Chapter 202
Chapter 202. Storm-like
Daiagias struck a stylish pose with a loud “Bang!”
Fortunately, his lower half was covered in tight leather pants, skillfully hiding everything that needed to be concealed.
However, his upper body, while being tightly secured by a spiky belt adorned with fangs and horns, was quite empty. Despite that, fur was draped around his neck and shoulders, exuding a mysterious glamorous vibe.
It was like… a mix of barbarism finely polished.
Barbarism refined further.
I really didn’t even know how to explain it, but that’s all I could say!
“Haai♡ Good evening, Your Highness♡”
And from behind him, a beautiful woman with black hair popped her head out. She was Libidine, the lustful demon contracted with Daiagias—
“Hyah…!”
Leila let out a squeaky voice upon seeing her outfit.
“Ohoooo!!!”
Antendeixis let out a snort with an awkward scream.
“What part of this is pure!?”
Barbara howled.
Sorry. Let me correct that. Libidine’s outfit was absolutely outrageous too.
She wore a collection of similarly spiky leather belts like Daiagias. Just barely… just barely, the necessary parts were properly covered, but her curvy body was accentuated in a way that was simply stunning.
“How do I look? Does it suit me?”
“It’s freshly made, you know♡”
Turning around, Daiagias flicked his hair as Libidine entwined herself around him with an alluring gesture.
“Well… yeah. It suits you.”
If it’s a choice between whether it suits him or not, it definitely suits him. No doubt about that.
“What the… what am I looking at…?”
Even Barbara was baffled. What a coincidence, I was confused too.
“That’s… Kusemon’s.”
“Right. It’s her latest creation.”
Daiagias said proudly while stroking the fur at his neck.
“The other day, I had a thought. Since it’s getting warmer, why not make it acceptable for casual wear?”
…?
“Why does it come to that…?”
Barbara voiced the question that suddenly eluded my own words.
“However, it’s not exactly a naked festival, and some opinions said having private parts exposed as usual was questionable, so we settled on this form.”
Good. I don’t know who gave that opinion, but well done.
“So, um… this style?”
Well… everyone has their own tastes, so I wouldn’t say much, but…
“By the way, you have no right to speak out since you’re having Leila wear it.”
I couldn’t refute that. Sorry.
“Honestly, it turned out more amazing than I imagined.”
Ignoring my sulking, Daiagias was expressing delight, taking various poses that emphasized his tightly drawn muscles.
“Thanks to Miss Kusemon’s handiwork, it’s equipped with temperature control, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. There are no flaws to be found.”
You plan to wear that in winter too, huh…
“… But regarding this ‘Bong-Desi Style,’ I must apologize to you, Zilbagias.”
Suddenly, Daiagias fixed a serious expression.
What’s this about needing to apologize!? I only felt more anxious!
“By the way, what is this ‘Bong-Desi Style’?”
“It’s the name given in respect to Kusemon-Bong-Desi.”
…No, why are you asking something so obvious now? So that was her full name…
“Ah, I see. So…?”
“Well, the Bong-Desi Style is gaining considerable popularity among the youth in the Demon Lord Castle since I also recommended it to acquaintances.”
“H-huh…”
“Because I actively promoted it, it seems like people think I’m the original designer…!”
Daiagias grimaced with a clenched fist, looking frustrated.
“Even though it was originally your idea… I’m sorry that I ended up taking credit for it.”
“Eh…”
Feel free to take all the credit…
It’s more of an embarrassment than an achievement…
“So, if I spot someone with a misunderstanding, I’ll correct them that you’re the original creator. However, once a misunderstanding spreads, it rarely clears up.”
Don’t do that!? Don’t multiply my shame!
“No, no, no, it doesn’t bother me at all, Brother!”
In utter disbelief, I snapped back to reality and stopped Daiagias.
“It’s true that I first had Leila wear this style, but…”
From here, how am I supposed to say this!?
“… on the contrary, I couldn’t develop it further from that point. Rather, you took an interest and experimented, elevating it into a trend, it was you all along, Brother!”
I clenched my fists and began nodding at Daiagias.
“So, this is undoubtedly your achievement. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you’re the original creator…!!”
Please… just let it be like that…!!
“Zilbagias…”
Daiagias chuckled and patted my shoulder.
“You’re… a good guy.”
What’s that!?
“To relinquish credits and honors to others isn’t something typical in the demon race… but personally, I appreciate your attitude.”
Not honor but shame…
I just don’t want to draw any more unwanted attention than I already have for my martial exploits.
“I understand. I’ll take into consideration your generosity and from now on, if I spot someone with a misunderstanding, I’ll let it be. Sorry, Zilbagias.”
“No worries at all. Truly, it’s your achievement… really…”
“Thanks. By the way, Zilbagias, do you have any orders for Miss Kusemon?”
“No, it’s a different matter.”
“I see, well, you just returned from the battlefield. Speaking of which, I heard you had quite the performance; congratulations on your victory. Your magical power seems to have grown too, and I can’t fall behind.”
As he waved goodbye, Daiagias left with Libidine, who clung to his left arm and wrapped her tail around his leg, looking affectionate.
Wow, he treated his victory so lightly!!
“So that’s the infamous ‘Lust Madman’ Daiagias… Truly lives up to his name, doesn’t he…?”
Barbara was still stunned… Well, it’s true… even he is a duke in the Demon Lord Kingdom feared by alliances in battle…
“Thank you for waiting, Your Highness.”
Just as the stormy encounter ended, Fisero arrived at the perfect timing.
“Oh, yeah. Long time no see…”
“It seems you’ve returned safely. Is it time for armor maintenance?”
“No, it’s a different matter, but I brought my armor, just in case.”
Leila pulled out the folded “Cindy Kaios” with effort from her bag. Fisero gazed distantly at the sight of a daughter pulling out armor her father was made from, but said nothing.
“Don’t you feel embarrassed letting a girl carry your stuff, you man?”
Despite that, Barbara struck with a painful blow.
Don’t say things I’m worried about… I’m a prince, and Leila is technically a servant, so that’s just how things have to be…
“You’re stuck in such a ridiculous value system!? Who cares if the Demon Lord Castle gets destroyed one day or another!”
Yes, you’re absolutely right. I’ll carry my own things on the way back…
“It seems fine.”
Fisero nodded seriously as he checked the Cindy Kaios.
It was evident from its unchanged silver sheen that he reconfirmed I didn’t take down any dwarves on the battlefield.
“That armor was very useful, but…”
I cautiously opened my mouth.
“When I ran into the dwarves, they kept asking for the name of the creator, which I found difficult to handle.”
At that, not only Fisero, but even the surrounding dwarves reacted eagerly.
“…What happened?”
I hesitated to answer as I thought it might bring dishonor upon you, and they almost took my head when I hesitated, saying, ‘It’s faster to check directly…’
I smiled wryly.
—Your Highness, please leave it to us at that time!
… Yeah, it would have been nice if I could do that.
“I had no choice but to tuck my tail and run.”
As I shrugged goofily, Fisero widened his eyes with surprise, then closed them.
“I see. Thank you again for keeping your promise, Your Highness.”
“Um. If I happen to cross paths with the Dwarf Blacksmith Warriors, how should I behave? Can I mention your name?”
“Thank you for your consideration. I’m embarrassed, but just attend to their interests without worrying about me.”
It was probably a good thing to have said that. Perhaps it’s just so I could inform my family back home about my survival.
“Understood… If that situation arises, I’ll let them know you’re safe and sound.”
“I’m grateful.”
Fisero bowed his head.
“By the way, on to the main topic… I’d like you to forge a sword.”
“A sword, you say?”
Hmm? Fisero looked curiously at the “Adamas” at my waist.
“This is a rapier for her self-defense. I want to present her with the best weapon possible.”
“Ah, I see…”
Upon seeing Leila smile shyly, I understood right away. Though she maintained a serious expression, a hint of exasperation crept in as if to say, “A gift?”
“…Understood. Since it’s a request from you, Your Highness, I’ll gladly accept. Do you have any particular preferences?”
Oho, preferences, huh, Barbara?
“Umm! The grip should be 15cm for one-handed use, but allow for a little extra room. The weight balance should be slightly towards the hand, no handguard! It’s mainly for thrusting, but make it sharp enough to cut when needed! And the blade length should be—”
Following Barbara’s torrent of instructions, I started jotting down requests. Fisero was glancing between the paper and Leila, looking somewhat baffled by all the specifics.
“And lastly, regarding the materials…”
Finally getting through Barbara’s detailed “my ideal rapier” specifications, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small pouch.
“Please use this for decoration or as the core of the handle.”
“What is this?”
“It’s the remains of a Sword Saint I encountered on the battlefield. A formidable opponent who nearly sliced me in half.”
Hehe…!
Barbara beamed with pride. Fisero gazed at the pouch handed to him, wide-eyed.
“In honor of how he fought, I thought to make the rapier that he used.”
Upon suggesting my Strong Barbarian Style Theory, Fisero made an expression like, “Is this guy serious?”
Then he looked at Leila as if to say, “Girl, this dude is dangerous,” but the very Leila was simply smiling with a “?” expression.
Since she had a good acquaintance with Barbara, it was like, “Glad you finally got your Dwarf-made sword, Miss Barbara!” But from Fisero’s perspective, he was witnessing me looking to gift a sword with the remains of a Sword Saint who I had killed, while Leila just smiled like it was no big deal.
“……….”
Fisero stared off into the distance with a thoughtful look and nodded, giving his approval.
A capable man doesn’t need to say much…!!
After finalizing the delivery schedule and arranging the treatment as compensation, we left the workshop.
Uhohohooo! Yay yay, Dwarf-made weapons! Finally got my dream of a Dwarf-made piece!
Inside the bag I was carrying, Barbara squealed with joy.
… I couldn’t help but wonder how many years had passed since she had last genuinely cheered like a child… and then, I couldn’t hold back my tears.
――――――――――――
As for Daiagias’s outfit, the author’s image was something akin to a slightly sexy version of a certain fighting game’s style.
