Chapter 172
Surprisingly, even the Destruction Demonic House sent an envoy.
However, unlike the other houses, the Destruction Demonic House did not ignore Christian.
That was because they had personally witnessed his abilities.
In fact, the one who had the most objective and accurate grasp of how extraordinary Christian was… turned out to be none other than the Destruction Demonic House.
“I'll handle the envoy duties.”
It was Märchen, the Puppet Master—an elder of the Destruction Demonic House and the highest-ranking demon in the 7-star realm.
She was a direct descendant of the Mystic Demonic House, giving her more than enough authority for the task.
“Besides, I owe Young Lord Christian a debt.”
A bewitching smile curved across Märchen’s lips.
“More than anything, I plan to turn Young Lord Christian into one of my puppets someday. I want to personally see that beautiful form with my own eyes. Ah, just imagining what a divine masterpiece he’ll become sends shivers down my spine.”
Another faction of the Destruction Demonic House, the Blood-Drenched Demonic House, also decided to send an envoy to the ceremony.
However, there was a problem.
“You’re going in person, My Lady? That’s far too dangerous!”
“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. The Dark Demonic House is a house that understands honor. They won’t try anything against envoys who attend the succession ceremony.”
It was none other than the Grand Duchess Idrinne who decided to attend in person!
“But there’s no need for you to go yourself, My Lady! In fact, it might even be seen as excessive.”
Given that the Dark and Blood-Drenched Demonic Houses were known to be hostile toward each other, anyone would find it suspicious for the Grand Duchess herself to attend.
But Idrinne remained composed.
“That’s fine. I’ll be hiding my identity.”
“What did you say?”
She planned to attend under the name Ria—the alias she had previously told Christian.
With the help of a devil’s power to disguise her presence, there was no risk of being found out.
“Besides, I want to grow closer to Young Lord Christian for the sake of fostering friendship between our two houses. I can’t miss such a good opportunity, now can I?”
In truth, it wasn’t just about improving relations between the houses.
— He’s a horrifying devil of a man. Be careful.
As Christian’s words echoed in her mind, Idrinne’s eyes narrowed sharply.
‘I’ll definitely become Young Lord Christian’s friend and make him apologize for saying that.’
She clenched her fist with resolve.
Lastly—
The Venomous Demonic House.
But the atmosphere there was strange.
Originally, the Venomous Demonic House had decided to send Duke Huam’s son, the Grand Duke, and Marisa as envoys.
As a neighboring house, Duke Huam had made the decision to show the utmost respect.
Marisa, for her part, had pretended not to care, but was secretly putting great effort into preparing for the event—her heart fluttering all the while.
Her older brother, Grand Duke Hubert, would often shake his head at the sight of her.
“You look like someone going to meet a fiancé you’ve been pining for.”
“Wh-Who says I’m in love with that jerk?! He barely even replies to my letters!”
Marisa shouted, flustered.
“I-I’m just going as an envoy, so I want to maintain proper decorum!”
“Heh, I never knew you were the type to care so much about etiquette.”
“Brother!!”
Marisa shouted at the top of her lungs.
It was an unusually warm scene for a prestigious magus family—like a pair of close siblings.
In truth, the two of them shared a deep bond, relying heavily on each other amid the harsh and cold environment of their household.
But then—
Right before the succession ceremony, something went wrong.
At the Hall of Ten Thousand Poisons, which Marisa managed.
“N-No... how could this happen?”
Marisa’s face turned pale.
“This is bad. I need to find a way to stop it. If not, it could cause major conflict with the Dark Demonic House...!”
And so—
Far away from anyone’s notice, another spark of chaos quietly ignited.
* * *
At last, the day of the succession ceremony arrived.
The main estate of the Dark Demonic House was packed with demons who had gathered from all corners of the Magus Empire.
A specially-invited orchestra played brilliant music, while a grand open-air banquet unfolded in the gardens.
There was even a martial arts competition in the dueling arena for the common demons.
It was a scene resembling a massive festival—but the expression of Nordian, the host of it all, was far from pleased.
Standing next to him, Christian gave him a side glance and asked,
“Is something bothering you, Lord Patriarch?”
“I’m annoyed. They dared to send such worthless trash as envoys. Those damned bastards deserve to be chewed to death.”
What infuriated Nordian was the kind of envoys sent by the other houses.
Only the neighboring Venomous Demonic House had sent someone of grand duke rank.
The rest of the prestigious families had merely sent unknown, low-ranking figures.
‘Aside from the Venomous Demonic House, the only one who sent a proper envoy was the Destruction Demonic House. Should I laugh at that or be furious?’
Nordian ground his teeth.
“Just what do they think of the Dark Demonic House to insult us with this kind of discourtesy...?”
“They’re looking down on us,” Christian replied calmly.
Nordian’s brow furrowed in irritation.
“Don’t you feel angry?”
“Why would I be angry? We’ll just crush their pride.”
“!!”
“And besides, isn’t the setting perfect for it?”
There was something ominous in Christian’s words.
Nordian’s expression grew complicated.
“You… you’re planning something, aren’t you?”
Christian nodded.
“Would it be all right if I caused a bit of an incident?”
“…An incident? During the Grand Duke succession ceremony?”
“What’s the point of a ceremony filled with nothing but empty formalities?”
A sly smile formed on Christian’s lips.
“Shouldn’t a succession ceremony be a stage to demonstrate the greatness of the Dark Demonic House to our guests?”
Nordian fell silent for a moment.
It was impossible to guess exactly what Christian was planning.
More than that, the idea of causing an incident on the day of the succession ceremony—and by the person being crowned, no less—was absurd.
Yet, deep down, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.
After all, Christian had never once failed to follow through on his words.
“Fine. But if you’re going to do it, do it thoroughly.”
“Don’t worry. Just don’t scold me later for making it too big of a mess.”
He meant it sincerely.
Christian wasn’t planning some meaningless ruckus.
Today’s succession ceremony was going to send shockwaves throughout the entire Magus Empire.
“I’ll be off now.”
As the one to be crowned Grand Duke, he had to go welcome the guests.
He was just about to step away when Nordian suddenly stopped him.
“Christian, do you know why I chose you to become the Grand Duke?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Because I’m the best, of course.”
“Hah, you’re right.”
Nordian looked him square in the eye.
“I’m proud of you.”
“!!”
Christian’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
That was… a very uncharacteristic thing for Nordian to say.
Perhaps realizing it himself, Nordian awkwardly waved his hand.
“Why are you just standing there like that? What I meant is, if you disgrace the house’s name, I won’t let it slide. So don’t go getting any strange ideas...!”
“Don’t worry. I understood you perfectly.”
Christian gave a wide grin.
“You’re just saying you’re so overwhelmed with pride that your chest might burst, right? I’ll hold those feelings close to my heart. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”
Before Nordian could say another word, Christian was already gone.
Left alone, Nordian clicked his tongue in embarrassment.
“That’s not what I meant... Damn brat. Why the hell did I go and say something so out of character?”
Still—
Even if it wasn’t like him,
Hearing Christian call him Grandfather didn’t feel so bad.
* * *
As Christian walked further down, familiar faces came into view.
His father, Count Khazar, and his younger brother, Tern.
“Christian.”
Count Khazar called out with a hardened gaze.
“Will you be able to handle this?”
There was worry mixed into his voice.
He was proud of his son becoming Grand Duke, but he was equally concerned about the storms Christian would have to face from now on.
Teren, meanwhile, looked visibly frustrated.
“…There are a lot of unpleasant bastards around.”
“Hm?”
“They—they dare... They don’t even realize how amazing my brother is! Calling it all baseless rumors and empty boasting!”
It seemed Tern had overheard some of the other demons speaking ill of Christian.
Christian let out a quiet chuckle.
“Tern, who am I?”
“…You’re the heir to our Dark Demonic House…”
“Not that. Be precise.”
“…You are King Emperor Majesty Brother.”
“Exactly. So what are you so worried about? They'll soon learn the greatness of this magnificent body.”
“!!”
Christian tousled Tern’s hair with a grin.
“Remember what I promised? That I’d show you, Father, and Mother a side of me so dazzling it would make your eyes sparkle.”
He was talking about a promise he had made long ago—
Back when he first left for the main estate of the Dark Demonic House.
“That promise isn’t over. It’s still in progress. I’ll show you, Father, and even our late Mother something so grand, your hearts will burst with pride.”
Tern gave a silent nod, and Count Khazar, still unable to shake off his worry, spoke again.
“…Don’t overdo it.”
“I won’t.”
Christian smiled faintly and passed them by—
Heading toward the crowd of guests, whose eyes gleamed like hungry hyenas as they observed him.
“Those guys? I don’t even need to overdo anything for them.”
As he stepped into the center of the banquet, silence fell over the hall.
Though the orchestra continued to play, the music no longer reached anyone’s ears.
All eyes turned toward Christian as he finally made his appearance.
‘So young. Isn’t he not even of age yet?’
‘He certainly has presence. His energy is refined and deep. Maybe he’s not someone to be dismissed outright.’
A few of the more experienced demons among the guests grew thoughtful.
They immediately realized that Christian was no ordinary person.
‘He has potential… someone worth keeping an eye on.’
It was both a compliment—and a condescending judgment.
They were saying: He’ll be impressive someday, but right now, he’s not there yet.
‘Too young.’
‘He’s still a rookie to be called a Grand Duke.’
Of course, Christian’s accomplishments were nothing to scoff at—especially for someone his age.
But the title of Grand Duke wasn’t one for someone sheltered like the average young noble.
It was a position where one stood at the vanguard and represented their entire house.
For that reason, only those whose experience, power, and capability could rival even the house elders were recognized.
From that perspective, Christian was still lacking.
Christian, however, only shrugged in response to the stares cast his way.
‘Exactly the kind of atmosphere I expected. And that’s fine. Actually, I prefer it this way.’
An unexpected thought.
‘In this kind of mood, I’ll shine even brighter.’
He had no interest in some quiet, polite succession ceremony.
He planned to make it as extravagant as possible.
‘And for my plan... I’ll need a sacrifice to trample on.’
Judging by the current mood, finding such a sacrifice wouldn’t be difficult.
Then came the whispers.
“So that boy is Christian, the one who’ll become Grand Duke? He’s seriously young. He looks like a baby.”
“And why does he look so delicate and soft? Like some pampered pretty boy. I really don’t like that.”
“Aren’t you two being too rough? Honestly, he’s exactly my type. That face is perfect for keeping as a toy.”
The ones mocking him were young nobles from the Blood-Drenched, Beast, and Illusion Demonic Houses.
They looked at Christian with sneering, predatory eyes.