322. Investiture (3)
322. Investiture (3)
- 1 -
After the investiture ceremony ended, the Fate (緣) banquet to welcome the new Duke unfolded in grand fashion.
Dantalion stood near the terrace, watching the bustling hall as he sipped his strong blood-liquor.
'A mere facade.'
Dantalion smiled bitterly to himself.
After all, he himself had been among them not long ago.
It was an unwritten rule of the noble world that you must congratulate someone who had newly gained power, strength, or honor.
So that when you became the protagonist of glory next time, you would receive the same treatment.
"The Duke of Paradox, Libertas Hecathera..."
Muttering to himself, he directed his gaze toward a woman in a white dress adorned with a splendid crown.
Surrounded by nobles, she was flanked by the two Surface Demon Realm Archdukes—Eligos and Agares—and joined by the Demon Realm's Duke of Lust and the Duke of Wrath.
Dantalion's gaze was fixed on the two Demon Realm Archdukes.
'So it was those bastards who did something after all.'
Dantalion recalled the recent 'post-war negotiations.'
When discussing the terms for withdrawing the mercenary corps that had come north, Libertas had mentioned 'another contract' and said it was impossible.
Of course, that contract referred to the one Libertas had made with Rieselotte, the Queen of Ulland, by sending Sonia.
However, Dantalion viewed that 'contract' as one made with the Demon Realm Archdukes Eligos and Agares.
For while she could execute a contract with humans, she could not place that contract on equal standing with his own.
Dantalion, who had been looking at the two with a gaze full of resentment, turned his eyes back to Libertas.
There was not a single sign of discomposure on her face as she dealt with the nobles, and her refined mannerisms stood out, as if she had long navigated the political world.
'She doesn't look like a surface Dungeon Lord at all. ... A truly splendid demon.'
As he gazed at her, he chewed over a single thought.
His long years of political activity to maintain and enjoy his position had been of no help in this matter.
He might have gained a greater advantage if he had sent Botis to win—but that was only if he hadn't lost.
In that moment, he recovered a value he had long forgotten.
'Strength.'
He had never considered his own strength to be insufficient.
That was why he had become so negligent.
If only he had greater strength.
He could have disregarded the Archdukes and seized and crushed the approaching enemy with his own hands.
But he had not been able to do so.
'Because I was weak.'
Dantalion set down his empty glass.
His business of demonstrating his continued strength at this gathering was already done.
It was a step intended to at least minimize the damage, even if further schemes came his way.
Just as he was about to leave, Libertas's gaze briefly turned toward him.
The look they exchanged held no hostility whatsoever.
It resembled a light, acknowledging glance toward an old acquaintance.
"We'll end up meeting again soon enough."
Murmuring this, he quietly slipped out of the Fate (緣) banquet hall.
- 2 -
"Then, regarding the engraving of the magic circuit in that section..."
"You must engrave the coordinates into the spirit realm. If you don't..."
"Duke."
A massive shadow fell over Libertas, who was conversing with a count who had introduced himself as a mage.
Raising her head, she saw a man with long red hair grown like a lion's mane.
He had four thick, sturdy horns pointing forward.
In contrast to his overwhelming presence, his face was unexpectedly elegant, with fine lines that created a sense of dissonance.
It was Satan, the Duke of Wrath.
He had changed into his banquet attire: a red tuxedo adorned with gold ornaments.
"So it is the Duke of Wrath."
An unusual light flickered in Libertas's eyes as she regarded him—a figure from whom sparks seemed to flare all over his body.
"I will not forget the grace of your congratulations."
"Unnecessary. It was nothing."
He scratched the scales on his chin and looked around.
After glancing toward the Duke of Gluttony and snorting, he stared directly at Libertas.
A slight twist had risen to the corner of his lips.
"The daughter of the Duke of Gluttony... I genuinely find it suspicious that you could be that man's child. The impression you give is far too good for Devor's offspring."
"Perhaps. But if the environment one was raised in differs, isn't that only natural?"
Even in the face of such sudden rudeness, Libertas's expression didn't waver.
Satan's eyes gleamed at her calm demeanor.
Any other noble who heard his blunt tone was bound to feel an instinctive discomfort, but none of that could be seen in her.
"With this level of difference, I might have to reconsider my thoughts on bloodlines."
"You are direct. What do you mean by that?"
Satan took another look around.
Seeing the gazes of the nobles who had been subtly watching turn away, he snorted once and was about to raise his hand to cast a barrier.
Ttak!
But one step ahead of him, Libertas snapped her fingers.
Darkness enveloped their surroundings.
Satan observed that magic with interest, his resolve hardening further.
'It would take me quite some time to break through this, and even with effort, it would not be easy. I truly cannot let her go.'
A deep, amused smile traced across his lips as Satan spoke.
"You said you already held a pledge ceremony with Baritra. Simply give her hand to me in marriage. Then, I will elevate the Baritra household to a ducal family and use my power to ensure you can rise to become a Surface Archduke."
"That is too great a proposal for me to answer hastily."
Libertas adopted a slightly hesitant attitude.
Though she had already made her decision internally, there was no reason to give her answer here.
"As you know, for a noble of the Demon Realm to officially sponsor a Dungeon Lord..."
"Hahaha!"
Cutting off Libertas, Satan burst out laughing.
"That's not something the daughter of the Duke of Gluttony and the younger sister of the Demon King Candidate would say. You are already receiving sponsorship from them yourself. A trifling rule like this..."
Staring at Libertas with flame-glowing eyes, Satan whispered.
"I shall wait for a time. But you would do well to make your intentions clear. After all, now that you've become a Duke, not choosing anyone will only lead to you becoming everyone's enemy."
He turned away with a profound smile.
"Isn't he quite a troublesome man?"
The one who approached after the Duke of Wrath had withdrawn was a woman whose nine golden tails swayed softly behind her.
She was the Duke of Lust, Asmodeus.
"We didn't get to greet each other earlier, did we? Duke of Paradox. Pleased to meet you. By the way, how in the world are you this beautiful? Please tell me your secret too."
"There's no particular secret. My maids put in a great deal of effort."
"My, the maids' skills must be absolutely incredible!"
After approaching and exchanging casual pleasantries with Libertas, she quietly revealed her true purpose.
"Hearing that you have a confidant from the Monstrous Celestial Fox clan piqued my interest. They say she's a woman with golden eyes of great beauty."
"News travels fast. Are you interested in that child?"
When Libertas quietly asked in return, Asmodeus nodded cheerfully.
"I'd like to have a word with her sometime. Who knows? She might even be somehow related to me."
"Ran would welcome it. I'll let her know."
Libertas answered positively.
She was well aware that Asmodeus's ulterior motive was to approach her through Ran.
But she trusted Ran. She believed Ran would handle it well on her own.
"Thank you, Duke. Well then, I will visit when there's an opportunity."
As Asmodeus departed, a demon approached, staring at her swaying back.
The Duke of Corruption, Agares, asked, his eyes gleaming.
"What did you talk about with her?"
At his tone, brimming with considerable interest, Libertas answered readily, though slightly puzzled.
It was, after all, a conversation anyone could guess at even if she didn't reveal the details.
"It was nothing much. She was interested in the fact that my subordinate is of the Monstrous Celestial Fox clan."
"Ah, I see."
The Duke of Corruption, Agares, opened his mouth wide and laughed.
"Anyway, I didn't expect you to pass my test so quickly. And on top of that, your power feels completely different from back then. Truly magnificent."
"Shall I take that as a compliment and offer my thanks?"
"There's no reason to."
Agares let out a chuckle, then soon spoke in a low voice.
"It'd be best to talk about the details after we go up to the surface. There are far too many ears here."
"Agreed. Let us meet on the surface."
The moment Agares withdrew, Eligos approached as if it were the most natural thing in the world and sat in the chair next to Libertas.
Other noble ladies who had been waiting for that seat to become vacant watched with regretful looks, but he paid them not a single thought.
"How did you handle Botis? It couldn't have been easy at your level."
"That's not a suitable story to share here."
"Damn it all."
At Libertas's answer, Eligos narrowed his crimson eyes in irritation.
Eligos, who inwardly considered Dantalion a rival, was desperate to hear about the battle against Botis, who must have received the Secret Duke's power.
"Fine. We'll talk on the surface later. I ask purely out of personal curiosity."
After Eligos stepped back, several nobles with brightened faces approached, but they too were forced to turn on their heels.
Because at some point, Beelzebub had appeared before her.
For the others, it was fortunate that his business was brief.
"I sense a change in you. Come see me later."
He left behind a single remark and vanished.
The one who approached afterward was Mammon, the Duke of Greed.
Contrary to his title, his expression was extremely relaxed and benign, and he approached and struck up a conversation like a friendly neighborhood grandfather.
"As a surface Dungeon Lord, you've achieved remarkable results, so there's bound to be much noise. The Demon Realm's politics are far more complex and dangerous than the surface's. But someone like you seems capable of navigating them well."
He spoke with affected warmth, handing her a glass of liquor.
"Come find me anytime if you need my help. You're already receiving my trading company's support, so just tell anyone and it will be done."
"I always find the trading company's support helpful. Thank you for your consideration."
"That's good to hear. Keep up the good work."
Libertas smiled, clinking glasses with him.
As the master of the Mammon Trading Company, he was someone who always maintained a neutral stance, but there was no harm in getting close to him.
He chuckled heartily and vacated the spot, and soon after, Lucifer, the Duke of Pride, filled the space.
"You seem quite popular. Congratulations, Duke."
At his greeting, Libertas responded with an elegant demeanor.
"Thank you for presiding over the ceremony, Duke of Pride."
Lucifer gently curved the corners of his mouth into a smile.
His face was as perfect as a sculpture.
Squeals of delight could be heard from the surrounding women who saw him, but Libertas's expression did not change in the slightest.
If anything, feeling more satisfaction at her reaction, he slowly opened his mouth.
"The First Demon Queen was greatly pleased. It is a good sight to see."
Lifting his wine glass, he cast his gaze toward Stella, who was subtly watching Libertas from a distance beyond earshot.
"That person, who only ever used to suffer at the hands of Samira Ishtar, suddenly changed her attitude after someone arrived in the Demon Realm. And then the Duke of Envy fell from power."
"I'm not sure what you mean."
Lucifer scrutinized Libertas's face closely, but there was nothing to be gleaned from it.
He didn't seem disappointed and continued speaking.
"The relationship between the First Demon Queen and the Duke of Gluttony is not particularly special. If I were to join hands with you, the situation would change greatly, Duke. I trust you are well aware of this."
He raised his glass once in a toast and wrapped up his point.
"In this kind of situation, there is much I can help with. Think it over carefully."
"I will consider it."
"That alone is sufficient."
As Lucifer rose from his seat and turned his back, Libertas swallowed a deep sigh.
Dealing with the nobles.
It was like walking along a perfectly straight tightrope.
Outwardly maintaining a perfect smile, while inside you had to be filled with calculations.
If she had to do it, she could keep it up all day—but that didn't mean it didn't grate on her nerves.
'Not even halfway through yet.'
Once again, she elegantly lifted the corners of her lips.
The Fate (緣) banquet still had a long while left.
And tonight, she was the center of all gazes.
- 3 -
The Baritra Marquis Household.
The Viscounty of Ricks in Mure.
The representatives of the Mammon Trading Company, and even the high and low nobles of the Demon Realm.
An endless procession of greetings and conversation.
Every single smile had to carry meaning, and every single gaze had to carry weight.
After dealing with all the nobles who endlessly flocked to me, even with my stamina, I was utterly drained.
It was a moment when I felt firsthand just what the status of a Demon Realm Duke entailed.
"You were truly wonderful, Master."
Evangeline, who had been guarding my side in her formal attire, whispered, as if she had noticed my condition.
"I've prepared everything for our return. We can go back 'home' as soon as you're finished."
I understood why she placed such emphasis on the word 'home.'
Holding her hand, I whispered softly back.
"Thank you. Getting this far is also thanks to all of you."
"That is not true."
Though her face reddened slightly, she answered with a voice full of conviction.
"Had it not been for you, Master, we would not exist as we are now. This is all thanks to you."
"Alright. Let's leave it at that."
The Fate (緣) banquet was nearly over.
Through the dispersing nobles, I saw a woman approaching me.
It was my older sister, Bellastella.
She too had suffered through quite a long ordeal today.
Normally, queens would merely show their faces and then disappear from such Fate (緣) banquets, but she had stayed until the very end because of me.
The other nobles were not about to miss such a good opportunity.
"Aren't you tired, Rita?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
Yet, unlike me, who genuinely felt fatigued, she maintained an extremely fresh and immaculate appearance.
Stella embraced me without any hesitation.
It was a rare occurrence even after we had revealed ourselves as sisters.
For the etiquette governing relations between nobles and royalty did not allow for simple, ordinary sisterly affection.
It seemed like the screams of young noble ladies could be heard from somewhere, but both of us naturally ignored them.
"Let's meet again soon."
"Thank you, Sister."
After exchanging simple farewells, the Fate (緣) banquet came to an end.
My close aides and I returned to Clarent on the surface through the Mammon Trading Company's passageway.
"Ever since the Demon Realm's presence was detected last time, adventurers from all over the country have been seeking you, Master."
Then, I received a report from Talhan, who had been guarding the position on my behalf.
"It's time to bring about the 'Solar Eclipse.' Regrettably, we'll have to settle for a partial eclipse, though."
I answered with a smile.
"Invite the guild masters of the adventurers' guilds. In the name of King Amelia of Orbis, King Hysen of Haisen, and Duke Leoper of Lepere."
Everything would end 'peacefully'.
In a truly excellent way—one where I alone would not be left wholly satisfied.
In a way where everyone would get what they wanted, and yet, in the end, I would be the victor.
I planted a flag at the very center of the map on which Grakheizen was drawn.
My flag, engraved with the black lily.
"The time has come to establish my sovereignty."
Once again, the season to bring flowers into bloom had arrived.
