A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1500 - 1013: Heading to the Devil World_2

Chapter 1500: Chapter 1013: Heading to the Devil World_2

Duanmu Huai only cast a glance outside at the scenery before quickly retracting his gaze. He had seen such sights numerous times and cared little for them.

"Tell me about the current political situation here. And don’t tell me you know nothing."

As an outsider, Liliath might feel it inappropriate to speak about the internal affairs of the Wilbert family, but Banriya, being an insider, couldn’t possibly claim ignorance. Duanmu Huai certainly wouldn’t buy that.

"Alright... Actually, I wasn’t planning to discuss this on the road."

Understanding that she couldn’t fool Duanmu Huai, Banriya stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Ever since the three-way ceasefire, the Devil World has been divided into the Sturdy Faction and the Radical Faction. The Sturdy Faction is straightforward—they believe the previous three-way war caused too much damage, so unnecessary conflicts should be avoided, and recuperation is the best option. On the other hand, the Radical Faction sees the ceasefire as an act of cowardly betrayal and evasion... Of course, within the three factions, ceasefire is mainstream, but that doesn’t mean the Radical Faction has disappeared entirely."

"And then?"

"While Lord Wilbert was alive, the Wilbert family was part of the Sturdy Faction and one of its dominant forces. Gimonri is also a member of the Sturdy Faction."

This wasn’t surprising—after all, Liliath’s brother was a Demon King.

"What about Ramses, who currently governs the Wilbert family?"

"Lord Ramses is also part of the Sturdy Faction."

"Oh... I see."

Duanmu Huai nodded silently. He had heard similar explanations from Liliath before, and it made sense. The three-way war didn’t produce any victors; everyone fought until they were drained and ultimately had no choice but to shake hands.

From the Radical Faction’s perspective, however, the logic was simple: if I’m exhausted, and the adversary is also worn out, could I push myself a little further and annihilate them?

It’s easy to imagine that in their eyes, the Sturdy Faction’s peace agreement feels like a stab in the back.

Of course, Duanmu Huai didn’t care about such trifles. From the Tribunal’s standpoint, he even leaned toward supporting the Radical Faction—after all, if all three sides annihilated each other, wouldn’t humanity be more at peace?

Unfortunately, none of them were foolish enough for that.

The reason Duanmu Huai brought up these matters was straightforward. All political disputes ultimately boil down to conflicts of interest. If someone wanted to promote Naruse Mio to be the next clan leader, it would likely stem from dissatisfaction with the current ruling policies. After all, claims of illegitimate inheritance are merely excuses; the essence lies in political interests.

So, what about Ramses himself?

On this, Duanmu Huai held no particular opinion.

Meanwhile, the castle loomed close ahead.

For Naruse Mio, this might count as "coming home," but she felt no sense of returning. Not only did she travel stealthily, without entering the city, but she was also escorted through the castle’s back entrance. According to Banriya’s elder sister, Naruse Mio’s striking red hair might cause unnecessary unrest if seen by the population.

And beyond that...

"Looks like we’re really unwelcome here."

Mary shook her head helplessly as she surveyed their provided accommodations.

No doubt, the rooms prepared for them weren’t ordinary guest rooms but resembled storage spaces for old furniture. Even the walls were speckled with mold stains, inspiring nothing but discomfort.

"I’m so sorry; I didn’t expect this either..."

Banriya’s face was tense as she continually apologized to the group. After all, it was her elder sister who arranged the rooms—making her the unluckily implicated younger sibling.

"What absurd imbeciles! Seems Ramses is no better than this."

Duanmu Huai sneered with disdain. Though he anticipated that his arrival here would be unwelcome, basic courtesy on the host’s part was still expected.

And yet, if the host couldn’t even manage surface-level decorum, weren’t they risking outright antagonism?

With that thought, Duanmu Huai turned to Naruse Mio.

"I heard it was your father, on his deathbed, who designated him as clan leader. I imagined he’d amount to something, but apparently, he’s just street trash level."

"........."

Naruse Mio said nothing, remaining somber-faced. She hadn’t harbored strong hopes for this trip, but in some hidden corner of her heart, she had entertained wishes for reconciliation. After all, this was family—connected by blood. Yet now, it seemed any hopes for heartfelt reunions were misplaced.

"That’s enough."

As Duanmu Huai finished speaking, a cold voice rang out from the doorway. Everyone turned to look and saw a silver-haired woman dressed in a maid’s uniform standing there, glaring frostily.

"Sister!?"

Banriya cried out in surprise upon seeing the woman, who ignored her, fixing Duanmu Huai with her piercing gaze.

"I will never allow someone like you, an outsider, to insult Lord Ramses. If you continue to show disrespect, even if you’re Lord Mio’s benefactor, I won’t forgive you."

"Won’t forgive me? You?"

Duanmu Huai narrowed his eyes, staring icily at the silver-haired maid.

"So, not only does Ramses lack basic manners, but even his maids don’t understand courtesy? Is this how you speak to guests? Truly, the corruption runs top to bottom—a whole lot of scum."

"Silence!"

The maid roared in fury, and in an instant, several other maids appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Armed with sharp blades, they surrounded Duanmu Huai. Their faces were cold and serious as they pointed their weapons at his neck. Seeing this, Naruse Mio and Banriya were too shocked to speak, while Mary pressed her hand to her forehead, sighing quietly and shaking her head.

She knew full well what this scene meant for Duanmu Huai.

"Cease your disrespect toward Lord Ramses, or else..."

"Excellent. Very good!"

Before the maid could finish her sentence, Duanmu Huai cut her off with maniacal laughter. The next moment, his Power Armor materialized on his frame, and a blazing storm infused with Fearful Aura erupted, blasting the maids away!

"This is how it should be! If this is how you wish to welcome us, then let’s return your hospitality with a grand gesture."

Clenching Thor’s Hammer, Duanmu Huai’s face contorted into a sinister smile as he glared at the maid like a predator.

"This lovely castle—wouldn’t it be interesting if I smashed it to pieces? And I’d love to see if you can still speak after I hammer Ramses into pulp."

"Boom———————!!"

With Duanmu Huai’s roar, a crimson Magic Beam exploded from him, tearing through the castle and obliterating everything around it!

"Ah... Here we go again."

Mary, already foreseeing the chaos, pulled Naruse Mio and Banriya aside. Watching the destruction, she sighed in resignation and held her forehead.

"Miss Mary, what’s going on? What’s wrong with Uncle?"

Naruse Mio and Banriya were frozen in place, their bodies stiffened. Gazing at Duanmu Huai, who emanated pure wrath like a Demon God, their minds were blank.

"Uh... This is just how Mr. Duanmu is when he gets worked up... You’ll get used to it."

"What should we do now?"

Banriya was thoroughly bewildered. Was there really going to be a fight?

"...Knowing Mr. Duanmu’s temperament, once he’s demolished the castle, he’ll probably calm down."

".........What!?"