The Baron's Downfall #11
I felt a sense of repulsion so strong it bordered on tension. Honestly, I was reluctant to even look at the Duchess’s face. Regardless, listening to what she had to say, it seemed true that she held some level of affection for me.
If that was the case, I needed to play this right.
"Then, Kuls-oppa! I'll start the briefing!"
"Yeah. I'm ready to lock every detail into my brain. Go ahead."
"Okay!"
With that, Carti began her explanation.
"The Baron still hasn't managed to recover his military strength. He’s lost not just his manpower, but all his equipment as well. Unless a mountain of gold drops from the sky, it’s going to be nearly impossible for him to recover, no matter how much time passes."
In short, it was already a ruined territory.
Then again, the supplies piled up in my own warehouse were staggering. Armor, weapons, gear—it was an immense fortune. Thinking about him losing all that made me want to gag.
"There are forces eyeing that Baron like vultures. Both the Angel faction and the Anti-Angel faction. The rumor that angels intervened in the Barony has already spread, right? Both sides have a justification for invasion now."
"Hmm."
The Baron must have thought he could drag the angels in, achieve quick results, and secure a position for himself, but that ambition had been crushed by me.
Now, having lost the angels, he could become a colony for the Great Heaven faction, or worse, become a target for nobles who held a grudge against the angels.
No. He would be a target. If I were a human monarch, I would have done the same.
"The only reason he hasn't been invaded yet is because the Angel faction and the Anti-Angel faction are locked in a stalemate. Neither side has the luxury to send troops to a territory as peripheral as the Barony."
"A geographical advantage, then."
I suppose it was because of that geographical advantage that the Baron had crunched the numbers and made his move. The important thing was that he didn't know about my existence. If it weren't for me, he probably would have successfully kidnapped the Saintess and handed her over.
If the Baron were 'protecting' the Saintess, even a remote territory would have been a point of interest for the angels. He must have been trying to exploit that situation.
"Heh heh heh."
Staying in the shadows really is a massive advantage. Well, now... it’s inevitable that I’ll be exposed, but I’ve learned my lesson. If you don't know your enemy well, always be cautious.
"Anyway, Kuls-oppa! Here’s the conclusion! You can infiltrate right now!"
The green light had been given.
"With the current Kuls-oppa, you’ll be able to suppress the Baron easily!"
"Kehehe! Yeah! If Carti says so, it must be true! But specifically, how should I go about it?"
"The basic plan is a night infiltration using the sewers. I’ve released plenty of Evil Eyes down there for this. You’ll be able to infiltrate without any trouble!"
A night infiltration using the sewers.
It sounds easy, but it’ll require some training. But no worries. Our Invincible Demon King Army has the nickname 'Viet Cong' for a reason. Think of how many maneuvers we’ve practiced using the rat holes dug by the Kobolds.
"The soldiers' morale is rock bottom, and there aren't many of them! Plus, they never even dreamed that the Baron’s castle would actually be attacked! If you use the route I’ve marked, you’ll be able to capture the Baron!"
"Good. I’ll trust only you for that route, Carti. So, when?"
"Just tell me the date of the march, and I’ll send the Evil Eyes again that day. They’ll guide you, so just trust me and follow them!"
"Great! I’ll do that!"
For now, the plan itself was simple.
With Carti’s support, I’d infiltrate the troops through the sewers, suppress the Baron in a lightning strike, and seize the castle.
It’s a risky operation, but with them lacking troops, it’s entirely possible. The most important thing here is the accuracy of the information Carti provided, but I suppose I can trust her on this.
After all, Carti has no reason to purge me.
"If Carti is supporting me, there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll definitely take the Barony."
"Just trust me, Kuls-oppa!"
Carti replied with a face full of excitement.
"The Baron has already lost most of his troops. Even if it wasn't you, Kuls-oppa, any other monarch could easily gobble him up in this state. That’s the situation. You’ll win, obviously."
Complacency is bad, but considering all the conditions, this battle would end in my victory. Usually, when planning a military operation, you calculate the odds before executing. If the probability of success is high, you do it. That’s all there is to it.
I’ll focus on infiltration training starting today, set the march schedule, and then head out.
"Oh. But Carti, I have a question."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Can the Lamia use the sewers too?"
"According to my investigation, it’s perfectly fine. You can infiltrate inside the Baron’s castle walls using the sewers that connect to the outside."
"But doesn't the security seem a bit too lax?"
"Of course, there are guards watching the sewers. But, Kuls-oppa, if you move with speed and precision, you have nothing to worry about."
Beyond that, Carti explained the size and layout of the sewers in detail. Based on her words, I drew a map in my head. Infiltrating at night through a maze-like sewer system and surfacing... that would be the start of the battle.
I need to take out the sentries quickly.
"I’ve also roughly identified the positions of the guards. If you use the Pixies you’re so proud of, you’ll be able to take out the guards on the watchtowers too."
"Yeah. That’s the most important part."
I’m telling you, those Pixies are absolutely broken.
As we were discussing tactics like that...
"Ah...! Kuls-oppa! Let’s wrap up the talk here!"
Carti delivered the news.
"Are they coming now?"
"Yeah! I just got the notification!"
Finally, I was going to be reunited with the Duchess.
"Talk to her well! Carti is going to head out now!"
"Yeah. Take care of yourself, Carti."
With that farewell, Carti left. At the same time, the screen went black. Was she changing the channel? I started to feel a bit nervous.
Click.
I rearranged my chair, smoothed out my hair, and sat up straight. The Duchess. A woman who, for now, thought favorably of me. There was no reason to look bad. Should I act like a good son?
"Phew."
Relax. Just treat her well.
Zap.
The screen flashed, and then—
Whoosh.
The image appeared.
"Ah."
It had been a long time since I last saw the Duchess of the Demon World. Kerasys.
"Son? Have you been well?"
"...!"
But the moment I heard the Duchess’s voice, goosebumps broke out, and the tension I’d let go of surged back up!
My god! I’d thought it before, but she was even more beautiful than I’d imagined! A woman possessing the unique, bewitching charm of a high-ranking demon!
She was looking at me with a wide, beaming smile. Even through a video call, I felt like I was being overwhelmed...!
"Ah... Mother. Yes. I’ve been doing well."
"Fufufu, your vibe is quite different from back then, isn't it? And you’ve grown stronger. You’ve gotten bigger, too. To think my beloved son has grown up so well... Mother is truly happy. If Kuls were right next to me, I would have hugged you."
To think this woman could say such things with a straight face.
"..."
Regardless, the atmosphere was similar to when we last met. But back then, I felt like she was treating me as a tool; now, she seemed genuinely glad to see me.
I guess her attitude changes based on results.
"I wasn't able to be a good mother, yet you’ve grown so well on your own... I’ve heard all the reports about your recent achievements. I’m sorry. This mother failed to recognize her son’s talent and did such terrible things. Will you forgive me?"
Oh, shit.
I almost forgave her for a second.
"Hup!"
I snapped back to reality. The bewitching beauty, the atmosphere, the charm, the seductive posture unique to a demon. Seeing all that, my heart began to waver. A monster of a woman who could bewitch a man just by making eye contact and talking.
Is this what they call a femme fatale? As expected of a Duchess of the Demon World.
I’m confident I can control all the women I’ve met in the Middle Realm. But the Duchess is different... she’s a woman who could swallow me whole if I show even a hint of weakness.
Of course.
I’ve built up a resistance by taking in numerous beauties from the Middle Realm. Even if she exudes such charm, I won't be easily seduced... Still, thinking that a woman like her was praising me, a feeling of 'being recognized' began to boil up from deep within my heart.
No!
I can't fall for this!
"No, why would I forgive you? At the time, it was the natural thing to do. It’s not even something that needs forgiving."
I grabbed hold of my wavering mind and delivered the lines I’d prepared. Regardless of the truth, the Duchess thought well of me and had sent a gesture of reconciliation. If I didn't accept it, it could hinder Carti’s support.
So, I had to bow my head and pretend to reconcile.
I had to play the good son.
"Still, didn't you send Carti to support me like this? That’s enough for me, Mother."
As I said that—
"Ah..."
Suddenly, the Duchess began to shed tears.
"Huh?"
"I’m happy. Honestly, I thought it would be hard to be forgiven... Son. Thank you. Thank you for forgiving this inadequate mother."
The Duchess began wiping her tears with a handkerchief.
It was a somewhat baffling reaction.
"So, from now on, Mother will try even harder to help you, son. Son, you are showing truly incredible results. Since the distant past, no other demon has ever exerted this much influence in the Middle Realm."
If that wasn't empty flattery, it meant she valued me highly. In that case, who’s the one missing out?
"If you return to the Demon World, I’ll treat you accordingly."
If I return, that is.
Of course, I have no intention of returning.
"Hehehe, I am grateful beyond words for you saying that. Ah. But Mother."
"Son? Won't you treat Mother a little more comfortably?"
"Hmm... U, um. Yes. I will. Then, Mom. When I go back, will you treat my subordinates well too?"
"If that is what my son wants, of course."
While exchanging such empty pleasantries, I racked my brain to figure out how to discuss the specifics of the help I would receive.