The Heavenly Demon Can’t Live A Normal Life [EN]: Chapter 46

A sudden chill filled the conference room, silencing the murmur of voices. It was more than just the temperature; a sense of dread, cold and heavy, settled upon them all. The words hung in the air: “The Great Warriors’ Battle.”

The Great Warriors’ Battle.

It was a brutal tradition. Three swordsmen from each family would fight in single duels. The family that won two out of three would take everything – glory, land, and victory. It was meant to be a quick way to settle disputes, but it was always a gamble. People who knew the truth about this battle were worried. They didn’t want to risk their family’s future so easily.

One of Lawrence’s men spoke, his voice worried. “The Great Warriors’ Battle… yes, it sounds simple. If we were sure to win, it would be perfect. But Barco… they have friends in the capital, and they borrowed a lot of money. They could hire anyone. This battle is about who you know, and Barco clearly thinks he has an advantage.”

The Great Warriors’ Battle didn’t necessarily require a family member to participate. Often, external experts were hired, so Lawrence couldn’t help but worry about such variables.

From the start, the difference in family strength was significant. Barco, like Dmitry, had a 3-star knight, but Lawrence only had a 2-star knight. With such a clear difference in power, how could they accept the Great Warriors’ Battle?

“Roman, thanks to your help, Barco’s siege weapon was destroyed,” another vassal added. “Barco will struggle to capture Lawrence’s castle walls, and the longer we wait, the better for us. Time is on our side. Even if it’s difficult, if we defend the castle, Lawrence can survive. But if we open the gates and accept the Great Warriors’ Battle, we can’t predict what will happen. It’s a disaster. If Barco wins and demands Lawrence’s land, we’ll have to give it up.”

The other vassals agreed. They were worried about the risks. Having finally gained an advantage, they didn’t want to ruin it by accepting the Great Warriors’ Battle.

Lawrence understood. His judgment was reasonable. But that’s why they were like herbivores, never able to be predators even with fertile land.

Roman leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. “I understand your worries. But you yourselves said it – if we *knew* we would win, this would be the best way. Well, worry no more. From this moment on, victory is certain. I will make it so.”

Three duels. Three wins and losses. Although it’s a battle where the existence of three individuals is emphasized, the Great Warriors’ Battle ultimately comes down to two skilled individuals deciding everything.

“Barco and Lawrence. Think about our options, and Barco’s options,” Roman continued. “Barco will likely use his 3-star knight and hire another strong fighter. He’s spent a lot on the Flare, so he probably can’t afford three top experts. What about us? Who can we use?”

Everyone thought of one person: Roman Dmitry.

“I will represent Lawrence as the first fighter. Whether it’s Barco’s knight or an expert, I’m confident I’ll win. Then Barco will panic and send out a skilled fighter for the second duel. The Great Warriors’ Battle is a game of wits. No matter how skilled you are, it means nothing if you win the first but lose the second. Chris, who works for me, will finish it in the third duel. Even if Barco sends out a 3-star aura swordsman, Chris is skilled enough to win.”

Roman’s words made sense, but it wasn’t a perfect plan. If Roman lost to an unknown fighter, the match would end without further ado.

“Do you think I will lose?” Roman asked.

No one could argue with him. The sight of him attacking Barco’s rear and beheading Berge showed his overwhelming power.

He would win. Roman’s skill was certain.

“Then we’ve secured one victory. Isn’t this a promising fight? If we consider the options and match the lineup well, we can restore Lawrence’s honor by winning the Great Warriors’ Battle. I won’t try to persuade you more. This is all I can do. Now, make a decision.”

People looked at Flora. Because of recent events, her voice in the conference room had gained power.

Roman was a good speaker. He always understood the situation logically and rationally, boldly pointed out the reality, and gained agreement. It was the same now. Watching him silence Lawrence’s vassals, Flora remembered their conversation in the magic communication.

Roman had said, “It’s simple. Please sacrifice for the plan. If the Lawrence family is willing to shed blood first, I promise in the name of Roman Dmitry that I will do my best to help. But first, you must promise that part.”

Roman wanted ‘Lawrence’s sacrifice’. For his revenge, he wanted Lawrence to shed blood and set the stage. It was the same now. Although it seemed like he was helping Lawrence, Roman was forcing Lawrence’s sacrifice again.

‘He’s a dangerous person,’ Flora thought.

There was a loophole in Roman’s plan. What if Barco hired someone strong enough to defeat Roman, or if all three of them hired experts? It would be Lawrence’s certain defeat. It was the worst-case scenario, and Lawrence would have no way to solve it.

Of course, it was unlikely. The fact that Barco didn’t use the Flare from the start meant he was spending a lot of money and using all his power for this. Preparing two sure-win cards was Barco’s best option. If that were the case, they could defeat Barco without much damage through appropriate matchups, as Roman said.

The problem was, ‘Roman is whispering sweet words to us. He’s saying that a skilled fighter like him, who defeated Berge, will step up as a Great Warrior, so Lawrence should bear any risks. What should we do? If we defend the castle, we can survive, but that will clearly hurt Lawrence. Both Barco and Lawrence will be unhappy. But if we accept Roman’s proposal and win, the glory will all go to Roman, not Lawrence.’

It tasted bitter. Roman was a fox. Knowing that Lawrence couldn’t choose many options, he made it a favorable game for himself.

He wanted the maximum benefit with the minimum sacrifice. Roman didn’t hide his dark intentions.

‘The irony is that I trust him because I can see his dark intentions. Roman Dmitry is a damn guy.’

Gratitude for helping? It was only for a moment. Like Roman said, it was a deal. For Roman’s benefit, for Lawrence’s benefit. They were just compromising.

Flora said, “I agree to the Great Warriors’ Battle. If there’s a way to end the war quickly, we need to decide, even if it’s a gamble.”

She avoided Roman’s gaze. Following him, knowing his intentions, was the only price Flora could pay.

At that time, the Barco family was in chaos.

“Roman Dmitry! Why is that bastard interfering?!” Barco roared, his face red with rage. “Why is he interfering with our work! Aargh!”

Barco, his face flushed with anger, smashed everything in the barracks. He overturned the desk and kicked the chair. Even after this outburst, his anger didn’t subside.

He breathed roughly. Slumping in the chair, he looked at the ceiling and realized his situation.

‘How do I fix this? With the Flare destroyed, we can’t end the war quickly. The Berge Mercenary Corps has lost its will to fight because their leader is dead, and renting the Flare again is too risky. The money from the Golden Bank is for emergencies. If the plan fails even after using that, it’s over.’

It was bleak. The moment Roman beheaded Berge came to mind. It was overwhelming. At first, he thought it was a crude plan when he saw Roman approaching, but as Roman’s sword flashed, soldiers were massacred without even screaming. And Berge rushed in with high spirits. Barco, who had vain hopes, saw the A-class mercenary being defeated in less than 10 seconds.

Why? Why did this happen? He couldn’t understand Roman’s power.

‘There’s only one way to reverse this: the Great Warriors’ Battle. But Lawrence has no reason to accept it. Having already won, why take such a dangerous gamble?’

His mouth was dry, his head felt blocked. He didn’t know what to do.

Then, the door burst open, and a soldier rushed in, desperate. “Lord! Lawrence has sent a messenger!”

Barco was at the edge of a cliff. Cornered, he would usually cut off the messenger’s head and send it back to Lawrence. But at the messenger’s words, he was shocked.

“Lawrence proposes a Great Warriors’ Battle to Barco.”

For a moment, he almost laughed. He had been worrying about how to start the Great Warriors’ Battle, but he never thought they would propose it first.

‘Lawrence is digging his own grave.’

They didn’t know Barco’s secret. The Golden Bank lent more money than he thought, and the remaining money was for situations like this. If Lawrence hadn’t accepted the Great Warriors’ Battle and had defended the castle, Barco would have considered renting the Flare again. But now, there was no need.

The opponent took the bait. He wasn’t worried about Roman. Roman’s power was overwhelming, but Barco’s plan was a sure thing.

So, after sending the messenger back, saying he would think about it, he called his men and gave orders. “Contact ‘him’ right now! Send the contract fee and ask him to be our Great Warrior!”

His mind was peaceful. The end was in sight. The Great Warriors’ Battle would be decided within two duels.

Barco’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “The bait is taken.” He knew exactly who to call. This Great Warriors’ Battle would be anything but honorable. And Lawrence wouldn’t stand a chance.