“Why did you spread those ideas?”

I asked Aura as we walked along the forest path.

“Isn’t it the next logical step for the people? The immense power of the nobles isn’t needed in day to day life anymore. Suffice it to say, they’re not needed anymore”

“And yet you need someone like me to help you against this demon of yours?”

“This is different, it’s personal. My friend was deliberately targeted and twisted to become a pawn. I think it’s because the king can’t be corrupted, so the demon took the person next in power”

“Are you going to tell me who your friend is? Or the name of the demon?”

Aura turned to me with a smile.

“All in due time, there’s somethings you can’t know yet”

“Alright, I’ll trust on this. But if things get out of hand, I’ll it my way”

“But getting back to why I spread those ideas. The demon keeps latching on to strong people. People who have unquestioned power that can’t be challenged. This way, if I fail at least the demon won’t control a nation”

I frowned.

“Not without enslaving them right? I still hear stories of those slave empires”

“Like I said, I hope things won’t get to that point”

“I still think it is too soon for this to be introduced. Are you prepared to lead them? It’s the most likely outcome if you win”

“I’ll do my best if it comes to that”

“When the last empire fell, it was because they enraged one of the most powerful races. Are you prepared for a similar situation?”

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“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been traveling a lot time, Aura. I hear whispers and ramblings but the most recent ones are about the demon king”

“What? That’s absurd”

“Is it? It seems like it’s almost that time again. I fought several demons who mentioned something about demon king candidates. It’s still far too soon but they’re making a move. It might be why the monsters aren’t showing up as much”

Aura didn’t respond and looked like she was thinking hard.

I placed my hand on hers.

“But don’t worry, you’re an elemental. I’m sure you’ll survive, I’m just worried for the stability of this region. Let’s deal with your demon first. One problem at a time, right?”

She smiled a little and nodded.

We stopped talking and started to pick up our pace.

“There’s been another attack last night”

Greer reported to Arthur with an unfazed tone.

“Another noble?”

Arthur raised an eyebrow, as he was sure he knew the target of recent attacks.

“Yes. This time its Baron Cavor, there were signs of a struggle. But he’s missing and the guards protecting him are dead”

After the disturbance at Duke Marren’s home, small disappearances started to occur in the capital. At first it seemed like random people were being taken, but recently targets seemed to include some nobles as well.

“Well, I think it’s time we formed a subjugation squad”

Arthur said with a small smile on his face.

“There’s something rotten in the city of Foren”

“Do you think it’s more important than keeping the surrounding countries in check?”

Arthur got up off his chair and looked Greer in the eye.

“I know it is. The easiest way to defeat a nation is from the inside. I won’t allow this city to fall while I breath. I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am and given up too much. And now my goal is within reach”

“ . . . you’re not planning to do it at the ball are you?”

“Of course, the old man has to appear then. Even if everyone knows his time is short, he can’t act like it is. After that, I’ll be on track to the throne. To think that his greatest weakness was her. But first we need to deal with these intruders”

Greer nodded as he knew the drill.

“Arte will be happy to work you again, I’m sure”

Besides being an exceptional archer, Arte was in some ways the closest woman to Arthur.

Despite this, even she wasn’t privy to his future plans.

“Contact that new priestess, as well, Maria? I think her name was”

“Want Gia or your brother to come too?”

Greer joked as he threw out a random suggestion.

Arthur shot Greer a look filled with contempt.

“Ok ok, I’ll go ask Maria. But do you really think that she’s necessary? Unless . . .”

Arthur smiled and gathered his things, preparing to leave.

“Yes. Looks like we get to hunt demons after all”