residences I can receive?”
“Of course. Please wait a moment.”
Isabella replied cheerfully and moved her fingers again. This time, light shot up from the floor, forming the shape of a large map. It was properly three-dimensional, looking at a glance like a detailed miniature.
“The mansions you can currently choose from are one of the following three. All three are Grade 2 mansions, so there is no difference in performance.”
Isabella stepped out from behind her desk, stood before the map, and with a wave of her hand, three parts of the map lit up in blue.
Within the Demon King's Castle, a building's grade wasn't just about its height or size. The criteria that determined the grade included how much magic it could be supplied with and what additional facilities could be installed.
Ingong quietly looked down at the map. Interestingly, the locations of the three mansions were extremely different, situated at the eastern, western, and southern ends respectively.
‘It would be better to be close to Chris, Caitlin, or Felicia.’
Caitlin's residence was in the eastern part of the Demon King's Castle, and Felicia's was in the west. Therefore, automatically eliminating the southern option, Ingong proceeded to review the other conditions.
‘As far away from Zephyr as possible, and a little distance from Anastasia as well…’
In the end, only one mansion remained, located at the eastern end. Ingong raised his head and looked at Isabella.
“I’ll take that one.”
“Understood. I will contact the Property Management Office and register it as the Ninth Prince’s residence.”
Isabella replied smartly and asked an additional question.
“What would you like to do about the rewards for achieving your Merit Level? Would you like to receive them all at once here?”
The reason she asked was likely because Ingong’s Merit Level had jumped from 0 to 5 all at once. Even receiving one reward per level would amount to five, a considerable quantity.
‘Rewards weren’t always items or money.’
When playing as Zephyr, he had received mounts like griffins or hippogriffs as rewards.
“Have them delivered to the new address. Is that possible?”
“Of course. I will process it as you’ve requested.”
Just as in Knight Saga, Isabella was sharp and efficient in reality as well.
“Then, Your Highness, I have one last question. Do you intend to use your merit points?”
At the mention of ‘using’ merit points, Karak blinked as if to ask what that meant, but Ingong understood immediately.
The role of the Hall of Merit wasn't just to record merits.
Accumulating merits raised your Merit Level and improved your treatment. But that wasn't all.
Princes and princesses could spend merit points to acquire necessary items, much like buying things from a shop. Since spending merit points didn't reduce the accumulated merit that determined the Merit Level, using them appropriately when needed was the shortcut to a smooth playthrough.
After a moment of thought, Ingong made his decision.
“I’ll hire additional servants. Can you show me the list?”
“Understood. Please wait a moment.”
Isabella returned to her desk and began to move her fingers quickly. Karak, who had been cautiously observing, approached Ingong and asked in a small voice.
“Servants? You mean like gardeners or maids and such?”
“Yes, though a bit different from your examples.”
If he were just hiring gardeners or maids, there would be no need to spend merit points. What Ingong was about to hire was an administrator who could manage the mansion even in his absence.
“This is the list of servants who can be transferred to the Ninth Prince's residence.”
As Isabella moved her fingers, a window of light appeared, listing a multitude of names. Placing a finger over a name displayed a face and a simple profile.
‘Hmm, since the purpose is to manage the mansion, it’s probably better to hire a professional butler.’
When playing as Zephyr, he had a butler provided by his maternal family, just like the mansion, so he never had to hire one. Thus, this was a first for Ingong as well.
‘Their skills are all pretty similar. Can’t I interview them or something?’
As Ingong was carefully considering and examining each candidate on the list.
“Oh, Prince. Look at this. Isn’t that her from before?”
Karak’s thick finger was pointing to the bottom of the light list. Ingong’s eyes reflexively followed, and indeed, a familiar name came into view.
[Flora Sevensword.]
[Butler/Head Maid functions available]
[Special Note: Follower of Camilla, the Goddess of Dreams and Shadows]
‘Is this what they call fate?’
Ingong looked up at Karak, and Karak, having read his master's mind, gave a silent nod.
&
“We meet again.”
About fifteen minutes later.
Flora, who had returned to the Hall of Merit, greeted them mechanically, but a hint of bewilderment was visible on her face.
Ingong simply welcomed Flora with a bright smile and asked her to guide them to the mansion.
“Understood. I shall lead the way.”
She coolly took the lead, just as before. Ingong bid farewell to Isabella and left the Hall of Merit.
And the other person, Karak, who had hurriedly followed Ingong out of the Hall of Merit, chuckled as he looked at Ingong.
“What?”
“Prince, you really are a prince.”
“That’s right, so serve me well.”
After their usual banter, Ingong and Karak cheerfully followed Flora down the corridor. The new residence was quite a distance away, so they had to hurry.
‘My schedule for today isn’t over yet.’
The time between now, which could still be called morning, and the evening when he was to meet Caitlin.
Ingong had no intention of just staying cooped up at home.
This was the Demon King's Castle. A land of opportunity where not only the Demon King's children but all the powerful figures of the castle gathered.
‘Shall I go around making some impressions?’
A fresh smile appeared on Ingong’s face.
&
Daphne, the druid of dryad descent.
Age seventeen as of year 513. Therefore, sixteen in the current year of 512.
Frequently seen in the grand garden and botanical garden within the Demon King's Castle.
Hobby is sunbathing, likes beautiful boys, girls, women, and men.
Silas, the blood knight of vampire descent.
Age seventeen. Frequently seen in the training grounds and art gallery.
Hobby is equipment maintenance and painting, likes paintings.
Celine, the great archer of high elf descent.
Age fourteen. Frequently seen in the stables, training grounds, and library.
Hobby is reading romance novels and taking care of horses, likes horses.
The moment he thought of their names, their frequent locations, ages, tastes, and favorite gifts came to mind immediately.
‘First, I must secure these three from among the concubines’ children.’
At the start of Knight Saga in year 513, these three were in an ambiguous position, not clearly belonging to any prince or princess's faction. All three were not yet adults and preferred to be alone rather than in groups.
‘Nayatra is first met outside the Demon King's Castle, so that's not possible for now. I've made a strong impression on Bandal, so all I need to do is get stronger. Is Sekdoom wandering the wilderness right now?’
The succubus Nayatra, who was Zephyr's royal guard.
The ogre warrior Bandal, who took the vanguard for the team.
Sekdoom, known as the strongest and worst necromancer.
In Nayatra's case, he had met her in the underground slave market, so the key was to secure enough money before then.
‘Sekdoom’s appearance is random, so it's pure luck… let's put that aside for now.’
After thinking about the three subordinates he cherished most during his time as Zephyr, the powerful figures of the Demon King's Castle came to mind.
Caitlin's real father and the strongest among the five great generals, the Magus Galahad.
‘That old man is on the same side as Caitlin, so we’ll naturally become close.’
He couldn't think of a way to approach the other great generals right away. Even when playing as Zephyr, they hadn't acknowledged him until Zephyr's Merit Level was quite high.
‘Alright, I’ll prioritize Daphne, Silas, and Celine, and then go meet the others on the side.’
Having finished his thoughts, Ingong nodded with a pleased expression.
‘But where am I?’
“We have arrived.”
Just as he was about to check his mini-map, Flora's voice stopped him. Karak, who was following a step behind, let out a gasp of admiration.
“Ooh.”
A picturesque house stood before them. A stone wall surrounded the entire estate, and inside it lay a vast garden and a wide, two-story mansion.
Like most mansions in the eastern part of the Demon King's Castle, it was designed for practicality rather than splendor, but that didn't mean it was merely rustic. The soft ivy-colored walls and the burgundy roof gave it a calm feeling.
As this would be his base of operations from now on, Ingong's heart was pounding as well.
Suppressing his excitement, he entered the mansion grounds, and things that were hidden by the stone wall came into view.
In one corner of the garden, there was a pile of rewards for achieving his Merit Level, which seemed to have been sent from the Hall of Merit. Next to it stood a group of people.
“Your Highness the Ninth Prince, welcome back.”
One of the group, which consisted of a little less than ten people, stepped forward and addressed Ingong. He was a middle-aged man with a kind face, though somewhat thin.
“We received word that you had moved your residence and hurriedly packed our things.”
It was a face he had never seen before. But Ingong soon guessed who they were.
‘The ones who served Shutora.’
Looking closely, it seemed the nine people were not all one group. Six of them appeared to be servants originally assigned to this mansion, while the other three seemed to be the ones who had served Shutora.
‘Did they not receive the news of my return?’
Thinking back, he didn't recall seeing Chris's or Felicia's direct subordinates at the teleportation circle either. Most of them had been the children of the concubines and their followers.
Ingong gave an awkward smile and took a closer look at the three people led by the middle-aged man.
‘There are no Gandharvas.’
Pure-blooded Gandharvas were supposed to have a fragrant, fruit-like body odor, but none of the three had that sweet scent. In fact, two of them had blue skin, so he knew at a glance they weren't Gandharvas.
At this point, Ingong felt a sense of unease. Even if the Gandharvas were in a state of decline, did it make sense that not a single one of them was among Shutora's attendants?
It seemed there was some backstory he didn't know. Since Shutora's role in Knight Saga was so minor, Ingong knew very little about him and the Gandharvas.
‘I need to look into this.’
They were, after all, Shutora's maternal family. He needed to find out more.
“Welcome. I look forward to working with you.”
“Understood.”
Ingong took the opportunity to introduce Flora and Karak to everyone. As he had initially expected, the six people standing next to Shutora's attendants were servants assigned to this mansion, three male and three female.
After the introductions were more or less over, the woman who appeared to be the eldest among the servants bowed her head slightly and said.
“Your Highness, guests are waiting for you inside.”
“Guests?”
He had just moved in. Who could have known and come to visit already?
‘Wait, do I even have anyone who would visit me?’
Ingong quickened his pace.
In the drawing-room beyond the mansion's hall, a beautiful woman and a lovely young lady were sitting side by side, drinking tea. Both were faces Ingong knew well.
“Felicia? Caitlin, you’re here too?”
What was Felicia, who had disappeared with her followers, doing here? And hadn't he arranged to see Caitlin this evening?
“Where have you been? Did you walk all the way here?”
From the way Felicia spoke, it seemed people usually rode something instead of walking.
Ingong took a seat beside the two of them and asked.
“What are you two doing here?”
He was genuinely curious, but Felicia sighed as if she found his question absurd and asked back.
“Shutora, you have your first audience tomorrow, don't you? A formal one. Are you properly prepared?”
“Prepared?”
“Don’t tell me you’re planning to go to the audience dressed like that?”
Felicia frowned and looked Ingong up and down. He was wearing the same clothes he had worn throughout the Red Lightning Tribe subjugation, just without the cloak and leather armor.
“Uh, is that not okay?”
He hadn't even thought about his attire, so Ingong lacked confidence. Felicia covered her face with both hands, let out another long sigh, and then shot up from her seat.
“At tomorrow's audience, the merits you earned will be officially announced. That means the merit for you saving me will be announced too! Of course it’s not okay!”
The rescue of the Sixth Princess, Felicia Doomblade.
Felicia's face turned red, whether from excitement or embarrassment, and she fanned herself as she spoke quickly.
“Time is short, so making a new outfit is impossible, but altering a pre-made one should be manageable somehow. We’re already short on time even if we start now.”
“Huh? Start now?”
He had been planning to go meet Daphne, Silas, and Celine.
But Felicia didn't allow for any objections. With a bright, beautiful, yet somehow frightening smile, she grabbed Ingong's arm.
“Alright, let’s begin.”
What on earth were they beginning? Ingong broke into a cold sweat and quickly looked back at Karak. But Karak was no longer a free man either. Caitlin, who had risen from her seat at some point, was holding his hand.
“Karak, you can prepare with me.”
“Hmm? I have to prepare too?”
Karak, who had been chuckling at Ingong, asked in surprise. Caitlin smiled sweetly and nodded.
“You have to bring one aide to the audience. Karak, you’re Shutora’s one and only knight. You have to be dressed handsomely.”
“I look forward to it.”
Seira appeared from somewhere and placed a hand on Karak's shoulder.
&
There were two types of audience ceremonies in the Demon King's Castle.
One was the informal audience, held in secret, and the other was, of course, the formal audience.
The informal audience was a simple affair with only the Demon King and other related parties, but the formal audience was different.
Not only the five great generals, who could be called the most powerful figures under the Demon King, but also all of the Demon King's children residing in the castle gathered in one place. Naturally, various officials and nobles who wanted to show their faces at such a formal event also gathered, making it an assembly of all the powerful figures of the Demon King's Castle.
A formal audience wasn't held every time one of the Demon King's children returned, but this time, with a significant military subjugation concluded and four of the Demon King's children involved, it was decided to hold one.
‘So reality is different from the game.’
In Knight Saga, he had participated in audiences countless times without a second thought. But now that it was real, just being in the waiting room made a corner of his heart tremble.
‘The Demon King… Sura King Mitra.’
A being he had forgotten about while focusing on Zephyr and the other children of the Demon King. The strongest in the demon world. The ruler of the demon world.
He would face him. And not only him, but the eyes of countless others would be on him.
“Prince, I’m nervous.”
It was Karak, whose voice sounded like it was dripping with cold sweat. It was a wonder if they could find clothes that fit Karak's large frame, but that was just Ingong's misconception. This was the Demon King's Castle. A place where all sorts of races gathered, so finding clothes that fit Karak was no problem at all.
The sight of Karak in an unfitting suit and even a red cape was always amusing, but Ingong couldn't laugh. He replied with a stiff face.
“You are? I’m nervous too.”
Ingong was wearing a white-themed outfit chosen by Felicia. With his silver-white hair, the all-white ensemble felt incredibly awkward, but it was Felicia's choice, so he couldn't refuse.
“It’s okay. You both look handsome.”
“If only, if only we had more time…”
Caitlin, along with Seira, soothed Ingong and Karak, while Felicia, accompanied by Delia, muttered to herself. It seemed that even after spending all of yesterday playing dress-up with Ingong, it still wasn't enough for her.
Caitlin and Seira wore long, flowing blue garments that looked like they would cascade softly at any moment, while Felicia and Delia, both true to their Dark Elf nature, wore purple outfits that could have passed for swimsuits. They had at least covered the parts they would normally expose with black mesh.
Caitlin was extremely covered up, while Felicia was the opposite, very exposed. Both were a sight to behold, nonetheless.
Chris, who had been standing and watching them all, glanced around the waiting room wall once and then, as if the time had come, approached Ingong. Instead of his usual bandit-like attire, he was properly dressed in dark blue clothes, exuding the air of a nobleman.
“Shutora, this is your first audience. And I guarantee… it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say you're the star of the show today.”
For Chris and Caitlin, the merits they had earned this time were, in a way, 'to be expected'. Felicia, too, had succeeded in excavating ruins several times.
But Ingong was different.
It was his first time. And in that first time, he had achieved so much that it surprised everyone.
Some would surely belittle him, saying he had just latched onto the other princes and princesses.
Some would think he was just lucky.
But everyone would be watching him. They would see the one they considered a scrap prince in a new light.
“Show everyone in the Demon King's Castle who you are.”
Chris said, looking straight into Ingong's eyes. And as if on cue, a court official opened the waiting room door and bowed.
The audience was beginning.
&
The jet-black castle nestled in the deep forest beyond the northern gate was also known as the true Demon King's Castle. For that was where the Demon King resided.
The audience chamber at the center of the jet-black castle was a place that deserved the description of 'grand'. The dark blue ceiling, reminiscent of the night sky, was high, and the pillarless space was vast enough to accommodate hundreds of people at once.
Among the Demon King's five queens, the fifth queen—Shutora's mother, Semita Ignus—had passed away early, and the other four queens resided in their respective homelands, making the Fourth Princess, Anastasia Necrion, the highest-ranking woman in the audience chamber.
Accompanying the more than ten concubines of the Demon King, her back was to the children of the concubines, who had gathered in small groups, each in their own place. At a glance, it seemed they were all gathered together without any distinction, but an invisible wall called 'faction' existed between them.
How much time had passed?
Finally, the doors of the audience chamber opened, and the four main figures of today's audience entered. A silent flood of gazes instantly washed over the four of them.
‘I’m making all my impressions here.’
Though he was looking straight ahead, he could still see faces. And Ingong could recognize most of them. That's how many of the real power players of Knight Saga had gathered.
‘Focus.’
He gathered his consciousness, which was about to scatter to his surroundings. This was not the time to be distracted.
There were enemies and allies. But that was in Knight Saga. For Shutora, who was starting from scratch, nothing was set in stone yet. Hadn't he just formed a strong alliance with Chris and Caitlin, who were practically mid-bosses? As Zephyr, it would have been impossible to become as close to Felicia as he was now.
Steeling his resolve, Ingong squared his shoulders and straightened his back. He strode confidently through the flood of gazes.
About halfway down the red path leading to the Demon King's dais, Chris stopped. Caitlin, Felicia, and Ingong, who were walking alongside him, also stopped, and their respective aides, who were walking about three steps behind them, stood firm in their places.
“We greet the great ruler of the demon world.”
Chris, who had served as the leader of the Red Lightning Tribe subjugation, bowed on behalf of everyone and then knelt on one knee, lowering his posture. Everyone standing beside him mirrored the action.
Despite there being over a hundred people in the vast, large room, it was utterly silent.
Ingong swallowed dryly, his head bowed. He couldn't even spare a thought for whether Karak behind him was doing well.
The quality of the gazes changed. The stares that had felt like a flood now seemed to merge into one, pressing down on his entire body.
“I report the merits of the princes and princesses.”
A familiar voice cut through the heavy silence. It was Isabella, the official from the Hall of Merit.
“Seventh Prince, Chris Moonlight.”
At Isabella's call, Chris rose to his feet alone. Isabella, positioned on the lowest of the three-tiered dais, opened the record of merits and announced Chris's achievements in a clear voice.
Even in the silence, there were reactions. Some smiled faintly at Chris's accomplishments, while others showed slight displeasure.
The atmosphere shifted slightly as Caitlin's and Felicia's merits were announced in turn.
And finally, it was Ingong's turn.
“Ninth Prince, Shutora Ignus.”
Ingong slowly rose to his feet. The Demon King was in front of him. Seated on the highest of the three-tiered dais, he leaned against a massive throne, looking down at them.
He was a large man. But not a brawny one. He had a tall, stately feel. His marble-white skin was covered by incredibly long, black hair. His handsome face, with its strong, masculine lines, could look young or old depending on how you saw it, making it difficult to guess his age.
Ingong couldn't look away. He couldn't spare a glance for the five great generals seated a level below the Demon King, nor for the ten ministers seated below them. The Demon King's two red eyes held him captive.
The distance to the Demon King was nearly twenty meters. But he couldn't breathe. Like when he faced the Earth Dragon Enkidu in a vision, his opponent felt overwhelmingly large.
I’m going to break. I can’t withstand it. I’ll shatter under that gaze.
The Demon King, Mitra.
None other than Zephyr's father. The father of all the Demon King's children.
He had forgotten him. He had completely forgotten that the one to fear most in the Demon King's Castle was not Zephyr, but him.
The moment he decided, Ingong would die. If he wished it, not only Ingong but everyone in the audience chamber could be turned into corpses.
But Ingong did not kneel. Instead of succumbing to the Demon King's gaze, which pressed down on everything as if demanding submission, he resisted.
‘Conquer.’
Conquer even that gaze, even that pressure, and make it submit.
For you, too, are a king.
For that is the power of conquest!
An invisible force collided in the air. Ingong gritted his teeth and stood his ground, and for a moment, the Demon King's eyes showed a flicker of interest. And it wasn't just the Demon King whose expression began to change.
The announcement of Ingong's merits was already underway. At first, there was no particular reaction, but as each merit was added, the gazes and expressions of everyone changed. Some even blinked in bewilderment.
And all these reactions reached their peak at the part about rescuing Felicia.
What on earth had happened? Was it just a coincidence? Or was it fabricated? A ridiculous mistake by the Sixth Princess Felicia? Or could it be that the Ninth Prince had been hiding his skills all this time?
It felt as if all sorts of silent stories were filling the audience chamber. And once again, a voice cleared the chaotic silence of the room.
“Shutora.”
The Demon King spoke. The moment he called Ingong's name, a shock greater than that from the announcement of Ingong's merits struck the audience chamber. Even Chris, who had been enjoying the changing gazes of everyone, wore a look of utter astonishment.
The Demon King had called a name during an audience. As far as Chris knew, it was the first time. Not even Zephyr had ever been called by name during an audience.
The five great generals turned around, and Isabella was so surprised she dropped the record of merits on the floor. In the silence, even the sound of the papers falling was quite loud, but no one looked towards Isabella.
The Demon King, who had shocked everyone with a single word, did not respond to their gazes. He looked down only at Ingong and continued in a calm tone.
“I look forward to your future endeavors.”
Just ordinary words. But words no one had ever heard. And therefore, words that held value.
Ingong's first audience ceremony came to a close.
&
“Haaaaaah…”
The moment they returned to the waiting room, someone made a sound like a balloon deflating and collapsed to the floor. It was Karak and Seira. Karak, in particular, was so pale that his green skin looked almost white.
But on the other hand, there was someone who was extremely excited.
“Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!”
Caitlin, who delivered her barrage of 'amazing' much faster and stronger than usual, had eyes that were not just sparkling but practically shining.
Felicia let out the curse she had been holding back.
“This is crazy! Unbelievable! Do you know this is the first time I’ve heard Father’s voice in three years?!”
The Demon King was a rare sight outside of official events like the audience.
“You called him Father?”
Caitlin asked, blinking, and Felicia shouted back with a look of disbelief.
“That’s not the important part!”
The Demon King had called Ingong by name. And he had even offered encouragement, saying he looked forward to his future endeavors!
“What is going on? He certainly earned merits, but it seems like it’s more than just that…”
Ingong had achieved a lot this time. But to say it was an all-time record would be an exaggeration. The Red Lightning Tribe's rebellion itself wasn't a major event from the perspective of the entire demon world. It was only a force of a few thousand, after all.
The Second Prince, Zephyr, and the Fourth Princess, Anastasia, had both achieved several times more than Ingong in a single instance.
But the Demon King had never called their names during an audience.
So why did he call Ingong's name?
Because a child he had no expectations for suddenly showed results? Or because he was a special child to the Demon King?
“Haha, hahahaha!”
Suddenly, a loud laugh spread through the waiting room. Caitlin looked at the source of the voice with a worried expression.
“Brother?”
“Poor Chris, you’ve gone mad. Well, it’s understandable that you’d lose your mind. I’ll give you that.”
Perhaps because her relationship with Chris had improved so much in the past few days, Felicia clicked her tongue and gave him a pitying look.
But Chris wasn't mad. After a hearty laugh, Chris approached Ingong, the protagonist of all this commotion.
“I told you to show them, but… you really showed them with a bang.”
He had actually been hoping for something like this.
For everyone to see Ingong in a new light. And for them to realize that Ingong was on the same side as none other than Chris himself.
But the situation had exceeded his expectations. So much so that he couldn't immediately calculate the pros and cons.
Ingong, who was half-lying on a chair, exhausted, met Chris's brightly shining eyes. Even after having just faced the Demon King's red eyes, which could be compared to, or perhaps were even more intense than, the Earth Dragon Enkidu's, he could still feel Chris's power.
“Shutora, from now on, people will start paying attention to you. Some will approach you. And some will be wary of you.”
Because no one could read the Demon King's true intentions. Because some would interpret the Demon King's words as 'favoritism'.
‘It might really be favoritism, for all I know.’
After all, Chris himself couldn't decipher the Demon King's intentions either.
Ingong took both Chris's encouragement and warning to heart.
He didn't have to look far; the reactions of Caitlin and Felicia alone showed how much of a shock today's events had been to the Demon King's Castle.
‘Because I resisted the gaze… no, because I endured that merciless gaze.’
That must be why the Demon King showed interest. He couldn't think of any other reason.
It was a sudden wake-up call. It was like cold water had been thrown on his heart, which had been fired up with the thought of meeting the characters of Knight Saga.
It wasn't time for that yet. He had to build up his strength and raise his position within the Demon King's Castle, even if just a little.
‘I didn’t see Anastasia.’
The Fourth Princess Anastasia had definitely been at today's audience. The five great generals, the most powerful beings under the Demon King, had also been in their places. But despite that, Ingong hadn't been able to see any of them. He had been too busy just withstanding the Demon King's gaze.
That was the kind of being the Demon King was. And in a few years, Zephyr would become a monster who would surpass even such a Demon King.
‘Conquer.’
The word that came to mind when he met the Demon King's gaze. The power that allowed him to resist the Demon King's merciless stare.
It was a strange feeling. Despite having faced that incredible gaze, despite being reminded once again of Zephyr's immense power and threat, his body didn't freeze. Far from trembling in fear, he felt a fighting spirit rising from deep within his chest.
“Shutora, go home and get some good rest today.”
Caitlin said, patting Ingong's shoulder. Felicia also added with a pleasant smile.
“That’s right. In any case, Father seems to think well of you. Today is a good day.”
He had caught the Demon King's eye. There was a slight hint of envy in Felicia's voice.
“Thank you.”
It was a bit of a rehash, but both Caitlin and Felicia were good people. He could feel their affection, but not a trace of ulterior motive.
Ingong did as the two suggested and returned to his residence with Karak, resting immediately. He was so exhausted, both mentally and physically, that he fell asleep soundly without a moment's hesitation.
And the next morning.
A letter arrived for Ingong from the Hall of Merit.
It was about a new mission.
&
“This is a mission from His Majesty, the Demon King.”
&
“Prince, Prince! Wake up, quick!”
Karak's rough voice scrambled his thoughts. Ingong reflexively turned over and covered his ears, but it was no use. Karak's equally rough hands shook his shoulders mercilessly.
About to shout his usual 'five more minutes,' Ingong almost bit his tongue and reluctantly woke up. As he raised his sleep-addled head, Karak said with an apologetic look.
“I was going to let you sleep in since you must have been tired yesterday, but a letter came from that place called the Hall of Merit.”
“From the Hall of Merit?”
Even though he was still half-asleep, Ingong expressed his surprise. It was extremely rare for the Hall of Merit to contact someone first.
“Here, drink a glass of water and wash your face. You need to get your head on straight.”
Karak not only handed him a glass of cold water but also brought a pre-prepared washbasin to the bed. After being coaxed into washing his face, Ingong finally realized that Karak wasn't the only one in the room.
“It is undoubtedly a letter from the Hall of Merit. Shall I cut it open for you?”
Flora, the butler he had hired yesterday, stood holding a tray with a single letter on it. Ingong quickly nodded.
“Yes.”
Perhaps because Karak had taken over some of her duties, Flora cut open the envelope with considerable enthusiasm and presented the letter to Ingong with a polite gesture.
‘It’s a summons, for the most part.’
There were a few pleasantries, but cutting to the chase, it was a message telling him to come to the Hall of Merit because there was a new mission.
After scanning the letter once more, Ingong nodded. It would be faster to visit in person than to ponder over it.
“This is a mission from His Majesty, the Demon King.”
“Huh?”
“This is a mission from His Majesty, the Demon King.”
To Ingong, who was blinking as if to ask what that meant, Isabella repeated the exact same words without changing a single syllable. Her eyes and voice held a hint of surprise, though not as much as Ingong's.
Finally, Karak couldn't hold back and interjected.
“You mean the Demon King himself singled out our prince for a mission?”
His voice was tinged with not just surprise but tension, so Isabella didn't reprimand Karak for his rudeness and instead answered with her eyebrows furrowed in a concerned manner.
“I do not know the details myself. I was simply ordered to entrust this mission to His Highness the Ninth Prince.”
Just as it was rare for the Hall of Merit to initiate contact, it was also rare for the Demon King to personally assign a mission to a prince or princess.
‘Wait, has that ever happened before?’
Searching his memory, he couldn't recall the Demon King ever giving a mission first.
Being called by name and encouraged at the audience. Followed by a direct mission.
“Is it a special mission?”
Ingong's voice was also laced with tension. Isabella quickly shook her head.
“No. It was a mission from the list.”
It wasn't something specially prepared for Ingong, but one of the missions that had already been prepared for the Demon King's children.
Isabella was telling the truth. But why did he have a feeling that wasn't all there was to it?
“Alright. I've received the mission. Do I need to sign something?”
“Ah, yes, please sign here.”
Along with the mission letter, Isabella presented a paper board with the names of the Demon King's children written on it. It seemed to be a mission receipt confirmation form.
After signing, Ingong took the letter and left the Hall of Merit. Karak quickly followed and asked.
“Prince, what’s the mission?”
“Let’s go back first.”
Perhaps because word of what happened at the audience had spread, he could feel furtive glances from all around.
Instead of talking with Karak in the corridor, Ingong quickened his pace.
&
“I heard you received a message from the Hall of Merit. Have you been there?”
In the mansion's drawing-room, Chris and Caitlin were sitting side by side.
At the question posed as soon as he saw them, Ingong let out a dry laugh.
“You guys are fast. Do you have some kind of informant?”
“Of course not. I just asked when I arrived.”
Chris said with a grin, and Ingong gave a noncommittal nod. Thinking about it, it wasn't something he needed to keep secret from Chris anyway.
This time, Caitlin spoke up.
“Shutora, you already have a new mission?”
“Yeah. This is it.”
Ingong took out the letter and showed it to Chris and Caitlin. Chris narrowed his eyes and said.
“Subjugation of the Cassius pack… a magical beast hunt, then.”
“Anger Plains, that’s where the centaurs stay, right?”
Chris nodded at Ingong's question.
“Yes, both Caitlin and I have been there before. The Cassius pack subjugation is practically an annual event.”
Cassius were medium-sized magical beasts that moved in packs like wolves. As Chris said, a large number of them appeared on the Anger Plains around this time every year, requiring regular subjugation.
‘In other words, it’s a repeatable quest.’
It was a mission Ingong had repeated several times in Knight Saga.
Chris looked at the mission letter again. It was a simple mission to have been given directly by the Demon King, but it might be a bit much for the current Ingong.
What was the Demon King thinking, giving him this mission? Did he really favor Ingong?
“Well, you should be fine, Shutora. Just do what you’ve been doing.”
Instead of voicing his doubts, Chris offered words of encouragement and patted the head of a worried-looking Caitlin as he continued.
“I’d like to go with you, either myself or Caitlin, but… it’s not possible. If we used some unorthodox method like Lady Felicia, it might be possible, but we have our own schedule.”
“Are you going back to the Lycanthropes' land?”
Chris nodded at Ingong's question, which hit the nail on the head.
“Yes. Not right away, but soon. I delayed my departure for a few days because of my promise to teach you Aura, but it seems you're leaving first.”
“Shutora is leaving tomorrow. I’ll make sure to teach you properly today.”
Caitlin said, stepping up enthusiastically and clenching her fists. She seemed to feel bad that she had been slow to fulfill her promise to teach him not only Aura but also the Beast God Fist.
‘She’s so sincere.’
Just like when she couldn't break the cliff, Caitlin was sincerity itself.
Chris smiled fondly at Caitlin, as if finding her cute, then turned to Ingong as if he had just remembered something.
“Shutora, let Lady Felicia know too.”
“Huh? Let Felicia know?”
“If you just leave, you’ll definitely be resented. And you have something to receive from her.”
“Receive something?”
“You’ll find out when you call her.”
He didn't seem inclined to explain easily, so instead of pressing further, Ingong had Flora send someone to Felicia's residence.
“Alright, then let’s start training, just as Caitlin said. I’ll help out today too, so you can look forward to it.”
Chris stood up, flexing his muscles. Caitlin also had a determined look on her face, clenching both fists tightly.
Thanks to the enthusiastic lycanthrope siblings, the day passed in a flash.
&
Felicia appeared the next morning, a full day after the message was sent. And not at Ingong's residence, but in front of the teleportation circle just before it activated.
“You’re not late.”
“Yes, I am. I’ve been waiting.”
When Chris said with a grin, Felicia just glared at him instead of retorting. The two had become remarkably close compared to when they met during the Red Lightning Tribe subjugation.
In front of the teleportation circle were only five people: Chris, Caitlin, Caitlin's aide Seira, and the departing parties, Ingong and Karak.
Felicia approached Ingong.
“Shutora, Dark Elves are an honorable race. We never forget a kindness, nor a grudge.”
The reason Felicia was late wasn't because she was procrastinating. It was because she had things to prepare.
“I heard you’re going to the Anger Plains. You’ll need swift feet to keep up with the centaurs. Ride this.”
At Felicia's gesture, Delia led two large dracos onto the teleportation circle. They were so well-trained that they remained calm even in front of the unfamiliar Ingong and Karak.
“And this.”
Felicia took a necklace from her waist and personally put it around Ingong's neck. This necklace was the real reason for her delay.
A silver crescent-shaped ornament embracing a purple gem.
Ingong knew what this necklace was. That's why he couldn't hide his bewilderment.
“Felicia?”
The Tear of the Dark Elf. A treasure of the Dark Elves, bestowed upon the Sixth Princess, Felicia Doomblade, by the Third Queen, Silvia Doomblade, the princess of the Dark Elves.
“I said we don’t forget easily, didn’t I?”
Felicia winked playfully and gave Ingong a light hug.
“Stay safe and come back well.”
After patting his back a few times, Felicia took a couple of steps back. Her ears and cheeks were red, as if she had suddenly become embarrassed by her own actions.
Caitlin also gave Ingong a light hug.
“Be careful on your trip.”
She had her usual bright smile. As Ingong nodded, Chris, who was watching from behind, said.
“Well, I can just send you off, right?”
“I’ll pass on a hug from you, brother.”
At Ingong's reply, Chris chuckled and reached out his large hand to pat Ingong's head.
“Be on your way.”
“Yeah, you stay healthy too, Chris.”
After saying his goodbyes to everyone, Ingong stepped onto the teleportation circle. Karak also exchanged a nod with Seira and stood behind Ingong.
Ingong looked at Caitlin one last time, and at that moment, the teleportation circle activated.
&
The Asenbach Continent, which seemed to stretch endlessly to the north and south, could be broadly divided into two parts.
The demon world in the north and the human world in the south.
The boundary line that ran across the entire continent was not clear and distinct, but ambiguous. There were places where the demon world and the human world directly touched, like the edge of the Jishuka Mountains, and places where a neutral zone, belonging to neither, served as a buffer.
The great lake Caldea, which was even called the sea within the continent.
The mortal desert that led all living things to their death.
The great chasm, its depths unknown.
And one more.
The great volcano of Vulcanus, said to have never stopped erupting since the world began.
In that place, which rejected the footsteps of man, a being lay stretched out, resting. Red and yellow lava erupted from the earth's surface and covered its body, but it felt no pain. On the contrary, it felt comfort in the burning lava.
It was a being born in lava. No flame in the world could harm it.
The great Enkidu.
One of the six Elder Dragons, said to possess power like that of a god.
Lying in the buffer zone that separated the human and demon worlds, he was facing a guest for the first time in hundreds of years.
He was small.
Compared to Enkidu, whose size was comparable to a mountain, he was but a speck of dust.
But Enkidu did not ignore him; instead, he showed interest. He quietly looked down at the figure completely encased in crimson armor.
Conquest, War, Famine, Death.
The four knights prophesied in the Apocalypse.
Enkidu knew which of the four the being before him was. He was a being with a distinctly different aura from the conquest he had felt through the items left in the Jishuka Mountains a while ago.
It was a flame.
A voracious being that burned ceaselessly, devouring all.
Enkidu called him by his name.
“Begin, Knight of War.”
The one who lives in eternal struggle.
The Knight of War opened his mouth.