---

Chapter 225: Faction Meeting

In a forest far from the Demon Lord Castle, under the night sky.

There was a small fountain illuminated by moonlight.

Amidst the hooting of owls, faint footsteps could be heard approaching from three directions.

—Under the moonlight, the princes of the Demon Race appeared.

The first prince, Aiogias, wearing his usual noble attire.

The fourth prince, Emelgias, dressed in a convenient hunting outfit, standing nonchalantly.

And the fifth prince, Spinethia, clad in a daring red-purple leather outfit, happily munching on a muffin from a picnic basket in one hand.

It was the regular meeting of the Aiogias faction.

“You wearing that as casual clothes?”

As soon as they faced each other, Emelgias confronted Spinethia about her outfit, which referred to her Bon-Dage style.

“Munch. This is really convenient, I can’t live without it.”

Rubbing her belly covered in shiny leather, Spinethia tossed a small piece of muffin into her mouth.

“…Is that enough for you?”

Looking at the basket she held—which contained a comparatively meager amount of food—Aiogias asked with a hint of concern. …No, describing it as “concerned” might be a bit off; it was more of a look that didn’t want the discussion to halt due to a shortage of food.

“Don’t worry, big brother. It’s keeping my appetite in check.”

Spinethia traced her finger along the center line of her leather-covered stomach.

Now that he thought about it, her abdomen had been fully exposed during their meal gathering, Emelgias recalled.

Upon closer inspection, the leather around her abdomen was structured like a corset with metallic parts meshing together. As Spinethia placed her finger on the upper metal component, it made a unique sound and lowered, revealing her tightened belly.

But just before the zipper could fully open, Spinethia quickly zipped it back up.

“As long as my stomach is covered like this, my appetite gets suppressed.”

With a cheerful hum, she began to pick from the baked goods in her basket, saying things like, “Which one shall I choose-?”

It was quite the shocking sight.

That gluttonous girl… has the luxury to choose her food…!?

“…That feature exists, huh. As expected from Kusemon,” Aiogias exclaimed.

“Muu, I thought you seemed to be eating less than usual…”

Emelgias was also surprised by the mysterious high performance of the Bon-Dage.

“Though, once I release it, I’ll just binge eat again~”

With a mouthful of jam-filled cookies and a blissful expression, Spinethia left the two in silence.

On a normal day, she was already a handful…

((What kind of disaster would her binge eating cause…?))

The two exchanged glances and could tell they were thinking the same thing.

“However, while you’re suppressing your appetite, your magical power growth must also be slowing, right?”

Recovering his composure, Aiogias asked, trying to sound lighthearted.

“I’ve been growing sluggish lately anyway~”

With a carefree demeanor, Spinethia took a bite of an apple tart.

“After all, I’m not exactly cut out to be a Demon Lord~”

Her tone remained nonchalant.

“Hm… I see. Anyway, let’s get to the main topic.”

With that, Aiogias straightened his expression, signaling the end of small talk.

“Here you go.”

Spinethia pressed the basket against Emelgias’ arm.

Now unburdened, she took a bite of her apple tart and elegantly spun around like a dancer.

On one leg as an axis, she drew a perfect “circle” with the other leg—

A circular formation unfolded on the ground, wrapping the three of them in a dome-like transparent membrane.

It was Spinethia’s maternal line, Sauroe Tribe’s bloodline magic—【Hunting Domain】.

A magic that could deploy a barrier with various effects. Currently, it combined the effects of sensory blocking from the outside with soundproofing within.

Originally used for hunting in a 【Sanctuary】, it was intended to ambush prey without being noticed.

Unlike sensory-blocking magic, it was quite powerful since it could be used alongside other magic. Unlike soundproof barriers, internal voices wouldn’t leak out, and external sounds could still be heard. If desired, physical defenses or magic resistance could be granted as well, making it incredibly versatile.

—However, due to the nature of the barrier, they couldn’t move from that spot. Because of its overly passive nature, it wasn’t rated highly by the general demon race. While no one would doubt its utility on the battlefield…

“There’s suspicion that Zilbagias is getting closer to the Rubyphia faction.”

With the preparations for their secret discussion complete, Aiogias opened the conversation.

“Indeed, that youngest brother seems rather chummy with Dia, doesn’t he?”

As Spinethia received the basket back from Emelgias.

“That’s not all. Last year, our father suddenly ordered the Korvto Tribe to renovate an unused, remote abandoned castle—”

Holding his breath in suspense, Aiogias continued.

“—And it seems that youngest brother has been frequenting that place as well…”

“Ooh, interesting,” Emelgias and Spinethia both responded, intrigued.

“What is he doing there?”

“That, I don’t know.”

In response to Emelgias’ question, Aiogias shrugged his shoulders.

“I asked Father, but was evasively told it was ‘for the sake of fairness.’”

For the sake of fairness.

What on earth does that even mean?

If Rubyphia faction and Zilbagias were secretly teaming up, and only the Demon Lord was aware of this movement…

The Demon Lord, who silently tolerates the power struggle among the princes, probably wouldn’t intervene actively. There’s a chance he’s being vague in that sense.

“Still, giving a fortress to a six-year-old and appointing him as a governor is quite the favoritism towards him. I mentioned that to Father… ‘It’s not favoritism, it’s for the benefit of the nation,’ was his reply. I just don’t get it.”

While stroking his chin with an unsatisfied look, Aiogias pondered.

“I just don’t quite grasp the concept of national interest.”

Spinethia tilted her head as well.

“Yeah. I don’t understand lending a fortress either, but appointing a governor is going way too far.”

The first prince, with evident dissatisfaction, huffed. But it was a sentiment many could understand. He probably felt that position should’ve rightfully been his, especially since it pertained to his area of expertise in food production.

“…”

Emelgias remained silent.

In truth, he hadn’t reported the details of that day to Aiogias. The intense exchange between his father and that youngest brother—

He hadn’t even mentioned it to the rest of the family or his mother. He had been thrown out after getting an ashtray tossed at him before he could provide a full report.

Hence, he kept it to himself, locked away in his heart.

The abnormality of that brother—

Secretly, he continued to burn with it.

“It’s certain that the youngest brother possesses exceptional talent. Regardless of having grown up in the Demon World, seeing how he is at just six years old, I wouldn’t be surprised if he stands alongside a duke in ten or twenty years.”

…Emelgias and Spinethia remained unresponsive.

Emelgias was in his forties and a marquis.

Spinethia had just recently become a count in her twenties.

Being compared to such an overachieving brother, they both felt restricted.

“And if someone like him—should he even occasionally sway towards the Rubyphia faction, it would be an enormous headache.”

Despite the heavy words, Aiogias’s expression showed he wasn’t particularly worried.

“I personally feel that youngest brother seems to be aiming for a third faction. He might one day ally with Rubyphia, so we must remain vigilant. Moreover, despite his first battle having come, not even a single contract demon has been revealed yet. There’s simply too little information on him.”

Then, Aiogias, with a cheerful grin, turned to Emelgias and Spinethia. A sense of dread washed over them.

“—Just as Dia and Aiogias have gotten close, you two should also strengthen ties with Zilbagias and gather information.”

Emelgias and Spinethia both frowned, signaling their disdain. The former looked genuinely displeased, while the latter appeared apathetic.

“Don’t make that face. Of course, I’ll attempt to do the same. If I spark a conversation about agriculture, he might surprisingly engage. He’s shown enthusiasm regarding Autonomous Districts, which is admirable.”

With hands clasped behind his back, Aiogias maintained his cheerful smile.

He was clearly waiting for a response.

“Yes, big brother.”

“Very well. I’m counting on both of you for results.”

With a wave of his hand, Aiogias signaled the end of the discussion and started to leave the barrier—

“Oh, by the way, were you going hunting now?”

He paused, turned back, and called out to Emelgias.

“…Yes. I plan to tailor something trendy as well.”

As Emelgias glanced at Spinethia’s Bon-Dage, he replied.

“I see, I see. That sounds like a good plan, truly.”

With a cheerful nod, Aiogias grinned.

“Lately… you’ve been growing too. Has the emergence of a capable youngest brother caused a shift in your mindset?”

“…”

“I have my expectations riding on you. A strong ally is always beneficial.”

With that final statement, Aiogias melted into the depths of the forest.

“Then, I shall take my leave as well. It seems my food supply is running low.”

Munching on a cream bun, Spinethia also released the 【Hunting Domain】 barrier and walked off in another direction.

Each of them had dragons or skeletal horses waiting for them.

“Hmph…”

Emelgias, left alone, snorted and shot a threatening glance at the direction Aiogias had left.

As always, that guy acts so high and mighty…

He had become somewhat accustomed to it recently, so it no longer bothered him…

Just because he’s born a mere thirty or forty years later, he’s gotten all cocky…

He thought he could never catch up. He’d given up like his sister.

But… after speaking with him, it became clearer.

—That brother isn’t abnormal.

He’s simply a bit more fortunate than himself. Environment, lineage, and most notably, his role as the eldest brother… that temporal advantage…

Just that slight difference.

Because of something so trivial… “I’m counting on you,” huh?

Has he taken on the role of a Demon Lord himself?

All the luck bestowed upon that man.

It makes me sick with jealousy.

Inside his green eyes, a more vivid and obsessive hue glimmered.

Quietly… cunningly… like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows…

It was a madness and animosity that could only be perceived if approached with caution.

Merii… the sound echoed from within.

As if the old skin that clung to his soul was peeling away…

“Ha ha.”

Emelgias laughed.

The snake curls up, making itself small to hide…

Leaping onto its prey, latching on tightly,

And striking with its fangs, right at the moment.

———

By the way, the Rubyphia faction rarely holds meetings, as one of the three members is usually asleep, making it way too dangerous for the remaining two to discuss things in a closed room.

Clicking the heart allows you to easily convey your support. (Login required)

Support

If you have an account, please log in.

Learn more about the reading experience possible on Kakuyomu.

 

---