Chapter 223
Olivia had only been able to rise to the position of Pope thanks to the achievements she had made alongside Christian of the Dark Demonic House.
She must have used some filthy trick. That Olivia girl is clearly rotten to the core too.
Maximus continued his thoughts darkly.
I’ll torture that bastard Christian and get proof that Olivia has colluded with the demons.
Once that happened, Olivia would be branded a witch and brought to a horrible downfall. The Gold Cross would return to its rightful place—beneath his heel.
With a cruel grin, Maximus imagined that glorious future.
But he wasn't the only one plotting.
The Demonic Star Palace.
The Council of Elders.
The highest-ranking demons of the Demonic Star Palace were discussing Christian as well.
“Are we really going to let Grand Duke Christian be?”
“If we leave him be, we might not be able to deal with him later.”
Surprisingly, there were many voices strongly wary of Christian.
The Demonic Star Palace had the most objective understanding of Christian’s true capabilities.
“What makes him truly dangerous isn’t just his genius. It’s that cunning mind of his. Just look at how Marquis Langham, who had been secretly in contact with the Main Body, was brought down.”
“Indeed. We must eliminate him before it’s too late.”
But an opposing voice soon followed.
“And how do you propose we do that? Careless action could spark unnecessary conflict. We must avoid a clash with the Dark Demonic House for now. Our priority should be dealing with the Bloodsword Demonic House and the Karn Empire first.”
The Demonic Star Palace was not only at odds with the Dark Demonic House, but internally with the Bloodsword Demonic House, and externally with the Karn Empire.
For reference, the Karn Empire was the strongest nation in the Alliance—its national power several times greater than that of the Gold Cross.
The fact that the Demonic Star Palace could still dominate the Dark Demonic House while locked in conflict with a nation like Karn showed just how overwhelming their strength was.
“It’ll be fine. Apparently, that boy is leaving the Dark Demonic House and heading to the Venomous Demonic House. I don’t know what scheme he’s plotting now, but if we time it right, we can take him out discreetly. As long as we leave no evidence behind, it won’t be a problem.”
“Who will we send? The choice must be made carefully. We can’t risk any trace of the Main Body being involved.”
“There’s a perfect ‘tool’ we can use. Bring in the ‘gift’ from the Obsidian Demonic House.”
As one of the elders clapped his hands, an unexpected figure appeared.
A small girl with delicate limbs, bound in restraints.
Her shimmering hair flowed down in a light sky-blue hue, glowing faintly in the dim light.
She had an adorably sweet face—but her eyes were completely lifeless, dark and empty.
Most notably, nine limp tails hung down from her back.
She was clearly no ordinary human.
“Oho… a gumiho, is it? And this is the gift from the Obsidian Demonic House?”
[TL/n: A Gumiho is a creature from korean folklore typically depicted as a nine-tailed fox capable of transforming into a women]
“That’s right. She’s a failed gumiho.”
“She doesn't seem to have failed the Shell Shedding… So what's defective about her?”
Gumihos were considered magic beasts, but if they underwent the awakening process known as Shell Shedding, they could gain sentience and transcend into half-humans—true demi-humans.
This girl had apparently succeeded in shedding her shell and becoming a demi-human. However, for some unknown reason, she had lost her rational mind in the process.
“Even though she’s lost her intellect, she’s still a gumiho that completed Shell Shedding. She has power comparable to that of a high-ranking demon. There shouldn’t be a problem using her to eliminate Christian.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The gumiho was a perfect choice—she had more than enough power and, most importantly, wouldn’t leave behind any trace of the Demonic Star Palace.
“In that case, I’ll take charge of handling her,” said the puppeteer Märchen as she stepped forward.
She had been restless ever since her last attempt to turn Christian into her puppet ended in failure.
“This time, I’ll definitely make Grand Duke Christian mine. After making me long for him so much, I’ll preserve him slowly—alive. Ah, I can already imagine how sweet his screams will sound.”
But something unexpected happened.
The seemingly passive gumiho suddenly raised her hand—and with a sharp swipe of her claw, raked it across Märchen’s face.
“!!”
Clutching her face, Märchen stumbled backward in shock.
“What the—!”
“Tsk. Be careful with your words,” said the elder who had brought the gumiho, clicking his tongue. “Even without rational thought, she still reacts strongly to mentions of torture and violence. Seems she has some trauma related to it.”
“How dare she…”
“She’s a precious tool meant to eliminate Christian. Don’t damage her over something petty. After we’re done with the mission, you can stuff her, skin her, or do whatever you want.”
Märchen let out a slow breath to calm her anger.
Before leaving, she asked, “By the way, what’s this gumiho’s name? Knowing her True Name would let me cast a stronger puppet spell.”
“I think… it was ‘Lena.’”
Lena.
The one Christian once mockingly called the chatterbox of darkness in her past life.
—And finally.
Deep within the Devil Castle of the Southern Magic Kingdom, there existed a prison where the most heinous high-ranking demons were confined.
It was there that Marquis Goras of the Venomous Demonic House had been imprisoned.
From within the pitch-black darkness of the prison, Goras slowly lifted his head.
Somehow, without a sound, the Demon King of Azure Flow had appeared before him, looking down on him silently.
[So… have you made up your mind?]
She asked with a bewitching smile on her beautiful face.
[Are you ready to embrace Jinrok?]
And so—
Yet another storm was beginning to stir toward Christian.
* * *
The day of Christian’s departure to the Venomous Demonic House had finally come.
Ughhh… I’m dying. Someone save me…
Christian rose with the face of an undead.
The hangover from the banquet drinks was practically killing him.
Even though we delayed the departure by a day, I still feel like this? I only drank a little more than usual…
In the past, he would pass out after a single glass. But this time, with sheer willpower, he managed to get down a few more.
Just a few extra drinks—and yet the aftermath was brutal.
Ugh… Once I get to the Venomous Demonic House, I’m definitely inventing some kind of elixir that makes you immune to alcohol…
Seeing Christian groaning and clutching his head, Mari let out a soft moan in a strangely thrilled voice.
[Ahh, there it is. The young master's frail, sickly look is making this maiden's heart flutter. That pale face is so enticing, I almost want to kidnap you.]
“…I’m dying here. Don’t say nonsense.”
[How about another glass of Virgin’s Blood juice?]
“…Deal.”
After chugging down the so-called Virgin’s Blood (which was really just strawberry juice), Christian finally managed to muster enough energy to step outside the annex.
There, an unexpected person was waiting for him.
It was Yulian.
“Sis?”
“I’ve been waiting. I had something to say.”
“What is it?”
When Christian tilted his head with a curious look, Yulian stared at him for a moment before bowing slightly.
“…Thank you.”
Her deep voice carried quiet sincerity.
“I know I already said this before, but I don’t think I ever truly thanked you properly. Thanks to you… my soul was able to be saved.”
She wasn’t just referring to being rescued from the demon.
It was that, because of Christian, she had found hope again.
“It’s nothing. Didn’t I already tell you? In return, I’ll work you to death from now on.”
“Heh, I welcome it.”
Yulian smiled.
It was a gentle, radiant smile—one completely different from before.
“But you really need to be more careful with alcohol. From now on, if anyone tries to get you to drink, come tattle to your big sister. I’ll scold them for you.”
“…I’m fine.”
“Or, want me to drink it for you instead? I can hold my liquor, you know.”
Christian scrunched his face in defeat.
Humiliating.
Seeing his reaction, Yulian chuckled under her breath, clearly amused.
“You should get going now. You remember what I asked you to do, right?”
“Of course.”
Christian had entrusted Yulian with secretly monitoring the movements of Marquis Langham.
She nodded seriously.
“You be careful too. You know how dangerous it’s going to be, right? The Venomous Demonic House won’t stay idle.”
And Yulian wasn’t the only one who was worried.
Everyone who came to see Christian off had similar concerns written on their faces.
“Please, allow the Black Lion Knights to accompany you. Lord Khazar is also gravely concerned.”
Count Berkel, now a loyal vassal, said with determination.
“I’m coming too. I’ll protect you,”
Jupien, who had decided to stay behind with the family, pouted.
Count Khazar, Merian, and others all bore troubled expressions as well.
That’s how dangerous this journey was.
And to make matters worse, Christian was only bringing Melin, Mari, and Alros with him.
Melin, sure—she was reliable.
But Mari was just a maid, and Alros—who was already hiccupping and muttering, “Wh-why me again…?”—was pale as a ghost and clearly useless.
No one could blame the others for worrying.
“Shouldn’t you consider bringing a stronger escort?”
“There’s no need. My father and the rest should remain here and focus on training for the Dark Imperial Tournament.”
Christian’s answer was calm, but resolute.
The Dark Rite—
It was a formal duel ritual used to determine the ruling family of the Southern Magic Kingdom.
Just as he had once proposed, Christian had suggested the Dark Rite to the other Demonic Houses. The Destruction Demonic House had accepted without hesitation.
As for the Venomous Demonic House, they had said they’d “consider it,” but—
‘Well, they’ll be too preoccupied by what’s coming to even participate.’
In the end, the Dark Rite would likely boil down to a showdown between the Destruction and the Dark Demonic Houses.
Christian naturally intended to defeat the Destruction Demonic House in that duel.
And to do that, the core combat power of his house needed to stay behind and focus on maximizing their strength.
He had already provided them with meticulous guidance on the path of training ahead—
He was confident they’d achieve great results.
‘Besides that, there’s another reason I can’t bring an extravagant escort.’
Christian was thinking something outrageous.
‘If I show up with a huge guard detail, no one will dare make a move on me, right?’
He wanted someone to pick a fight.
In truth, Christian was hoping that the Venomous Demonic House would try something against him.
‘Only then can I crush them properly.’
As always, he wasn’t going to the Venomous Demonic House to “learn” quietly.
His goal was nothing less than a full-scale dojo conquest.
Ultimately, he intended to force the Venomous Demonic House into swearing loyalty to him.
And for that, he’d need some proper sacrificial lambs to make an example of.
‘The remnants of Marquis Goras’s faction, who once crossed me, should do nicely.’
Of course, anyone in their right mind would find this absurd.
No matter how much of a genius Christian was, to subjugate the entire Venomous Demonic House?
Even just within the Goras faction, there were numerous high-ranking demons whose power Christian couldn’t yet handle.
It was clearly impossible—
But Christian remained unbothered.
‘Sure, right now it’s difficult. But I still have two whole months.’
“For me… two months is an eternity.”
That wasn’t just bravado. It was the same thing he had once told Duke Huam—and he’d meant every word.
After two months, he would no longer be the same man.
‘I’ve even got a plan in place to extract the Venomous Demonic House’s loyalty.’
With that, he headed toward the warp gate.
Warp gates required bilateral approval to activate, but the Venomous Demonic House had already granted access—
so this time, he could move immediately.
Just as he was about to step through the portal—
A familiar voice stopped him.
“Christian.”
It was Nordian.
Christian blinked in mild surprise.
“You’re not feeling well. You didn’t need to trouble yourself to come all the way out here.”
“What do you mean ‘trouble’…”
Nordian grumbled, clearly annoyed, then reached out and grabbed Christian’s hand.
“…Be careful.”
Christian fell silent.
Nordian’s hand was ice cold—
Yet somehow, it felt warm.
“…Don’t worry. You know exactly who I am, don’t you? I’ll return with good news.”
“…Good news?”
That ominous phrasing made Nordian instantly scowl.
“You— What kind of nonsense are you thinking this time? Don’t tell me you’re…?”
He remembered what Christian had once declared—
that he would subjugate the Venomous Demonic House.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“How!? With what power!?”
“I already told you, didn’t I? That I’d become like the Demon King of Annihilation. I intend to do exactly what she did.”
Nordian’s eyes widened in shock.
For reference—the Demon King of Annihilation had a peculiar obsession.
Whenever he conquered another House, he always used that House’s own specialty against them.
Destruction against the Destruction House.
Illusions against the Illusion House.
Beast taming against the Beast House… and so on.
So the meaning of Christian’s statement was clear.
“I’ll subjugate the Venomous Demonic House—using poison.”
“!!”