Chapter 136
Barbatos tilted his head slightly. Rather than feeling bad, he seemed puzzled.
“It is truly perplexing to hear that the vessel is lacking.”
“You can take it literally.”
“How can it be said that our vessels are lacking? It might be inappropriate for me to say, but I am also one of the most notable Demon Kings in the Demon World.”
This was a fact. Few Demon Kings matched Barbatos in the Demon World. Apart from his obsession with martial arts, there was no fault to be found in his character or personality.
While he had a cruel side, that did not even qualify as a flaw for a Demon King. Nahun understood this well.
“I am aware.”
“Then do we still lack?”
“Yes.”
“What is the reason?”
Barbatos crossed his arms and looked at Nahun. If a proper answer did not emerge, he could take issue with this statement.
Anxiety was one of the elements Nahun was most wary of. If he were in his right mind, he would not have brought this up at all, but the drunken haze enveloping his body dulled his rationality. He answered outright.
“It’s simple. The size of the faction is too small.”
“…In a faction where six Demon Kings within the top 30 are gathered, and among them, two are near the top, while I am a clear Great Demon King—still, it is said that the faction size is small?”
“It is small. May I ask you one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“Does Your Majesty Barbatos think Beelzebub will join this faction?”
It was an unexpectedly random question. Why did Beelzebub come up all of a sudden? Barbatos shook his head, trying to grasp the true meaning of the question.
“Could that be the case?”
“Indeed. That’s my point.”
“What are you saying? Before the size of the vessel matters, someone who has reached the pinnacle wouldn’t form alliances with others…”
“No, that’s not true. Even those at the pinnacle can form alliances if the other party meets their level.”
“What do you mean? Beelzebub has no faction.”
“Is that really so?”
Nahun knew that Beelzebub had a faction. That faction was an alliance formed by four of the highest-ranking Demon Kings.
Rank 1, Beelzebub von Deus.
Rank 2, Agreas von Dio.
Rank 3, Basago von Dearty.
Rank 4, Samygina von Seos.
It was the ‘Patriki’ faction, formed by the top four rankings in the current Demon World. Though it was completely unknown to the public, Nahun, who had played the game, was aware of it.
“…That’s a significant statement.”
“Anyway, it means that even the strongest Demon Kings can ally if their levels match. Surprisingly, there are not many like Your Majesty Barbatos who only value personal ‘might.’”
“Then let me ask again: Are you saying that Seere von Debata is a vessel that our Equites faction cannot hold?”
Nahun lightly nodded. And with a smile that seemed to indicate he understood now, he replied with unexpected cheer.
“Exactly that.”
“Ha, is it not too flattering for my disciple? You could just say that you cannot contain her. Then I would understand.”
“Of course, that’s the case, but that’s not what we’re talking about right now. We’re discussing things in light of the future. If the current Equites faction continues as it is, it will not greatly benefit Seere in the future.”
“I’d like to hear why you say that.”
Barbatos listened to Nahun’s words intently. At this point, he could have taken it as an insult to himself and his faction, but he remained cautious. Since he had not reacted yet, Jepar, who was also listening, could not offer any rebuttal either.
‘Indeed, it is Barbatos.’
Unlike other martial Sultan Demon Kings, this was one of Barbatos’s advantages. It was likely a significant influence on Jepar’s calm demeanor as well.
Nahun smiled with satisfaction internally as he spoke.
“The Demon Kings of the Equites faction are indeed excellent individuals. While their subordinate forces might be slightly smaller, that can be sufficiently solved by the outstanding abilities of the Demon Kings themselves.”
“Hmm.”
“But how does it look as a whole? I understand that comparing might upset you, but for the sake of comparison, let’s take a look at the Plebs faction.”
At Nahun’s words, Barbatos narrowed his eyes slightly but nodded.
“How many Demon Kings belong to the Plebs faction?”
“…Thirteen.”
“That’s right. They account for roughly one-sixth of the total population of the Demon World. Compared to the Equites faction, their numbers are more than double. That means their subordinate forces must also be considerably larger.”
“Combat isn’t determined by numbers alone. Even if we were to face them now, I’d be confident we would be victorious.”
“I am not speaking of battles, Your Majesty.”
Nahun corrected Barbatos’s statement.
“The size of a force means they can exert more influence. Not necessarily limited to war, either.”
“…True.”
“Then let me ask you this. What does a Demon King with sufficient strength and power need? A wide influence through many supporting forces, or combat power through a strong minority?”
“…….”
Barbatos let out a groan. No matter how much he thought, he found no rebuttal to Nahun’s words.
Naturally, if the discussion veered towards combat, Barbatos’s claim would be correct. Even if the numbers were overwhelming, if there was a smaller force capable of wiping them out, the latter would indeed be better.
However, Nahun was speaking about roles beyond combat. While the influence itself, as a top-ranking Demon King, Barbatos had guaranteed for the Equites faction, such Demon Kings also existed in the Plebs faction.
“Numbers always matter. The more there are, the more you can do.”
“…I understand your point. Our faction lacks the number of Demon Kings.”
“Compared to the Nobiles faction that has lost its head, Your faction is splendid, Barbatos, but it’s only natural that the difference in numbers would be a hindrance.”
As Nahun said this, he offered Barbatos a bottle of alcohol. Realizing he was implying to pour him a drink, Barbatos gladly lifted his cup.
“Isn’t that… rather honest?”
“I suppose it’s the alcohol, but I was a little emotional as well.”
“Let me ask one more thing. You clearly need our help tomorrow.”
“Indeed.”
“Did you think I would be in a bad mood after hearing your words? What if I were to be upset and declare that I wouldn’t help you tomorrow?”
To Barbatos’s question, Nahun smiled lightly. And he answered honestly.
“I did not think that. I also know that Your Majesty would not do so. Barbatos von Eishval is a Demon King who values honor.”
Though it might seem like Nahun was throwing out words recklessly, he was actually capable of doing so because he understood Barbatos’s disposition. Having played Ebel Queen Maker dozens of times, Nahun was as familiar with Barbatos as he was with himself.
“…Hahaha! Indeed…! Is that so!”
Hearing a satisfactory answer, Barbatos snatched the bottle of alcohol from Nahun’s hand. Then, happily pouring him a drink, he said.
“The more I see you, the more I like you! Your might is impressive, and your ambition is admirable! Indeed, your goal must be that.”
Barbatos spoke of Nahun’s dream.
“To place Seere von Debata at the pinnacle.”
“Yes.”
“Very well, then for that reason, I will give up asking you to join my ranks.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“In return, I swear on this very spot. If Seere von Debata truly becomes a Demon King who can reach the pinnacle…!”
Pouring alcohol for Nahun, Barbatos extended his cup toward him.
“I will stand as your ally in the name of Eishval!”
Nahun’s eyes widened at Barbatos’s declaration. He seemed quite surprised, but slowly a smile spread across his face.
“…That’s amazing. I never expected you to say that.”
“Hahaha! In truth, I wanted to spar with you again, so I’m offering a bribe.”
“Oh, is that what it was? In that case, I need to prepare thoroughly.”
“I hope so!”
The two clinked their cups. And both wore pleasant smiles while drinking heartily until Nahun’s expression, previously adorned with a smile, suddenly stiffened.
“I’m sorry, but Barbatos von Eishval. That is a vow that cannot be fulfilled.”
There were Demon Kings that Seere had to overcome to reach the top. Only by defeating them could she finally be confident enough to challenge Beelzebub at the pinnacle.
So, Barbatos von Eishval.
This hearty and strong Demon King truly…
“Is a Demon King that must be hunted.”
As Barbatos emptied his cup and set it down, Nahun also put away his drink. They exchanged hearty smiles, yet the meanings behind those smiles slightly diverged.
#
“Ugh…”
“Why didn’t you moderate your drinking?”
The next morning, Seere looked at the bed with an awkward expression. This wasn’t her room, but Nahun’s room.
In contrast to Seere, who had finished preparing for the gathering, Nahun was still unable to get up. He clutched his throbbing head, groaning. With the gathering about to start, there was no way out of this.
“Seere… I’m really sorry…”
It was largely due to having drunk after a long time. Despite the trick of giving alcohol to the Massu, he couldn’t match Barbatos’s drinking capacity.
On the other hand, while Seere had also passed out, not drinking too much in between allowed her to rise properly. Therefore, Nahun, who had embarrassed himself in front of his disciple, groaned as he thought.
“How can a Great Demon be outdrunk by a Demon King…?”
Whether this was also the influence of the prohibition, he wasn’t sure. In any case, Nahun wasn’t in a state to attend the meeting.
“It’s okay. You have set everything up anyway.”
“Right… you told me everything you were going to do, right?”
“Yes. I’ll go alone. Please take a good rest, Teacher.”
“Really… thank you, Seere. I trust you.”
“Of course. I’m a reliable disciple now, aren’t I?”
“Indeed…”
Nahun weakly placed his hand on Seere’s head.
“You are my only disciple.”
“…T-Teacher.”
“Hm…?”
Suddenly, something hard touched him. Nahun managed to look up and saw one of his fingers weakly resting against a horn. For a brief moment, he felt as though his mind had paused for about a second.
“Puurl… Ugh…”
“I-I’m really sorry… Aah!!?”
Quickly withdrawing his hand, Nahun stood up and fell backward in his shock, while Seere sat there with a bewildered expression.
Bang!
And then there was a collision. Precisely, Nahun’s head hit the table behind him hard. Consequently, Nahun’s already throbbing head started to ache even more, and he began to lose his senses.
“Ugh…”
During that brief commotion, Nahun’s door burst open.
“What? It’s open? Seere, we need to go… Huh?”
“Oh my, what’s happening here?”
Citri and Gremory, who had come to accompany her to the meeting, could only tilt their heads in confusion. Nahun lay on the floor groaning, while Seere sat with her arms wrapped around herself.
“Seere?”
“Are you hurt?”
“Aah, no… Let’s go…”
“Are you not taking Nahun?”
“Teacher… says he has a headache…”
“It seems he’s not in a condition to be taken. By the way, Seere, your face is flushed… what were you two doing?”
“A-Ah, we didn’t do anything…”
Citri looked suspiciously at both of them, alternating gazes between them. And she seemed to have pieced together what might have happened. The only time the Demon Queen would suddenly look so out of it would be…
Seere and Gremory left the room first, and as Citri followed, she saw Nahun slowly trying to get up.
“Hey, Nahun…”
“Ugh… What is it…”
“That… Even so, isn’t touching the horn a bit much? It’s a truly sensitive spot for Demon Queens.”
“What kind of nonsense are you talking about!? Stop saying ridiculous things and just go to the meeting…!”
“Wow, it’s scary. Got it, no need to get angry.”
Citri fled outside while muttering “Is it really?!”, and Nahun clutched his aching head and muttered.
“…Leviathan.”
Then, black mist swirled, revealing a small white whale. The whale looked concerned as it gazed at Nahun, who gestured to indicate he was okay.
“Stay close to Seere.”
“Puur.”
“If anything happens to Seere…”
As Nahun sought the appropriate words in his mind, the recurring headache made him furrow his brow tightly.
“Just devour them…”
“Puur?”
Leviathan tilted its head, looking at him as if asking if that was really okay. Nahun, who had just blurted it out due to the pain in his head, pondered for a moment before clarifying his words.
“…What am I saying? Don’t eat them; just let me know if anything happens.”
“Puur.”
“Got it?”
Leviathan nodded as if expressing disappointment and disappeared. Nahun held his throbbing forehead.
‘Will Seere be alright…’
Thinking it might be better to go late than never, he started searching for a way to alleviate his headache.
