He Became The Most Insane Emperor Of All Time [EN]: Chapter 253

“The Creator God became a Demon King? How do you know that? Is it related to this incident?”

“It’s intelligence sent directly from Hell. According to their claims, the Creator God, who has become the new Demon King, is exerting influence over them.”

The demons and devils of Hell have a close relationship. Of course, I know it’s not an unconditional alliance or subordination, but they have often cooperated with each other until now.

“Balthazar must not be able to tolerate that.”

“That’s right, Emperor.”

Just then, a burning Hell portal opened, and Balthazar walked out.

“The temperature really rises when you come to the Ice Palace. I don’t remember inviting you here.”

He was already a hot devil of Hellfire, so it felt like the ice would melt as soon as he set foot in the Ice Palace. Of course, it’s magical ice, so that wouldn’t actually happen.

“It was an urgent matter, so I couldn’t help it. There are too many eyes watching me in Hell.”

“Watching you? Is your position in Hell that precarious?”

“No. There are many who oppose me, but there are also many who comply with my rule. However – I can only count those I can truly trust on one hand.”

“You say that so proudly.”

“Betrayal is a demon’s virtue.”

Typical demon. But that statement is self-defeating.

“So, why should I help a demon who betrays as easily as breathing?”

“Oh, because if the teeth are destroyed, the gums will ache. If I fall and lose control of Hell, wouldn’t that be a loss for you too, Emperor?”

“That’s true. But it’s not like I can’t handle it.”

The energy source of Frostfire isn’t just Hell; there’s plenty in the North itself.

There’s no need to worry about an energy crisis even if Hell collapses.

Rather, the benefit of Hell being stable is that it reduces the demons’ overall power.

“But if doing nothing is less of a loss than the cost of helping you, there’s no reason to help you.”

To put it coldly, war is only waged if there is profit.

Of course, war doesn’t disappear just because there’s no profit. World wars can break out over trivial pretexts even without visible gains.

But there’s nothing as pointless as a war without profit. In other words, if there’s no profit, why should I help this seed of Hell?

“So, you’re saying that the benefits in Hell aren’t very attractive.”

“Can it be said that way? Well, you’re not wrong.”

In reality, all the benefits of supporting Hell are indirect. There’s nothing directly beneficial to me.

“Then I’ll propose a visible benefit this time.”

“What is it?”

“What if we expand the Empire’s territory?”

“What?”

What is he talking about?

“You’re not going to give me Hell’s territory, are you? Even if you did, I’d refuse.”

“Of course not. I can’t give you even an inch of Hell’s land. I’m talking about the Demon Realm [a separate plane of existence from Hell].”

“Hey, that’s just as unattainable, you know?”

Territory doesn’t just increase by conquering it.

Many conditions must be met to rule it.

The conquered people are naturally uncooperative with the conquerors. But what if the culture is different and even the way of thinking is different?

Naturally, the rule becomes sluggish. That’s the state of the demons in the Demon Realm. They were unlikely to assimilate into the Empire under any circumstances.

“We can take over that rule. The demons can.”

“Is that what you’re saying? You’re just trying to benefit by pretending to rule the Demon Realm for us?”

He’s acting like he’s doing us a favor by becoming a lord.

But Balthazar’s attitude was consistent.

“Isn’t that already familiar to your Empire? Making contracts with lords and delegating rule?”

“If you’re talking about feudal contracts, what era are you talking about? We’ve already abolished such old customs.”

Feudal lords have already declined and have all become legal aristocrats. The provinces of the Empire are now ruled by officials.

“But to rule the Demon Realm, you’ll need our help, as we know the demons’ nature well and can communicate with them. There’s no other way, is there?”

“……”

But Balthazar’s words were also true.

Realistically, even if we advance into the Demon Realm and conquer it in the future, we have no way to completely control it.

Just kick out or kill all the demons? That’s not as easy as it sounds. The demons’ resistance will only intensify, and the psychological cost of killing them is also a subtle problem.

Moreover, what’s the point of conquering if it’s empty after killing them all? What can you do with empty land? Send immigrants there? How many people would abandon their homes to go?

“Okay, let’s say your proposal makes sense. But it’s unilaterally beneficial to you, isn’t it? What reason do I have to accept that proposal?”

“Of course, I know that. So, I’m proposing a vassal contract [a system where a lord pledges loyalty and service to a higher-ranking ruler in exchange for land and protection]. The Hell lords who will be in charge of ruling the Demon Realm will follow you.”

“Obviously, they’ll be your spies.”

“Oh, I’m saddened that there’s so little trust between us. But don’t worry, they won’t be my spies, at least not directly.”

“Not your spies?”

Then are they from another faction?

“Of course. Hell is currently divided into three: my faction, the faction attached to the Creator God, and the neutral faction.”

“So, the guys you’re sending me are from the neutral faction.”

“That’s right. I’ll persuade them to side with us and arrange a contract with you instead.”

At this point, the story fits together.

It’s a bit unsettling, but it’s also a very attractive story.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hmm, what is it, Igrit?”

“What if we accept their proposal but make their feudal contract primarily belong to us?”

“You mean make it a territory of the North?”

Igrit’s proposal was unexpected but also had a reasonable aspect.

“Yes, wouldn’t that make this unreliable indirect rule a bit more trustworthy?”

“That’s true.”

As Balthazar said, when the demon lords enter, if their contract is directed to me, the Imperial Central Administration must control them.

But that’s difficult due to the physical distance. The Demon Realm and the Imperial Palace are far apart.

But if the core of the contract is placed in the North, it’s a different story.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Igrit is right. Even if they show signs of betrayal, we can deal with it immediately. If necessary, we can deploy a garrison in advance.”

“That’s right. But……”

There was one thing that bothered me.

This could also be a stepping stone for the North to break away and become a huge Northern kingdom, including the Demon Realm, in the future.

“Is there something bothering you?”

“…Um, it’s nothing.”

But I didn’t voice that concern. I may know it even if I don’t say it, but there’s no need to dwell on that possibility.

In fact, there was a similar possibility in the Western and Eastern Territories as well.

It’s not a big deal that the local territories can break away if the Empire’s power wanes someday.

There’s no such thing as an eternal empire from the beginning. It’s fortunate if at least the identity remains.

“Okay, Balthazar. I’ll allow it with just two conditions.”

“What conditions?”

“The demons you send must become imperial citizens, no matter what.”

They must wear the Empire’s attire and understand the Empire’s culture.

“If they’re going to rule there as demons, not imperial citizens, then this proposal is off the table.”

“That’s not difficult. Everyone will probably like it as a unique experience. So, what’s the other condition?”

The other condition is obvious.

“When you advance into the Demon Realm in the future, you bring an army too. Don’t even think about taking all the credit alone.”

“Oh, my. Our Imperial Majesty is so meticulous. I thought I could just get away with it.”

“No way.”

Balthazar’s sinister smile was annoying, but the agreement was concluded like this.

“So, the tasks to do in Hell are to push out the Creator God faction and persuade the neutral faction?”

“That’s right. However, there’s a complicated matter to punish the guys attached to the Creator God.”

“Again? What is it?”

“I’ll tell you in Hell. I’ll be waiting there.”

Balthazar left those words and walked back into the Hell portal.

“It’s not easy to trust such a guy.”

“But it’s not a bad proposal, Your Majesty.”

“That’s right, Igrit.”

“So, Your Majesty, I will also join this expedition to Hell.”

“No, are you saying that too?”

Kyle said that, and now his mother, Igrit, is saying that too.

She’s not the warrior who used to just wander around the battlefield like before.

“It’s not just for that reason. You need to know a little about what Hell is like and what demons are like to control them in the future.”

“Hmm… that’s true, but.”

Igrit’s words aren’t wrong. They’re not wrong, but…….

“Father, Mother is right. So, I’ll go too.”

Kyle, stimulated by Igrit, was making a fuss again.

“Your Majesty, as it is, it would be good to take both Igrit and Kyle.”

“No, Grand Duke Hector, are you going to do that too?”

You should stop the two of them as a father and grandfather?

“Anyway, Kyle needs to learn the aesthetics of ruling besides Igrit. Especially if demons are added to those who need to be ruled. He is our next generation.”

“Hmm……”

So, he’s saying he’s sending them as part of his children’s education.

Saying that, I have nothing to say.

Certainly, Kyle is too full of energy, so it was necessary to specially teach him imperial studies.

Moreover, Kyle’s personality might be good for dealing with demons who are bound to be rough.

“Okay, Kyle. You’re going too.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“But know that I’m not taking you just to make you fight. Rather, you’re closer to a diplomatic envoy.”

“Of course. Well, it wouldn’t be bad to cross swords with demons in the process.”

This guy, still.

Sigh, my son doesn’t listen to me. What’s the point of being the Emperor of the Empire if I can’t control even one child?

“More than that, honey.”

“Huh?”

Then, Igrit called me honey instead of Your Majesty this time.

This, this feeling…!

“We… met after a very long time.”

“Ah, that’s right. But we have to prepare for the expedition soon, so-”

“You can have someone else do that……”

Thud-

“Shouldn’t we have some time to ourselves?”

…I had a strong feeling of impending defensive warfare. I looked at Grand Duke Hector with eyes asking for help.

“Oh, I should make way.”

Grand Duke Hector said with a smile and ran away. You traitor!

“Oh, Father! Good luck! Are you going to make a younger sibling too?”

Leaving Kyle’s words behind, I had to be dragged away by Igrit.

It’s harder to be a father than an emperor.