???'s POV
The Kingdom of Milham is one of the most powerful human kingdoms in the world. Known not only for revolutionizing firearms and leading in innovation, it is also the largest and most economically gifted kingdom globally. Among the countries of this world, it is the most rapidly advancing.
Though it still can't compete with the Demonic Kingdom of Hell, which rules nearly half the world's land, or the Empire of Rodonia, which dominates the second-largest continent, Milham's technological advancements have positioned it to finally stand toe-to-toe with these giants.
However, in recent times, Milham has been on the decline. Just days ago, many nobles were stripped of their titles due to the exposure of their corrupt dealings. The kingdom is plagued by widespread corruption and various unspeakable activities within its political sphere. Additionally, it is known for having the highest number of terrorist groups aiming to overthrow the royal family.
Despite Milham's recent prosperity, I can honestly say that with just the right moves, it could easily fall.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was orchestrating this chaos, manipulating events from behind the scenes to ensure the kingdom's downfall. It was as if a master puppeteer had set everything in motion with one calculated move, pushing Milham to the brink of collapse like a line of falling dominoes.
"This has gotten interesting," I murmured to myself, my eyes scanning the detailed report from the ambassador I'd sent to Milham. The implications were clear: with just a few strategic moves, I could pull the strings and make the kingdom mine. It would eventually be swallowed by my country, a seamless takeover. The thought thrilled me.
"Isn't this kind of nice?" I mused, a grin spreading across my face.
I just have to outmaneuver whoever is behind this puppetry, and then I could conquer the kingdom without so much as moving a muscle.
***
Lilia's POV
"Your Highness, I beg you to reconsider! Please, I can't lose my title," pleaded a man in tattered clothing, looking like a pig that had just escaped from a pen. His voice trembled with desperation. "T-Those accusations are all lies. Can you really believe I would do such a thing?! Please, Your Highness, reconsider!"
He was groveling on the luxurious royal carpet, tears staining his dirty cheeks, while the king gazed down at him with icy, unforgiving eyes. The grandeur of the throne room contrasted starkly with the man's pathetic state, amplifying the gravity of his fall from grace.
His Highness sighed deeply, his gaze hardening as he looked down at man. "You really are a piece of crap, Teliu. Do you honestly think I'd reconsider the verdict I've given you? Do you have any idea how much damage your scandal has inflicted on our kingdom? The chaos you've caused goes beyond mere embarrassment.
Our associates are beginning to distrust us, and our trading partners are pulling out due to your idiocy. The citizens are losing faith in our leadership, breeding more terrorists and insurgents. This could even escalate into a full-blown civil war. There's nothing you can do to stop it now. The only thing left for you is to pay for the immense damage this scandal has caused or face the gallows."
"Hiiii!" the man shrieked in fear, pressing his forehead harder into the carpet. "P-Please, Your Highness, can you make the punishment a little less severe? Sending me to the gallows, even stripping me of my status, is going overboard! I am willing to take punishment, but not to that extent! Demote me if you must, and I will slowly pay the repercussions for my mistakes.
I will force my subjects to give me everything they have and hand it all over to you! J-Just please, don't take so much from me! And please, don't send me to the gallows. I can't pay for anything right now because all my properties have been burned down. Please, I'm begging you, Your Highness!"
The man couldn't sink any lower than he was at that moment.
Riding in on horseback, I was halted by a large procession of demon soldiers.
"Hey, you! What are your intentions here?" barked a man who appeared to be the captain of these demon soldiers.
I dismounted my horse with a determined stride, facing the captain squarely. "I'm here to speak with your master," I declared.
"State your business! You seem suspicious!" he barked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
"I just did. I'm here to talk to your master," I replied firmly.
"I said you look suspicious!" the captain retorted, his stance unwavering. "If you have business with my master, you tell me first. My soldiers will relay it to her!"
"You clearly don't understand how sensitive this matter is," I said firmly. "It's too secret for a demon soldier captain, or even for ordinary soldiers, to know. That's why I can't disclose my business to your master through you."
"Then you're not allowed to pass," the captain insisted stubbornly.
This man was proving to be difficult. It seemed like my only option was to eliminate him.
"Eclair," a woman's voice called out. I glanced behind the captain and saw a woman with two horns on her head. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to talk to you about something. Mind if I come in?" I asked.
The woman glanced at the captain. "Ronald, allow her to enter."
"B-But Mistress!"
"Listen to me carefully. Your life depends on it," she warned with a sharp edge to her voice. "Consider yourself fortunate that I caught a whiff of her scent. If I hadn't, your head would be rolling by now."
The captain's shock was evident as he glanced between us, his gaze settling on me with a hint of accusation.
"Don't fret. She won't lay a finger on me," she reassured him, her confidence unwavering.
"F-Fine," the captain finally relented, his resistance crumbling under her authoritative presence.
With his consent, I stepped into the noble house of the demon servants, facing the formidable figure of Mammon, the current head of the household.