The Demon Saint is Missing, so I Ran to Another World

The Federal Demon Republic of Cherflammen (Vol. 14 Prologue)

***The city of Helfan, capital of the personal fiefs of the demon lord, Noir of House Usarved***

In the aftermath of the Demon Unification Wars, the clan of House Usarved emerged as the undisputed leader of the demon people. Aside from the size of their lands, and a large, growing population, their power was further strengthened by the support of the other clans, the advances made in industries and weaponries, reforms in the education sector and military thought, and—most importantly—the backing of the Special Scholar, Greg 'Kuro' Santos, the human who started all the changes Cherflammen was benefiting from nowadays.

"..."

However, with all the petty politics and clan rivalries, the reforms in Cherflammen wasn't over just yet. As such, the demon lord, Princess Noir—under her 'disguise' as the Prince Hurion Devras IV—summoned all the clan elders to her personal capital for an important council.

"I believe now is the time we demons create a constitution!"

The entire demon assembly was quiet, as many of them had no idea of what the demon king-president had just said. Everyone looked at him with puzzled expressions on their faces, waiting for their leader to elaborate more. However, Prince Hurion quickly directed his gaze on his teacher, the human lord Greg Santos, which the latter took as a sign for him to speak.

"Well," he cleared his throat first, before continuing, "to put it simply, because Cherflammen would now be governed by a republic, and not under the rule of a king or a monarch, a constitution is a must. It's just a set of laws created to guide your leaders and guarantee everyone's freedoms and rights, as long as you submit to the authority of those you elected to the positions."

"Hm?" a goblin elder spoke, "Isn't it that the Prince Hurion swore to uphold our rights and privileges when we agreed to submit to his rule before? Isn't that enough?"

"You did swear fealty to me," the demon prince confirmed. "And I thank you and your fellow elders for that wise decision. However, a constitution would set our freedoms and limitations on paper, which we can always read and consult before making a major decision."

"For short," Lord Greg was quick to back him up, "think of it as something of a 'covenant' between the demon clans, and your demon king-president, which is currently the Prince Hurion. Once your clans approved of it, it will guarantee your rights, privileges and freedoms, but also outline your personal responsibilities and limitations to your ruler. The good thing about this is that, you can hold your leaders responsible for any violated laws without resorting to bloodshed."

"A demon king who can't bend his people to his will?" the demon nobles were murmuring amongst themselves. "This is unheard of! What kind of a ruler is that?"

"Let me remind you that once you agree to a constitution, you're bound to follow the limitations placed on you as well, the Lord Greg added. "It is a 'neutral' document by principle; it won't distinguish a noble from a commoner, a lord from a lady, a brother from a sister, and most importantly, a monarch from the lowest slave. If someone sins, then that person is to be punished, according to what is written and prescribed by the law."

"W-Wait, Lord Scholar," a noble from the Tambara clan stood up to speak, "if I'm to understand your words, are you trying to remove the differences between us elders and nobility from the common folk?"

"Yes, I am. That's the goal," the human revealed, much to the shock and consternation of the entire assembly. Sensing that his proposal would garner fierce opposition, the Lord Greg played his trump cards, "Don't worry about losing your privileges, great noble lords and ladies of the council. I implore you to please listen and consider my suggestion first, before outright rejecting it. Let me ask you a question, do you believe that all demons are created equal?"