Maou No Utsuwa

Camui and Hildegand spent the night at the Camilla Castle of the Vampio tribe. The night dawned and we were to have a meeting with King Sevens, king of the Vampires, still early in the morning. It's also convenient for Kamui. Once the talks are over, if it's going to leave soon, I'd like to move as dangerous a mountain area as I can within the bright.

Kamui and Hildegand head to get up to speed and take a look. I still walk about those who guide me through the corridors lit by the light of a pale day.

Kamui is the same black costume as usual, but this was prepared by the Vampires. Unlike knightly clothing, it is made of a soft cloth with a good touch.

Hildegand, on the other hand, is a white outfit. A simple costume that is not decorative, but does not know what the material is, the glossy cloth emits a silver glow when it is pure white but under light, giving it a sense of glamour.

But more than the fabric excellence, as much as I wonder when I measured it, the costume is perfect for Hildegand's body, and the lines of a well-styled body float and gloss.

"... I wish you had lent it to me last night"

Looking at that Hildegand, Kamui is in a good mood.

"It's embarrassing."

"It's okay, 'cause I'm the only one who sees it"

"But..."

We are going to go before the king of the Vampires. You will leave in this appearance before a large crowd. And Hildegand thought.

"There must only be King Sevens between the sights. Even if I were, the Vampires don't care what people look like because men and women are just amazingly beautiful."

This is a distant Kamui dislike. The Vampires are unusually prized. Many people assume that they are the best at everything.

However, this is the nature that is common to those in this castle, and not so much to those in the outside world. Because it's not, I can also say that I flew out of this castle.

"... why is the king alone?

"The reason I talked to you yesterday. If you go to the meeting, you'll have to show me a lot of courtesy. If you don't like it, don't be there."

"Yes."

Hildegand thinks it's extremely disrespectful to visitors. Naturally the look on Hildegand's face became more rude.

"Oh, I'll tell you not to get me wrong, because not everyone does. But if you put that difference in values on the table, it's hard to stay here."

As a result, those with new ideas pop out. These repetitions are supposed to plant extremely self-centered and closed values on the vampires living in this castle. It's a vicious cycle.

"... naturally, the Demons have demonic problems, don't they?

"Not all demons are typical examples of vampires, but, well, I guess so. Because there's something wrong with each of the other races and tribes."

I heard a deliberate cough here. It is by the Vampires who are showing the Kamui while they are watching. I don't know if this is all from malice, but I'm pretty sure it's a sign of intent to be quiet.

"Just one last thing. King Sevens is not the king's name. Because it means the seventh king."

"Really?

"As long as I normally call him King Sevens, it won't be a problem. I don't think so first, but don't call me Master Sevens if I'm wrong."

"... Yep"

It is certainly strange in the seventh. With that in mind, the look on Hildegand's face was slight.

Okay, here we are.

Where Hildegand's tension and anger had dissolved, he reached the desired room.

The guide man slowly pushes the door. It looks heavy due to its heavy construction, but the door opens without any problems.

Hildegand's feelings, which should have been broken, were hardened again by the appearance of the dimly lit room, even though it was supposed to be between glances.

With such a grin on Hildegand, Kamui enters the room.

"Ah..."

Exhalation leaks from Hildegand's mouth as he entered the room following Kamui.

While it was certainly dim during the glance, there was a corner lit by many candles in the back. That's the only place I can see it floating and what a fantastic atmosphere it is.

"King Sevens is waiting for you. Let's go."

Kamui calls out to Hildegand, who is stopping. In response to that voice, Hildegand stepped in between glances.

Two proceeding between dim glances. During the silence, only the footsteps of Kamui and Hildegand echoed.

I could see someone standing up in a space surrounded by candle lights.

The silver hair is lit by candles and shines. It's not just the hair. Its white skin also looks silver glowing. Just like the dress that Hildegand is wrapped around.

"Lord Supervisor. You're out of time."

King Sevens has greeted me. Bright red lips reminiscent of flaming red eyes and blood on white skin floating in the dark. It's certainly a beauty, but it's a look that makes you feel somewhere terrible.

"King Sevens. Looking good, above all."

Kamui also returns a greeting.

Feeling uncomfortable with the word, Hildegand is slightly inclined to his neck.

"... Is Your Ladyship new to meeting the Vampires?

When I saw how Hildegand was doing, King Sevens asked.

"Pure blood, yes."

"I see."

Hearing Kamui's explanation, King Sevens looked convinced. Hildegand, on the other hand, leaned his neck without understanding the explanation.

"King Sevens is lightly outnumbered by a hundred talents"

Kamui has answered Hildegand's questions.

"What?"

King Sevens looks like a late twenties at best. I don't care how you look at it like you're over a hundred years old.

"Because the Vampires stop growing in appearance as much as they are over twenty years old"

"... yes"

So Hildegand wondered what about Kamui, who draws the blood of that vampire tribe, but remained silent that it was not about speaking on this occasion.

"Well, may I ask you to start talking?

King Sevens has urged me to get down to business.

"Oh. Let's get started. Even so, I think you know, the Republic is contemplating its subordination to the Ruthuan Empire"

"What Lord Supervisor has decided. Be my guest."

It's not about following Kamui, it's about our attitude.

"Okay, let me do that. On top of that, I'd like some advice."

"What is it?

"Being submissive does not change that what we aim for is racial harmony. My devotion to the Ruthuan Empire is because I was promised this"

"… as I said, the Lord Supervisor will decide"

He was King Seventh in how he reacted to the word racial reconciliation, but the word that came out of his mouth is the same as before.

"The dream that Ray the Demon King could not achieve will now become a reality"

"... I hope so"

An obviously unpleasant look appeared on King Sevens's face, who was showing a chilled atmosphere. I can tell you don't like the fact that I named Ray the Demon King.

"I don't want to fail where it matters like Ray the Demon King"

On top of each other, Kamui gave the name of Ray the Demon King. I'm deliberately provoking you.

"I didn't fail!

Finally King Sevens comes absurd in his voice and denies Kamui's words. It's a pot that Kamui thinks.

"But the reunification of the continent by Ray the Demon King was frustrated. Isn't that a failure?

"That's because the interrupter showed up!

Really lightly King Sevens fitted into Kamui's provocation. Though I don't think I've lived lightly over a hundred years of simplicity.

"... who's in the way of that?

Pushing and killing the inner tension, Kamui asks King Sevens who the interrupter is.

"... I see. Was this what this was all about?"

The anger I let go until earlier is beautifully sappy and disappearing. I was going to put it in place Kamui, but King Sevens seemed to be a good one. Most importantly, I don't have any trouble with Kamui because I was informed of the purpose of my visit. What matters is whether or not you get the information you want.

"What if it is?

"Go home. I'm not going to talk."

Out of King Sevens's mouth was a word of rejection.

"Why? There are countless things that still have to be crossed, but the road to racial reconciliation has managed to get to a point where we can see ahead. Are you sure you want me to end that up failing?

Kamui also knows it's not an easy thing to do. But now that I can't wait to finish the conversation, I put it this way, including the meaning of provocation.

"The purpose of our vampires is to avenge them. Race reconciliation is ahead of that revenge."

A word of vengeance came out of King Sevens's mouth. Turns out revenge is a possible opponent, but I don't see how this alone is a disturber.

"We might be able to help with that revenge, too."

"Help? Don't know who they are, it's not a mild thing to say"

"Then tell me who it is. judging on it."

"... unnecessary. Revenge can only come to us vampires. You can't be the leader of the Demon Clan."

King Sevens has no intention of drawing on the help of other races.

"So you can win?

"You can win. You can't win. Do it. We await that opportunity for a thousand years. And for another thousand years, we will wait until the time comes."

"... right"

An opponent who can't say he can win, even if he's a prized vampire. And the fact that even if you want to take revenge, you're not the one who can do it right away.

From King Sevens's mouth, there are several tips spilled to identify the avenged opponent.

"I want you to stay out of this. This is not a demon tribe in this world, but a Vampire tribe mission as the family of Ray the Demon King."

"... the blood of those vampires runs through me too"

"Then I command you as King of the Vampires. Stay out of this."

"I see. That's how it came"

If Kamui takes his position as a vampire, he must obey King Seventh's orders. In his position as leader of the Demonic Nation, he is said to be a problem within the Vampire Nation.

I can't get involved in any way.

"That's it. They're going home."

King Sevens took his seat when I said this, as I would throw another one out at the end.

"I just want to hear one last thing"

Towards the back of that Seventh King, Kamui asks.

"... I don't know if I can answer that"

"I don't mind. Why won't the Devil's Sword tell me anything? You know why?

"... I don't know the sincerity of the Devil's Sword. But there's something I think."

"Tell me that"

"... you are strong but too kind. Ray the Demon King was harsh but weak. I think what the Devil's Sword is looking for is something strong and harsh"

"... well. Helpful."

The truth is, I wasn't sure what it meant to hear the explanation, but Kamui ended the conversation. At least as someone the Devil's Sword seeks, I found there was something missing from me. And that something is something they don't know until they know what they're trying to do.

The Devil's Sword hasn't just spent a thousand years either. Just like the Vampires, they keep having something.

"... although this may be extra"

I thought the interview was over and spoke to Kamui, who headed for the exit, this time from King Sevens.

"What is it?

"I still expected this from you. But you have betrayed our expectations. No, I expected it on my own. It was our fault, but that's the thing."

"... I'm sorry about that"

Not sure what he had been told, Kamui uttered an apology, even though he looked surprised.

"Oh, yeah. I'll give you the clothes. It's made of special material that's passed on to my clan, and it should be much tougher than a lousy clasp."

"I don't get anything valuable like that."

"This is the last time I see you. Let me give you a gift."

"... I hope not. But I get it. Thank you."

Goodbye, then.

Finally, saying this, King Sevens went away from this occasion.

I honestly don't even know if this meeting made sense to Kamui. I thought I had a clue. But I also feel like I'm far from the truth for that matter.

What I can tell is that if I had talked to King Sevens for a long time, a different development might have awaited me. Even if we find out, we can't go back to the past now.

I can't help looking back and stopping lost in that decision. I just have to take my chosen path.

◇ ◇ ◇

Negotiations between the Republic of Artenkreutz and the Ruthua Empire continue even as the Kamuis circle the strongholds of each tribe. That's already a pretty big deal.

In Amphang's conference room, which serves as a negotiating ground, Alto was explaining the content of this negotiation to others.

"The right to investigate involving illegal slavery was granted."

"You admitted it well. I guess there's some kind of a condition, huh?

There is no way the Empire can allow the Republic to take its own initiative. Matthias thought that there must have been some constraint.

"Sort of. Actual picking will require an imperial warrant."

"... isn't that tough?

Without a permit, the Republic will be unable to do anything. It only takes shape, such as investigative powers.

"For picking. I don't need a warrant to investigate. We're looking for evidence of a picket."

"... maybe in reason, but it doesn't make sense if you don't let them officially admit it"

In fried foot removal, it's only a temporary shake. Once used, the Empire will notice and impose further constraints.

"At least Vasily, the empire's plenipotentiary ambassador, admitted,"

"... why?

Matthias cannot understand why Vasily of the Empire recognizes this condition, which is detrimental to the Empire. I suspect there's something behind it.

"Here's what they say over there. Illegal slavery is illegal in the first place, so it's natural to be taken down. However, confusion occurs when it is picked out by the nagging, so it is necessary to adjust the area. That's the warrant."

"I can convince you as a story. But what's its sincerity?

It is only natural that the imperial side will prepare a reason that seems convincing. The problem is the real purpose hidden behind the reason.

"I'm still imagining this, but I think the demon people's liberation and weakening here is something else."

"... you're trying to get the Demons to follow the Empire?

If we just free the demons who are being illegally enslaved, many of them will go to the Republic and the power of the Republic will increase. In order not to let it do so, it is not to give its liberated demons to the Republic.

"Isn't that right?

"Can you do that?

"... if racial reconciliation is achieved, we will be able to do it. I don't know if that's ten or fifty years away."

If the Demons were free to live anywhere without being persecuted, the Demons, as nationals of that country, would also turn their allegiance to that country. But this is only a story of good racial reconciliation.

"Don't you see that?

"No, I know, and you don't mean let's still try?

How much power the Demons have shown to wealth Nort Ende. To Alto, who knows this, Vasily's thoughts are understandable.

"If I fail, you say I should think about it then?

"Doesn't that mean there's room in the empire?

"... right"

The passage of time works in favor of the Empire. Even with a few failures, the empire will steadily increase in strength and the power of the republic will diminish relative if time passes without havoc anyway. Even if we don't force the Republic to implement measures to cut its power, it will.

"As for this one, make good use of the margin to get as much results as you can in the beginning"

"That's all it takes."

"Yes, that's not all."

If the Empire is to seek stability, the Republic must do the opposite. It's about causing confusion.

"Do you have a plan?

"No, there's nothing specific yet. I just have one thing to do."

"What is that?

"The Empire has offered another condition. To Kamui, king of the Republic, come to the old royal capital, to the king capital of the kingdom of Dia, and swear by the emperor Nikolai to obey him."

Listening to Alto, a roar spreads through the conference room. This naturally happens if the Republic were to submit to the Empire, but when that takes on a concrete form, the unconvincing thoughts still boil over.

"Do you accept that?

"I'm not the one who decides that. Kamui."

"... right"

We already know Kamui will accept. If you decide to obey, you must do so.

"I want to make up my mind to go there"

"A companion?

Matthias is bewildered by Alto's sudden attempt to start talking about his companions.

"I can't let you go alone. Hey. You need a companion, right?

"... although it does"

"In the meantime, Therese. One is you."

Without any consultation, Alto decides to take Therese as his companion and tells him about it.

"What? Oh."

Although it was Theresa who told me and replied in confusion.

"Wait a minute! Alto, what are you thinking!?

Matthias has been absurd in his voice and questioning Alto.

"What, if you go to Wang Du, there's a banquet without just looking at it, right? We need an escort, but we can't let Mr. Hildegand accompany us. There's only Theresa, isn't there?

I don't know what the Empire is up to when I go to show my subordination. I'm pretty sure I can't accompany Hildegand. But that can't be the only reason.

"The King's Capital has Claudia. You must also be in the position of the Queen. Are you going to let Theresa head there, too, as your Majesty's sideroom?

"What? Ah!?

Theresa gives a surprise to Matthias' point.

Alto, pointed out on the other hand, looks harsh but not surprising at all. I know what Matthias pointed out, and that's why he nominated Therese.

"Someday I'll know"

It is not known to the Old Empire that Theresa is the side chamber of Kamui. Naturally, Claudia shouldn't know.

"Even so, there is something called timing. I don't think this is a good time."

"The other way around. I just think this is the right time."

"... are you serious?

Matthias' eyebrow root is raised. Alto's thoughts were hard for Matthias to admit.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I just think this is the only time I can reveal Theresa in favor of negotiations."

Let that Matthias let Alto slip away. I'm not trying to fool you. I want to take the form of my own discretion.

"What does Alto want me to do? If you don't tell me, I can't say un"

But Theresa wouldn't let it. Therese has the right not to tolerate it.

"............... would you die?

Alto staring at Theresa for a while, but he mouthed this to squeeze it out.

"... is that for Kamui?

"No, it's for my personal desire."

"Right..."

If they say it was for Kamui, Theresa would have accepted whatever it was. But Alto said it was for his own personal desire.

Therese feels that is the sincerity of being an alt. So I worry about it without even being able to say no.

"Of course. I don't really want you to die. Consolidate as much protection as you can. But worst case scenario..."

"Well, you know what?"

Hearing Alto's words about consolidating his protection, Therese figured out what Alto was looking for. If it's going to be the result Alto wants, I suppose Theresa can die. But that confidence is not in Theresa.

"I'm dead, so does Kamui care about that? If I didn't, I'd be a dog dead."

"... sorry. I can't promise that."

Alto is looking badly depressed by Theresa's words. Alto also knows how miserable I am asking him to be. There is no guarantee of success as well as the contents of the measures.

"... good. Going to Wangdu."

"Theresa! You don't have to!

Therese with the word of consent, but Matthias has pinched his mouth.

"That's right. This is too much for whatever it takes."

Rank also goes in to stop Therese. Originally, the conspiracy class is a bad rank. I wasn't convinced how to sacrifice my allies even if I wasn't.

"Don't get me wrong. I didn't say I'd die. I just said I'm going to Wang Du."

"But the king's capital"

"I am Kamui's sideroom. If Master Hildegand can't follow you, who else would go besides me?

Theresa ran out of words, even though she still looked like she was going to cry. Pride in being Kamui's sideroom. It was the first moment I showed that to my surroundings.

"Therese......"

Prepare to become a Theresa. They showed me that, and Rank couldn't say anything.

"You'll protect me, won't you? About me."

Towards that rank, Theresa said with a crying look on her face.

"Naturally. I'm a Kingsguard. It's my job to protect the King and his family with my life."

The King's family. Rank expressed Theresa this way. Respond to Theresa's preparations.

"What do you do with your life up to the ranks? That's my job, isn't it?

"Fool, let him dress up here"

"Oh, bad."

There was another grin on Theresa's face. It's a heartfelt laugh as usual.

"Sorry, Theresa won't let you die"

Rank declares toward Alto. The alto with that strong gaze.

"Oh, let it bother you. What, that shitty exchange?

He complained as he scratched his head in a frustrating way.

"I told you. I didn't mean to let you die. Makes you think it's easy to kill a republican."

"... is that true?

"What do you do with lying? If you're so worried, come and take control of the king's capital. With Kamui and you and a couple more people, you can do it, right?

"If Your Majesty wishes, so be it"

As a matter of fact, it was Alto's measure to arouse Kamui's anger at the Empire with Theresa's death, but there is no longer any chance that it will succeed. My people will never forgive it.

"That's pathetic. Is that what a man called Kamui's right arm thinks? If you only have that kind of ability, you can replace me. 'Cause I'm gonna do a better job."

Marie's been pinching her mouth here. He's throwing up spicy words at Alto.

"What?

"If you're angry, try to come up with a plan that will convince me. That's what I call an alto."

"... superior. I can't complain to anyone. I'll think of a way."

I know it's provocation. Still Alto rode it. To enhance my feelings.

The Republic is the strongest. You just have to keep it that way. It is my job to devise measures to unilaterally kill my enemies, at the expense of my allies and other second-class and third-class methods. I say this to myself in my head.

In Alto, the enthusiasm was boiling.