Chapter 194
At the moment Seere was expressing her anger by smashing Garp, Nahun felt a sense of bewilderment.
It was only natural to feel that way since he had suddenly found himself stuck on the fifth floor for two weeks. Nahun would only be able to understand the reason after Bernet returned.
“It seems there’s been a problem.”
“What kind of problem? Did they find out we were here…?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s a separate issue.”
Bernet explained the reason to Nahun.
“Several guilds have entered the fifth floor.”
“Right.”
“One of them is a guild called Testudo.”
“Hm, I’ve never heard of that one.”
“Well, it’s a guild that was formed during the eight years you were gone, Nahun.”
“Oh.”
That name sounded unfamiliar indeed. By the way, calling it the ‘Turtle’ guild didn’t quite fit, as rapid movement was essential for a guild.
“So, did that guild cause some sort of trouble?”
“Yes. It seems they brought in prohibited items for trade on the fifth floor.”
“Who makes such rookie mistakes?”
“Indeed. Because of that, we’re stuck here. Other guilds are in chaos too.”
“That makes sense.”
If the merchants were stuck, it would lead to significant financial losses. If that period lasted for as long as two weeks, the monetary loss would be unimaginable.
Even Nahun, who wasn’t a merchant, thought so; it was needless to say what the parties concerned were feeling. And…
“Two weeks is a problem.”
Nahun found that period troublesome as well. The situation on his end wasn’t so good that he could afford to suffer financial losses comfortably. If he were to be stuck on the fifth floor for two weeks…
‘I can’t even imagine what would happen…’
The thought of that future almost made it impossible to fathom.
“However, Nahun, Lord Marbas is the absolute ruler of the fifth floor. Once he decides something, no one can change it, not even Her Highness Belzebut…”
That Marbas could ignore Belzebut’s words didn’t mean that his authority on the fifth floor was anything to be taken lightly.
Nahun scratched his chin and pondered. How could he avoid waiting for two weeks? After a long consideration, Nahun came up with only one idea and spoke to Bernet.
“Then let’s have Marbas change his mind.”
“Excuse me?”
“Bernet, first of all, what are these prohibited items?”
“Wait a moment, Nahun. You can’t possibly be thinking…”
“Hmm.”
Nahun nodded confidently. Bernet firmly said, as if it was out of the question.
“That’s not possible!”
“Why not?”
“Have you forgotten what your current situation is? Right now, you are someone who illegally entered this realm. To approach the master of this realm means a one-way ticket to the underground prison!”
“That’s true. But that’s why I thought I could go to Marbas and get his permission as well.”
“No, you can’t get to Marbas without passing through the guards. They will stop you at the entrance.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Bernet, you’re here, aren’t you?”
“…Yes?”
“Bernet, you just need to set up a meeting with Marbas.”
Bernet looked at Nahun in disbelief. However, Nahun had already given him information, so he spoke confidently.
“I said I need to return quickly, Bernet. You have to take responsibility until the end.”
“That was an arrangement to hide you among the guild and… this is entirely a lose-lose situation.”
“Well, we’ve built a relationship and trust during our time together, haven’t we? I would appreciate it if you could consider that.”
“Just because I set up a meeting doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to persuade Lord Marbas, you know?”
“Hmm, I can just ask that.”
“Excuse me?”
“Ersha.”
Nahun called out to Ersha, who was waiting outside the room. Ersha carefully opened the door, greeted Nahun first, then greeted Bernet. As she exhibited grace and elegance, Bernet was momentarily taken aback before returning the polite greeting.
“Did you call for me, young master?”
“Ah, Ersha. If I go to meet Marbas, would I be able to persuade him?”
“Marbas… isn’t particularly stubborn, so if you ask if he can be persuaded, I can say yes. But Nahun, as you know, I had a prior relationship with Marbas…”
“Then how about we try some more covert threats disguised as persuasion? After all, things have degraded between us.”
At Nahun’s question, Ersha slightly narrowed her eyes.
“Are you intending to cut off the ties between yourself and Marbas entirely?”
“Is that not permissible?”
After squinting for a moment, Ersha sighed at Nahun’s brazen demeanor.
“…Sigh, how could I refuse the words of a great one.”
“It’s not coercion.”
“That’s what we call coercion normally.”
“Alright, so will you do it?”
“Based on our prior ties, I might manage it… but what if Marbas realizes that my powers are incomplete and decides to eliminate me?”
“Well, then…”
Nahun patted his chest.
“I’ll be there.”
“…You mean to take along someone with no magic to accompany you when you go see one of the strongest in the Demon World?”
“……”
Nahun had no retort and looked at Ersha with a sulky expression.
Bernet, the head of the Oliva Guild, had no trouble arranging a meeting with Marbas. Given the current situation, Marbas was handling other guild leaders directly for explanations, excluding Testudo.
“Alright. Finally going to meet him directly.”
“Nahun, you must be cautious with Lord Marbas.”
“What should I be cautious about?”
“He is generally known to be gentle, but at the same time, he is very meticulous. There’s a high chance he will inquire about why you and your party are on the fifth floor… especially why you are bringing that human with you.”
Bernet said this while looking at Iris. Nahun tilted his head and replied.
“Can’t I just say she’s a human slave?”
“That’s… somewhat true, but I know that Lord Marbas personally dislikes human slaves.”
“In that case, the image of the Oliva Guild isn’t exactly great. Although it’s not the case now, it was once a pillar of the slave industry.”
“Indeed.”
Nahun thought that was a variable to consider. Feeling slightly uneasy, Ersha spoke up.
“It’s alright. No matter the variables, the girl’s image is the worst anyway.”
“…Is that alright?”
“I mean, it won’t get any worse.”
Nahun, feeling a bit anxious, left the guild with Bernet and headed to the meeting place with Marbas. While it was called a meeting place, it was merely the reception room inside Marbas’s stronghold.
Of course…
“…Incredible.”
“It’s the castle of the ruler of the fifth floor.”
The Demon King Castle Nahun was used to seeing was on an entirely different level. The largest castle he had seen up to that point was Jepar’s. Jepar’s castle had seemed vast and expansive, but it was dwarfed in comparison to the enormous castle wall before him.
There wasn’t just one castle wall; it was a double structure with inner and outer walls, and inside was an enormous palace worthy of any national cultural heritage.
“Even finding the reception room is a challenge…?”
“Of course. The fifth floor welcomes many guilds and various classes of people. At one time, Lord Marbas was the head of the Nobilis faction, wasn’t he?”
At that statement, both Nahun and Ersha were taken aback. The cause of Marbas stepping down was right before them. Bernet, who was unaware of this fact, asked curiously.
“Nahun?”
“Oh, I see. He stepped down from the leadership role, but it seems many of the faction’s envoys still come here.”
“It seems so. Even before Lord Morax returned, it was said that way. By the way, Nahun, who do you think will become the new leader of the Nobilis faction?”
“Hm…”
Nahun briefly contemplated before answering.
“Hierarchy-wise, it must be Aiphoros.”
The twenty-first-ranked Demon King, Aiphoros. He was just one rank lower than the previous leader, Morax, and the next highest-ranking candidate, Bune, had perished alongside Morax… it was a given.
“I thought so too, but recently I’ve been hearing strange rumors.”
“Really?”
“Rumor has it that Marbas isn’t fond of Aiphoros. Unlike when Morax was in charge.”
“…Is that true?”
“Yes, it’s just a rumor, but… rumors in this field aren’t without basis, are they?”
If Marbas still exerted influence even after stepping down from leadership and held a grudge against Aiphoros…
“…Hmm?”
Nahun suddenly had a good thought. It seemed he wouldn’t need to resort to threats through Ersha; he could find a way to resolve the situation himself.
“Wait, Ersha.”
“Yes?”
“I’ve come up with a good idea.”
“Yes? What do you mean all of a sudden…?”
Nahun smiled confidently, as if he had thought of something.
“If all goes well, I can help Seere find a good position too.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s revise the plan.”
“We’re about to go in, Nahun!”
As Bernet said this, Nahun assured him not to worry.
“It’s fine. It’s simple. I just wish you had told me this earlier.”
“…Is this my fault?”
“Not exactly, but it’s a pity.”
Nahun shared something with Ersha and Bernet. As they listened, both Ersha and Bernet’s expressions changed, showing a mix of surprise and skepticism.
