Chapter 123
“…….”
Nahun was in a difficult situation. He felt troubled and flustered.
Before his eyes stood Seere. It had been quite a while since they last met—just a few days.
After the incident, Nahun and Seere had kept some distance between them, but now they were on their way together to a meeting arranged by Jepar.
On the surface, there was no particular reason for discomfort, and there was no moment that felt particularly awkward. However, Nahun couldn’t help but feel that way.
It was the first time he faced this child, and he felt a sense of awkwardness.
‘Did I speak too coldly?’
Seere was unusually quiet. It didn’t seem like she intended to pull any tricks.
Normally, Seere would be close by, subtly sending affectionate glances at this point. She would try to hold his hand or link arms.
Of course, she never crossed any further boundaries, but displaying her mature body to make an impression had been a constant lately.
Yet now, she was silent. She did nothing. Nahun found it strange and glanced back at Cecili, who was following them.
But Cecili also reacted as if she didn’t know why. It seemed she too was unsure and provided no answers that Nahun wished to hear.
“Teacher.”
At that moment, Seere called out to Nahun. He responded with a slightly flustered voice.
“Uh, yeah. What’s going on?”
“Aren’t we going to meet Lady Lezargie?”
The simple question betrayed his embarrassment, almost like a public admission that he was aware of their previous encounters. Nahun cleared his throat, trying to compose himself.
“Um, yes! Jepar mentioned that he arranged the meeting.”
“When did you meet Jepar?”
After what had happened, Nahun found it difficult to respond honestly, so he skirted the issue.
“A few days ago in the evening. I just happened to run into him.”
“I see.”
Nahun widened his eyes.
‘Is that all?’
The conversation seemed to come to an abrupt end. He had expected Seere to inquire more about what he had undertaken that evening, but she remained silent, letting it slide.
Nahun reflected on his previous actions.
‘…Was it effective?’
Seere’s demeanor had definitely changed. While at present it felt awkward compared to usual, there was no doubt it was a more comfortable vibe for Nahun.
“Then, have you had a chance to spar with Jepar?”
“Huh?… Oh, yes. He asked to, so I had to agree.”
“How was it?”
How was it, indeed?
Nahun recalled what had occurred that evening. He found himself unintentionally voicing his thoughts.
“He was at a usable level…”
“Pardon?”
“Ah, no, I meant Jepar’s skills, right? He was definitely strong.”
In truth, Jepar hadn’t hit Nahun even once that evening. Initially filled with mere curiosity, Jepar’s expression had quickly turned to one of admiration directed at him, which hadn’t taken long to develop.
Of course, that didn’t mean Nahun had knocked Jepar down or anything of the sort; he wasn’t in a position to offend the Demon King who needed to lend them strength.
“Was he strong for you too?”
“Yes.”
Jepar was indeed strong. Nahun felt that during their confrontation. There was a reason he was to take the lead in the Heavenly Demon War.
However, that was all. Compared to the heights that he and Seere aimed for, Jepar was undoubtedly lacking. Thus, Nahun assessed Jepar to be on the level of a ‘useful Demon King.’
His standard wasn’t Seere’s allies. It was a reference to the actual ‘Heavenly Demon War.’
‘Should the Heavenly Demon War happen, Jepar will…’
In the first Heavenly Demon War that unfolds directly in Ebel Queen Maker, Jepar would fall as the vanguard. While he was undoubtedly a powerful Demon King, he faced opponents who were poorly matched.
“…Before then, he has plenty to learn.”
“Huh?”
“Seere, how many times have you sparred with Jepar?”
“About three times so far. Jepar is quite busy too.”
“Have you learned anything?”
“Yes. It’s been a good experience in many ways.”
Nahun wanted to inquire about what she learned, but Seere gave a brief and vague answer, seeming not to desire elaboration. Nahun observed Seere and thought to himself.
‘Perhaps she hasn’t entirely gotten over being upset.’
He couldn’t blame her. No one else but Nahun had to endure this situation.
#
“Cecili, we haven’t arrived at Lezargie yet, have we?”
“No, she said she would arrive in 30 minutes.”
“Good.”
It was better that they waited in advance. Since they were meeting a high-ranking Demon King, it required a somewhat humble approach.
Nahun and Seere arrived at the meeting venue early. They were to meet in the lounge prepared by Jepar.
Upon arriving at the lounge, as expected, Lezargie had not yet arrived, and Jepar was keeping watch.
“Welcome.”
“Thank you for arranging this meeting, Jepar.”
“It’s only natural since a promise is a promise. Lezargie is said to arrive soon, so please wait a bit.”
“Yes.”
Only Seere took a seat. As this was a meeting of Demon Kings, Nahun, ostensibly her subordinate, had to stand behind her. But something felt strange.
‘Why are there four seats?’
He had thought it was only for Lezargie, yet there were four prepared. Even excluding Seere and Jepar, two seats remained.
As he pondered this, Jepar provided the answer.
“Are you curious about the extra seat?”
“Oh, yes. Isn’t today for Her Majesty Lezargie?”
“Actually, Lezargie was supposed to come alone, but one more person decided to join. That’s the reason.”
One ‘person.’ There weren’t many Demon Kings to whom the strong Jepar would show respect. The only one who could sit in this meeting alongside Lezargie, worthy of Jepar’s respect, would be…
Nahun, as well as Seere, suddenly realized the identity of the unexpected guest. At that moment, someone entered the lounge.
“Wow, it seems everyone has gathered here! Hahaha!”
“Stop laughing and hurry up and take a seat, brother.”
Two Demon Kings entered, exuding a strange atmosphere. Among them, the large silver-haired man possessed an overwhelming presence that Seere had never before felt.
‘As big as Jepar.’
He appeared to be a laid-back, friendly man, but he was someone who could not be approached casually. He approached Seere with a hearty laugh.
“You must be Seir von Debata! It’s a true pleasure to meet you!”
“…Yes, I’m glad to meet you as well.”
Seere handled the situation quite well despite her surprise. She naturally stood up, taking his hand with both of hers, greeting him warmly.
Nahun was also taken aback. He hadn’t expected that Demon King to barge in first. Though he was slightly flustered, he thought that it was actually better.
The war fanatic ‘Barbatos.’
The true top-tier Demon King ranked 8th had personally come to visit. He had already intended to meet him after persuading Lezargie.
‘It’s come earlier than expected, but…’
If it could all be resolved at once, it wouldn’t be bad. After the greetings between Seere and Barbatos, she also greeted Lezargie.
Once Seere finished her greeting, Nahun bowed to pay his respects.
“I am Nahun, Seere von Debata’s teacher.”
“Ah, you are….”
“You’re the one Jepar talked about!”
“?”
Jepar had mentioned him. At that remark, Nahun glanced at Jepar. Jepar promptly averted his gaze and smoothly greeted Barbatos.
“Brother, glad to see you. Lezargie, you too.”
“Indeed, Jepar. Have you been well?”
“Of course. Naturally, I’ve been well.”
Although Jepar slid past the subject skillfully, Nahun felt a bit uneasy. What had Jepar said about him that prompted such a significant figure to visit?
“Come now, everyone take a seat.”
Barbatos said that, sitting down at the empty elevated seat. Afterward, Lezargie took a remaining seat, and Jepar and Seere sat back down as well.
As the four Demon Kings took their seats, maidservants approached, pouring luxurious wine into each goblet.
Barbatos raised his glass and spoke.
“Seir von Debata, to think I would see the heir of that king grow up like this. Time really flies.”
“Indeed, I honestly didn’t expect I’d have the opportunity to converse like this so soon.”
“I never thought I would be in a position to converse with such great figures either. It’s quite an honor.”
Seere spoke respectfully, and it seemed Barbatos and Lezargie were quite satisfied, raising their glasses.
The four Demon Kings’ glasses clinked lightly. After the initial toast, they began to delve into the heart of the conversation.
“Jepar has heard that the Debata side is planning something quite interesting.”
“It’s not so interesting, really. We’re merely meeting with several Demon Kings for the matters to be raised at the Demon World General Assembly.”
“If it’s not interesting, then what would be? I would like to hear more details.”
Barbatos and Lezargie appeared to be quite interested, having received positive remarks from Jepar right from the start.
Seere glanced at them for a moment and quietly began to speak. Barbatos and Lezargie listened intently, intrigued by the details she revealed.
“I’m not sure about other matters, but the fact that you intend to resist Belzebut’s measures is quite interesting.”
“I wonder how Belzebut will react to that.”
Barbatos stroked his chin while contemplating something and then asked Seere.
“Seere von Debata, I am curious about one thing here.”
“Please go ahead.”
“This matter—was it your idea?”
“Yes?”
Barbatos’s gaze turned toward Seere, but it was directed not precisely at her, but rather at Nahun standing behind her.
“Or is it the thought of the one behind you?”
Nahun slightly raised one eyebrow.
‘…Well, look at that.’
The gaze Barbatos directed at Nahun was tinted with suspicion. It seemed he viewed him as a puppet mastermind trying to concoct something by putting Seere in the front.
Barbatos looked at Nahun with a piercing gaze and said,
“I’m truly curious whose thoughts they are.”
