Chapter 65: Chapter 1: Crises
***The hallways of the Conclave***
In the aftermath of the watershed events in the most recent history of the demon school (the First Quarter Storm, the Advanced Course Dormitory Massacres, and the subsequent fall of Emile Biorno), the joint forces of the Goblin Legion under the Lord Tenguri of the Goblins, and the Usarved army led by Prince Hurion Devras' chamberlain, Shevaun Ilkes, took the duty of securing the territories of the Conclave. Although these forces were originally meant to pressure the previous Lord Head Scholar into giving in to the demands of the reform factions of his school, the goblins and Usarveds soon found themselves standing between the students—who desired to change their place of learning, and the retainers of the Biorno clan, who wanted control over the Conclave returned to them.
The assassination of Emile Biorno ostensibly flared up the tensions. Diplomatic efforts were begun, in an effort to avoid an explosive situation. The clan retainers—aside from their aforementioned demand—wanted the head of the student who killed the former Lord Head Scholar. The Conclave, represented by the two Head Scholars, Lord Gracchio and Lady Capaldi, were conducting negotiations to appease their fellow clan leaders, while keeping their student—a member of the Tambara clan—safe. If they hand the culprit over, they would surely rouse the Tambaras into fighting the Biorno clan and its vassals.
The ensuing chaos would give the Usarveds the opportunity to assert their authority over weakened demon clans, while the 'Knights' could suddenly pull off a comeback after most of the clans had exhausted themselves in battles.
If so, another Human-Demon War is looming on the horizon.
"…"
The Lord Head Scholar Benedetto Gracchio heaved a sigh. He certainly didn't wish to start the hostilities.
Looking through a window along the corridors of the Conclave, he watched the soldiers of the joint Goblin-Usarved armies as they manned the makeshift defenses they erected around the school. Beyond their fortifications were the forces of the Biorno clan and their retainers—minus his and Lady Capaldi's clans. The Incubi-Succubi army effectively cut-off the Conclave from outside help, though, from a good distance, he could also make out the banners of the Orcish Knights, camping in the desert nearby, ready to strike the Biorno clan and their allies at a moment's notice.
However, contrary to what's happening around the school, as well as the outside, the inner parts of the Conclave continued to function as normal. Classes were still going on, tokens being distributed, and the students walked freely along the grounds and the hallways, as if they were unaware of the military tensions and build-up happening a wall away from them.
Well, it's what the Lord Head Scholar Greg Santos wanted. Before he disappeared into the Saint's Tower, he left instructions to the Head Scholars Gracchio and Capaldi…
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***Several days ago…***
"I know that the Biorno clan will not accept their defeat," the human head scholar told them. "However, in no way shall we allow them to bully us. This Conclave is a school meant for everyone; as my student's mentor, I won't allow her visions to be used for political means. The Goblin Legion is outside the city limits, ready to support us, should the Biorno armies crossed into the courtyard."
"Yes, Lord Head Scholar Santos. We understand what you just said," Lady Head Scholar Capaldi answered, "nevertheless, I guess the Conclave will still have to suspend classes."
"Why?"
"With the Biorno clan not accepting their defeat, I'm sure the other clans will rise up as well," Lord Head Scholar Gracchio explained. "And with those come the mobilization of every person who can bear arms."
The Lord Head Scholar Santos was silent for a few seconds, with his head resting on his hand, as if thinking something. Then, after that, he looked at his fellow head scholars and asked, "We're talking about child conscription here, right?"
"Conscription?"
"The children would be pressed to serve in the military," he reiterated.
"Yes."
"No," was the Lord Head Scholar Santos' firm refusal. "I won't allow it. Do we have kidnapping laws here?"
"Huh? Kidnapping laws?" the Lord Head Scholar Gracchio was puzzled. "We know of kidnapping, and we got laws here that say it is bad and it is punishable. But can you elaborate more on what you mean?"
"Something that says 'the school, or any institution has no right to detain someone without due process', or similar stuff like that."
The other head scholars shook their heads.
"Good," the Lord Head Scholar Santos then made his decision. "I will not allow our students to be used as fodder in the frontlines, in case war erupts. If their parents, or clan members, would complain about it, tell them to hold me accountable. The Conclave shall continue in its conduct of classes, and we—as the head scholars—will protect their lives, as well as the future of this land."
Lady Capaldi and Lord Gracchio could only exchange confused and terrified looks.
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***Present***
Now looking back at that conversation, Lord Head Scholar Gracchio couldn't help but admire the courage of the Head Scholar Santos on his determination to shield their students from the dangers and carnage of war. What's even more remarkable was that, the human head scholar was a human—their traditional enemy, yet he's concerned with the welfare and future of the demons as if they were his own people.
"…"
Yes, he is truly Lady Cassandra David's teacher.
And the Lord Gracchio was glad to have lived to see the person behind their revered hero's way of thinking. Though he was a demon—a member of the Gracchi clan under the Biornos, he disapproved of pulling demon children into fighting conflicts and battles the adults created. He wished that he could do something like what the Human Saint of Chersea did; force everyone to agreeing into peace.
However, traditions were traditions. No matter how hard he tried to protect his students from going to war, in the end, the Lord Gracchio couldn't do something about it. Traditions always won. The clan elders were always in the right. There were many instances that the children he grew to love never came back, and it was a painful experience, especially when he learned how those students died on the battlefield.
…struck in the eye. Neck has a slash wound.
…legs and arms cut off, executed as a prisoner of war.
…died due to blood loss, after three days of agony.
"…"
Their peers would often say that those who died were brave, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer their lives to the glory of their kin. But the Lord Gracchio knew how scared those children were before they were sent to war. He would always hear how those who 'died bravely' would rather pick lazing around in their classrooms, than being sent to fight. Most, if not all, desired to live peacefully until they graduated, but ended up losing their lives on the battlefield. Heck, even the adults were afraid; what more were the young students?
And the Lord Gracchio had grown so tired and depressed thinking about it. So, it's no surprise that he closed his heart into getting close with the student scholars.
"…"
But this Greg Santos…not only did he dare to fight Emile Biorno and the system he placed; he was also willing to fight even the parents of their students should they decide to include their children in the conflict. While he was aware of the former Special Scholar could do, still, to risk the anger of many of the demon nobility was something a crazy person could do.
Nevertheless, the Lord Gracchio liked that decision. And as one of the head scholars, he would throw his lot to this reformer.
"Hey watch out!"
"!!!"
It was too late for the head scholar to avoid the incoming student, who was running along the hallways, playing with another friend. The hapless boy bumped into the Lord Gracchio, and he was utterly horrified when he realized that it was the former discipline prefect whom he got involved with.
"Err…uhm…s-s-sorry…I-I'm sorry, milord!" the student kept on bowing before the head scholar. He knew what would happen next though, even if he kowtowed to the Lord Gracchio a thousand times.
"It's alright. Next time, be careful. Don't run in the hallways," was all the head scholar said to the boy. Then he continued on his way.
The students were dumbfounded on what they just witnessed. The Lord Gracchio was one who was reputed to be ill-tempered and severe whenever someone had been careless, even with the minor accidents. He knew this himself, and tolerated it, as long as the students would stay away from him.
"Wow…His Lordship just let us off like that?"
"The Special Scholar's reform is really true! Everyone's becoming kind and understanding!"
And the Lord Head Scholar Benedetto Gracchio heard that. A small pleasant feeling sprung in his chest; he couldn't help but let out a smile. It's been a while since he felt something like that.
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***The city of Darkmoor***
An elven ship from the land of Cherwoods had just showed its silhouette at the horizon, a few distances away from the docks of the port area of Darkmooor. However, while the coast watchers identified it as a trade vessel, they also saw two other elven vessels aside from the first that appeared: war galleys, escorting the trade ship as it approached the port. At that moment, the port master knew that the 'trade' ship was not there to conduct trade.
"Report to the Darkmoor Castle," he told one of his assistants. "It seems that the elves have something serious to talk to us."
Without a moment's waste, the assistant departed. As for the port master, he called on the city militia under his command, and prepared the port defenses and their artillery. It was not a premise for an upcoming battle though, but rather a gesture meant for the elves that the city of Darkmoor never welcomed the armed ships.
"…"
The cannons of the Usarved followed the movements of the galleys, as the other side presented its broadsides. Though at first one may say that the demon forces easily outgunned their long-eared rivals because of the presence of coastal artillery, the elves' ungodly precision were a match to them. The other side could take out the artillery crews waiting at the docks, hitting them at the most vulnerable spots wherever and whenever the elven commanders wished.
"…"
Still, though the tension was up, no one dared to fire the first shot.
"People of darkness, noble Usarveds!" an elf called out from the trade ship. "We apologize for the presence of our war galleys in your waters. Our master wants to let you know that he comes in peace!"
"I am the port master of Darkmoor, and I have the authority to welcome you or not," the port master replied. "However, pray do tell, honorable long-ears, if your master truly desires for peace, then what are your warships for? Our treaties stipulate that only trade ships can cross into each other's realm, save for war! To what elven house your master belonged to?"
"My friend from the dark, our master belonged not from one of our kins' houses, but rather from yours. And we came with him out of fear for his life, for he is fighting against his own. We elves have no desire to fight you, for our master forbids it. However, if you raised your arms against us, then we will have no other choice but to give battle."
"Port Master," the infantry commander of the militia, "this elf is clearly challenging our authority! Give us the order, and we'll fire our cannons at them."
The port master, however, told the militia commander to stand down, "Stop. Don't be so hasty, captain! We don't want to start an incident against the elves."
"But they are the ones who are inside our borders!"
"I said stand down."
With his suggestion refused, the captain gave way to his superior.
The port master then asked, "Very well, honorable elf! Before we allow your master into our lands, who is this lord you're representing?"
"I am Kal'Abash of the Elven House of the Wood, and I speak for the mighty Lord Haya of the House Usarved!"
"Understood. Please dock in the first port—"
A gunshot then echoed throughout the Darkmoor docks, and the port master was dead, killed by the captain of the militia. His soldiers stared at the corpse of their superior with a shocked expression. Nevertheless, their commander was quick to issue orders.
"His Infernal Highness, the Prince Hurion Devras IV, strictly ordered to keep his brother, the Lord Haya, away from the Usarved lands!" he bellowed as he brandished his sword and pistol. "And we're here to enforce that, not to welcome him! Traitors will meet the same fate as the port master! Fire at will!"
It was soon followed by the loud explosions of the coastal artilleries, letting loose their shells towards the war galleys, which was answered by the chatter of the elves' small arms fire, and bloodbath among the demon militias.
Moments later, the entire Darkmoor port area was blazing, as the first contingent of the long-eared invaders marched along the streets of the city, rousing up the entire population in the middle of their long sleep. Those who were watching were astonished, as the elves carried strange equipment with them…though someone from Earth would easily identify those as M4A1 assault rifles.
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Princess Noir was awakened by the distant explosions and the small earthquakes that rocked her castle. Guessing that it was coming from the port area, she got up her bed, donned her sleeping dress, and headed over the windows to check. Upon parting the curtains, she couldn't keep her surprise and horror when she saw the illuminated skies of Darkmoor, coming from the flames that burned the dockyards. There were also gunshots, screams and ringing bells, signifying that an emergency was happening.
Wasting no time, she burst out of her room, only to find her servants about to wake her up. Like Noir, they were confused and terrified; but the demon lord quickly took charge of the situation.
"George!" she called her butler. "What's going on? Are we under attack?"
"Your Highness," George Venelli answered, "an assistant from the port master just came over and reported about a small fleet of elven ships sailing into our docks. Two of those are war galleys."
"War galleys?" Noir blurted out. "Did anything happen with the elves while I'm gone for them to cause an undeclared war against us?"
"N-Nothing that I know of, Your Highness…"
The Usarved princess then ordered, "Prepare my horse and assemble the household guards at the courtyard. We'll march to the port."
"But it's dangerous, milady!" her maidservant, Angelli cried out. "Please stay here and send someone else instead!"
"I'm the demon lord of Cherflammen, Lady Angelli…" Noir heaved a sigh. "Though I may be a lady, I'm the ruler of this realm, thus, it's shameful for me to turn my back on the enemy."
"Then, if that's the case, Your Highness," another maidservant told her, "please allow us to come with you."
"Yes, Your Highness," George backed them, "though we're only servants of your household, we can still fight as proud demons."
"Very well," Noir pulled a sword from her magical storage, "get yourselves armed and ready before joining me."
"I'll prepare your dress, first, Your Highness."
"No need for that, George. This is war, and we have no time to dress up when we're under attack."
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At a moment's notice, the household guards—the core and elite forces of the Usarved army—was already marching behind their lady, who led them through the streets towards the port of Darkmoor. By that time, the entire city was awake, and the sight of the Usarved guards brought cheer to the terrified populace. Though they were still some distances away from the dockyards, rumors were already coming in that the elves never moved in that area, and they were led by a demon from the House Usarved.
"…"
Noir and her butler, George Venelli, exchanged worried looks. They knew the identity of that demon, and his return meant that war in Cherflammen was about to begin once again…
"But the elves to come to his aid…" the butler muttered. "I find it impossible, Your Highness. The elves, like the humans, hated us, isn't it?"
"Yes, you're right," the Usarved princess confirmed. "However, it is my brother we're talking about, George. I don't know, but…it seems he was gifted with a tongue of the gods. He can convince people to follow him, even those who hated him before. So yes, it's possible that he tricked the elves into supporting him."
The march took a while, before Noir's army reached the port area. And indeed, true to the initial rumors, the small elven army stood in attention at the docks, even as the building around them were burning. Sitting in a wheeled chair in the middle of that group was a familiar face to the Usarved princess and her servants…
"It's been a while, my beloved sister," the Lord Haya smiled. "You're more beautiful than I last saw you."
"Brother…" Noir never went down her horse. Seeing that as a cue that their lord would fight, her guards immediately formed a battle line, with their guns trained on the elves. "This is the limit of how far you'll return to the Usarved lands," she told the Lord Haya. "One more step, and my soldiers will fire."
"That's too cruel, dear sister," the paralytic demon chuckled. "I can't even move my feet; how can I even take a step? Is this how you welcome me, your brother who loves you deeply, after all this time I was gone?" As if to provoke her to shoot him, the Lord Haya moved his wheeled chair for a bit towards her.
"…" Unfazed, Noir raised her hand, ready to order her guards to unleash a hail of bullets. The elves, seeing that their master was in danger, followed suit, aiming their assault rifles on the demons.
"Stop!" the Lord Haya ordered. "Lower your weapons! This is a matter between siblings; I don't wish for you, brave long-ears, to be involved in this!"
Confused, the elves obeyed him, nevertheless. The paralytic demon then moved forward, to where every demon 'crack horn' would get a clear shot of him. The household guards never lowered their weapons.
"Will you shoot your beloved prince?" the Lord Haya asked the demon soldiers. He even unbuttoned his dress to show them his bare chest, directing their aim at that part. "Here, I picked a spot for you. Shoot, and make it quick!"
"…" Noir and her servants were all dumbfounded by the act. It was George who told the Usarved princess what to do…
"Order them to shoot, Your Highness!" he whispered. "Now's the time to do it!"
Noir, who was distracted, then gave the order. However, much to everyone's (save for the Lord Haya) surprise, the household guards never pulled their triggers.
"Shoot!" the Lord Haya bellowed. His voice echoed above the cracking of the burning wood and timber. He shouted with much authority that for a moment, the Usarved princess forgot that she was the demon lord.
But the household guards never moved, that was, until one of them dropped his weapon and went to the paralytic demon's side, celebrating his return. Soon, the demon soldiers followed his example, and they defected to the Lord Haya's side. In that one fell sweep, Noir Usarved was deposed as the head of the House Usarved, as well as Cherflammen's demon lord.
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***The Holy Palatial Gardens***
A member of the Paladin Guards Corps had just arrived at the main gates of the Holy Palatial Gardens. Her armor and cloak were both dusty, and her horse showed signs of extreme exhaustion after several days of hard riding. Her fellow paladins were quick to help them, and as she alighted, the paladin blurted out, "Please tell Her Holiness that the fugitive demon have already crossed into Cherwoods, and gathered a small force of elven mercenaries around him!"
It didn't take a whole day for the news to spread and reach the Human Saint. And for that, she called for the captain of her Paladin Guards, as well as the other commanders of her armed household retinue. As Her Holiness the Lady Madelaine took her seat in the most prominent position in the War Room's round table, everyone was already aware that she was not in a good mood.
"…"
Tensions were up, as the Human Saint kept her poker face. Her movements were also quick and precise—a clear sign that she was serious, as opposed to her usual laid-back behavior. Even her maidservants, who were close to her, watched their mistress in utter silence, uneasy of what might transpire after the bad news. The only ones who were unaffected by the edgy atmosphere were the Beastman Saint and the Saint of the Flame, who positioned themselves far from the table.
"Where is Lady Henristone?" was everyone's cue that Maddie began the meeting.
"Y-Your Holiness," a paladin answered, "s-she's already on her way."
"As your captain isn't here yet," the Human Saint picked up on that reply, "tell me, what happened at the borders? Did I not tell you to seal the crossings, to prevent that accursed demon from escaping our grasp?"
"B-But Y-Your Holi—"
"My question is answerable only by a 'yes' or a 'no'," though her voice was calm, Maddie interrupted the paladin.
"Y-Yes…Your Holiness…"
"Then, why is that demon able to cross into Cherflammen?"
The paladin, who had no idea of the higher-tiered operations of her corps, couldn't answer Maddie. Of course, the Human Saint knew this, as she had already read her mind.
"Where's Lady Henristone?" her voice was rising, and she couldn't stop herself from pounding at the table. "Why can't she be here when I need an explanation from her?"
"Your Holiness, I am here!" At that moment, however, the person in question finally made her presence known. Lady Sylvia Henristone had just came in rushing from her private quarters, and she had not donned her paladin armor, which was customary whenever a member of the Paladin Guards appear before the Human Saint.
And Maddie was quick to notice that, "What's with that look, Lady Henristone? Do you intend to disrespect me by appearing in your casual dress? This is an official meeting!"
"My apologies, Your Holiness," the noblewoman replied, "the meeting is so sudden and—"
"Are you saying that it's my fault, then?"
Lady Henristone was taken aback by that retort, "N-No, Your Holiness…I just—"
"Lily!" the Human Saint called out to her Head Maid, "Is this the reason the Paladin Guards—supposedly the finest knights in all of Chersea—is being outwitted by demons? Has the Corps become so complacent of their training?"
"Your Holiness," Lily answered her, "there's no problem with how they do their trainings! In the first place, the Paladin Guards are here for your safety, not to do intelligence and hunting work."
The people inside the War Room focused on the Head Maid, who bravely confronted the Human Saint and said what was in everyone's mind at that time.
"I ordered my paladins to track for that demon who hurt my Kuro, Lily!" Maddie reiterated. "That accursed creature should pay for what he did to him!"
Lily, Seirna, Ruro and Lady Henristone exchanged glances. Then, the Head Maid gestured for everyone—save for the four of them—to leave the War Room.
"I did not dismiss you yet!" Maddie blurted out, standing up in protest. "Why is everyone leaving? No one's following me! Is this how you show your loyalty, you lot?"
"We want to have a private talk to you, Lady Rubinforth," the Saint of the Flame finally decided to intervene. "Me, the doggie saint, your Paladin Corps captain and the maid princess."
"That can wait," the Human Saint wave her hand dismissively.
"I mean now."
"Let me be clear on this one, Lady Seirna," Maddie never budged; she glared at the people who remained with her. "This is Chersea. This is my realm. This is my land—"
However, Lily was swift to silence her friend. In a sleight of her hand, she pressed a talisman behind Maddie's neck while the latter was distracted arguing with the Saint of the Flame, and it quickly turned black. The process caused the Human Saint to lose her consciousness, and she slumped on the table.
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"Just as I suspected…" Seirna muttered as she examined the blackened talisman from Lily.
"That means," Ruro looked at her for confirmation, "the Seductress is slowly gaining ground on Maddie once again?"
The Saint of the Flame never answered, though all of them inside the War Room knew the answer to the Beastman Saint's question. Lady Madelaine Rubinforth may be whimsical and laid-back, but she never treated people like how she talked to them right now. Clearly, she is not herself.
The Head Maid heaved a sigh, "This is getting out of hand. If this continued, the people will hate Maddie, and they may end up fighting against her. But how can we even fight against something like her mother?"
"Don't lose your hope, Princess," Seirna told her. "The moment you despair is the moment you contribute to the Seductress' full return. The best we can do is fight 'till the end, and try to get Lady Madelaine's heart stable for as long as possible."
"Only my master can do that," Ruro quipped. "She only listens to him. In fact, not only Maddie; we all do."
"Yes, the Lord Kuro can speak to Her Holiness' heart," Lady Henristone confirmed. "He can be a voice of reason beside her once again. We may have a fighting chance to beat the Seductress if he's around."
"Ugh," the Saint of the Flame muttered; her face was contorted in open, but slight, disgust. "I can't believe that many of the most powerful ladies in this realm and of the others are head-over-heels for that otherworlder."
"Well, you failed to see my master's greatness," the Beastman Saint chuckled. "No wonder you got your neck slashed."
"You itching for a fight, dog?" was Seirna's counter.
"Speaking of Kuro," Lily asked, "when will the Lady Noir return him?"
Seirna fell silent once again. Indeed, it's been a long while since everyone saw the otherworlder, and his disappearance was getting into the Human Saint's sanity. His presence could help them keep her thoughts and feelings in check for some time, enough for the Lord Gaius to think of a solution to their problem.
Perhaps now is the right time to get that man back to Chersea.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
HansTrondheim
HansTrondheim Just want to say thank you for patiently waiting and for your understanding! Volume 13 took a lot of time and effort for me to write, and rightly so, for this is the longest book I've written for this story so far. I hope you enjoy this and support my other works as well!
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