The Twelve Dukes of the Demon Realm are the direct commanders and generals of the Demon King. Because of his imposing aura and temper like a ticking time bomb, the Twelve Dukes keep changing.
Everyone knew the danger of being one of the Twelve Dukes, but the demon's instincts were more inclined to the strongest. If one demon displays unlimited power, they will rever and worship him.
For this reason, many demons want to get close to the Demon King and witness his unlimited power up close.
As the Twelve Dukes waited for the Demon King's response, the Verdant Demon swept his eyes across the Twelve. After he counted off, he found out there were only eleven.
The Verdant Demon blinks in surprise. Where's the Zither Demon?!
"Your Excellency did the Zither Demon…."
"He's dead."
Now the Verdant Demon understood why the Demon King is easily aggrieved at the moment. He took pleasure in killing his servants but got angry if others killed them. He's bizarre that way.
"I will investigate their deaths straight away –"
"No need. I just want you to answer one question, Verdant."
"Ask away, Your Excellency."
The Demon King did not speak immediately. His thoughts are preoccupied. All the demons present in the room sense that the annoyance he had has lessened. They have to thank Verdant for bringing baffling news. If not, they are not sure how many Twelve Dukes will be killed this time.
"Who killed Zither?"
The Verdant Demon pondered. He had sneaked into the Elven Croft Palace and become one of the royal guards. He watched as the Princess let her loyal servant braid her hair before going to the High Court.
He watched from the sidelines as the Twelve Elders were killed by the Ice Demon with his help. He also gets to witness how the Princess manages to defend herself and survive the attacks from both sides. He did not get to see her full potential, but with the Ice Demon's words, he was sure it was only her who could defeat the Zither Demon and the Ice Demon.
"When the Ice Demon openly challenged the Fairy King, triggering the mana poison, the Princess was able to defend herself from it. Your Excellency, if there's someone in the faery realm who can kill the Zither master and disciple demon, it's her."
"How strong was she?"
"I cannot completely assess her strength. But she was looked down upon because of her plant type attribute. And yet, when the Ice Demon witnessed her fight, he said she was in ethereal stage, the same level as her father."
"How high are the chances she is the chosen champion of the Tower of Erase?"
The throne room fell into a stifling silence. The Verdant Demon considered this and said in true honesty.
"Your Excellency, in my opinion, there's a 60% chance she is the chosen champion. Never in the history of the fairy realm did the average plant type attribute reach ethereal stage. It was only light and curse magic dwellers. Majority of ethereal stage fairies are elves, but bloodline does not contribute to advancements. If I am not wrong, she managed to defeat the Zither Demon with the help of the Tower of Erase. Nonetheless, she is dead. These things are only my speculations. "
The Demon King drummed his fingers on his throne. All the Twelve Dukes fall silent, waiting for him to bestow his order. If worst comes to worst, one of them might be called to kill the Verdant Demon.
Some of them held a bit of mockery in their hearts. He should have denied that possibility proposed by the Demon King. Knowing him, he will kill anyone who is involved in anything that might endanger the demon realm's current welfare.
Unexpectedly, the Demon King issued an order.
"Verdant, take Crimson with you and erase all your traces and involvement in the destruction of the fairy realm. Cancel your contract with that human. Violet, close the portals of the demon realm and don't let anyone in or out. "
Violet is one of the Twelve Dukes and also the longest who stayed in that position. Because of his seniority and devotion towards the Demon King, he was trusted and considered the Demon King's right hand. Crimson is the demon king's son and the next in line for the throne. It was obvious Crimson was not interested in the throne but loved to play with humans and beasts alike. His mind control and blood manipulation are considered one of the most brutal powers in the demon realm. After all, there was no limit as to how many interracial bodies he could play with.
"Yes, Your Excellency." The three demons departed.
Crimson was a handsome young man in his twenties. His features are sharp and carved intricately. He wasn't a spawn of the devil's son for nothing. He was also tall and his build was lean but full of muscles. As a result of his adonis features, many young beasts and human girls fell to their feet. Which always results in a blood massacre. The Demon King knew his son's extra activities, yet he did not show any interest in stopping them.
Because no matter how meticulous the investigation was done by the races that Crimson offended, no one could actually detect his trace or his presence.
That's the very reason why Crimson was sent with Verdant to erase his trace. Crimson is an expert with many years of background experience.
"Verdant, let me kill your human." It wasn't a request. It was an order. Stating that right when they arrive at the human realm, Verdant was speechless. He did not want to offend this ruthless demon prince. He said calmly.
"Your Highness, I believe you cannot touch him. Your father's orders were only to erase my demonic trace and cancel the contract. That was all. If you fancy blood, I can take you to the most hidden night town in the city. There are hundred courtesans ready to curb your blood lust."
Crimson scorned. "What? Are you afraid your human dying?"