Chapter 944- The Shadow Lurks (7)

Chapter 944- The Shadow Lurks (7)

Avrox wasn't someone he could afford to kill—not because of Avrox himself, but because of the one standing behind him. That said, he still had to maintain his dignity.

Huff... with an irritated voice, Gelford spat out "The only reason you're still standing here still in one piece is because of your master. Were it not for that lord, the one you serve, you would've been ash long ago. That said, I still warn you to watch your words, you are speaking to a demon Duke, I will not let this slide the next time".

At that threat, a mocking smile appeared on Avrox's face for a second. He answered, his tone dripping with false humility.

"Of course, my lord. I wouldn't dream of insulting your authority."

"Anyways, whether or not you choose to act," Avrox continued smoothly, "the Demon Earl won't stop. You've already seen it with your own eyes. This is just the beginning"

"Refuse my suggestion, and mark my words, you'll be swept up in something far greater than what the Ogre King lost. This is a fire that could consume more than just your faction."

The two dukes furrowed their brows. Even if they were to ignore Avrox's words, the fact still remained that they had to do something about the Demon Earl in the Ghasthly Winding Forest.

Whether or not he claimed the mysterious treasure of the forest, it was true that he was a hindrance in their path and his means were unfathomable to them.

After a long silence, Gelford spoke "We'll consider your proposal Avrox. However, initiating a Fate Game still remains to be impossible at large"...

"Hoh? Why is it so? I see no reason to hesitate to crush this pest once and for all"...

"It seems you're both overthinking this. The two dukes do not need to fret about him. In fact, you may find that Lord Belial will turn a blind eye to our actions—or better yet, stay out of it entirely"...

"Hoh, and what makes you so sure of it?" Arctaurus raised an eyebrow, crossing his massive arms over his chest.

Hehe... With a sly grin, Avrox stepped forward, making his way to the centre of the hall. The spotlight of attention shifted fully onto him.

"Hehe... Have you all forgotten what happened at the last Hexennacht?". At those words, the room fell quiet. All eyes flickered for a second as memories from an event not too long ago flooded into their minds.

"You mean the... incident?" Gelford's gaze sharpened quickly getting the hint.

"Yes. That 'incident.' Where our dear Demon Earl overextended his authority... and interrupted Lord Belial himself".

The mere mention of a demon—an Earl, no less—challenging a Demon Lord's authority in such a public arena was almost unthinkable. And yet, it had happened.

"You see, Lord Belial, in all his ancient might, had to reconsider his own ruling, because of that Demon Earl. For a Demon Lord of his stature? Well, let's just say... that was surely a sore point. Imagine the insult—a Demon Lord, forced to adjust his decisions for someone far below his rank"

He added after a pause "There's no way, not a chance, that Lord Belial would defend that upstart now"

"Indeed... Lord Belial did seem... displeased by the Demon Earl's interference" Arctaurus agreed, his expression dark.

The memory of that day was not pleasant. Although he had been focused on the implications of losing the Ghastly Winding Forest and losing his precious subordinate, he had not missed the personal affront that the Demon Earl had caused Lord Belial.

Everybody, from the lowest of demons to humans knows that a Demon Lord's ego and dignity was legendary, and to have it challenged was unforgivable.