Chapter 128
The Debata Castle welcomed the long-awaited return of its master.
“Welcome back, Your Majesty!”
“You’ve returned safely.”
“Have you been well? Has Cecili been assisting you properly?”
“Yeah, it’s been comfortable.”
Seere was warmly received as she moved forward with them, while Nahun watched them from behind for a moment. Cecili then asked Nahun.
“Aren’t you coming, Nahun?”
“…I’m just waiting for a moment.”
“Hmm?”
“I think a guest will be arriving.”
Cecili tilted her head, then suddenly made a noise as if realizing something.
“Is it that person?”
“It seems they’re outside, so I’ll go fetch them.”
“Oh, okay.”
Nahun left the Demon King Castle again and headed toward the front gate. Approaching the gate slowly, he spotted a woman waiting outside.
The striking sky-blue hair was a familiar sight to Nahun. Every time he saw it, he couldn’t help but think of the Black Lion of the Bismarck Empire.
“You’ve come.”
“Ah… yes, hello.”
Eliza. She, who had reigned as a champion under the name Arjuna in the rank of warriors, had arrived.
Nahun thought it had taken longer than expected. He had thought she would arrive before he did, but it seemed her deliberation took a bit longer than anticipated.
“Now that you’re here, it means you’ve decided to serve under our Seere von Debata, right?”
“…Yes, that’s why I came. You said so yourself, didn’t you?”
“In that case, allow me to formally introduce myself once more.”
Nahun had never properly introduced himself to Eliza. He had only introduced himself as a person of the Debata faction.
Nahun dropped his polite demeanor and spoke in a manner befitting someone who would be her superior.
“I am Nahun, the teacher of Seere von Debata, the master of Debata Castle.”
“…What? You’re His Majesty’s teacher?”
“Yes. I will be your superior from now on, so you may speak informally.”
“Ah…”
Eliza nodded her head. It seemed she understood. She thought to herself, this was the reason he was so strong. The teacher of the Demon King must be quite formidable, she reasoned.
“I’m sure your name is…”
“It’s Eliza.”
“Got it. Since we’ll be family from now on, I’ll make sure to remember it. I won’t ask your name again.”
“Family?”
Nahun opened the gate for her as he spoke.
“Because we serve the same master. Let’s go greet Seere… Your Majesty.”
“Yes. Also, I noticed you seem comfortable addressing the Majesty, so feel free to speak freely.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“Have you been looking after her since she was young?”
“Since she was seven.”
“Now it makes sense why she follows you so well.”
Eliza looked at him with curiosity. She seemed intrigued. Nahun then asked her a simple question.
“When did you start serving Glashalavras?”
“I’ve been serving Her Majesty Glashalavras since I was fourteen. Now that I’m twenty-two… I’ve been with her for eight years.”
“You’ve served for a considerable time. But why were you assigned to such an arena?”
“…You probably know that they select talents based on pure strength. I just happened to fall short there.”
Falling short in strength. While it was known that only true elites gathered under Glashalavras, it was still surprising that someone of her level would be deemed lacking.
‘Well, it turned out well.’
It was unfortunate for her, but a fortunate turn of events from Nahun and Seere’s perspective. Thanks to this, they could incorporate a valuable talent into their legion.
“First of all, Eliza.”
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“You will likely start as a deputy commander.”
“…What!?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Oh, no! It’s not that. I’m just unsure if I’m ready for such a position already.”
That was a reasonable concern. If someone new to the faction sat in such a high place right from the start, it was only natural for others to harbor some discontent.
Nahun chuckled softly at her rational apprehension.
“That’s a reasonable thought. But it’s fine.”
“Yes?”
“First, there is no room for objections to Seere’s decisions within Debata Castle. Secondly, anyone with suitable skills can become an officer in the Debata faction.”
“…Are you saying that even if I become an officer, I will be accepted?”
“As long as you demonstrate sufficient skill, anyone will recognize you.”
Nahun reassured Eliza with those words. She nodded her head and replied.
“So, as long as I prove my abilities, it’s fine.”
“We’re in need of talent. Outstanding individuals are always welcomed.”
Nahun led Eliza to Seere’s office. After lightly knocking, he heard Seere’s voice from inside.
“Come in, Teacher.”
Perhaps she had already heard from Cecili about his arrival and was aware he was coming. As soon as Nahun opened the office door, he was slightly taken aback.
“…Seere?”
“Welcome, Eliza.”
“Ah, greetings, Your Majesty.”
Seere was dressed not in her usual attire, but in a rather elegant black gown. She even wore a crown atop her head and was draped in a cloak, giving a different vibe than usual.
‘She has truly become a proper Demon King.’
As Nahun looked at Seere with that sentiment, she smiled back at him.
“Teacher, you’re staring so intently.”
“I was just thinking how you’ve become a respectable Demon King.”
“Is it not because I’m pretty?”
That thought crossed his mind, but he wasn’t feeling anything in a romantic sense. Seere still remained just an adorable student to Nahun.
He understood that Seere’s mention of “prettiness” referred to the kind of attractiveness one feels romantically, which he did not. So he shook his head and replied.
“No.”
“That’s a pity. But more importantly, Eliza, your visit here means… you’re prepared to work under me, right?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Eliza placed one hand over her heart and knelt on one knee.
“As long as you need me, I will pledge my loyalty to His Majesty Seere von Debata.”
“I wholeheartedly welcome that. Have you spoken with the Teacher?”
“Yes, I’ve heard a little about the Debata faction.”
“You’ll serve as a deputy commander for now. Depending on the abilities you demonstrate afterward, you may also reach the position of Commander. Conversely, there’s also the possibility of a downgrade.”
“If you have faith in me, I will do my utmost to meet your expectations.”
Seere gestured to Cecili, who was standing nearby. Cecili presented Eliza with a black military uniform.
‘Black?’
Now that she mentioned it, Veronica was indeed wearing a black uniform. Originally, the Debata legion’s uniform was white. This had been the case since the time of Seir von Debata, taken from the color of their lord’s hair.
“Eliza, you will now take on the role of Deputy Commander of the Second Legion.”
“Hm? The Second Legion?”
“Oh, the Teacher doesn’t know yet.”
Seere had made changes to the legion over the past eight years. She decided to reestablish the First, Second, and Third Legions, which had been left unnumbered.
However, since those legions had been left unnumbered, they decided to comprise them with certain capable individuals like the Fourth Legion. Thus, the First and Third Legions had yet to be organized, with only the Second Legion currently established.
“Veronica is the Commander of the Second Legion.”
“…Oh.”
She didn’t take the position just because someone died and had to take their place…
‘…It seems she proved her abilities in war.’
As Nahun expected, Seere revealed that the reason for her selection was Veronica’s performance.
“She displayed quite impressive skills when the angels invaded on the 50th floor. She rose to the position of Commander based on recommendations from the other officers.”
“Yet, there was still no Deputy Commander?”
“There weren’t any candidates I liked. But since we have one now, Veronica will probably be pleased.”
Considering the average workload of a commander, she might even scream and cheer out of joy.
“From now on, I look forward to working with you, Deputy Commander Eliza.”
Eliza stared blankly at the insignia and nameplate bestowed upon her for a moment, then lightly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her gaze had shifted to something resolute.
“I will devote everything to Your Majesty.”
“That’s a really nice resolve. I look forward to it.”
#
Seere asked Cecili to guide Eliza, and after the two left the office, Nahun spoke to Seere.
“By the way, I was surprised.”
“Really?”
“I didn’t think you would choose Veronica.”
“What do you mean? You brought Veronica to me, so didn’t you bring her for that purpose?”
“That’s true, but…”
Thinking back to the reaction Seere had when she originally brought Veronica, he would have assumed she wouldn’t utilize her.
“You don’t think I wouldn’t use her out of jealousy, do you?”
“…Do you really think I would think that?”
“Hmm…”
“I truly didn’t think that.”
Sometimes, he was fearful of how astute Seere was. Seere narrowed her eyes at Nahun, and then sighed lightly.
“Of course, there’s another reason.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m considering absorbing the entirety of the vampire faction soon.”
“Have they agreed?”
“You said so yourself. Gather the ‘blood’ to awaken the progenitor.”
In that moment, Nahun realized something he had forgotten. He had failed to search for the items he was meant to locate on the 24th floor.
The Moonblood. It was her blood required to awaken the progenitor, Ersha Scarlet. He knew that the largest concentration of Moonblood was on the 24th floor and had intended to search for it secretly…
‘How could I overlook such a foolish mistake…’
He had become so engrossed in recruiting Eliza that he had forgotten to search for it. As he slapped his forehead, Seere tilted her head in confusion.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. So have you gathered enough Moonblood?”
He thought he would need to go searching for it later, and when he asked, Seere shrugged.
“I don’t know how much is enough for me. But I’ve found all I could on the layers I’ve conquered.”
“Then…”
Seere had conquered up to the 46th floor. The layers Seere had conquered before Nahun left had been up to the 66th floor. Excluding the layers conquered by Gremony and Citri in between, it meant she had conquered almost 15 floors.
The amount of Moonblood existing from the 66th floor down to the 46th floor was exactly 13. With that quantity…
“…Hmm, sounds sufficient to wake her.”
While it wouldn’t be enough for her to engage in all normal activities, it seemed enough for Ersha Scarlet to awaken and manage.
‘If I hadn’t forgotten about the Moonblood on the 24th floor…’
She could have likely lived a normal life too. Nahun smacked his forehead in regret.
“Did you forget something?”
“…It’s nothing. I can take my time…”
“Yes… then that means you’re saying there’s enough to awaken the progenitor?”
“Right. Would you hand over the Moonblood to me? I’ll go meet her. I’ll suggest that she join the Debata faction, beyond just allying with us.”
“…Hmm.”
For some reason, it seemed Seere was pondering. Nahun tilted his head at her demeanor, and Seere asked him one question.
“The progenitor of the bloodline… she was a woman, right? Ersha Scarlet, I believe?”
The progenitor of the bloodline, having lived alongside the original Demon Kings, was somewhat renowned. It wasn’t surprising that Seere knew her name, but…
‘Why is she asking if she’s a woman?’
How far does this child intend to be jealous? It seemed that Nahun’s mere interaction with women bothered her.
“Yeah, she’s a woman. What’s it to you?”
“I’m just asking because you never know. You’ve lived a long life, so I was wondering if you would get along with a woman who has lived a long time too…”
“…I’m not thinking that way.”
“Plus, I heard from Veronica that she’s incredibly beautiful. Apparently, you were so captivated by her…”
“Finding someone beautiful and having feelings for them are entirely different things, Seere.”
While it’s true that he felt Ersha Scarlet’s beauty was akin to a work of art, it didn’t mean he felt any romantic attraction.
Furthermore, there was a fundamental reason he needed to awaken Ersha Scarlet.
“And I also need a secretary.”
“…Huh?”
“I was thinking of waking Ersha Scarlet to use as my aide.”
“…….”
There were various reasons that led him to think this, but the most significant one was certainly the wisdom that comes from experience.
Although Nahun had possessed the body of a great demon, he had only lived around 20 years in reality and just 10 years in this location. Altogether, he had only lived for a little over 30 years.
He hadn’t gained the wisdom of someone who has lived for centuries or millennia. Thus, having someone like Ersha Scarlet, who possesses that knowledge, would certainly be a tremendous benefit moving forward.
Seere narrowed her brows slightly.
“Why would you want to keep her by your side? You might as well use Cain.”
“Cain is busy being the butler. I can’t always keep him nearby.”
“I’ll fire him from being the butler.”
“Seere… then Cain would be sad.”
Why was this child so stubborn at times? Was it an influence inherited from Seir, who was once called the Demon King?
Nahun sighed and said.
“If you can’t trust me that much, how about making a promise?”
“…What kind of promise?”
“If I ever take Ersha Scarlet as my mistress, then you can do whatever you want to me. Just trust me.”
“Really?”
“Yeah…”
As Nahun gave that affirmation, he thought to himself.
‘Thank goodness I’m in a great demon’s body…’
Since he had entered the body of a great demon, his desires for romance had diminished drastically. That was why a normal, vigorous young man in his 20s could be surrounded by such beauties and still take no stance.
It was likely due to the transcendent time he had lived as a great demon that he had little desire for romantic entanglements. He could even say he had nearly none at all.
If he hadn’t been that way, he couldn’t imagine how envious Seere would have been. Nahun thought about that and spoke.
“Then I will go. There’s not much time left until the demon world council, so it would be better to go quickly.”
“…Take Cecili with you.”
“Huh?”
“You’ll need an aide, right?”
“If I take Deain…”
As Nahun began to suggest taking Deain, he recalled something and shut his mouth. The child who had greeted him so clearly at five years old.
“Are you saying you’ll take the kid with you?”
“…Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
Since Luca was still young, under Seere’s orders, they were doing their best to provide convenience for Deain and Eri. Nahun agreed with her suggestion.
‘Right, he will have to start working again after the council anyway.’
As soon as the restrictions on entering the human realm were lifted, Deain would have to return to the human realm. Until then, it would be better to provide him with comfort.
“So if you’re saying to take Cecili, what are you going to do?”
“I have Rea with me.”
“Right, understood.”
Cecili would indeed be a highly suitable aide. She was skilled at various bit jobs, possessed quite a bit of judgment and wisdom, and even had strength.
“Then it means you’re saying I can leave, right?”
“Yes, go safely.”
“Thank you.”
As Nahun expressed his gratitude, Seere smiled at him.
“Teacher, three days will be enough, right?”
“Hmm? That’s right.”
“If you don’t come back by three days later, then I’ll really keep you locked up~?”
“…I will definitely return.”
Seeing Seere’s serious yet ominous gaze, Nahun resolved to return in three days at all costs.
#
Despite the prohibition on entering the human realm, it had no significance for Nahun. He didn’t even need to use the portal on the 72nd floor.
When crossing from the demon world to the human realm, he wouldn’t fall victim to the flow of time, so Nahun opened a gate and arrived right at the entrance of the bloodline estate.
Before approaching the entrance, Nahun checked the 13 red orbs he had brought in his pocket. None were missing.
“I’m looking forward to this.”
“…Nahun, you shouldn’t say things like that in front of His Majesty.”
As he spoke of looking forward to his reunion with Ersha Scarlet, Cecili offered that advice. Nahun, breaking out in a cold sweat, replied.
“I would never.”
“Are you really not interested in her romantically?”
“I don’t understand why you keep misunderstanding, I’m just thrilled about borrowing her wisdom.”
“…Is that so? But please refrain from saying and acting in ways that could lead others to misunderstand, Nahun.”
“…I’ll be careful.”
In that moment, Nahun realized why Seere had assigned Cecili as his aide.
‘Cecili was in on it too…’
Thinking about it, there was no way Cecili wouldn’t help someone she cared about, Seere. She would probably actively assist her.
Even realizing this late was pointless. He couldn’t send Cecili back now that he had brought her along. Nahun sighed internally and approached the bloodline estate.
