Chapter 378. The Return (3)

Every diplomat in the room was drenched in cold sweat. Not one of them could keep calm.

"Please, continue as you were," Caron said with a pleasant smile. "Talk freely. I'll just be listening."

He said it as if he meant it, but everyone knew better. None of them believed that those words were genuine. Guillotine held their attention.

Caron Leston was the hero who had saved the continent, the strongest being of the current era. Yet to these diplomats, those grand titles meant little. What filled their thoughts were the countless moments when this madman had shown them exactly what kind of creature he was.

Never speak freely in front of him.

He's insane.

One wrong word, and I'm dead.

Caron was the kind of man who would draw his sword without hesitation and act like a deranged executioner if provoked. The common folk still thought Caron was a righteous hero, but those who dealt in politics knew better. They knew exactly what sort of time bomb sat before them—one that could explode at the smallest touch.

And the only question was how big the explosion would be.

Rumor had it that Caron had even started a rebellion to bring down the real powers of the Holy Kingdom. He was a madman crazy enough to rebel in the heart of a great nation. He was the one who led the Demon Realm expedition to success and proved his own strength. If one got on his bad side, the entire leadership of a nation could be replaced overnight.

Caron casually rolled his shoulder and said, "I sustained a few injuries during the Demon Realm expedition. My muscles act up sometimes. So if I happen to draw my sword or swing it by reflex, I'll ask for your understanding in advance."

It was a direct threat, barely disguised as a joke. Caron smirked wickedly as his gaze swept over the trembling diplomats.

"I heard you were discussing the spoils of war," he continued smoothly. "But honestly, there weren't many this time. The purpose of our expedition wasn't conquest, it was to eliminate every Demon King."

Caron wasn't wrong.

Normally, the victors of war demanded reparations or seized wealth from the defeated. But in this case, there was nothing to take. The Demon Realm had lost its dark mana and was only just beginning to rebuild its civilization. The most anyone could scavenge were remnants of ancient ruins—valuable, yes, but hardly something that could be converted into gold overnight.

"I heard some demons who've lost their dark mana still remain in the Demon Realm," one diplomat said cautiously. It was the representative of the Zion Kingdom, the nation that Caron had humiliated years ago. Even so, he mustered his courage to speak.

"Go on," Caron prompted, his tone deceptively mild.

"They're sinners anyway. Bringing them to the continent as slaves shouldn't be a problem. Many nations have done the same before, haven't they? They're said to be physically stronger than humans, too. I ask that you consider this proposal favorably," the diplomat from the Zion Kingdom proposed.

A few other diplomats nodded in quiet agreement. It was a reasonable proposal from their point of view. After all, unlike the empire, many smaller kingdoms still practiced slavery.

Only the diplomat from the Sultanate kept silent, his expression grim. His superiors had already warned him that Caron Leston's stance on slavery was not to be tested.

"Slaves, huh? Now that's an interesting idea," Caron replied brightly, flashing a disarming smile.

He then turned his piercing gaze toward the diplomat from the Zion Kingdom, and continued, "Thank you for your wonderful suggestion. Turning the demons into slaves to work them to death. That's very productive. Oh, but did you know? The upcoming Peace Summit will include discussions on banning slavery altogether."

"B-Banning slavery?" the diplomat stuttered in shock.

"That's right," Caron confirmed, his voice light but his eyes sharp. "We've crushed the Demon Kings, and ushered in an age of peace and prosperity. Don't you think the barbaric practice of slavery is a little outdated for such times?"

"If slavery is abolished, we'll struggle to maintain our labor force—" the diplomat began, but was cut off.

"It's been quite a while since the Orias Empire abolished slavery," Caron interrupted smoothly. "There weren't any problems, so I doubt it'll be a real issue."

"The nobles will revolt," the diplomat muttered.

"Aha," Caron said, then stood up, his chair scraping the floor. He walked up to the Zion diplomat, placed both hands on the man's shoulders, and smiled with terrifying warmth.

"So what you're saying," he began softly, "is that you'd agree—if only we could silence the nobles' complaints?"

"T-That is..." the diplomat faltered.

"Good," Caron said cheerfully. "Then before you leave, hand me a list of those nobles. I'll pay them a visit and dance a little sword dance for them. Or..." His grin widened. "Was that the will of your kingdom's royal family I just heard? In that case, I suppose I should make a house call instead."

At Caron's words, the diplomat from the Zion Kingdom trembled violently. He had good reason to fear because the crown prince of his nation had once been beaten senseless by this man, and even the king himself had been publicly humiliated. If this lunatic ever decided to show up at the royal palace again, the diplomat knew he would be the first to hang from the gallows.

"I-I will speak to His Majesty about abolishing the slave trade," the man stuttered.

"Oh, wonderful," Caron said brightly. "Personally, I believe slavery is one of the world's great evils. How can a person treat another human being like livestock?"

"O-Of course, you're absolutely right," the diplomat replied weakly.

"If anyone out there still thinks that way," Caron continued cheerfully, "I'd like to treat them like livestock. Just to help them understand what it feels like. Ha ha."

It was, unmistakably, another threat. A gleaming, razor-sharp warning that said if someone acted contrary, then Caron would treat them worse than a slave.

Caron gave the diplomat's shoulder another pat and said softly, "You're a smart man. You understood what I meant, right?"

"O-Of course," the diplomat said at once.

"Excellent," Caron said, smiling in satisfaction.

The reason he was pushing for the abolition of slavery was simple.

Because I hate it,

Caron thought.

It came from the memories of his previous life—the tragic childhood of Cain Latorre. He had already slain every Demon King, fulfilled his life's purpose, and even been granted a future, thanks to Halo. Now, he intended to live exactly as he pleased.

This had nothing to do with righteousness or morality. It was purely personal. Even if the Peace Summit officially outlawed slavery, most nations would still continue it in secret. But Caron didn't care.

I'll just beat them half to death them every time I catch them at it,

he thought with dark amusement.

It would give him a perfectly good excuse to go on a rampage—and maybe even make the world a little better in the process. Truly, it was killing two birds with one stone.

"When the demons finish rebuilding their lands," Caron said aloud, settling back into his chair, "then we can talk about compensation. No need to slit open the goose that lays the golden eggs, right? Instead, let's do this."

His eyes gleamed as he spoke. He had just threatened them not to covet the Demon Realm or its people—now it was time to offer a carrot.

"After long discussions with His Majesty the Emperor," Caron continued, "the Orias Empire has decided to relinquish its claim over Desertus. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?"

"Indeed," Revelio confirmed, putting on an air of solemn authority. "I've made this decision for the good of all nations. Do not test my generosity."

His words were cloaked in diplomatic language, but everyone in the room understood the true meaning behind them...

"Don't argue. Take what we give you and be grateful."

The seasoned diplomats caught on immediately. None dared to object when the emperor himself had spoken. The Orias Empire was, after all, the unquestioned hegemon of the continent.

Many had hoped for a rift between the Ducal Family of Leston and the imperial family, but watching the two men play off each other so perfectly dashed that hope completely. There was no gap to exploit, no weakness to pry open.

"In that case," Caron said smoothly, "I'll let you all discuss the distribution of Desertus' interests among yourselves. His Majesty and I will mediate. Speak freely and honestly."

And just like that, the empire secured full control over the Demon Realm. No one was foolish enough to stick their head into the mad dog's jaws, after all.

Caron took a sip of his tea, smiling faintly. The taste of black tea generously spiked with brandy was just right.

Our family's businesses have already expanded into Desertus anyway,

he thought lazily. Whatever the outcome, it would still funnel profits back to the Ducal Family of Leston.

I suppose I'll have to let a few others join the development projects later,

he mused.

I did promise, after all.

Of course, joining didn't mean owning a significant share.

Caron's lips curled into a wicked grin. Revelio watched him for a moment, then muttered under his breath, "You really are a Demon King."

Caron tilted his head and asked, "Your Majesty, have you actually seen a Demon King before? I'm pretty sure you haven't."

"There's still one left," Revelio said dryly. "The final one."

"How strange," Caron murmured. "I could've sworn I killed all the Demon Kings."

The Final Demon King, Caron Leston, tilted his head in feigned confusion. He clearly understood the joke but pretended not to. Then, in a voice too quiet for most to hear, he murmured, "I'll let it slide. You're my brother-in-law, after all."

"What was that?" Revelio asked.

"Oh, nothing at all, Your Majesty," Caron said innocently.

...And so, under the watch of the continent's most dangerous madman, the diplomatic meeting carried on with a strangely warm and cheerful mood.

After all, it was always the sword that spoke first.

***

After the meeting ended, Caron made his way to the emperor's private chambers.

"Things always go smoother when you're around," Revelio said with a grin as he stretched his shoulders. "If I'd gone in there alone, those old fools would've spent the whole day bickering and nothing would've gotten done."

Caron chuckled and replied, "If it had been you, those old men's heads would've been turned to ash by your spells. There isn't a soul left in this world who dares look down on you, the emperor, now."

"That's only because everyone knows you've got my back," Revelio pointed out.

"That's not it. You're an emperor who's achieved plenty on your own," Caron said easily, then turned to Foina with a smile. "Isn't that right, Foina?"

Foina, sitting nearby with a glass of wine in hand, laughed and nodded. She muttered, "You've both come a long way. Ha... It feels like yesterday you ran away from home and showed up in Thebe..."

"Honestly, you've done well for yourself too, thanks to me," Revelio teased.

"Excuse me?" Foina shot back, laughing. "My success has nothing to do with you! It's because my people work their tails off."

Now the president of Caligo, a massive enterprise with four subsidiary companies, Foina had become one of the most influential businesswomen in the Orias Empire. Once the leader of an underground syndicate, she now wore her success proudly, her expression far brighter than it had ever been in her shadowy past.

The empire had long embraced open trade and cooperation with other races. Partnering with the Ducal Family of Leston, Foina had built a thriving business network between elves and humans, making her one of the empire's top merchants. Construction, trade, resource management—Caligo's operations aboveground ran smoothly as ever.

Of course, that didn't mean her web of intelligence had disappeared. Far from it. Foina still oversaw a vast network of informants, working closely with both the empire's intelligence bureau and the Ducal Family of Leston.

"To survive," Foina began, swirling her drink, "you need power. And information is the sharpest kind of power there is."

"You haven't changed a bit," Caron said with a smirk.

"Why would I dismantle something that still works?" Foina replied with a mischievous grin.

The 8th Circle elf mage took a sip of her liquor, then continued, "When I first met you, Caron, I remember thinking one thing."

"Oh? What was that?" Caron asked curiously.

"That this lunatic was going to achieve something. And I was right. Only madmen ever do. You and Revelio both—you two were quite the pair. No one sane could've achieved what you did. I tried to save my own people, but in the end, it was you who actually changed their fate. Every elf on this continent will forever be grateful."

Caron chuckled softly, thinking back to all that had happened. From the rebellion he'd sparked in Reben, the border city, to the countless wars and miracles that followed—it had been a lifetime's worth of chaos.

"Oh, that reminds me," Foina said suddenly. "Do you remember Neria, the elf girl you rescued from the slave market?"

Caron blinked, then nodded and said, "Of course I do."

"She's doing quite well these days," Foina said with a grin. "She climbed her way up to become the president of Caligo Trading. She's been waiting for the day she could see you again."

"Elves never forget a debt," Caron said with a faint smile.

"It's not just about the debt," Foina said, then waved it off. "Ah, forget it. You and Revelio wouldn't understand that kind of thing. Just shut up and drink."

Clink!

Their glasses met with a cheerful ring.

The three of them talked and laughed together—the Mad Dog of the Ducal Family of Leston, the emperor once branded a heretic, and the elf who had once dreamed only of revenge. Each had changed, yet here they were again, together.

"Oh, by the way, sis," Revelio said, grinning. "You have to come to my wedding."

"An elf with a criminal record showing up at a noble wedding? That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen," Foina replied.

"If it weren't for you, I'd have bitten my tongue and died years ago," Revelio said lightly. "You're my savior—you have to be there. Right, Caron?" Revelio added.

"Don't worry, Foina," Caron said in his usual lazy drawl. "If anyone mouths off, I'll handle it personally."

"Listen to you," Foina said with a snort. "You sound like some back-alley thug. Hard to believe anyone calls you the strongest man on the continent."

Laughing, she reached into her coat and pulled out a brown envelope, sliding it across the table toward Caron and saying, "The thing you asked for."

"Oh, already?" Caron asked, eyes lighting up.

"Finding a noble family inside the empire isn't exactly hard," Foina answered. "Though honestly, isn't this something your house could've investigated on its own?"

"It's a personal matter," Caron said with a grin, opening the envelope. He pulled out a stack of papers and began to skim through them leisurely.

"Seems it's a count's family, not a baron's," Foina explained. "The late count was quite the businessman—made a fortune through the slave trade and turned it into a legitimate enterprise."

"And the current head?" Caron asked.

"The man's son. He tried to cozy up to the central government, but his patron—a prominent marquis—fell from grace. Apparently, that downfall had something to do with you," Foina said.

"Me?" Caron raised a brow. "How interesting."

"The man he backed was none other than Leandro, the Marquis of the Border," Foina said. "The same one you and Revelio took down for his corruption."

Ah. So that was how it connected. Fate had a way of looping things back together.

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Caron smirked as he flipped through the pages. He muttered, "Well, this is fun."

The moment he saw the report, he knew exactly who Count Norang was—the bastard's son. That was the vile man who had beaten his slaves for sport; who'd defiled whoever caught his eye, man or woman, without distinction.

The report only confirmed it.

"Displays a habitual tendency to treat his subjects as property. Numerous criminal acts identified. Previously protected by Marquis Leandro's political influence. Suspected of having deep bribery networks."

Caron let out a low laugh. How fortunate. The man he planned to take revenge on turned out to be every bit the filth his father had been. No need to feel guilty about anything, then.

Foina watched him and asked quietly, "So why did you want me to dig up dirt on some backwater noble, anyway?"

Caron's grin widened, his tone dripping with dark amusement. "Oh, you know. Just a little revenge."

"Revenge? For whom?" Foina asked.

"For someone who deserves it," Caron said simply. "A stupid bastard."

It was time—at long last—for him to indulge his own desires.