The Eastern Continent is an exclusive territory of the demon race.
There, tens of millions of demons live side by side under the law of the jungle.
Humans on the Central Continent also worship strength, but compared to the demon race, they are nothing.
Demons greatly respect the strong and despise the weak.
For example, a baron-class demon would grovel when encountering a viscount-class demon or higher.
Above viscount, there are still count and duke.
Below baron, there are knights and ordinary demons.
The higher a demon noble's rank, the stronger they are.
For instance, if a viscount-class demon were to appear, it would take an entire human kingdom to face them.
Even then, there would be no guarantee that the kingdom could defeat a viscount-class demon.
Human kingdoms recorded that a viscount-class demon once invaded the Central Continent, causing destruction everywhere, before finally being defeated by a hero and forced back to the Eastern Continent.
From these records, it could be concluded that the human race is almost incapable of defeating a viscount-class demon.
As a former prince, of course I knew all of this.
But the viscount-class demons that once felt terrifying now look like children in my eyes.
And that's not without reason—I only need one hundred-thousandth of my full power to defeat them without even blinking.
Just like what happened now, I had just defeated a viscount-class demon named Balahab.
Balahab was a viscount-class demon nearly two thousand years old.
He appeared as a simple middle-aged man, but his body emitted a faint scent of blood.
Anyone with a sensitive nose would notice it, including me when I first appeared in Balahab's demon castle.
"Human! How did you get here?!"
Balahab's voice was hoarse and terrifying.
My former self would have been scared half to death, probably even wetting my pants.
However, Balahab's ferocity shattered in the very next moment.
His aged face turned pale, his body trembled uncontrollably, and he stared at me with eyes full of horror.
"You sensed my aura so quickly. As expected of a viscount-class demon."
Gulp!
Balahab swallowed hard, then stood up and prostrated himself before me, his body shaking.
"Honorable human, please forgive this humble one. I was too quick to anger and failed to recognize your greatness."
I narrowed my eyes, turned my head, and looked at the beautiful woman with bright red hair, large breasts, and a maid outfit.
"Shizuku, what do you think?"
"Master, even though this old demon didn't do it on purpose, he still deserves punishment for his rude behavior."
Shizuku smiled frighteningly, making Balahab even more terrified.
"His mistake is very minor. We can overlook it as long as he treats us well."
Shizuku pondered for a moment, then smiled broadly.
"Master Krai is wise. Shizuku thinks that's better."
My gaze returned to Balahab.
"Hey, you heard that? Treat us well if you want to be spared punishment."
"Of course, Your Majesty! I promise to entertain you properly!"
Balahab replied in panic.
"Haaa, after teleporting here, I feel thirsty."
"Please wait a moment. I'll bring the best drink I have."
Balahab hurriedly rushed out of the grand hall in a fluster.
"Hi hi hi." Shizuku laughed cutely, clearly entertained by Balahab's reaction and fear.
After Balahab left, only the two of us remained in the vast hall.
Slurp!
Shizuku suddenly licked her soft pink lips, looking at me with lustful eyes.
"Master…"
"No, not now."
"Tch…"
Shizuku pouted in disappointment, looking adorable.
I couldn't bring myself to ignore her, so I gently pinched her small nose.
Shizuku let out a spoiled cry and threw herself into my arms.
I caught her soft body, holding her while occasionally squeezing her large buttocks.
"Hngh!... Master Krai, you pervert…"
Shizuku complained, but her voice lacked any real conviction.
I chuckled lightly, then my expression turned serious.
"How is it? Can you feel it?"
Shizuku closed her eyes for a full minute before giving a bitter smile.
"It's strange. Agnes feels very close, but I can't find her anywhere."
"I see. Then it looks like we'll have to find out from Balahab himself."
Shizuku nodded in agreement.
As an old viscount-class demon, Balahab was sure to know at least one or two things.
Not long after, Balahab returned, carrying a luxurious bottle made of pure gold.
"Your Majesty, please enjoy this drink," Balahab said respectfully.
I took the drink, inhaled its aroma briefly, and instantly fell in love with it.
"What kind of drink is this? It's delicious."
"It's a wine passed down through my family."
"Hooo, interesting. How much do you have?"
Balahab froze, his body stiffening as hesitation filled his expression.
"It seems you don't have much."
Balahab gave a bitter smile and nodded.
"If Your Majesty wishes, I can offer all of it to you."
"It tastes decent. Why not just accept it?"
Shizuku spoke casually after taking a sip from the same glass as me.
As she spoke, Balahab looked utterly despairing, which made me feel a bit sorry for him.
I mean, Balahab was indeed rude toward us, but we were the ones who appeared in his castle without permission.
Compared to Balahab's attitude, our arrival was clearly more impolite.
"Ahem! No need. But if you insist, give us half."
Between conscience and desire, I chose the middle ground.
This wine tasted incredibly good—better than the finest drinks I ever had in the kingdom.
There was no way I would let such an opportunity slip by. At the very least, I wanted some of it, even if it meant slightly tainting my conscience.
Balahab immediately brightened up.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you so much!"
Balahab was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.
"Ahem! That's enough. Don't make it so dramatic."
"Ugh, my apologies, Your Majesty."
Balahab smiled awkwardly.
I let out a breath and put on a serious expression.
"Your Majesty?"
Balahab felt as if he were standing at the edge of a bottomless abyss, making him uneasy.
"I'll get straight to the point. Do you know where Agnes is?"
"Eh?"
… .. .
To be continued…