Chapter 102 - The Return of the King 2 (1/2)

As he expected, no problematic issues had occurred during his absence. The most that had happened was the Dane Kingdom initiating a few skirmishes by the border, but that was as per usual.

No movements had been detected from the Witch Cult and the Golden Rose Society. Nevertheless, they had to stay vigilant.

Since the demon world was now aware of his existence, he had to expect attacks from them at all times.

‘Demon King Volak is probably planning out a scheme.’

He must’ve suffered quite a lot of damage from their previous battle, therefore, he probably wouldn’t leave his territory for a while.

However, the problem was the other demons.

Demon King Amii ranked at 58.

Demon King Dantalion ranked at 72.

They were part of the same circle, Ars Nova, as Demon King Volak and they currently controlled the Lydia Kingdom and Dane Kingdom.

It was impossible to leave the kingdom for a long time in search of the materials for the Seven Color Rainbow Ring or the whereabouts of the 3 Chronicles in this situation.

He had to stop the two Demon Kings’ ambitions and subjugate the two countries under their influences to protect the Rhine Kingdom.

‘They’ve most likely taken over the countries by now.’

The original plan was to take control of the Dane Kingdom before Dantalion would do so himself.

However, due to the unexpected incidents in the Izuna Kingdom that took longer than expected, the opportune moment had already passed.

“What are you worrying about, My Lord?”

As Woohyuk sat deep in his thoughts on the throne, Leifina asked him with a worried look.

“We need to attack the Dane Kingdom, but the surrounding countries concern me.”

Although the enemy was a Demon King merely at the rank of 72, in the current situation it would prove to be difficult to occupy the Dane Kingdom within a short period of time.

If Dantalion closed his castle’s gate and fought on the defensive, Demon King Amii would send reinforcements from the Lydia Kingdom to come to her fellow demon’s aid.

Once the war would take longer than expected, the Holy Aperian Empire would intervene and try to arbitrate as a suzerain. Demon King Dantalion would definitely not let such an opportunity pass.

‘If we want to fight the war properly, we need to expose their presence to the world.’

On the surface, there appeared to be no problems with the Dane Kingdom or the Lydia Kingdom, since the Demon Kings controlled the monarchs from behind the scenes like puppets.

The objective was to minimize their influence and increase the Rhine Kingdom’s strength.

Woohyuk had no choice other than observing the political situations and waiting for the opportune moment to arrive.

“But don’t we have the Izuna Kingdom’s army on our side? If we cooperate with them and perform a pincer attack, Dantalion might make an appearance to solve the crisis in his country…”

“He’s not that stupid.”

While Dantalion wasn’t as strong as the other Demon Kings, his intelligence was quite exceptional. So if he were at a disadvantage, he wouldn’t make a move and would rather get the Holy Aperian Empire involved.

While its strength had significantly declined compared to its prime, the Holy Aperian Empire had enough military power and influence to protect a small country in its neighborhood.

“Then what about sending a talented individual to infiltrate the Dane Kingdom? He could figure out and report the Demon Kings’ schemes. As long as you order me, I could…”

“Leifina.”

Woohyuk’s somber voice interrupted Leifina mid-sentence. Then, he stood up from the throne and grabbed the embarrassed Leifina’s shoulders.

“I understand that you want to make your father’s enemies pay. But you need to stay calm when dealing with a situation like this.”

Leifina despised the Dane Kingdom’s Monarch Heinrich III and Dantalion, as they had cornered her father, Baron Elrond.

That was why she wished to rush the conquest of the Dane Kingdom as quickly as possible.

However, her judgement was clouded and could quite possibly cost her life on the battlefield.

“Apologies. I let my emotions take over me.”

“I will definitely defeat Dantalion. So don’t go overboard on your own, because I need you.”

“...My lord.”

Leifina blushed at the somewhat misleading remark. Her heart began beating rapidly as she kept staring into Woohyuk’s eyes.

“My, oh my. Just because I’m not present doesn’t mean you can cheat on me so easily, Your Majesty.”

Tinia intervened, wearing a fiery dress and Tabris resting on her shoulder.

The reason she addressed him as such was because the situation was different compared to when they were in the Izuna Kingdom together.

“I don’t see what you mean, Tinia.”

“Seems like you quite like this pink-haired woman, since you keep her by your side at all times as the royal guard captain.”

Envy swirled around Tinia’s amethyst eyes as she scanned Leifina’s appearance.

Leifina strongly replied to those antagonistic words.

“That was disrespectful, Countess Tinia. I have been serving His Majesty for…”

“Your face is quite pretty. You must’ve been monopolizing His Majesty’s love until now. But what about your sword skills? Can you prove that you’re better than Windstorm Tinia?”

Tinia brandished and pointed Tabris at Leifina as she prepared for battle. She believed that this sly, pink fox was the reason why Woohyuk refused to sleep with her.

“Just what are you…”

Leifina, who felt insulted to the fullest, murmured as she trembled in anger.

As sparks flew between the gazes of the two women, Woohyuk sighed as he spoke.

“You shouldn’t say such nonsense just because the other knights aren’t present, Tinia.”

“I was merely expressing a suggestion, that the position of Royal Guard Captain should go to me.”

“If you take on that role, who will manage the Gawain County?”

“We have Sieg. In the first place, he has to protect Lady Brynhild’s coffin, so he won’t leave the fief.”

Tinia was staying in Heidelberg ever since she returned after taking Sieg to her territory. Her little sister was planning on living in a student residence while attending the academy, and Tinia was worried about her.

Her concern for Silvia was also part of the reason why she coveted the position of Royal Guard Captain.

“Sieg will soon have to participate in the war against the Dane Kingdom. Once Silvia starts school, return to your territory.”

“You’re so shameless. Even though you french kissed me while I was in the nude back in your room that night…”

Tinia spoke with a grim look. Leifina’s face, who was trying to keep her cool, suddenly distorted at those words.

“My, My Lord…?”

“It’s a misunderstanding. I have never had a relationship with Tinia.”

“As I thought.”

Leifina sighed in relief as Woohyuk explained. As she watched over them, a sly grin stretched on Tinia’s face.