107.Not Afraid
「オリガさん、結局あの人と結婚したんだ......」
カウンターに肘をついて、オーソングランデ王都のギルド職員であるヘラはむふーっと鼻から息を吹いた。
二十歳を過ぎつつある彼女は、自分の目の前で冒険者を惨殺した青年と、いつの間にか奴隷になったかと思ったら、伯爵となった青年と結婚したオリガの事を思い出していた。
「カーシャさんも......」
いつも二人で魔物退治をしていて、奴隷になってからも同じ主人に仕えていた二人。よく知っているコンビが片割れと死別したというのはどんな気持ちだろう、とヘラは赤い髪を指先でくるくると触りながら考えて居た。
友として、オリガはどう思っただろうか。
「なんて、考えてもどうしようもないんだけれどね」
冒険者のギルド職員として、判断ミスや不調によって命を落とした者を何人も知っている。死体だけでも戻れば良い方で、魔物に食われてしまったのか、戻ってこないから死んだという判断をされた者も数え切れない程いる。
仲の良かった者やよく知らない者、流れて来て去った者など、ヘラが知る限りでは冒険者として出会い、今は顔を見る事も無い人物は思い出せない数がいる。
「それにしても、今日は暇ね」
王都は人口が多いので、冒険者も多いと思われがちだが、意外とそうでもない。
人が多い分、近郊には魔物が少ないので、中堅の冒険者にとっては存外実入りが少ないエリアでもある。
生活の利便性を確保しておきたい者か、高価な装備や道具を揃えて遠征するベテラン連中、単に都会に憧れて出てきたおのぼりさんが大半なのだ。
魔物の凶暴化について情報は入っているが、王都にまでは然程影響が出ていない。
「あら、暇ならちょうど良かった」
「うえ!? お、オリガさ......様!?」
ついウトウトとしていたところで、声をかけてきたのは先ほどまで脳裏に浮かんでいたうちの一人だった。高級そうな生地を使って丁寧に縫製されたドレスを着ているあたりは、想像よりもずっと貴族らしい身なりだったが。
いたずらっぽい笑みを浮かべて、オリガはヘラに挨拶をする。
「久しぶりですね、ヘラ。変わらないようで安心しました。それに、別に様付けは必要ありません。私自身が貴族というわけではないのだから」
「あ、ありがとうございます」
そう言われても、一般的に貴族に嫁いだ時点で貴族並みの扱いになるのが通例で、愛妾ですらそれなりに礼節を以て扱われる以上は、ヘラとしても友達のように話すわけにはいかなかった。
それがなくても、オリガが王城へと頻繁に訪れ、時には数日間の滞在をしており、女王イメラリアと親しくしているという話は、王都では多くの者が知る話だった。
英雄の妻であり、女王と昵懇であるオリガが、重要人物扱いされないはずがない。実力と権力がバックに付いているのだから。
「そそ、それでオリガ......さんは、何の御用でしょうか?」
まさか、今になって冒険者の真似事をするわけでもないでしょう、とヘラは喉まで出かかった軽口を押しとどめた。
「情報集めですよ。魔物が凶暴化しているのは、貴女も知っているでしょう?」
「ああ、その事ですか」
よいしょ、と傍らに積まれた書類を取って、カウンターに広げる。
それらの羊皮紙には色々な字体で報告が書き込まれている。職員が目を通しておくための資料らしい。
「王都近辺だとあまり聞かないんですよね。遠征した冒険者がたまに見かけたくらいで。おかげでこの辺りではそんなに深刻な話にはなってませんよ」
「そうですか......」
一枚一枚に目を通しながら、オリガは真剣な顔で答えた。
「なにか、気になることでもあるんですか?」
「魔物の凶暴化、誰かが裏で糸を引いているかもしれない、という話があるのです」
「まさかぁ」
ヘラは笑った。
魔物というのは、野生動物と同じで群れは作れど統制とは無縁なものだというのが一般的な認識で、間接的とは言え魔物に深く関わってきたギルド職員でもその認識には変わりがない。
「笑い事ではないかもしれませんよ。例えば、これはどう説明しますか?」
書類の束から抜き出した一枚を、オリガはそっとヘラに差し出した。
「え......」
そこには、“ある冒険者グループが王都からヴィシー方面へ向かう途中、人型で魔物のような何かに襲われ、冒険者二名が死亡し、生き残った者も引退を余儀なくされた”という報告が書かれている。
同じような報告が重なる中で、ヘラが見流してしまっていた書類だった。
「魔人族か、新たなタイプの魔物か。いずれにせよ、冒険者ギルドの仕事は今まで通りの魔物退治だけというわけにはいかなくなるのではないかと思うのですけれど」
変わった情報には留意して、何かあれば城へ連絡をするように、とオリガはヘラを通じて王都のギルド職員に伝えてもらうように要請した。
「......オリガさんは、何か知っているんですか?」
「まだ状況はつかめていませんけれど、大丈夫ですよ」
冷や汗をかいたヘラが問うと、オリガは笑顔を見せた。
「この世界には、勇者様がいるんですから」
魔人族たちは、魔物との攻防を続けながら、強固な防壁に囲まれたこの町を作り上げ、戦闘技術や各々が持つ魔法や特殊技能を磨きながら、いつかこの小さな世界から飛び出すことを夢見ていた。
そのために、この地で仲間たちとの結束を強め、王政により強固な体制を作り上げた。魔物との戦いは、その先にあるエルフたちへの復讐のための訓練でもある。
本来であれば、人間や獣人族とも敵対していた魔人族だったが、長い期間結界に閉じ込められ、世代が交代するにつれて、接触の機会が極端に少ない人間や獣人に対する敵対心は薄れ、全ての恨みはエルフに向けられるようになった。
結界によって作られた、円筒状の空間は、狩猟や採集による食料の確保には充分な広さであり、多くの魔物が住み着き、さらにそれを捕まえて喰らう魔人族としても生きていくだけならば問題は無かった。
だが、明確な壁の存在は、確かに魔人族たちの心にストレスを与えていたのだった。
「と、いうのが今の魔人族の現状ね」
「なるほど、良くわかった。ありがとう」
道すがら、ウェパルの説明で魔人族の状況がある程度つかめた一二三は、素直にウェパルに礼を言った。
最初の方は、魔人族の窮状をさらけ出されているようで、フェゴールもあまり気分が良くなかったが、一二三が素直に内容を受け止め、魔人族を下に見るような反応をしなかったこともあり、注意するような真似はしなかった。
予備知識として知っていてもらうほうが良いかも知れない、と考えたのだ。
「貴方って不思議ね。凶暴な魔物よりも危ない目をしているかと思ったら、さらりとお礼を言ってくるんだもの。どんな頭の中身をしているのかしら」
「俺はそこらへんの奴と何も変わらん。あまりこっちをジロジロ見るなよ、気色悪い」
「まあ、辛辣ね」
何がおかしいのか、コロコロと笑いながら歩くウェパルに、フェゴールはいい加減にしろ、と注意する。
「城に着いたんだ。お前を慕っている連中もいるのだから、少しは周りの目を意識しろ」
「馬鹿ね。取り繕った外面を慕われても面倒なだけじゃない。自分の良い様に過ごして、それでも慕ってくれるから友人になれるんじゃないの」
「相変わらず、口の減らない......」
辿り着いたのは白亜の城とでも言うべき、あたたかみのある白い石造りの建物だった。
オーソングランデの王城に比べると大分小さく、高さも4階建てくらいではあるものの、姫路城のような清潔感のある印象で、一二三としては魔人族の城というには正反対の印象だな、という感想だった。
「我々はあまり大仰な物や華美なものは好まないのでな。だが、それでもこの城は充分に美しいと思うのだ」
フェゴールは自慢げに話し、ウェパルはあくびをする。
「華美にしようにも、材料も土地も無いだけでしょうに。さあ、行きましょう人間さん」
さりげなく一二三の手を取ろうとしたウェパルだったが、一二三は伸ばされた手をするりと避けて、勝手に城門へと進んでいった。
「話があるならさっさと済ませるぞ。腹が減ってきた」
拳を振って悔しがるウェパルを放置して、フェゴールも城門へと進んだ。
「では、王との話の後で食事をご馳走しよう。城の食堂の料理も、ぜひ味わってもらいたい。さあ、こちらへ」
王の補佐官という職は、やはりかなりの上位者らしい。人間である一二三を連れているにも関わらず、フェゴールの顔を見た門番たちは、何も言わずに両開きの重そうな門を開いた。
城門を抜けると石畳が敷かれた道がまっすぐと伸び、解放された状態になった城の正面入口へと続く。
周囲には巡回中の兵士らしき魔人族たちがおり、フェゴールを見ては立ち止まり、小さく会釈をしている。
「私、城に来たのは久しぶりかも」
追いついてきたウェパルが呟いた。
普段は魔物という外敵への対応のために街の待機所や軍のための施設にいることが多く、普段は特に用事も無いので城には近づかないらしい。
そういった、一二三にとっては割とどうでもいい情報を垂れ流しているウェパルを引き連れたフェゴールは、迷いなく階段を上がり、一つの部屋へと一二三を案内した。
「ここで待っていてもらえるだろうか。王へ話を通してくる」
「わかった。何か食えるもんがあれば尚良い」
フェゴールはクスリと笑い、誰かに軽食を持ってこさせると約束し、部屋を後にした。
「で、なんでお前はここに残るんだ? 仕事しろよ」
「あら、大事なお客様を放っておくわけにいかないでしょう?」
一二三がソファに座ると、すかさずその隣に腰を下ろしたウェパルは、にっこりと笑う。
「そういえば、この部屋にはちょっとした飲み物が用意できるキッチンがあるのよ」
そう言うと、ウェパルは手早く用意したコーヒーのような香りの飲み物を一二三の前に置き、自分の分のカップを両手に抱えるように持って再び隣に座る。
「どうぞ?」
一二三は左手を伸ばして、木製のカップを手にした。ほっこりと上がる湯気を吸い込むと、コーヒーの香りと乾いた薪のような匂いが混じる、不思議な匂いが鼻腔をくすぐる。
「人間はあまり飲んだことがないかしら。このあたりで取れる香りの良い木を乾燥させて、真っ黒になるまで煎ってからお湯を通して作るの。苦手な人もいるけれど、落ち着く香りがするから、私は大好きなの」
ウェパルが語る間に、一二三は一口目を飲んだ。
味はそのままコーヒーだが、香りが違うせいか、大分違う飲み物のように感じる。
「やっぱり、貴方って変わってるわね」
自分も一口飲んだウェパルは、カップを置いて笑った。
「普通なら、もっと警戒して飲み物を出されても口をつけないわよ。それを、何のためらいもなく飲むくせに......」
ウェパルの視線が、一二三と自分との間に向かう。
そこには、一二三の右手がしっかりと寸鉄を握っているのが見えた。鋭利な先端が、明らかにウェパルを狙っている。
「私が妙な動きをしたら、その小さな武器で攻撃するつもりなのね? 全く、信用されているんだか警戒されているんだか、わからなくなっちゃうわ」
「違うな」
「えっ?」
もう一口飲み込んだ一二三は、熱さを逃がすようにふぅっと息を吹いた。
「攻撃するつもりじゃない。殺すつもりだ」
一二三の視線が、しっかりとウェパルの目を捉える。
「食べ物や飲み物に警戒して過ごすなんて、息苦しくてやってられん。悪意があれば大体わかるし、万一見逃して毒にやられたとしたら、それまでだったという事だ」
「じゃあ、これは?」
寸鉄を指差し、ウェパルは首をかしげる。
「もし敵対してくれるなら、きっちり殺してやりたいだろう? 時間をかけて嬲るのは好きじゃない。俺を害しようと思った瞬間に俺に殺されているくらいが、そいつも一番幸せだろう。そのための努力は惜しまない。死ぬことよりも、殺せないことの方が怖い」
そして、もし毒にやられたとしても、一瞬で復讐できれば本望だ、と一二三は語り、カップの残りを呷った。
ウェパルは、自分を抱きしめるように腕を抱え、ソファの背もたれに身体を預けた。そして、子供のように足をばたつかせて愉悦の表情を浮かべる。
「人を殺すのに、自分が敵だと認識できれば躊躇いなんて微塵も無いのね! 自分でいうのもなんだけど、私は自分の容姿が魅力的なのは理解しているつもりだけれど、若い女でも殺せるのかしら?」
「別に関係ない」
その言い方だけで、ウェパルは一二三がすでに若い女をすら殺したことがあるのだと確信した。
「素晴らしいわ、貴方! 是非、貴方が誰かと戦う姿が見てみたいものね」
ウェパルが魔物ではなく“誰か”という表現をしたことに気づいたが、一二三は別に何も言わなかった。
そこで、フェゴールが戻ってきた。
「お待たせした。王が時間を作ってくださったので、来てもらいたいのだが......ウェパル、何をニヤついている?」
「なんでもないわ。それより、彼のお世話は私がするわね。この町に来たのは初めてでしょうから、いろいろと案内させてもらうわ」
「それは、助かるな」
ウェパルがやたらと一二三に近づくのが気になったフェゴールだが、一二三の反応が悪くないようなので、そのまま任せる事にした。
そして、フェゴールの先導で更に上階へ進み、一際大きな扉を抜けて、ホールのような部屋に踏み込んだ一二三の目の前に、玉座から立ち上がり、両手を広げた少年の姿があった。
「ようこそ人間! 僕の名はアガチオン。この魔人族の町を治める王だ!」
五段程の階段をさっさと降りてきたアガチオンは、魔人族特有のグレーの肌をした顔に満面の笑みを浮かべ、ためらいなく一二三の目の前まで歩いてきた。
室内には数名の兵士らしい者たちがいたが、誰ひとりそれを止めようとはしない。
「フェゴールに聞いたよ、まさか結界を抜けて人間がこの町へやってくるなんて! きっとこれは魔人族の歴史に残る重要な出会いだよ! 一先ず歓迎するよ!」
「そんなふうに無警戒でいいのか? 俺はまだ協力するとも言っていないし、敵になるかも知れないんだぞ」
「いいんだ」
表情に僅かに陰りを見せたアガチオンは、視線を落とした。
「君が味方でも敵でもいいんだ。どちらに転んだとしても、それは僕たちが望む“変化”なのだから」
想定外の話に、一二三は口を引き結んでアガチオンを見据えた。
Chapter 107: Not Afraid
"Origa-san, you married that man after all..." (Hela)
Putting her elbow on the counter, the Orsongrande's capital's guild staff member Hela exhaled from her nose with a puff.
Doing this job for more than 20 years, she remembered about Origa, who became a slave before Hela realized it and the young man, who had slaughtered adventurers in front of her eyes. That Origa married the young man who had now become an Earl.
"Even Kasha-san..." (Hela)
The two who had always hunted monsters together and who even served the same master after becoming slaves.
What does Origa feel as her friend?
"Whatever, even if I think about it, I can't help it anyway." (Hela)
As staff member of the adventurer guild she knows many people who lost their lives due to an error in judgement or being in a slump.
People who were close to her, people who she didn't know too well and people who leave or come wandering in, as far as Hela knows she has met them as adventurers. There's also plenty people where she can't even remember their faces anymore.
"Be that as it may, today I have spare time." (Hela)
Since the capital has many people, one might consider that there's many adventurers as well, but unexpectedly that's not the case.
Given that there's few monsters in the suburbs where the most people live, those are areas where, against expectations, the main body of the adventurers doesn't earn much.
The majority of them are country bumpkins who were merely attracted by the big city, veteran fellows who are gathering expensive equipment and tools to go on an expedition and people who want to secure a certain level of convenient life.
The information about the brutalization of the monsters has come in, but that incident hasn't spread its influence as far as the capital yet.
"Ara, it fits well that you are free right now." (Origa)
"Ue!? O-Origa-sa... sama!?" (Hela)
The one who came calling out to her who was just about to doze off was the person who had come to her mind a bit earlier. The dress she is wearing and which was carefully sewn by using a high-quality-looking fabric was an attire far more noble-like than one could imagine.
Showing an impish smile, Origa greets Hela.
"It's been a while. I'm relieved that you don't seem to have changed. Besides, there's no necessity to attach -sama to my name. It's not like I'm a noble." (Origa)
"T-Thank you." (Hela)
Even if she says so, generally, if you marry a noble, it's a custom to treat them the same like a noble. Seeing that even beloved concubines are treated with quite the politeness, it wasn't like Hela could talk to her like a friend.
And even without that, with Origa regularly visiting the royal palace and occasionally staying there for several days, the story, that she is close to Queen Imeraria, was something many people in the capital knew of.
Being the wife of the hero and being on friendly terms with the queen, she cannot afford to not treat Origa as important person. She has ability and authority at her back after all.
"Ah, right, so Origa... -san, what kind of business do you have with me?" (Hela)
By no means you plan to act like a fake adventurer this late in the game, do you?
"It's information gathering. You know about the monsters' transformation towards ferocity, right?" (Origa)
"Ah, so it's about that?" (Hela)
Grabbing the documents which were piled up nearby with a "Heave-ho!", she spreads those out on the counter.
Reports of various types are written on the parchments. They seem to be documents for the staff members to look through.
"I haven't heard of it much in the vicinity of the capital. It's at a level of adventurers who have gone on an expedition having seen those occasionally. Thanks to that it hasn't become such a grave matter around this area." (Hela)
"Is that so...?" (Origa)
Origa replied with a serious face while looking through one after the other document.
"Is there something bothering you?" (Hela)
"Someone might have orchestrated the brutalization of the monsters behind the scenes. There's such a talk as well." (Origa)
"No way." (Hela)
Hela laughed.
The general understanding of monsters is that they form groups in the same way as wild animals and that this behaviour is something unrelated to being controlled. Even guild staff members, who are deeply involved with monsters albeit indirectly, have no differing knowledge.
"It might not be a laughing matter. For example, how do you explain this?" (Origa)
Extracting one paper from the bundle of documents, Origa quietly held it out to Hela.
"Eh..." (Hela)
The following is written on the report: "En route heading towards the direction of Vichy from the capital, a certain adventurer group was attacked by something similar to a human-shaped monster and two adventurers died. The survivors were forced to retire as well."
It was a document which Hela saw and ended up putting to the pile of similar reports.
"Are those demons or new types of monster? At any rate, I believe that the work of the adventurer guild won't proceed with the usual monster subjugation." (Origa)
"Paying attention to peculiar information, contact the castle if something happens", Origa requested Hela to pass that message on to the capital's guild staff members.
"... Origa-san, do you know something?" (Hela)
"I haven't yet grasped the circumstances, but it will be alright." (Origa)
Once Hela asked while having cold sweat, Origa showed a smile.
"There's a hero-sama in this world after all." (Origa)
While the demons were continuing the offence and defence with the monsters, they constructed this city which was enclosed by a strong wall. As they polished their combat techniques, the magic each of them possesses and their special skills, they dreamed of some day leaving this small world.
For that reason, they emphasized on their unity with their friends in this area and built a stable system of monarchic rule. The battle with the monsters also serves as training for their revenge against the elves who are just beyond the barrier.
Originally the demons were hostile towards humans and beastmen, but being imprisoned in the barrier for a long time and as the generations changed, their hostile spirit towards humans and beastmen faded as there were extremely few opportunities to get in contact with either. All of their resentment was turned onto the elves.
The cylindrical space, which was created by the barrier, is plenty large to ensure food by hunting and gathering. Many monsters settled in here and the demons, catching those and eating them, had no issues if it was only about surviving.
However, the definite existence of a barrier certainly inflicted stress upon the hearts of the demons.
"Saying all that, this is the current situation of the demon race." (Phegor)
"I see, I understood it properly. Thanks." (Hifumi)
Along the way, Hifumi, who grasped the demons' situation to a certain extent due to Phegor's explanation, thanked Phegor honestly.
At first Phegor didn't feel overly comfortable with disclosing the distress of the demons, however Hifumi, accepting the details as they were, didn't react as if looking down on the demons nor did he behave cautiously.
It might be good for him to know about it as background information
"You are a strange one. Just when I wondered whether you have a more dangerous gaze than ferocious monsters, you express your thanks without hesitation. I wonder what's going on in that head of yours." (Vepar)
"I ain't strange in that regard at all. Don't stare this way too much. It's sickening." (Hifumi)
"Wow, how sharp-tongued." (Vepar)
Due to Vepar walking while laughing with a pleasant, high-pitched tone and asking "What's weird?", Phegor reprimands her to cut it out.
"We have reached the castle. Since there are fellows who idolize you, have a bit awareness of the looks in the surroundings." (Phegor)
"How foolish. Even if they yearn for my smoothed outward appearance, it's only troublesome. Overdoing it with their own niceties, they are yet unable to become my friends because they yearn for me." (Vepar)
"As usual, you always have something to say..." (Phegor)
The place they reached could be called a white castle. It was a building made out of warm, solid, white stone.
It's much smaller if compared to the royal castle of Orsongrande. Although it also has a height of around a 4-storey building and with it having the impression of being clean like the Himeji Castle, it gives an exactly opposite impression for being called the castle of the demons for Hifumi. Those were his thoughts.
"We don't like overly exaggerated and gaudy things. However, I believe this castle is adequately beautiful." (Phegor)
Phegor explains proudly while Vepar yawns.
"Even if we wanted to be pompous, there's simply not enough materials and space. Well then, let's go, human-san." (Phegor)
Vepar tried to nonchalantly take Hifumi's hand, but smoothly evading the outstretched hand, Hifumi advanced towards the castle gate on his own accord.
"If there's something to talk, let's finish it quickly. I've become hungry." (Hifumi)
Neglecting Vepar who was swinging her fist in frustration, Phegor also headed towards the castle gate.
"Then let me treat you to a meal after the talk with the king. I definitely want you to savour the cooking of the castle's dining hall. Come on, this way." (Phegor)
In spite of him guiding Hifumi who's a human, the gatekeepers, who saw Phegor's face, opened the heavy-looking double-door gate without saying anything.
Once passing through the castle gate, a path, with a stone paving laid out, is stretching out directly ahead. It continues straight to the entrance of the castle which was wide open.magic
There are demons who seem to be soldiers on patrol in the surroundings. Seeing Phegor, they stop and give a small bow.
"It's been a while since I came to the castle." (Vepar)
Vepar, who caught up, muttered.
Generally there are many facilities for the army and standby areas in the city for the sake of dealing with the outside invaders, the monsters. It appears that she won't approach the castle usually as she has no particular business here either.
Phegor, taking along Vepar who is spouting information Hifumi couldn't care less about, climbed the stairways without hesitation and led Hifumi to a single room.
"Could you wait here? I will come back once I talked with the king." (Phegor)
"Got it. It will be even better if there's something to eat." (Hifumi)
Laughing unintentionally, Phegor promised to have someone bring a light meal and left the room.
"So, why are you remaining here? Go and do your job." (Hifumi)
"Ara, isn't it bad to leave our important guest alone?" (Vepar)
Once Hifumi sits down on a sofa, Vepar, who sat down next to him without leaving any space between them, smiles sweetly.
"Which reminds me, there's a kitchen in this room where simple drinks can be prepared." (Vepar)
Saying that, Vepar swiftly prepared a drink, which has an aroma similar to coffee, and placed it in front of Hifumi. Holding a cup with her own share in both hands, she once again sits down next to him.
"There you go?" (Vepar)
Extending his left hand, Hifumi took the wooden cup. Once he breathes in the rising, hot steam, he senses a mixture of a coffee aroma and a smell similar to dried firewood. The mysterious scent is tickling his nasal cavities.
"I wonder whether humans don't drink it much. Drying a tree with a nice aroma which can be harvested around here, it is made by pouring hot water onto it after roasting the wood until it turns pitch black. Although there are people who dislike it, I like it very much since it has a soothing aroma." (Vepar)
While Vepar is talking, Hifumi drinks a mouthful.
The taste is just like coffee, but because its aroma is different, it feels like a completely different drink.
"You are quite unusual after all." (Vepar)
Vepar, who has drunk a mouthful as well, put down the cup and laughed.
"Usually one would be more cautious and wouldn't drink something even if offered. In spite of drinking that without any hesitation..." (Vepar)
Vepar's sight turns towards between her and Hifumi.
There she saw Hifumi firmly grasping the suntetsu with his right hand. Its sharp, pointed end is obviously aimed at Vepar.
"Do you plan to attack me with this small weapon if I make some odd move? Good grief, I'm not even sure if you are simply cautious of me or if you have faith in me." (Vepar)
"It's different." (Hifumi)
"Eh?" (Vepar)
Hifumi, who gulped down another mouthful, exhaled with a "Fuu~" to let the heat flow out.
"I have no intention to attack you. I plan to kill you." (Hifumi)
Hifumi's gaze firmly captures Vepar's eyes.
"Something like being too cautions of food and drinks is oppressive and I won't do that. I generally realize if there's ill will in play. If by some chance I was done in by poison I missed to notice, that would just mean it was my limit up to there." (Hifumi)
"Then, this is?" (Vepar)
Pointing at the suntetsu, Vepar tilts her head to the side.
"If you are hostile, I want to kill you without fail, I guess? It's not my hobby to spend time on tormenting someone. Although it's at a level of you getting killed by me in the instant you consider harming me, that will also be my biggest pleasure. I won't spare any effort for that cause. I'm more afraid of being unable to kill than dying." (Hifumi)
"And, even if you did me in with poison, I would be able to savour the satisfaction of getting my revenge in an instant", Hifumi said and drunk the rest remaining in the cup.
Vepar held her arms as if embracing herself and entrusted her body into the back of the sofa. And, flapping her feet like a child, she displays a joyful expression.
"Though it's about killing someone else, you haven't a shred of hesitation if you deem them as your enemy! Although it's me saying this, I do believe that I understand the charm of my own appearance. Are you able to even kill such a young woman, I wonder?" (Vepar)
"I don't particularly care." (Hifumi)
With only those words, Vepar was convinced that Hifumi had already killed a young woman.
"You are wonderful! I want to see your appearance as you are fighting with someone by all means." (Vepar)
He noticed that Vepar used the word "someone" and not monster, but Hifumi didn't go out of his way to say anything about that.
At that point Phegor returned.
"Thank you for waiting. Since the king was as gracious to grant us some time, I'd like you to come, but... Vepar, why are you grinning broadly?" (Phegor)
"It's nothing. Leaving that aside, I will take care of him. Since it's probably the first time he came to this city, I will show him around various places." (Vepar)
"That will save me the trouble." (Phegor)
Phegor felt uneasy about Vepar recklessly getting close to Hifumi, but since Hifumi's reaction doesn't seem to be unfavourable, he decided to leave it to her.
And, advancing to the floor further above by Phegor's guidance, they entered through a remarkably large door. In front of Hifumi, who stepped into the hall-like room, there was the figure of a boy who spread both hands and stood up from the throne.
"Welcome, human! My name is Agathion. I'm the king ruling this city of the demons." (Agathion)
Agathion, who swiftly descended the 5-ary stairs, had a whole-faced smile on his face which had a grey skin tone characteristic for demons. He walked up to in front of Hifumi without any hesitation.
There were several soldier-like people within the room, but none of them tries to stop him.
"I heard from Phegor. I never expected a human to pass through the barrier and to arrive at this city! This will certainly be a momentous meeting which will remain recorded in the history of the demons. For the present I shall welcome you!" (Agathion)
"Is it good to have absolutely no vigilance like that? I still haven't said that I will cooperate with you. I might become your enemy." (Hifumi)
"That's fine." (Agathion)
Agathion, who showed a slight darkening on his face, lowered his gaze.
"It's alright for you to be our ally or enemy. No matter which way you choose, it will cause the "change" desired by me." (Agathion)
Due to the unforeseen development, Hifumi pursed his lips and stared at Agathion.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido