Volume 10 Chapter 29 Servitude
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Well, Master, you sure picked a… unique place to stay tonight.”
”Say what you want.”
Her laughter echoed softly inside his head. Unique, huh? Was she talking about the iron bars? Or the door locked tight from the outside?
”Why did you let them catch you so easily? You could’ve forced your way out if you wanted.”
”I figured I’d see how things play out. If I’m gonna escape, doing it after getting tossed in the cell seems easier.”
”…Huh?”
There were no shackles on him, no guards watching close—just a small room. Looking around, it didn’t feel like a prison at all. It looked like an inn’s guest room, except for the locked door and barred window. It had all the features of a cell, but for one meant to hold a guest, not a criminal.
”So, you not coming over here?”
He called toward Kispe, who still hadn’t shown herself—just that teasing voice in his mind.
”I refuse. A prison is filthy and smells awful. Hardly a place suited for me.”
He hadn’t even told her to come closer, yet she was already refusing. For someone who’d made a familiar contract, she sure didn’t act like a loyal servant. Typical Kispe. You’d think she’d care that her Master was in trouble—but apparently not.
”It’s not even that dirty, y’know. More like an inn room with a cage added.”
”I don’t care. Master, even if a toilet were clean and shiny, would you live in one?”
”…Right.”
So she hated it, plain and simple. Forcing her would do no good. Unlike the wild, rough princesses among the Beastkin, Kispe was stubborn and picky. Among Humans, she’d be that noble-born type who hated dust on her shoes. He’d have to tread carefully—keep her temper smooth.
”Now then… what the hell should I do?”
He dropped back onto the bed with a heavy flop, stretching his limbs. Normally, he’d always have something to do, but now, locked away, there was nothing. The unwanted calm made him sigh deep from his chest.
”So, Master, what’s your plan from here?”
”Haven’t thought that far.”
Not exactly true—he was stuck deciding. He’d known arrest was possible someday, but over Hermine’s case of all things? That had blindsided him. Old sins dragged up again… it still didn’t make sense.
Maybe he should defend himself. But what if they’d already decided the verdict? Then it’d just waste time. And time wasn’t something he could spare—Brigante, Suzette, the others were waiting outside Orrid. Every minute he sat here, they’d be worrying.
Maybe he should break out now. But once he escaped, he’d never be able to keep acting as Brigante again.
”Master, you’re awfully lazy. If you take your time too much, things might get troublesome.”
”Troublesome?”
”When you were taken away, MinMin saw you—from the rooftops. She slipped into the city and followed. I think she’s already told everyone what happened and is talking with Ms. Primlena right now.”
”…Seriously?” He couldn’t help but grin. “That’s Meina for you. Always reliable.”
He had told them beforehand—if he didn’t return, they’d know what to do. If word of his arrest had spread, maybe they’d already be planning something for tonight.
”I think it comes down to two choices.”
”Two?”
”Their next move.”
He frowned at her strange tone. “You mean besides coming to help?”
”They’ll come to help, yes. The question is how—either they break you out quietly, or they attack and take you back by force.”
”…Attack?”
He had been halfway to sleep when that word snapped him upright. “They’re not that stupid. Suzette’s with them.”
”True. Still, I’m curious to see what kind of crazy stunt Ms. Flavia might pull.”
”Don’t get your hopes up.”
Kispe chuckled like she was enjoying someone else’s drama. Which, to her, it was. She’d never cared much for Primlena or Flavia, and the feeling was mutual. Even the seemingly friendly talk between the Merfolk princess and the forest princess was mostly for show.
”Master, are you familiar with the Forestkin? Their history, their way of thinking?”
”What’s this all of a sudden? Nah, I don’t know much. Just that Flavia’s a weird one.”
He’d known of the Forestkin by name. But until he met Isabella, he’d never met one. And most stories that mentioned them were just fairy tales—he knew next to nothing real.
”The Forestkin are known for their beauty. Everyone knows it—other races envy them, desire them, hate them. So they’ve always been targets. Invaded, kidnapped, violated, sold. From ancient times, cruelty from nations and men alike has been aimed their way. And the Forestkin survived by answering with fear and strength.”
”I see.”
It reminded him of a small country trapped between giants. Even an average people could be crushed like that, let alone one admired for their beauty. Even if their homeland claimed neutrality, nobles and kings still saw them as prizes.
If the Forestkin had been powerful, none would dare to touch them. But maybe in the Demon Continent, their influence wasn’t strong. Their home lay in the otherworld called Void—no wonder their reach was weaker on this side. And the Demon Continent was chaos itself, full of violent races far worse.
”If Ms. Flavia learns you were arrested, she won’t stay calm. Regardless of justice, she might react… strongly.”
”Strongly, huh. Doesn’t really sound like her.”
”If she does act by force, Suzette might try to stop her. But she might also take it to Queen Isabella instead—tell her everything. For all her wildness, Flavia’s not foolish. She’ll do whatever she thinks is best.”
He nodded slowly. Yeah… that could happen. If Isabella learned her daughter’s fiancé had been locked up, how would she respond? He didn’t know her well enough to guess.
The thought sat heavy in his chest as he stared up at the barred window, the faint light from outside trembling against the ceiling.
”The Forestkin are a people born of hardship,” Kispe said softly. “They’ve seen their kingdom fall, their royal line nearly erased. Yet each time, they fought through disaster after disaster. When someone strikes their right cheek, they stab the attacker’s side with their left hand. If Queen Isabella hears of your arrest, she might move for revenge.”
”…You serious?”
”Who knows. But the Forestkin are not to be taken lightly when it comes to vengeance.”
”That’s… a pain in the ass. A real problem.”
He thought of Isabella—the same queen who had sent laborers to help rebuild the fort and even supplied food. That had been a clear sign of trust, of belief that Klock was worth that much to her.
You don’t do that for someone you met once, he thought. But that ship had sailed. By taking Flavia away, he’d already stepped into the royal family’s circle. Klock wasn’t just a Human anymore; by blood or bond, he was tied to the Forestkin royal line.
”…Someone’s coming.”
The sound was faint at first—heavy steps echoing down the corridor. There had always been distant noise around, but this was closer. A guard, maybe, heading straight for his room.
So what now? If he was going to break out, it had to be soon.
He could steal a key, bribe a soldier, call on Kispe, or wait for rescue. Plenty of options—much better odds than back in Bastili’s Hundred Pits. They hadn’t even taken his belongings. Humans really were too soft.
”Well, well. Nice new place you’ve got here. Bars and all—suits you.”
”…Ada?”
The door creaked open, and a woman stepped in, smirking wide before she even finished her first jab. Her grin mocked him as much as her tone.
”Don’t glare at me like that. I’m here to help you.”
”…Help?”
”That’s right. I’m getting you out. Try a little gratitude.”
”What’s going on?”
She wore no armor this time—just leather boots, black tights, and a skirt so short it moved with every step. He glanced down before he could stop himself, catching a glimpse of fabric through the tights. Ada noticed immediately, folding her arms with a tilt of her head, looking at him like he was hopeless.
”You were gonna cozy up to the Count, right? Hope you brought a gift.”
”…Yeah.”
He had thought of bribery already. From the sheath at his side, he pulled a small hemp pouch and tossed it to her.
”…And mine?”
He threw another one—the one he’d hidden inside his coat. Coins jingled softly as she caught it, checked the contents, and grinned.
”Perfect. Then let’s go. Now’s your big chance to win over my boss. Screw it up, and you’ll be back here before you know it.”
”I didn’t plan to book another night anyway.”
”Don’t worry. If you fail, you’ll go to the real dungeon and face a trial. This room’s just a trap for special guests.”
”A trap?”
For nobles, she meant?
”Listen, this stays between us. Your wanted status—it’s gone. They let you in here on purpose. My boss wants to make you kneel, then add you to his ranks. You’re bait in a test, got it?”
So that was it. If he submitted, he’d serve. If he refused, he’d rot. The room wasn’t a cell—it was a stage for submission.
If the bounty was gone, maybe Hermine had arranged it before she vanished. Maybe even before their last meeting.
…Hero party?
Ada had just said that. “A member of the hero’s party.” That wasn’t public knowledge—or was it? She must’ve heard something.
”Hold on, I never—”
”Oh, save it. Fit told me. Klock Livorno—Hero Anna’s lover, fifth member of the Brave Knights. Everyone in the troops knows. You really thought you could hide that?”
He raised his hands in mock surrender. No use pretending. The story had clearly spread through Brigante already. Might as well let it make things easier.
”So, what’s it gonna be? You coming quietly? Or do I let you go, for a price?”
She tossed the coin pouches lightly, catching them again with a smirk.
”Don’t be stupid. Just lead the way.”
”Knew you’d say that. After all—you’re the Hero’s boyfriend.”
She hooked her finger through the pouch strings, spinning them around before resting a hand on her slim waist. With a sharp turn, her skirt flipped just enough to tease a flash of black tights.
What a woman. And what an ass. Maybe it was good he hadn’t escaped earlier—he’d still have a mission to run with Brigante, and now he got this view as a bonus.
(Kispe. Do me a favor—tell Flavia and the others I’m negotiating with the Count. They’re to stay put until I say otherwise.)
(Really now. Treating me like your errand girl… how cruel!)
So much for her earlier concern about Flavia’s “reckless” moves. He’d expected this kind of attitude.
(C’mon. I’ll buy you something nice later, alright?)
(…Fine. I’ll take this as one favor owed…♡)
Only Kispe would treat a favor like a loan. Was every request going to turn into a deal with her? Maybe she’d help faster if things got truly desperate.
If he’d had to pick a familiar again, maybe another succubus like Celes or Athena would’ve been easier to work with. Not that he’d ever say that aloud—she’d make him pay for it tenfold.
”Here we are,” Ada said.
”Yeah.”
They arrived at an office in the next building over—clean, well-kept, but not quite an estate. It had the air of a government hall.
The man waiting inside was big and loud, his voice booming like a drum. For a second, Klock thought of Boit. But this man lacked Boit’s flair—no gold trim, no bright jewels. Hardly the image of a so-called Golden Count.
”I appreciate you granting me this chance to explain—”
”Spare me,” the Count cut him off with a wave. “I’ve no patience for pleasantries from a thug. I only care about one thing—will you serve me, or not?”
So that was it. No civility, no respect. The Count didn’t even glance at Klock as he spoke, eyes fixed instead on a stack of papers. His voice made it clear—Klock wasn’t worth his time.
”If I must serve anyone, Count Grasso would be an honor,” Klock said smoothly.
”Oh? And what, exactly, makes me so honorable?” the Count asked, tone sharp.
He’d said it deliberately—a baiting question. Nobles didn’t take kindly to empty flattery. Say too much, and they thought you were mocking them. In these moments, fewer words were safer.
”I am Klock Livorno, one of the Brave Knights.”
At that, the Count’s brow arched, his gaze finally flicking Klock’s way.
”I formed Brigante,” Klock continued, voice steady. “A group of volunteers gathered to fight the Demon Lord’s Army. Our goal is to support the Hero. But their numbers are overwhelming. We couldn’t win alone. We needed the aid of nobles. I saw you once at a Borges family gathering—your composure, your command. I was certain that serving under you would lead to success.”
Every word was technically true. Truth or not, he delivered it with ease. Speaking without hesitation sounded more trustworthy than carefully choosing each phrase.
”So your allegiance to the Borges family—just to gain support?”
”Yes.”
”I’ve heard rumor that you’re the Hero Anna’s lover, or fiancé. Is it true?”
”…Yes.”
So Ada had already briefed him. When Klock answered, the Count sighed loudly.
”I heard about the southern fortress—three hundred men taking down two thousand monsters. Was that the Hero’s doing?”
”No. You may already know, but she’s not in my troop. She left two months ago, heading west to track the Demon Lord’s location. That battle was mine—three hundred militia against the horde.”
”Hmph…”
The Count stroked his beard, eyes narrowing as if measuring him.
”If you’re her husband, why didn’t you go with her?”
”Because I’d slow her down. Only the holy knight Tiet could match her strength. I stayed behind to command forces here, to fight the Demon Lord’s Army and support her that way.”
He skipped the unnecessary details—the Count didn’t seem like a man who enjoyed long explanations.
”Ada. Take this man with you into Deirid.”
”Aye.”
She didn’t whistle, but her lips puckered in habit, a soundless tune left in her mind.
Take him with her—so he’d be part of the campaign. At least for now, the Count was giving him a chance.
”Deirid?” Klock asked.
”Communication with Deirid has been cut off for some time. We believe the city may be under invasion.”
”I see.”
Deirid—port city. If attacked, the enemy was likely Fishkin. Or maybe Primjune’s people. If so, it could just be for show—a move to prove they were “participating” in the war. With the right words, maybe he could stop bloodshed before it began.
”If Deirid falls into enemy hands, do you know what that means?” the Count asked, eyes testing him.
”If the Demon Lord’s Army holds Deirid, our rear will be exposed. We must assess the situation and reclaim it swiftly if it’s lost.”
”Exactly.”
Deirid sat on the east coast of the Sophia region. If the enemy secured it, they could march straight to Conro from the east. That would also cut their lines to Barreith and even the Empire’s border. Conro and Orrid would be vulnerable from behind—strategically disastrous.
”The southern monster army’s been repelled. They won’t move again soon. So now we turn to Deirid. I’ll send my own troops.”
Repelled, huh? So they’d already fought that massive horde. To act again so soon meant his forces hadn’t suffered much loss.
”You know Ada, right? Skilled A-rank adventurer. I’ve placed her in command. She’ll lead three thousand troops ahead. You’ll march under her. If battle breaks out, you’ll lead from the front.”
”Got it.”
So he’d be tested—his loyalty weighed by how much he accomplished. Clear, simple expectations. Honestly, easier than dealing with Kreis. The Golden Count might be tough, but at least he was straightforward.
”I’ll raise your standing. Make yourself useful. But fail me once, and I’ll cut you down without hesitation. Understood?”
”…I’ll prove myself useful, Count.”
Harsh, but fair. No laziness, no excuses. The kind of man Klock both respected and dreaded. The kind who’d keep him sharp—or crush him.
If the Count really was second in command here, joining his faction was practically a golden ticket. Safe from political traps for a while. All he had to do was perform well—and earn favor.
”Your troop’s waiting outside, right?”
”Huh? Oh, yeah.”
As they left the office, Ada led the way. Just yesterday, she’d been an annoyance. Now, she was his senior officer. Life had a sense of humor.
”Before you head out, come by the barracks. Meet my troop. And say hi to Deena—she handles our logistics.”
”Got it.”
*
”You useless bastards!!”
A man’s roar tore through the wide barracks hall.
”Fifty thousand men—and you couldn’t take a single small castle?! What the hell were you doing out there?! Playing soldiers?!”
”S-sir, forgive us! Their defenses were stronger than expected! And the monsters’ strength fell faster inland, so our—”
”You knew that before you marched! You went in blind? Was this a damn field trip?!”
The man kicked a chair, stomping around the desk to face the two standing officers. His rage radiated like heat. Around them, the soldiers stayed stiff, lips sealed tight, fear in their eyes.
The officers seated around the table watched the outburst with blank faces, pretending calm while the storm raged in front of them.
”When any race is cornered, they fight back with everything they’ve got,” the furious man shouted. “If they bite like a cat, that’s only natural. It’s your job to break their walls! You failed, your troops broke rank, and the blame falls on you! You should’ve answered for it on the battlefield!”
In other words—they should have died there.
No one demanded warriors die after a loss. But for these two, dying might’ve been less disgraceful than standing here now.
”There’s no seat for failures here. Go back to your homeland—or disappear for good.”
”P-please, sir! Give us one more chance—!”
”Silence!”
He kicked the leg of the table and strode back to his chair. At a flick of his hand, nearby soldiers moved in, gripping the disgraced men by their arms and dragging them out.
”Roldi.”
”Yes, sir.”
As the failed officers were taken away, another man entered the barracks. The soldiers instantly straightened their backs, tension sweeping the room.
”So, it failed,” said the newcomer.
”My apologies. It was my fault for trusting incompetents. I should have led them myself.”
”Think nothing of it,” the man replied. “The scattered monsters are being gathered again, aren’t they? We can recover.”
Earth General Bandanzine.
He sat opposite Roldi, elbows on the table, eyes narrowing over a rough map spread before them.
”What of Kispe and the others?”
”We’ve lost their trail completely. I sent spies to search, but none have found them. Only Viola seems to have engaged them briefly. It’s likely she was defeated.”
A brief silence. Bandanzine’s brow creased.
”If that’s true, it means the Humans have a force—or a tactic—strong enough to kill her.”
”…You think it was the Hero?”
Kispe Shisa—the queen of succubi and incubi. Even as an ally, she’d been more terrifying than the enemy. Her fall should have been good news, yet Bandanzine didn’t look pleased. Defeating her meant a new, greater threat had emerged.
”We’ll reorganize. Roldi, I’m giving you command of Orrid.”
”Understood. However, we’ve learned that once we move inland, the monsters lose strength. The conch-shell songs stop working—they carry the sea’s voice, and we’ve gone too far from it.”
The conch shells were gifts from the Merfolk—relics that held Lorelei Resonance, songs that could command monsters. But the farther they were from the ocean, the weaker the sound. Deep inland, the magic faded, leaving the monsters wild and useless.
”That’s fine,” Bandanzine said. “That’s what the reorganization is for.”
He tapped the map sharply. “Here. West of the Fork Mountains.”
”The back of the range is sealed off,” Roldi reported. “A detachment was sent earlier. No word since. We found a crater, extreme heat, the area impossible to enter. Likely a defensive measure—to stop us from flanking Orrid.”
”Ninety percent chance that was the Hero. Battle records from Gildegant say he wields heat rays—enough to burn even a fireborn like Gildegant. So the Humans’ strongest force lies with the Federation. Once we take the Fork Mountains, the Federation will have no defense left. We’ll strike north and crush them.”
No one in the room flinched at the mention of the Hero. They already knew how to deal with one: destroy everything around them first. Bandanzine had fought across more than eighty battlefields on the Demon Continent—he knew how to win when legends stood in the way.
”Coordinate with the Beast Demon Tribe. Move east through the Wall Corridor. At the same time, march through the Moonshade Corridor and the Nichirin Road, then strike from the Regina Aqueduct. Six routes—attack all at once and destroy them one by one.”
His finger traced each line on the map. Six invasion routes—one massive assault.
”Six directions?” Roldi asked. “What about the other two?”
”Call Hanover. Sync the timing. Launch an aerial strike on Conro. The city’s walls are too strong for ground assault, but from above—it will fall easily.”
It would have been even easier with Kispe’s power, but Bandanzine didn’t say that. She’d always been a danger waiting to happen—a rot inside their ranks. If the Hero had killed her, then good. One less problem later.
”And finally—the matter of persuasion.”
”Barreith’s governor, a fool named Ludovico, has sworn loyalty to us,” Roldi said. “In exchange for keeping his position.”
The officers around the table broke into applause. Among Demonkin, schemes and betrayals were victories worth celebrating.
That plot had begun after their first failure at Sanrid. Vampires had already laid the groundwork, and they’d used that connection to turn Barreith’s ruler.
”Have Barreith prove his loyalty. Order him to send his army—to attack from land.”
”Yes, sir.”
Humans struck from behind by their own kind—that would break them completely. It was a perfect, merciless plan.
When the council ended and Bandanzine and Roldi departed, the remaining officers began to murmur among themselves.
”How foolish,” one said.
”To think they chose servitude.”
Low laughter rippled around the room. To the Demonkin, Ludovico’s choice was pathetic. Had the Humans known that every town the Demon Lord’s Army “captured” was wiped out, they might have understood the truth.
This wasn’t betrayal. It was manipulation. Ludovico’s surrender was planned from the start. None of the Humans would be spared. When the war ended, Ludovico too would burn.
Outside, the land rumbled under the weight of armies—an ocean of monsters surging toward Sanrid.
Notes:
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Orrid – Southern pleasure town near Conro, known for its chaos and vice. Serves as Brigante’s next destination and Count Grasso’s sphere of influence. Rumored den of spies and mercenaries.
• Primlena – Orange-haired merfolk priestess, fierce yet elegant | First v8c3 | Sister of Sea General Primjune, subordinate to Primrity | Once captured and violated by Klock, now obsessed with reclaiming honor | Commands Obsidian Riders on giant fish, fights with trident | Seeks to drag Klock to Seabed Temple for marriage trial or execution | Unique note: revenge-driven siren bride who masks fury under ritual grace
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Flavia – Younger Forestkin princess (132). Gentle yet resolute. Sent by Queen Isabella as marriage pledge to Klock, the Chain Binder, symbolizing the Void’s loyalty to the Goddess Teekua.
• Isabella – Forestkin queen, appears after Klock meets the Phantasmal Beast. Leads peace talks with Humans. Mother of Avery, Flavia. Calm, strategic ruler.
• Ada – Female. Ada the Wild Wind. An A-rank adventurer. Her appearance is striking, with black hair mixed with fiery red, multiple earrings, and an axe spear as tall as she is. She is incredibly strong and fast, with a Unique Skill called the ‘Blessing of the Wind’ that enhances her speed and agility. Ada is ruthless in combat but shows a surprising willingness to negotiate. She is highly respected in adventurer circles and feared by criminals. Her relationship with Klock is adversarial, as he stole from her and escaped using trickery.
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Fit – Solo archer adventurer; first appears at Barreith volunteer gathering, introduces herself to Klock and group, joining Brave Knight against Demon Lord’s Army
• Athena – Harpies adventurer; appears alongside Alice at Barreith gathering, flirtatious, joins Klock and volunteers for upcoming battles
• Celes – A bear-type Beastkin Succubus living with Alice after Klock’s arrival. She’s playful, physically strong, and driven by her species’ “mating season” instincts. She teases Alice often and treats life with freedom and spontaneity. No known family or formal ties; she’s Alice’s companion and occasional housemate.
• Boit – A merchant involved in human trafficking, with a villainous face and a loud, obnoxious voice. He is pragmatic and willing to help Klock escape the country in exchange for something. His relationship with Klock is business-like, though both are aware of each other’s illicit activities.
• Count Grasso – Human noble of Conro known for strict discipline. His troops appear during Klock’s campaign march under the Borges crest. Leads the region’s highest-ranking house, commanding respect and tension with Klock’s forces. Alias: “The Silver Lion.” No direct ties to Klock, but his vanguard includes Ada, a former comrade turned rival.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Primjune – She is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, appeared as a scaled and finned figure, known for executing the saint’s kidnapping plan.
• Kreis – Baron of Valture and district chief. A middle-aged noble weighed down with gold chains and jeweled rings, yet it’s his hawk-like eyes and sly smile that mark him as dangerous. He meets Klock at the Borges family’s social gathering, greeting him by name as Maria’s son before Klock can even introduce himself—like a predator that already knows its prey.
• Clea – younger dog beastkin sister who also serviced Klock previously.
• Deena – A 21-year-old unmarried woman. Her appearance is that of a beautiful woman wearing black mourning attire. She is grieving the recent loss of her father in a maritime accident. Deena is the older sister of Elide and is initially mistaken by Klock for a widow.
• Roldi – A male subordinate of Bandanzine, executes orders efficiently, tasked with commanding forces in Orrid and coordinating the invasion strategy.
• Bandanzine – They are one of the Four Heavenly Kings, appeared as a warrior with a dignified gaze, known for their frontline combat prowess.
• Gildegant – One of the Four Generals of the Demon Lord. Flame General.
• Ludovico – He appears as Barreith administrator; confronts Klock and Cianie, demands Hero assist in town defense
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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