Conquering The Novel

The Title: The Crowned Heir: Master of Dominion, originated from the snake tattoo that Ares had received from King Artemur. It was a secret weapon of the Kingdom of Escratia, known only to the keeper and a select few high-ranking nobles.

As the tattoo was bestowed upon Ares by King Artemur, profound ancient knowledge, and hidden secrets were also transferred to him in the process.

The seemingly ordinary snake tattoo held a power far greater than anyone could have imagined – it was a conduit for controlling the citizens of Escratia, akin to a puppet master pulling the strings of his puppets. As Ares delved deeper into the tattoo's secrets, he unearthed the origin of this extraordinary power.

The tale began with the third King of Escratia, King Aryan, who was not only a revered ruler but also a renowned hero.

Seeking to strengthen the bonds and forge alliances between the human kingdoms, King Aryan married three beautiful princesses from the neighboring human kingdoms.

Yet, with tensions between humans and other races always simmering, the human kingdoms found themselves in constant conflict with demons and other races. This compelled King Aryan to lead his troops to the borders, always leaving his wives behind.

Once when King Aryan returned from a prolonged war, he heard rumors of one of his wives engaging in an affair with a knight. Though the news enraged him, his love for his wives compelled him to seek an alternative approach. Instead of confronting the matter directly, he turned to the witches for aid.

Many officials and nobles opposed his association with the witches, as they were widely despised due to their unconventional use of magic. King Aryan, however, persuaded them that he sought to prevent any betrayals from within his own ranks while he battled on the front lines. He yearned for a solution to thwart such acts of treachery.

The Queen of the Witches, intrigued by King Aryan's plea, personally intervened and offered a solution—a powerful curse that would safeguard against betrayal.

The curse was bestowed in the form of a tattoo, an intricate snake design that held immense strength. Passed down through generations of citizens, the tattoo ensured the curse remained active. Moreover, each new king inherited the maternal tattoo—a symbolic remote, signifying their authority and control over the kingdom.

This enchantment meant that any form of betrayal within the Kingdom of Escratia would result in instant death. The curse extended even to those who contemplated betraying the king, including any individuals harboring romantic feelings or engaging in illicit affairs with the king's women.

The Crowned Heir: Master of Dominion, the title bestowed upon Ares, symbolized his role as the successor to the throne and the keeper of this ancient power. With the snake tattoo adorning his hand, he possessed the ability to control the kingdom's citizens, ensuring their unwavering loyalty and preventing any act of betrayal.

***

Ares chuckled, acknowledging the irony of how one man's mistrust in his woman had transformed an entire kingdom into puppets, their lives perpetually controlled by the king.

"Nevertheless, there existed a loophole within the curse; it spared those with kinship to the reigning king," pondered Ares, his thoughts wandering to the tumultuous annals of the Escratian monarchy. Its history bore witness to intense rivalries between siblings, all seeking supremacy and capitalizing on the curse's exemption that granted them immunity from its influence.

The Kingdom of Escratia had witnessed numerous conflicts for the throne, making ruling more straightforward as the king didn't have to fear betrayals and could focus on his responsibilities, even when away from the kingdom for extended periods.

"This tattoo was also why my ascent to the throne was smooth, with no nobles opposing or interfering," Ares muttered to himself, recognizing the advantage that the curse had provided.

Swoosh—

As he lost himself in his thoughts, a figure suddenly leaped into his room through the window, landing gracefully on the floor. 

!?

"...Just a few days away on a mission, and I return to find you dead, resurrected, and now a King," Rose spoke with a mix of disbelief and amusement. "It's like a script straight out of a drama."

Ares turned his attention to Rose, his expression serious. "You're here, which means you've obtained the location of that bastard Belphagor, am I right?" he questioned, cutting to the chase.

"....."

Rose paused for a moment, meeting Ares's gaze. "...Right on the mark, as always. But can't you first ask if I'm okay? The task you gave me was no simple feat," she replied with a hint of annoyance. "I had to keep a constant watch on a demon lord, for hell's sake!"

Ares's smile widened. "Ah, my apologies, Miss Rose. I should have expressed my concern for your well-being. However, given your exceptional skills and experience, I had full faith in your capabilities. I never doubted your ability to handle the task."

As Ares's gaze met Rose's, a genuine admiration shone in his eyes. He knew firsthand how skilled she was in evading capture, having successfully evaded the demon lords for centuries.

"Miss Rose, your track record speaks for itself," Ares expressed in an exaggerated tone. "Your ability to elude the demon lords all this time is a testament to your extraordinary skills and resourcefulness."

!!

Rose's eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and humility. Softening her expression, she let out a small chuckle. "...W-Well, at least you know. I suppose I can forgive you this time,...Your Highness," she emphasized in a teasing tone. Ares chuckled in response, the tension between them easing.

'Same as Irethiel, she is so easy to please,' Ares smirked inwardly.

"...Now, regarding the whereabouts of my master," Rose suddenly inquired, her gaze sweeping the room. "Since I don't sense her presence, I assume she is not nearby."

Ares's smile remained intact as he responded, "Don't worry about Irethiel, she's fine. I just sent her on a minor errand."

"....."

'Minor errand? Right, as if there's such a thing when it comes to you,' Rose thought to herself, her expression betraying her disbelief.

"Now, let's focus on the task at hand. I want to know everything you've learned about Belphagor," Ares spoke, his voice carrying a serious tone.

!?

Gulp—

Rose was taken aback by the sudden change in Ares's aura. 'Wait, what? He has grown even stronger in just a few days?' she mused, astonishment coloring her thoughts. 'Perhaps... Master made the right choice.'

She straightened her posture, her gaze meeting Ares's. "Your Highness, I have diligently gathered valuable information about Demon lord Belphagor. Allow me to share the details with you," she replied, her voice steady and confident.

"...."

To be continued...