The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 82.5 Dark Rumblings

                                              This chapter takes place in-between chapters 75 and 76.

                                                                             Elis's Point of View

/BANG!/

I entered the room that was currently being used as my leader's office. He was sitting at a table with his advisors. The slamming of the door to enter in my haste caused everyone's eyes to focus on me. I was breathing heavily as the news I brought was of the most importance.

" Elis, what happened?"

My leader's deep booming voice filled the room as he inquired about my discourteous action that was out of the norm for me.

" Leader, we have a new report from our information network! I felt I must report it immediately!"

" Speak Elis, what has gotten you so worked up?"

" Leader... We've found 3 big pieces of new information! The first is that Promethia has successfully summoned a new Hero! as well as 4 others from another world. All talented. The one who apparently shines the brightest is a Cleric by the name of Laura!"

" I see."

We had heard some months ago about Promethia attempting another summoning. We had not expected them to be able to actually succeed in it. A costly mistake for us. Heroes have always been synonymous with great losses for our people. While they haven't been able to massacre us, they certainly have caused great damage in the past. However, that was not the most shocking news. I moved to the 2nd of the new pieces of information.

" The 2nd piece of information is that the Hero and his party had attempted to invade Diablos and kill King Warrick Dreadnaught. They left Promethia for this task 3 months after arriving! And they had made it to the forest at the northern border's walls approximately 3 days ago!"

" Seems that fool of a King thought his Hero could break the stalemate that has lasted a decade. Did Warrick personally fight the invading Hero?"

" No Sir! That is what leads me to our 3rd piece of news! A human now lives in Diablos!"

" WHAT!"

Everyone shouted in unison at my unbelievable statement.

" What do you mean " lives in Diablos."? Do you mean as a slave?"

" No Sir! From what I understand the human is a Paladin called Matthew! He appeared sometime out of nowhere 3 months ago and healed the 1st Princess Sarah of her curse! Because of this, He was granted a Marquess title as well as Princess Sarah's hand in marriage!"

My leader grew quiet, but others grew louder in the room.

" What nonsense is this!? Has Warrick lost his mind!?"

" Surely that human must have brainwashed them or something of a similar nature!"

" Why would that be the case? We all know that false King is a human lover! He most likely saw this as an opportunity to create a better impression of humans among the population of Diablos."

" Perhaps the human is a coward and simply wanted a high ranked title to live in safety? Perhaps, he demanded Princess Sarah's hand as a way to ensure that safety?"

The advisors all began to discuss theories about this Paladin Matthew. I decided to continue with my report as the discussion had died down.

" Continuing on, This Paladin marched to the northern border to fight off the invading Hero. He was accompanied by King Warrick and Queen Aqua. The Paladin also had a party consisting of the 1st and 2nd princesses, Baron Ashblade's daughter, the Paladin's personal maid.... And..."

I struggled to mention the last name. My hesitation to finish the report caused irritation in my leader.

" Elis, finish the report."

My leader spoke with deep authority oozing from his demeanor. 

" Sir... The last person was... Asha Clearfield. Daughter of Penelope Clearfield."

My leader rubbed his brow as irritation filled his mind.

" I understand why you were hesitant.  Continue your report Elis."

" Yes Sir! The Paladin Matthew's party and The Hero's Party clashed. Paladin Matthew was able to beat the Hero. At which point the Hero retreated. Reports show that the Hero and his group are now marching back to Promethia."

" What about the Paladin?"

" From what I understand, he won but at great cost. Apparently, Princess Sarah was involved in the fight and at a decisive moment the Paladin saved her at the cost of his own body. He appears to be recuperating at the Northen Border."

" He sacrificed himself for Princess Sarah?"

Leader was stuck on that piece of information for some reason.

" Yes Sir, that was the story that has been told and that has reached our ears."

" I see."

My leader began to think deeply while his advisors created hypothetical reasons for the Paladin's sacrifice.

" Elis, I have another question for you."

After thinking for a time, my leader cut through the chatter of his advisors and stared directly at me as he addressed me.

" Ask away Sir."

" Do we know the reactions of the people closest to the Paladin at his injury?"

" Yes Sir, King Warrick and Queen Aqua commanded the medics and doctors at the northern border to make healing the Paladin their top priority. The most severe reaction was from the first Princess Sarah. She apparently was despondent during this time. Since then, she has been by the Paladin's side and has not rested since. The rest of the party were also saddened deeply by this event and the mood of the northern border has been dour since then. This is also the last of the information we have been able to gather Sir!"

" I understand. Good job Elis. Life is going to be quite interesting from now on. These added complications can cause some problems for our plans. However, we may be able to use this for our advantage. In time they will speak of me, of Dardus Clearfield with reverence and fear all around the world!"

My leader seemed to have grown in determination from my report. It seems he has come to a conclusion regarding all of the new information. Leader looked at me and began to issue a command.

"Elis, prepare yourself. We will begin marching again soon. Our supplies are running low and there is a medium sized human settlement to the west of our current location."

" Sir!"

I bowed and exited the room. I went to my own room and prepared for the invasion to come.