Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 946- The Shadow Lurks (9)

The mention of his son's name sent a shiver of rage through his veins, but that wasn't what alarmed him the most. It was the fact that Avrox knew about it.

Gelgar's death had been kept quiet, hidden from most of the Demon Continent to avoid embarrassment. How in the abyss had Avrox learned of it?

 Gelford's mind raced, for a Demon Earl like Avrox to know something so personal, so intimate, it could only mean one thing: the one behind Avrox, the figure pulling the strings, must have investigated the case with their investigation network. They know all about it.

"I see now…" he muttered under his breath, a mixture of frustration and resignation washed over him.

The thing he tried to keep under wraps, the thing he feared had come to pass. The other party was already aware of the humiliation he suffered.

Avrox's master… they were not someone to be underestimated. A Demon Earl on his own might be insignificant, but a Demon Archduke? That was an entirely different matter.

 An Archduke's reach extended across continents, with resources and spies embedded in every corner of the Demon world.

"Is your master also interested in the Ghastly Winding Forest?"

 "You catch on quickly, Sir Gelford. My master's reach is vast, and his influence… well, let's just say he has eyes and ears where you might least expect. I know that the Demon Earl didn't just kill any demon; he killed your son"

"That's a personal affront. An offence against your bloodline, against your honour. What better excuse do you need to invoke the Fate Game?"…

"What?!! Is that true?" Arctaurus who didn't know anything about this matter, reacted with surprise.

 His eyes roamed around Gelfor's children and seeing them make an ugly face, he quickly understood that it was true.

"Ah, so that's why. It all makes sense now. You've been plotting to erase him, not simply because of the forest or treasure, but to hide this stain of yours"

With a sneer he added, "Well, we don't need to find another reason now, do we? We have the perfect justification for making the Demon Earl the aggressor. Blood demands blood after all".

Avrox nodded "Exactly. Avenging the death of your son and washing away the insult to one reputation is all the pretext you need. The council won't question your motives once they hear of such an affront"

"Honor among demonkind is everything. A demon, even a Duke, cannot stand idle when their bloodline is challenged. What does Duke Gelford think?"

 Despite the seething anger, Gelford maintained his composure and said nothing. His silence spoke louder than any outburst.

He had gone to great lengths to keep this information hidden, knowing that if word spread in the demon world, it would tarnish not only his reputation but also the prestige of his Blood Moon faction.

A powerful Demon Duke, humiliated by a mere Demon Earl—a shame like that could destroy him. But it seems like it was all for not. Now that it was out, he better take this chance to wash this shame away once and for all.

"The Demon earl must die. If I have to use the death of Gelgar, then so be it" Gelford finally opened his mouth and spoke in a deep growl.

"So he should be. But before we go further, let me make something clear. While I am acting on behalf of my master, the Archduke Boboshka, his interest lies not in the Ghastly Winding Forest itself, but rather in the treasure that is rumoured to be hidden within. He has no desire to claim the land—only the treasure."

At the mention of the treasure, the two dukes flinched ever so slightly. Who in the southern region of the Dempn Continent didn't know about the legendary treasure that was supposedly hidden in the Ghastly Winding Forest?

 Other than the territory, it was the real reason why the demon vyed for this territory so much. To think that Avrox's master would directly ask them to hand over the treasure once they claim the forest, how could they take it?

"That doesn't sound right, does it? While we do all the work, they get to take the most important thing from the forest"

Arctaurus crossed his arms clearly irritated. Even if the enemy was a Demon Archduke, they had two Dukes here. With the combined might of both their faction, even Demon Archduke would think twice before making a move against them.

"Of course, it's not without a price. My master is willing to support you with all of his might. He will not only aid you in getting rid of the Demon Earl, but he will ensure the council approves your move against the latter. He will smooth over any barriers, and make sure the Archdukes look the other way".

 Gelford shook his head "Even then, asking us to hand over the treasure is still too much"…

Avrox laughed softly, waving his hand "You misunderstand something, two Dukes. In the first place, isn't the whole legendary treasure in the forest a myth?"

"In the long history there hasn't been anyone who was able to find it. There are many powerful beings who tried to get their hands on the treasure only to come back empty handed"

"As such, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the very existence of this treasure being inside the forest is doubtful. Despite that, lord Boboshka is willing to aid you with all of his might to claim the Ghastly Winding Forest. I believe the exchange is a fair price given all that he has to do to stop the council from interfering"

 Gelford and Arctuarus still seemed a little hesitant after all, this was not just any treasure they were talking about but a legendary treasure that was rumoured to be able to ascend one to the pinnacle of this world.

Something like that…

"Since the two dukes are still hesitating let me tell you this. Lord Boboshka has no need for petty schemes. If he wanted to, he could easily claim the forest"