The 0th Corps Commander Became Trash! [ TCF x INTKOT ]

Chapter 29 - Friendly Threat

Eduardo dismissed the nobles who went to do their own thing. He walked up to Deon who was still eating his snacks he got from Cletter.

"I need you for a moment."

'I don't really want to go but ok.'

Deon stood up from his seat and followed the emperor to a more desolate place where nobody would be able to hear them.

"I hope my sudden summon doesn't make you uncomfortable."

"...Not at all."

"I'm glad I gave you crimson clothes for you, how scary would you have looked if you returned, covered in blood usually?"

'That technically wasn't really me...'

"Anyway, I will send the prizes for second place to your estate soon."

Deon felt like screaming in joy and jumping around. It's been so long since he was given money for free, he didn't even do any monster hunting. All he did was lie about the butterflies and somehow got rewarded.

"But moving on, I've decided that you'll also be joining in on this war as well."

Deon's face immediately darkened. He was so tired of war, why did he have to go war? He just wants to take a rest in his house and have the feeling of freedom and relief. Can't they just resolve it with a peace treaty or something?

"And I believe it's time you've made a decision, Honorary Count Hardt. Who will you side with? The Human Realm or the Demonic Realm? I've gave you plenty of chances after all."

"I didn't punish you when I found out you provided the Demon King with intel from me. Do you need another opportunity?"

"And all of the intel I gave back to you wasn't a lie either."

Deon was getting even more pissed. Can't this bastard just go get a peace treaty, he's so sick of this. He can't even choose because Hana resides in the Demonic Realm. If he sides with the Empire then she'd be in danger. If he decided to side with the Demonic Realm then his people in his home would also be endangered by the war.

This was different than the war with White Star. He had people who were allies with him on both sides. As well as the Demon King did not discriminate between races, he will only use force if the person disrespects him.

'Wow, that makes him sound like such a good person...'

Maybe he would have sided with the Demon King if he actually did care for him. But who knows, maybe feelings can change overtime? Or not?

"Yes, that's why I left you alone. If we kill the Demon King, that curse will surely be gone right?"

Well the Demon King never put it on him ever since but Eduardo was right to an extent.

"Everything you have accomplished is here, you can't always live in the dark just because you're weak to sunlight. You're a human, so remain here."

'Hearing you say this makes me want to do the exact opposite, at least bribe me with money.'

Eduardo looked at Deon who had a serious face on, he could tell it was his other personality kicking in. Well, in reality it in fact was not, it was just Deon thinking about it seriously and making sassy remarks.

"Well, I shouldn't keep you here, you're dismissed."

"Yes your majesty."

***

'I'm starting to miss Hana...'

Deon didn't want to admit it but Hana was really adorable. Maybe he'll side with the Demonic Realm just for her.

'Wait no- get ahold of yourself.'

Deon mentally slapped his cheeks, he can't just side with one place just for his kid. Well, he can actually and he might actually do it.

"Honorary Count Hardt!"

Deon turned around to face Allethea rushing towards him. God, that scared him so badly.

"Your highness..."

"I heard something happened during the competition! I should have paid more attention."

"I- it's alright your highness."

He looked away from Allethea's shining eyes as she looked at him at an even closed view. He didn't know why Allethea's eyes were even looking at him like he was some saint. Well, he is but that's not the point!

Little did he know that Allethea was admiring his looks and thinking about how much more prettier he looked now.

"Is something the matter your highness...?"

"Ah, no- I was just thinking about how pretty you were."

"Thank you?"

Deon was confused, what was she even talking about? He knew that main characters tend to look better than usual but pretty?

"Your highness if you'll-"

"Oh, if it isn't my junior."

Fuck, it was Stigma. The very person he didn't want to meet simply because he doesn't want to fight him at all! No, he doesn't want to be near anyone in this place currently.

He could also see the Margrave, Tenter running towards him and Stigma.

(a/n): I don't even remember who Tenter is but I'm reading the manhwa alongside since I need their names and visuals...

"Wait why're you involving him in-"

"Hmm, because I like him?"

Stigma pulled Deon close to him as if they were the best buddies in the century. Deon was obviously weirded out by this. For one, he didn't want to be involved in this and two, he definitely does not want to be a judge for their dispute.

"I don't know what's going on but don't involve me in this."

"Don't worry! I'll make this quick then!"

'Please don't even talk.'

Deon wanted to cry as Stigma explained the situation between the Bibari tribe and his land in more depth despite saying he'd make it quick.

"Attempt to talk to their leader if it doesn't work, eliminate them. They could also side with the demons even if they are humans."

Deon said as he quickly ran away from the scene. Usually he'd stay for some wine but he definitely doesn't want to considering the motives behind Stigma's moves.

***

Quick question for you all: Do you guys think Lianne will ever swear loyalty as she did in the novel and manhwa?
Since the only time she did so was during the redemption church arc which never happened this time because Deon/Cale refused to do it and decided to lie(well half lie) about it to the emperor who was able to resolve it quite quickly...