Chapter 186: The Banquet’s Night at the Dark Capital

Translator Note: Happy new year folks!!

And what better way to begin, with an enourmous chapter. Oh joy!??

May we continue to live a loong year more and enjoy the blessing of everyone’s company!

KAMPAAI!!

I was almost brought into the feast of the Slime-kin and end up taking lodging.

It took more time than I thought.

A mysterious scenery also serves as a pitfall in this kind of sense.

A picturesque scenery should be enjoyed when one has the time.

I made it in time for the banquet, but I returned one hour later than planned.

“Then the egg of Crimson Red has been safely entrusted, right? Looks like it was a success.”

“No. I refused their feast, so I probably dampened their mood a bit.” (Makoto)

“If it’s only that, I don’t think they mind. In the first place, they wouldn’t think bad of the person that brought the one they worship just because of something like that.”

“...It would be good if that’s the case. I don’t think I will be associating with them deeply in the future, so there was a part of me that acted slightly halfheartedly thinking that it would most likely be the last time I see of them... you see.” (Makoto)

“And in truth, having an individual settlement placed at these parts would be harsh even if we were to station the Forest Onis. It would be fine if we have teams formed, but if they are alone, it might be slightly dangerous. In that sense, our relationship with them will most likely not get any deeper.”

“We are already lacking in people, so I don’t plan on going so far. Even if I bring people to this capital...we would need Shiki or Tomoe to manage them every now and then, right? It would be bad to have the store on leave after all.” (Makoto)

“But the other side... might request of it.”

“At that time, I will politely refuse.” (Makoto)

“That would be the best course. By the way, about the seating precedences of today...”

I return to the demon race capital and change to a dwarf-made ceremonial dress in our room.

At first, they proposed a room for each of us, but it would be a pain when returning to Asora, so we told them that one room would be fine.

Also, the number of places where I can’t wear my jacket has increased, so I relied on the words of a dwarf that told me to leave it to him, and had him create a number of clothes that can be used for parties and for etiquette.

Now that I think of it, I wonder why I didn’t ask the Orcs for that.

Even though I should have known that armor-like effects would be added to the clothes the moment I asked a dwarf to make it.

As a result, it took quite a lot of time before it was finished.

Right now they are at the drawers.

It is kind of a waste.

“Seating precedence? Ah, the seat numbers huh. Uhm...” (Makoto)

I have Shiki show us where we will be sitting.

“We would be here.” (Shiki)

“Ah, hm? That’s quite close to the Demon Lord. This could be taken as being welcomed, right?” (Makoto)

Are they appealing again?

I did tell them that I won’t be favoring the demons though.

“The segmentation of the welcoming is quite something. Without a doubt, we are being treated as state guests.” (Shiki)

“S-State guests... Mere merchants like us, are on the level of importance to that of a country?” (Makoto)

“As long as we don’t delve into it, they will most likely not be saying it themselves, but it seems that way. As expected of the Demon Lord Zef. He must have felt something from Waka-sama.” (Shiki)

“Is there going to be an incredible welcoming hell coming?” (Makoto)

My stomach is hurting already.

Even though the Rotsgard academy festival was already too much for me, and yet...

“Considering these seats, it might conversely be different. I think a chat with the Demon Lord will be the priority. Even if we enter, the Demon Generals should have taken their seats already.” (Shiki)

...

I have a sense of discomfort from the words of Shiki.

Leaving aside the Demon Generals, we will be sharing table with the Demon Lord’s children, right?

In that case, I feel like he should be saying more though.

“Shiki, the ones we will be sharing tables with will be the children of the Demon Lord, so they should be the prince-sama and princess-sama, right?” (Makoto)

... Even so, the Demon Generals and the royalty huh.

That will mentally fatigue me plenty.

Please learn that even if you have a refreshing smile, even if you smile gently, it will be pressuring depending on the person.

No, if they are doing it while knowing, I would just have to endure it though.

I can’t just tell them to please stop smiling after all.

“Oya, ah right. Waka-sama didn’t know, right.” (Shiki)

“What?” (Makoto)

“The demon race chooses their next Lord by their power. At the election there might be slight political power involved, but in the end, you won’t be able to become the Demon Lord unless you have the power to support it.” (Shiki)

“I see.” (Makoto)

“That next generation Demon Lord is called the the child of the Demon Lord by the demon race.” (Shiki)

“...Is that different from being a prince or princess?” (Makoto)

It would create factions between siblings, but I feel like I am only being told that they prioritize strength.

“Sorry, my words were insufficient. In other words, lineage doesn’t matter within promising candidates, and after gathering around a hundred, they give them education to become Lords, and among them, the next Demon Lord will be elected. The kids that are gathered are all ‘Children of the Demon Lord’.” (Shiki)

... Eh?

In other words...

“The ones there weren’t children that came directly from the Demon Lord?” (Makoto)

“Most likely. It was already reduced to 4, so the next one will probably decide the future Demon Lord. Of course, the ones that couldn’t become Demon Lord will be given fitting posts and will take the role of leading the demon race together with the Demon Lord.” (Shiki)

So the linage doesn’t matter huh.

That’s impressive.

If you are promising, you will separate from your family in a young age and be treated as the child of the Demon Lord and be polished.

With that, promising talents would definitely be raised. They will be raised but...I also feel like questioning if it’s really necessary to go that far.

As long as you have power, as long as you have talent; they disregard the person’s circumstances, is what I felt in those words.

“The demon race really is completely into a power doctrine huh.” (Makoto)

“Yeah, if they don’t do that, they might not have been able to survive, but it is certainly extreme.” (Shiki)

“Even if it does produce results...it is not a way of thinking that I would like to bring to Asora.” (Makoto)

“Other places will be other places; Asora will be Asora, Waka-sama.” (Shiki)

“Right.” (Makoto)

I nod at the words of Shiki.

“Waka-sama! The guides have come-desu wa!” (Mio)

“Mio, welcome back. So the guides have come. You arrived barely in time. You took your time coming back.” (Makoto)

“I came satisfied. It was all as planned-desu wa.” (Mio)

“... Yes yes. Then, let’s go.” (Makoto)

I feel like she is the type of person that would say: ‘There’s still one minute left till closing time!’.

... I was also that type as well.

How nostalgic.

“Yes.” (Mio)

Just like Mio -who was barely in time- said, the guides came soon after.

Mio is, without doubt, the person that is enjoying this trip the most.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

I’m glad it is not a formal stand-up meal.

In terms of feeling, this is more like that of a wedding reception.

Of course, there’s no bridegroom or bride though.

At times there would be performance dances, announced shows, and buffet cuisine of incredible size being distributed.

The atmosphere is lively and the food is good.

Mio and Shiki are having fun, and I am also enjoying it plenty myself.

I am grateful for the consideration of the demons for letting us act without the need of being too reserved.

Just that, the gaze of the Demon Lord and the children were frequently directed to our side.

It is obvious for the host to worry about the state of their guests, so while brushing it as something that can’t be helped, I also felt slight nervousness because of it.

There were moments when the Demon Lord would bring conversations to me.

The other people that were probably nobles of the demon race or important people of the army; those people didn’t throw any such conversation. There’s quite the distance from them, but this point honestly makes me happy.

The guess of Shiki seems to have been spot on.

And also...

“It seems his memories are gone, but how to say it, it seems there’s still the trauma clinging onto him.” (Makoto)

“...Looks that way. I am slightly surprised.” (Shiki)

“How rude-desu wa. To foam the moment he sees someone.” (Mio)

“...That just means God-sama is not omnipotent huh, yeah.” (Makoto)

It is something that happened when we arrived at the banquet.

At the table where the Demon Generals were gathered, one of them suddenly stood up. Well, his upper half was that of a hyuman, but its lower half was that of a snake, so I’m not sure if to call it stand up... wait, that’s of no importance.

When I thought that he was staring at Mio while trembling fiercely, without saying anything, he began foaming and fell to his back.

The place turned silent for a moment.

We are the only ones who know the reason why.

He, the Demon General Reft, probably doesn’t know the reason himself. The fear inside his heart must have remained.

I thought it was only a sense of inferiority level of trauma, but it was actually at the level of PTSD.

I thought less of it because there were no memories remaining, but it seems it was still resounding in Reft-san’s heart.

And so, there’s only 3 at the Demon General seats now.

The person that’s wholeheartedly eating is someone I have not seen before, but it must be the last one of the Demon Generals.

The looks are like that of a hyuman.

Must be a demi-human, but the power itself doesn’t seem to be that much.

Maybe that means there’s more who are like Rona?

I don’t want that.

“It’s okay Mio-dono. Well prepared food is coming out in numbers, so we are being welcomed.” (Shiki)

“...I am happy about that, you know? But this and that are two different things, right? What part of me looks like a monster that makes people faint-desu ka?” (Mio)

It seems Mio is discontent about the reaction of Reft.

If someone just heard the conversation, Mio’s anger would be reasonable, but when thinking about what Mio did before, I even feel like using a slipper to hit her head as a tsukkomi.

‘In the first place, you are the one that brought him here, weren’t you?’, is the kind of tsukkomi that would come out.

And so, I have no comments.

“Raidou-dono, what do you think about tonight’s banquet? From what this one sees, it seems you are enjoying yourself.” (Zef)

“Yeah, thanks for the great seats. We are enjoying ourselves plenty.” (Makoto)

historical

“And your followers, it seems they have something to say though.”

“Don’t mind it. Its just that she didn’t like how Reft-dono reacted, that’s all. Uhm, can I ask how he is now?” (Makoto)

“Hm, the matter of Reft spoiled her mood huh. This one is truly sorry for that. It seems like right now he is seeing a nightmare of sorts. This one has received reports that he has been moaning in agony, but there’s no danger to his life. It is not something to worry about.” (Zef)

Ah, what should I do.

Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, I was thinking about telling them about Kaleneon while I am here, but there’s the issue with Reft, so it was hard to say it.

Why did he have to be there and at that time in specific.

Because of today, it became even more difficult to say it.

“...”

Uh, the Demon Lord seems to be looking at me.

A gentle smile as if he wanted to become my comrade, no, like a smile of someone plotting something.

I want to think that this is unjustified suspicion, but from experience, I can tell that there’s something behind that smile.

“A-Ahahaha. I am relieved that it was not anything serious. Yeah.” (Makoto)

“Right, Raidou-dono. After this, there’s still a bit of time before the main dishes come out you see. If Raidou-dono is okay with it...can you accompany me for a bit?” (Zef)

“Accompany you to where?” (Makoto)

“Over there, at the balcony. This one has drunk at a slightly fast pace you see, so this one was thinking of breathing in a bit of night breeze.” (Zef)

Outside.The balcony huh.

Well, if it’s only that.

I look at Shiki and he makes a small nod.

It seems it will be fine.

“Understood. I will gladly accompany you. My face is also a bit flushed after all.” (Makoto)

“Umu. The night view from the castle is beautiful you know. Well even if this one says so, it is practically night all the time in this capital though. Hahahaha!!” (Zef)

Being urged by the Demon Lord, I stand up from my seat.

Oh, I am slightly staggering.

The alcoholic drinks of the demon race are quite potent.

Sweet alcohol and bitter alcohol is normally on the high level.

If I get used to the alcohol in this place, I might not be able to drink the whiskey of Rotsgard as an alcoholic drink.

I might feel it tastes like juice.

If I detox myself with magic, this level of intoxication would be gone in an instant, but since I finally got drunk in good fun, that would be a waste.

I try walking a few steps and follow after the Demon Lord that didn’t seem that drunk, and leave to the balcony.

There was no one, only the Demon Lord and I.

I could hear the door closing from my back, and the bustle of the banquet felt distant.

The wind that was neither strong nor weak was pleasant.

“How is the night view of the capital?” (Zef)

“Beautiful. It may be faint, but the lights of many colors somehow feel gentle.” (Makoto)

“Gentle huh. It is an impression that wouldn’t be given by a demon. How fresh.” (Zef)

The Demon Lord laughs amused.

From what I see, he doesn’t look that drunk.

It was a laugh that came after words that felt like they had many emotions placed within.

Sobering up might have been a pretext to bring me out.

“...This one would want you to...give me your opinion of the same night view, at the day of your departure.” (Zef)

“...Okay.” (Makoto)

“Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, Raidou-dono, this one wants you to look at the demon race and understand us. In the good and bad points.” (Zef)

Does that mean he intends to show me the strong points as well as their weak points?

And at the end, tell him how I felt.

“I think it is splendid. I can feel the wisdom of the demons and their will to live.” (Makoto)

“To tell you the truth, we weren’t trying to deceive you, but this isn’t a capital that functions as the metropolis.” (Zef)

“Eh?” (Makoto)

“Accurately speaking, it has stopped being that way.” (Zef)

“Because of the war?” (Makoto)

“That’s right. Try thinking about it. The demon race has obtained vast territory, and yet, is there really a need to have a capital in a place as harsh as this one?” (Zef)

...

That’s certainly true.

The current territory that the demon race possesses, the north of Elysion may be pretty vague, so the hyumans don’t have a map of it, but at the very least, there’s land that’s better suited than this.

“Yes, that’s true.” (Makoto)

“Umu, in truth, right now we have been building up a city at the coastlands that will be functioning as the capital. We are making this the center of the country. This one is also normally there.” (Zef)

Then why did you have us walk inside the blizzard for several days?

If you had a more comfortable place to be in, shouldn’t that be better?

...Is it because it is crazy far?

“‘Then why did you call us here?’, is what you are thinking, right?” (Zef)

“Uh, yes. A bit.” (Makoto)

Did it show in my face?

I am trying my best to not show my thoughts in my face though.

“It is because Raidou-dono is not using the correct method to conceal difficult emotions. If you don’t want to be seen through, you shouldn’t try erasing your emotions, but hide them. If you force yourself to erase them, it will only make it more obvious.” (Zef)

“I-I see.” (Makoto)

“That time I asked you if you had fun as well. It would be okay to just leave a smile on your face. There’s no need to force yourself to stay expressionless. Most of all, you should learn how to smile with your eyes. With that, you will be able to hide most things, and even earn others.” (Zef)

“Thank you very much for the advise.” (Makoto)

Why am I suddenly being taught by the Demon Lord here?

But...to smile properly huh.

He says it as if it’s easy, but it is actually difficult.

If I was told to do it without caring of the situation, there are times when I just can’t.

I will have to be diligent.

“This is only the basics that can’t even be considered basics. There’s no need to think that you owe me anything. Ah, the talk was about the capital, right. This capital you see, is a place that has our history piled up. And for a long time, it has been the place that’s been the demon race’s everything. That’s why, this one thought that this is the place that this one wanted to show Raidou-dono no matter what. That’s the reason why this one had you walk such a harsh journey.” (Zef)

“History...” (Makoto)

“That’s right, history. The many customs that have been born from this place are living within ourselves.” (Zef)

“...Like for example, the matter with the children?” (Makoto)

I remember the words of Shiki and try asking.

Even if there’s no blood relation, that person will be treated as a Demon Lord candidate as long as that person is promising.

“...Who did you hear that from? That’s right. That method of choosing Lords was also born from this place, is what I have been told. It seems I have subordinates with loose lips. How troublesome.” (Zef)

“No, it was one of my followers that coincidentally knew of it.” (Makoto)

Even if there’s one, I have not heard of such thing from Shiki or Mio.

I should cover for the general subordinates of his.

“Hoh~ such extensive knowledge that person has. I see, a subordinate of yours that knows of the customs of the demon race. Well, that’s surprising.” (Zef)

He doesn’t look surprised at all.

Maybe he already knows about Shiki.

The time when he was a Lich known by the name Larva, he was acquainted with Rona in some way, so the chances of her reporting about it is high.

“It was by coincidence.” (Makoto)

“Even if so. The number of customs this one was planning on showing you tomorrow, you might know them already. The amount of demons that know the hyuman society are low. The majority that know of it are from the army. In that sense, you people who are a merchants, are deepening your knowledge. That’s something worthy of respect. You truly have good subordinates.” (Zef)

“I am honored.” (Makoto)

“...Within this everlasting darkness, the demon race has endured hardship. But that will continue forever with no end to it. At this rate, the demon race will perish. The moment we understood this, we gathered our strength and waited for the opportunity. And then, this one began war. As a Lord, this one doesn’t regret it.” (Zef)

After a slight silence from my words of being honored, the Demon Lord that was looking at the distance, and without looking at me, he said words that were definitely directed at me.

That’s how I felt.

“Even if it was the property of others, the demon race needed a rich land. If we didn’t do that, we would have suffered in eternity, starve, and die. Raidou-dono, if you were to became the Lord of such a race, what would you have done? This may be hypothetical talk, but please let me hear it.” (Zef)

With a face that didn’t show it was just mere hypothetical talk, the Demon Lord looks at me.

I think that this capital... really is a land that has big meaning to the demon race.

The Demon Lord probably recollected something and has asked me this.

Is it like the Kyoto and Tokyo for the Japanese?

The capital of history in essence.

No, it has only been a few years since the capital changed. It can’t be compared to this.

It might look that way to me, but it is probably not that way.

“If it were me you say. If it were me, I would look for new frontiers before placing my hands on the belongings of someone else.” (Makoto)

“Look for land that’s not yet seen huh. Then, in the case that it shows despairing results?” (Zef)

Eh...

I went through the trouble of answering. Is it valid to return the question?

“Why would it be despairing?” (Makoto)

“Geographically speaking. There’s only inferior places left. There’s places that can’t be overcome because of the lack of craft.” (Zef)

“Then I will have us research in the crafts and advance it.” (Makoto)

“I see. Raidou-dono is saying that war should be avoided huh.” (Zef)

“War will definitely leave grudge. Thinking about the future, I don’t think this will turn into a plus.” (Makoto)

“That’s of course true. But the demon race was way too cornered. The moment we judged that it was impossible to pioneer further north, we destroyed the demi-humans that were the previous residents of this place and obtained this land.” (Zef)

...

The place that you decided to steal...was this?!

Just what kind of wretched place were the demons living in before?

The Goddess as well, she is as evil as always.

I really continue to think that I should give her a good punch at that face of hers.

“I-I see.” (Makoto)

“Ah, and not leaving any grudge behind.” (Zef)

“Eh, but...” (Makoto)

“Slaughtered them all. If we take care of everyone, there will be no grudges left. It may be an inane plan, but at that time, that’s how we saved our race.” (Zef)

That’s certainly true. If they don’t leave a single enemy behind, there won’t be grudges left.

They really are through.

“...”

“The answer may be different depending on the person, but the foundation of the demon race is without doubt ruled by the principle of strength. If this one has to say it without any ornate words, it would be: survival of the fittest. If possible, this one doesn’t want to show you that part of us, but if we are to continue our relationship, the sooner the better. That’s how this one thought. In the time you are here, you will witness the customs that are created by this principle, and its complications.” (Zef)

So he is telling me that they will face us seriously.

It is certainly true that showing one’s dirty side is hard to do.

...It is scary to do.

“But it was slightly unexpected. From what this one has felt, Raidou-dono is someone that has quite the power. Hyumans are not a race that originally possess such high power. In other words, Raidou-dono has faced that much difficulties in life. And those kind of people, the people that have power will wish for more power and authority, that’s how they end up thinking. Honestly speaking, this one didn’t expect you to avoid war to that extent.” (Zef)

“Thinking of avoiding war, is that so weird?” (Makoto)

“For you merchants, it is also a chance to support your Lords. Of course, it is also a chance to gain huge profits, you know?” (Zef)

“I...don’t think of gaining huge profits from the war.” (Makoto)

“...But when you were having a conversation with this one and the children, you said something that was akin to saying: ‘I will be gaining profits from the war, but you can’t complain about it’, though?” (Zef)

I didn’t say anything that meant that.

Where did he pick it up in that way?

Ah, that huh.

The talk that even if I oppose them, it will not be because I am trying to be their enemies but because of interest, or something like that?

But that was not intended in that way.

“No, that’s a misunderstanding. I am not thinking of participating in the war itself after all.” (Makoto)

“Rona was suffering a headache from that. Saying this is not what he said last time, that Raidou-dono might be intending to turn war into a business.” (Zef)

“Like I am saying...” (Makoto)

“It’s fine. It’s enough to hear those words of yours. Just like what Raidou-dono says, that’s Rona’s misunderstanding.

“We still have the time to understand each other. This one thinks that it is fine to slowly know of each other as we advance. Without hurrying.” (Zef)

“Thank you very much” (Makoto)

Stopping my words with his hand, the Demon Lord understood what I tried to say.

I’m glad.

It is truly a misunderstanding after all.

I am glad it didn’t end up in us being at cross purposes.

...

Right, if it’s now...

There’s no people around, only the Demon Lord and I.

On their side there’s only the Demon Lord; in my side it would be best to have Shiki and Mio by my side, but thinking about it, the other party is a Lord-sama. In reality, a situation that fits such criteria would be hard.

He seems to be an understandable person, and from that conversation just now, it seems he has his own thoughts about the demon race stealing land.

(Shiki, do you have time?) (Makoto)

I call Shiki with thought transmission.

(Waka-sama? It looks like you are speaking with the Demon Lord but, is there some sort of problem?) (Shiki)

(No, its not that. You see, right now the atmosphere makes it possible to talk about Kaleneon. Is it okay to tell him?) (Makoto)

(...Right. The chances of us speaking with the Demon Lord will most -->>

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