Chapter 488
Chapter 488. Situation and Promise
【Previous Summary】
Demon Lord: “Zilbagias is studying necromancy and searching for a way to destroy Enma.”
Spi: “Does that mean… Enma is about to rebel!?”
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“Ah, wait, wait. It’s not that desperate of a situation.”
Seeing Spinethia’s face drain of color, the Demon Lord waved his hand dismissively.
“It’s just a precaution. The whole thing started with Zilbagias’s report. It seems Enma can switch bodies at will, and just burning him with my flames might not completely destroy his soul.”
That report had been somewhat shocking for the Demon Lord as well. Until then, he’d thought that even if the undead rose against them, flooding the underground palace with maximum firepower would solve the problem.
But if they couldn’t take Enma down in one blow—then they’d end up with the worst kind of underground organization as an enemy, one that needed neither water, air, nor food. It was far too optimistic to think that Enma’s base was only the underground palace of the Demon Lord.
While individual undead might not be a threat to the demon race, it was a different story for beastmen and night elves. Moreover, if they ignored the fact that the undead managed logistics, if workers were killed, food production would falter, leading to hunger among the demon race.
“At the moment, there are no signs of rebellion, but if we find ourselves compelled to destroy the undead’s leader, it won’t do to be caught off guard without a clear plan. That’s why I had Zilbagias researching efficient ways to annihilate Enma.”
“I see… But I wouldn’t have expected him to take such a discussion. Learning necromancy, of all things.”
From what Spinethia knew, Zilbagias preferred direct combat. Necromancy seemed rather uncharacteristic for him…
“Ah, originally Zilbagias began learning on his own accord.”
“Really…?”
“I was surprised when I heard it too. However, Zilbagias’s argument—that it’s problematic for us to use necromancy without any experts on our side—was completely valid.”
Come to think of it, that was indeed true.
“And so, Zilbagias learned necromancy from Enma and understood its troublesome nature—well, the rest is as you know.”
“That means Enma really taught Zilbagias his techniques without holding back.”
“Yes. From what I can gather, that does seem to be the case.”
“…I find that hard to understand. Why go that far…?”
Spinethia pondered.
If this were the demon race, unless one was a considerable show-off or had contracted some power-hungry demon, it was unlikely they’d reveal their hand so easily.
When Spinethia had mentioned this topic to the Demon Lord, the cautious and serious conditions he laid out were proof enough. In demon society, knowledge related to power was considered ‘heavy.’
“According to Zilbagias, Enma seemed to be seeking understanding. The more the undead army demonstrated their usefulness as weapons, the more the demon race viewed them as dangerous and began to shun them.”
“…So, to create allies on the demon side, he taught Zilbagias necromancy?”
As a result, Zilbagias became Enma’s ‘understanding ally’. He correctly recognized the level of threat he posed and began researching ways to destroy him—what an ironic situation.
“It feels a bit ungrateful, though.”
At Spinethia’s straightforward remark, the Demon Lord chuckled.
“Well, that’s one way to look at it. Considering the potential damage in case of an emergency, he’s not someone to take lightly.”
“Of course, I understand that.”
“By the way, it seems Zilbagias asked for a magical tool. What was it that he requested?”
“A ‘container that can completely block magical interference,’… I think.”
“Hmm…”
The Demon Lord stroked his chin. At the time of the request, Spinethia had thought, (What would he use that for?), but given the previous discussion, Zilbagias’s intentions started to become clearer.
“Most likely… it’s something to seal a soul, isn’t it?”
“That would seem so. Enma can switch bodies one after another. He might be looking for a way to prevent that.”
“Was there any report on the progress of the research?”
It was about half a year ago that they had provided that magical tool. Had there been no results since then? The fact that the Demon Lord didn’t even know about the magical tool Spinethia handed over was also concerning. Had Zilbagias provided no reports…?
“I haven’t heard anything that stands out. There’s no obligation for regular reports, and I didn’t expect results to come within a few years anyway.”
The Demon Lord’s realistic words made Spinethia chuckle this time. No matter how reckless Zilbagias might be, achieving dramatic results in under a year was farfetched. If he aimed to master the depths of magic, it would take decades—if we think conventionally.
“…Now that I’ve spilled the beans on this internal matter…”
The Demon Lord continued while crossing his arms.
“If Zilbagias returns safely from his exile, you should involve yourself in the research as well. The objective of that research is of utmost priority to the nation.”
“…Does that mean it’s a matter of ‘state’ that transcends factions?”
State matters. Whether it’s the treatment of the Reiju Tribe, the messages from the Izanis Tribe, or the civil works of the Korvto Tribe, it was strictly forbidden by the Demon Lord’s command to bring faction disputes into duties directly related to national interests.
“That there is correct.”
“And what about Aiogias?”
“The fewer who know, the better.”
It was still to be kept secret… A little excitement started bubbling up.
If Zilbagias had been here, he would have been screaming, “Stop it! That’s a hassle!”
And if Enma happened to be here, he would have laughed nonchalantly, saying, “With multiple attributes, researching necromancy is definitely the worst fit.” Then he would probably add, “…but I’d welcome the chance to become a corpse.”
“I understand.”
With a long-forgotten exhilaration swelling in her chest, Spinethia nodded with a smile.
“If there’s something I can do, I’ll give it a shot… well, that’s if my youngest brother comes back, really.”
While her tone was somewhat aloof, her gentle smile seemed to believe wholeheartedly that her youngest brother would come back unscathed.
“Yes.”
— And the same went for the Demon Lord.
“Before anything else, we need to sort out the North.”
Her expression became slightly serious as Spinethia added.
“Besides the undead, Odigos’s disappearance has stirred up unease among the other races. Now is the time we can’t afford to show weakness.”
As members of the demon race, as the ruling class of the Demon Lord Kingdom.
They had to demonstrate their strength through battle.
Otherwise, the subjugated races, starting with the dragon race, might hatch some untoward plans—
“Indeed. I have high hopes for this expedition.”
The Demon Lord also nodded gravely, putting on the countenance of a strict king.
“Drive a wedge into the northern front. Crush the stronghold of the Dwarf alliance, Spinethia.”
Receiving her father’s gaze, Spinethia straightened her posture.
“Yes.”
While meeting his gaze directly, she replied.
“…I see.”
The Demon Lord smiled satisfactorily, his face lighting up with joy.
“And when you return, let’s hold a victory banquet right here. I’ll have a special feast prepared, enough that you won’t be able to finish it all.”
“Is that true!!”
Spinethia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Of course. The Demon Lord doesn’t say things like that lightly. It will definitely be the grandest feast ever…!”
Considering Spinethia’s appetite, it wouldn’t be as easy as he claimed, but the Demon Lord would make sure it happened out of his prestige.
“I’ll win big and come back!!”
With her mouth watering, Spinethia sprang to her feet with vigor, causing the Demon Lord to break into an unintentional smile and dispel the soundproof barrier.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Leave it to me! Until then, see you!!”
Imagining a feast so extravagant that she wouldn’t be able to finish it herself made her stomach grumble, so Spinethia decided to take her leave quickly.
She waved goodbye vigorously at the Demon Lord as she departed.
(That was quite fulfilling today.)
The meal was pretty good, but she learned Zilbagias’s secret and took on a mission that wouldn’t even be revealed to Aiogias (this is important).
And if she successfully crushed the northern front, there would be a feast like no other!!
(I’m really feeling motivated now…!!)
Of course, her appetite too!!
(As for the necromancy research, it won’t start until Zilbagias returns… I really need to focus on the northern front first.)
As she gently patted her soon-empty stomach, Spinethia walked through the corridors of the Demon Lord Castle, glancing at the scenery outside.
At the horizon’s edge—was Zilbagias, gazing at the same night sky as she was?
(Speaking of which, about that magical tool…)
The pendant imbued with the 【Hunting Domain】 that she gave to Zilbagias.
(If the enchantment weakens, I intended to renew it.)
If she did that, it would have served as an excuse to make contact with Zilbagias and gather intel, just as Aiogias ordered her—
(I never expected him to use it for necromancy research.)
That was completely unexpected.
The 【Hunting Domain】 of the Demon Lord’s palace maintained its strength through annual renewals.
Not to mention, the pendant was on a vastly smaller scale than the palace’s barrier—
(I hope it didn’t trap any weird souls or something.)
Well, just because he’d brought it into the alliance area didn’t guarantee anything, and if it broke, she could always make him another one.
Once Zilbagias returned, she too would become a co-researcher, and surely there would be plenty of opportunities for that—
“～♪”
Not particularly bothered any further, Spinethia walked along in high spirits.
