The Mighty Demon King (1)
The next day, Nahen found himself in Seere’s office once again. He had come because there was something he needed to discuss, but Seere seemed thrilled by the mere fact of his visit.
“Master came all the way to see me? Your disciple is deeply moved.”
“…It’s not as if this is the first time I’ve come like this. What are you talking about?”
“I just felt like saying it because I’m happy.”
Seere rose from her seat and joined Nahen on the sofa. Surprisingly, she didn’t cling to his side as usual. Instead, she sat politely across from him. It seemed she had sensed that he had come for a somewhat serious conversation. In moments like these, Seere remained the same as ever—a wonderful, beautiful disciple who understood his intentions perfectly.
“Did you have something to tell me?”
“Take me with you to the Demon Realm General Assembly.”
At Nahen’s request, Seere tilted her head. She had already planned to bring him even without being asked. At the last assembly, Lynn had accompanied her, but that was only because Nahen had been absent. Originally, it was a place where he should have stood beside her. He must have known she would take him without needing to be told, so why bring it up now? As Seere pondered this, she soon realized the reason.
It was courtesy. Nahen assumed she would bring him along, yet he still made the request out of respect for her.
“…Hehe.”
Seere’s mood brightened, and she smiled sweetly.
“I was planning to go with you from the start, Master.”
“Is that so? That’s a relief.”
“Then, is that all you wanted to say?”
“…No, there’s one more thing.”
Nahen quickly continued. He had intended to speak only of the assembly and save the rest for later, but the way Seere’s gaze shifted when she asked if he was finished made him change course. It was a damp, sticky look that seemed to cling to his entire body, so he hurriedly steered the conversation elsewhere.
“I have something to discuss regarding the Human Realm.”
“Ah… you heard the general outline from Dane, then? The Demon Realm has imposed a complete ban on travel to the Human Realm, so we have no way of gathering information.”
Seere let out a small sigh.
“Thanks to that, the slave trade has ground to a halt as well. We’re suffering heavy losses on multiple fronts.”
“Yes, I heard. That’s why I’d like you to raise the issue at the upcoming assembly.”
“You want me to call for the lifting of the Human Realm entry ban?”
“Exactly.”
“Hmm…”
Seere considered Nahen’s words for a moment. Then, as if she had reached her own conclusion, she shook her head.
“It won’t work.”
“You sound certain.”
“I have no choice but to be. This was decided by the Rank 1. I doubt they have any intention of withdrawing it until the Celestial Demon War is completely over. Besides, no Demon King would dare oppose it.”
Rank 1. The undisputed strongest being in the Demon Realm—Belzebute von Deus. His words naturally carried the greatest weight, and no one could even dream of contradicting him. His overwhelming might, which surpassed even Seir—who had once been called the Martial King—made any thought of resistance impossible.
“Since the measure came from Belzebute himself, no other Demon King will voice opposition?”
“That’s correct.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
Nahen gave a light chuckle.
“Not everyone is as obedient as you think.”
“Is that so?”
“Many Demon Kings possess strong pride. Some must be harboring dissatisfaction with Belzebute’s decision in secret. Especially the more belligerent ones—they would consider sealing the gates out of fear of the angels nothing short of humiliating.”
In Evil Queen Maker, seventy-two Demon Kings appeared. Naturally, each had a different disposition, and among them were those who were abnormally warlike. In particular, the current leaders of the martial faction—Agreas, Amon, Barbatos, and their like—were the sort who would think, Even if I am destroyed, I will drag you down with me.
“Seere, what is your current rank?”
“I’m at Rank 50 now. We’ve cleared several more upper layers since then, so my position should rise further at this assembly.”
The achievements Seere had accomplished were undoubtedly remarkable. Considering how military strength and territorial power grew exponentially with each higher floor, conquering all the way to the 46th floor in just six years since the previous assembly was an astonishing feat.
‘…But it’s still not enough.’
Nevertheless, it was insufficient. To be precise, her current standing was not high enough to approach and persuade the Demon Kings needed to overturn the Human Realm entry ban.
“Seere.”
“Yes?”
“The Demon Realm General Assembly begins with a banquet, followed by the actual meeting afterward, correct?”
“Yes. It takes time for every Demon King to arrive, so they hold a banquet while waiting for everyone to gather. The meeting usually takes place that night or the following day. That’s how it was last time as well.”
“Then it should be feasible.”
At Nahen’s meaningful remark, Seere narrowed her eyes slightly.
“What exactly are you planning?”
“We need to assemble a faction that will oppose Belzebute’s measure.”
“If that’s the case, we already have Lady Sitri and Lady Gremory. If three Demon Kings present the same opinion, the matter becomes an official topic for the assembly.”
“True. However, Sitri and Gremory’s influence alone will be too weak.”
If Sitri had regained all her former power it might be different, but the current Sitri—who had recovered none of her strength—carried no weight in her words. Gremory was a mid-tier Demon King, yet because she had lingered at the very bottom of that tier for so long, her voice lacked real force. Ironically, among their current alliance of three, Seere herself held the strongest position. She was a rising star who had climbed from the lowest rank to mid-tier in just a few short years.
“That’s why we must recruit those with greater influence.”
“Those with greater influence… you mean you’re trying to bring in high-ranking Demon Kings?”
“No. Even higher than that.”
“…Pardon?”
Indeed. Nahen intended to recruit some of the mighty Demon Kings. Only the voices of the absolute top tier would be enough to make even Belzebute listen—and the same applied to the other Demon Kings.
Yet Nahen’s proposal contained a critical flaw, and Seere pointed it out immediately.
“How do you plan to recruit the top-tier Demon Kings? Joining hands with us would bring them nothing but disadvantages.”
This was the greatest obstacle. The top-tier Demon Kings commanded overwhelming armies and territories. Their domains were so vast that they could sustain themselves through internal markets alone. What possible merit could they see in agreeing with Seere and offering cooperation?
No matter how she looked at it, Nahen’s idea seemed overly idealistic.
But Nahen had not spoken out of blind optimism.
“It’s simple. Power against power. Even if we don’t defeat them, showing them strength that satisfies them will spark their interest.”
He was not underestimating the power of the top-tier Demon Kings. It was impossible to underestimate them. They were stronger than the demons, who stood above the demon race itself. Still, Nahen had reason for his confidence.
He had brought beings from Hell.
“I will handle that matter.”
“…If you do that during the assembly, Master will draw everyone’s attention.”
“Of course, we’ll meet them beforehand.”
“You’re leaving again?”
Seere’s eyes widened in clear displeasure. Nahen spoke soothingly.
“It will only take a few days. I swear I won’t make you wait years like before.”
“…How long must I wait?”
“For now… I’ll return within a week. I’ll show my face once before leaving again, so don’t worry too much.”
Understanding that Seere would grow anxious if he disappeared again, Nahen offered this compromise. Yet Seere’s pout made it clear she was not satisfied.
“No.”
“Hm?”
“I’m coming with you.”
“…What?”
“There’s no reason I can’t. Besides, when gathering forces who share our views, we can’t leave everything to you, Master. When meeting the leader of a faction, isn’t it most effective for the leader of our own side to go in person?”
Nahen was at a loss for words. But the opponents he intended to approach were truly dangerous Demon Kings.
“No. It’s too dangerous for you.”
He spoke out of genuine concern, but Seere only looked dissatisfied. It seemed Nahen still saw her as the little girl from eight years ago.
Seere let out a small sigh.
“Master, I am now capable of looking after myself. And you will protect me, won’t you?”
“Even so, we don’t know what might happen.”
Her expression grew completely serious.
“I cannot depend on you forever. Especially in matters involving other Demon Kings, I believe I must go myself.”
“……”
She was right. Her words were not wrong. Yet Nahen’s worry remained heavy. Still, to argue further would be the same as saying he did not trust her.
“…Very well. I understand.”
“You’re giving permission?”
“What right do I have to stop you? If you wish to come, then come.”
“Ehe, I’m so happy~.”
Seere beamed. Watching her, Nahen could only smile helplessly.
“Is it truly all right to go with only the three of us?”
Despite Kain’s worried tone, the three preparing to depart appeared perfectly at ease. Among them, his master and the lady of Devata Castle—Seere von Devata—answered lightly.
“Bringing a whole crowd would only be a nuisance anyway. Besides…”
Seere glanced at Nahen. As long as Master was present, no ordinary problem could arise.
Kain caught the look and nodded.
“Secily, serve them well.”
“Yes, Head Butler.”
The one accompanying the pair was Secily. Just as when they had traveled to the Human Realm before, she had been chosen again. Kain was the head butler and Rea the head maid; neither could leave their posts. The only person with a position that allowed absence, who was surprisingly strong, accustomed to all kinds of chores, and close to Seere, was Secily.
“Seere, let’s go.”
“Yes, Master.”
In truth, Nahen had not wanted to bring Seere along. It was not because her company would be troublesome or because he had grown tired of her. The reason was simple…
‘…It makes me uneasy.’
Once outside the Demon King’s castle, there was no telling what kind of trouble she might cause.
And Nahen’s concern was not entirely misplaced. At that very moment, Seere was thinking:
‘It’s a date~♪’
Leaving the brightly smiling—yet clearly scheming—Seere behind, Nahen turned to Kain.
“We’re off.”
“Yes. Please travel safely.”
Nahen, Seere, and Secily stepped through the main gates.
As he organized his thoughts about the tasks ahead, Nahen reflected,
‘It’s truly beginning now.’
The time had come to meet the greatest powerhouses the Demon Realm had to offer.