Chapter 181

Chapter 181: Chapter 181

It had been weeks since the battle against Ibaeron was won, and despite the battleground being far from the Fiend city, it went up in flames. With the death of the Grand Duke, commoners overturned the nobility, laying siege to the castle.

Naturally, the nobility wouldn’t stand for this, so a new battle raged, this time within the city, as the fine line dividing social classes was shattered.

Caedos learned of this right away, spies had been sent to watch the city. He had killed a Grand Duke after all, the enmity between rival factions aside, there were still four other Fiend cities which posed a threat.

The civil war in Ibaeron only worsened as the days went by, citizens fleeing the city in mass droves to safer places. It was in the midst of this chaos that he received an invitation to a peace conference by the Grand Duke of the neighboring Fiend city.

Caedos cared little about what would become of Ibaeron, it was no longer a cage for Hellhounds. They were still healing and rebuilding from the last battle however, so he was cautious, another Fiend city capitalizing on their period of weakness to attack wouldn’t be beneath them.

The royal castle of Avalan was quieter these days, unable to contain the increasing number of Demons returned to their homes, restoration of the city had commenced.

Those who could find their old homes did, and those born in the period of captivity were sheltered, some were able to reunite with their families or trace down homes they had never been in.

He studied the letter, looking outside the window. The purple sky was clear, with barely any clouds. Beyond the shrubbery of the castle, he could see Demons walking down the streets, the rebirth of Avalan still fragile.

Caedos neatly folded up the letter, deep in thought. He almost wanted to turn down the invite, already knowing the outcome. Fiends shared a lot in common, Grand Duke Razzith would be no different.

His lips pressed into a grim line, it was still too soon after the past battle to fight another. And even if they managed to win again, the Deep Woods would only deteriorate further

But attending the peace conference was the only viable option, even if it was to delay the inevitable. So he summoned his captains to his study to strategize.

Caedos had completely recovered physically from the battle, the Hellhound looked no different, but the battle-hardened glint in his eyes was rather hard to miss.

With the sudden expansion of the armies, the captains were suddenly entrusted with larger regiments. There were still only three captains, Elaith unreplaced.

Caedos would make the journey to Velmorn with his captains, this meeting was to make preparations for an inevitable war. With their current numbers, perhaps they could take off some of the strain of the battle off the Deep Woods.

The majority of the day was spent discussing plans, the peace conference was the very next day after all, time was limited.

Velmorn was a walled city so approaching the guard stations was inevitable. The scarlet cloak around Caedos’ shoulder felt like it was closing in on his throat, his crown felt a little heavier today.

He handed the invite bearing the seal of Grand Duke Razzith without a word, the guards stricken with shock. There was immediately a flurry of movements and before Caedos could speak up an important-looking Fiend had already made an appearance.

He took a step back as he watched the Fiend approach, not missing the deference the guards and the people around show him.

"King Caedos!" The Fiend hurried over enthusiastically, his dark red eyes drooping, giving him a slothful air at odds with his energetic demeanor. "I’m honored that you accepted my invitation for peace talks. Please, come with me."

The Grand Duke spoke too quickly to interject, Caedos decided to ignore the wrong use of his title, following after him. His stoic expression completely masked his turbulent thoughts, Razzith coming to meet him in person had caught him off guard, it was difficult to predict how the conference would go.

There was a carriage waiting for them just on the other side of the gates, Razzith overseeing the entire process. "This will bring you to the royal castle, please, make yourself at home."

Razzith looked like he wanted to request to ride with them but the Fiend remained outside, seeing them off. As soon as they went out of sight, he warped to his castle, clasping his hands together to keep them from trembling.

In the carriage swiftly making its way to the royal castle of Velmorn, Ardan glanced at Prince Caedos who was seated alone on the opposing seat, frowning. "Is this a trap?"

Telos, the fourth captain now made third after Elaith’s turn had his gaze outside the window, his dark hair in a thick braid. "I thought we already viewed it as a trap." He muttered, watching the city go by.

They rode through a bustling square to get to the castle, the journey over in a short while. They were hastily ushered into the castle as soon as they arrived, Razzith waiting for them in a decorated banquet hall.

"I believe the invite mentioned a peace conference?" Caedos pointed out dryly when he came face to face with the Grand Duke again. He had expected to speak with an entire court of officials at the very least.

"Of course, of course," Razzith agreed eagerly, already on his feet. "Naturally as the party making the peace offer, it is only right that we act accordingly." He said ingratiatingly. "Please take your seats and help yourself."

Caedos walked forward to take a seat at the table, it was heavily laden with dishes, particularly meat dishes, it made them all the more tense.

His captains sat after he did but no one made a move to help themselves to the food at the table, staring expectantly at the Grand Duke.