Chapter 599: Isnt There Anyone Decent Among Phantasmal Kings Subordinates? (1/2)

After receiving a rather peculiar gift from Pandora-san, I also received a present from Megiddo-san. Just as I had expected…… he gave me a huge barrel of alcohol.

After Megiddo-san, Fate-san gave me a large cushion, and next to her was Magnawell-san, but of course, Magnawell-san was not able to enter the venue. Since he was currently outside the venue, Fafnir-san handed out his present on his behalf.

After that, Ryze-san, Lotus-san, Dahlia-san, Amalie-san and Orchid-san handed out their gifts in order, and just when I thought it would be Dr. Vier’s turn next……

“Okay, next up is Catastro-san.”

[Hahh!]

Following Alice’s words, a woman dressed like a butler with her long light green hair pulled back behind her head and wearing a tuxedo (?), she gracefully walked up to the stage.

……Somehow, someone I don’t recognize at all has just appeared!? Eh? Who is she? Seriously, I don’t remember her at all.

“Ahh, Kaito-san. This child, you see, one of the Count-level, High-ranking Demons who were temporarily entrusted with guarding Kaito-san. She has never directly exchanged words with Kaito-san, but since she was the mediator of those ten people, I allowed her to participate.”

Ahh, I see…… She’s one of the people that Alice assigned to guard me during the incident with Kuro. If she’s their mediator, then she’s probably pretty high up among Alice’s leaders.

Catastro-san walked up to me and gave me a polite bow, she spoke.

[It’s nice to meet you, my name is Catastro. I would like to congratulate you on your birthday today. Meager it may be, I’ve brought you a small present.]

[Y- Yes. Thank you for going out of your way for me. I’m Miyama Kaito…… Errr, I’m in your care.]

[Thank you for your polite words. However, my apologies, I can’t shake your hand…… My genetic make-up tends to corrode the things I touch. Even though I wear thick gloves, I still couldn’t perfectly prevent such a thing from occurring.]

As I reflexively held out my hand for a handshake with my greeting, Catastro-san lightly shook her head and apologized.

Corrode things she touches…… The way she said it, it seems like she can’t stop her ability by herself huh? How should I say this…… That’s kind of a little sad ability to have.

I’ve got Shiro-san’s blessing, so I think I’m probably going to be fine…… but perhaps, this isn’t a topic that should be touched on too much.

“No, Kaito-san. You don’t have to feel sorry for her. That child “can hold things if she’s in her true form”…… So it’s fine if she’s in that form.”

[……Even if this hand is dangerous, even if these “poison wings that had turned into my hands” were dangerous, even if the cost of the gloves and other items makes me live in extreme poverty every day, even if I eat less than a slice of bread a day, even if I have to sleep in a cave…… I won’t recognize “that unsightly form” to be my true form. This is my true form.]

What is this? I began to feel sorry for her in a different way from earlier.

“Incidentally, her true form is a “moth monster”.”

[I’m trying to deny it just now, so could you please not reveal my true form to everyone, Shalltear-sama!?]

“Rather than that, you’re using up too much time. Please hand in your gifts already, get off the stage, go to the corner and eat your stale bread.”

[S- Shalltear-sama…… As expected, you’re being too unreasonable……]

Unnn, I think it really is a bit too much. Even if she’s your subordinate, this will make Catastro-san angry……

[Can’t you please allow me to have some salad!? Please! I’ve only been eating weeds that grow nearby!!!]

You’re talking about that!? That’s what you’re complaining about!? I mean, her diet is so miserable, but seriously!?

“No…… well, you can eat whatever you want.”

[……No, if I eat too much expensive food, my stomach won’t be able to accept it……]

……She just started crying. Even though her situation wasn’t in her control, she is extremely poor that it makes my heart tremble. Catastro-san, you’re a Count-level, High-ranking Demon, right? You’re one of the few amazing beings in the Demon Realm, aren’t you? If she’s that poor, how often does she corrode her gloves?

[……Ah, my apologies, Miyama-sama. Once again, happy birthday to you. Meager it may be, here’s my present to you.]

[T- Thank you. Errr…… Is it alright?]

When I asked her if it’s alright, containing the thoughts about how she’s having financial problems, she seemed to have understood my intentions, and with a small smile on her face, Catastro-san spoke.

[Thank you for your concern. However, it’s alright. “I’m used to fasting”.]

[………………..]

[Well then, if you’ll excuse me.]