NOVEL NEXT Chapter 79
Chapter 79
“Welcome.”
The reaper Kaya, dispatched from the 55th floor, had quite a satisfied expression. This was because they had been received quite warmly on the 69th floor.
Although it wasn’t to the extent of the Demon King making an appearance for a single reaper, the servants of the 69th floor and their master had come out to greet Kaya directly.
“Are you the master of Seere von Debata?”
“That’s correct. I am Nahun.”
Nahun lightly bowed their head and greeted Kaya. Kaya took a moment to scan him but felt nothing particularly special about him.
‘This will be the deciding factor from now on.’
It was just a matter of determining whether this man was lying to her or speaking the truth. Whether her budding fondness for the 69th floor would decrease or increase based on their initial treatment…
“I would like to discuss matters right away.”
“Then let’s go to the reception room. Cain, prepare some tea.”
“Understood.”
Kaya followed Nahun’s guidance toward the reception room. As they walked, Kaya caught a glimpse of a certain servant. It was a Kitsune maid cleaning the hallway, her bushy fox tail swaying gently. Kaya couldn’t take her eyes off her for a moment.
While she was indeed a stunning beauty that could catch the eye, Kaya was not shocked for that reason alone.
“…That maid.”
“Pardon?”
“Why does Debata Castle employ combatants as maids?”
Kaya could see it. The gentle-looking maid was hiding something within. She was not an ordinary maid; she was at least a capable fighter on par with a demon king’s executive.
Now that she thought about it, there had been something odd about the butler she had seen with Nahun earlier. Kaya briefly doubted her own perception, but Nahun was honestly impressed by Kaya’s keen observation.
‘Impressive.’
It was likely unknown to outsiders that the servants guarding Debata Castle since the 72nd floor were all exceptionally skilled fighters. It was a peculiar arrangement orchestrated by Seir, and their power would seldom be revealed.
Kaya’s ability to perceive this fact indicated that her senses were not ordinary. It went beyond mere good observation. However, Nahun dismissed her insight.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
When Nahun denied it, Kaya began to doubt if she was mistaken. Lacking confidence in her thoughts, she couldn’t help but feel confused by Nahun’s negative response.
“Come, let’s go. You mentioned that you wanted to hear the story, did you not?”
“Ah, well… Yes.”
Kaya struggled to hide her embarrassment and followed Nahun. Upon entering the reception room, she found Cain already waiting.
“I’ve prepared the tea, Master Nahun.”
“Ah, thank you.”
And Kaya was convinced. After initially doubting her own thoughts, she felt a stronger force upon seeing the middle-aged butler in front of her than she had when she saw the maid a moment ago.
“Y-You’re right. Why does Debata Castle use combatants…?”
“……”
At that moment, Nahun also became convinced. There was something in Kaya’s eyes. Nahun smiled faintly and explained.
“The owner of this place, His Majesty Seere, was only seven years old just five years ago. Naturally, we had to create a safe castle for the young Demon King to live in, which is why there are skilled combatants serving as maids.”
“Ah…”
“I hope you keep this fact a secret.”
Of course, it wasn’t entirely true. When Seir positioned them in the Demon Castle, Seere hadn’t been born yet. However, Nahun thought there was no better explanation, and it had become the truth since Seere was born.
It seemed that Kaya sensed it wasn’t a lie and accepted the explanation without resistance.
‘But those eyes…’
When she had reacted this way to Cecili, it might have been a coincidence, but if she had such a reaction when looking at Cain as well… it was clear. There was something in Kaya’s eyes.
Nahun’s mind immediately jumped to “ma-an.” There were powers like the basilisk’s petrifying gaze or the captivating gaze of Citri.
However, such powers were unheard of until now. It seemed like a backstory detail from the game. The Demon King called Gremony was not a prominently featured character, so the developers might not have felt the need to clarify the details.
From what he had seen so far, it appeared that Kaya’s eyes could gauge the inherent strength of her opponent.
‘Not just a battle power measuring scout…’
With such thoughts, Nahun sat Kaya down across from him. She still looked as if she found it hard to understand how they employed such considerable power as servants.
“General Kaya, shall we begin our discussion?”
“Ah, um, yes.”
“What would you like to know first?”
“Of course, I would like you to tell me how Achilles died, and please speak the truth about that process.”
“I believe we have already reported the facts through letters… did the letters not reach you?”
At Nahun’s question, Kaya’s eyes widened. Nahun was not lying; he was genuinely speaking the truth.
“Are you saying that Achilles was killed by a human?”
“Ah, I understand. It must have been difficult to believe.”
Nahun nodded as if he understood. Then, he continued.
“It is indeed true. We have informed you of the emergence of a being known as a ‘Hero’ on the human side, did we not?”
Kaya’s eyes judged. She discerned that everything Nahun was saying was ‘truth.’ Thus, she became severely flustered.
“…What kind of being is this Hero that Achilles was defeated by?”
“…In fact, I hesitated to mention this story, as I’m not entirely sure.”
Nahun looked at Kaya with a serious expression. Unintentionally, Kaya became tense as she was engrossed in his demeanor.
“I suspect a celestial deity is involved.”
“…What!?”
“Didn’t I mention in the letters that the Hero used a bow that radiated divinity?”
Kaya nodded. She had indeed received such information.
“After General Achilles fell, we faced the hero directly. The divine power felt then… it was reasonable to believe that the bow belonged to an archangel.”
It was all the truth. Kaya’s eyes indicated as much. She had been ready to distrust any hint of falsehood. However, there was no untruth in Nahun’s words.
Kaya immediately acknowledged it. If Achilles had faced the Hero without knowing this fact, it was entirely possible that he would have died.
“An archangel…”
“There is only one archangel who intervenes in the human realm, is there not?”
“…That’s right.”
There was only one archangel interested in humans, who sought to be worshipped and used by them. The being known as a celestial deity.
“Archangel Metatron.”
“Yes, we suspect it is their doing.”
“But what could an archangel possibly want by using humans…?”
As Kaya pondered for a moment, a thought suddenly occurred to her.
“…No way.”
“The archangel must desire only one thing, even if it means using humans to invade the demon realm.”
Nahun articulated a tremendous war that could engulf the entire world.
“The Great War of Celestial and Demonic Beasts.”
#
“…This is madness.”
As Kaya’s expression turned serious, Nahun inwardly smiled. He had hoped for such a situation. To steer the scenario according to his plans.
“If the Great War becomes a reality… all the mediocre demon kings will inevitably fall.”
“……”
“Not even mid-tier demon kings can guarantee their safety. I believe you understand what kind of war the Great War of Celestial and Demonic Beasts entails.”
It was true. If the Great War broke out, all demon kings would face challenges. The upper tier demon kings had immense strength, so even if they suffered damage, they had the power to recover. However, those from the mid-tier and below…
“War must never occur.”
“However, General, the Great War will happen.”
“What do you mean?”
“The demon realm has begun to understand that the archangel has started moving beneath them, in the depths of hell. That fact implies…”
“The war will inevitably happen.”
Kaya discerned that Nahun was speaking sincerely. While she didn’t know if war would occur, it was evident that Nahun believed it was inevitable.
And Kaya also felt that given the situation, the outbreak of the Great War was not a far-fetched story.
“Then, discussing it like this is pointless, is it not?”
“Then I will propose something here.”
“What would that be…?”
Nahun subtly extended his hand.
“I have heard that His Majesty Gremony desires an alliance with us.”
“…Are you suggesting we form an alliance?”
“Once the Great War begins, we both will find ourselves in similar positions anyway. Wouldn’t it be wise to unite now?”
It wasn’t a bad idea. Gremony, Kaya’s lord, did wish for an alliance, and certainly, thinking about the future, it would be better to increase their allies.
However, Kaya did not respond immediately. She wanted to gauge whether Nahun had ulterior motives.
“While I have come as a reaper, I haven’t been given the authority to make such decisions. I think I should discuss it with my lord.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
“Yes.”
“In that case, our conversation ends here.”
“…What?”
Nahun was not so easy to persuade. He was fully aware that Kaya was sent as a ‘diplomatic reaper,’ so did it even make sense that she lacked the authority to accept the proposal? Even if she claimed to consult Gremony, Kaya had the power to make temporary decisions.
“Continuing to converse with a reaper who has no decision-making authority is simply a waste of our time. Instead, we would rather send a reaper to His Majesty Gremony.”
“Ah, no… Wait a moment!”
“What’s the matter?”
Through their previous conversation, Kaya realized what Nahun was thinking when he presented the proposal to her. If she didn’t respond to some extent, he truly wouldn’t continue the conversation any longer.
That couldn’t happen. Kaya had to receive commendations from Gremony. If she returned without doing well, Gremony might not reward her.
“I can make a temporary decision.”
“Hm, that’s not a bad idea.”
Nahun, who had almost stood up, sat back down.
“Then let’s discuss it further.”
“Yes…”
“Is there a condition you will require from us in exchange for the alliance?”
“…Wait, a condition?”
Hearing the word “condition” made Kaya frown slightly, as this wasn’t about a coercive treaty.
“Are we forging an alliance on equal terms?”
“That’s why we need conditions. We are not in an equal position, after all.”
“Isn’t that a given? His Majesty Gremony’s power far surpasses yours. The hierarchy is also much higher.”
“That’s precisely why I mention it.”
“Pardon?”
“The condition I propose is that His Majesty Gremony cedes to us the tiers he has conquered.”
Nahun explained his reasoning.
“This will naturally increase our influence in the demon realm and affect the hierarchy. In two years, there will be a demon realm council, correct? If our influence grows by then, our hierarchy will rise, and naturally, the influence of the 55th floor, allied with us, will grow as well, which will elevate its standing.”
Nahun referenced the signs of the Great War of Celestial and Demonic Beasts he had mentioned earlier. He emphasized that this alliance was essential in preparation for that time.
“By elevating the hierarchy, we will distance ourselves from becoming sacrificial pawns in the Great War. Thus, if we were to form an alliance, we would hope that you would transfer levels to raise His Majesty Seere’s rank and allow us to stand as equals.”
“…….”
It seemed like Kaya was deep in thought. She was silent for a moment. However, eventually, the words that flowed from her mouth were completely unexpected by Nahun.
“That’s the condition? That’s it?”
“Yes?… Yes, that’s correct.”
“What? I was getting nervous for no reason. That’s something we can definitely give you.”
“…You can provide it?”
Nahun was taken aback. He had never felt surprised while conversing with figures from other factions, but this time, he was genuinely taken aback.
Kaya, speaking with conviction, assured him.
“Originally, that’s what we were going to give away while forming an alliance.”
“…You were going to give it away!?”
Only then did Nahun understand why Gremony had taken lower tiers. Gremony had already been thinking precisely what he had suggested.
‘…I didn’t expect this from a character that hardly featured in the game.’
Nahun finally realized just how grand Gremony was. Now, since he had presented the condition this way, he couldn’t retreat or suddenly change his terms.
Kaya spoke to Nahun.
“Then I will consider it settled that we shall form an alliance on that condition. I’ll stake my name on this temporary decision, so His Majesty Gremony can meet with His Majesty Seere directly later to finalize it.”
“…Yes.”
As Nahun responded affirmatively numerous times, Kaya smiled. Initially, she had thought she would be inundated with lies while conversing, but he had been quite honest.
‘Glad I didn’t have to deal with complications.’
Indeed, one had to acknowledge her lord’s discernment. It had been a long time since she encountered a faction of such character. With no deceit layered over their sincere intentions, Kaya was able to smile contentedly.
“Look forward to a good outcome. His Majesty will likely view it positively as well.”
“…Understood.”
#
Kaya departed with the remains of Achilles and other soldiers. Nahun stood by the window in his office, gazing at the departing carriage with a somewhat sullen expression.
“Master, why does your expression look so unpleased?”
Seere, who had been present in the office to hear the results of the meeting, tilted their head and asked. Nahun sighed and said to Seere.
“Seere.”
“Yes?”
“I still feel that I am lacking in many aspects.”
“Pardon??”
He had never anticipated that Gremony would respond in such a manner. Had he known, he would have included additional requests. But since things had turned out this way, it seemed he had only done exactly what Gremony wanted.
Even though the information accessible from the game had been nearly nonexistent… simply agreeing to everything the other party wanted in a conversation was hardly a successful negotiation.
And so, he voiced his self-reproach, but Seere shot up and exclaimed.
“Master is always the best teacher!”
“…Seere.”
“So don’t say such things. I know that you are always trying your best.”
Nahun felt a lump in his chest. To think that a disciple he thought to be so young could soothe the heart of their master. Unknowingly, he felt tears welling up.
‘What an ideal teacher-student relationship this is…’
Nahun patted himself on the back, thinking that he had done well up to that point. However, he did not realize that Seere was not considering an ideal teacher-student relationship at all.
‘I have to become a woman who can comfort the master.’
Such thoughts hadn’t crossed her mind at all.