91
Chapter 91
The atmosphere turned ice-cold following the King of Humans' blunt question. Everyone present was doubting their own ears.
It was a clear mistake. I should have anticipated that the King of Humans would ask something like that.
Over the last century, I had slaughtered the Magical Beasts of the Demon Beast Forest to ensure things flowed as similarly as possible to past history. Naturally, the King of Humans was at the heart of that battlefield.
In other words, to the King of Humans, I am someone who wants everything in the Demon Beast Forest destroyed. It likely seemed as if that included humans as well. After all, we killed them when the Tragic Hero Party arrived in the forest.
So, from his perspective, it was probably a thoughtless question, like asking 'Am I supposed to catch these Trolls?' while standing in front of a pack of them.
"...M-M-Ms. Suoka? W-What did your friend just say...?"
"He definitely said, 'like last time'! Does that mean you've hunted other humans besides us!"
"In the Demon Beast Forest, you can't let your guard down just because they look human! They could be Demons!"
"N-No! I checked earlier! Ms. Suoka was perfectly fine even while holding a cross!"
The timing was just too bad. You clueless human.
It was a difficult situation and I was flustered, but I didn't let it show. My ability to handle things isn't so pathetic that it would be shaken by something like this.
"What? Then, could you be... a murderer? Or maybe a cannibal?"
"Hieeeek...! A-A cannibal...! Is that true, Ms. Suoka? Do you really do things like eat people...!"
The Hero Party's gazes poured toward the King of Humans and me. Half were demanding an explanation, and the other half were hostile and wary.
I had to explain before it was too late. However, there was no need to panic. I burst into a boisterous laugh.
"Hahahaha!"
Question marks formed in the stinging glares. Curious, aren't you? Why I'm laughing? I'll tell you now, so listen closely.
I placed my hand on the King of Humans' shoulder. Then, I pressed my thumb into his neck. It was a position invisible to the Hero Party. It would just look like close friends putting their arms around each other.
"John, you're talking nonsense! What if they misunderstand you!"
"Hmm? Suoka? Was I wrong?"
"Wake up! They are humans! I'm saying they aren't Demons! If you don't believe me, I'll let them hold this cross!"
I threw the rosary to Merlin. Merlin caught it with her bare hands reflexively. I shouted, pointing at her to make it obvious.
"Look! They are people! Not Demons! So there's no reason for us to 'hunt' them! Right?"
The rosary is a crucial token used to distinguish between humans and Demons. Earlier, it was used as a tool to disguise me as a human, but now it served to imprint upon the King of Humans that the Hero Party were people.
Of course, the King of Humans probably already knew they were human. He is the 'King of Humans,' after all; he couldn't fail to recognize one. The important part was letting the Hero Party know.
Press.
"Ah, so they are people? Not Demons?"
Whether my constant hinting worked or not, the King of Humans finally gave the right response. That's a relief.
"Exactly! He's hunted so many Demons that he can't tell people and Demons apart anymore! Of course there's no reason for us to kill you!"
"Hmm, I see. I understand."
"My apologies, Merlin. John spends his days hunting Demons, and since he's never seen a human in the Demon Beast Forest, he must have assumed you were Demons. I didn't explain things well enough."
In short, the reason the King of Humans asked if he should 'kill them' was that he mistook the Hero Party for Demons. Honestly, that guy is making my life difficult. I'll have to keep a close eye on him.
"Ah...? S-So that means you're not a cannibal...?"
"Of course! Why would my friend want to eat you! Right, John?"
Tap, tap. I poked the King of Humans in the neck. Seemingly accustomed to following my lead, the King of Humans nodded vigorously.
"Of course!"
"You all heard, right? We are neither cannibals nor murderers. We are merely hunters making a living by hunting in the Demon Beast Forest."
"Phew... I-I see... My heart nearly stopped..."
Merlin exhaled a long breath and clutched her chest. Her ragged robe, covering her entire body, heaved slightly.
"...This conversation is dragging on. We don't have much time. Now that we're satisfied that you aren't harboring any dangerous plots, let's get to the point."
The man who had been silently standing behind the Hero's group stepped forward. He was a man with sharp eyes and dazzling, short blonde hair that particularly caught the eye.
"Is it true that you will lead us to the Dragon King?"
I've never seen this man before, but I think I know who he is. The color of his hair gives away his identity.
"Of course."
"Then that's enough. Since you'll be guiding us from here on, shall we introduce ourselves?"
Hair of a blonde so bright it was almost radiant. There are countless humans with blonde or yellow hair, but there are only two who possess that level of 'brilliance.'
"I am Hero Seriel de Siegfried. By order of the state, I have been commanded to exterminate all Beasts of slumber in the Demon Beast Forest. Hunter Suoka, I look forward to your companionship."
The Hero, and royalty.
Seriel de Siegfried belongs to the same family as the Hero of a hundred years later, Frey de Siegfried. Though not a direct ancestor.
"Oh, to think a mere hunter would meet the Hero herself! We look forward to it as well!"
I took Hero Seriel's hand and shook it up and down. Seriel's expression remained as blunt as a stone wall. Boring; come on, play along a little.
"I am Katarina, the rogue of this party."
"Nyan! I'm Igor! I'm the scout for the party!"
"My name is Victor. I am a lancer. This may sound boastful, but I have won the Empire's martial arts tournament for five consecutive years."
The members of the Hero Party introduce themselves. Merlin wore a smile full of pride, as if she were truly proud of her teammates.
"Victor, didn't you pay off the judges to win that tournament? Is that really something to brag about?"
"How dare you! Mr. Igor, are you insulting my family's spear techniques right now!"
"Both of you, stop. Why must you fight every time you open your mouths? And Igor, don't cross the line while teasing Victor. He won that tournament solely through his own skill."
The Hero's assertion carried weight. I glanced at the tall man called Victor. With long blue hair reaching down to his waist, he had a long spear strapped to his back.
The rogue named Katarina was a rare beauty with red hair. Several daggers and shuriken were tied to her waist. I wondered how many lives had been taken by those hidden weapons. The aura of death emanating from her was quite significant.
Igor, who introduced himself as the scout, had cat ears atop his head. He was a Beastman like Aru, though likely of a different species. Relying on my experience as an animal trainer, I gave Igor a friendly wave.
"Kyaring!"
However, Igor only responded with a hiss. As expected, cats are creatures that should not be tried to be understood. I clicked my tongue.
"Alright. Seriel, Katarina, Igor, Victor and Merlin. As you probably guessed, we are Suoka and John. We'll guide you distinguished guests from the Empire to Dragon King Endros. And if you wish, we can even join the fray."
"Join? Why would you take such a risk?"
"You might not know, but this friend of mine has a grudge against the Dragon King. He lost his companions. Do we really need more flowery words than that?"
As I asked, I looked back at the King of Humans. Just as a dog at a school learns to recite poetry after three years, the King of Humans, who had now mastered the art of reading the room, immediately chimed in.
"That's right! My precious person was killed because of the Dragon King! I hate revenge! But I want to hunt!"
"Did you hear? We've wanted to kill the Dragon King for a long time too. But because his power was so overwhelming, we had no choice but to bow our heads. Then, we met your Hero Party! The Dragon King is strong, but if we are with you, it's a different story!"
Things are moving smoothly. I wore a smile beneath my mask.
I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but in my previous life, the Hero Party defeated Dragon King Endros alongside the King of Humans. Not like the Hero Party from a hundred years ago, who awakened separately in the Demon Beast Forest.
Now that I'm facing them, I understand why. They are strong. Stronger than the Hero Party of my previous life. Merlin, who is on the level of a Great Mage, is one thing, but every other member is several steps above the previous party.
Even though an irregular like me has intervened, I am merely a connector. Once I deliver the King of Humans and the Hero Party to the Dragon King, they will hunt him on their own.
My only concern was how to get the King of Humans, who has a trauma and hatred for revenge, to go willingly.
"Dragon King! I'll hunt him! I can't wait!"
The King of Humans views the Dragon King as 'prey' rather than an 'object of revenge.' It seems fortune is on my side. I wonder why the heavens, which hate me so much, are finally siding with me.
"Is that so...! W-We're sorry! We inadvertently brought up a painful memory..."
"Hmm? It happened a long time ago, so it's fine. You don't need to take it to heart."
"Still... hmm..."
It's been nearly 200 years. Since they believe we are ordinary people, I won't bring it up.
"Enough, no more pointless chatter. We aren't leisurely. If you're going to guide us to the Dragon King, let's depart right now."
Hero Seriel has been acting prickly for a while now. Is she suspicious of us appearing suddenly and acting so friendly?
If you keep acting like that, I can't help but find you annoying. If you want to reach the Dragon King that badly, I'll take you through the shortest shortcut. Though you won't know that it will become your grave.
"The Hero is quite the cold one, isn't she? Follow me! I'll lead you to Dragon King Endros's lair!"
It's been a while since I've pulled off a scam.
*****
"Woof."
"What is it, Wolf King?"
"Prepare yourself. They are coming."
On a vast plain swept by cold winds, a Wolf Beastman and an Angel stood side by side.
"Coming... you mean two dragons, I assume?"
"Woof, woof."
"No other presence? Is it going according to plan?"
"Woof, just two. The monsters are to the west, and Níðhöggr is to the south."
"Even if a million rabble gathered, they couldn't defeat that Goblin Shaman, Meta, so I'm at ease... but I'm worried about Beatrice. To face Níðhöggr alone..."
"Can't lose focus. Two dragons, strong. Little Angel must help me well."
Aru and Uriel stood together, gazing toward the eastern plains. After a moment, accompanied by vibrations like an earthquake, two massive shadows painted the sky. The two women watched with cold eyes and swallowed hard.
Thump, thump, thump, thump—.
"...You were right. Only those two are coming from the east."
"Those two are stronger than all the monsters combined. I can tell by the scent."
Before coming to block the path, Oscar's group—minus Oscar and John—had used Aru's tracking and Meta's intel to uncover the Seven Dragons' attack strategy. Níðhöggr, two dragons, and a horde of monsters would attack separately from the east, west, and south.
The monster horde naturally fell to Meta. Aru originally offered to take on the strongest, Níðhöggr, but Beatrice volunteered, saying it would be shameful if she didn't step up. Consequently, Uriel and Aru were tasked with the two dragons advancing from the east.
"Is that fellow Oscar heading north?"
"Woof. More importantly, Little Angel, carry me now."
Aru whispered as she placed a paw on Uriel's shoulder.
"Tsk, you're probably the only arrogant wolf who thinks she can ride on an angel's back."
Though Uriel grumbled, she obediently lifted Aru onto her shoulders.
"Woof, let's go."
"Don't make any mistakes, Wolf King."
In the next instant, Uriel flew like the wind toward the two shadows at sonic speed. She carried the Wolf Girl, who was baring her teeth on her narrow shoulders. Her white wings spread wide, dominating the vast sky.