The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 145

Cassandra sat down facing the Demon King’s close aides.

Immediately after, the information she received from the Demon King aligned perfectly with what she had been contemplating earlier.

“Indeed… the most important thing at this moment is to figure out how to drive away those attacking the Falcon Empire.”

“That’s right. With the coup and rebellion now successful, the Falcon Empire will need time to stabilize and justification for it. For that, Cassandra, you must demonstrate a significant victory against those invaders.”

“You’ve pinpointed it accurately, Your Majesty.”

For Cassandra, who was currently allied with the young Emperor, the most critical need was undoubtedly justification.

Driving out the empire’s invaders was essential not just for the peace of the nation but also solidifying her hard-earned power.

Pointing out this fact, the Demon King spoke to her in a calm tone.

“Then let us offer our assistance in that regard. First, we’ll diplomatically handle matters regarding the Elf Church Country.”

“Is that… really possible?”

It was a well-known fact that the Elf Church Country had become the unofficial vassal of the Demon Kingdom, but she doubted they would heed the Demon King’s words given that they were the ones initiating this war.

However, the Demon King spoke with deep confidence.

“It’s entirely possible. For that, trust us and wait.”

With an unwavering voice, the Demon King spoke. Although Cassandra still had pragmatic doubts, she decided to trust the Demon King for the time being.

A belief that the leader of a nation wouldn’t speak falsely.

And at the same time, the heavy charisma emanating from the Demon King made her feel a sense of trust that this could indeed succeed.

“I understand… Then, if you handle the Elves, the remaining concerns will be the Magic Kingdom and the Beastman Kingdom. What are your thoughts on these?”

“There’s no need to worry too much about the Beastman Kingdom. They’ll have a tough time continuing their siege without the Elves’ aid.”

“I think the same. Then our next target will indeed be the Magic Kingdom.”

“They’re a tough opponent, but with our current military strength, we should be able to manage.”

The Magic Kingdom was quickly moving south from the north. Their military power, which had previously been underestimated in comparison to the empire, was proving to be formidable and not to be taken lightly.

“The total troop count of the Magic Kingdom invading our empire territory is 30,000. Some are scattered around capturing small villages and settlements, while the main force is heading towards Macedonia.”

Macedonia. The second-largest city of the empire and the biggest gateway connecting to the Imperial Capital; should this place fall, the path to Olympius would open wide.

“Indeed, it would be wise to engage them here. It’s defensible and its importance is undeniable.”

“Understood. Let’s proceed as such.”

After determining the course of action ahead, Cassandra stood up to take immediate action.

It would take time for the enemies to arrive, but that didn’t imply they had a lot of leeway.

Moreover, at this moment, Cassandra needed to resolve the dissatisfaction of another comrade as quickly as possible, which compelled her to act swiftly.

Then, at that moment…

“And one more thing.”

“Yes?”

The atmosphere shifted as the Demon King spoke to Cassandra in a different tone.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease wash over her.

In contrast to before, the Demon King spoke with a voice that felt eerily cold.

“Personally, I have a favor to ask of you, now that you’ve become the highest authority in this country. Is that possible?”

“A favor… you say? What is it?”

The Demon King began with the word ‘favor.’ However, upon hearing this, Cassandra instinctively felt she had almost no right to refuse.

In a situation where he was extending such significant assistance, it implied that his request held substantial weight.

Feeling a fear that perhaps he might ask for something incredibly reckless, Cassandra started to gauge the Demon King’s expression.

To her, the Demon King spoke in a tone that emanated a heavy sentiment, though the specifics were unclear.

“You needn’t be so anxious. I merely wish for you to hand over the identity of a person. Someone I personally have business with… a certain woman.”

“!!”

*

Vice Minister Eileen, residing in Thebe.

At that moment, facing the sudden summon from the Emperor, she hurriedly set her horse towards the Imperial Capital.

However, throughout her journey, doubts about her decision weighed heavily on her mind.

‘To be summoned so suddenly… what could it possibly be for?’

She had somewhat grasped the chaos that had erupted in the Imperial Capital days ago.

Indeed, she had witnessed the silhouette of the Red Dragon above the skies of Thebe.

And she was also aware that many, including the Emperor, had been killed in the chaos that followed.

Thankfully, General Cassandra had led an army to stabilize the situation and establish a new Emperor, but that didn’t mean doubts and anxieties about the chaotic political landscape had entirely settled.

And in such circumstances had come the summon for Eileen.

Bound by the decree stamped with the Emperor’s seal, she had no choice but to comply.

Thus, she moved with a mixture of questions, anxieties, and an ever-growing sense of anticipation about what lay ahead.

‘Objectively speaking, I had maintained a relatively cordial relationship with General Cassandra, right? She has no reason to harm me at this point. Perhaps she intends to assign me an important role? In times like this, an additional capable individual is crucial…’

Though she had considerably diminished in power over the years, Eileen had still maintained a degree of fame as Vice Minister.

Naturally, she began to wonder if Cassandra, now an unstable supreme authority, sought to utilize her to gain the trust of the populace.

‘If that’s really the case, then it’s a fortunate turn of events for me. After all, what’s wrong with hitching a ride with those in power to bask in the wealth and glory I couldn’t achieve before? If that happens, surely Torare… or perhaps even a more dashing man may come into my life.’

With her expectations growing ever stronger beyond her anxieties, Eileen urged her horse forward, driven by a desire to seize that other source of happiness waiting for her.

Consequently, arriving at the Imperial Capital a little over half a day earlier than planned, Eileen immediately made her way to the Imperial Palace without any chance to rest.

“I am Vice Minister Eileen. I have come to meet General Cassandra, so please guide me.”

“We’ve been expecting you. This way, please.”

The soldiers began to politely guide Eileen, who dismounted with no suspicion, into the Imperial Palace.

With each step, the heavy anticipation coursed through her.

The initial anxiety faded entirely, beginning to feel as though she could see the alternative happiness waiting for her.

Eileen slowly opened the door to the room that had been pointed out by the soldier.

And then…

“Eh?”

In the next moment, as the door swung shut behind her, Eileen’s face stiffened at the sight of the individuals she encountered.

The people staring at her from within the room were certainly not strangers, and yet, their mere presence alone was enough to create enormous discomfort for her.

“What… what is this? Y-you guys are from the Demon Race? How… how did you get here? And y-you… don’t tell me…?”

Two figures clad in Black Armor exuding a sinister aura stood side by side.

And beside them was someone familiar yet strangely unsettling.

As she recognized the face, Eileen felt the trembling voice of an old comrade escape her lips.

“Amelda…?”

“Long time no see, Eileen. I hope you’ve been well.”

“Y-you’re here… and that appearance… don’t tell me, a Dark Elf?”

The shock of witnessing a presumed dead figure standing before her, now having transformed, left Eileen trembling in disbelief.

Yet, noticing her reaction, Amelda smiled gently, her tone calm.

“Why are you so surprised? You shouldn’t be shocked over something like this. There are still people here with business to discuss with you, you know?”

“W-what… do you mean…?!”

Confused by Amelda’s incomprehensible words, Eileen felt a deeper sense of chaos swirling within her.

And in the next moment, before her very eyes, someone slowly began to remove their helmet.

“!! W-what…”

“Growl… Woof! Woof!”