NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44 - Episode 44: Zaus and His Companions
Episode 44: Zaus and His Companions
~~Demon Duke Zaus’ Perspective~~
Well then, time to raise the flag against the Demon King.
That’s what I declared, but losing my subordinates, the monsters, is not something I want.
The arrival of the hero resulted in numerous casualties. Well, thorough recovery kept the death toll at zero, but injuries are inevitable in battle. However, I won’t allow a single one of my monsters to be killed. It’s not because I care about them. I couldn’t care less about them. Whether monsters die or disappear, it doesn’t matter to me. The issue is losing my pawns. I absolutely want to avoid reducing my assets. So, zero fatalities!
This time, I want to achieve that goal again.
“Now then,”
I spread out the map on the strategy desk.
“The Demon King’s domain is here. And the Demon Duke’s domain is here.”
“Hmm. The Demon King’s domain is quite vast, isn’t it?”
“It’s half of the world.”
“So, the other half is inhabited by humans?”
“Mmm. Not exactly. There are various territories: countries ruled by elves, dwarves, and other demi-humans, countries ruled by humans, and unclaimed lands.”
“I see… So where is the Demon Duke’s domain?”
The Demon King’s army is trying to make the unconquered half of the territory their own. Compared to that, the Demon Duke’s domain is considerably smaller. If we consider my territory in this whole world as Japan… well…
“It’s about the size of Awaji Island.”
“Huh? Where’s that?”
“What is that? I’ve been alive for 1100 years, and I’ve never heard of that island.”
“Oh, no… Forget it. Anyway, it’s here.”
“I see… Compared to the Demon King’s domain, it’s quite small indeed.”
In my previous life, I was Japanese. My name was Hajime Tsunaka, and I was 32 years old. I was a serious workaholic and ended up dying from overwork. Speaking of Awaji Island, it’s about the size of Lake Biwa… Haha. There’s no way the residents of this world would know about Japan. Strangely enough, this world was exactly like the setting of the game I played in my past life, Brave Sword Quest. Brave Sword Quest, or Breque, was a game I loved. I read through the setting books, collected posters and figurines. I probably played for over 500 hours. It was just an incredibly fun game. In that game, I reincarnated as Zaus Jarmel, the mid-boss who appears in the tutorial (though it takes about 20 hours to get through). He had a setting of level 66 and was destined to be defeated by a level 40 hero.
But now, I’ve broken through the level limit. My level has reached 6000. I successfully repelled the hero and ended up following a completely different fate. Now, after the hero, the Demon King becomes the enemy.
In a normal storyline, the Demon King’s level is 400. With my current level, the likelihood of winning is high. However… The hero, Cea, became the disciple of an unknown female warrior, Gebarugonza, and learned the Fist of Muscular Fists.
Her level had risen to 82. She was clearly a hero I didn’t know about. Moreover, she took hostages and challenged me to a fight. Just because her level is high, if I let my guard down, I could end up in serious trouble. I should proceed with caution.
By the way, I have reliable companions. First and foremost is my caretaker, Meel.
She’s two years older than me, at 22 years old. She’s gentle and kind, intelligent, and always worries about me. Originally, the story was supposed to have her fall in love with the hero after I was defeated… Fate is unpredictable.
“Zaus-sama… What’s the matter? Hehehe. Is there something on my face?”
Her smile is adorable… She has an outstanding figure. Clear white skin. Impeccable cleanliness. She always smells good. She’s like a pure female announcer.
“Cough…!”
Interrupting between me and Meel, Arjena appeared.
“Hey, hey, Zaus! If you’re going to be cautious of the Demon King’s army invading, you should check the depth of the river. If it’s a shallow ford, you can easily cross even without a bridge!”
“Oh, yeah… That’s right.”
She’s Aljena, the Demon Slayer. Originally, she was supposed to be the mentor of the hero Cea. She’s the same age as me, 20 years old.
When I look at her, she blushes all over.
“W-What’s w-wrong!? I-I’m giving you serious advice, you know! D-Do you understand!?”
“Yeah, I got it.”
“Hmph!”
She’s somehow tsundere. In the game, I could see her from an overhead view. But now, facing her like this, I can’t quite understand her feelings.
Well, to begin with, I’m a female character who falls in love with a hero, not a demon duke.
I’m sure she’s not in love with me, the Demon Duke.
“So, I better be able to monitor the borders. Hmmm. Jaaaaaaan! It’s a surveillance crystal, then ah!”
And out of subspace she pulled out a large crystal.
“This is a magical tool I invented. It is possible to remotely see the scenery reflected in the crystal!”
“Oh. That’s very convenient.”
She is the Great Sage Caphrodyte.
She is a genius sage who is 1100 years old. She has the appearance of an eleven-year-old girl thanks to the secret of immortality.
She talks old, but looks like a pretty girl. She loves fluffy mini-skirts and always has a stuffed bear on her bed.
“It’s easy to use. Just put this crystal here. Just pour the magic power into it like this. …… Noooooo!”
She tripped over the crystal with enthusiasm.
Her skirt rolled up, revealing her bear-marked pants.
Yes, this. This pun-try event is what she is really all about. Even in the game, she’s been showing off these bear pants all over the place.
“Hahhhhhhh!”
Oh dear.
She’s a genius, but she’s a little ditzy.
“Zausuuuuu! Did you see it? Did you see my pants?”
Poka-poka-poka!
“No, ……. I mean, I saw it. ……. I saw it.”
“Nuhhhhhh! Take the blame, yeah! Marry me now aaaaaaah!!!!”
“You know what?”
She tapped her poka-poka, and then stared at me stoically,
“How did you do at ……?”
“What? What?
“Well, you saw my pants.”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Was it sexy? What? What do you think?You know, ……Because I know ……. I know it. You like that kind of thing, don’t you? You like to see the underwear of the women you like, don’t you? What do you think?”
I’m at a loss for an answer.
This girl looks like she’s 11 years old.
“Oh, no! You’ll never know if you keep quiet! Are you ashamed? I’m embarrassed! Ha! I guess we’re kindred spirits, aren’t we? Mmm-hmm! All right, Meel, get ready for the wedding!”
“We’re in a strategy meeting to defeat the Demon King. The wedding ceremony will be performed under the direction of Zaus-sama.”
“Wow, I’m ……. Actually, I’m interested in wedding dresses. ……”
“I’m sure it will look great on you. I’m sure it will suit you. Then, I’ll have to measure your breast size carefully.”
“Hah…! I have breasts! I have a slight bulge!
“Yes. Yes, they’re fine. But I think it would be better if they don’t slip down.
“Oh, no! Oh, my God, Meel!
Poka poka poka poka ……!
Oh dear.
You’re like a mother and her child.
Well, but Caphrodyte’s magical research has been a great help.
She is indispensable for the development of the Duke’s territory, including strengthening me and my subordinates.
This surveillance crystal is quite useful, too. It’s like a surveillance camera, so to speak.
We discussed our opinions as we looked at the map.
In the midst of all this, there was one girl who was depressed.
Her name is Mishiri.
She was a 15-year-old girl who had been a childhood friend of the hero..