Chapter 225
Nahun silently rejoiced within himself.
“Thank goodness.”
If anyone had changed their mind halfway and didn’t comply with his request, the consequences would have been dire. He honestly thought there was a 50/50 chance with Kusios, but it turned out he agreed with Beelzebub.
Ultimately, the result was 5 to 6. With more opposing votes than supporting ones, Beelzebub’s rank had to be adjusted. Beelzebub didn’t seem pleased as things didn’t go his way.
“Chairperson, since the result is this way, the ranking needs to be revised.”
“… I admit it.”
However, as the chairperson himself had conducted the vote, he could not dispute the outcome. Acknowledging that Beelzebub had faced excessive fluctuations in rank, Marbas promised to make adjustments.
“Is the problem only with Seere von Debata, or does it involve her allies?”
“I think Citri and Gremony von Due have seen a fair increase in rank. They are also key contributors to the Celestial Demon War.”
“There’s no major issue with other ranks. I just think we need to lower Seere von Debata’s rank to 25th.”
Following the opinions of Phynox and Marbas, Malepare, who had voted against, and Bué, along with Vilred, nodded in agreement. However, Barbatos spoke up.
“The strength of Seere von Debata has been proven. I can guarantee that as a fact. But…”
Barbatos continued.
“It seems that proof of the abilities of Citri and Gremony von Due has yet to be established.”
Nahun let out a slight sigh. It seemed like something Barbatos would say. He pursued pure martial arts more than anyone else and valued it highly. The request was to lower Seere’s rank, and it didn’t include Citri and Gremony.
“I know they are Seere von Debata’s steadfast allies and notable contributors to this Celestial Demon War… but we should also assess whether they are fit to be the protagonists of such an extraordinary increase in rank to rival Seere von Debata.”
“Isn’t there no way to confirm that right here and now?”
Marbas, who was about to include them in a faction, stepped up to interject slightly. But Beelzebub spoke.
“Barbatos is correct.”
“Chairperson?”
“The ranks of Citri and Gremony von Due were set considering Seere von Debata’s rank rising to 15th. Therefore, as Seere von Debata’s rank has been lowered, their influence should also be diminished, justifying a reassessment of their ranks.”
Hearing Beelzebub’s opinion, Marbas thought he had no choice in the matter. It was hard to argue against that.
“Then how about we lower the ranks of the two Demon Kings by about five steps each? While proof is still needed, they are also contributors to this war. We shouldn’t treat them too harshly, should we?”
“That seems acceptable.”
As Barbatos agreed to Marbas’s proposal, Beelzebub also accepted and said:
“Then, I will adjust Seere von Debata’s rank to 25th, Gremony von Due’s rank to 35th, and Citri’s rank to 36th. The ranks that were vacated will be filled by moving others up one step.”
Although some Demon Kings still voiced slight disappointment, it was within a range that made sense. Ultimately, after another round of adjustments, Samygina presented the entire ranking once more.
1. Beelzebub von Deus (-)
2. Agreas von Dio (-)
3. Basago von Deirty (-)
4. Samygina von Seos (-)
5. Marbas von Gatt (-)
6. Malepare (-)
7. Barbatos von Eishval (1↑)
8. Phynox von Bog (1↑)
9. Bué (1↑)
10. Kusios (1↑)
11. Lezargie (2↑)
12. Vilred (-)
13. Eli Goru (1↑)
14. Botis (2↑)
15. Baphomet (2↑)
16. Salenos (2↑)
17. Furson (2↑)
18. Aiphoros (3↑)
19. Aini (3↑)
20. Naberus (3↑)
21. Glashalavras (3↑)
22. Runwe (4↑)
23. Astharoth von Hoda (5↑)
24. Porneus (5↑)
25. Seere von Debata (21↑)
…
31. Asmode (-)
32. Phenex (4↑)
33. Harpas (4↑)
34. Malphas (4↑)
35. Gremony von Due (13↑)
36. Citri (13↑)
Upon the announcement of the rankings, there was one name that immediately caught Nahun’s eye.
“Asmode?”
The name ‘Asmode’ assigned to rank 31, strikingly similar to Asmodeus, with no change in rank. Perhaps that was…
“Is he the offspring of Asmodeus, who hastily ascended to the throne?”
Nahun looked around in search of him, but it seemed he hadn’t attended this assembly. Moreover, most of the Demon Kings who hastily showcased their kin had seen their ranks drop, yet the 31st rank remained unchanged.
“Does this mean that the abilities of the offspring are not inferior to Asmodeus’s, or could it mean that the change wasn’t reflected since Asmodeus disappeared not long ago…?”
It seemed only time would tell. Nahun contemplated while lightly touching his chin.
“In the future, Citri and Gremony must initiate their campaign to rise to where we are…”
Thinking of the son who lost his father, he imagined he would be sharpening his blade for revenge. While there was no evidence to prove they had dealt with Asmodeus, it would be reasonable to harbor suspicions.
“Is it time to bring it back…?”
He pondered how to approach it with minimal disruption. Just then, Seere turned her head slightly and asked.
“What do you want to bring back?”
It seemed Seere had overheard Nahun’s muttering. Nahun smiled as if it was nothing and said.
“Oh, I was just thinking that since it’s getting a bit chilly, maybe I should bring out my winter clothes.”
“… The servants will take care of that. I don’t think you need to worry, Teacher.”
“You’re right.”
Seere noticed that Nahun had dodged the topic, but she thought it wasn’t a significant matter, so she decided to let it go.
“We achieved our goal.”
At Seere’s words, Nahun nodded happily. Although it was a bit disappointing that the ranks of Citri and Gremony also dropped, it was acceptable. After all…
“I need to gradually find Citri’s sealed power.”
The seal stone that restrained Citri’s power had existed precisely from the 35th rank onward. Perfectly, Gremony had become the owner of the 35th rank, and Nahun considered breaking that seal stone to restore Citri’s power somewhat before continuing with their conquest.
“Your Majesty Citri, Your Majesty Gremony.”
Nahun called to the two Demon Kings. As they turned their eyes to him, he spoke.
“Once the assembly is over and the tier transitions are completed, I will visit Your Majesty Gremony’s tier with Seere. Your Majesty Citri, please come up then as well.”
“Understood.”
“Okay.”
With Beelzebub no longer having any opposing opinions, he asked Seere.
“Seere von Debata.”
“Yes.”
“You currently own more than five tiers. Decide which tiers to give up.”
“I will give up all except for the 72nd and 40th tiers.”
This decision was somewhat puzzling for Beelzebub and the other Demon Kings. However, this was a matter that Nahun and Seere had agreed upon.
The reason for leaving the 72nd tier was to facilitate smoother access to the human world, and the 40th tier served as a midpoint of the Demon World. Nahun intended to keep ownership of the 40th tier while monitoring the movements of the mid-lower Demon Kings. They could afford to provide support to Citri and Gremony, who had dropped in rank.
Since there was no issue to challenge Seere’s selection, Beelzebub nodded and spoke.
“The tiers that are returned will be owned by the Demon King directly below in rank. Their rankings will also rise accordingly.”
This was the method for handling the returned tiers. Although Nahun was extremely dissatisfied with this ownership restriction policy, he had no power to overturn the assembly immediately, so he reluctantly accepted it.
“I need to take control of the Nobilis faction and then prioritize eliminating this policy.”
Beelzebub tapped the gavel.
“With this, the ranks will be finalized. The Demon Kings whose ranks have changed should prepare for the tier transition.”
The first and most important agenda of determining the ranks had concluded. Following that, several additional agendas were raised, but most were not matters deserving of concern from Nahun or Seere.
After all the agendas had been discussed, Beelzebub tapped the gavel.
“I hereby declare the temporary Demon World Assembly closed.”
Thus, the successful Demon World Assembly came to an end for Nahun and Seere.
#
After the assembly, Nahun did not forget to greet the Demon Kings who had helped him. Together with Seere, they visited each Demon King, bowing deeply.
“Thank you so much for your help.”
They first approached Marbas, and he responded with a kind smile.
“Since we’re going to be family soon, it’s only natural.”
In fact, as soon as the assembly ended, Marbas planned to announce the recruitment of Seere von Debata, Citri, and Gremony von Due into the Nobilis faction.
Seere politely bowed her head and said.
“I look forward to your continued support, Lord Marbas.”
“Well, then. I look forward to it.”
Having finished their greeting with Marbas, Nahun and Seere moved according to the ranks. The next in line after Marbas was Malepare.
“Thank you.”
“I didn’t do it for you; I did it for her.”
“… If that’s what Your Majesty says.”
As Nahun smiled, Malepare slightly narrowed his eyes, looking displeased. Sighing, Malepare exited the venue, and Nahun wore a bittersweet smile, thinking about how he would have to confront him someday.
“Lord Barbatos.”
“Seere von Debata.”
Upon approaching Barbatos to express gratitude, he waved his hand dismissively.
“There’s no need for thanks. Honestly, I didn’t think Beelzebub’s claim was that incorrect.”
“Nevertheless, you helped me. Of course, I must express my gratitude.”
“I lowered the ranks of your allies.”
“That was not part of the agreed terms, so I think that’s acceptable. I bear no ill feelings.”
Upon hearing Seere’s words, Barbatos lightly nodded.
“Is that so.”
Barbatos casually shook hands and left the venue. As Seere was about to greet Phynox next, Nahun stopped her.
“Don’t get too close to Phynox yet.”
“Oh.”
“You’ll receive an invitation from them soon anyway. You can greet them then.”
Phynox seemed to align with Nahun’s thoughts, not waiting for a greeting, already leaving the venue. Subsequently, Nahun and Seere greeted Bué as well.
However, there was one place they did not go together. Nahun sent Seere first to Citri and Gremony and headed alone to one Demon King.
“Your Majesty Vilred.”
“… I don’t need your greetings.”
Vilred tried to withdraw. If an ordinary person were to treat him unpleasingly, they would have been killed on the spot, but Vilred instinctively recognized that this man was not an ordinary person.
He knew too many secrets, and he had survived the attack of his shadows yesterday. Moreover, those shadows had not returned…
Then, Nahun spoke a word that made Vilred halt in his tracks.
“I don’t know what misunderstanding you have, but I did not come to greet you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You roughly understand why I have come, don’t you?”
“… I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Is that so?”
Nahun smiled softly. However, his expression, which had been smiling moments before, turned cold as he quietly warned Vilred.
“It would be best not to play any tricks. If you get caught once more doing something foolish, I will publicize ‘that.'”
“…!”
With only that word left, Nahun departed from Vilred. Yet with that single remark, Vilred could say nothing and had no choice but to let him go.
“Where have you been?”
“I just issued a warning to Vilred.”
When Nahun candidly said this, Seere reached out her hand and gently caressed Nahun’s cheek. When Nahun slightly frowned, Seere’s voice was filled with concern.
“Are you still in pain?”
“It just stings a little.”
“Make sure to check properly when we return.”
“… Has your anger subsided?”
At Nahun’s cautious question, Seere lifted her gaze to meet his eyes directly and quietly spoke.
“Not yet?”
“What would make it subside?”
“Everything you mentioned, Teacher.”
“… Huh?”
“Going on a date, treating me to delicious food, and…”;
Seere blushed slightly as she spoke.
“If you stay with me at night, then I think it will be resolved.”
Nahun stared at her for a moment, dazed. Why did her shyly blushing expression appear so cute? The significant gap between how Seere usually dominated Nahun made it exceptionally charming.
“Alright. If that’s what you want.”
“… Hehe.”
“What about Your Majesty Citri and Your Majesty Gremony?”
“They left first. They have plenty to prepare for the transition.”
“I see.”
25th rank. It was a result of the efforts of both Seere and himself. It wasn’t too high or too low a rank, making it a good position to grow their power and influence.
“You have come a long way.”
“Yes. I’ve come a long way. It’s all thanks to you, Teacher.”
Nahun smiled and lightly ruffled Seere’s hair.
“It’s thanks to your efforts.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
It wasn’t far off. What had previously been a goal only in his mind was now within reach. Nahun felt a sense of pleasant excitement thinking about the goals that were starting to become visible as he cheerfully spoke to Seere.
“Let’s keep pushing a little more.”
#
As the tier transitions due to rank changes were gradually wrapping up, Nahun and Seere found themselves in the 35th tier, which was now Gremony’s. Citri had already arrived there in advance.
“You’re late.”
“I’m not late. There’s still time left.”
“You were later than me.”
Nahun observed Citri closely. Her rambling indicated she was quite nervous, which was understandable; Nahun nodded in agreement.
“Seere, go rest in the castle with Her Majesty Gremony for a bit.”
“Yes.”
“Your Majesty Citri, please follow me.”
Nahun said.
“It’s time to begin reclaiming your lost power.”
