The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 472 The Prince Who Pities Women

The "big one" has finally arrived.

That was the cleansing that the believers in the Twilight Province had long awaited.

Actually, before the court arrived here, it wasn't that no one had ever been to this land before, but the one who was cleansed back then was the believer in Saint Sis, while the one being cleansed now is the non-believer.

To the left and right, it's all themselves.

If one were to look down upon this land from Saint Sith's perspective, Count Theron Gard would actually be the luckiest person.

He didn't run away when the Green Forest Army attacked the city, but as soon as the flag changed and he realized he couldn't win, he ran away immediately. Now that the Salvation Army has left, he's gone back.

Although he did not receive guidance from the Demon King, he was indeed as flexible as a worm in his actions, adhering to the principle of fighting if he could win and running away if he couldn't.

Sometimes Leiden also felt that perhaps Saint Sith really was dead, otherwise why were these cowards the ones favored by fate?

But the ultimate cost is borne by countless ordinary people.

He was almost certain that the court's actions would sow the seeds of disaster twenty years later, but how could those "Holy City people" who would never visit the Kingdom of Ryan even once in their lives care about the flood that would occur in the borderlands twenty years later?
It's just another group of ants drowning.

Standing on a hill far from Sparrowwood Castle, Leiden, carrying the "Shield of the Holy Grail," stared expressionlessly at the army marching towards the castle.

He, who once regarded the Lionheart Knights as his honor, had never hated the fluttering lion so much. Perhaps the absence of the king was the best outcome for everyone.

At that moment, a man wearing leather armor walked up behind him, grinned as he looked at the Holy Grail on the shield.

"What's wrong, Sir Knight? Are you reluctant to leave your home?"

“That’s not my home. My home is near the castle, by the river near the mill.”

Leiden withdrew his gaze from the distance and turned to look at the unremarkable middle-aged man, continuing to speak expressionlessly.

"I just want to see the end."

He recognized the man; his name seemed to be Gregar, and he was one of Karen's intelligence agents.

Prior to this, this so-called intelligence unit had been virtually invisible until recently when it began to emerge.

It is said that it was their doing to secretly lure Theron outside Twilight City.

They were also responsible for spreading rumors in Twilight City about the Salvation Army and the whereabouts of "Saint Karen".

"As you please."

Grega shrugged, having no intention of stopping him, nor the ability to dissuade a Platinum-level expert.

Leiden hadn't asked for his opinion, but seeing that he had nothing else to say, he turned his head back, raised his monocular telescope, and continued to observe the direction of Sparrowwood Castle.

Brennan wasn't the only one unwilling to leave.

René, who valued honor, was also unwilling to leave the land where the Kechtel family had lived for generations as a fugitive.

Even though he knew in his heart that staying would only lead to his death, and that he would die in a more shameful way than a fugitive.

Selling one's soul to the devil may not necessarily implicate other members of the family, but "treason" is a different story.

It must be said that while the Holy City Tribunal's bottom line is not high, it is still far above the Green Forest Army's ceiling.

They are ruthless killers, and they don't hesitate to use torture methods, even threatening family members, but they rarely kill an entire family.

The handover of Sparrowwood Castle was peaceful, just as it had been when it was handed over from the Earl to the Salvation Army; not a single person died.

The Lionheart Knights' banners entered the castle, and standing beneath the city gates to greet them was none other than Earl Theron Gard, who had been "invited" back earlier.

The count, as flamboyant as ever, excitedly shook the chief judge's hand, probably grateful that they had arrived just in time.

The expressionless chief judge glanced at the priests and nuns in the castle, then looked at the count, his lips moving as if he were saying something.

Leiden couldn't read his lips, but from Earl Theron's ecstatic expression, he could tell that the Gard family's troubles seemed to be over, and they had even been rewarded for their piety.

After all, from the perspective of the Vatican, they did not want people to think that a saint had saved them; in comparison, a devout count was more in line with their propaganda.

Just as King Ryan preferred to praise a pig rather than the greatness of the "Light of Praise," the Papacy certainly had its own considerations.

This lucky pig!
Leiden really didn't want to look at him. After confirming that everyone in the castle was alright, he shifted his gaze away from him and glanced at the "Radiant Knight" Hagmer de Valle beside him.

The guy seemed to be in a terrible mood; his face was so gloomy it looked like it could be squeezed to bleed, and this was after things had somewhat calmed down.

Actually, they were brought over from Griffin Cliff.

Leiden couldn't help but recall the rumors he had heard before: Hagmer and Earl Weaver seemed to be old acquaintances, and both were pillars of the kingdom, so their personal relationship must be quite good...

Although they had buried the Earl's family after capturing Griffin Cliff Fortress, this blood debt was clearly not going to be forgotten.

Just then, Hagmer suddenly looked up, and Leiden immediately put down his binoculars without a second's hesitation.

Gregor coughed lightly and interjected.

"I suggest you don't stare at a demigod for too long. The reason a demigod is a demigod is because one foot has already stepped into the realm of gods."

If it were an ordinary person staring at them, it wouldn't matter much, especially for someone without supernatural powers, whose aura is as weak as roadside weeds. It would probably take an overwhelming amount of hatred for the other party to be able to sense it.

However, even if a high-level superhuman like Leiden tries his best to conceal his aura, it is inevitable that the other party will notice him.

"I know, I don't need you to remind me."

"Of course, I believe you know."

Seeing Redden put away his binoculars, Gregar nodded slightly and reminded him in the most tactful way possible, "However... you are, after all, a wanted criminal of the Empire. I still hope you can consider the bigger picture."

"I will."

After giving a concise reply, Leiden suddenly turned to look at him and said something.

"...I've always wanted to ask, do you really trust Theron Gard that much? From what I know of him, he's no pushover."

Gregar was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then grinned and made a joke.

"It's obvious that you harbor deep resentment towards him."

Raiden shook his head.

"No, I have no reason to resent him. I am just giving an objective evaluation of him."

Is it objective?

Gregor's expression turned somewhat amused, and after a moment's thought, he spoke.

"Would you like to hear an ordinary person's opinion?"

Leiden stared at him for a while.

"You say it."

Gregar smiled and continued.

"I am unfortunate to live under Theron's rule, barely making ends meet by hunting. I dislike him as much as anyone else here, and I have complained about his stupidity many times, but I still have to say... this fat pig is not really the worst choice for ordinary people. At least there is one thing he has done well."

"Oh?"

Leiden raised an eyebrow.

"Can I know which matter it is?"

Gregar said calmly.

"He's not that extreme."

"I didn't expect him to answer like that," Leiden said with a smile.

"Can you be more specific? What constitutes an extreme case?"

Seemingly anticipating his question, Gregar smiled and continued in a casual tone.

"The Green Forest Army, the Papacy, the King, and even the now-dead Earl of Weaver. Especially the latter, who failed to protect neither his family nor his people... even though I must admit he tried very hard, even risking his own life."

"On the other hand, look at Theron, that greedy and cowardly fellow. I wouldn't dare say that no one around him died, but following him was definitely luckier than following Earl Weaver."

It is said that after witnessing the horrific state of Griffin Cliff, the Tribunal issued a killing order, and the "Radiant Knights," who were supposed to protect their people, remained silent this time, tacitly approving the Tribunal's ruling.

Seeing the middle-aged man's smile, which didn't seem like a joke, Leiden remained silent for a moment before speaking expressionlessly.

“I don’t want to interpret divine favor as his ability. I even think that the unseen being might be blind. Otherwise, why would noble souls be punished while lowly souls are rewarded?”

Gregar smiled and said.

"Perhaps it's just that mortals can't see all the causes and effects."

Leiden looked at him and asked.

"Did the servant of the 'divine child' teach you this too?"

Gregar shook his head.

"No, this is my realization after witnessing many deaths. We are all sheep walking in the mortal world, the only difference being whether we are aware of it or not. When will this killing end? Today you kill my whole family, tomorrow I kill your whole family, and we all think we have eradicated the roots. But in fact, we are all weeds, and what we are cutting off are just our roots."

This time, Leiden did not refute it.

Long ago, he believed that Princess Karen had truly heard the divine oracle and once regarded her as a saint sent by Saint Sith to uphold order in the mortal world.

However, when he became lost about the future, she backed down. It was this backing down that caused his faith to waver once again.

Even if the Sword Saint approved of the Holy Maiden's choice, and even thanked her for bearing everything for the common people of Sparrowwood Territory and for considering that damned overall situation.

It was from then on that he realized that there was no Saint Sith behind Her Highness, nor did she represent the purity and justice he longed for.

Leiden even felt a faint pain.

His saintess was merely someone else's pawn...

Seeing that the knight did not speak, Gregar made the sign of the cross on his chest and a devout smile appeared on his face.

“But I must say, our Karen is different. Most of you were forced to join that princess’s ranks, but I… I joined her from the bottom of my heart.”

"Isn't it the same...?" A slight smile played on Leiden's lips as he spoke in a slightly sarcastic tone.

Are you trying to say that she isn't the 'extreme' you're describing?

"of course."

Gregar nodded, looking at Leiden who showed a hint of surprise on his face, and continued happily.

"I know she's not as innocent as outsiders perceive her, but does that matter to an ordinary person like me?"

"She could have stood in the safest place and said the most hurtful things, making you and me die trying to please the god behind her, and fight against another group of gods' pawns."

"However, she did not do that, nor did the gods behind her."

Leiden thought the gods were blind, but Gregar didn't think so; he even believed that the cause and effect in the unseen world had always been fair.

Those who had formed good karma met a peaceful end, while the madmen all suffered retribution.

The Green Forest Army was the first to revel in their victory, but they have already been burned to ashes.

As for those guys from the Holy City...

Don't be fooled by their current enthusiasm for making lists; the gale of karma has never forgotten them, it just can't yet affect them in their prime.

They'd better pray they never grow old.

But is this possible?
They just don't want to admit they're getting old!

In that remote borderland, beyond the reach of holy light, west of the Brass Pass, isolated from chaos, those who held the Book of the Holy Word and tried to undermine Saint Sith had already appeared.

and--

Such blasphemy was actually tolerated by a grand duke!

Campbell's army briefly considered them as allies, and the two sides tacitly refrained from attacking each other, a tacit understanding that is likely to continue indefinitely.

This was unimaginable before.

Gregar even had a hunch that perhaps the demons of hell had already quietly entered St. Clement's Cathedral...

……

A nobody who has never left the Twilight Province would never know that the demon from hell had not only visited St. Clement's Cathedral, but had also held a funeral there for his "father".

Although it was named after his younger brother.

The Andes Manor in Thunder City.

Luo Yan had just stepped into the hall of this magnificent manor when he heard a loud voice coming from the stairs.

"Your Highness Colin! How have you been? It's great to finally see you!"

He looked up and saw Edward the Elder walking briskly down from the second floor, a sincere and warm smile on his face, as if he were seeing a long-lost friend.

"How have you been, Your Highness Edward? It is my honor to see you again."

Luo Yan patted his chest in apology, then showed a perfectly measured hint of embarrassment on his face, expressing his regret for leaving without saying goodbye earlier.

"However, before I express my joy, please accept my apology. I should have come to visit you immediately, but when I read the news in the newspaper that Princess Eileen had personally gone to the front lines, my thoughts had already flown a thousand miles away, and I couldn't contain myself—"

Before he could finish speaking, a loud voice came from the steps, easing the awkwardness and restoring the joy of their reunion.

"Haha, don't worry about it, Your Highness Colin, I completely understand how you feel!"

Edward walked down the last step, laughing heartily, and shook Luo Yan's hand firmly.

“Noble souls always attract each other. The citizens of Thunder City are saying that Saint Sith guided you there, and I think they are right! Eileen is lucky to have a friend like you, and I sincerely wish you both well.”

This impeccable yet warm speech brought a smile to Prince Colin's face, making him feel as if he were basking in a gentle spring breeze.

Luo Yan couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that the Campbell family truly deserved to be a family favored by the gods.

In less than two years, it wasn't just Eileen who improved; the Grand Duke's skills also made considerable progress.

If there were many things he wasn't familiar with at the beginning, now this prince has become a qualified "Your Majesty".

The only regret was that the territory of the Duchy of Campbell could no longer match his ever-expanding ambitions.

No wonder his neighbors were so wary.

Luo Yan could sense the prince's intense desire for him and the Duchy of Colin behind him, even though he concealed this desire behind his hospitality and friendship.

A duke is no match for a king.

But two might be enough.

While exchanging pleasantries with the Grand Duke, Luo Yan couldn't help but ponder.

tentatively……

Let me play the role of his pawn for now.

The two chatted as they walked toward the manor's reception room.

Edward walked beside him and casually chatted about everyday things. The conversation quickly turned to the Principality of Colin.

"...By the way, that unprecedented storm a few days ago almost swept across the entire coastline of the vast ocean, even affecting the Whirlpool Sea. Eileen and I were very worried about you. We wondered how your territory was doing? Had it been affected?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yan gave a wry smile, his face showing a headache.

"I can only say... the situation is not optimistic, but it is still relatively well-prepared. We have to thank General Hamelton, who urgently transferred a batch of building materials originally destined for Port Saldo from St. Ilburg, which allowed us to repair several of the most important ports and barely get through the crisis."

“I see… That storm was indeed devastating,” Edward paused for a moment, then sighed with empathy. “Our duchy also lost several merchant ships, and Mr. Andes has been troubled by it for a long time.”

"It was the same over there. One unlucky cargo ship was even blown up a mountain. When the crew opened their eyes, they found that the sea had disappeared. They were all terrified... haha."

Luo Yan took over the conversation, his voice a mixture of lingering fear and relief, as well as the ease and nonchalance of surviving a disaster.

It's as if they've completely forgotten who did this.

"...There were hardly any usable cargo ships on the entire vast ocean. Even those large cargo ships that survived were unable to dock due to the damage to the ports. In the end, thanks to the help of the Imperial Navy fleet, a temporary port was established at Drywood Port, which solved this big problem for us."

"Haha...that was a real disaster."

“Yes! A complete disaster!” Luo Yan exclaimed, then changed the subject with a sly smile. “Of course, we didn’t let our brothers in the Empire help us for nothing. Through our connections in the Gutaf United Kingdom, we managed to get a large shipment of corn to St. Ilburg, which relieved General Hamelton’s urgent need for supplies on the Empire’s front lines… Of course, this wasn’t free.”

“Corn? Do the lads of the Empire even eat that stuff?” A hint of curiosity flashed in Edward’s eyes.

It wasn't because he was genuinely curious; it was simply because he couldn't get a word in edgewise on other topics, except for food habits, which he could say a few words about.

To a duke far on the empire's frontier, what this imperial prince from the center of the world was saying seemed like something from another world.

“I hope they can get used to it, but I’ve also heard that some people seem to have trouble digesting it. But we have to make do during these difficult times.”

Luo Yan shrugged, and before Edward could speak, he steered the conversation back to that distant world, talking about what happened after the great storm.

"Later, I took the opportunity of delivering supplies to visit His Highness the Marshal in the Holy City. We discussed the profound impact of this storm on the future order along the vast ocean. We agreed that the natural disaster was both a challenge and an opportunity given to us by Saint Sith, and that the gods were guiding us to explore that new land—the continent of Gana. For this reason, we established the Knights Templar."

"Saint... what is that?"

"A knightly order that specifically recruits young men who are eager to expand the empire's territory and go to the sunlit lands they yearn for."

When the topic turned to the continent of Gana, Luo Yan seemed to have opened a floodgate of words, and began to talk at length to Grand Duke Edward, who couldn't get a word in edgewise.

He began by discussing the unique geography and climate of that continent, then moved on to the long history of the Gutaf United Kingdom, and finally to their intricate yet little-known connections with various races of the Old World.

He knew Edward must be completely confused.

But that's exactly the kind of "awesome but incomprehensible" effect he wanted!

As expected, Edward couldn't understand any of the names of people and places he was talking about, but he was deeply shocked by the world depicted by these words.

However, he was Edward Campbell after all, not one of those nobody who thought he owned the entire Colin Group just because he bought a couple of shares.

He suppressed his inner shock, while using polite conversation to coax Prince Colin into revealing more information. He then meticulously pieced together the complex details, extracting what interested him and what would be of great use to the Duchy of Campbell.

no doubt!

Prince Colin not only had exchanges of interests with the Imperial military, but also had intricate connections with various families in the Holy City's elder faction!
He had never been to the Holy City, but he was not entirely ignorant of it. At least he had read history books, and he himself was within the feudal system of the Holy City. His understanding of the structure of power far surpassed that of those who stood outside the system.

Without the approval of the military, elders, and the Vatican, such a large project would never have been able to come to fruition!
And to be able to handle all three factions at the same time...

This prince's strength is probably even more formidable than he previously demonstrated!

Thinking of this, Edward's heart burned even hotter.

Having keenly caught the fleeting fervor in Edward's eyes, Luo Yan knew he had already set the bar high enough, so he wisely stopped his rambling about that distant world.

"I apologize... Your Highness, I unknowingly talked about some trivial matters that you might find boring." Luo Yan smiled apologetically, as if he felt impolite for his rambling.

"No, Your Highness, quite the opposite! It's not that I wasn't interested, but rather that I was so engrossed in listening that I became somewhat absorbed for a moment."

Edward immediately snapped out of his daze, a genuine smile spreading across his face, and continued speaking.

“We Campbellians have always been fascinated by the outside world and have always strived with devotion toward the Holy City. I have benefited greatly from what you just shared. If you have anything else to say, your friend would be happy to listen.”

He used a tactful tone to express that he wanted to hear more about the inside story of the "holy city," especially the part about "piety."

Luo Yan naturally understood the desire in his words, but deliberately did not fulfill it. Instead, he changed the subject and steered the conversation to a place that Edward was caught off guard.

This was a lesson taught by Professor Lilith that Mia had never seriously listened to before—

High-end succubi often do not focus on the art of "satisfaction," but rather excel at the art of "dissatisfaction."

The smile on Luo Yan's face faded, and he put on a slightly serious expression, stopping to look at Edward, who was caught off guard.

"Then Your Highness, since you regard me as your close friend, I will speak frankly and tell you my thoughts."

"You've gone a bit too far this time!"

(End of this chapter)