Dungeon Defense (WN) - Chapter 402

Chapter 402: The Dripping Night (11)

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I arrived at the Habsburg imperial palace through teleportation magic.

The Demon Lords gathered at the palace square with a tumultuous atmosphere looming over them. The moonlight was exceptionally bright on this night, with clouds occasionally scattering a gentle violet haze.

Among them was a Demon Lord who was still in their undergarments. They had rushed out urgently without any care for their attire after they heard the news that Paimon and I were attacked. Thats right, it was Sitri. Even from a distance, it was apparent that she was maintaining a foreboding silence.

This unease hung over the entire square like a thick fog. Regardless of factionMountain, Plains, or Neutralall eyes were silently fixed on us.

.

I walked forward.

It felt like a heavy layer of fog had latched itself to my ankles. With each step I took, rather than pulling myself out of the fog, it felt like I was sinking further into it as it reached up to my calves.

I passed through the main gate, adorned with a golden rim, and walked straight toward the square. It was a peculiar sight. Occasionally, the rhythm of my steps seemed to synchronize with the alternation of lights in the night sky. Moonlight intermittently spilled at my feet, only to be obscured again by passing clouds.

Ah.

Someone let out a sound. Or maybe it was a scream. As I drew closer, the Demon Lords realized that I wasnt walking alone and that I was carrying someone in my arms.

A maiden whose hair was redder than roses.

The Demon Lords gasped.

Impossible.

My Gods.

Some covered their mouths in absolute shock while others stared right at me. The night clouds rolled away, allowing the moonlight to fall upon the square. Thanks to this, the other Demon Lords were able to observe us more clearly.

Paimon was a bloody mess. Her pale face was dirtied by the blood that had flowed out from her mouth. My lips and left cheek were also covered in her blood.

I carefully placed Paimon down at the center of the square before standing up to look around with my back straight.

Nothis cant be. This is a lie.

Sitri crumbled to the floor. The other Demon Lords from the Mountain Faction did what they could to support Sitris body. With both her arms being supported by them, Sitri muttered This is a lie over and over again like a broken music box.

Thats right, Sitri.

It was me.

I killed this woman.

I made this woman misunderstand, exploited her beliefs, manipulated and distorted the truth, and promised her the greatest happiness, only to snatch that happiness away with my own hands.

My dear comrades.

This womans name was Paimon.

Just thirty minutes ago, our most beloved and honorable maiden breathed her last. She became a lifeless corpse right here within my embrace.

I could clearly remember the words she said to me. While my words were directed towards the Demon Lords, my mind was preoccupied with Paimon.

I believe that we must call Rank 71 Demon Lord Dantalian to account before we begin the meeting and the ball.

Dantalian struck Andromalius to death without any hesitation. This lady cannot help but express her doubts. Is he truly a Demon Lord like us? How could another Demon Lord kill another Demon Lord with such ease?

There is another thing this lady wishes to question Dantalian about!

Our first meeting was practically the worst.

We knew nothing about each other.

The traitorswere eight of the archdukes. The mastermind was the Utpala Archduke. These traitors were planning to imprison Paimon and me to force a Walpurgis Night. They intended to use us as hostages in order to establish slavery as an irreversible system. That was the motive behind the Utpala Archdukes scheme. Those damn sons of bitches!

I bit into my lips as I shouted in rage, blood now pouring down from my torn skin. I could pull off this level of acting with my eyes closed now. I didnt have to rely on my skill anymore.

Do you have a handkerchief?

Please carry around a handkerchief from now on. That is the refined duty of a gentleman.

That is how much time had passed.

I got down on my knees.

I then brought my head down to the ground with an audible thud.

PleaseI ask of youmy comrades. I am aware that I am of great fault as well. However, for vengeanceI will offer my all for vengeanceI beg of you.

Thud, thud, I slammed my forehead on the ground several times.

Only the dull sound of my head hitting the ground echoed throughout the darkened world. Blood flowed as my skin tore. I was slamming my skull against the ground like I was trying to make a death mask with the ground. It felt like I was bringing down a hammer.

At that moment, I felt someones embrace.

Warm and soft hands wrapped around my ears.

Its okay.

I raised my heavy head. I could no longer open my right eye because of the blood that had flowed down my forehead, making me look forward with my hazy left eye.

Sitri was standing there with a smile.

Although it was trembling as if it could collapse at any moment, it was undeniably a smile.

Its okay, Dantalian. Its not your fault.

.

Yeah, its not your faultso everything will be okay. Everything.

Sitri pressed her cheek against my forehead. Something that wasnt blood flowed down my face. It was Sitris tears. The tears flowing from Sitri trailed down my face, washed away the blood, and slowly trickled down my jawline.

A liquid that consisted of my blood, Paimons blood, and Sitris tears, quietly dripped to the ground.

Itll be okay Mhm, itll be alright.

The person who shouldve been grieving more than anyone else here was comforting me while desperately holding back her sorrow. Sitri probably hasnt realized this yet, but now that Paimon is gone, her actions could be considered as representing the entire Mountain Faction.

Therefore.

My acting ended up being successful again.

It is my fault If I were not there If I did not exist, Paimon would be.

No. Its okay.

Paimon would be.

I let out tears while in Sitris embrace.

Until now, I have never displayed this level of intense emotions before the other Demon Lords. I would always put on a cold, calm, and occasionally mocking demeanor. But now I was crying like a child. This unexpectedness will most likely make my performance appear more genuine.

Im not sure how long I cried.

At a certain point, I had passed out.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a bedroom. Daisy was seated next to the bed nursing me. It was bright outside the window, meaning that at least the night had passed.

I turned to look at Daisy emotionlessly. Daisy also responded in kind with an emotionless face as she opened her mouth.

It has been two days since you lost consciousness, Father. Yesterday, a Crescent Alliance was rallied and they have departed for the demon world. The supreme commander is Demon Lord Sitri.

.

I closed my eyes and nodded.

It was this easy to deceive the world.

This easy.

***

TL Note: Thanks for reading the chapter. Man, I feel bad for Sitri the most in this situation. She doesnt deserve this despair.

Side note, Ive been pretty exhausted lately. I feel like I probably have a good idea why. Work has just been grueling, and Ive been taking naps through my lunches so I havent had much time to translate. I seriously need to take a breather or something and recharge. BUT, I dont want to do it now considering whats happening in the story. Ill give it a few more chapters before maybe taking like a week break to regain my footing.

In any case, happy Lunar New Year. I gotta go meet my relatives later today. Woohoo. See you guys in the next chapter.