The Heavenly Demon Can’t Live A Normal Life [EN]: Chapter 200

The Kingdom Alliance.

This refers to the four kingdoms in the southwest of the Salamander Continent. Geographically bordering the Chronos Empire and the Valhalla Empire, they created the ‘Kingdom Alliance’ to protect each other.

Like Cairo, they always worried about the Empire.

The difference was that they were still well united internally, but people said that they would never have compromised if there had been no threat from the Empire.

An alliance united for survival.

They instinctively knew how important Roman Dmitry was.

A few days before the declaration ceremony of the Duchy of Dmitry, in a grand room of the Umberto Royal Palace, sunlight streamed through tall windows and illuminated dust motes dancing in the air, a tense meeting was underway. Count Verdi, his voice tight with urgency, addressed King Umberto.

“Your Majesty,” he began, his gaze sweeping across the worried faces of the assembled advisors, “the recent war in Cairo is unlike anything we have ever witnessed on the Salamander Continent. We have seen anger against the Empire before, acts of revenge, yes. But never such decisive action, such…cleanliness. Roman Dmitry, with breathtaking boldness, opened Cairo’s gates, struck down Count Fabio and Commander Gustavo – the Empire’s own knights! – and in doing so, reminded our Kingdom Alliance of the very real threat looming from Chronos. This is not just brute force, Your Majesty. This is a man who thinks as sharply as he fights.”

Roman Dmitry.

His actions shocked the continent.

People held their breath and paid attention to everything Roman Dmitry did.

“The atrocities of the Chronos Empire are getting worse day by day,” Count Verdi continued. “Until now, we have managed to endure with the power of the Kingdom Alliance, but there is no guarantee that we will be safe forever. Roman Dmitry… We must make him a man of the Kingdom of Umberto. He is currently unmarried. If we can secure Roman Dmitry by proceeding with his marriage to the Princess, the future of Umberto will be secure.”

“Count Verdi, doesn’t the Princess have someone she admires?” King Umberto asked.

“This is no time to worry about such personal feelings,” Count Verdi replied, his face flushed. “The political situation on the continent is changing every moment. Considering the power that the Duchy of Dmitry has shown in this war, I cannot even imagine how much they will grow. Now is the time to accept the Duchy of Dmitry and secure Roman Dmitry.”

A broken engagement.

The only flaw.

In the past, they might have made an issue of it, but now it didn’t seem like a flaw.

Roman Dmitry, in his mid-20s, had defeated Commander Gustavo of the Knights. He was the heir to the Duchy of Dmitry, and it was revealed that even the Phoenix Magic Tower had become affiliated with Dmitry because of this war.

As a tycoon who owned the largest iron ore mine on the continent, they were truly the perfect ally with even financial power. They were eager for such an alliance.

At Count Verdi’s strong insistence, King Umberto said,

“I understand. I will entrust you with full authority over this matter, so be sure to make the marriage with Roman Dmitry happen.”

“I obey your command,” Count Verdi said.

However, the situation was no different in other kingdoms.

Redford and the Kingdom of Odelia in the Kingdom Alliance were also discussing the same story, except for Frank.

Therefore, now that they had grasped each other’s intentions at Dmitry’s party, they instinctively knew that the war had begun.

This time, Count Verdi was one step ahead.

As if the other kingdom representatives were not in his eyes, he turned to Duke Romero and said blatantly,

“This is embarrassing. I was trying to refrain from bragging, but I have to say something. Duke Dmitry, Princess Umberto is called the most beautiful woman in Umberto, and she has both beauty and wisdom, having graduated from a prestigious academy with excellent grades. In fact, many kingdoms wanted to marry Princess Umberto, but King Umberto refused, saying he could not give away his daughter.”

This was no lie.

In fact, Princess Umberto had received the attention of many men, and she was so famous that people said she could practically choose who to marry.

“But King Umberto said that he would welcome a man like Roman Dmitry with open arms. Aren’t they a really good match? The best woman in Umberto and the best man in Dmitry getting married. I am sure that this is a decision for the future of both countries.”

Immediately after praising the Princess, he raised Roman Dmitry to the same level.

With a way of speaking that melted the other person’s heart, Count Verdi was sure that it would work. However,

“Count Verdi, I have heard of Princess Umberto’s reputation, but doesn’t she have someone she admires?” Baron Ringo asked, leaning forward. “Rumor has it that she often meets with a man from a baronial family and talks about the future. Is that part over?”

When he mentioned the part that had been kept secret, Count Verdi reacted as if he was having a seizure.

“What are you talking about? That is a completely unfounded rumor!”

“Hey, it’s a well-known fact, so why are you denying it so much?” Baron Ringo retorted. “Duke Dmitry, people with partners are happy when they are with their partners. If you could tell me what kind of woman you want, I will bring you a list of daughters from prestigious families as soon as I return to the kingdom. There is no need to worry about the broken engagement. No one will ever make an issue of that.”

“Baron Ringo!” Count Verdi exclaimed, his face flushed crimson.

The air crackled with tension.

When Count Verdi turned red and showed sharp eyes, Marquis Marten spoke this time.

“Everyone, please be moderate,” Marquis Marten said, his voice smooth but with an underlying edge. “Dmitry’s marriage is not something for us to interfere with. It is for the future of the Duchy of Dmitry, and therefore it is necessary to choose carefully. Frankly speaking, the only country that suits the Duchy of Dmitry is our Odelia. Think about it. Umberto and Redford are not in good shape right now, so wouldn’t it be too greedy to want a marriage with the Duchy of Dmitry?”

“This man!” Baron Ringo shouted, finally losing his cool.

He crossed the line.

In a situation where he had touched a nerve, even Baron Ringo, who had been showing a relaxed expression, exploded.

“What nonsense are you talking about at such a good place!” Baron Ringo continued. “Marquis Marten, I thought you were a good person, but I didn’t know you could be so rude. Apologize right now!”

“Apologize for what!” Marquis Marten shot back. “Duke Romero hasn’t said anything, but you are the ones who are rude for unilaterally forcing the marriage!”

It was a mess.

It was as the rumors said. They had only come together to survive, and they were not compatible at all.

The atmosphere was getting hotter and hotter.

Duke Romero said, his voice calm but firm,

“Everyone, stop.”

Silence.

Instantly, silence fell.

Everyone had to look good to Duke Romero, so they didn’t want to make the atmosphere worse by going against his words.

“Roman’s marriage is not a matter for me to decide,” Duke Romero stated. “I am not interested in political marriages. If Roman brings a lifelong partner, it will not be for the sake of national interest, but because he has met a woman he truly loves. So you don’t have to do this to me. Instead, try to seduce Roman. If it is a woman who wins my son’s heart, I will welcome her with open arms.”

At those words, the kingdom representatives once again looked at each other.

Apparently, they seemed to have something to do as soon as they returned.

At that time, when it was a mess, Baron Larson, the representative of the Kingdom of Frank, had a more important problem to solve than the marriage with Roman Dmitry.

“Felix.”

“……Lord Larson?” Felix said, surprised.

In a quieter corner of the grand party hall, away from the music and the crowd, Felix had been talking to different people. He saw Lord Larson and his eyes opened wide in surprise.

They knew each other.

Actually, Larson was very important in getting the Phoenix Magic Tower to join Frank in the past.

“Have you come here for Frank?” Felix asked.

“Yes, I have,” Larson replied. “Actually, I was hoping we could talk privately for a moment?”

“……I understand,” Felix said, nodding slowly. “This way.”

Felix led Larson away. They walked to a terrace. It was quiet and almost empty, with cool night air and a view of the city lights. Once they were alone, Lord Larson spoke directly, getting straight to the point.

“His Majesty, the King of Frank, was very sad about the Phoenix Magic Tower leaving so suddenly. I won’t ask why you moved to the Dmitrian Duchy. But, would you think about coming back to Frank? We have thought a lot about what we did wrong, and we will give the Phoenix Magic Tower our full support from now on. I promise you this.”

People started paying attention to the Phoenix Magic Tower because of Roman Dmitry’s success in the Cairo Uprising. Phoenix became famous along with him.

Phoenix, which was known as the weakest magic tower, showed they could use ‘Burning’ magic. People thought this magic was lost forever.

Felix’s destruction of Benedict Castle was amazing. People thought Phoenix should be seen as much stronger just for knowing the secret of ‘Burning’.

When Frank heard these rumors, they were very worried.

They had thought Phoenix was not useful anymore.

Magic towers cost a lot of money. The Phoenix Magic Tower had lost its secret, so Frank didn’t think it was worth spending so much money on them.

But things were different now. The situation had changed completely.

Frank had been slowly stopping their support. Then, Phoenix suddenly emptied the magic tower and disappeared. Now, they had reappeared and were perfectly using ‘Burning’ magic.

They were in a panic.

Frank thought of Phoenix as their own magic tower from the beginning. So, they quickly sent Lord Larson.

Lord Larson’s face showed he was very sorry. His eyes were pleading, and his mouth was turned down in a sad frown.

Even as he spoke, he knew he was being shameless.

Felix’s face became serious.

“You know very well that Frank broke its promise with Phoenix.”

“This time is different from before. I will take responsibility……,” Larson paused, hoping Felix would believe him.

“No. It doesn’t matter what you offer, it’s no use. Do you know what I thought when I moved to Dmitry? I realized what it feels like to be trusted. Dmitry doesn’t just want results. They respect us and always keep their promises.” Felix said, his voice cold and final.

After the war ended, Phoenix received many offers.

Everyone wanted Phoenix to join them. They offered a lot, but the answer was always the same.

“We have promised to support Roman Dmitry. It’s not about what we get. We found someone who values us, and we don’t want to find anyone else unless he tells us to leave. So, go back to Frank and tell His Majesty the King that the relationship with Frank is now over.”

Felix turned and walked away.

Lord Larson couldn’t stop him.

Frank was in a good position, but they made the mistake of letting Dmitry, who was just a noble family, steal their treasure.

Lord Larson felt a headache coming on. He was worried about how to tell the kingdom what had happened.

Even though everyone was in the same party hall, they all had different goals in mind.

The party hall was crowded and lively. Music played, people laughed and talked, and the air was warm with body heat and perfume. People moved around with different purposes.

From the balcony, Roman looked down at the scene below. He saw people in bright clothes moving like colorful fish in a pond. He watched them, thinking about their hidden motives.

‘The two empires didn’t send anyone. Chronos Empire has already hinted at killing someone, so they have announced their intentions. The Valhalla Empire has shown they won’t ignore Count Denver’s death by holding this declaration ceremony.’

Roman thought about the empires. ‘Empires like Chronos and Valhalla are very powerful,’ he thought.

People call Chronos the evil of the continent, but Valhalla was not much better.

How did Valhalla become such a powerful empire?

They proved their power by attacking the kingdoms around them. Like Chronos, they didn’t want to lose their power.

It was the same for both empires.

Chronos had already hinted at killing someone. Roman knew Valhalla would also want revenge for Count Denver’s death. They would see it as necessary.

Empires must take revenge for those who follow them. If they don’t, they can’t be empires.

‘The political situation on the continent is changing quickly. The Chronos Empire has openly said they want to conquer the continent. Everyone knows the Valhalla Empire also has big ambitions. The representatives of the kingdoms have gathered here, so the fight will be between the empires and the kingdom alliance from now on.’

These kingdoms were forming an alliance. They were weaker alone, so they were joining together.

Frank, Umberto, Redford, Odelia, Cairo, and Hector were part of the alliance.

Roman didn’t trust this alliance of weak kingdoms.

Roman knew this alliance was fragile. Because they were only united by weakness, it could break apart easily if someone betrayed them and joined a stronger side.

‘The alliance with the surrounding kingdoms is only temporary. In the end, they need to be strong enough to stand against the empire on their own.’

Roman’s throat felt dry. He took a sip of wine. Just then, Hans came up to him and said.

“Young master, a guest is waiting in the reception room.”

“I wasn’t expecting any guests. Who is it?” Roman asked.

Hans led Roman to a small reception room. It was simply furnished with comfortable chairs and a small table. The guest was waiting for him.

“It is the Prince of the Hector Kingdom.”

A few days ago, Edwin Hector had made Jonathan, the knight commander, nervous at the castle gates. Now, he was here to see Roman.