The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 106

Right after the operation using the Black Flame ended in failure due to the interference of the Demon Races, the high-ranking officials of the Falcon Empire, including the Emperor, hurriedly began discussions about the ensuing situation.

“We must advance. Although we haven’t fully achieved our plan, we cannot afford to hesitate now.”

“That can’t be. In a situation like this, a reckless advance would only lead to our downfall.”

The two sides continued their fierce debate. One side argued that they should see this through because they had come so far, while the other insisted that, since they had already secured over 40% of the Elf Church Country, it was time to consolidate their defenses.

Listening to their conversation, the Emperor finally made his decision.

“We retreat.”

“Excuse me?”

“Ha… But your majesty.”

“That’s how it must be. Continuing the war with the Elves at this point would be foolish. As long as we have those who keep interfering, there are limits to what we can do.”

“Kuk…”

“Ugh…”

The retainers had no choice but to follow the Emperor’s final decision. So they quickly prepared to retreat in accordance with their absolute ruler’s command, while it was easy to perceive the clear anger on the Emperor’s face and what he was thinking at that moment.

No one present was unaware of what the Emperor referred to as those “interfering ones.”

“The Magic Kingdom, perhaps…”

“Well, we can’t just let them be after causing such a situation.”

The Magic Kingdom had suddenly struck them just before they were about to swallow almost all of the Elf Church Country. Still, since they were a nation of humans, the betrayal was enough to invoke rage beyond that which the Emperor held toward the Elves, and this feeling was mirrored by the Falcon Empire’s retainers as well.

Moreover, it wasn’t just for emotional reasons; if they didn’t subdue them decisively, they would pose a significant obstacle to the Empire’s future, so they began to think they needed to address the Magic Kingdom as soon as possible.

Of course, to do this, they would have to give the war-weary soldiers ample rest and regain their national power.

“Prepare yourselves, filthy Magic Kingdom scoundrels, I will absolutely repay this debt!”

*

With the help of the Demon Races, the Elves successfully organized the Black Flame and soon witnessed the retreat of the Empire Army.

Realizing they had escaped from the crisis that had come perilously close, the Pope and the other Elves exhaled a deep sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness, we can catch our breath for now.”

“It seems so, your holiness.”

“Fortunately, the Empire Army appears to have retreated. Of course, if they regain their strength and move again, who knows what will happen. For now, though, they don’t seem to have any such intentions.”

With a profound sense of relief and some degree of leisure, the Elves began to discuss the matters that lay ahead. The pressing issue was how to restore the territories devastated by war, but before that, they had to address the most important matter.

“However… do we really have to comply with the demands of the Demon Races?”

“Now that the Black Flame is extinguished and the Empire Army has withdrawn, there’s no need to grudgingly uphold a promise in this situation, is there?”

Though the situation had improved, the Elves still held the belief that a certain degree of integrity must be maintained. However, despite this mindset, they found themselves hesitating to accept the harsh demands of the Demon Races, which could uproot the very foundation of their nation.

Moreover, they were dealing with the very Demon Races with whom they had exchanged hostilities until recently. Whether or not they should maintain a treaty that would undermine both their national power and the authority of the Pope was a difficult question to answer affirmatively.

But…

“What are you talking about? Does that mean you plan to abandon Octavia, who is currently trapped among the Demon Races?”

“Ah… no, your holiness, we could never do such a thing.”

The Pope firmly chastised their reactions. At that moment, it was not just the safety of the national trust that mattered; he had already resolved not to act rashly, primarily due to the well-being of his daughter trapped there.

“I also believe that the Demon King’s demands are excessive. However, we are the Elves who heed the Divine Will. We cannot cowardly betray our integrity first.”

“Ugh…”

“…”

The Pope sternly rejected the idea while insisting on the fulfillment of their contract. However, at that moment, most of those present were quite displeased with the Pope’s stance.

“No matter how precious his daughter may be, is he truly willing to forsake the nation’s interests for something so trivial?”

“Tch… Pope Julius, he is always a composed person, but when it comes to his daughter, he becomes so dull…”

With dissatisfaction over the current situation, the retainers stepped out for a moment. Shortly after, several high-ranking Elves who had participated began to discuss quietly among themselves how to address the situation.

“What should we do? No matter how much we acknowledge the Pope’s intentions, we absolutely cannot accept such an outrageous covenant.”

“This concerns our pride as Elves. For the one in the Pope’s position to kneel and bow before the Demon Races would surely be a humiliation passed down through generations.”

“Not to mention that, considering the compensation given to them, the losses will be too significant. We need to revive our devastated territories here and now…”

Thus, high-ranking Elves expressed their position that no matter how much they thought about it, they could not accept a treaty with the Demon Races. At that moment, a middle-aged Elf who had been silently observing the situation spoke up in a calm voice.

“…Then, how about this?”

“Lord Cicero, do you have a good idea?”

Cicero was the most powerful delegate among them. He spoke to his fellow Elves with a composed voice.

“At this rate, the Pope will surely bow his head and apologize to the Demon Races. Although the Divine Will is an issue, with his daughter being held hostage, he will absolutely do so. If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to utilize this situation against him?”

“What… what do you mean?”

“…S-surely not?”

At Cicero’s words, something frightening began to dawn upon the Elves’ minds. At the same time, their expressions hardened, and seeing them, Cicero spoke in a quietly chilling voice.

“I know this is a terrible and difficult task, but to prevent great loss and to protect the prestige of the Church Country, it is something we must do.”

“Ugh…”

“We are the Elves with a sacred mission. We are the only chosen race recognized by the God, and we have a noble duty to shine his glory in this world. For the Pope to kneel before that wicked Demon Lord would mean that the God succumbs to evil. I will do anything to prevent such an atrocious situation.”

Speaking firmly while invoking the name of the God, Cicero’s words left the Elves no ground to refute, despite the fundamental feelings of revulsion. The prestige of the Elf Church Country had already suffered great wounds from the aftermath of past wars.

In this situation, Cicero’s words, which awakened their previously shattered pride, instilled in them a sense of duty to come up with some solution, no matter what it took—even if it involved something extremely dirty and disgraceful.

“I agree. If there is something needed, please tell me, Lord Cicero.”

“For the Church Country… and for the glory of our Lord Neltarion. I will join as well.”

“If the ruler loses his mind and causes the nation to tremble, it is natural for the retainers to set it right.”

“Please give us your commands, Lord Cicero. No matter how great the danger may be, I will give my life for the Church Country.”

After much deliberation, the high-ranking Elves decided to actively support Cicero’s proposal. Seeing them, Cicero nodded and began to wear a cold smile on his lips.

“Thank you, everyone. Surely the God will watch over us as we dedicate ourselves for Him. Now, let us discuss the details of our plan. How can we ensure the success of this endeavor…”