The Demon General

The Krane family

“Hey Damien, it’s time for your daily chores," a servant girl called out to him, her voice echoing through the stone walls of the Krane household.

The sound of her voice was familiar, almost comforting in its predictability. Every morning, without fail, she would remind him of his duties, ensuring that he never forgot the tasks that awaited him each day.

"Oh, okay… I will go right ahead," Damien replied, a hint of resignation in his voice as he grabbed a wooden pail and rushed out to fetch water from the well in the estate.

The well, situated at the far end of the courtyard, was surrounded by moss-covered stones and overgrown vines. It was a relic of the past, much like the rest of the estate, which had seen better days.

The weight of the pail, though familiar, was a constant reminder of his new life and the mundane tasks that filled his days. Each step he took felt like a journey back in time, to an era where life was simpler but also more demanding.

It had been two years since Alex had transmigrated into this world of martial arts, horses and arrows. He still remembered the exact moment when he realized he was no longer in his original world.

The surroundings were strange, and the people spoke with an accent he had never heard before. Everything felt foreign, yet there was an odd sense of familiarity that he couldn't quite place.

In his previous world, Alex had been a soldier, battle-hardened and celebrated as a war hero. He had experienced countless battles and had earned numerous accolades for his bravery and strategic brilliance.

Tragically, he met his end while trying to save his best friend and teammate during a particularly harrowing mission.

The memory of that fateful day was etched into his mind, replaying in vivid detail whenever he allowed himself a moment of reflection. It was a day filled with chaos, gunfire, and the acrid smell of smoke. He could still hear the cries of his comrades and feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins as he made the ultimate sacrifice.

His soul was transmigrated into the body of Damien, a 14-year-old servant boy. Damien was an orphan, and his life had been filled with hardship and struggle from a very young age.

He served Lord Ichabud Krane, a baron in the Grachin kingdom. The first few days after the transmigration were a whirlwind of confusion for Alex. He found himself grappling with the reality of his new existence, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar surroundings and the responsibilities that came with his new identity.

At first, he was happy to have a second chance at life. The idea of starting over was exhilarating, and he felt a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. But then reality dawned on him when he realized he was just a servant, a rank even worse than that of a commoner. He was neither a noble nor the protagonist of some grand tale. Instead, he was a lowly servant, bound by the rigid hierarchy of his new world. The realization was crushing, and it took him a while to come to terms with his new reality.

Damien's days were filled with an endless list of chores. Drawing water from the well, cleaning the stables, feeding the horses, attending to the needs of the estate, and its numerous occupants. Each task was mundane and repetitive, yet essential for the functioning of the household.

Despite the tedium, Damien performed his duties diligently, knowing that shirking his responsibilities would only lead to harsh punishment. His hands were calloused from the constant labor, and his muscles ached from the physical exertion. Yet, he pressed on, driven by an unwavering determination to survive. The routine became a source of stability in his otherwise tumultuous life, providing him with a sense of purpose and direction.

The Krane household was a rundown estate, its once grand architecture now faded and in disrepair. The walls, which had once been adorned with intricate tapestries and paintings, were now bare and weather-worn. The furniture, though still sturdy, showed signs of neglect and age. Surrounding barons and counts eyed the estate hungrily, eager to claim its hereditary nobility for themselves.

This nobility had been achieved by the first generation of the Krane family, Mikael Krane, a famous war general and knight who had fought side by side with the Archduke to overthrow the king and establish the new Granchin kingdom.

Mikael Krane was a man of great honor and valor. His name was synonymous with bravery, and his exploits on the battlefield were legendary. His presence commanded respect, and his leadership inspired loyalty among his troops.

At the establishment of the kingdom, Mikael Krane was conferred the title of Duke and served faithfully as a general and court advisor.

His loyalty and dedication to the kingdom were unwavering, and he was loved by all. He was hailed as the ‘great general,’ a title that carried immense respect and reverence.

However, as the next generation of kings ascended to the throne, their insecurities grew. The then second king, though a capable ruler, was not a seasoned soldier. He feared that the glory and honor received by the Krane family would overshadow the royal family’s legacy. The king's paranoia led to a series of actions aimed at diminishing the Krane family's influence and power.

Little by little, the king began to suppress the Krane family. Each generation of kings continued this suppression, systematically chipping away at the family's power and influence.

The Krane family's rank fell from Duke to Marquis, and finally to their current position as mere barons. With each generation, the once proud and powerful family saw their status diminish.

The suppression was not without resistance, but the Krane family found themselves outmaneuvered and outnumbered at every turn. Their allies were few, and their enemies many. The burden of their ancestors' legacy weighed heavily on their shoulders.

Lord Ichabud Krane, the current head of the household, found himself in a precarious position. The continued suppression threatened to strip the Krane family of their nobility entirely, demoting them to the status of commoners. The thought of losing their noble heritage was a source of great anxiety for Lord Ichabud. Alternatively, they risked being conquered by another noble, eager to expand their territory and consolidate their power.

However, the reverence for Mikael Krane's legacy acted as a deterrent, preventing direct conquest by other nobles. The Krane family clung to the remnants of their past glory, hoping to find a way to restore their honor and prestige.