"I don't think the citizens need to know that. Also, how can they find out about it as long as none of us says anything," High Duke Oris said as he looked at everyone.
"I would need everyone who's here to take a blood oath before they leave. No one would be allowed to disclose any information about this meeting and about Hades to anyone," He further added.
"Indeed, That would be better for the whole Demonic Realm," High Duke Mila agreed with Oris' statement.
"Since that's handled and all the doubts are clear, let's talk about what happens next," she continued.
"It's clear that His Majesty wants to live his life not bound by the kingdom's chains, but we all know that we need him. Our Demonic Realm is peaceful at the moment, but there are many problems that can appear and destroy our whole realm. We can handle things for now, but we would need him when the challenging times like that come," High Duke Oris said in a low voice, but everyone was able to hear his words.
"I have a suggestion for this problem, and I think many of you have also been thinking about it. How about we make Ryder our Prince?" He continued.
He noticed the surprised look on the faces of the others.
"His Majesty will always be our King even though he doesn't want to rule over us, but I have a suggestion. We will create a new position for his Majesty; he will be the Supreme Emperor! His position shall be above that of a King always. As for the King, I recommend giving that position to Ryder in the future. We need leadership, after all. And who better than the person chosen and liked by His Majesty, " He said.
The Dukes started talking amongst themselves as soon as they heard the suggestion.
"Now, You might be worried about his potential and strength, that's why I didn't suggest making him the king instantly, but if he is able to complete the ceremony of Kingship, he would have proven his strength. He can become the king of the Demon Realm," He said.
"What are your opinions about it? Those who support my suggestion can raise their hands," He announced as he looked towards everyone.
25 amongst the 34 Dukes raised their hand instantly, and 8 more raised their hands after watching the others. Only Duke Orisis didn't raise his hands, but no one minded him since he wasn't conscious at the moment.
"I agree, as well. I wouldn't mind making him the King as long as the proper respect is given to His Majesty," The High Dukes also agreed.
Only Magna hadn't spoken yet.
"What about you? Can you please think about this rationally and leave your prejudice aside? We're doing it for the betterment of our home after all," High Duke Oris said to High Duke Magna.
"Fine! We'll do it your way," High Duke Magna agreed, though he didn't look happy.
"That's better. We'll have the ceremony after 7 days right here, and that's when we'll make him the Prince and introduce him to the citizens. And when he completes the Kingship trial, he'll be made the king!" High Duke Oris said.
"Alright. Now that it's done, I'll be taking my leave," High Duke Magna walked out of the palace and flew away.
"You can all leave as well," High Duke Oris told the others. Everyone started leaving one after another. A few Dukes picked up the unconscious Duke Orisis and took him with them.
"It's been a pleasure to meet you, Prince. I'll meet you after 7 days," High Duke Mila said with a slight smile on her face and left as well.
Soon, there were only three people left in the palace. High Duke Oris, Ryder, and Duke Devilia were left.
"Thank you for all the help. I thought that he would kill me after the orb turned red," Ryder thanked High Duke Oris for saving him from Magna.
"It was my duty, Prince. Also, I hope that you won't think bad of Magna. He's just a little too serious. It's just the history of the Blood Demons. He lost control of his emotions," High Duke Oris explained.
"I can understand. I myself didn't know that I was from the Blood Demon Clan. Can you tell me more about them?" Ryder asked.
"I'm sorry, but I can't. It would be better if His Majesty talked to you himself. Since he hasn't yet, it must not be the right time," High Duke Oris said with a smile.
"Ahh, Ok. Can I at least know about the Kingship trial that you talked about?" Ryder further inquired.
"Hahahaha, Yeah. I can talk about that indeed. It is like a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. Even the King himself can't make the Crown Prince the King without him passing the Kingship Trial," High Duke Oris replied.
"To pass the Kingship trial, you must go to the land of our enemy. You'd need to enter the Death Domain, go to their Royal City and kill a hundred citizens of the Royal City and bring their heads back to us," High Duke Oris said.
"Are they weaker than us?" Ryder inquired.
"Not at all. If I were to guess, I'd say that the Death Domain is almost as strong as our Demonic Realm," High Duke Oris said.
"Oh, So I need to go there and kill their citizens? Even if I was able to do that, won't their King or their leadership catch me? You're literally asking a King Candidate of the Demon Realm to go against the King of the Death Domain! I can't believe the previous Kings had managed to do that," Ryder said with a weird look on his face.
"The previous Kings did achieve that. Some used their brain, while others used pure Strength to do it. Your master is amongst the latter. Anyway, there's no hurry. You can take as much time as you need and only go when you think that you're ready," High Duke Oris replied.
"Anyways, I need to take my leave as well. You can ask Devilia what other questions you might have," He said politely.
"Devilia, Take the prince back. You can bring him here on the 7th day," He said before he left as well.
Devilia took the confused Ryder with her and left.
