Chapter 9 - Volume 1 (1/2)

Chapter 5 (Part 1)

Chapter 5 – The Most Extravagant Circus (Part 1)

▯Weakest Demon Lord, Rank 71st, Dantalian

Empire Calendar: Year 1505, Month 8, Day 20

Niflheim, Governors’ Palace

The outside was bustling with noise.

In front of the main gate of a large palace, many carriages were lined up. Without pause, refined ladies and gentlemen got off their carriages. Their appearances and outfits all varied in style but there was one thing that they all had in common; they all had horns.

I was seated in a carriage and vacantly staring out the window.

“It doesn’t seem like a lot of Demon Lords are coming.”

“The attendance of the Walpurgis Night is not enforced. Demon Lords with the tendency of being single-minded will most likely not participate. Rank 1st Demon Lord Baal and rank 2nd Demon Lord Agares will not attend.”

“Then why do I have to attend? So troublesome.”

“This meeting is being held in order to discuss the countermeasures for the plague. It would be difficult for your highness, who has a monopoly over the cure, to not participate.”

“So it’s a problem of people being too distinguished.”

A moment later, Lapis Lazuli muttered furtively in a low voice.

“…… Your highness. As expected, this one shouldn’t go in together with your highness.”

“Are you still saying that?”

I grumbled.

“You are publicly my fiance. If not my fiance, then what other woman am I supposed to take to this ball?”

In this gathering, before going fully into the meeting, a type of entertainment was scheduled for the guests to enjoy. The scheduled entertainment was this ball.

I had chosen Lapis Lazuli as my partner for the ball. It was an obvious choice. However, it seemed that our Miss Lala was feeling very burdened by the ball.

“Walpurgis Night is a social party strictly reserved for Demon Lords. Only lords of the highest standings would be allowed to attend. It is not a place where a mixed blood, like this one, should be present.”

“Nevertheless, there are no rules that the companion has to be a Demon Lord as well. It is fine to bring anyone I please.”

“There may be no rule, but it is customary that……”

“Aah, I can’t hear you—I can’t hear you—.”

Lapis Lazuli shut her mouth.

Even if you glared at me with those eyes of dissatisfaction, it couldn’t be helped.

Dantalian was currently receiving the spotlight as the main character in a romance story. A man blinded by love. That was my image to the people. It was impossible to leave Lapis Lazuli and wander on my own at this point.

Furthermore, I had taken a liking to this concept. A fool who had indulged in his passion and had lost all of his rationality. Was this not appropriate? No one would be cautious around a fool like that.

Smart people would only scorn a dullard like me and do nothing more. Followed by coming to a misunderstanding that the true culprit was Lapis Lazuli. All suspicion would focus on Lapis Lazuli, while I was rejoicing my days of freedom……

Am I, perhaps, a genius?

It was truly the perfect plan.

Thanks to the Black Death I had made an incredible amount of money, and now, the only thing I had left to do was to shut myself in my castle and live the rest of my life as a shut-in. The gate to Heaven was already right in front of me.

“…… Your highness is making the same face your highness makes when thinking of something perverted.”

Be quiet.

After 20 minutes had passed, the main gate became more vacant. It was then that we had departed from our carriage and entered the ballroom. We had waited until now because we did not want to deal with being harassed by other people.

The gatekeeper, noticing our approach, announced in a loud voice.

“Rank 71st, Demon Lord Dantalian, entering!”

All at once, the people in the inner-venue turned to look this way.

Not being bothered by their gazes, I made my way to a corner of the ballroom and took my place there. The sound of people whispering around us could be heard. I was not able to hear what they were saying exactly, but I knew it was not a favorable mood. It was close to the feeling of them being aghast by the fact that I had arrived at the ball actually accompanied by an outcast as a partner.

I muttered.

“It feels like I’ve become a celebrity.”

“This one thinks that we do not have to go as far as to link arms.”

“Is it not fine since we adequately appear like fools?”

Referentially, we were affectionately standing arm in arm.

I smiled.

“Don’t loathe something like just linking arms. I am also planning to kiss your lips in a bit, after all.”

“Your highness Dantalian’s tongue will be cut off then.”

“I especially like the unfriendly way you respond.”

“Of course, your highness.”

“Oh, Lazuli. Do not live so selfishly. We are currently the couple throwing around the hottest scandal on the continent. The people are demanding a spectacle from us. Can you not touch lips with the meaning of being a service to the people? Demonstrate some sacrifice mentality for once.”

“In the continent which this one knows of, for the most selfish person to give this one such an advice. It is incredibly shocking……”

“I am curious so I must ask. Do you know that each and every time you speak coldly, your lips shine temptingly that much as well? If by chance, with that intention, you were trying to charm me then……”

Step

Lapis Lazuli was stepping on my toes.

“What an adorable response. I’m starting to like you more.”

“What a coincidence. This one is starting to detest your highness more.”

“One day we will discover a common ground.”

“Please keep in mind that that common ground will never be on top of a bed.”

“What a deplorable front.”

I decided to back off for now. There really wasn’t anything more enjoyable in the world than teasing a competent woman.

Fairies, holding trays filled with alcoholic beverages, came fluttering towards us. I lightly picked up a glass of white wine. Lapis Lazuli and I, on good terms(I admit that I am using words that are debatable), enjoyed our wine and waited for the ball to begin.

Other than the fairies, no one else had tried to approach us. People only examined us from afar out of the corner of their eyes. It felt like I had become a hippo in a zoo for sightseeing purposes.

Despite that, I was able to spend my time amusingly. It was quite interesting to be able to actually see how the Demon Lords looked like in real life, when originally, I had only seen them as illustrations in <Dungeon Attack>. Rank 9th Paimon, rank 8th Barbatos, rank 5th Marbas…… Was this the level of the highest Demon Lords? They were powerful enemies that had given Game Overs to my game protagonist multiple times.

“I would like to raise a greeting to all of the lords who were able to gather here for today’s Walpurgis Night. My name is Ivar Lodbrok and I am from the Keuncuska Firm. Excessively, I have been bestowed the honor to host today’s meeting.”

An incredibly old gentlemen walked to the center of the ballroom. A small applaud came from the Demon Lords. It felt as if only about 6 people had clapped their hands. The rest of the Demon Lords merely gazed at the old man apathetically.

On the other hand, I narrowed my brows.

“That’s Ivar Lodbrok?”

“Yes. That man is the wealthiest person in the demon world, the owner of Keuncuska Firm, and a true vampire, Ivar Lodbrok. The person that this one had betrayed thanks to your highness.”

“Hmm.”

A male, huh.

Ivar Lodbrok was a character that appeared in the game as well. Except, the Ivar Lodbrok that I knew of was a bit different from the one in front of me.

I waited to see what would happen in the ballroom with an interested gaze.

“Before anything else, I would like to explain the agenda for today’s meeting. First, the archduke of Hell has passed away last month. Because there are no official heirs, the next archduke must be selected a day sooner, if possible. I would like to gather the opinions of the Demon Lords present here and……”

(TL note: The region is either ‘Hell’ or ‘Gehenna’, I’m honestly not sure which to take since both seem very much possible.)

“Wait. Wait a second, old man.”

A girl’s sharp voice rang.

Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice.

There was no proper lighting in the ballroom, so it was dark. There were candles as large as people’s heads floating around. Those were the only sources of light. The deep yellow candles were drifting slowly through the air, occasionally reflecting this person, and occasionally reflecting that person. However, it was only for a short moment of time. People were soon enveloped back into the darkness.

“Because of that damn plague, all of the teleportation management offices are down. We got here riding on brooms, which none of us are cut out for, for dozens of hours. Do you know what that means? This is indeed the best time to clamor about boring and antique politics.”

The candle light reflected the girl’s face.

The girl had hair as white as snow.

Her eyes may have been glowing a bright golden color, but it was certain that she was looking down on everyone here except herself. No matter how you looked at her, she appeared to be no more than 14 years old, but she too was a Demon Lord. A Demon Lord who had lived for over 500 years, at that—rank 8th, Barbatos.

For reference, I wasn’t sure if she was trying to achieve a match with her white hair, but her figure was as flat as the great plains of Siberia. She, for sure, looked like a child.

“Your highness Barbatos. We understand, but the topic is urgent……”

“Sure. An epidemic is spreading across the continent, there are 7 successors in the region of Hell that are causing a civil war, and due to the result of the civil war in the kingdom of Sardinia the nobles that were unable to win are starting to revolt. What else are we in but a shitty era? Regardless, the world has been similarly crap since one hundred years ago, two hundred years ago, and even five hundred years ago.”

Barbatos raised her glass with her right hand.

“Even if the conference were to be delayed by 3 hours, nothing will change, you old vampire. Drink alcohol without saying a word. Allow us to have a moment of rest.”

“Mm……”

The old gentleman, Ivar Lodbrok, opened and closed his mouth as if he was troubled. True vampires may have been nobles amongst nobles, but they were still lower than a Demon Lord. It would be difficult to straight out ignore the suggestion of having a drinking party.

Unless it was a Demon Lord of the same rank.

“Still ignorant as ever, Barbatos.”

This time a mature lady’s voice could be heard.

“You can drink alcohol whenever you please. You’re always drowning yourself in alcohol throughout the entire year anyways, so why not try restraining yourself for this one night? If the word ‘patience’ is saved into your head, that is.”

A candle light vaguely shined down onto the woman.

Completely opposite to Barbatos, the maiden had fiery red hair. Throughout the entire world, it felt like the only person that this woman held in contempt was Barbatos.

Lapis Lazuli whispered to me in a small voice.

“That is rank 9th, Paimon. She is well-known for her deep-rooted enmity with Barbatos.”

“I can tell that very well without any explanation, because the distribution is entirely unfair. If I was Barbatos, then I too would probably resent Paimon.”

“Distribution?”

I gestured towards Paimon with my chin. Lapis Lazuli, with a doubtful expression, followed my gaze and examined the female Demon Lord.

Her gaze fell exactly on top of Paimon’s chest. Different from Barbatos, Paimon boasted voluptuous breasts. It was proof that, in the end, nature was not fair.

Lapis Lazuli let out a sigh.

“…… Your highness. Please partake in the meeting seriously.”

“Whenever I see those two rising hills, I feel wonderment. It’s the same feeling as when you see a natural landscape and become entranced by it.”

“Please realize that your highness appears very, incredibly, tremendously vulgar right now.”

“Lala. I am a person who hates going outside more than death. I’m currently experiencing death at real-time. If I were to bore of teasing you, then how would I possibly resist the urge to kill myself?”

Lapis Lazuli went silent.

Instead, the pressure on my right foot increased.

Ignoring the pain transmitting from my toes, I grinned.

“This is the price for tormenting me on a day-to-day basis. Do suffer for me.”

“…… Did your highness truly hate being woken up in the morning that much?”

“Each individual person has their own biological clock. I am a person that physically should not wake up in the morning.”

“I guess sleeping an average of 16 hours everyday is your highness’ biological clock. This one thinks that the problem is not physical, but your highness’ mentality.”

“In short, are you saying that my mentality is wrong and is on the same level of being rotten to the core like wastewater?”

“Today, in this location, this one has realized for the first time that your highness has an impressive summarizing ability.”

“Lala. In a single day, I have to sleep at least 15 hours.”

“No matter how much the ample amount, this one can allow no longer than 7 hours.”

“What? 7 hours?”

My voice grew louder on its own.

“7 hours?! Are you kidding me? You might as well tell me to lay down and get back up immediately. People need at least 12 hours of sleep in order to function properly as a person!”

“This one sleeps no more than 4 hours a day. Ever since the time this one had roamed the back alleys and for 30 years since then.”

“Ooh. So this is the moment where it’s finally revealed as to why you had become such an inhumane and cold-hearted person. The reason why you were always temperamental as if you were on your period all the time was also revealed.”

“Your highness. Most people only partake in around 7 hours of sleep.”

“And most people are wrong! Did you not listen to what Barbatos had said? Did she not testify that, be it the present or the past, the world has always been utter crap? That is all because of the lack of sleep. A perfectly logical conclusion.”

“That is a level of logic that would make even Aristoteles cry.”

Once again, Lapis Lazuli and I had failed at reaching a diplomatic common ground.

15 hours and 7 hours, the gap located between the two was too large. If this were to go on a war might break out. The tragedy would repeat.

It wasn’t just us two that were having our diplomatic relations deteriorate. In the ballroom, Paimon and Barbatos were heated up and conducting a psychological warfare.

Barbatos made a cynical remark.

“Paimon. Our elegant whore lady! I heard the news that you had finally had intercourse with a centaur yesterday. Your hips should be incredibly stiff, but I see you were able to crawl your way here quite well. Or perhaps, is it because you’re bottom mouth is already so loose that you can handle something like a centaur easily? Hm—?”

“People might think that you’re uneducated because your words are so crude. You should start learning how to have some decency, Barbatos. You’ve been fretful like a child for the past 500 years, so it’s about time you started to behave like an adult.”

Paimon raised the corners of her mouth. She then covered her mouth with a feathered fan a step late. She had shown her smirk on purpose before hiding it.

“With a body like that, you’ll probably never be intimate with a proper man. Since you haven’t been able to have a legitimate relationship even once in your life, there’s no choice but to forever be a little lady. Oh dear, I’m sorry. It’s wrong to make fun of someone because of their body…… This lady ended up being discourteous.”

“—It’s not that I can’t get a man, but that I’m purposely not going into a relationship, Miss whore. I’m voluntarily single. Of course, a girl who tosses her body around like a rag towel wouldn’t understand something like that.”

“Aha. That is not so. This lady does very much understand.”

Paimon narrowed her eyes.

Ridicule glossed over her red pupils.

“You can’t pick the grapes anyways, so it’s more reassuring for your mental health if you were to just ignore it saying that they were sour grapes. No matter when, is it not delightful when witnessing people rationalizing with themselves, Barbatos? You could say it feels like you’re getting a peek at their low personality and intelligence……”

“……”

Barbatos grinded her teeth.

I was deeply swayed by the conversation between the two Demon Lords. That was why, I immediately conveyed the emotions I was feeling to Lapis Lazuli.

“Lala. I may have a deep hatred for the outside world, however, if I were to be accompanied by those two, then the idea of going outside doesn’t seem that bad. Just standing here like this and listening to them is putting me in a good mood.”

“This one thinks that is because your highness is corrupted on the inside.”

“Do you think it would be possible to request to go on a date with the both of them at the same time? I’d go out with them, and then sneak to the back and simply watch the two of them fight.”

“Minor Gods will be shocked, the people will be shocked, and even the old sages will be so shocked that they’ll kick out of their graves because of your highness’ atrocious personality.”

Lapis Lazuli let out a sigh.

“For the past 300 years, Barbatos and Paimon has gone to war locally with one another 14 times. Among the Demon Lords they have the worst possible relationship.  This one, on the loyalty to your highness, advise your highness to give up on that short-lived dream.”

“They go to war every 21 years?”

War was not a kid’s play. It consumed a vast amount of manpower, supplies, and time. If they truly didn’t hate each other to the bone, then they wouldn’t do something like go to war so frequently.

“What frighteningly fierce women. I am even more interested in them.”

“This one has started to severely worry about your highness Dantalian’s preference in women. This one can only hope that it is unnecessary concern……”

“Where is the third?”

Lapis Lazuli tilted her head.

“Pardon?”

“I’m talking about the third. The third character. The world is like a miniature universe, that is why it has the tendency to try to keep things balanced on its own. Look there. One person is a little lady who lives her life with curses hanging off her tongue, while on the other side is a woman pretending to be virtuous but lives her life saying whatever she wants. The balance of the universe is collapsed severely……”

I shook my head.

“Meetings without a mediator could not possibly have been maintained for hundreds of years. There must be a dignified person who is capable of suppressing these two women, who were being unruly like water buffaloes in heat. That woman would most likely match my preference.”

And sure enough.

“The two of you. Calm down.”

An incredibly somber voice fell upon the ballroom.

“Due to your quarrel, the conference has stopped. How about showing a little bit of respect to Ivar Lodbrok who has stepped forward as our host.”

The Demon Lords who were arguing shut their mouths.

A candle silently reflected the face of the new speaker.

Rank 5th, Marbas.

With an Eastern European style overcoat draped over their shoulder, they had a very robust physique and was looking over the audience slowly with a monocle…… it was a bald man.

It was so. The third character was nothing more than a man with a burly frame.

Lapis Lazuli muttered.

“This one really did have no reason to worry about your highness’ preference in women.”

“…… I retract my previous statement.”

“Marbas is considerably popular with females. Although, this one did not know that it was the same with males as well.”

Once the highest ranking Demon Lord to be attending the meeting had stepped forward, the atmosphere of the ballroom became calmer. Ivar Lodbrok, receiving the help, continued on with the conference. While I moistened the inside of my mouth with wine, I listened to all kinds of topics.

♦

♦

♦

Time passed long-windedly.

It would have been fun if another argument were to occur, but both Barbatos and Paimon kept their mouths shut. Thus, any type of entertainment was non-existent.

Outright boredom made my eyelids heavy. If it weren’t for Lapis Lazuli constantly pinching my side, I would have most likely fallen asleep by now.

While I was desperately having a bloody battle against drowsiness, Paimon had finally opened her mouth.

“My dear comrades, and Ivar Lodbrok. Before we get into the discussion about the plague, there is an incident that we must certainly settle first.”

“What may that be, your highness?”

“The murder incident. I believe that everyone here is aware of the disgraceful event that had occurred several days ago. Our kinsmen, Andromalius. Rank 72nd Demon Lord, Andromalius, was murdered.”

Ara?

I blinked my eyes which were clouded by sleepiness.

Paimon was bringing up a rather serious subject.

“Andromalius. He was a shameful man. He behaved in ways unbefitting for a Demon Lord. However, despite all that, he was still the same Demon Lord as us.”

With light steps, Paimon made her way to the center of the ballroom. Each step she took a bit of the drowsiness in my skull was pulled out. By the time she had come to a full stop, I was already fully awake.

“No matter how big the continent is, the amount of chosen ones to be born as a Demon Lord was 72. We were a race of only 72 people. Each individual’s value is so precious that we can not be compared to the other races. That kin of ours was murdered mercilessly.”

Paimon turned her head to glare at me.

The emotions held within those red eyes, they were unmistakably hostility.

“Everyone must know full well as to why this is such a grave incident. The culprit to murder our kin must be punished justly.”

At once, all of the Demons Lords turned to look this way.

“……”

An alarm was going off in my head.

The sleepiness had evaporated and my consciousness quickly became cold. An unpredicted attack. A situation that I had not prepared for beforehand. Judging that I was facing danger, my mind operated more fiercely.

♦

Why?

♦

It felt like the space around me had slowed down.

‘Why is she attacking me when I was just standing still?’

The information that I had intentionally blocked off had started to flood in.