I Was Abandoned by the Demon King I Served for 10 Years

Chapter 31

Rudmila appeared at the Northern Fortress.

Even the mere mention of her stepping out for a simple show of force was enough to cause tension in these times, like a bombshell dropping.

Moreover, news spread that under the hand of the Chief Shaman, three fortresses had disappeared in just a single day.

The shocking results spread across the world. The devastation, leaving no prisoners and turning everything into ruins, was exaggerated further as it traveled.

No matter how severe the punishment for disloyalty, it was customary to leave at least the head intact. This time, unlike Durin's chosen punishment, which was akin to erasing records, it did not take such a form.

Even those accustomed to cruelty, born with a brutal nature, trembled in fear.

"If you wish to live, send an envoy immediately. This is your last chance."

Amidst the terror engulfing the world, Durin left only one thing behind.

It was the oath of loyalty he had previously demanded. His declaration to tighten the rights he had loosened for so long once again pressured the lords.

The final ultimatum given to those who had relied on the wall that protected them from the angels sealed the cracks in their resolve.

"We are closer to the Central region than the North. Our fortress will surrender."

"Inform the Great Warrior that we have no choice. We hope he understands our position. The sword closer than the law you spoke of this time is the Regent's blade...."

In the end, except for a few castles near the northern border, all others sent white flags to Durin, shifting their stance to accept his rule once more.

Realizing the futility of resistance, they chose submission. The Great Warrior's cavalry had to spill much blood to cross the wall, but the Central region did not require such efforts, making resistance meaningless upon witnessing this fact.

However, the fortresses at the farthest northern edge, which chose resistance, became even more defiant upon realizing their retreat was cut off.

"Your Excellency. This is the overview of the Great Warrior's forces sent by the Scout Demon Beast."

The contents summarized on the parchment described a terrifying composition made entirely of Demon Beast Cavalry. Adding the forces from several supporting fortresses only strengthened their momentum day by day.

These were soldiers trained for decades on the land where winter blew harshly. Thorough preparation was necessary.

"Their numbers are similar to ours. The problem lies in the elite regiment led directly by the Great Warrior, which includes a significant number of heavy cavalry."

"If we clash, the damage will be considerable. The losses will inevitably be great."

"Facing the Great Chieftain's army will require unavoidable sacrifices."

"That is a matter for me to agonize over. You just focus on completing your tasks."

"Apologies, Your Excellency. I overstepped my bounds."

The soldier who said this bowed his head and quickly retreated. It was then that Durin, tapping the table, fell into deep thought.

Rudmila and the Shaman Legion.

Though their numbers were small, their power was undeniably guaranteed. However, they could only be utilized effectively under the right conditions. Properly targeting swift cavalry was extremely difficult.

They needed stationary targets, like fortresses, to fully demonstrate their power.

Shamanism and cavalry.

A single moment could determine victory or defeat. While the Demon King's Castle held an absolute advantage, the Demon Beast Cavalry possessed the power to exploit variables and alter fate.

When two great forces clashed, both would suffer significant losses, disrupting the balance. This was not the scenario Durin desired. This war was a major step to expand his influence.

Unifying the Central region and securing the North's cooperation through strength. If the Grand Duke's army and the power of the Demon King's Castle applied simultaneous pressure, even the North, with its thousands of Demon Beast Cavalry, would have no means to endure.

The one in a hurry was the Great Warrior.

Having brought his army all this way, failing to achieve anything would result in losing authority amidst his subordinates' dissatisfaction. Yet, he couldn't recklessly enter a battlefield with an obvious outcome.

Durin only needed to comfortably observe their movements from this outpost with Rudmila.

"Your Excellency! How about entrusting it to me?"

If it had been anyone else, he might have done so.

Flap!

The tent was pushed aside as someone entered with overflowing confidence. Even in front of Durin's imposing presence, they showed no sign of intimidation. During the two-week operation period, they had easily expanded their influence, appearing fearless.

Serphin del Istria lightly bowed and spoke.

"Leave it to our Eastern Legion. We'll crush that Rebel Party in no time."

"There's no need for that. Restrain yourself, Serphin."

"If it's because of the danger posed by the Demon Beast Cavalry, please don't worry. The warriors of the Northeast Region have always lived facing the biting wind. They know them better than anyone."

"That may be true for them. But not for you."

Durin raised his head to look at Serphin. His calm gaze held no expectations.

"Stop spouting nonsense and focus on consolidating your forces. Judging by how far you've come, it seems the Central region has been well-organized, so prepare for the upcoming Demon King Selection."

"Influence alone isn't enough."

The Grand Duke's daughter retorted without backing down. Instead, she pressed forward.

"Achievements. I thought it would be great to have a feat that solidifies my influence."

"Was the Grand Duke's backing insufficient?"

"The throne is mine, not my father's. It's not a position to ascend by borrowing someone else's authority."

"So you want to step onto the battlefield."

"Even just holding our own against the Great Warrior's army would suffice. After all, they're cornered by our Central encirclement. They have no choice but to retaliate."

"After causing chaos in the border region, now that the response forces have arrived, they aim to face us in open battle rather than the Eastern forces holed up in fortresses. A major clash is inevitable soon."

"At that time, I will lead the army."

Her resolute determination was evident. There was a passion to become a greater figure. However, the strength supporting her ambition lay not in her own abilities but in the tens of thousands of troops following her. Still, she seemed to possess a certain courage.

"Just give me one chance. I will prove myself without fail."

A scale emerged in his mind.

The troops and time that would be consumed if Serphin entered the battlefield.

The uncertain achievements that the Throne Successor might gain by personally leading the battle to victory.

But Durin did not hesitate between the two.

"Will five thousand suffice?"

"What?"

"I will assign five thousand Dullahan Royal Guards, excluding the defensive forces protecting the Central formation. That should be enough to secure the flanks against the Demon Beast Cavalry's ambush."

"F-Five thousand for me...."

Her trembling voice reflected her exhilaration. In her mind, the scales were tipping heavily in one direction.

Adding troops that had faced angels to the relatively under-equipped Eastern Army?

To Serphin, it seemed like an unbeatable battlefield was being created.

"I will show you victory. I, Serphin, the daughter of the East... no, as the Throne Successor, will prove my worth."

"I sincerely hope so. If you need anything, go to Verdia. I will give her prior notice."

"Thank you!"

Saying so, the young demon swiftly exited the barracks. In such a hurry, they left without even the usual formalities. Seeing this, the Dullahan could not hide their displeasure. If Durin hadn't raised his hand to stop them, they wouldn't have stayed still.

This wasn't a story limited to the soldiers in the barracks.

"What's with that kid? Why are they so excited?"

No sooner had the conversation with Serphin ended than Rudmila came to the barracks. She glared at the fluttering entrance of the tent.

"Earlier, they were talking about armies and whatnot, gathering people. What did you make them do this time?"

"The Grand Duke's daughter will face the Great Warrior. If she wants to become the Demon King, she needs battlefield experience at least once. Now is a good opportunity."

"Hmm... The situation is very favorable for us, but still? It feels unnecessary."

Rudmila said as she sat across from Durin.

"If the Grand Duke's army joins the fray, it'll be worth watching... What do you think?"

"As a father, whether he'll send his troops is uncertain. The Grand Duke wouldn't be crazy enough to think infantry alone could face cavalry on the battlefield."

"But his daughter is thinking exactly that."

"This will be a good opportunity to confirm her qualifications as a ruler."

By preserving the Central Army's main forces intact and using the Eastern Warlord's strength, they could subjugate the North.

Even with the cost of attrition, it wasn't a bad trade, so Durin nodded.

Having reached a conclusion, he was able to rise from his seat.

"We'll have to see how she handles a powerful enemy. Rescue comes after that."

"What if something goes wrong and Serphin dies?"

"That won't happen."

As the Regent moved, the Dullahan followed. Before leaving the barracks, Durin answered Rudmila's question.

"However, if she can feel the weight of death, it will be an invaluable experience."

His intention, left with a smile. The moment another was placed on the throne, he could watch their growth as a supporter.

"...Looking at you, it seems like the most mischievous demon in the castle is you, Durin."

Seeing him prioritize profit while satisfying his own desires, Rudmila clicked her tongue.