Chapter 219
“Wow, the 9th floor is as lively as ever! It’s vibrant, beautiful, and I feel as if it resembles you, the one in charge!”
“Thank you for seeing it in such a positive light.”
Malepare entered only to greet Phynox, without once glancing at Nahun, who stood behind. Thanks to that, Nahun felt at ease, but he also began to worry if he should continue to stay like this.
Just then, Phynox opened her mouth.
“Malepare, there’s someone I would like you to meet.”
“Hmm?”
“Nahun, say hello.”
Phynox dropping the honorifics and calling Nahun’s name indicated that the atmosphere had begun to shift. Nahun stepped forward and bowed slightly.
“My name is Nahun. It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness Malepare.”
“What? Is this a new assistant of Phynox?”
“No.”
Phynox said so as she spoke to Malepare.
“He’s my companion.”
“…Huh?”
Malepare’s eyes widened before narrowing in suspicion. It was clear she didn’t believe Phynox’s words at all. However, Phynox wasn’t flustered at all and smiled.
“Oh, you seem skeptical, Malepare.”
“Of course! Who would you possibly be with? I can’t imagine it at all.”
“I think so too. But I believe that with him, we can accomplish something together.”
Nahun was slightly surprised. While it might have sounded like typical words from a lover to Malepare, reflecting on what she had just said carried deeper meaning. Given Nahun and Phynox’s current relationship, he could understand the significance of those words.
‘This means she intends to trust him deeply.’
It was a good omen. The deeper the trust while Nahun used her, the better.
Malepare scrutinized Nahun.
“You seem a bit strong… but that probably isn’t the only reason. Is there a special reason?”
“Of course there is. Otherwise, how could I have accepted him?”
“Okay, then what is it?”
Malepare’s attitude was one of skepticism. It was understandable; from her perspective, it was as if she declared that the woman she admired was openly dating another man.
She could very well be angry, yet Malepare seemed quite calm. With her reputation as the King of Deception, she was judging the situation very rationally.
“Nahun?”
“Yes, Phynox.”
Nahun also deliberately called her without a title and softened his tone. Phynox momentarily widened her eyes before managing her expression and smiled slightly.
Nahun instinctively realized that it was time to ask the ‘question’ that Phynox had mentioned earlier. He met her gaze, and Phynox simply asked.
“Has the Demon World become corrupt?”
Though he didn’t show it, Nahun was deeply flustered. This wasn’t just a question one lover would ask another. It related to Phynox’s ambitions. He was surprised that she brought it up in front of the Demon King, not himself.
However, Malepare didn’t seem shocked at all. Nahun immediately understood the situation and nodded.
“It has become corrupt. Reform is necessary.”
This time, Malepare was surprised. After seeing her reaction, Nahun was certain that Phynox’s ambitions had already been understood by Malepare.
‘This is unexpected.’
He thought she was sacrificing everything for her affection towards Phynox, but it turned out to be different. Even knowing her ambitions in the original story, he had supported her.
Phynox asked.
“What kind of reform is needed?”
“To allow the tree to grow straight, unnecessary branches must be pruned, and the rotten parts cut away. Excessive leaves will inevitably restrict the tree’s growth.”
Nahun declared what Phynox most ideally desired for reform.
“First, we create an institution capable of executing this pruning.”
“And then?”
“The current Demon World, ruled by 72 lords, must be unified into a single entity through one central institution. This way, the Demon World can operate far more cohesively, and unnecessary competition will disappear, allowing for further development.”
Phynox smiled brightly. She then looked straight at Nahun and praised him.
“Indeed, that was just the answer I wanted, Nahun.”
Nahun smiled back at Phynox. However, even while acting, there remained something he couldn’t understand.
‘Back in the assembly, Phynox clearly told me there was no Demon King who could understand her.’
So what was Malepare, who was listening to this story and not offering any rebuttal? Wasn’t she genuinely the one who understood Phynox?
Since he had helped Phynox in so many ways even in the original story… it could have been easier for him to ally with Malepare rather than Nahun. Then why wasn’t he doing that? It was a question that filled his mind.
“…That doesn’t make sense.”
Malepare’s voice revealed a hint of confusion.
“You are a Demon. A Demon who is living by adapting to the current system… and you share Phynox’s viewpoint? I couldn’t agree with it myself!”
Nahun’s eyes widened.
‘…Is this it?’
This was the reason Malepare couldn’t become Phynox’s lover. She wasn’t someone who could understand her. Although she knew of Phynox’s plans and could keep them secret, she was someone incapable of aligning with her ambitions.
She, too, was a Demon King who had adapted to the system, someone who regarded this system as natural. Even upon hearing of Phynox’s ambitions, she would simply brush it off as “I see.”
‘It’s an unavoidable relationship.’
Who would want to meet a lover who couldn’t understand them? Such relationships, even if they lasted, were bound to collapse quickly. Thus, even if Malepare loved Phynox genuinely, Phynox could not love Malepare.
Phynox, still smiling beautifully, addressed Malepare.
“Malepare? You understand why Nahun became my companion, don’t you?”
#
“….”
Malepare bit her lip.
“You’re not just pretending to understand with lies, right? You could be deceived, Phynox.”
While there was a tinge of jealousy in her voice, the concern she held for Phynox was genuine. Nahun could sense it to an extent. However, Phynox shook her head.
“That’s not it. Nahun is helping me to realistically implement part of my plans.”
“Helping you? How?”
“Actually, he’s not my person.”
“Huh?”
Malepare’s eyes widened.
“Phynox, he’s not one of your subordinates?”
“No. He….”
Phynox glanced at Nahun, who inclined his head slightly, as if asking her to introduce him.
“I am Nahun, the teacher of Seere von Debata.”
“Seere von Debata…!?”
Malepare was also familiar with that name. If one were to ask who the hottest Demon King recently in the Demon World was, it would undoubtedly be her.
“Are you seriously in a relationship with someone from another faction…?”
“Seere is the key to realizing my plans, and I was the one who proposed him first,” Phynox said.
That was true. To persuade Phynox, Seere had mentioned that he could play that role. However, given the slightly different nuance from Phynox, Nahun nodded, thinking of it as part of the act.
“So I thought this person was indeed someone I could work with.”
Phynox stated.
“Malepare, you know how you perceive me. But as I mentioned before, you….”
“…I understand.”
Malepare couldn’t fully comprehend her ambitions. Phynox spoke in a slightly subdued tone, as if apologizing.
“I’m sorry.”
“……It’s fine. Even so, I had said I would understand. I understand. I….”
Malepare spoke.
“I can’t truly understand you.”
“…….”
Having come from a world steeped in empathic sentiment, Nahun found it difficult to comprehend their situation. However, considering they were not human but Demon Kings, and that Demon Kings were basically a race “born to rule,” it made Phynox appear more like an anomaly.
“Still, I don’t want to celebrate.”
“I understand. I hadn’t expected that much. But I still want to remain close friends with Malepare.”
“…I feel the same.”
Nahun found the sentiment in Phynox’s words to be deeply troubling. And Malepare’s agreement felt truly tragic to him. While he thought that, Phynox spoke.
“Malepare, as a friend, I have one request.”
Nahun was taken aback and looked at her.
‘Now, of all times?’
After just saying “don’t meet another man,” she was making a request? Nahun couldn’t understand that logically. However, unlike his worries, Malepare’s reaction was…
“What is it?”
It was an attitude that suggested she was willing to hear her out. Nahun realized that Phynox wasn’t clueless; she understood Malepare’s disposition well enough to concern herself.
“The assembly will be held soon, right?”
“Indeed.”
“If Seere’s rank is announced within the top 20, could you express your opposition?”
“Hmm?”
Upon hearing Phynox’s request, Malepare tilted her head in confusion.
“Phynox, wouldn’t it be better for you if his rank rose as high as possible for your plans?”
“That’s true, but not right now. Instead, Seere might get even harsher scrutiny from other Demon Kings, and his growth could be halted there.”
“Hmm, that’s… certainly.”
Malepare nodded as if she understood. Then, glancing at Nahun, she said,
“Is this your request?”
“…Yes, I did ask Phynox for this.”
“Alright, and that’s going to help Phynox?”
Nahun nodded.
“I am certain of it.”
“Alright….”
Malepare looked at Phynox. She didn’t seem to be reluctantly obliged to this request. Sighing slightly, Malepare nodded.
“Fine, I’ll consider your opinion.”
“Thank you very much, Malepare.”
“It’s nothing. Think of this as a celebration for finding your companion.”
“I am very grateful.”
As Phynox smiled brightly, Malepare returned a gentle smile. Nahun felt it, how deeply Malepare loved Phynox. It was truly unfortunate that she couldn’t understand her ambitions.
‘If she weren’t a Demon King, would she have been able to understand her?’
That was a relationship that made one think such thoughts.
#
“Hey.”
It was after Phynox had asked to have a chat with Malepare, sending Nahun away, when Malepare approached him while he was wandering around the Bog Castle’s garden.
“Your Highness Malepare? I thought you were talking with Phynox…”
“It’s not important. I have one question.”
“…Yes, go ahead.”
“You don’t love Phynox at all, do you?”
Malepare had already suspected that their relationship was a façade. However, Nahun wasn’t particularly surprised. Rather than having anticipated it… he had secretly considered that she might have figured it out.
There was no other choice. No matter how much he tried to act, another woman already occupied his heart… making it impossible to genuinely act.
Moreover, Malepare herself would know better than anyone what that feeling of love was. The fact that no sentiment of ‘love’ was reflected in Nahun’s treatment of Phynox would have caught Malepare’s attention long ago.
Nahun decided that further mocking her wouldn’t be wise. It was somewhat unfortunate for Phynox, but he had achieved his objective already…
“Yes, that’s as you mentioned.”
“Huh.”
“Phynox asked me to act a bit.”
His surprisingly honest and straightforward confession left Malepare flabbergasted.
“I didn’t expect you to admit it so easily.”
“Lying further here would just be disrespectful to Your Highness.”
“Then, were all the answers you provided to Phynox’s previous question lies too?”
In response to Malepare’s question, Nahun narrowed his eyes and looked down at her. Given the height difference, it was natural, but Malepare felt an eerie sense of pressure from him.
“That’s not the case.”
“…Really?”
“There’s no reason for me to lie to Your Highness at this point. While being Phynox’s lover, as I mentioned, was an act….”
Nahun stated.
“The one who understands Phynox’s plans best and can help realize them in this Demon World is none other than myself.”
And it’s also something that can be further utilized.
“So while being a lover is a lie, being a companion isn’t entirely incorrect. Realistically, I’m the only one who can partake in her plans.”
Upon hearing Nahun’s response, Malepare narrowed her eyes. After glaring at him for a moment, she sighed and shifted her gaze.
“…I couldn’t grasp that.”
“I understand. And that’s natural. Phynox’s plans are essentially something that no one else can comprehend… something that must be carried out in solitude.”
“You spoke well. Your reaction is completely normal. But how could you possibly understand her plans?”
“It’s not all wrong. The current Demon World’s system is excessively competitive…”
“The Demon Kings are born for that purpose! They rule the Demons, dominate, and strive to rise above other Demon Kings! It’s natural! But Phynox’s plan… that ridiculous reform is the same as denying her very essence! It’s a denial of the existence of the Demon King!”
Nahun looked at Malepare in silence for a moment. Then he nodded.
“Yes, you are correct.”
“Then….”
“However, Your Highness, attaining reform or revolution means that it is such. Even if it means denying their essence, it is in the pursuit of what they wish to accomplish. In that sense, Phynox’s plan isn’t…”
Nahun stated.
“Unreasonable.”
Malepare observed Nahun. Unlike earlier awkward acting, there wasn’t a trace of deceit in his eyes. Malepare sighed and candidly assessed the man in front of her.
“…Alright, you are a necessary understanding figure for Phynox.”
Malepare said.
“It was poor acting, but I’ll let it pass.”
“…Huh?”
“For a while, you can stay by Phynox’s side. Until I come to understand her.”
“…Didn’t I tell you it was all an act?”
“Can I grant you that recognition?”
Malepare seemed astounded.
“Do you not understand the severity of disrespecting a Demon King?”
“…Ah.”
Since Nahun was in a position higher than a Demon King, he hadn’t realized that such a consequence existed. He broke into a cold sweat and said.
“Well, you can just see me as a business partner.”
“Why? Isn’t Phynox beautiful, wise, and a good lover? Wouldn’t it feel quite pleasant to keep her by your side, even temporarily? You’re single, so you accepted this offer, right?”
The issue was that he wasn’t single. Nahun couldn’t honestly confess that. He could easily envision how passionate Malepare, who immensely cherished Phynox, would react if he was truthful.
“Yes, that’s true….”
Thus, Nahun had no choice but to lie.
“Anyway, please take good care of Phynox. Just until I can understand her, please be her understanding figure.”
“…Very well.”
Even without Malepare’s request, Nahun had considered doing that. At least until Seere gained enough strength to withstand Malepare and Phynox on her own.
After Malepare left, Nahun scratched his cheek slightly.
“…What should I say to Seere?”
