Watching those eyes that shone with startled favor, Edward patted Charles's shoulder vigorously before withdrawing his hand and sharing his thoughts.

"I plan to promote a group of loyal and reliable young men from within the Trident Knights and absorb some talents with special experience from adventurers to establish a separate force dedicated to responding to the Chaos crisis,"

"On one hand, it will monitor the corruption spreading through Thunder County; on the other hand, it will keep a close watch on our ranks to prevent our stronghold from crumbling within—"

"This squad will be provisionally stationed in Thunder City, reporting directly to me... Let's just call them 'Demon Hunters' for now."

"As the only Commander with experience fighting against Chaos, I want you to serve as the chief of these 'Demon Hunters'."

Prince Edward's words left Charles frozen in place.

He had no doubt that the eldest son of the Duke could make it happen; he just hadn't expected such an important matter would be settled so quickly, in mere moments of conversation.

Prince Edward seemed to be in a hurry, eager to achieve results immediately.

Intuition told Charles this was not good, but from his position, he really had no grounds for objection, and besides, Prince Edward hadn't seemed to ask for his opinion at all.

What shocked Charles even more was another matter—

Everything seemed to align with the Demon King's words; he indeed had become valued by the Campbell family... Although he was still some distance from being the military leader of Thunder County, seeing Prince Edward's hopes for this new force, that distance seemed not as far as he had imagined, perhaps even within reach.

That person had predicted every move of the Campbell family as if everything was under his control, proceeding according to plan.

A chilling feeling spread down Charles's spine.

For some reason, he felt that the corruption from Hell might arrive here sooner than that of Chaos.

What was more terrifying was that he could feel himself deeply mired in corruption, yet he couldn't see any trace of it.

From the unspoken agreement of the Glorious War and the safe area, to Prince Edward's appointment... Everything he encountered was beyond his refusal.

Taking a deep breath, Charles spoke earnestly.

"Thank you for your trust... I certainly won't let down your expectations."

Edward looked at the loyal Knight approvingly and said encouragingly,

"I look forward to your performance... And since opportunities like this are rare, don't be in a rush to leave. Why not wander around the banquet and familiarize yourself with people here? It'll be good for you."

Charles spoke awkwardly,

"However, I fear my attire might disgrace you."

"Not a big deal, just change into another one," Edward laughed heartily, clapping his hands to call in the butler waiting at the door.

He then ordered,

"Take Mr. Charles to change into a suitable gown; he is my guest, so make sure you take good care of him."

"As you wish, Your Highness," the elderly butler looked at Charles and said respectfully, "Mr. Charles, please follow me."

Facing Prince Edward's enthusiasm, Charles felt too embarrassed to refuse any longer and followed the butler.

Compared to this, he preferred last night's banquet...

Of course, that didn't mean he liked the Demon King's style better; it was solely because he didn't need to put on airs in front of an enemy.

Charles shook his head vigorously, dismissing the inexplicably blasphemous thought that surfaced, along with the corruption of Hell, from his mind.

However, just then, out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught sight of a figure.

The person was dressed in a blue suit with golden trim, standing with chest puffed out and head held high like a proud rooster.

It wasn't his haughty expression that was noteworthy, but the two legs beneath the bloated suit; as soon as Charles saw them, his eyes were fixed.

Unlike the other guests in the banquet hall, he wasn't prompted by envy or jealousy but by a sense of familiarity.

He felt like he had seen something similar on a demon not long ago, hadn't he?

"... An illusion?"

Charles, who had unwittingly slowed his pace, watched the noble walk away, talking to himself in a murmur

It must be an illusion.

The fog was thick that day, and the light on the battlefield was dim; mistaking something wouldn't be odd. After all, the corruption of Hell couldn't have spread here so quickly...

Not long after Charles had left the corridor following the butler, Baron Ges, who had passed him by, snorted softly.

Some fool had come to the future Duke's banquet dressed in armor.

"What a boor!"

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