Chapter 148

Using the warp gate one after another, he returned to the main estate.

The atmosphere among the main estate’s demonic nobles was much the same.

“Salute to Lord Christian!”

“Loyalty!”

Though the mood at the main estate didn’t allow for much fanfare, every demon he met cast him looks full of reverence.

It was only natural.

Christian’s recent achievements were no ordinary feats.

He had exposed the truth behind the Black Plague, dealing a blow to those Gold Cross scoundrels who tried to frame the Dark Mage. Not only that, he had prevented the descent of the Fallen Angel, bestowing a great favor upon Gold Cross.

Olivia, newly crowned as the Law King, had sent diplomatic envoys to the Dark Mage, offering both apologies and thanks for these deeds.

An apology and gratitude from the Law King.

A feat no previous head of the family had ever accomplished.

On top of that, he had uncovered the conspiracy of the Four Demon Kings’ Castle, which had been scheming behind the scenes—a remarkable accomplishment indeed.

“Amazing. What successor could possibly match such achievements?”

“Exactly. No one but our Lord Christian could even dream of such things.”

“Our? Since when did Lord Christian become your ‘our’? You said you’d never recognize a collateral branch as a legitimate heir.”

“I—I never said that! With someone as outstanding as him, does it even matter if he’s direct or collateral? Someone like Lord Christian deserves to be the Grand Duke!”

“Right. Who else but Lord Christian could fit the role of Grand Duke?”

As expected, the demons were straightforward and honest.

With such achievements, their respect and support for Christian surged.

Of course, not everyone felt the same.

‘I’m not sure yet. Marquis Langham supports Princess Yulian.’

It was obvious that popular support among the demons didn’t guarantee succession.

Though it was well known that the family head, Nordian, favored Christian, unfortunately, Nordian’s lifespan was limited.

In the end, the balance of power within the Dark Mage’s forces would inevitably shift to Marquis Langham.

‘The next succession trial is a problem too. Can Lord Christian even pass at his level?’

The second trial was much easier than the first, which required proving one’s worth as family head through achievements.

But for Christian, it was different.

His lack of accomplishments and weak standing within the family made it difficult.

‘The details of the trial will be announced at tonight’s banquet.’

A grand banquet was scheduled.

It was both a celebration of Christian’s achievements and the occasion to announce the second trial.

Why announce the trial during the banquet?

There was a reason.

That night, in front of the many guests at the banquet hall, Christian stepped forward toward Marquis Langham.

Langham cast a cold glance at Christian before speaking.

“…Kneel.”

“As you command.”

Langham drew the Dark Sword, symbolizing the authority of the family head, and placed it on Christian’s shoulder.

“By the authority of Duke Baron, I hereby recognize your recent achievements and promote Christian van Baron Kazaar to the rank of Honorary Count.”

This was the official announcement that Christian had passed the first trial.

But the important part came next.

“In accordance with tradition, the second succession trial begins now. You are hereby assigned to the Dark Mage Army.”

Langham’s tone was icy as he continued.

“The term is six months. Within that time, you must become the Deputy Commander of the Dark Mage Army and earn their loyalty. This is the content of your second succession trial.”

---

Earning the loyalty of the Dark Mage Army!

At first glance, it didn’t sound so difficult.

In fact, very few candidates failed the second trial.

‘But my situation is completely different.’

Christian thought with a heavy heart.

Other candidates had at least six-star achievements and a solid foundation within the family before taking this trial.

So for them, it was more of a formality.

Christian’s case was entirely different.

‘First, becoming Deputy Commander of the Dark Mage Army is a huge hurdle.’

Look closely at the trial’s wording.

It didn’t say he would be appointed Deputy Commander.

He had to prove his qualifications and become Deputy Commander on his own.

‘My achievements are nowhere near enough to become Deputy Commander.’

Even setting aside the commander, Marquis Shupen, the five generals under him—the “Five Great Generals”—were all six-star high-ranking demons.

Christian’s level, even at its best, was only that of a subordinate officer beneath the Five Great Generals.

No matter that he was the main estate’s heir; there was no way he could surpass them to become Deputy Commander.

‘To become Deputy Commander, I have to prove my strength against the Five Great Generals.’

That wasn’t the only challenge.

‘Earning the loyalty of the Dark Mage Army is also difficult for me.’

This didn’t mean simply gaining the loyalty of ordinary demon soldiers.

Marquis Shupen.

Commander of the Dark Mage Army, a seven-star supreme demon, and the third most powerful figure in the Dark Mage faction.

Christian was expected to subdue him and win his loyalty.

‘Traditionally, the commander of the Dark Mage Army has always been the current Marquis Shupen.’

Therefore, completely subduing Marquis Shupen was naturally a requirement for any successor.

‘…The problem is, Shupen is no easy man.’

It wasn’t just about strength.

He was a ruthless, iron-willed man.

That was Marquis Shupen.

‘The worst part is that Shupen is a close ally of Marquis Langham.’

Strictly speaking, Shupen was neutral.

The Shupen family, which led the Dark Mage Army, stayed out of the main estate’s politics and owed loyalty only to the family head.

‘But that’s the official story. Privately, it’s a different matter.’

Christian narrowed his eyes.

He spotted Shupen in the distance.

Normally, Shupen rarely came to the main estate, but tonight he was attending the banquet.

A presence like a sharpened blade.

‘They do seem close.’

Shupen was casually chatting with Marquis Langham at the head table.

As the second and third most powerful figures in the Dark Mage faction, it was natural for them to talk.

But the atmosphere was important.

It wasn’t exactly friendly.

Neither Langham nor Shupen seemed the type for warmth.

Still, the mood was formal yet familiar. It felt like they had known each other for a long time.

‘They grew up together as cousins of the same generation, so they’re basically friends.’

Of course, Christian didn’t think Shupen would stoop to petty hostility just because of his friendship with Langham.

From what he’d heard, Shupen strictly separated business from personal matters.

Still.

‘He won’t be exactly friendly.’

It was obvious how daunting it would be to win Shupen’s loyalty.

‘But I have to do it.’

Christian lowered his gaze with determination.

Then, something unexpected happened.

Shupen, who had been talking with Langham, suddenly looked up and fixed his gaze on Christian.

“!!”

Christian held his breath.

They were at opposite ends of the banquet hall.

Though far apart, a chilling tension filled the air.

It was because of Shupen’s eyes.

True to his Dark Mage bloodline, Shupen had black hair and blood-red eyes.

But his blood-red eyes were more than just color.

They shimmered with the scars of countless battles.

At that moment, Christian instinctively knew.

Shupen was a true warrior.

‘He’s no less than those I met during the Age of Destruction.’

Indeed, a giant worthy of guarding the Dark Mage’s defenses.

Christian admired him inwardly, but also felt a pang of worry.

It wouldn’t be easy to earn the loyalty of someone like that.

‘Still, I can do it. I have a plan.’

Christian took a resolute gulp of the ginger ale in his glass.

Then, something surprising happened.

Shupen began walking toward Christian.

“!!”

The giant’s footsteps silenced the banquet hall.

Everyone turned to watch Shupen and Christian, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

Finally, Shupen spoke.

“Ginger ale? Such a rookie.”

“!!”

Christian was momentarily taken aback but kept his composure and bowed his head.

“Greetings, Marquis Shupen. I am currently underage according to Imperial Magic Law and am abstaining from alcohol.”

“Underage and drinking ginger juice?”

Shupen looked at him with genuine disdain, and Christian felt a flash of irritation.

‘I don’t even like ginger ale!’

“It’s simply following the Imperial Law set by His Majesty the Demon King.”

Shupen frowned, clearly displeased.

“Are you going to cling to such rules even on the battlefield? Just like those allied fools.”

“!!”

“I heard rumors about how great you are, but you’re just a pampered kid.”

Christian twitched his eyebrows.

‘What nonsense is this?’

Still, since it was their first meeting, he tried to suppress the urge to snap back.

Then another thought struck him.

‘No, maybe I don’t have to hold back.’

Christian met Shupen’s sharp, probing gaze.

Those eyes were testing him.

He was trying to see how Christian would react to his provocation.

This was a crucial moment.

How he responded now would shape his future relationship with Shupen.

‘Quietly bowing my head can’t be the right answer.’

Christian finished his mental calculations.

“I never realized that simply following the rules set by His Majesty the Demon King could draw such harsh criticism. Or do you, Your Excellency, believe your own judgment holds more weight than the regulations established by His Majesty?”

“!!”

The tone shifted sharply from polite to cutting.

Those nearby held their breath.

Chris stood firm and continued.

“Besides, I’m not even sure if drinking or not drinking is such a big deal. Isn’t there something more important for a demon like us than that?”

A subtle rebuke aimed at Marquis Schuppen, who was nitpicking over trivial matters.

The atmosphere instantly turned icy, but to everyone’s surprise, Marquis Schuppen didn’t look offended. Instead, a faint glint of approval flickered in his eyes.

Chris hadn’t imagined it.

He clearly took what she said in a somewhat positive light.

But that moment was fleeting.

Schuppen then said something no one expected.

“You speak well. Since you insist so much, I suppose I have no choice. I was just about to offer you a drink to celebrate your assignment to the Dark Demon Army.”

“!!”

Chris’s eyes widened.

‘Did he just say… a drink? Am I hearing this right?’

He had actually offered her alcohol!

‘What is happening? An opportunity to drink is actually coming my way!’

Suddenly, Marquis Schuppen seemed almost angelic.

Of course, there was probably some ulterior motive behind his offer, but did that really matter?

She was about to get a drink!

“Well then, I should be going.”

Chris hurriedly grabbed Schuppen’s arm.

“Please, wait just a moment!”

She began to carefully choose her words, ready to talk her way through this unexpected turn.