Annoying Guests
"Sorry for dragging everyone here again like this, but it couldn't be helped with such an urgent matter."
The Northern Conference, reconvened. This gathering usually happened maybe twice a year at most? Big Daddy, who had restarted it, addressed the assembled rulers of various cities and representatives of the other races.
I didn't want to come out either—it was a hassle—but since this concerned the entire North, I had no choice but to show up.
"Ahem! Blood Contractor. Skip the preamble and get to the point."
"Yeah. We're all busy these days anyway."
"Fine. I hate long-winded bullshit too, so straight to it. You all know about those central continent saints pushing into our North Continent, right? That's why I called you."
"Hmph! Those weak humans from the central continent?! Can't we just rip 'em apart with our fangs?!"
"Shut your trap, you mangy mutt. Where the hell did you get the idea that the central continent humans are weak?"
"What'd you say, you brain-dead tree-hugger scum?! You dare mock me?!"
"Wanna arrow through that thick skull of yours, beast boy?!"
"I'll rip your throat out?!"
Thwack!
"Shut the fuck up and sit still, you morons! Start any pointless squabbles in this conference hall, and I'll drain every last drop of blood from you!"
Sigh~ Always ripping into each other like this. Other races aren't much different from humans. Politics is one filthy mess.
The elves and beastmen had been locked in a cold war over the same forest territory for ages. Other races were all prideful bastards who fought over nothing as a daily routine, but I hoped they'd hold it in this time.
The major powers represented here were the Big Daddy Family, Elf Kingdom, Dwarf Federation, Beastman Tribal Alliance, and... the Black Prince Family—five massive organizations that doubled as kingdoms.
Other races had small populations anyway, so even their "kingdoms" topped out at 30-40,000 people—city-states in reality.
The Pirate Alliance used to be one of the big powers, but after I smashed them, our family took their spot, making this a six-way conference.
"Hey, Dantalian's contractor. Go rein those idiots in."
"Why me?"
"Hmph! You've got that harbinger of war bitch lurking behind you, don't you?! Just crush 'em with brute force! I ain't interested in wasting time on this crap. I'd rather head to the forge and craft a new weapon—way more rewarding!"
"Sure~ sure~ Love that artisan spirit~ Just keep the next trade deal sweet too."
"Hmph! As long as the pay's solid!"
"You got it. Halphas. Shut those hotheads up over there."
"Yes~ With pleasure~♥"
Flutter!
Rooooaaarrr!
"Guhk!"
"Urk!"
"Hngh!"
I said rein 'em in gently, not crush 'em with intimidation!
I'd asked the walking time bomb psycho demon to calm things down moderately, but with her wings spread and a fraction of her power on display, Halphas's overwhelming presence slammed the three troublemakers face-first onto the table. They trembled, unable to withstand the pressure.
I'd brought her along with the others because I couldn't trust leaving her at the mansion alone—god knows where she'd bolt to—but now she was about to cause a scene here too!
"Hey! Hey! Hey! Enough! I said quiet it down! You're killing me here?!"
"Kyahahahaha!~♥ Isn't silence born of death? Just crush 'em dead, and they shut up—perfect, right, Boss?"
"Stop laughing and pull it back! You crazy bitch!!--"
Hummm~
...
"Hahk! Hah... You little shit. You did that on purpose, didn't you?!"
"No, I didn't?!"
"Hoo... Never dreamed you'd actually tamed the Harbinger of War... Dantalian's contractor."
"Grk... How the hell did you leash a monster like that...?"
"Kyahahahaha!~♥ If your boss beats me like he did, I'll serve you too~♥ That is, if you can beat me?"
...
Just let this slide quietly, please. Why does everyone around me never listen?!
... ... ...
"... Since the North Face Family's handling the Magus Civitas human experimentation labs and secret hideouts, moving on to the next item. As for the Holy Kingdom's indulgences and missionary work—what's the play? Speak up if you've got ideas."
"Can't we just kill 'em or drive 'em out of the North?"
"Intel says the Holy Kingdom army building a fortress near the Forest of Death for missionary and conscription ops numbers about 5,000. Among them, the fanatics include renowned Seven Virtues holy knights. Their power is a natural counter to us demon contractors—add in elite holy knights and high priests, and they'd wipe out most North organizations in a day."
"Ahem! I'd love to inspect that Holy Kingdom gear. See how it stacks against dwarf craftsmanship... If it comes to blows, let us salvage their equipment. We'll make it worth your while!"
"If it means fighting the Holy Kingdom, the elves will join the war. We revere nature and spirits, not their god. Human deities are heretics to us."
"The Beastman Tribal Alliance follows nature and spirits too. No kneeling to weak human gods!"
"Hm~ So the other races want war with the Holy Kingdom?"
Nod! Nod!
"Good. Hey, kid. What's your move?"
"Well... Honestly, dealing with Magus Civitas is priority for us. But if you need backup, our family can pitch in. Those guys would never forgive a demon contractor like me anyway."
"Got it. You there! Gerhart! What's your stance? Quit brooding and speak up!"
Gerhart? Oh, right~ the Black Prince, Gerhart.
Big Daddy turned to the black-haired man who'd stayed silent since entering the hall.
A man clad head to toe in black armor, red cape draped over his shoulders. No helmet—instead, a black crown. A black mask matching his armor covered his mouth, and a long vertical scar ran down his left eye. Built like a tank, about 180cm tall. Spiky black hair down to his waist, black eyes—a rare sight in this world.
Damn, what a commanding presence. Looks like a real hothead! Didn't say a word last conference either.
"Hey! I get you're tight-lipped, but you can't dodge this one. The Holy Kingdom—demon contractors' nightmare—has come to the North Continent, Black Prince!"
"... Do whatever you want."
Husky voice. Kinda androgynous.
Softer than a typical man's gravelly tone, but paired with his looks, it only amplified the charisma. The Black Prince, Gerhart, shot Big Daddy a glare and gave his curt reply.
But it sounded more like "I don't give a shit."
Rumor had it he was the crown prince of some western empire, fled after rebellion... or maybe a failed usurper? His forces numbered tens of thousands—the largest manpower and territory in the North, the continent's de facto overlord.
So when he drew a line saying he wouldn't touch the Holy Kingdom mess, Big Daddy's face twisted naturally. The other races scowled at him too.
"Gerhart... You know as a demon contractor they won't leave you be?"
"... Doesn't matter. If they block my path, I'll crush them."
Whoa~ "My path"? Self-proclaimed emperor, huh? Rebel who actually wants the throne?
"You bastard..."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"What?"
"Boss. Pardon the interruption. An annoying guest has arrived."
...
One of Big Daddy's goons knocked on the conference hall door three times to announce the visitor.
No reason to interrupt a conference in this city for a regular guest, so if he was asking, it had to be someone big.
"Big Daddy. What's this 'annoying guest'?"
"Tch! Looks like the Holy Kingdom beat us to the punch. They must've heard about our conference."
"Blood Contractor. What now?"
"Handle it now?"
"No. Greet 'em first, then decide. Black Prince. You cool?"
Nod!
"Good. Let 'em in!"
"Yes!"
Creeeeak!--
...
Clank! Clank! Clank!
Hm?! That girl?!
"Boss. That woman's from back then..."
"Yeah—never thought we'd see her again here."
The conference hall doors swung open, revealing the Holy Kingdom guests. A woman with silver armor, pure white cape, and blonde-blue two-tone hair entered, flanked by some holy knights.
Step! Step! Step!
"Pardon the intrusion! I am Gloria, God's proxy dispatched from the Holy Kingdom, and captain of the Seven Virtues—Purity Holy Knight Order!"
"Seven Virtues... To what do we owe the visit from such exalted servants of the lord in this humble dump?"
"Straight to the point, demon spawn! A holy war to absolve your sins—the sacred crusade. I've come to offer you the honor of joining that glorious battle!"
...
"What the fuck?! These cultist shits are for real! The balls on 'em?!"
Their brazen demand for us to join the war against Magus Civitas left me so stunned I cursed without thinking!
Fighting Magus Civitas mages—who summon demons via contractors—with poison to counter poison?!
Everyone in the hall gawked at Gloria in disbelief.
She flinched at my curse, face twisting briefly before regaining composure.
"I say again! I've come to grant you a chance to wash away your heresies and past sins! Bow to God in submission, and fight the wicked Magus Civitas in the holy war! Thus ascend to the heavens after death!"
...
...
"Even a passing goblin would laugh his ass off!!--"
"Kyahahahaha!!~~♥ This is hilarious, Boss?"
"Boss... Calm down..."
How thick a slab of iron shamelessness do you gotta plate your face with to pull that off?!