Chapter 130
Nahun bringing Ersha Scarlet as his aide had a significant impact on the clan.
It was essentially as if the founder had decided to follow Nahun, causing any lingering dissatisfaction from their previous forced alliance to fade away.
In such circumstances, Nahun proposed to Ersha.
“How about we bring the clan back to the Demon World entirely?”
“I think that would be a good idea! But isn’t it impossible right now?”
“Right, let’s do it after the grand assembly of the Demon World.”
There was a prohibition against entering the human realm, so moving a large number of people through a portal would naturally attract attention. Nahun’s magic couldn’t transport an entire race.
So, Nahun returned to the 50th floor with just Ersha. Nahun, Cecili, and Ersha, back from the clan’s territory, headed to the office where Seere was located.
“This is your first time meeting Seere, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’m quite looking forward to this meeting.”
“Can I tell you something in advance?”
“What is it?”
“…There might be a chance they stare at you fiercely, but it’s something you don’t need to worry about.”
“That’s a strange thing to say.”
“You’ll understand once you go and meet them.”
Nahun arrived at the office and knocked on the door. Soon, a sweet voice came from inside.
“Come in, Teacher.”
“…Alright.”
Nahun felt uneasy.
He always thought that he was too sensitive to his own magic. Even when he tried to sneak in when he was younger, Seere was already up and waiting. Even now, they always knew who it was before he could even ask.
‘Still, isn’t it nice how they recognize me immediately?’
Nahun opened the door. Today, Seere, dressed in the Demon King’s attire, gladly rose from their seat to greet him.
“You kept your promise. You came within three days.”
“Of course.”
Who would dare break a promise?
“So, once again, you brought a woman with you.”
“‘Brought’ is such a strange way to put it.”
“Is this the one? The founder of the clan…?”
“This is Ersha Scarlet, Seere von Debata.”
Seere’s brow twitched slightly. It was because Ersha added “-nim” instead of “-ha,” which was a title used only among demons of equal rank, so hearing it from someone else felt unfamiliar.
However, Seere did not question it. They knew that Ersha was the clan’s “founder”—a being of equal standing to the original demon lords.
Then Nahun pointed out Ersha’s title.
“Ersha, even if you don’t like it, use ‘Your Majesty’ when addressing Seere.”
“Ah, I see. I’m currently Nahun’s aide, so at the moment, Nahun is under Seere-san, right?”
“Right.”
In terms of hierarchy, Ersha was in a position where she had to show respect to Seere. Ersha smiled brightly and bowed again to Seere.
“I apologize for the intrusion. This is Ersha Scarlet, who will be working as Nahun’s aide from now on, Your Majesty Seere von Debata.”
“…If you are the Teacher’s aide, can I treat you comfortably?”
“Of course.”
“Good. I’m also pleased to meet you. The first moon, Ersha Scarlet.”
“I haven’t heard that nickname in a long time.”
“I won’t question you working as the Teacher’s aide. I assume the Teacher found it necessary. But be aware of one thing.”
“What do you mean?”
Seere narrowed their eyes. They found Ersha, who was still smiling calmly for some reason, to be quite unsettling. Perhaps it was because, as Cecili had mentioned, she was more beautiful than imagined.
“Our Demon Castle prohibits romantic relationships among males.”
“…What?”
“I’m saying it’s forbidden to do anything strange with the Teacher!”
Ersha tilted her head, clearly confused. Seere squirmed at the sight of Ersha’s innocent expression, feeling slightly uneasy.
“Ah, you understand now?”
“I don’t quite get the meaning, but I’ll remember it.”
Then Nahun felt a sense of disbelief. What on earth did “forbidding male relationships” even mean?
‘What about Dein and Eri…?’
Didn’t they realize that saying there was a prohibition on male relationships applied to them as well?
As Nahun pondered this absurdity and looked at Seere with disbelief, Seere responded with a sharp gaze as if to counter him.
It was a somewhat cute rebellion, so Nahun let it slide. He turned back to Ersha.
“…Ersha, let’s leave the greetings at that for now. I’d like to ask something first.”
“Feel free to ask anything.”
“You told me the reason for this grand assembly of the Demon World, right?”
“Yes, you did.”
Nahun had already discussed the current situation of the Demon World with Ersha.
“With the Celestial War approaching, we need accurate information about the enemy.”
“I have little information about the heavens as well. Many angels have probably changed while I’ve been asleep…”
“You’ll know the major ones well.”
“I can tell you about them.”
“Since Seere is here too, I’d like you to say it here.”
“Sure.”
As Ersha nodded enthusiastically, Nahun looked at Seere and said.
“Do we have time to talk?”
“…Yes, we do. Discussions like this need time anyway.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that.”
Feeling relieved yet intrigued, Nahun observed that Seere was not fond of Ersha, while Ersha seemed to like Seere.
From that smile alone, it was clear that there were no negative feelings.
‘Is it because they know Seir?’
Perhaps Seere’s slightly arrogant attitude or jealousy felt more like cute rebellion to Ersha.
‘That’s a relief.’
Nahun had wondered what would happen if Ersha responded similarly to Seere, who was cautious like a wary cat, but as expected of someone long-lived, Seere was merciful.
As Nahun, Seere, and Ersha took their seats on the sofa, the serious discussions began.
“We need information on the Archangels.”
“First, you should know that the Archangels won’t participate directly in the Celestial War.”
“Well, that’s understandable.”
“Then why are you trying to get information about the Archangels?”
“Because there might be a need for it.”
“…Can I offer you one piece of advice?”
“Of course, that’s why you’re here.”
“Please don’t think of going to the heavens personally, Teacher.”
“…….”
Nahun narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Why is that?”
“The heavens are the undeniable territory of the angels. There, you will be powerless.”
“Is that so?”
“If you regain your original strength, it might not be an issue, but in your current state, you can’t help but be affected by the heavenly energy.”
Then the plan to invade the heavens first had to be scrapped. Nahun nodded and said.
“Still, I believe there’s a possibility that the Archangels might intervene.”
“Even during the Celestial War, they would avoid doing so unless absolutely necessary… unless the great ones decide to intervene?”
“There’s a possibility.”
“Oh dear…”
Ersha looked surprised. The reason Nahun was able to speak like this was because he had seen Golraph’s attitude in hell.
“Then I suppose it’s right to inform you.”
“Right.”
“…Um, Teacher.”
“Yeah?”
Seere sighed slightly.
“I can’t keep up with the conversation.”
“Ah.”
Seere’s expression was somewhat sulky. It seemed she felt excluded from the conversation they were having.
“Did you really think of going to the heavens? What a reckless thought!”
“…I would have only done so if necessary.”
“I absolutely won’t allow it.”
“I told you it’s impossible.”
“Even if it were possible, I wouldn’t allow it!”
“Understood….”
When Nahun gave his assurance, Seere finally nodded contently. It had been eight years since he had returned, so she was sensitive to him departing on his own.
Of course, it was Nahun’s own doing.
“The possibility of great beings intervening means that a great demon like you could get involved in the war?”
“There’s a possibility.”
“If that happens, it would be a full-scale war between the heavens and hell, unlike any previous Celestial War…”
“We need to prevent that. It must end at the level of the Demon King. But we need to prepare for the worst.”
Seere nodded as if she understood.
“Then I will tell you everything I know.”
“Thank you for that.”
“First off… should we talk about the Archangel Metatron, who is somewhat like the leader of the heavens?”
Ersha Scarlet’s lecture about angels began. It took over an hour for Nahun and Seere to hear that information.
—
“How was it?”
After finishing the discussion, Nahun momentarily sent Ersha out, wanting to talk privately with Seere.
“To be honest… it’s hard to believe everything.”
“Hard to believe, huh…”
It was understandable. Even Nahun, who knew some details about the heavens from the game, felt uncertain if this was correct or not.
Ersha didn’t know everything about the Archangels either, but even from hearsay of their fragmented power, it seemed plausible.
‘…It’s almost like a cheat.’
He now understood why the Archangels hadn’t made their presence known in the Ebel Queen Maker. And if the Archangels are like this…
‘It stands to reason that the power of the great demons, who stand in contradiction to them, is the same.’
Just witnessing Nahun, who had been weakened due to the seal, overpowering Barbatos, the top-tier demon lord, provided the answer.
“Teacher.”
“Yeah.”
“How can we ensure that Archangels or great demons can’t interfere in the Celestial War?”
“It’s simple yet difficult.”
While it seemed easy to say in words, there was no other method as difficult as this.
“All we need to do is end the Celestial War quickly.”
If they don’t allow time for their interference.
“Just as you said, that is indeed difficult.”
“Right.”
As Nahun acknowledged that, Seere spoke quietly.
“If that happens… I might die in the war, right?”
“Do you think I would let that happen?”
Nahun said this meaning he would never allow his precious disciple to perish, but Seere interpreted it slightly differently. Perhaps feeling a bit better, Seere blushed slightly as she said.
“Well, I’m just saying… it is indeed dangerous.”
“…Right.”
“Then…”
Seere bit her lip. Nahun waited patiently for her to finish her thoughts, feeling a sense of gratitude for his consideration.
Finally, Seere softly asked.
“If it were a final confession, would you accept it, Teacher?”
“…Don’t say strange things. You will never die.”
Nahun spoke in a voice that sounded slightly annoyed.
“I told you. I will raise you to the top. Do you think I would let you die in the Celestial War?”
Seere chuckled awkwardly. She did not bring up the subject of a final confession anymore.
“If anyone else had said that, I would have found it absurd. But hearing it from you makes me feel somewhat reassured.”
“You don’t need to worry. Even if an Archangel tries to intervene, I will stop them.”
“Doesn’t that mean the war will escalate?”
“Of course, it would be best to prepare in advance and finish the war early. What I mentioned was an extreme last resort.”
“Then what are your thoughts?”
“As of now, the grand assembly of the Demon World takes priority. We’ll discuss how afterward.”
After hearing Nahun’s words, Seere slightly lowered her head.
“…Teacher, can I ask you something?”
“Why do you ask again?”
“If such a worst-case scenario occurs, have you ever thought that you might become the final sacrifice?”
Nahun narrowed his eyes slightly. And he answered honestly to Seere’s question.
“Why wouldn’t I think about it?”
If the Celestial War truly escalated to the interventions of Archangels and great demons, Nahun couldn’t vouch for his safety. In truth, no one could guarantee safety.
“…If that’s the case, if you protect me and disappear, what am I supposed to do? Should I simply let you go without doing anything?”
“Nahun, that’s…”
You should give up your feelings for me.
Nahun wanted to voice that but swallowed the words. He felt it would be too cruel for the girl who liked him. However, Seere, quick on the uptake, seemed to catch on to what Nahun had been trying to say.
“I’ve told you multiple times that I can’t give up.”
“…….”
“Even if I say this… your feelings wouldn’t change, would they? I know.”
Saying this, Seere stood up from her seat.
“So…”
“…Huh?”
So, Nahun tensed nervously as he awaited Seere’s next words.
“Since it might be the last time, can I try a little harder?”
—
Nahun looked at Seere, who was tensed.
“…What do you mean?”
Seere’s voice was so filled with desire that Nahun couldn’t help but ask back, even though he knew what she meant.
“What do you think it means?”
Before he could fully grasp Seere’s intentions, she had already moved close to him in an instant. There was no hesitation in her action.
Nahun’s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at her, and Seere looked at him, seemingly enjoying his reaction.
The atmosphere in the office shifted. Seere released the brooch fastening her cloak and threw it onto the back of the sofa. Instinctively feeling that ‘this is not good,’ Nahun shouted in a panic.
“Se, Seere! We can’t do this! I have no intention of…!”
“Excuse me? I was just…”
Seere chuckled softly.
“I was just planning to sit on your lap like before?”
“What?”
Before Nahun could fully comprehend Seere’s words, she had already acted. She lightly sat on Nahun’s lap.
“Like this.”
The issue was that this time, the direction was entirely opposite. In the past, when she sat on his lap like this, Nahun always saw Seere’s back, but now she was facing him.
In front of Nahun, Seere’s voluptuous chest and the alluring valley created by her form rushed into view.
“!?”
As Nahun’s gaze instinctively turned that way, Seere smiled satisfactorily.
“Hey, Teacher, you seem like such a typical man.”
“…What are you talking about?”
Realizing he was dragged into this, Nahun suddenly adopted a cold demeanor, denying his own actions.
“I wasn’t thinking anything.”
“Oh, is that so? Then I must have misinterpreted.”
Saying this, Seere leaned in closer. Nahun, immensely flustered, turned his eyes away, but Seere acted as if it didn’t matter and continued.
“In that case, whatever I do won’t affect you at all.”
“Right, so let’s stop this meaningless act…”
Seere wrapped her arms around Nahun’s back and pulled him in. As a result, her soft chest pressed against Nahun’s chest, firmly pushing down.
“W-Wait!?”
As Nahun became dazed, Seere whispered into his ear in that position.
“Ah, Teacher… such a cute reaction. This must really be your ‘first’ time, huh?”
“Enough with the jokes!”
“Labeling it as a joke is a bit too much. I’m always sincere.”
“Do you have any idea how much I’m putting up with you right now?”
“Well, then you could just shake me off. Be cruel about it.”
Nahun furrowed his brow and grabbed Seere’s shoulders. When he pushed her away, Seere surprisingly offered little resistance and smoothly moved back.
This left Nahun even more confused. Why was she yielding so willingly? While lost in thought, Seere chuckled and got off Nahun’s lap.
“I’ll end it here for today. After all, I don’t think you would accept any more than this.”
“What…?”
“My actions were rather impulsive today. So, I couldn’t prepare for it.”
Prepare?
As Nahun blinked, bewildered, Seere smiled lightly as if finding his expression adorable. Then she pointed with her finger at her skirt hem.
“It’s plain after all.”
“……?”
Following where that finger pointed, Nahun stared blankly at that place. Realizing its meaning a moment later, Nahun shouted in an uproar.
“Seere!!!”
“Puhahaha!”
Seere burst into light laughter and suddenly flung the office door open wide.
“Where are you going?!”
“Since you’re angry, I need to run away quickly!”
“What?”
Seere really opened the door and swiftly fled. Left alone in the office, Nahun was sitting there with a dumbfounded expression when Ersha cautiously entered the office and asked.
“Is something wrong?”
“…….”
Nahun let out a deep sigh. Then he answered Ersha simply.
“…It’s nothing.”
There’s no way he could share this with others.
Today too, Nahun’s turmoil deepened.
