Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 680- The Audacious Demon Earl

Chapter 680- The Audacious Demon Earl

While it may be true that one of Belial's goals in establishing a council was to settle disputes peacefully, his ultimate objective was far grander and more self-serving.

 Possessing a shrewd and calculating mind he saw an opportunity to solidify his position among the demons, to assert himself as a formidable Demon Lord capable of leading and making decisive decisions on the behalf of other demons.

Through his carefully crafted words and actions, he presented himself as the epitome of strength and leadership. He skillfully manipulated the circumstances, channelling the demons' collective fear and uncertainty towards himself, casting an aura of authority and stability around his persona.

The establishment of the peaceful council served as a means to an end, a vehicle through which he could demonstrate his influence and control over the demon society. By positioning himself as the driving force behind the council's decisions, he effectively became the arbiter of power, capable of shaping the fate of the demons according to his own ambitions.

 Belial's true objective was not merely to settle disputes, but to solidify his position at the helm of demon society, ensuring that his authority remained unchallenged.

He yearned for the demons to see him as a Demon Lord of unparalleled power, someone who could protect their interests and to instil in the minds of his fellow demons a deep-seated belief in his power, wisdom, and ability to navigate the treacherous currents of their world.

Having lived for more than 4000 years, they were beings of great wits and acumen. How could the Demon Archdukes not see through Belial's plan?

"Well, he at least understands that leadership comes not only from physical prowess but also from the ability to sway other's minds and shape their perceptions" Gareth commented as he looked at his son who remained poised even while settling the disputes of the demons.

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Belial, standing before the assembly of demons, called out the names of several prominent Demon Dukes, each known for their powerful forces and long standing disputes.

"Duke Vortigern, you claim ownership of the Blighted Moors, citing your ancestral ties to the land and your family's longstanding dominance. However, Duke Morvath, ruler of the Shrouded Marshes, presents evidence of ancient texts that suggest their ancient history of noble lineages. Do you have any evidence besides your claim that proves that you are the rightful owner of Blighted Moors?".

The hall fell silent as Belial continued, addressing each Duke and their territorial claims, weighing the evidence presented by both sides. He listened attentively to their arguments, considering the historical records, testimonies from witnesses, and the strategic significance of the contested territories.

After a careful deliberation, Belial rendered his verdict.

"Duke Vortigern, as you have failed to provide adequate evidence, your claim over the Blighted Moors cannot be recognized. On the other hand, Duke Morvath you provide evidence of your ancestry to that land; however, these evidence are only from 800 years ago".

"If I remember correct, the Blightest Moors was the territory of the Demon Archduke who had perished long ago. Since then the land had been lying vacant. If that land belonged to you after that, why have you not positioned any of your subordinates or created any dungeons there? Why are you trying to take claim of that land now?"

"As your evidence is not foolproof, I declare the Blighted Moors a neutral territory, accessible to all demon nobles for hundred years. I trust that you both will honour this decision of mine and cease all hostilities for the next century".

Belial gazed at Duke Vortigern and Duke Morvath, seeing that although reluctant at first, they nonetheless acquiesced to his words, he shifted his attention to other disputes.

As the discussion continued, the venue erupted in murmurs and whispers as the demons absorbed Belial's decisions. Some expressed satisfaction, others frustration, but all understood the weight of his authority.

Belial's judgments although bitter to swallow, was impartial and taken after much deliberation and evidence. In cases where both the parties showed decietful claims over a territory, like Duke Vortigern and Duke Morvath, the territory was declared neutral for a hundred years.

Any demon nobles can come and go from that territory; however, no one is allowed to set up a dungeon or acquire that land.

During all this Belial maintained his neutral stance and further solidified his position as the Demon Lord into the hearts of many demon nobles. And so, after many discussions, the topic that a particular Demon Earl was waiting for, was finally waged.

The coveted Ghastly Winding Forest.

The moment, Belial brought out this topic, two influential demon dukes who were eagerly awaiting their opportunity to stake their claims on this land strode forward.

"Duke Gelford of the Great Sphinx Desert," Belial began, "and Duke Arctaurus of the Stygian Grounds, I see that you have been fighting over the Ghastly Winding Forest for a long period of time. I believe that you have also brought this topic up in the many Hexennacht's before this too. However, don't worry, a decision shall be made today".

Ghastly Winding Forest, it was a place renowned in the Demon Continent for being one of the most ancient and mystical lands. Whether it be the mighty Demon Dukes or the Demon Lord of Envy himself none of them knew much about this land besides the fact that it was a place of ethereal beauty with trees and vibrant foliage that was next to impossible to be encountered in the Demon Continent.

What's more, it was one of the lands that bordered the Central continent and was a strategic location. Other than this fact, it was also known that the forest was a place of bountiful resources and hidden treasures.

It also harbours rare and exotic plants with extraordinary properties, their essence coveted by alchemists and potion-makers for their transformative abilities. Furthermore, it is rumoured that the Ghastly Winding Forest held ancient relics and artefacts of immense power and historical significance.

Belial had once heard his father mention that the place might conceal a long-lost realm, with forgotten treasures hidden within its depths. However, a legend was a legend, when Belial surveyed the place a long time ago, he found nothing.

That being said, the allure of obtaining these relics with immeasurable power and prestige that could potentially elevate their position and power in the demon society, was irresistible for many of the demons here.

As such fueled by their ambitions, it was only natural for these influential Demon Dukes to fight over the forest. A hush silence fell over the venue as the demons leaned forward, awaiting Belial's verdict.

The latter listened intently to their impassioned pleas. Duke Arctaurus spoke, he argued that his territory, the Stygian Grounds had historical ties to the Ghastly Winding Forest. He claimed that his ancestors had established a presence there thousands of years ago and had maintained a vigilant watch over the forest's secrets.

He spoke of the ancient pacts and bloodlines that bound his ancestry to the very essence of the forest, asserting that no other demon could rival his claim.

On the other hand...

"The Ghastly Winding forest is a strategic location that shares sixty per cent of its borders with my territory. It holds a great significance to me, and I have already made substantial investments in its exploration and development. I had sent numerous demons and subordinates of mine to painstakingly map its treacherous pathways".

"I have already shed a lot of sweat and blood of my subordinates to counter the monsters living there. I cannot relent this land to Arctaurus whose ancestral claims relating to the forest makes no sense. I who have been monitoring this land have earned the right to control and benefit from the forest's bounties".

Duke Gelford, a charismatic Demon Duke hailing from the arid Great Sphinx Desert that bordered the Ghastly winding forest, claimed.

His bronzed skin etched with golden hieroglyphs glistened like hot desert sand beneath the scorching sun. While his piercing amber eyes mirrored the intensity of the inferno that raged within his soul.

Adorned in flowing robes the colour of shifting sands, intricately embroidered with golden threads depicting swirling sandstorms and ancient hieroglyphs, he commanded an air of authority and mystique.

A golden circlet adorned the Duke's head, bearing the emblem of the blazing sun, symbolizing his dominion over the arid lands from which he hailed.

As the heated debate raged on, it became evident that neither side could provide irrefutable evidence or undeniable claims over the Ghastly Winding Forest. The sound arguments they provided might seem fine to others; however, Belial knew that all these were craftily woven lies to get the rights over the forest.

None of their statements had any backing. Recognizing the stalemate, Belial, the Demon Lord of Envy, intervened to deliver his verdict.

"I have heard your claims and after a careful deliberation, I have come to a decision. Duke Arctaurus, Duke Gelford, your claims and statements are not enough to recognise either one of you as the rightful owner of the land. As such, I declare the Ghastly Winding Forest a neutral territory, belonging to neither Duke Arctaurus nor Duke Gelford. I believe there are no objections?"

Belial's eyes scanned the room for any signs of dissent or brewing conflict. Seeing the two Dukes even though somewhat discontent with his verdict, nod their heads, did he smile.

Given that he has stabilised his position and power among the demons, and firmly established himself as their leader, there was no way any demon would dare to show discontent or defy his verdict.

 Or so he thought. However, just when he was about to move onto the topic of other lands, a voice interjected cutting through the hubbub of the venue and reaching the ears of every demon nobles present.

There is a reason why I have bothered to describe Duke Gelford. Can anyone predict what relation it might have with Simon?