Dungeon Defense (WN)

Chapter 350: Neutral Nation (3)

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The morning of the 15th day of the 3rd month of the year 1512 on the Imperial Calendar.

The 3rd month was when the coldness of winter started to fade away. During times of war, armies would shut themselves away in their camps and only start moving once the 3rd month arrived. To the people, the 3rd month was when wars started again, so the month was dedicated to the God of War, Ares.

A large meeting was planned to happen on this day.

A new year was beginning as spring approached. Thus, Demon Lords, the archdukes from the demon world, and the citizen representatives from the free cities were all invited.

There were several vampires among the archdukes and citizen representatives, so the meeting was held at dusk in consideration of them. This was strange for the humans who typically held their events during the afternoon, but this was considered a common courtesy among demons.

After careful consideration, the independent Demon Lords decided to carry out their assassination on this day. There were several reasons for this.

First, the palace would be incredibly busy preparing for a large number of guests.

Second, it wouldn’t seem strange for them to enter the palace during an occasion like this.

Third, if they show the recording of Gamigin getting raped with the other Demon Lords and archdukes as audience members, then they would be able to rationalize Dantalian’s death more effectively…….

Even if Barbatos and a few other Demon Lords favor Dantalian, they wouldn’t be able to do anything if the recording is shown during an occasion where even the archdukes are present. This should make covering for Dantalian’s crime more difficult…….

You could say that the independent Demon Lords had a golden opportunity in their hands. They would be able to get rid of Dantalian and also gain the support of the masses. The 15th day of the 3rd month was quite literally the perfect day for them.

“…….”

“…….”

The independent Demon Lords waited anxiously after Gamigin entered the palace. Someone tried to throw out a joke to lighten the mood, but it didn’t work. None of them were in a lighthearted state of mind.

They all knew that if their plan succeeded, then the entire nation would fall into uncontrollable turmoil. In the end, their small group would have to take responsibility for the resulting chaos…….

Valefor smiled wryly.

It was ironic. He had distanced himself from politics for hundreds of years because he didn’t want to get involved in the factional disputes. But here he was, readying himself to stand at the forefront of politics.

“What a contradiction.”

“Pardon me?”

“I secluded myself on a serene beach because of my hatred of politics, so I cannot help but laugh at myself as I may potentially end up standing in the most political position…….”

An independent Demon Lord voiced their agreement.

“I am the same. I only happened to become a Demon Lord, but I had no interest in the continent. I did not care about politics as long as I could spend my time collecting statues.”

“Oh? Did you have a hobby of collecting statues?”

“I did until Dantalian forbade the collection of them under the pretext of protecting cultural heritages.”

The Demon Lord shrugged. Once he did, Valefor and a few of the Demon Lords who were listening in on the conversation laughed.

“That man pushes his nose into everything.”

“Indeed.”

The mood became softer. Everyone had honest smiles on their faces. It was at this point that Valefor genuinely felt as if he had become comrades with the individuals present with him.

“He is even making us pay taxes to the Empire. Even a passing dog would laugh if they knew a Demon Lord was paying taxes to the Empire.”

Valefor nodded.

“However, there is one thing that Dantalian has taught us. It is the fact that power is not something that simply falls onto our laps. We must fight back in order to regain our authority.”

“Ahh, I guess this is goodbye to my days of comfort and leisure.”

The Demon Lords chuckled.

“If I am to be entirely honest, a side of me partially wishes for Gamigin to fail. Imagining what kind of future lies in wait of us sends a chill down my spine…….”

“That is understandable, Ipos. I would be lying if I said I did not also feel the same.”

Even Baal was unable to do anything about the current Holy Demon Lord Army. Would they be able to handle something he couldn’t? Were they capable of leading the factions or purging them? None of the Demon Lords here could guarantee this.

“Nonetheless, the Demon Lord Army is walking down the wrong path. Even if it is for our benefit, something is not right if we have to share a bed together with a human empire.”

The other Demon Lords agreed.

“You are right. That is strange no matter how you look at it.”

“People are only excited because we had recently won the war, but doubts and complaints will appear as time passes. Even now, there must be a considerable number of demons voicing their complaints in secret. We must take advantage of this dormant discontent…….”

“Everyone.”

A Demon Lord spoke up with a serious tone. He was holding a monster that looked like a mouse in his hand.

“Gamigin has just sent word……. She succeeded.”

“……!”

A tense air immediately filled the area.

Valefor calmed his trembling heart. He looked around to see that the others were all looking at him. Uneasiness, impatience, and excitement. There were dozens of emotions within all of their eyes. Valefor realized once again that these were the gazes that he was going to have to deal with from now on.

He probably wouldn’t be forgiven if he tried to avoid this. His political rivals wouldn’t forgive him, history wouldn’t forgive him, and even he wouldn’t forgive himself.

“The die has been cast. Let us go.”

“Yes.”

The Demon Lords made their way out of the villa they were in.

They made their way to the palace with bold steps. They did so in order to make it clear to onlookers that they had nothing to feel guilty about.

Once the Demon Lords approached, the captain of the palace guards hastily made his way out to welcome them. The rank 6 Demon Lord had arrived. Even if the ranks had been officially abolished, they were still engraved deeply into the brains of demons.

“We welcome the ruler of the sea and storms! Your Highness Valefor!”

“Mm. I am here to participate in today’s meeting with my comrades.”

The guard captain politely looked over to see the individuals behind Valefor. He had spent the past few days painstakingly trying to memorize the appearances of every Demon Lord and duke, so he was able to recognize all five of the Demon Lords.

“My apologies. There is still some time left before the meeting will begin. Allow me to guide you to a guest room for the time being.”

“No. Take us to where Dantalian is.”

“Ah…… To His Excellency the Count Palatine?”

The guard captain shouldered a degree of rudeness to ask back. The palace’s guard captain understood full well how much power Dantalian actually had. It was obvious that he’d get kicked out the next morning if he brought people to Dantalian carelessly.

Valefor gave a nod.

“There is a reason why we came here early. We are here to give the Count Palatine a formal complaint before the meeting.”

“I understand. I will call for the head maid immediately.”

The guard captain knew that nothing good would come from getting involved the moment he heard Valefor’s reason. He didn’t plan on taking part in a fight between whales as a tiny shrimp. Therefore, the guard captain handed over the uncommon and unpleasant matter to someone else without any hesitation.

The Demon Lords entered the palace after a small procedure. There were no problems.

A dozen maids came running out around the time they reached the front of the court building.

They stood in an exact line before bowing to the Demon Lords. People with lower standings weren’t allowed to speak before those with higher standings, so the servants waited patiently as they bowed courteously.

“Mm. You are all doing a fine job.”

“We do not deserve such praise, O Great Being.”

The elf head maid remained bowing.

“We will do our utmost to fulfill any desire you may have.”

“Lead us to Count Palatine Dantalian.”

“…….”

The head maid paused.

“My apologies, but the Count Palatine is currently busy preparing for the meeting.”

“I know. Do you think I would not know that when I am also participating in this meeting? We must meet the Count Palatine for a moment because we have something we wish to discuss before the meeting.”

“That’s…….”

Valefor’s suspicions were confirmed once he noticed the head maid pause unnaturally. It was clear that Dantalian had ordered the head maid to not let anyone approach him.

“What are you hesitating for? Are you perhaps saying that I do not even have the privilege to meet the Count Palatine?”

“O-Of course not. However, the Count Palatine is currently in a meeting with Her Highness Gamigin…….”

“Oh? That makes things convenient.”

Valefor spoke as if he were pleased.

“We are here to complain to Dantalian about the mistreatment of independent Demon Lords. This is actually a stroke of luck since Gamigin is also in the same position as us. Hurry and bring us to them.”

“Y-Your Highness…….”

Valefor glared at the head maid.

“You! Is a Demon Lord’s assertion a joke to you?!”

The mana-infused roar shook the palace’s courtyard. The maids panicked and promptly groveled on the ground.

“Demon Lords do not follow after the palace. The palace comes second to Demon Lords! How dare you put something as trivial as your duty between Demon Lords! If you do not guide us to the Count Palatine right this instant, then I will tear off your ears!”

The head maid couldn’t say anything in return as she obeyed. Even though she was the first daughter of an archduke who had used her as a way to bribe Dantalian, her position as one of the highest members of demon society mattered little before a Demon Lord’s anger.

The head maid trembled as she led the Demon Lords. After walking a fair bit into the palace, they eventually arrived at the room where Dantalian was residing. The head maid was about to step forward to open the door, but Valefor abruptly walked ahead of her.

“Your Highness! You mustn’t!”

“We are not here for a relaxing cup of tea. Dantalian!”

Valefor extended his arms and pushed open the door.

It was at that moment that the Demon Lords and maids froze in place.

The beautifully blonde Gamigin was tied to a wall. Dantalian was holding a whip and happened to be right in the middle of a swing. His face soon filled with shock once he turned around to see who had suddenly visited.

“No, what is—.”

“Youuuuu!”

Valefor burst out in anger.

His anger was partially an act and also genuine.

He knew that Gamigin was going to do her utmost to create the best memoria recording, but he didn’t think it would go this far. Her soft skin which was once white like marble was now stained in blood. Her head was drooping down as if she was on the verge of passing out.

“How dare you do something like this in this sacred palace! And to someone of a higher standing than you!”

However, that didn’t change the fact that this was the perfect opportunity.

Valefor didn’t waste even a single second as he rushed forward. He arrived right in front of Dantalian with only a few steps. Dantalian was clearly perplexed as he reached his right arm out.

“W-Wait—.”

“Pay for your disloyalty with your death!”

Valefor grabbed Dantalian’s extended arm and twisted it. He could clearly feel Dantalian’s bones shatter. Dantalian let out a cry.

“Kuahhhhh!”

That cry was the starting shot.

“How dare Dantalian torture Miss Gamigin!”

“Kill that shameless traitor!”

The other independent Demon Lords came running forward as well. Each of their arms was glowing with magic power.

***

TL Note: Thanks for reading the chapter. Nothing much to say. This really is just set up for the next chapter.

Life continues. I’m sometimes skipping lunch at work to take naps and it’s honestly worth it. I can survive with like a granola bar or something. Although I have to sacrifice some of the time I spend translating these chapters since I tend to get some done during those lunch breaks. Well, I’ll figure out a way to balance it.

I’ll see you guys in the next chapter.