Chapter 221

Chapter 221

Beelzebub von Deus.

Facing this man, who stood at the pinnacle of the Demon World, was not an easy task even for Malepare, ranked 6th. The very moment he moved a finger, it would take his life before his subordinates could react.

However, foolishly, Malepare was not the naïve Demon King to show his discomfort. If his objective was his life, then there was no way Malepare would have been able to engage in conversation. Aware of this fact, Malepare spoke casually.

“Do you have something to say regarding the council?”

“…It’s always nice to have a quick conversation with you. You speak the truth.”

Talk of the council made Malepare recall the request Pynox had made earlier.

“Pynox seemed to have a hint of knowing something when asking for that.”

Was it related to that? As Malepare was guessing, Beelzebub introduced the topic.

“When the rank of Seere von Debata is announced, agree to it.”

“…Seere von Debata?”

Malepare couldn’t help but almost laugh at such an expected statement, but pretended not to know and spoke.

“Isn’t she Seir’s daughter? Why are you coming directly to ask about her rank?”

“I anticipate there will definitely be opposition when it’s announced.”

“Are you saying there will be a rank rise that could provoke backlash?”

“Yes.”

Malepare was slightly surprised. He could understand why Pynox had made such a request to him. It seemed that Beelzebub highly valued Seere von Debata.

“That’s interesting.”

“What do you mean?”

“Is she so precious that you would come to me like this? Is it necessary to push for her rank to be raised?”

“You know well what she has done.”

In response to Beelzebub’s reply, Malepare chuckled lightly.

“Did she end the Celestial War? Do you really believe that, Beelzebub?”

Malepare was a Demon King who didn’t believe in the story that they had ended the Celestial War by their own hands. He knew how strong the Heavens were, and what kind of entity the Archangel Mikael, who led them, was.

Although he had never met Mikael, he had seen someone comparable to him in hell.

“Even if it’s the Demon World, that’s Mikael. He’s equivalent to the leader of hell. You tell me that under such a being, a top-tier Demon King and two mid-tier Demon Kings defeated him? I would rather believe that Mikael retreated of his own accord.”

Malepare thought like this. Perhaps some issue arose on the Celestial side, preventing Mikael from fighting properly, and they merely drove away the Celestial army, weakened because Mikael was absent.

Of course, he thought that such an accomplishment deserved praise, but he did not believe the story of defeating Mikael.

However.

“No.”

“What?”

“Mikael had come to the Demon World. I kept him occupied until the very end, so I know. I saw him heading towards the portal to the Demon World.”

Beelzebub’s subsequent words were shocking. Malepare’s eyes went wide. If Beelzebub wasn’t lying, then the fact that Mikael had headed to the Demon World must have been true.

“…I see, so there is a reason you want to keep Seere von Debata close.”

Malepare seemed to understand that fact right away. As Beelzebub nodded slightly, acknowledging it, Malepare narrowed his brow.

He had no intention of refusing the request he had already received from Pynox. However, it was a situation where it was also awkward to refuse Beelzebub’s request. After a moment of consideration, Malepare spoke to Beelzebub.

“I understand your intention, but I think I need to hear the rank you plan to announce before deciding.”

“Are you saying you will judge whether it is acceptable?”

“Yes.”

Beelzebub nodded. It was clear he wasn’t entirely pleased with the answer, but it seemed he had no intention of applying more pressure at this point.

“I look forward to it.”

Leaving just that one line, Beelzebub vanished without a trace. Just as he had come, he disappeared without a trace of presence, causing Malepare to let out a hollow laugh. Feeling a slight chill run down his spine, he murmured.

“…I should strengthen the guards.”

#

The banquet that was always held before the council was no exception today. Given that this was a council occurring after the Celestial War, many Demon Kings had attended from the first stage of the banquet compared to previous councils.

“There are many.”

“Indeed.”

Seere was dressed in a beautiful gown. While she usually wore mostly black dresses, today she donned a blue dress that suited her pure white hair. The dress, showcasing her slender waist and wide hip line, displayed that she was no longer the naïve Demon King she once was.

“From today, I can start contacting Lord Marbas, right?”

“Yes, it’s about time to show your hand. Citri and Gremony….”

“Hey!”

A hand slapped Nahun’s back quite forcefully. As Nahun squinted his eyes and turned around, he saw Citri wearing a rather joyful expression along with Gremony, who was smiling gently.

“…You arrived.”

“Yes, we did.”

“Hello, Seere. Nahun.”

“Ah, Seere, I had a great time at the last banquet.”

In response to Gremony’s polite greeting, even Citri, who had been quite cheeky with Nahun, also politely greeted Seere.

“I’m glad to hear that. You both look beautiful today.”

“You too, Seere.”

“Is this a blue dress today? Did Nahun pick it out for you?”

“Yes!”

Seere answered cheerfully with a smile, making Gremony smile back. Gremony then turned to Nahun and asked.

“Has that inspector not come this time?”

“Yes. I couldn’t bring him all the way here.”

“I wanted to privately thank him.”

“There’s no need for that. He is afraid of me, not acting out of kindness to save you, Gremony.”

“Still.”

Nahun nodded slightly at Gremony’s words.

“I’ll bring him along next time. But more importantly, I have something to tell you all.”

Nahun glanced around the banquet hall at the Demon Kings present and spoke.

“Many kings from the Nobilis faction are here, but you don’t need to become friendly with all of them. From now on, you don’t need to make contact with anyone except for the Demon Kings I will mention.”

“Um, okay.”

Nahun shared the names of the Demon Kings from the Nobilis faction whom they needed to contact. Marbas was obviously included, along with the currently top-ranked Aiphoros, Runwe, and Porneus.

The Demon Kings who were not mentioned at this time were those who would not remain in the faction once Seere became its leader. Noticing this, Citri tilted his head in confusion and asked.

“Nahun, but do we also need to get friendly with Aiphoros?”

“Yes.”

“Why? He is….”

Citri didn’t have to finish his sentence for them to know what she was implying. Aiphoros was the Demon King closest to the leadership position in the Nobilis faction, and once Seere took that position, it was highly likely that Aiphoros would become hostile.

“It’s alright. It would look even stranger if you didn’t associate with Aiphoros.”

“Ah, because he is the most influential Demon King in the Nobilis faction?”

Gremony asked as if she understood, and Nahun nodded. Aiphoros was the Demon King with the second strongest power and influence in the Nobilis faction after Marbas. If they showed a friendly demeanor only to the other Demon Kings while leaving Aiphoros out, it would be obvious that something was amiss.

At least until Seere fully joined the Nobilis faction and assumed the leadership position, maintaining a good relationship with Aiphoros was necessary.

“During this banquet, we will only meet with each other at a moderate level. Just enough to not feel awkward. The rest of the time, show that you are engaging with the Demon Kings of the Nobilis faction.”

“Are you doing that too, Seere?”

In response to Citri’s question, Nahun shook his head slightly.

“Seere will act as before. So other Demon Kings may become confused about our networks.”

“…I see, that makes sense. Understood.”

Citri nodded as if she understood. After finishing the explanation, Nahun looked at his two allies and said.

“Then please do your best.”

“Yes.”

“Got it.”

Citri and Gremony dispersed, and Nahun looked at Seere. She gazed blankly around the banquet hall for a moment before noticing Nahun’s gaze and turned to him.

“Teacher?”

“Yes?”

“Oh, you were staring at me. Didn’t you have something to say?”

“I just looked. Your dress looks beautiful.”

At Nahun’s simple yet sudden compliment, Seere’s face reddened slightly. Seemingly disgruntled by the surprise, she pouted and spoke.

“You’ve become quite cheeky lately.”

“I think I can skip mentioning who that is for.”

“Hmph….”

“You should start to focus on your own tasks soon.”

At Nahun’s words, Seere lightly nodded. She was about to leave Nahun’s side, then paused, turned around, and quietly mouthed something to him.

“…Tonight?”

But Nahun didn’t fully understand, and noticing that, Seere puffed up her cheeks. She then trudged back to properly tell this man who didn’t catch on at all.

“We can talk more tonight.”

“…Huh?”

With that, Seere turned away, and the first place she stepped towards was where Marbas was. He was with several Demon Kings from the Nobilis faction, and Seere naturally greeted them as she joined the group.

Nahun pondered over Seere’s words for a moment, recalling the affectionate advances he had just made towards her, and he was startled.

“I should… restrain myself from alcohol.”

#

The banquet proceeded without any special issues. At least at first glance. However, some perceptive Demon Kings were aware.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted according to the movements of Seere von Debata, the very centerpiece of this council and one of the most observed Demon Kings during the banquet.

It was only natural. The Celestial War hadn’t ended in complete defeat for the Demon World thanks to her driving the Celestial army out from the 72nd floor. It was no surprise that where the protagonist of the war went became the most vibrant place.

As focus shifted in that direction, Nahun quietly approached a certain Demon King. One who was part of the powerful Demon Kings with voting rights, yet was ranked lowly.

The Demon King holding the rank 12 spot that Citri had formerly maintained.

“Good day, Your Majesty Vilred.”

It was the Demon King Vilred. Nahun had judged that it was time to approach him.

As Nahun approached to greet him, Vilred furrowed his brow in confusion and asked.

“Who are you?”

Then, a Demon King ranked 34th, Marchosias, who was next to Vilred answered.

“Don’t you know him, Your Majesty Vilred? This man is the hero of this war, the master of Seere von Debata.”

Thanks to Marchosias’s explanation, Nahun didn’t have to introduce himself. He just needed to bow politely.

“I’m Nahun.”

However, hearing he was Seere von Debata’s master, Vilred’s expression soured. He concealed his displeasure and replied.

“Ah, so you are the teacher of Seere von Debata. What brings you to my attention?”

“I have something to discuss with you.”

“With me?”

Nahun smiled as he looked at him. Then, he glanced at Marchosias, before returning his gaze to Vilred. Noticing his gaze, Vilred pondered for a moment, then spoke to Marchosias.

“…Marchosias, let’s talk later.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Marchosias, too, discreetly made himself scarce, and Vilred downed the remaining drink in his cup before looking at Nahun.

“What is it you wish to say? Surely….”

Vilred laughed heartily.

“I trust it’s not about your master’s alliance.”

“Oh.”

Nahun expressed his admiration.

“You’re quite perceptive, Your Majesty Vilred.”

As Nahun didn’t deny but rather confirmed it, Vilred’s brow furrowed deeply.

“You think that because I’ve taken Citri’s position, there would be something in it for me? That’s a misconception. That matter was already investigated at the council, and I have been proven innocent.”

“Yes, I am aware.”

“Then what is it that you….”

Nahun chuckled softly. Vilred didn’t know something. He might have succeeded in deceiving the council and Citri, but Nahun was someone who knew the entire truth behind that facade.

“You’ve done well to deceive the council’s eyes.”

“…Can you be held accountable for that statement now? Are you daring to insult the Demon Council?”

“Did I insult the council? I’m not sure. What I think is….”

Vilred was taken aback for a moment. The golden eyes looking at him glinted ominously, as if a predator had caught the scent of its prey.

“Your hidden secrets might be an even greater insult to the council.”

Vilred almost dropped the cup he was holding. He looked at Nahun with eyes asking how he knew that.

“What… are you?”

“Calm down, Your Majesty. I do not wish to insult you. I’m not saying you should step down and return Citri’s position immediately. I simply….”

Nahun stated.

“I would appreciate it if you could grant me a small favor.”

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