Volume 2 Chapter 43 – Tamrin Peace Conference (Patreon)

It has been three days since Morrigan, her father and other demons set out on their way to the border city of Tamrin. The trip was long and exhausting and much to Morrigan's chagrin there were no chances for her to actually look around the Demon Kingdom. Theoretically, it was such a good opportunity for Morrigan to see more of the Underworld. However, in practice, all she could see outside the narrow carriage windows was darkness and the large grumpy badger that was pulling it. 

"Couldn't we have teleported to this Tamrin place?" Morrigan grumbled rubbing her back that felt stiff after three days of non-stop travel.

"We have teleported already, Morrigan. There are no portals placed so close to the Fallen Kingdom border, so they wouldn't be able to take advantage of them," Alphegor explained, his expression grim. The King was perpetually scowling during the trip so Morrigan often rode in Viana's carriage instead to avoid the gloomy mood.

Her eldest sister insisted on coming along and after some back and worth, Alphegor had relented and agreed. Morrigan felt quite thankful for that, as Viana proved to be the only viable conversation partner during the trip, everyone else appearing too depressed to talk.

"If we have teleported already, then why is this journey so long," she muttered quietly.

"We'll be there soon," he said while staring out the tiny window. Uneasy feeling rose within her, slowly growing into mild nervousness and then into almost panic. 

Soon we'll meet with the Fallen King. I have no doubt that he'll try to squeeze as much as possible from Father. That's why Viana and I will have to take charge of the situation. Oh, please let this work. Because I'm not willing to have the whole Kingdom suffer on my behalf and the alternative is…

She shook her head at the dreadful thought and instead turned her focus on the city which was fast approaching. It wasn't anywhere nearly as large as Linberor and much more dark as well. It was actually more similar to that mole demon village Morrigan had been to once, which meant that this indeed was far away from the center of demon life.

As they rode into the dim city, she could instantly feel a veil of heaviness hang over it. All the doors and windows were shut, most houses remaining dark with a rare light within a few houses. There was nobody on the streets and the stalls which normally were filled with produce were empty and abandoned.

The carriage stopped in the middle of the city at a large square. Alphegor exited from it first then outstretched his hand to help Morrigan step out. As she stepped out, she noticed that on the other side of the square stood a group of white carriages while guards of various races scurried around them. Unwittingly she clutched onto her father's hand tighter. He squeezed her hand while glaring at the white carriages.

"Don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll protect you," he said. His words warmed her heart but did little to alleviate her worries. But before her thoughts could wander in a dark direction, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"We'll show the fallen scum who are the true rulers of the Underworld," Viana said resolutely. For the first time in days, a small smile graced Alphegor's lips and he nodded. A trembling, round-faced demon came up to them and bowed deeply.

"Y-Your Majesty, Your Highnesses, if you'd please follow me inside," he said in a shaky voice, occasionally glancing towards the fallen carriages. Just then the door to the largest and fanciest carriage was opened, and a beautiful tall man with long blonde hair and a charming smile stepped out. 

Morrigan would have been mesmerized by his beauty if it were not for the large black wings on his back and the sinister-looking red eyes. After him came a boy who was equally as beautiful, the only difference being that his expression was completely unreadable. The round-faced demon paled and after a deep bow, excused himself to direct the Fallen King inside.

"Do not show them any weakness. Remember that you are my daughters," Alphegor whispered. Morrigan and Viana straightened and dutifully followed after their father, both of them exuding confidence and grace. In all honesty, Morrigan didn't feel confident at all, it was only because of her father and sister that she was able to put on a brave facade.

Before long all of the representatives from the Demon Kingdom and the Fallen Kingdom were seated around a long round table, guards from both countries standing near walls, armed to the teeth and ready to jump into action at any moment. Morrigan sat between her father and Lucius, while Viana was sitting on Alphegor's right. Right across from them sat the Fallen King, his son and Theobold. 

"It is most wonderful that you have accepted to meet me here, King Alphegor. I am sure that today we'll finally be able to find peace between our two countries," the Fallen King said with the sweetest of smiles. However, it was not friendly and Morrigan could feel how powerful and dangerous the man really was.

"There will be no peace until my daughter's blood is returned, King Uriel," Alphegor growled in return, not bothering to keep up any pleasant appearances.

"Your daughter's blood shall be returned as soon as our needs are fulfilled," King Lucifer replied without missing a beat.

"What are these 'needs'?"

"Cutting straight to the heart of the matter? Well, I suppose there is no need to drag out the time. As you are probably well aware, the Fallen Kingdom has been suffering from poverty for a long time now. Our citizens are dying of starvation every day while the demons frolic and cheer, organizing festivals and eating to their heart's content. These are things my citizens could only dream of," the Fallen King said, and Morrigan barely suppressed a frown.

For a king of a supposedly starving nation, he sure doesn't look like he is starving. And the clothes he is wearing are so extravagant, far more so than what Father is wearing right now. 

"The vast land that the Demon Kingdom possesses is filled with riches and resources our lands do not have. I merely wish to improve the lives of my citizens, many of whom have already suffered under the injustice of others," he continued. Despite the supposedly tragic story he was telling, Uriel's smile never wavered.

"So what is that you want?" Alphegor said, no doubt trying to forego any more sad stories the Fallen King was trying to tell.

"I do not ask for much. It would be a mere sliver of the wealth Demon Kingdom possesses. Mere 300 million gold, 5 thousand magic gems of various grades, and the land of the Duchy we're currently sitting upon," he said nonchalantly. This time Morrigan did lose control of her expression for a moment.

That is not a mere sliver! It's an outrageous sum. And the territory of Lendmar Duchy. It certainly isn't the richest Duchy in the Demon Kingdom, but in terms of size, there is no place larger. Not to mention that it houses no small portion of demon citizens. What would happen to them if we just handed the Duchy over to the fallen?

"Outrageous. Your greed surpasses even that of humans," Alphegor said. Uriel just chuckled in response.

"Greed? No, this is no greed. It is merely what the Fallen Kingdom deserves. Especially after the destruction you brought upon our country a few years ago."

"I was merely cleaning out a rat infestation from my Kingdom," Alphegor retorted, and despite Uriel's smile, the tension in the room had grown very heavy. 

"Of course. And I am merely looking out for my citizens. Or are you saying that your daughter's life isn't quite worth the price I am asking," the Fallen King said. Alphegor slammed his fist into the table, making it crack and creak underneath the force.

"There is nothing in this world worth more than my daughter's life," he growled, his eyes turning a murderous shade of red.

"Then I am sure the price I am asking is not an issue."

There was a tense silence in the room. Morrigan knew that this was the time for her to speak up, however, her mouth felt dry and she couldn't bring herself to open it.

"Perhaps, there is something else we could offer you in exchange for my sister's life," Viana spoke up, sensing Morrigan's hesitation. Alphegor looked at her suspiciously as did every other demon at the table.

"Something else? And what could that be?" The Fallen King looked intrigued, his smile growing a bit larger.

"I believe that the price that you're asking for would merely offer a temporary solution to the core problem that has fallen onto our nations," Morrigan said, doing her best to remember the words she and Viana had rehearsed so many times on their way here.

"Oh, that is an interesting way of putting things, Princess Morrigan. Do tell me what is this core problem you speak of?" 

"It is the constant conflict. What use would you have of all this gold and gems and land if after a short while our soldiers would clash on the battlefield again and destroy it all? Do you not believe that it would be more beneficial for us to co-exist peacefully?" she replied.

"Oh, that is certainly a pretty dream. But how can there be any talk of peace when our people are starving?" the Fallen King objected. Morrigan flinched back a bit at that proclamation, but Viana quickly jumped into the conversation.

"Magic gems and barren land would not feed them. I understand that gold could be used to purchase food but where would you buy it from? Wouldn't it be beneficial to establish trade between our countries?" she said.

"So I could just return the gold you've just given me for food? Do you take me for a fool, young Princess?" Uriel retorted. But Viana was not affected by his comment in the slightest. Instead, she looked to Morrigan to continue their combined battle.

"Trade works in both directions, King Uriel. But I understand your concern. The demons and fallen have had such animosity between them for so long that it is difficult to see each other as anything else but enemies. So we believe it is necessary to have a symbol of unity between our nations. One which would benefit both the fallen and demons alike," Morrigan said. She saw Alphegor's fist clench next to her. He had no doubt understood what both of his daughters were talking about.

"A symbol of unity? And where would we obtain such a thing?" The Fallen King said but judging from his demeanor, he was already aware of what they were talking about, merely wishing for them to voice it aloud.

"Through marriage, of course," Morrigan said. An audible wave of gasps went through the room, and Alphegor's fists clenched even tighter. It was clear that he wanted to object to this. Morrigan knew he'd never want any of his daughters to marry a fallen. However, he wasn't just a father. He was also a king.

"Marriage, you say. The sacred bonds of marriage have indeed unified many enemies. But would a proud demon such as yourself be ready to marry a fallen, Princess Morrigan?" The Fallen King said and pointed at his son. For the first since their arrival, Morrigan saw a hint of a smile appear on the Fallen Prince's lips. But it was there for a mere moment before disappearing again.

Her father's hand touched her own underneath the table and a soft whisper echoed into her mind.

You do not have to do this, Morrigan.

I do not wish for others to suffer for my sake. I'm ready to take responsibility for the mistake that I've made.

She squeezed his hand in reassurance and then looked at the Fallen Prince.

"As a princess, I am ready to do whatever is necessary to improve the lives of my people. If me marrying your son means that there will be peace between the Fallen and Demon Kingdoms, then it is a role I shall gladly accept," Morrigan said resolutely.

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