In the heart of a sprawling metropolis constructed with majestic gray marble structures, a colossal domed castle stood as the centerpiece. Such a grand edifice was befitting only for the capital of two realms, the imperial dominion, and Hellgerd the capital of the demon realm.
(imagine Constantinople, but gray)
Within the castle, men and women of diverse appearances darted about in a flurry of chaotic activity. Some possessed elongated horns, while others lacked them entirely. Dark purple, yellow, and blue skin adorned different individuals, and among them were those with tails or wings. However, despite their visual distinctions, they all donned a uniform that unified them. The design was uniform, a black two-piece ensemble with a jacket and trousers, embellished with golden threads along the shoulders and chest, presenting a polished aesthetic.
Nestled within a modest office at the heart of the castle, a pale-skinned man with large white wings sprouting from his back and pitch-black horns atop his head sat beside a small coffee table. He wore the same uniform as his fellow demons, and across from him sat Archduke Malgorth.
"Rex, your letter has reached the Emperor. While he didn't appear overly pleased, I believe he will refrain from interference," Archduke Malgorth stated elegantly, savoring a sip from his coffee cup.
"I expected nothing less from you, Malgorth. We needn't concern ourselves with the empire for now," the Demon King responded softly, his purple eyes fixed directly on Malgorth, sending shivers down the archduke's spine. "Nevertheless, it would be prudent to monitor the empire's activities. Even a dying tiger remains a tiger," the Demon Emperor added, raising his cup for another sip before placing it back down, his gaze fixed on the archduke, awaiting a response.
"Rex, that has become quite challenging. We aren't certain who it is, but someone has been eliminating the spies we dispatched to the empire. We are still investigating whether it's internal sabotage or if someone has uncovered our plans. However, spreading our resources beyond the imperial capital will render maintaining a spy network nearly impossible," Malgorth managed to utter, his back drenched in sweat, making it difficult for him to speak.
"Hmmm, is that so? Concentrate the entire spy team in the capital for now. There isn't much valuable information outside anyway. Once this matter is resolved, we'll expand the network," Nexial replied, leaning forward. He continued, shifting his focus. "How is the troop organization progressing on the orcish front? I've yet to receive an update from Field Marshal Camus. We must conclude the war with the orcs within the year to secure their vast iron and coal reserves, preparing for a conflict with the confederation. I trust you understand the significance," the Demon King stated as another demon entered the room. This demon bore a striking resemblance to the Demon King, but with a single conspicuous difference—his color scheme had been inverted, his skin and wings as black as coal, while his horns gleamed white.
"You may take your leave now, Archduke. I have matters to discuss with the Chancellor," the Demon King declared, shifting his attention to the newly arrived demon—Thibaut Vorrenthorn, the Chancellor of the Demon King. Thibaut was the man responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations between demons and other races, despite their inherent differences. He also happened to be the twin brother of the current Demon King.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Malgorth responded once more, transforming into a black orb and vanishing from the room.
"Have they contacted us again?" Thibaut inquired, taking a seat at the table with the Demon King, who produced a letter from his pocket.
"Here you go… They wish to offer us support without any demands," the Demon King replied, extending the letter to the chancellor.
"I can't tell if the stew here is black or if the entire pot is tainted, but one thing is clear—something smells fishy. There's no way those bastards would give us something without expecting something in return… I believe it's in our best interest to reject their support," Thibaut remarked, his face reflecting deep contemplation after perusing the letter.
Once Thibaut finished reading, the Demon King handed another letter to the chancellor. "They've sent us an ultimatum: either accept their support or cease the war immediately… I don't think we have much choice here," the Demon King explained, observing Thibaut's expression sour as he read the second letter.
"But this is clearly a trap… fuuuuhhhh… Let's turn down their offer. We'll defend our ports with the Marines while the rest of the army focuses on conquering the orcish lands. If we can hold out for a year, we'll manage. Their only way of attacking us is by sea, so as long as our ports are secure, those bastards won't have a supply line to sustain their troops," Thibaut proposed, his tone calming as he massaged his nose while gazing at the ceiling.
"Thibaut, are you certain that plan will work? The High Table likely has countless spies embedded in Hellgerd… Are you willing to take that risk?" the Demon King questioned, skepticism evident in his expression.
"For now, let's delay sending a response. I'll focus on dealing with the spy problem. Blockade the ports and allow no one in or out. I'll have the spy issue resolved within a week. Meanwhile, you should concentrate on swiftly concluding the orcish front," the chancellor instructed, folding both letters and tossing them into the blazing blue pit.
"You need not worry about my part. The orcs won't receive any external support. Isolated and fragmented, they will crumble under my military might," the Demon King declared, rising from the coffee table and heading to his desk.
"Brother, I sense lingering doubts in you about the righteousness of our actions… But fear not, we shall find our answers from Vydarr once we transcend our mortal existence. For now, we must fulfill the duties we were born to undertake. Nothing else holds greater significance," the Demon King spoke, his gaze fixed upon Thibaut, who had reached the room's exit. (Vydarr = the god that the demons worship, unlike the empire where they have an entire pantheon the demons just worship one god, the god of the dead)
Thibaut left the room without uttering a word, not sparing a glance for Nexial, who had maintained a cold demeanor throughout the discussion.
"If only you could witness the things I've experienced, brother… Then you would have no doubts about the choices I've made… Unfortunate, truly unfortunate," the Demon King murmured, engrossed in signing documents—an activity he had been engaged in before the Archduke's arrival.
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In the midst of the southern front lines separating the orcs and demons, inside a modest tent, stood Field Marshal Camus, the assigned commander for this crucial campaign. As a dullahan, he lacked his customary horse companion, but his determination was unwavering. Engrossed in a phone call, he conversed with Archduke Malgorth, who had summoned him shortly after his meeting with the Demon King.
"The Rex is eager for an update on the situation, as you know the significance of this campaign to him," Malgorth expressed, a slight frown creasing his brow.
"I am well aware. We plan to initiate our offensive at midnight today, catching those damned orcs off guard. I apologize for not providing a direct report to His Highness earlier, but organizing the troops required more time than expected," the Field Marshal replied earnestly.
"I understand. However, I recommend contacting the Rex directly to inform him of the imminent operation. I'm certain he'll be pleased to receive the news," Malgorth suggested, a warm smile gracing his face.
"Indeed, I will make sure to do so," the dullahan affirmed, appreciative of the advice.
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"Have all the tribal chiefs gathered? Ogurk" grunted a huge, brawny orc covered in elaborate tattoos. Seated upon a throne-like seat, he exuded an imposing presence, with a massive, crimson-eyed wolf at his side. His formidable tusks projected a fierce aura, while his red eyes gleamed with a thirst for battle.
"Yes, my chief. They are outside, awaiting your arrival. The meeting can begin whenever you're ready. Ogurk," replied another orc, pulling aside the camp's curtains.
"Then let us join them, Ogurkkk!" the towering orc declared, hefting his appropriately sized battleaxe and striding out, his loyal wolf trailing faithfully behind.