Chapter 383: The Elf Traveling with Demons
Serie found it somewhat absurd, yet it aligned with demon logic, rooted in their instinct for power.
"Not necessarily a king, at least not yet," Kurtz corrected. "The social structure of demons is loose, but instinct drives them to submit to more powerful individuals, especially now when they are collectively in decline."
"Macht's appearance might be because he sensed this trend." He rubbed his chin and continued, "though specific intentions remain unknown."
Serie raised an eyebrow. "Could he be trying to use Carlos to revitalize the demon race?"
Kurtz shrugged. "Who knows. However, no matter what they plan to do, the scale and quality are far inferior to a thousand years ago. After we dealt with Annelise, there's been a severe gap in the demons' high-end power. What's left are just a few larger embers among the ashes."
"You mean—" Serie immediately understood what Kurtz meant and looked at him. "We don't need to take action?"
"No," Kurtz gave a clear answer. "Back when I discovered Carlos had successfully replicated that magic and chosen such a path, I foresaw a similar development. This continent needs some external pressure, especially for the growing number of Human Nations; they need to divert some of their attention from their 'important politics' stuff."
Over the years, those Human Nations in the south had been in constant conflict over territory and resources, even coming to blows, and even the Kingdom of El's mediation had little effect.
It left Kurtz speechless, making him wonder whether his decision to personally dismantle the Southern Unified Empire had been the right one. In the long run, it depleted the human race's overall vitality.
Therefore, a controllable threat from demons might allow them to temporarily set aside their conflicts and unite against a common enemy.
Kurtz told Serie his thoughts, and she curled her lip after hearing them. "You certainly have it all calculated. What if they just don't unite? Or what if they unite but can't win?"
"If they can't even handle remnant demons of this level, then I'll have to seriously consider whether the nations have been too complacent over the years and need some lessons in blood." Kurtz's tone turned cold for a moment, then immediately returned to normal.
"Of course, if the demon forces truly expand excessively, I will step in to handle it. However, I believe that probability is very low."
"Besides, this might be a good opportunity for Frieren as well."
At the mention of Frieren, Serie's attention was immediately diverted. "Frieren? And if what you say is true and the north is in such chaos, what if she's there—"
"So she needs to know and be prepared," Kurtz said. "But before telling her, let's hear the second matter Solis brought. If I'm not mistaken, it should also be related to her."
For all these years, although Frieren had frequently completed requests during her travels, her fame remained obscure, so Kurtz and Serie couldn't get any news of her.
After all, Frieren wasn't picky about the type of request; as long as it provided her with some novel magic, she was willing to help complete it. She didn't care at all about becoming famous for completing requests, entirely different from other adventurers. But just recently, her fame suddenly emerged, even reaching the ears of the Magic Association in the center of the continent.
Something must have happened.
Solis nodded and began reporting the second matter. "Yes, Lord Kurtz. The second matter is indeed the latest news regarding Frieren. Although Lady Frieren has lived abroad for a long time and kept a low profile, she has recently gained some notoriety in a rather undesirable way."
"An undesirable way?" Serie had a bad premonition. "What trouble did she cause? She didn't blow up some noble's castle, did she?"
"It might be a matter more related to her stance," Solifla said, choosing her words carefully. "According to the news, about a month ago, Frieren accepted a request from a noble to help deal with monsters that suddenly appeared in a mine. She was accompanied by a young girl with long pink hair."
"A girl traveling with her? A new companion she found? What race?" Serie asked.
"A demon," Solis answered calmly.
The room fell silent instantly.
Although Kurtz and Serie had kept Solis by their side for hundreds of years, they had never entertained the idea of announcing her demon identity; they had even kept it hidden.
Primarily, for all races on this continent, demons were mortal enemies. Aside from monsters, it was impossible to see other races staying with demons; for all races on the continent, this was a matter of principle.
"Continue," Kurtz said.
Solis continued, "During that request, they went deep into the mine to fight mutated monsters. During the battle, because that demon unleashed her full mana, the disguise magic on her failed, and her demonic features—most notably the iconic demon horns—were completely exposed."
"At that time, there were several other adventurer teams in the mine who had accepted different requests. The exposure of the demon's identity caused immense hostility, and everyone immediately demanded that Frieren execute the demon on the spot. Then, Frieren rejected their proposal, and because of that, the situation began to spiral out of control."
"Ultimately," Solis summarized, "amidst the chaos, Frieren did not hand over Aura. Instead, she used magic to disperse the crowd trying to block them and quickly left with the demon, disappearing."
"Since then, the News of an elf traveling with and protecting a demon is spreading through the Adventurers' Guild and some human towns. Although it hasn't triggered a large-scale bounty or crusade yet, it has inevitably drawn the attention and hostility of many."
After hearing this, Serie said speechlessly, "What on earth is she thinking? Protecting a demon like that?"
If the demon were Solis, Serie might consider it, as she was incredibly useful—a perfect worker. But with any other demon, Serie would be merciful just for not mincing them into pieces.
"You'll have to ask her that yourself." Kurtz also shook his head, equally helpless.
Because demons had launched two successive great wars during this era, hostility among various races remained intense. It was absolutely impossible for a scene like that of later generations, where demons walked openly in human cities, to occur.
Even Kurtz wouldn't promote the integration of demons with other races at this time; at least a few thousand years would need to pass for the hostility of the various races toward demons to diminish.
"She's really famous now—infamous, that is! Hmpf, troublesome brat," Serie said, crossing her arms.
"It might not necessarily be a bad thing." Kurtz pondered for a moment. "It might even turn out to be a good thing in its own weird way, who knows."
He turned to Solis. "Keep monitoring news related to Frieren. If anything changes, tell me immediately."
"Understood."
"Additionally," Kurtz added, raising his index finger, "leak the intelligence about the demon gathering in the north to other nations through our channels, but do so discreetly."
Solis acknowledged again and, seeing Kurtz had no further instructions, left the room.
After the door closed, Kurtz sighed and walked to the window, gazing at the scenery of the Imperial Capital outside. "I can't help but feel... That the peaceful days are about to be stirred up again."
"Isn't that quite interesting?" Serie, however, had a different perspective.
Although she also enjoyed the tranquil times spent with Kurtz, an occasional stir as a bit of seasoning wasn't bad.
After all, as long as Kurtz is by her side, all is well.
[End of Chapter]