Chapter 218 The New Duke As Arrived III

As Sato gracefully ascended the steps of the altar, his presence revealed to the expectant crowd, an ecstatic eruption of joy cascaded through the square.

The people, moved by the sight of the soon-to-be Duke, cheered with unbridled enthusiasm, their voices blending into a symphony of celebration and hope.

Vlad, wearing a smile that mirrored the elation in the air, positioned his hand upon Sato's shoulder, signifying their shared purpose and unity. His voice resonated with authority and warmth, commanding the attention of every soul present. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his words imbued with a sense of solemnity and reverence, "I present to you a man of extraordinary prowess and character—Sato Inugami, known as the Demon Lord of Chaos and Turmoil."

The crowd hushed, their eyes fixed upon Sato, anticipation shimmering in the air. Vlad's words had ignited curiosity and stirred intrigue, for the name Inugami carried with it a reputation that transcended mere mortals. Yet, with the Duke's unwavering confidence, the room remained transfixed, eager to learn the significance of this revelation.

Vlad continued, his voice carrying the weight of momentous decisions. "In light of the trials that have befallen us and in recognition of the need for change, I have made the decision to dissolve the council. Henceforth, our land shall be guided by a singular power—the Duke. However," he paused, a deliberate moment of anticipation, "Sato Inugami approached me with utmost humility and wisdom. Together, we have reached a profound understanding."

The crowd leaned forward, their anticipation mounting, as Vlad unveiled the truth that would reshape the future of their realm.

"Henceforth," Vlad proclaimed, his words resonating with purpose, "there shall be a council. Yet, this council will reside directly under the guidance and authority of the Duke himself—Sato Inugami. It is through his discernment and wisdom that the council shall serve, their purpose aligned with the vision of a united and prosperous land."

A wave of astonishment washed over the assembly, their expressions shifting from curiosity to contemplation. The implications of this announcement were profound—a new era dawning, led by an exceptional individual whose unique position would bring balance and harmony.

The crowd buzzed with whispered conversations, as the people absorbed the weight of the Duke's decision, understanding that their future lay in the hands of the enigmatic Demon Lord of Chaos and Turmoil, Sato Inugami.

Meanwhile,Inside the confines of a towering edifice, strategically positioned just opposite the grand altar, a group of spectral figures known as the Ghost Gang lurked within a dimly lit room. Their leader, his gaze fixed upon the window that offered a vantage point to observe the unfolding scene, peered intently at Vlad, Sato, and the vigilant security personnel patrolling the surroundings.

A derisive snort escaped the leader's lips, his voice laced with disdain. "Tch! No more council," he scoffed, his tone dripping with contempt. "Dazil was right; the Duke has lost his sanity." Disengaging from the window, he made his way toward the rest of his gang, settling onto the ground among his subordinates.

Each member of the Ghost Gang possessed a unique appearance, their ethereal forms taking on varied shapes and sizes. Some resembled spherical orbs, while others bore a slender, lamp-like silhouette. Despite their disparate forms, a shared concern etched itself upon their incorporeal features.

"What course of action do we pursue, boss?" one of the ghosts inquired, his voice tinged with worry. "If the council dissolves, there is a grave risk that our kind will be subjected to scorn and disregard. Without Gudan's guidance, we are left vulnerable."

The leader exhaled slowly, assuming a relaxed posture against the cool wall. His voice carried an air of calculated determination. "Fear not," he reassured his comrades, his words laced with confidence. "We shall complete the task we set out to accomplish—eliminating the royal family and the newly anointed Duke. I would rather face death than be condemned to a life of servitude under those insufferable vampires".

His words hung in the air, resonating with unwavering resolve. The Ghost Gang, though apprehensive, found solace in their leader's unwavering determination. The shadows that danced upon the walls seemed to mirror their collective resolve, a promise to follow through with their clandestine mission.

A sudden rustling of footsteps reverberated through the room, jolting the closest ghost to the entrance from his reverie. His ethereal eyes widened in shock as he attempted to relay the impending danger to his companions.

"Guys, someone is—"

But his words were cut short, abruptly severed by a swift, blade-like object that cleaved through the wall, bisecting both the ghost and his warning in one fluid motion.

The sight sent shockwaves of alarm rippling through the remaining specters, their translucent forms assuming defensive postures as they surveyed the intruders who had so swiftly discovered their hidden refuge.

Emerging from the entrance with an air of deadly purpose were figures clad in crimson attire, their eyes veiled in darkness—Yuri's enigmatic servants, the Soul Hunters. Their presence alone sent shivers down the spines of the Ghost Gang, their senses tingling with trepidation at the overwhelming aura that surrounded these formidable adversaries.

The lead Soul Hunter, positioned at the forefront, stooped down to retrieve the lifeless ghost's body from the ground. With an eerie precision, he plunged his hand into the ghost's chest, extracting a pulsating, ethereal blue energy before casting the limp form aside with cold detachment.

Quivering with a mixture of fear and defiance, the Ghost Gang's leader confronted the intruders, his voice laced with a tremor of uncertainty. "W-Who the hell are you?" he demanded, the palpable danger emanating from the Soul Hunters causing his spectral form to flicker uneasily.

With an air of ruthless efficiency, one of the Soul Hunters responded, his voice carrying an icy chill. "Pardon the intrusion, but it has come to our attention that you seek to assassinate the Demon Lord." He paused, a chilling stillness enveloping the room. "My master has dispatched me to eradicate you," he declared, his words resonating with lethal intent.

As the Soul Hunter's hand closed around the pulsating blue energy, his grip tightened, crushing it into oblivion. The once vibrant glow dimmed and dissipated, consumed by the unforgiving grasp of his hand.

The dire implications of the Soul Hunter's actions hung heavy in the air, an unequivocal warning of the fate that awaited those who dared challenge the Demon Lord.

In the face of this formidable opposition, the Ghost Gang's leader found himself at a precipice, forced to confront the grim reality of his own mortality.

The Soul Hunters, servants of Yuri himself, stood resolute, ready to eliminate any threat that dared to encroach upon their master's domain.

….

"In light of these momentous circumstances, with the immeasurable power I shall soon wield as the Emperor of the forthcoming Nation of Albedain, I hereby pledge to elevate this humble town into a sovereign Kingdom, emancipating you all from the clutches of Fiona," Sato's resounding words reverberated throughout the grand hall, resonating with the hopes and aspirations of the gathered multitude. Yuri, Divanchi, and the steadfast family butler, Sebastian, stood vigilant, their unwavering presence a testament to their unwavering loyalty and commitment to safeguarding the Demon Lord.

"Albedain, our master has always been rather inept at naming things," Yuri remarked, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she engaged in playful banter with Divanchi.

Divanchi chuckled in response, the mirthful echoes of their laughter intertwining within the hallowed space, both of them radiating a shared sense of excitement and anticipation at the grand ambitions of their revered master. However, the air abruptly shifted as Yuri received an urgent communication through a magical earpiece, her countenance assuming a grave composure.

"Mistress, can you hear me?" the voice crackled urgently through the enchanted device, its urgency immediately capturing Yuri's attention.

"Yes, what is it?" Yuri replied, her eyes instinctively darting toward Divanchi, who mirrored her concern.

"We have just uncovered a group of rebels who have taken refuge within one of the nearby buildings," the voice informed her. "Their intentions are sinister, as they seek to assassinate both the Duke, his daughter, and the Demon Lord himself."

Yuri's gaze narrowed, her mind racing as she assimilated the gravity of this newfound threat. Divanchi, attuned to Yuri's shifting demeanor, sensed the urgency of the situation and eagerly awaited further details.

"Have you apprehended them?" Yuri inquired, her voice projecting an air of steely resolve, concealing the turmoil brewing within.

"I regret to inform you that we were unable to capture them all alive," the voice responded regretfully. "Only a handful were successfully apprehended. However, those we did apprehend divulged the existence of additional rebels scattered throughout the ceremony. They identify themselves as the Resistance."

Yuri's expression remained impassive, her mind rapidly devising a strategic plan to counter this unforeseen obstacle. The Resistance, it seemed, posed a direct threat to the Duke, his daughter, and the Demon Lord himself, heightening the urgency of the situation.

"Of course someone tries to sabotage it," Yuri murmured, her voice resolute and determined. "Don't not allow their plans to move. Rally our forces, neutralize this Resistance, and safeguard the lives of our esteemed Duke, his daughter, I'll handle my Master myself."

The grand hall fell into an expectant silence, Yuri's command lingering in the air, the weight of their duty pressing upon them.