The Monster King's Legacy-Chapter 166: A Mysterious Delegate

Following the spar with Rusak, Lance returned to his usual duties in the office. Being the ruler of the monster nation, there turned out to be a lot of paper work always present for him to take care of. While discussion some military matters with Rynne and Zarra, a scout rushed into his chamber after a brief knock. It was clear that there was some sort of urgency. Lance looked up from his desk, the weight of countless decisions momentarily giving way to curiosity.

"What's the matter?" Lance asked, his voice calm yet commanding.

"A visitor, my lord," the scout replied, his voice tinged with nervousness. "A delegate from... the demon race. He requests an audience with you—alone."

The room fell silent everyone exchanged uneasy glances. "A demon delegate?" Zarra said, bewildered.

Rynne scowled, crossing her arms. "Why would a demon come here, unannounced and alone?"

Lance stood up, his reaction rather calm for such news. "No one would act without purpose, especially not in this kind of situation. If the demons are here, it's because they need something."

…

Lance went to the courtyard, his posture relaxed as he waited for the delegate. The gates creaked open, revealing the visitor, a tall, slender demon dressed in dark robes that billowed slightly in the breeze.

The delegate's pale crimson skin and sharp, angular features were unmistakably demonic from Lance's perspective, but his demeanor was calm, almost regal. His eyes gleamed with intelligence, and he carried himself with the air of someone used to commanding respect.

As he approached, he bowed deeply. "Lord Lance," he said, his voice smooth and measured. "I am Varok, delegate of the demon race. Thank you for granting me this audience."

Lance inclined his head slightly to acknowledge the greeting. "Varok." He said. "You've come a long way. State your purpose."

Varok straightened, his expression serious. "Since Lord Lance had said so, I won't waste your time then. The demon race is in peril. Since the fall of the Demon Lord, we have been scattered and hunted, our lands rendered infertile by his corruption. Our people starve, our future dims. I have come to plead for your help."

Lance's eyes narrowed. "Why even consider this option after the incident a few years back? You're an enemy of the world, and why come to me?"

Varok shook his head. "I am unable to answer most of your questions, Lord Lance. The other races will not aid us. To them, we are nothing more than remnants of a war they wish to forget. But you... you lead a kingdom of those once considered outcasts and vile. You understand what it means to fight for survival. I assure, there is a worthy explanation for the events of old. I only beg that you extend your patience to listen to us, Lord Lance. Please."

Lance studied Varok for a while. "And what would you offer in return for my help?"

The demon delegate hesitated, his voice lowering. "Though it is not my place. The Demon Lord would be willing to offer our allegiance. We will serve your kingdom, and lend our strength to your cause."

The courtyard was silent as Lance considered Varok's words. He could feel the weight of the decision before him. Aligning with the demon race would undoubtedly draw the ire of the larger nations, further isolating the Monster kingdom, but it would also strengthen their forces, bringing skilled warriors and mages into their fold, not only for the development of the nation, but for the challenges to come.

"I'll need time to consider," Lance said finally, his tone measured. "This is not a decision I can make lightly."

Varok bowed again. "I understand. Thank you, Lord Lance. My people will await your answer with hope."

"And of course, it want to meet with your leader. He should have answers to all my questions." Lance said, the air around him seemingly denser, albeit slightly.

"As you wish, Lord Lance. Our leader will visit as soon as possible. If we may visit in two days?..."

After thinking about it briefly, Lance nodded, "that is favourable."

As the demon turned to leave, Aelyndra stepped from the shadows, her golden gaze fixed on Lance. "You're really considering this?"

Lance nodded. "I am. Desperate people make dangerous enemies. If we can turn them into allies instead..."

Aelyndra sighed but smiled faintly. "Hahaha… the two of you are crazy after all." She grimaced weakly, walking away.

Lance couldn't help but chuckle, after all, if a child doesn't take over his father, he takes over his master.

…

"This is madness," Rynne said, collapsing on the cushioned chair. "Accepting demons into the kingdom? Do you have any idea how much trouble this could cause?"

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"Perhaps, we could consider the bigger picture?" Lia countered softly, her tone thoughtful, as though trying to make sense of the situation, trying to pry open the bright path in the seemingly dark smoke. "If we turn them away, they may become desperate, and desperation breeds danger. That aside, demons are known to be amongst one of the blessed races in the entire world."

Kaeli nodded thoughtfully. "And if we accept them, they could become a valuable asset."

Zarra who was listening snorted, as she looked towards Lia. "And why do we have to be baby sitters just because some almost finished race "may" become desperate?"

They continued their discussion/argument, deliberating on the matter, the other heads of the different races also stating their opinion.

Finally, all eyes turned to Rusak who had been quiet for the most part. Though the original elders of the goblin tribe could be considered the closest to Lance in the entire kingdom, as everyone knew that much, Rusak was up on the list of those who Lance was close to, and not to mention, he also held one of the highest position in their upstart kingdom, commanding their military in absence of Lance, and he was also one of the strongest.

They all wished for his words to at least have some reason in them so they could sway Lance away from his decision, as so far, the opinion on the matter was surprisingly split evenly.

Rusak, noticing the gazes on him crossed her arms. His gaze swept through those present, then it landed on Lance. "Ultimately, the decision is yours, Lance. But whatever you decide, know that it will shape the future of this kingdom, and that we will all stand by you completely."

Some couldn't believe Rusak's words, even though it was perfectly understandable, after all, in what monster tribe will the chief care about the opinions of those under him? Particularly in tribes where the chief is just that much powerful than his subjects?

Lance took a deep breath as he listened. "I will make my final decision after meeting their leader. I have something I want to confirm."

His words weren't clear, but who could refute since he had made the decision. Perhaps, the most faith was in the fact that if anything does happen, Lance and Aelyndra, alongside every warrior of the nation, could handle it.

As the council dispersed, Lance found himself alone in the grand hall, his mind swirling with possibilities. Though it appeared to be a dangerous road, it couldn't be so stale.