They were, after all, holding Hinata back.
With Hinata's strength, there was actually still hope of breaking through Artoria's barrier.
In other words, if she wanted to escape, even Artoria and Treyni would have a hard time stopping her.
Even with the power of the Lord of Vows, there was no way to guarantee she would be captured for certain.
But the problem was...
When Artoria defeated the Holy Knights, Hinata's fate had already been sealed.
She would never abandon her companions.
For their sake, Hinata could only fight Artoria to the death.
As for the result, there was no doubt. Hinata lost.
And it was a complete, crushing defeat.
"Poof!!"
The golden knight's sword fell, and crimson blood spurted from Hinata's body as her trembling figure collapsed.
"It's over..."
Artoria sheathed her sword. She looked down at the unconscious Hinata. "Treyni, please help bring these people back to the Monster Nation."
"Alright."
Treyni said, "Since the prison was built, no one has been locked up yet. It's a good chance to test it out."
"..."
Hearing "prison," Artoria thought of the Four Primordial Evils.
She remembered that Carrera was supposed to be in charge of the prison.
The warden of the Monster Nation, and also the inquisitor.
These people, including Hinata, likely wouldn't have an easy time in her hands.
"I need to go say hello to Carrera."
Artoria greatly admired these Holy Knights from the Holy Empire of Lubelius.
Given Carrera's cruelty, the captives would undoubtedly suffer some torment in her hands.
Looking at the battle on the other side.
Under the assault of the Dragon species, Starfang wolves, and Orcs, the Kingdom of Falmuth's 50,000-strong army was almost completely annihilated in an instant.
The only one who survived was the Falmuth King.
And he, under Souka's escort, arrived at the newly expanded Demon Lords Castle.
"Master!"
Inside the main hall, Artoria knelt on one knee, reporting the results of the battle to Rin. "The enemy's 50,000 soldiers have all been annihilated."
"The Holy Knights of the Holy Empire of Lubelius, including their leader Hinata and vice-leader Leonard, a total of 3,200 people, are now imprisoned in the grand prison, awaiting your judgment!"
"Hmm."
Rin nodded with satisfaction. "You did very well, Artoria."
"Now, bring the enemy leader forward."
At Rin's command, the Falmuth King was dragged and thrown into the main hall.
The old king, having experienced this defeat and personally witnessed his 50,000-strong army being slaughtered by monsters, was filled with immense terror, yet he still clung to a sliver of hope.
"You, you are too rude!"
"I am the King of the Falmuth Kingdom, Edmaris I!"
Edmaris looked up at the man seated on the throne. "You, you mere monsters, how dare you treat me like this?"
"This guy..."
Upon hearing this, Rimuru's worldview shattered. "Is he a genius?"
He's already a captive.
And this is the Demon Lords Castle.
Why is a prisoner still this arrogant?
"You don't seem to understand your situation."
Without Rin needing to speak, Diablo had already begun questioning Edmaris. "Launching a war against our country without authorization is not something that can be dismissed with a few words, is it?"
"Have you thought about what kind of price you'll pay?"
"I admit, our country lost this time, and I will give you sufficient compensation."
Edmaris said, "But I am a king! Do you monsters not understand any noble etiquette?"
In Edmaris's understanding, when two countries went to war and one lost, the defeated side had to offer sufficient compensation.
Conversely, Rin should treat him and the nobles of the Kingdom of Falmuth with respect, not humiliate them like this.
"Although I had anticipated it, seeing it in person is still disappointing."
Rin had lost all interest in talking to this idiot. "Diablo, you handle it."
"Yes!"
The idea of sparing Edmaris's life was proposed by Diablo.
Of course, Diablo had no intention of protecting this idiotic king.
His goal was simple.
Use his ultimate ability to brainwash and control him, then send him back to the Kingdom of Falmuth.
As for what came next?
It was already pretty obvious, wasn't it?
Control the king, then carry out a major reshuffling of the Kingdom of Falmuth's upper echelons.
Once everything was mostly complete, destroy the Kingdom of Falmuth and make it part of the Monster Nation.
Some might say, isn't that too much trouble?
But you have to understand. The Kingdom of Falmuth had a population of 30 million.
And that didn't include the free citizens.
With such a large population, if things were handled too roughly, no one could predict how much turmoil and how many casualties might result.
Diablo regarded the people of the Kingdom of Falmuth as Rin's property.
He couldn't allow these humans to die needlessly.
"You, what do you want to do, I am—"
"Shut up!"
Diablo's gaze fell on Edmaris, instantly seizing complete control of his body and soul.
Seeing this, Artoria frowned slightly, feeling a bit disgusted by Diablo's wicked methods.
"Don't make such an expression, Artoria-sama."
Diablo smiled brightly. "I'm helping you, you know."
"Tsk..."
Artoria couldn't find words to refute him.
The Kingdom of Falmuth would be managed by Artoria in the future.
As she evolved from a Holy Spirit, Artoria's favorability among humans was naturally maxed out.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say.
As long as Artoria stepped forward and made a call, she could instantly gain the support of countless humans.
This was the inherent advantage brought by King Arthur's regal aura and personal charisma.
"I only hope you'll keep your word."
Artoria needed the demons' power. Only with their help could the state power transition smoothly into her hands.
"Of course!"
Diablo said, "We are demons, not evil devils."
"Is there a difference?"
"No."
"You guy..."
Artoria really wasn't good at dealing with this group of demons.
"Master."
Artoria asked, "How do you plan to deal with Hinata and the others?"
"Are you pleading for them, Artoria?"
Rin's tone seemed calm, but it subtly carried a trace of dissatisfaction. "You should understand that they are no different from invaders."
(To be continued.)