Imp to Demon King: A Journey of Conquest

As they talked, Zephyr and Morwen engaged in a discourse to praise the rebels' unyielding spirits in their quest for freedom.

They endured the suspicious glares yet smiled at the appreciative nods most people gave them. Eager to prove themselves by completing their mission, they introduced their lord and explained how the city was now a part of his territory.

Protests erupted, but they shrugged and stepped back.

Vaelion replaced them, his gratitude reverberating as he explained how Adam had offered the elven civilians a new life and removed their wicked elders.

Though the clamor calmed down, uneasy whispers still echoed. After all, their perception of demons as the common enemy was deeply ingrained in their culture.

As doubt hung heavy in the air, Luna pushed through the rebels with Kyriakos. Standing at the front, she gestured to him and smiled.

Her beauty captivated and calmed down everyone as her lips parted.

"I don't need to introduce Kyriakos to you and won't steal this moment from him." She turned toward the man and raised her thumb. "Show them the way."

A steely glint flashed in Kyriakos' eyes as he puffed his chest in pride. Fists tight, he gazed at the citizen's hopeful faces, his voice cracking with emotions.

"We fought today with our lives on the line against tyranny." He struck his chest in homage to their courage. "Xanthikos is dead, and freedom is ours!"

Thousands of men and women roared in delight. Everyone knew Barron Kyriakos and the few who didn't saw him charge the gates and fight like a lion on the frontline. This man—the lion of Foliaris—had shared their burden despite his rank, warranting their trust.

Meanwhile, Kyriakos asked for silence by waving his palms down, embarrassed by his new nickname as he continued.

"But we paid a heavy price for this victory. Our deaths will never enjoy the peace they fought for."

He bit his lip as a melancholic silence settled over the crowd. He let it linger for a minute to honor those heroes before he inhaled and continued.

"Did the kingdom help us during our darkest hour? Did Hestia punish Xanthikos after he broke her teachings one after another?" His tone grew somber. "Do you want to follow them after their repeated betrayals? Yes! Their inaction is a betrayal!"

He gestured at the demons, his fists trembling.

"I won't! That's why I allied with those demons. They could have conquered and enslaved us, but they rescued us and treated our wounded. That's what I expect from the kingdom I serve." He raised the glinting lord's blazon. "They ask nothing in exchange but for us to change allegiance. So, what are we waiting for?"

Pensive frowns creased the citizens' brows as their hushed whispers filled the city. Though they agreed wholeheartedly with Kyriakos' negative opinion of the kingdom, demons, really? They didn't know... Everything they ever heard about them was disgusting stories that would make the bravest man puke. But didn't the elves follow them already? Their gazes darted to their long ears, sparkling golden armor, and relaxed expressions. Somehow, they didn't seem like wretched slaves, so maybe?

As they doubted, hundreds of crying citizens, led by the aged woman, acclaimed the demons. Their loud clapping echoed from the back as they roared to trust them.

Slowly, the general opinion swayed in favor as Zephyr whistled in awe.

"I can't believe how accurate big brother's plan is." Enjoy exclusive content from empire

Morwen snorted, a smirk tugging at her lips.

"What do you know? It runs much deeper than what you can understand. We lost no men. The citizens feel indebted to us after we saved them, and we avoided public unrest by placing a trustworthy man as the city lord. It's not just an accurate plan; it's a brilliant one!"

However, Luna rolled her eyes at the two kids, wondering if she should tell them he made this plan only because he grew tired of convincing the population. Still, she didn't dislike it.

She gazed at the citizens supporting and hugging each other like brothers and sisters. "Everyone won but the kingdom," she muttered as she waved her hand and stepped back.

"Time to return."

Followed by Bart, she strolled through the bloodied streets and left the city.

They were unneeded, and honestly? Politics didn't interest her in the slightest. Garduck and the kids would stabilise the city with Kyriakos just fine. Instead, she gazed at her palms as she walked toward Harmony, her mind filled with questions about herself.

Hours later, doubts gnawed at her troubled heart. After seeing so many smiling faces, the idea of resurrecting her childhood dream sprouted in her heart. But with it came the painful memories of Bella's horrible death. She didn't know if the others would accept it either...

Facing a mental wall, her lips twitched as she stopped and turned to Bart.

"Promise me you won't laugh."

"Where does that come from?" Bart frowned under the forest trees' shades, wondering what she wanted so close to their town.

"Just promise me!"

He raised his hands in defeat before he sat on a thick root and gestured for her to do the same. "I promise."

Reassured, she exhaled and sat. Her slender fingers brushed the moist soil as she hesitated for a second before her eyes firmed.

"I wanted to become a demonic doctor when I was young, but... things happened." She sighed, indicating she wouldn't speak about it. "I dropped my dream to focus on revenge, but now... I feel that my life isn't so pathetic anymore. What do you think? Should I pursue it again?"

She felt Bart's scrutiny press down on her heart before she closed her eyes in trepidation as the red demon's lips parted.

"I don't know why you ask me instead of our lord."

She shuddered. Wasn't it obvious? Adam would always encourage his entourage. No, she needed a neutral opinion.

Bart sighed, his voice echoing with the gentle breeze.

"If your dream is meaningful and brings you happiness, try to pursue it, Luna." A bright smile spread across his face as he rose to his feet. "You'd never know if you don't."

Her heart drumming in her ears, she leapt to her feet and followed him to the town.

"What was I afraid of?" She muttered to herself, her eyes sparkling. "Sorry for lying, Bart. I can't tell you that half the reason is because I want to keep you all alive."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om