Becoming a Demon King was a simple process. If you caught the attention of the Great Demon King, you could become one.

Ridiculous as it may sound, that was the truth. The Great Demon King was the absolute ruler of the demon realm. No matter how exceptional your abilities and qualities were, if the Great Demon King didn’t take notice of you, you would spend your life as a mere demon.

In that sense, Borcania Barsilof was a blessed Demon King. As soon as she entered the academy, she had caught the eye of the Great Demon King. That’s why she could become a Demon King much faster than her peers.

“So, it was you after all.”

Karos muttered with a twisted expression. Borcania looked at him with an intrigued gaze.

“Hmm. Did you finally realize?”

“Well, I thought about it, and besides you, there wasn’t really a suitable Demon King candidate. But it’s a bit unexpected. Weren’t you quite close with Bathesia back in the academy?”

“I already mentioned why. My title is what it is.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

The Demon King of Betrayal and Snakes, that was the title bestowed upon her by the Great Demon King. Titles represented the essence of a Demon King. Borcania’s essence was betrayal.

Karos shrugged his shoulders.

“Anyway, it’s been a while. It’s been a few years, hasn’t it?”

“Now… it’s been about that long. But you’re still the same. You’re not surprised even in this situation. You’re still as self-assured as ever.”

“That’s all I’ve got going for me.”

Borcania chuckled. During their time at the academy, she was one of the few individuals who didn’t have a hostile relationship with Karos. They weren’t on bad terms, even if it was an old story.

Karos inwardly reminisced as he spoke.

“So, what do you want?”

“Want from you?”

Borcania raised an eyebrow.

“Poor friend. Back at the academy, I protected you just for the fun of it, as a little amusement. It was nice to have you around to pass the time. But now, I have plenty of toys to replace you. So…”

“Cut the nonsense and get to the point.”

Karos snapped.

“Are you telling me you contacted me personally using an expensive crystal just to mess with me? Back in our academy days, it might have been fine, but now, I doubt you have the luxury for such things, Borcania. Aren’t you going through a tough time ruling the vast western lands already?”

“…So that’s why you don’t like me.”

Borcania smirked wryly. Karos glared at her.

Borcania Barsilof, the ruler of the western lands. She had a territory that could rival a kingdom. She might not be on the level of rulers like Bathesia, but she was still one of the top Demon Kings.

For her to engage in such a frivolous activity with no purpose didn’t make sense. Borcania spoke with resignation.

“I suppose it’s pointless to hide it from you. Yes, Karos, I have a request for you. Unless you have something more pressing to do in this situation, the ruler of the vast western lands, Borcania Barsilof, wouldn’t bother contacting you.”

Karos gritted his teeth.

“Get to the point and stop the nonsense, Borcania.”

“Fine. I need you to persuade Bathesia and send her to me.”

**** ****

“Bathesia is your subordinate now. I can’t issue life or death orders, but I can manage this much. Above all, she trusts me. She will probably accept without much hesitation if you ask her. Please, Karos.”

Karos remained silent for a moment. Borcania waited patiently without pressing him further. After a while, Karos finally spoke.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why are you demanding her? Bathesia is strong, but she’s just a regular demon now. She has no influence. What’s the reason behind all this?”

Karos glared at Borcania with sharp eyes.

“I’m just asking to be sure, but is the rumor true?”

“ …Yes. It’s quite a messy situation.”

Borcania smiled bitterly.

“Sothracross is eyeing my territory.”

“…That’s insane.”

Karos expressed his exasperation. Sothracross, the Demon King of Joy and Madness. One of the Four Sovereigns.

Sothracross had no influence. He didn’t have any subordinate demons. But there was one reason he was included among the rulers. His strength.

Sothracross’s power was beyond imagination. With his own strength, he had destroyed three eastern kingdoms and torn apart three heroes. Without receiving a single injury. Even though demons might be strong, there was a limit to individual power. But when you talked about Sothracross, it was as if he transcended that limitation. Some even said he could rival the Great Demon King.

Despite his lack of political power, Sothracross had countless demons who were fascinated by him. They had no practical role, but those who supported Sothracross were widespread. If you asked ten demons in the demon realm, at least two of them would support Sothracross.

Borcania was strong as well, but her opponent was troublesome. If Sothracross were to seriously target her, her entire foundation would crumble within a week.

“So, you want Bathesia to send her? To bolster your defenses?”

“Yes, exactly.”

“But her power won’t be enough. No matter how similar you two are as rulers, individual strength matters.”

Bathesia had become a ruler due to her influence and power. However, Sothracross had become a ruler solely through his individual strength.

Moreover, Bathesia had lost her Demon King abilities. The difference in power was too great. But Borcania smiled.

“It’s okay. I’ve considered that as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a simple concept. If the loyal subjects who had pledged their allegiance to their absent ruler, who they believe will return someday, were faced with a crisis, what would they do? Would they ignore their ruler, or would they come to their ruler’s aid even when facing imminent destruction?”

“You…”

Karos’s expression stiffened. What Borcania had just said was borderline madness, even in the demon realm.

“…That would be considered a problem, you know.”

“It won’t be a problem. It doesn’t go against any of the Great Demon King’s decrees. Besides…”

She stood up and approached the crystal. The smooth contours of her body were fully revealed under the thin fabric.

“As long as you and I keep our mouths shut, nobody will know, right?”

“You crazy bastard.”

Karos clicked his tongue. What Borcania had just said was simple. She wanted to deliberately put Bathesia in a crisis. And she intended for Bathesia’s subordinates to find out about it.

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!