Chapter 238
“Seere. Are you ready?”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Nahun and Seere had been together since early morning. Today was the day Paimon invited them to the level. Since they had only recently joined the Nobilis faction, they couldn’t openly use the portal to go to the 9th floor.
“Gate.”
『 Līmen 』
So, Nahun and Seere planned to use gate magic to jump straight to the 9th floor. Before they departed, Nahun quietly told Iris, who was following him without providing any warning.
“You wait here, Iris.”
“…Huh?”
“If I take you, the coordinates will get messed up again. I’ll go alone today, so stay here.”
Iris looked slightly flustered.
“Am I no longer useful?”
“When did I ever say that…”
“Ah… so you intend to throw me to the soldiers as a plaything since I’m finally useless. If that’s my fate, then I must accept it…”
“I never said that!!”
As Nahun yelled at Iris for her nonsensical ramblings, Iris flinched and trembled in fear.
“I’m, I’m sorry! Please forgive me…!”
“You really need to stop talking nonsense….”
Seere, who was listening to the back-and-forth between Nahun and Iris, remarked in a blunt voice.
“You seem to have gotten quite close.”
“Huh? Well, I’ve been bringing her along every day, so it makes sense.”
“Hmm….”
As Seere narrowed her eyes, Nahun belatedly realized that the child was feeling jealous. The image of her acting like that in front of Jester flashed in his mind, and he cleared his throat, saying,
“I meant to say that we’ve gotten accustomed to each other. Now, let’s go.”
“…Alright.”
Seere stepped into the gate with a slightly pouty expression first, and Nahun briefly glanced back at Iris and said,
“Stay quietly in your room.”
“Yes, yes.”
After giving her a final admonition, Nahun stepped into the gate, and as soon as he arrived, he felt a sudden embrace wrapping around him. He looked down at Seere, who was hugging him tightly, with a slightly bewildered expression.
“…Seere?”
“You belong to me, Teacher. You understand that, right?”
“Sure.”
Seere seemed a bit satisfied with the immediate answer, and she loosened her arms and stepped back to Nahun’s side.
“…That’s all I needed to hear.”
Nahun chuckled softly. Then, recalling something that happened with Jester a while ago, he asked her a question.
“What task did you give Jester the other day?”
“That one?”
Seere replied nonchalantly.
“I told him to increase the win rate of the 5th Legion’s mock battles to at least fifty percent.”
“Are you thinking of assigning him to the 5th Legion?”
“It depends on his abilities. For now, I sent him as a staff member of the 5th Legion. Epsilon, the commander, should have received the message, so there shouldn’t be any issues with fulfilling the task.”
“By the way, fifty percent seems a bit tight.”
Nahun thought about the win rates of the mock battles in the 5th Legion. Then Seere chuckled and said,
“If he thinks he’s confident enough to take my position, he should at least be able to do that, right? If it’s you, then you could increase it even beyond fifty percent.”
“…Are you overestimating me?”
“How could I not overestimate you, Teacher?”
Seere said this while narrowing the gap between them, just enough for her shoulder to brush against Nahun’s arm.
“By the way, shall we go on a date on the way there? Or shall we do it now?”
“Since we said we were going directly to Paimon, it would be better to do it on the way there.”
Even though Seere wanted to go on a date right now, she understood that Nahun was right. She made a slightly disappointed face as she said,
“That’s a bit unfortunate, but let’s do that.”
Seeing that expression, Nahun broke into a cold sweat.
‘…What are you planning by licking your lips?’
After walking for a bit, they arrived at the most famous street on the 9th floor. A quite strange name had been given to it: “Blood Sakura Road,” which derived from the vividly red sakura trees that grew along the pathway, blooming like blood.
Unlike the cherry blossoms that bloomed and withered quickly during the year, these red cherry blossoms bloomed all year round, and because of their mystical quality, many people visited this street.
Its location was also right in the center of the 9th floor’s urban area, making it a path that anyone visiting the Demon King Castle would have to pass through. Nahun and Seere stepped onto the road, and at that moment, a group of individuals appeared in front of them.
Though their appearance was quite sudden, Nahun and Seere did not panic, as they sensed no hostility from them.
“Did Paimon send you?”
“Yes.”
The woman answered Seere’s question with a bow.
“My name is Sargatanas. I have been commanded by His Highness Paimon von Bog to escort Her Highness Seere von Debata and Lord Nahun.”
“In that case, please lead the way.”
“Yes, understood.”
Sargatanas and the birdman squad she led escorted them into the Demon King Castle.
‘Are they Harpy?’
Overall, they resembled humans, but they had wings on their arms and legs resembling those of birds, complete with sharp claws. Nahun felt slightly puzzled. As Paimon featured prominently in the game, her forces were somewhat significant too. He knew that there was a special unit comprised of harpies under her command, but the name of the leader was…
‘…I believe it was Harpia.’
Yet here, for some reason, a completely different individual was leading the unit. Nahun thought that perhaps something had changed due to his involvement.
‘Things keep changing.’
This was a bit troublesome. The more the knowledge and information he had differed from reality, the more uncertainty increased, and with it, everything became unstable, which he, as a person who highly valued stability, found to be very bad tidings.
“Teacher?”
“…Huh?”
“You seem to be in a bad mood. What’s wrong?”
“Did I look that way?”
“Yes, a little….”
“I’m fine. It’s not anything particularly important.”
Upon hearing Nahun’s words, Seere felt relieved and nodded. For now, Nahun decided to set aside those thoughts and think about Paimon, who had invited them. He couldn’t let himself be swayed by her, so he needed to predict her intentions.
It certainly wasn’t just a simple expression of ‘favor.’
“This is the place.”
Since they were not publicly meeting, they were led to a rather secretive location rather than an ordinary reception room. This seemed to be a place where Paimon would meet someone in secret. Nevertheless, Nahun and Seere were leisurely guided.
‘To show us a place like this…’
It seemed Paimon had decided to trust them deeply. She likely viewed them as companions who could help her achieve her objectives.
“I hope you have a peaceful and productive time.”
“Thank you for guiding us.”
Seere politely expressed gratitude as Sargatanas and her unit bowed respectfully before departing. Nahun entered the room with Seere, where a beautiful female demon king awaited them.
Her lush brown hair cascaded sensuously, and her skin was as white as jade, with long eyelashes framing her exquisite eyes. Nahun dared to think that she was probably the most beautiful demon king among the likes of Seere and Citri.
She arose willingly upon seeing Seere and Nahun enter the room. With arms wide open like she was welcoming them, she greeted them with a warm smile.
“Welcome, Seere and Nahun. I hope your journey here was without inconvenience?”
“It’s been a while since we last met, Paimon.”
“Yes, thanks to you, it was a comfortable journey.”
Paimon smiled brightly and gestured for them to take their seats. As they did, a few servants present in the room began to move.
“I apologize for having to invite you so secretly.”
“You don’t have to feel sorry for that. It’s only natural.”
Seere said this as she effortlessly picked up a teacup that had been served. Following her example, Paimon and Nahun lifted their cups. After quietly taking a sip, all three lowered their cups together.
“Is there something you wish to discuss?”
The first to speak was Nahun. After all, the relationship was centered around him and Paimon rather than Seere and Paimon. Hence, Seere remained quiet, allowing Nahun to take the lead in the conversation.
Paimon smiled gently at his question and replied,
“I understand that preparations for war against the 23rd floor are underway.”
“…I don’t believe I’ve told you about it, yet you seem to know. Is there a problem with waging war against them?”
“That’s not what I meant. I simply wanted to share my thoughts with you.”
Paimon continued,
“Waging war is not a problem. However, I personally believe it’s better to draw her in than to deal with her.”
“You mean to draw in Astharoth von Hoda? For the Nobilis faction?”
At Nahun’s question, Paimon nodded and said,
“I haven’t shared my thoughts with Astharoth, but I know she shares quite similar thoughts with me.”
“…Are you sure about her having similar thoughts?”
That was somewhat surprising. Among the Ebel Queen Makers, there was only Paimon, who harbored such reactive and revolutionary ambitions. While Astharoth was indeed a demon king who fulfilled her role as a mid-boss remarkably, the information that she held such ideological views was new to Nahun.
“The ultimate goals may differ slightly, but at the very least, she believes the system of the council needs to be reformed.”
“…So, you’re saying that she could potentially be of assistance to us?”
“Yes. Although our ultimate aims differ, we’ll have to part ways midway….”
Paimon stated,
“We can make use of her.”
Nahun almost let out a hollow laugh at her words. Making use of someone meant that they would pretend to have a similar purpose as Astharoth, only to stab her in the back later.
Of course, as Paimon said, there was no reason to hide any scheming, as it would be advantageous to utilize whatever favors them.
However, the reason Nahun nearly laughed hollowly was different.
Did Paimon even realize this?
That just as Paimon intended to use Astharoth, they also planned to use her until their own purposes were served and then cast her aside.
Nahun suppressed such thoughts and emotions from surfacing, replying to Paimon,
“…That needs to be understood first.”
“What do you mean?”
“I understand that Her Highness Astharoth might align with us. However, we must also grasp what kind of help she can provide and why she wants a reform of the council’s organization.”
“I can’t answer the latter. As I mentioned, we haven’t shared thoughts. However, for the former….”
Paimon spoke with conviction.
“It will be beneficial. Especially when Seere engages in multiple wars in the future, she could undoubtedly provide sure and reliable support. Since she is a demon king not affiliated with any faction, there won’t be any issues when she offers aid.”
“…Do you know what the next target will be if we abandon the attack on the 23rd floor?”
“I do. Of course, I do.”
If they did not assault the 23rd floor, the next target would not be the 22nd. Since the 22nd floor had also become the domain of the Nobilis faction demon king, Runwe.
The next target would be none other than…
“Glashalavras.”
The demon lord who ruled the 21st floor, Glashalavras.
#
Glashalavras was one of the representative martial-type demon lords, even more extreme than the demon lords of the Equites faction when it came to that aspect.
Because of this, Glashalavras did not have a considerable allied force nor a large following compared to other demon lords, but his subordinates were exceptionally formidable. They were far stronger than Astharoth von Hoda.
“I was not prepared to conquer the 21st floor. Our plan was to dominate the 23rd floor first and then expand our forces based on that.”
Nahun stated.
“I don’t consider forming an alliance with Her Highness Astharoth to be more advantageous.”
“That may be a valid perspective. While I’m not sure if my words will help, I can tell you one thing.”
Paimon appeared to understand the concerns Nahun had. She mentioned something that could yield positive results in Nahun’s careful profit calculations.
“If Astharoth is with us, we can definitively capture the 21st floor.”
“…You’re confident, then.”
“Yes. I’m certain.”
“What’s your basis for this?”
“There’s someone who knows Glashalavras better than anyone else under Astharoth.”
Nahun recalled Eliza, who was currently the deputy commander of the 2nd Legion of the Debata faction. Was Eliza the only loyal subordinate who had been cast aside by Glashalavras after a single defeat or mistake?
“I understand your reasoning now. However, the key point is whether Her Highness Astharoth will align with us or not. That also seems like it has uncertainties.”
Nahun said.
“We are essentially forsaking a war we were preparing for and the chance to evolve further. If it’s not certain, we cannot proceed.”
“Don’t worry.”
Paimon smiled. Her gentle yet somewhat bright smile exuded substantial confidence.
“I’ll resolve such matters for you. You just need to send a letter proposing an alliance with the 23rd floor, Seere and Nahun.”
“…….”
Nahun was truly curious as to what intrigues were behind this. However, Paimon did not elaborate further. She continued,
“What are your thoughts?”
“Under the premise that Your Highness Paimon will solve that issue, it doesn’t seem bad.”
Nahun thought it would be acceptable to accept her opinion if everything Paimon said was true. However, Seere, who had been silent until now, interjected into the conversation.
“I’m sorry, but I cannot accept that proposal.”
“…Huh?”
“Seere?”
The words from Seere, who had remained quiet until now, expressed her refusal.
Nahun was surprised, but Paimon seemed quite taken aback. She maintained a strained expression and asked,
“Seere? Why is that?”
“Firstly, it would create major disruptions in our plans. Secondly, when it comes to conquering the 21st floor of Glashalavras, I intend to overcome it with my strength alone. I have no intention of receiving help from others.”
Nahun somewhat understood why Seere rejected Paimon’s proposal. She wanted to conquer the 21st floor with her own strength to avoid complications in future wars.
Additionally, there was another reason that Nahun picked up on beyond what he had previously understood.
“I wouldn’t mind if Astharoth von Hoda could provide multiple forms of assistance. But no matter the circumstances, I will never form an alliance with Astharoth.”
There was a hint of emotion in her voice. Both Nahun and Paimon realized that.
‘She’s still holding a grudge.’
Astharoth von Hoda, responsible for the supplies of the 3rd army during the Celestial Beast Wars, had not properly sent food to the forces of Seere. Although Nahun had learned that it had been a scheme by Morax and Bune, the fact that she hadn’t acted, despite being able to confirm it, fell squarely on Astharoth’s shoulders.
And the reason for her inaction was that she, too, had sought to keep Seere and her faction in check. Seere, holding onto that grudge, was now declaring her refusal of an alliance.
“After all, since Your Highness Paimon and Her Highness Astharoth have different endpoints in mind, it doesn’t change the fact that we would need to part ways midway. That’s the same as saying it’s a transient alliance. If that’s the case, I’d rather….”
Seere said.
“I’ll meet that obligation on my own.”
Paimon looked silently at her. In reality, it wasn’t a particularly well-reasoned argument. The opposing opinion was ultimately rooted in personal feelings.
However, even if Paimon felt that her logic was flawed, it seemed she firmly believed that her opinion was correct.
‘…This looks familiar.’
Having the pleasant déjà vu he had experienced in the past, Nahun could only concede to Seere’s opinion. It seemed she exuded a confidence almost akin to certainty that she would fulfill Paimon’s wishes if she continued to grow, reminiscent of the time he saw a certain charismatic and combative demon lord.
“…I did not mean to force you. It was merely a suggestion, so you may do as you wish, Seere.”
Upon hearing that, Nahun was slightly surprised. Paimon was taking a step back after hearing Seere’s opinion.
‘…Why?’
There was no way Paimon would think she was wrong. And Nahun also believed that if Astharoth would indeed accept an alliance and assist in their assault on the 21st floor, it would certainly be more beneficial than attacking the 23rd floor. They could secure a strong ally while concurrently taking control of a higher location than the 23rd.
Yet, she still took a step back. It wasn’t as if she was admitting her mistake; rather, it was as if she acknowledged Seere’s stance. Observing this, Nahun reflected.
‘I thought it was something we had to let go of…’
He had thought that harboring individuals with insatiable ambitions while aiming for the top was a risky factor. Yet Nahun found his thoughts shifting slightly now.
If she had such qualities, perhaps carrying Paimon as a part of their strategy might not be a bad idea after all.
“Then please act according to what you desire, Seere. In that case, I will adjust my plans accordingly.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“I may not provide direct assistance in war, but I will do my best to show my sincerity.”
“Huh? Sincerity?”
“Yes.”
Paimon smiled brightly.
“I believe you could use more funds these days, so I’ll offer you a promising business idea.”
