Chapter 174
“Sea?”
Naturally, the Demon World also had a sea. Although it was structured like a tower, there seemed to be no end to the wonders that existed there.
The existence of the sea varied slightly depending on the layer, but on the 50th floor, which was ruled by Seere, there was a vast sea. It was famous for its beautiful scenery.
“Yes, the sea. Just the two of us can go play, grill some fish, walk on the sandy beach, and play in the water…”
Seere cupped her cheeks with her hands and shook her head shyly, as if embarrassed.
“If you want, Teacher… we can even share a moment near the rocks. It’s a bit embarrassing to do it outdoors, though…”
“I never wanted that!!”
As Nahun shouted in surprise, Seere chuckled softly as if it were just a joke.
“I already have a place in mind. The locals recommended a beautiful and secluded spot.”
“Well, why is such a place there?”
“Do you not like it?”
“Oh, no.”
Seere smiled slightly and showed Nahun a map. It was a detailed topographical map of the entire 50th floor.
“This is the area.”
“Isn’t it too remote?”
Nahun spoke with a hint of concern.
“I can’t protect you very well right now.”
“Teacher, come on. The 50th floor is my territory. Who would threaten me?”
“Well, that’s true…”
After the victory in the Celestial War, it was difficult for Nahun to grasp the exact situation since he was currently recuperating, but there were still things he could speculate.
First, the Demon Kings’ perceptions of Seere and her faction would have changed significantly. The council had not reconvened yet, so the hierarchy remained unchanged, but no one would view Seere as the 46th-ranked Demon King anymore.
At the very least, they would see her as being within the top 20, and logically consider her as a “powerful Demon King.” Leaving aside Seere’s own strength, that was in light of her faction.
“Finishing the Celestial War alone is no feat for anyone below the top-tier martial Demon Kings.”
Moreover, there were powerful Archangels and spirit kings in the mix this time, whom even the top martial Demon Kings could not counter, but Seere had managed to stand against them.
“In the eyes of the other Demon Kings, Seere has now become a thorn in their side threatening their positions.”
Thus, it wouldn’t be strange if some form of supervisory interference, which had not existed before, began to surface regarding the layers themselves.
“How about taking at least a few people with you?”
“No way. Then you would be conscious of the people around you again, wouldn’t you?”
“…”
Nahun thought to himself.
“This girl knows me too well.”
Seere spoke to reassure Nahun, as if understanding his worries.
“I know what you’re worried about, Teacher.”
“Mm?”
“So I’ve already instructed the legion to clear the area a bit, so by the time we go, there won’t be anything.”
“…Huh?”
Nahun suddenly wondered if that was why Veronica was busy…
“What’s wrong, Teacher?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Nahun almost suggested that it was unreasonable to mobilize the legion for such a trivial matter, but since it was Seere’s legion, it was her authority to command it however she wished.
It wasn’t something he needed to interfere with. Nahun let out a slight sigh and asked,
“When are we going?”
“We’re going in three days!”
“Okay…”
“You don’t have to prepare anything separately! Just relax until it’s time to go. I’ll take care of everything.”
Seere beamed with excitement simply at the thought of going out with Nahun. Nahun watched her expression for a moment and then lightly smiled.
“Alright, I got it.”
#
As the promised day approached, Nahun gradually began to walk a bit each day. The sturdy body of a Great Demon was quite different from that of a human, so even after a month of lying down, he had no major issues with walking.
However, he could definitely feel his stamina declining, which is why he was intentionally walking. And, as usual, Seere was right beside him.
“Seere.”
“Yes?”
“Could you loosen your arm a bit?”
Right now, Nahun was uncomfortably walking with one arm held by Seere. Some might wonder what was uncomfortable about that, but it was because Seere had intentionally pressed her body against him while holding on.
As a result, her chest was pressed against Nahun’s elbow, and the soft, tender touch continuously threatened his reason. Nahun tried his hardest not to pay attention, but ignoring the sensation that was battering his self-control was becoming difficult.
“Why?”
“Are you asking because you don’t know…?”
“Hmm, I don’t really know.”
Nahun sighed deeply at Seere’s act of feigning ignorance. Seere pouted slightly at his reaction.
“Why are you acting like that when you seem to enjoy it.”
“No…”
He had to consider how it might look to others. Those who knew the relationship between Nahun and Seere, whom he had cared for since she was seven, might not misunderstand greatly, but to the newcomers, it could easily be misinterpreted.
“Ah…!”
Yes, like right now. The one who discovered Nahun and Seere was Eliza, who had been appointed as the vice-captain of the Second Legion. She had helped Veronica in various battles during the Celestial War and had firmly established herself.
“Y-Your Majesty… with Nahun…”
“No! Don’t misunderstand!”
“Oh, is that how it looks? Hehe, Teacher. It seems we match well.”
“Stop saying strange things! You’re only making it worse!”
As Nahun’s voice began to rise, Seere finally moderated her actions. She lightly released her grip and spoke to Eliza.
“That’s not what the vice-captain thinks.”
“Oh… is that so? I’m sorry for the unnecessary misunderstanding…”
“Yeah, not yet.”
“…What?”
Seere smiled widely, and Nahun reprimanded her for saying silly things. However, it felt like Seere was taking Nahun’s admonishment with a grain of salt.
“Vice-Captain, how’s that matter going?”
“Oh, it’s all sorted out. I was just about to return today.”
“Really? Thanks.”
Seere smiled brightly and said to Nahun.
“They said everything is ready. Are we going to have fun?”
“…Isn’t it all going to depend on how you behave?”
“Huh? Are you suggesting… I should seduce you?”
“Why does it keep getting interpreted that way…?”
While the two exchanged playful banter as they walked, Eliza tilted her head in confusion.
“I don’t think I misinterpreted things…?”
#
On the promised day, the morning dawned.
Nahun blinked as he prepared to go out. His magic power had not quite recovered, but his physical condition was reasonably okay.
“If my physical condition were worse, I wouldn’t have to go.”
At such times, he secretly resented the robust body of a Great Demon. Nahun let out a deep sigh as he put on his shirt and tidied up his attire. Even though they were going out for fun, as Seere’s teacher, he ought to dress appropriately.
“I can change into comfortable clothes once we get there.”
Thinking that way, he stepped out in formal attire, and found Seere already waiting for him.
“Oh, Teacher.”
For a moment, Nahun was taken aback. Seere’s outfit was quite different from usual, but more than that, it suited her exceptionally well.
“Uh… I see you were waiting outside.”
It was an outfit anyone would recognize as a beach outfit. A wide-brimmed straw hat, a light blue dress that revealed her shoulders and collarbone, and comfortable-looking sandals.
Everything matched perfectly. Her white hair and skin paired with the outfit gave a refreshing impression. Seere smiled brightly as she looked at Nahun.
“Teacher, you’re wearing formal attire even for a trip.”
“…W-Who knows? And besides, I can change when we get there. I brought some clothes with me.”
Saying this, Nahun showed her his bag. As his eyes naturally drifted to Seere’s bag, something seemed off.
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“You have two bags? But why is one so big?”
“Oh, this? I packed food and other things.”
Nahun realized what was happening. Since they were going together, it seemed they really weren’t bringing anyone else and were going alone.
“That means the burden is a bit heavy.”
Seere giggled innocently. At her smile, Nahun briefly closed his eyes and then opened them again.
“Yeah, it’s something I can’t avoid anyway.”
Then they should just make sure to have fun.
“Give me the coordinates.”
“What?”
“There’s no need to take a long route. We never have enough time to play.”
“Ah… just a moment.”
Seere provided Nahun with the destination coordinates.
Nahun channeled a small amount of the little magic power he had regained. Although it was a very small amount, it was sufficient for the spell he wanted to use.
“Gate.”
『 Līmen 』
A passage opened. Nahun extended his hand to Seere and said,
“Shall we go?”
“…Hehe, sounds good.”
Seere gently took Nahun’s hand. He led her through the passage, and Seere followed him inside.
