Princess Lelia screamed again, but I couldn’t blame her for fear. We were charging straight into enemy territory—surrounded by hundreds of gleaming blades lunging from all directions. Yet none reached us. Two soldiers flanking us—half a horse-length behind—pierced the skulls and cleaved the guts of any demon who dared strike at us.
 
I didn’t need to look back. To my right rear was Glen; to my left, Hans. And behind them, five thousand cavalry followed.
 
We broke through the enemy lines, emerging on the other side unscathed. When I turned, Glen and Hans were right behind me—breathing heavily, their spears … Read the rest

Heirent soldiers struggling out of the water were mauled by the Tyrant Dragon, Tyrano. Meanwhile, the Thunder Dragon, Brachio, trampled through the Hovos lines like a moving fortress, churning the muck beneath its feet.
 
Ahead, more dragons stirred—a demon wielding twin blades rode atop the monstrous Deino, while the blade-tailed Stego advanced toward the Hamiel Kingdom’s forces. The Demon King’s army had launched its full assault.
 
If this continued, the central forces—the Hovos Federation and Heirent Kingdom—would be annihilated. The collapse of the center meant the coalition’s total destruction.
 
“Kyle, I leave command to you. I’ll take Glen and Hans … Read the rest

“What’s happening?! What do I do?!”
 
Her voice bordered on a shriek.
 
The command post was overrun. Even Lelia, with her limited military knowledge, could see how dire the situation was.
 
“I… I just have to run…!”
 
Survival was her only priority now.
 
To the south, she spotted the flag of the Lionel Kingdom. The thought of owing Romelia a favor grated on her—but this was no time for pride.
 
She bolted toward Lionel’s command post. Then, along the outer slope of the hill, she saw Hovos’ cavalry leading a group of infantry southward.… Read the rest

“As expected of Gildevaren! To slay a dragon in a single strike!”
 
Baines cheered, and the watching soldiers erupted in jubilation.
 
“Yes! That’s it! Truly, Gildevaren! The enemy’s momentum is broken! Now—push them back!”
 
General Gamb praised the feat and rallied Heirent’s troops. Emboldened by the dragon’s fall, the soldiers surged forward.
 
“Good, the tide has turned. We, too, shall send our cavalry! Cavalry forces—”
 
Just as Gamb was about to issue the order, a soldier rushed to the command post.
 
“G-General Gamb! Look at that!”
 
“What now?!”
 
Annoyed at the interruption, … Read the rest

“G-General Gamb…!”
 
Her voice quivered as she looked to the old general—only to find a fearless grin on his face.
 
“Pathetic! I see through their ploy! Worry not, Princess Helen. Those things are nothing but intimidation.”
 
He dismissed the massive dragons with a scoff.
 
“True, those dragons are terrifying. Each is easily worth a hundred knights. But only a hundred. If they had dozens—no, hundreds—they’d be a real threat. But there are only six here. Even if more are hidden, ten would be their limit. At most, they’ve added six hundred to a thousand soldiers to their forces.”
 
His assessment … Read the rest

“Well done.”
 
“I was just imitating Lady Romelia.”
 
Helen admitted the truth to Baines.
 
Her words were a reenactment of a scene from one of her novels. She didn’t know if Romelia had ever said the same thing, but she assumed the sentiment was what they needed. The rest was just acting.
 
“Even so, you were magnificent, Princess Helen. Truly splendid.”
 
General Gamb, who had overheard, stroked his long beard approvingly.
 
Helen knew the old general doted on her like a granddaughter but held no real expectations for her as a royal. Yet now, it seemed he had reconsidered.
 
“Is … Read the rest

Chapter 4: The Demon King’s Army Reinforcements Arrive
 

Beneath the banner of lily bellflower, I stood atop the circular hill and gazed at Gangaruga Fortress, now transformed into a castle upon the lake.
 
Floating on the water’s surface, it looked like a scene from a painting—but appearances were deceiving. The stench of decay filled my nostrils, and I covered my nose with a handkerchief.
 
“Lady Romelia. The stench has grown unbearable. I hear over a hundred corpses were thrown into the lake yesterday.”
 
General Zebul of the Hamiel Kingdom addressed me, accompanied by his escort.
 … Read the rest

Demon males must first prove their strength on the battlefield. The first battle is also a coming-of-age ceremony that proves one’s manhood. Therefore, those who couldn’t become soldiers due to aptitude tests tend to be looked down upon as half-breeds. Gami was often mocked in his youth as well.
 
For those who couldn’t stand on the battlefield due to height restrictions, the goblin soldiers were a place where they could prove themselves.
 
“Who commands the goblin soldiers? This one isn’t a goblin soldier, right? Are they managing well?”
 
Gami focused his eyes on the one commanding the … Read the rest

“As expected, your dragon’s tiny too. Fits you perfectly.”
 
Gaon laughed, and the others joined in.
 
Izaak hung his head, silently stroking the Ankylo’s snout. The dragon, well accustomed to him, licked his hand reassuringly.
 
“Lord Izaak, did you raise this dragon yourself?”
 
“Y-yes. I named him Rudo. Father gave me the egg, and I raised him carefully.”
 
“That’s wonderful.”
 
Gami nodded with genuine interest.
 
“Lord Galard, this has been quite the spectacle. With your strength, I have no doubt the relief of Gangaruga Fortress will be a success.”
 
“Hmph. Leave it to us.”
 
Galard puffed out his chest confidently.… Read the rest

“Gami! How is Father?!”
 
“He appears in good health. He awoke moments ago and resumed reading.”
 
“That man is hopeless! Ever since losing to the humans, he’s holed himself up in his study—utterly useless now!”
 
Galard shook his head in dismay.
 
“But do not worry. I, Galard, shall take the field in the next battle! I will crush the humans besieging Gangaruga Fortress and lead the Demon King’s army—no, the entire demonkin—in Father’s stead!”
 
Galard declared himself the next Demon King.
 
“That’s rather underhanded, brother. We won’t let you hog all the glory!”
 
“Indeed. We too shall join the campaign. … Read the rest