Chapter 181 181 – Selection

"So, the point is, you don't mind if he gets this role, Ritor?" I called the minotaur general while walking in the cave that leads to the prison.

"That's right, my lord," Ritor replied. "I don't think the others would mind either. They think more about fighting than anything else. Only Garthur has a slightly different mind."

"I see." I felt that Ritor doesn't really understand the council of judges. "Well, then, I'll end this call. Good luck defending our territory. I'm sure the troops from the Durcia Kingdom are nothing compared to all of you."

"You too, my lord. I wish you success in what you are doing."

Apart from defending my territory in the former country of Ascaind, we also need to guard the parts we got from Durcia. After the announcement of the empire of Vorn, many cities declared themselves to join me. The very first to do so was Silkdale.

As soon as I went down to the prison, I greeted the workers digging for new cells before heading to the men's area. A minotaur opened the cell door after I told him to.

The humans who were there did not look at me anymore. They just looked down in despair, maybe because no help ever came, and they also couldn't think of a way out.

Why don't I just kill them? Well, I feel pretty amused to see them descend into insanity. It seems my demon lord side is getting the better of me.

That's no problem at all, of course.

The demons that were locked up there bowed as I approached Garthur.

"You've been here too long, big guy. Your friends have even left." I said to the minotaur, who was sitting with his head down like the humans. "Come on, we have a big task for you."

"I have made a big mistake…. I was not caught off guard when madam Lana took the potion…. I let her do that, with the hope that she would become a demon and can have sex with sir Ritor… However, that actually put her life in danger." Garthur muttered the words he had said many times since he was in this prison. "I don't deserve to be out of here. I must continue to be punished."

I crouched in front of that minotaur and tapped his shoulder. "That's why you deserve to be one of our judges. You can understand that the reason someone makes a mistake is not always because of evil. Perhaps there is another reason within them."

He lifted his face as he opened his mouth.

"You can give a good opinion in that council." I continued with a smile. "And your task will be so hard, Garthur. Consider this your punishment as well."

Well, everything I said was bullshit, basically. That's because only Garthur is senior enough, and his head is not only filled with the desire to fight.

"My lord…." He began to shed tears, then held my hand. "All right, my lord! I will work hard to make up for my mistake!"

Well, that's quite easy.

***

After taking Garthur out, I continued on my way while thinking, sorting out who would get the judge position.

"I was thinking of calling Jude," I said to Szur. "He's very wise, and I think he can calm the others down when things get heated."

The mare frowned. "Jude? The religious leader? But he joined us because of a trick, sir. What if he finds out the truth?"

"I have no other choice. There are only a few humans I can trust and qualify for this. Another option is Karl, but I want to have him as my adviser."

"I see." Szur nodded. "You called Ozig earlier to elect representatives of the working race. Now it's just the succubus that hasn't got a representative yet. Well, maybe this is a bit difficult, my lord. Szur feels a lot of them are qualified for this."

Now that I've made you a judge, you're being smart, huh?

"Still, I want the person I trust the most to be the judge. Succubi have an important role in battle and other things. I can't carelessly choose their representative." I walked out of the main cave toward one of the largest buildings outside.

"You want to make Phisovia the judge?" Szur asked again, maybe because we went to the clinic.

I shook my head. "I was thinking of Xenora in that position instead. She is ruthless in giving punishment to her subordinates. She will be a great addition to that council."

"Ah…" Szur muttered. "And for general, you also want people you can trust."

I opened the door of that building, and several shapeshifter nurses there bowed to me.

"Yeah, she hasn't been with us too long, but I still trust her." I continued. "I'm sure she will still be a good general."

I may be biased in this decision, but I don't care.

I stopped when I saw Lana coming out of the examining room. "Are you all right, Lana?"

She bowed to me and smiled. "I actually got good news. I am pregnant with Ritor's child."

"Congratulations." I smiled back. "I'll let Ritor know later."

"Ah…." Lana rubbed her belly. "I prefer to surprise him. If you don't mind."

"As you wish." I chuckled. I can't imagine Ritor becoming a father.

After Lana said goodbye, Szur and I entered the examining room. Lexi immediately stood up from her chair.

"Good afternoon, Lord Vorn. I'm glad to meet you. What do you need today?" She smiled but looked tense.

I smiled back. "As usual, I want to ask about the progress of the antidote."

Yes, this is my biggest obstacle to carrying out this plan. Phisovia could not become a general while still lying weak.

In an instant, the doctor's smile vanished. She sat back down and sighed. "Unfortunately, there has been no progress, my lord. We tested the umpteenth version of the antidote on other subjects yesterday. However, I haven't seen any significant changes…."

The doctor's words were cut off by a knock on the door. It is a nurse. After saluting me, she reported to Lexi.

"The subjects we gave the antidote to are awake."