"Hahaha, excellent—this is the perfect pawn I've been searching for!"
"A subordinate who can grow into a Demon Lord—how thrilling!"
Gelmud's eyes blazed with madness, as if he could already see himself ruling the entire continent.
He immediately contacted his superior.
A powerful subordinate was in place, but they still lacked vast quantities of equipment.
Outfitting two hundred thousand soldiers would consume enormous resources—no small fortune.
"I understand. You've done well; I'll send someone to deliver it."
Listening to the voice on the other end of the call, Gelmud brimmed with anticipation.
His ambitions were anything but small.
If the Pig-Headed Emperor truly evolved into a Demon Lord, then as his master, Gelmud's status would rise meteorically.
He might even stand on equal footing with his current two superiors.
With such ambitions, Gelmud led the Hoghead Army toward the bountiful forest.
Only by devouring nonstop could they grow stronger.
The monsters he'd named earlier could now serve as fodder, accelerating the Pig-Headed Emperor's growth.
Demiurge and Mare watched the mighty host enter the forest, then ended their idle chat.
"Mare, since the target has appeared, the rest is up to you."
"Leave it to me."
Mare nodded, then silently turned into black smoke and slipped into the Pig-Headed Emperor's shadow.
If nothing went wrong, they'd reap a huge haul of experience… Nazarick, Administrative Building.
Every day, countless civil servants bustled in and out, handling tedious official business.
On the top-floor office, Shion was carefully reading a report.
Her expression was grave, brows tightly knit.
Recently, her workload had grown overwhelming; she was swamped and couldn't spare a single moment.
Fortunately, most tasks were now complete; the remaining minor issues could be delegated to subordinates.
She could finally catch a breather.
Knock knock.
A sudden knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Shion glanced at the entrance and said coolly.
"Lady Shion, an envoy from another nation requests an audience."
A secretary-like Long-eared clansman entered and spoke respectfully.
"An envoy?"
"Escort them to the reception hall; I'll be there shortly."
Shion pondered for a few seconds, then waved her hand.
"Yes, ma'am."
The secretary nodded and withdrew to make arrangements.
After finishing her paperwork, Shion arrived at the reception hall.
Three men in ornate white attire were sipping coffee on the sofa.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting; trivial matters detained me."
Shion took the main seat and spoke softly.
"Haha, not at all, Lady Shion—we completely understand."
A tall, slender man in white said with a smile.
"I am Drulf, special envoy of the Dwarf Kingdom, here to pay respects to your nation."
Drulf extended his hand and shook Shion's in greeting.
"Though our two countries have kept contact these past two years, we've had little special interaction. What brings you here?"
Shion asked, puzzled.
Drulf produced a scroll bearing the Dwarf King's seal.
"We have been quietly observing your nation and found it a worthy friend."
"This is an invitation from His Majesty King Gazel; he hopes your ruler will visit the Dwarf Kingdom for talks."
"And see for yourselves whether our customs and sincerity merit deeper friendship."
Drulf said solemnly.
Shion hesitated a moment, then slowly replied,
"Forgive me, Lord Drulf; this is not a decision I can make."
"Please rest while we give you an answer as soon as possible."
Drulf nodded. "No hurry; we can wait."
With that, under Shion's arrangements, they were shown to their quarters.
Scroll in hand, Shion personally returned to Nazarick.
In the library today, the attendant following Draco was the eldest sister, Yuri.
She stood impeccably behind him.
Draco was leafing through a thick tome.
Just then, the library doors swung open.
Shion stepped forward and said respectfully, "Forgive the intrusion, Lord Draco, but a matter requires your attention."
"Oh, Shion—I've had little time for you lately. You've worked hard."
Draco closed the book and spoke calmly.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord."
She then presented the invitation.
"Today an envoy from the Dwarf Kingdom delivered this, hoping you will visit for talks; they wish to deepen relations."
"Oh? That's interesting."
A playful smile curved Draco's lips.
The Nazarick Duchy and the Dwarf Kingdom had little contact; Draco guessed something must have changed for them to take the initiative.
"I'm busy at the moment; keep them waiting a month. Tell them I'll personally visit the Dwarf Kingdom in a month."
Shion nodded and left.
After she departed, Draco lowered his head and resumed reading.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"