The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Once he succeeds, the Duke's power will swell unprecedentedly, and he will practically control two duchies. By then, His Majesty the King's influence over this land will be negligible.

They must forcibly pull the Campbell Duchy back on "the right track" while there is still a chance to salvage the situation.

Otherwise, when Edward regains his strength, he will immediately deal with them!

The naive Jelock did not realize that the moment he disobeyed the order, he was already standing against his brother.

The reason why his brother turned a blind eye is not out of any fraternal affection, but simply because of "helplessness."

He still deludes himself into thinking he can pressure the Duke using the stance of the Granston family, not realizing he himself is the banner uniting all the traditional nobles, the greatest confidence for all the Campbell nobles daring to resist.

The Granston, on the other hand, can surrender half of what they hold, but those with inheritance rights have no such chance, with only two outcomes — win or die.

Turning his back on the arduously recovering Rapids Pass, Derek cast his gaze toward Thunder City, a barely noticeable cold glint flashing deep within his sharp eyes.

Perhaps—

It's time to create some opportunities for this future Grand Duke to ascend the throne...

...

Jelock didn't linger long at the castle; the increasingly desolate autumn wind blew against his armor, already feeling a hint of winter's chill.

Though Platinum Level powerhouses wouldn't frown at such chill winds, those who enjoy self-torment are few and far between.

From this perspective, the farmers at Glanton Castle indeed have more spirit. Although wearing only thin clothes, they did not even furrow their brows.

The dinner was exceptionally lavish, with delicious roast pork knuckles, soft and tender beef shanks, and ham thin as cicada's wings.

The guests drank the fine wine from Silver Pine Town, reveling in the banquet hall until deep into the night before they returned to their rooms with diminished enthusiasm.

Then came the second half of the banquet.

The Granston family adheres to tradition, especially the tradition of hospitality, never letting distinguished guests spend a lonely night alone.

Especially in this time that requires unity.

Young maids carrying toiletries crossed the corridor, knocking on doors one by one before entering.

They didn't really resist doing this; some even felt honored by it, as it was hard to tell who truly benefitted from it.

Just like his knights, Jelock too drank himself into a stupor, seemingly trying to drown his worries in alcohol.

However, he didn't indulge himself.

Just like many knights who truly adhere to tradition, he sternly refused the latter half of the banquet, just as he had on previous nights.

The Campbell family's household tradition is very traditional, leaving no room for offspring that should not be left behind.

The petite maid's face showed obvious disappointment as she left with the toiletries, seemingly regretting not having gained the favor of the future Grand Duke.

The elder didn't like it, nor did the younger, and Earl Derek fretted endlessly for him. Could it be that this knight sir actually prefers handsome boys instead of women?

She only thought about it for a second, then couldn't help but shudder and quickly put away that devilish thought.

Saint Sis above, that would be too blasphemous…

It's not just Jelock who didn't indulge himself; Earl Derek also refrained.

He remained sober and, after the banquet ended, dismissed everyone, holding a candle as he ventured into the castle's underground.

Buried beneath the solid granite foundation of Glanton Castle lay a space distinctly different from the idyllic scenery above.

This was a secret sacrificial chamber.

Or perhaps, it could be called a "church."

The air in the corridor was dark, damp, and cold, mingled with the scent of old blood and a faint whiff of sulfur. The light from Saint Clement Cathedral could not reach here, only the flickering candlelight illuminating the twisted and blasphemous ancient runes, with a faint sound of rats gnawing in the corners.

At the center of the altar stood a half-human-high obsidian statue.

It had the head of a bull, the body of a human, muscles knotted, and a fierce visage, exuding pure fear and arrogance!

It was none other than the First Demon King of Thunder County!

At the same time, it was the Demon King throughout the ages!

Derek entered the sacrificial chamber alone, solemnly lighting the specially made incense on the altar.

The smoke rose, emitting a pungent scent.

He drew his dagger, skillfully slicing his finger, dripping blood into the groove at the base of the statue, and promptly reciting the Holy Light Technique to heal the wound.

Moments later, maintaining his piety, he uttered a more blasphemous requiem, calling upon the demons of Hell.

Roughly a minute later, the obsidian statue's eyes slowly glowed with a crimson light, and a chaotic, immense will descended upon the room.

The statue awoke, its eyes fixated on him.

Feeling the imposing gaze, Earl Derek dared not be negligent, respectfully kneeling to the ground, his forehead touching the cold stone slab.

"I salute you, great new king, Your Majesty Dragon... Please forgive my negligence, for not contacting you for so long; the surface's situation is treacherous, and your loyal servant finds it hard to manage."

He first expressed the Granston family's unwavering "respect" and "loyalty" across generations, then, with a voice suppressed with excitement, he described the current "predicament" of the Campbell Duchy.

It was bait thrown to the Demon.

"Your Majesty! As I said, Thunder City is in unprecedented turmoil! That foolish Edward has emptied the nobles' houses, driven the peasants to the factories, and sent them to the northern battlefield. Now Thunder City is hollow inside and lacks the strength for further battle!"

"I know Aaron Campbell has left you a deep impression, but that guy is dead. Now the Light of Praise is embroiled in a dispute with the Judicial Court! That city above your head is like a rotten house; you only need to give it a good kick, and it will collapse!"

Derek lifted his head, clenched his fist, stood up from the floor, eyes shimmering with false fervor, invigorated as he continued.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—"

"There will never be a more suitable time to retaliate against the earth's surface!"

Xino Dragon: "…?"

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