The Demon Lord's Farewell
After the meeting with Crawford, the remaining time passed in a monotonous flow. Having wrapped up all the administrative duties that needed urgent attention, Neromeltia spent the night crafting magical tools to distribute among her people. She produced a large number of scrolls imbued with the invisibility spell Invisible and the sound-dampening spell Silence, intending to hand out escape scrolls in case of emergencies during her absence.
After sending Beatrice to deliver the completed scrolls to the Black Knights' camp, Neromeltia finally retired to bed deep into the night. The next morning, she finished her preparations as soon as dawn broke and waited for Lusteria in the plaza. Beatrice never left Neromeltia's side, and as an Ego Doll who required no sleep, she could accompany her master without issue. Lusteria, however, had spent the entire night drafting emergency contingency manuals, magically duplicating them, and preparing booklets for the citizens, leaving her short on sleep and causing her to oversleep.
Lusteria's emergency manuals, much like Neromeltia's scrolls, detailed safe responses and swift evacuation procedures for the people in times of crisis, making them an invaluable resource.
“Ugh… I'm so sorry for making you wait, Master… I really didn't need to sleep… but since we're going on a long journey, I thought resting a little would help me stay in better shape……”
“Don't worry about it. I know how hard you've been working, Lust. If anything, I'm the one who should apologize for not letting you rest.”
“No, it's fine! I was the one who insisted on coming along! I'd much rather be by your side and help in any way I can than stay behind at the Demon Lord Castle and rest comfortably!”
In truth, as a pure-blooded succubus, Lusteria could endure several days without sleep. Yet, determined to remain in peak condition and assist her master to the best of her ability, she had tried to snatch a few hours of rest in the little time left, only to miss her alarm spell and arrive over ten minutes late.
Feeling sorry for her flustered secretary who had come rushing out of her tent, Neromeltia personally tidied Lusteria's disheveled hair and whispered softly.
“I'm actually glad I get to travel with you, Lust.”
“Hnn… M-Master… I'll do it myself…!”
“It's fine. Just stay still.”
Having only managed a hasty magical cleansing without time to properly groom herself, Lusteria's hair was far more unkempt than usual. Neromeltia decided to restore her secretary to her usual neat appearance before they met anyone else. She retrieved a comb and carefully arranged Lusteria's hair into the tidy bun she always wore at the nape of her neck, securing it with the hair tie Lusteria handed her.
“Shall we go?”
“That won't be necessary.”
Just as they were about to head toward Crawford's tent, a familiar voice called out from the side. Crawford and Artis had already arrived in the plaza while Neromeltia finished fixing Lusteria's hair. From the atmosphere, it seemed the two men had waited at a distance until the grooming was complete, showing gentlemanly consideration toward the women.
“Oh dear, it seems we've kept you waiting.”
“Not at all. It is only proper that a vassal attend to such matters, yet I allowed my liege to come to me instead. How could I possibly make my lord wait? It is I who should have sought an audience with you.”
“It is merely a greeting. How could I trouble you when you will be busy with state affairs from now on?”
A warm exchange of mutual consideration passed between them. Neromeltia had deliberately avoided notifying Crawford of her visit beforehand, not wanting to burden the loyal knight with her presence while he was occupied with governance. Yet Crawford, understanding his master's gentle nature, had anticipated she would come to see him before departing and had come to her first. It was the natural result of two people who knew and cherished each other deeply.
“Ohohohoho! My, the two of you get along so well it's almost enviable! At this rate, one might wonder if a marriage is in the works!”
“Wh-what…!! I've never even considered such a thing!!”
“Such insolent remarks toward our liege are unacceptable, Sir Artis!!!”
At Artis's mischievous joke, both the Demon Lord and the knight commander reacted with flustered indignation. Neromeltia cried out in disbelief while Crawford flushed and protested. Lusteria wore a pitiful expression as though the very thought made her shudder, and Beatrice furrowed her brow in clear displeasure, her usual stoic face twisting slightly. Clearly amused by the scene, Artis laughed heartily.
“Ohohohoho! It seems my joke went too far! Still, tales of a princess and her knight's tragic love have always been popular in every era. Considering it once wouldn't hurt, would it?”
“I am no princess!”
“How could I possibly harbor such disloyal thoughts!”
Having had his fill of amusement, Artis dropped his playful smile and regarded the Demon Lord with a serious expression. Though a brief commotion had erupted, the tension that had lingered due to the impending separation and mutual concern had been gently eased. Whether Artis had intended this outcome with his joke was unclear, but the atmosphere had undeniably improved.
“Sir Crawford and I will handle the protection of the remaining citizens and the Demon Lord Castle reconstruction plan without issue. Please do not worry excessively, Your Majesty, and act as you see fit.”
Artis bowed lightly yet respectfully, and the previously lively mood settled into solemnity. Neromeltia nodded at his dependable demeanor before a sudden thought struck her. It was something that should have been addressed long ago, but her hectic schedule had pushed it from her mind.
“Artis is both the king of the goblins and my vassal, yet he lacks an official title. I only just realized I have been remiss in not considering the implications of calling you 'Sir Artis.' My apologies.”
“Please think nothing of it. I am not so tactless as to demand my liege handle my affairs while she is already so busy. Heh heh heh.”
The title “Sir” was an archaic honorific reserved for those of high standing. Currently, Artis served as a vassal of Hemonigent, a high-ranking officer in the Demon Lord's army, and a feudal lord known as the Goblin King. Despite these clear positions, he had never received a formal peerage. Recognizing her oversight in this regard, Neromeltia offered him a sincere apology.
“I will prepare a proper ceremony to grant you an official title. Furthermore, I intend to discuss a vassal contract with the Demon Lord during the investiture. Take your time to consider it and give me your answer later.”
“To bestow such excessive honor upon this lowly goblin… I can only express my deepest gratitude. Ohohohoho!”
A vassal of the Demon Lord. Through a contract with the Demon Lord, one could receive enhanced abilities via the power of Luina and the privilege of eternal life. Crawford, who had already lived far longer than any Demoniac, benefited from this title, and while Lusteria and Beatrice's cases were somewhat different, they too existed as the Demon Lord's vassals. Given that goblins rarely lived beyond fifty years, the fifty-year-old Artis was already an exceptionally long-lived specimen. If he desired longevity, a vassal contract with Neromeltia would be an irreplaceable opportunity.
“Well then, I shall take my leave. I leave the Demon Lord Castle in your capable hands while I am away.”
“May you remain in good health.”
“Depart without any worries. If the opportunity arises, do take some time to enjoy pleasant moments with the lovely ladies.”
Crawford's words carried a brief but powerful sense of loyalty, while Artis's remark, though laced with mischief, conveyed steadfast support. Neromeltia nodded in response to their farewells before casting a flight spell and soaring into the sky. Lusteria and Beatrice followed suit, rising after their master. The three, possessed of immense magical power, vanished from sight in an instant. Crawford gazed at the now-empty sky for a long while before turning to Artis with a greeting.
“I should return to my duties now. Let us meet again later. Take care, Sir Artis.”
“Ohohohoho! You have my thanks for your hard work, Sir Crawford! Next time we meet, let us share a meal and strengthen the bond between fellow vassals serving the same liege! Now, if you'll excuse me!”
After their parting words, the two men, having exchanged deep bows, went their separate ways. Crawford's mind grew cluttered with thoughts of the unfinished documents awaiting him as he hurried back to his tent. In contrast, Artis's face bore a thick, unashamed smile that could hardly be called innocent. A quiet yet sinister laugh echoed only within his mouth, never escaping outward.
Soon, two Demoniac men and three goblin men emerged stealthily from behind a pile of rubble and stood before Artis.
“Lord Artis. Has everything proceeded smoothly?”
“Of course. All is going according to plan. Her Majesty has departed the Demon Lord Castle with her secretary and maid. The loyal knight Crawford will be occupied with governance for some time, narrowing his field of vision.”
Upon hearing Artis's report, the five men exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with desire as they broke into knowing smiles. Their meaningful whispers made it clear they were concealing something and plotting in secret, yet unfortunately, no one witnessed the scene.
Artis's smile grew even thicker and more viscous as he declared to the men.
“Our plan will proceed without a single misstep. Summon our comrades. Now, while the Demon Lord is away, is the perfect time for our grand scheme to be realized upon this land!”
After Artis's proclamation, the sinister laughter of Artis and his men continued for some time. Their faces, brimming with all manner of desires, soon slipped away into the sewers of the ruins. Their secret meeting was only just beginning.