CHAPTER 93
CHAPTER 93
Rising Talents of the Demon Race
The Holy Eldar Empire was currently undergoing a period of transformation.
With commerce and industry flourishing and magical civilization blooming, the traditional aristocracy faced a serious crisis.
No matter how much wealth or prestige a family had inherited, without innate magical talent, success had become difficult.
Even vast lands were no longer enough—agricultural productivity had increased, causing the value of crops to plummet. Traditional farming alone could no longer sustain the lavish lifestyles of the nobility.
Meanwhile, the rising gentry class had secured seats in the assembly, becoming a new upper class that even nobles could not ignore. They flaunted their wealth in high society and tended to hold more flexible views toward demons.
Perhaps because of that—
Most of the attendees at this banquet were from the gentry class.
Many nobles, staunch hardliners advocating war, had refused to attend a banquet involving demons.
Even so, given it was the Emperor’s invitation, the hall was still crowded, and simply exchanging introductions was exhausting.
In particular, Karl, the northern grand duke’s son rarely seen in Dunais society, and Idnia, who had long disappeared from it, drew much attention.
Lorenzo, on the other hand, seemed well acquainted with the social scene and even introduced others himself.
After being introduced by others, Idnia would in turn introduce Marie.
Only after this tedious cycle of introductions did they finally get a moment to breathe.
“So now… we greet the demons, I suppose. Rudolf, over there?”
At Karl’s question, Rudolf nodded.
Near a pillar, set apart from the waltzing crowd, a group of young men and women sat at a tea table.
The demon prodigies.
They, too, were watching.
Their gazes met.
At that moment, Emperor Franz approached—with an old man.
Though hunched, the old man was tall enough to meet the Emperor’s eye level. His skin was dry like aged wood, his fingers long and thin.
He looked less human and more like a fiend.
As a high-ranking demon, he should have had horns—but they were hidden, likely by illusion.
This was, after all, an unofficial gathering.
“Your Majesty.”
Everyone bowed.
Marie hesitated briefly, unfamiliar with etiquette, but followed Idnia’s subtle cue.
The Emperor noticed—but said nothing.
“This feels like our first meeting in a long time, though it has not been so. Rudolf. And you must be Lorenzo of Mazdari, Karl of Oxbach, Idnia of Betelgeuse, and Marie of Astraea, the saint candidate. My memory serves me correctly, yes?”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
“And this is Sir Gimel of Garmhau, the State Archmage. Sir Gimel—these are the future pillars of our Empire.”
“It is an honor. Young lords and saint candidate, I am Gimel of Garmhau.”
Garmhau.
The land of the demons—the name they used for their own world.
This man was the archmage of the demon race.
“I had long admired the brilliance said to gather at Dunais Academy… but seeing you now, I find the rumors understated. You are even more impressive than I had heard.”
“You flatter us,” Rudolf replied on behalf of the group.
“My disciples wished to broaden their horizons, so I brought them here. They are still immature… but may I introduce them?”
So that was the reason.
To let the Empire’s future meet the archmage’s disciples.
To build ties.
‘Hmm… but they’re disciples of an archmage, while we’re still academy students. In terms of training and mastery, they should have the advantage…’
Idnia felt a bad premonition.
This wouldn’t end well.
Gimel’s disciples watched the academy students approach.
“…The Crown Prince, heirs of the Elector families, and the saint candidate,” said a narrow-eyed disciple quietly to the black-haired, red-eyed young man seated before him.
“That one… which is the Betelgeuse daughter?”
“The tall blonde.”
“And the smaller one is the saint candidate?”
“It seems the Emperor and Master are coming. They’ll introduce us shortly.”
“Then be careful. Eyes and ears are everywhere.”
“Yes.”
Soon, the Emperor and Gimel approached with the students.
“My disciples are unrefined… like frogs in a well. I only wished to broaden their view, but I fear they may merely consume your hospitality.”
“Haha, you are too modest. They are clearly exceptional.”
Introductions were made.
Then—
“Now then, my son Rudolf, Lorenzo of Mazdari, Karl of Oxbach, Idnia of Betelgeuse, and Marie of Astraea.”
“Do not embarrass yourselves. Conduct yourselves properly.”
Gimel smiled faintly.
“And now, we elders shall step aside. I would not wish to spoil this lively gathering with my aged presence.”
“You are the guest of honor…”
“No, no. I am simply tired.”
The Emperor and Gimel withdrew.
Leaving the young elites facing one another.
Silence lingered.
Then Lorenzo stepped forward.
“Shall we introduce ourselves again—”
“Lorenzo of Mazdari, yes? Your lips must be worn out from introductions by now. Let’s skip the formalities.”
The black-haired, red-eyed young man sat down arrogantly.
“I am Coraldun, top disciple of Archmage Gimel. Sit.”
“….”
Rudolf sat first.
Idnia followed—and gestured to Marie.
“Let’s eat, Marie. We’ve been fed garbage at the academy long enough.”
“…Pardon?”
“Well then.”
Idnia began eating without hesitation.
“…What?”
The demons were visibly surprised.
Karl, Lorenzo, and Rudolf immediately followed.
After enduring the academy’s miserable food, they had no patience for decorum in front of a lavish imperial feast.
Even Marie sat down and joined them.
The demon youths were taken aback.
‘These people have nerve.’
‘Well, they’re no ordinary students…’
Then Idnia wiped her mouth and spoke.
“Let’s get straight to the point. What are your intentions? Why seek peace with the Empire?”
“Do we need to explain that?”
“We were summoned suddenly. We don’t know the details. And… what should we call you? ‘Demons’ might be rude.”
“We call ourselves humans—and you, demons.”
“…I see.”
“So let’s use names. Idnia Katze Betelgeuse, correct?”
“…Did I tell you my full name?”
“It would be strange not to take interest.”
“…Ah.”
Idnia realized.
They knew.
That she was half-demon.
In the original game Awakening Maiden Concerto, Idnia remained in high society despite her declining house.
Backed by shadowy forces—including a criminal syndicate and demons—she accepted their support.
Even knowing the source, she used it to indulge her ambitions.
But now—
She had abandoned all of that.
‘If they knew from the start… they wouldn’t reveal it outright. They’d wait. Use it when it’s most effective.’
Revealing her secret now would achieve little.
And for beings who considered themselves human—
Exposing her would be… contradictory.
‘It’d be like victims of discrimination exposing one of their own… They wouldn’t do that. Probably.’
Just then, Coraldun cleared his throat.
“Do not misunderstand. You are the daughter of the hero and saint who slew our king. Of course we would take interest.”
“…Calling him a death god… that is quite bold,” Lorenzo said sharply.
“You call us demons and our god an aberration. Let’s not argue over words. I apologize.”
Karl cut in coldly.
“…Why are you so arrogant?”
Even he couldn’t ignore this.
No matter his disdain for Lorenzo, they were still heirs of the Empire.
And this—this tone—
Was unacceptable.