Demon King Modes

　In a room in the Demon King's Castle, I met with Heivos, the god of blacksmithing.

'I'm glad to see Nat is back safe and sound, Modes.

　The golden wine that Heybos brought from Elyos is poured into two cups.
　The golden wine is a fruit wine made from the golden fruits of the golden tree.
　It was made by Nektar, the god of wine and food, of course.
　When you take a sip of the wine that Heybos poured for you, the rich taste spreads in your mouth.

Ah, Heybos. That's another credit to Sir Dihardt.

　Lord Dihardt said that even in the labyrinth, he had hunted down Lavrus.
　According to Nat's story, he would have won even if he hadn't fought with the brave men.
　I am satisfied with the result as I expected.
　Incidentally, Nat returned to his family after reporting back to the Demon King's Castle.
　He must have met his wife and children by now.

''But is it good that I'm going to help a brave man?
That's all right. We want Nat to be okay. Besides, it's important that Nat is safe.

　Some people blame him for saving the brave man.
　But I silenced them all.
　It seems to me that Sir Dihardt did his best to save Nat.
　We shouldn't blame him for that.

'Well ...... I'm sorry. And I must thank the Dark Knight for that.

　Through the power of Sir Dihardt, that labyrinth became the property of Heybos.
　All of the minotaurs in that labyrinth escaped from the labyrinth because Lavrus was gone.
　The labyrinth was then sealed off by the dwarves.
　Now the demons inside won't be able to get out.

''Oh, thank Sir Dehardt when he comes back. I hear he's going to be gone for a while.

　Sir Dihardt is going to be away for a while with Kuna, it seems.
　After Nat reported back to me, Sir Dihardt informed me via message magic that he would be there as soon as anything happened.
　He's a disciplined man, I think.
　I don't think Sir Dihardt would betray us at all. We're all too worried about him.

'But then again, I didn't think that Raina would join forces with the Dark Knight to help her lover.

　It seems that Heybos is right, Sir Dihardt has joined forces with Raina to save Nat.
　And it seems that Raina would also join forces with her enemy, Sir Dihardt, to save her lover, the brave man of light.
　I couldn't believe my ears when I first heard it, but maybe that's what a woman in love is like.

'Indeed. The proud goddess has bowed to her enemy, Sir Dihardt. You don't understand women, Hayboss .......
Yes. ......

　Heybos shook his head yes and no.

'But there's something else that bothers me more than that.
Diadna, the Serpent Queen?

　I nodded at the words.
　This was the information Heybos had informed me of.
　It seems that while he had cornered Lavrus to the point where he was just one step away, he let him get away with it because of Deirdre's arrival.

That's right. I've been hiding until now, but Deirdre suddenly appeared. And it seems that they are trying to make the neutral gods their allies. I don't know what they're planning to do: ......

　Deirdre professes to destroy the gods of Mina's blood on behalf of her mother.
　These gods of Mina's blood include Morna.
　So she is also an enemy of this Modes.
　Deirdona may be planning to go to war with Elios again.

'Maybe the spider goddess the Dark Knight has captured knows something about this spider goddess?

　Heavos shook his head at his words.

'Perhaps Atranaqua doesn't know anything ....... They don't seem to have been taught much of anything.'

　Atranaqua is being held in a room in the Demon King's Castle. He has no idea what he will do after that.
　I'm not sure if I should inform Atranaqua's husband.
　Her husband is a desert god with a poisonous tail. If he hadn't changed his residence, he would be in the desert temple.
　However, according to information, Atranakua should be separated from her husband now.
　Perhaps it would be better not to inform her.

After all, we don't know anything about it: ......
'Yes, ....... I really don't know what you're thinking.

　But thinking about it didn't tell me anything.
　I couldn't figure it out even if I thought about it, so I stayed silent and drank away the golden wine with Heybos.

'By the way, changing the subject, Modes. That fellow from Nectar wanted the jewel fruit.

　Heybos says, sipping his golden wine.

'Nectar has the jewel fruit? I see, so the golden wine is your reward?
I think that's what it means.

　Heibos says with a cup in hand, laughing.
　Jewel fruit is a fruit that exists only in Nargol, a fruit that becomes a gem tree.
　It is not a real gemstone, even if it is called a gemstone fruit.
　It is called so because the fruit is beautiful and clear like a jewel.
　The fruit of this gemstone rarely bears fruit, but instead it doesn't rot, so it can be preserved forever.
　The Demon King's Castle has a few jewel fruits that were harvested in the past.

''All right, that's fine. You can take the jeweled fruits that are stored in the Demon King's Castle with you. And you should also take some smoked queen salmon with you.
"Smoked queen salmon?
Oh, yes. Ah, yes. Sir Dehardt made it. It's quite good. More than anything else, it's a perfect nibble.
That sounds delicious. Nectar will be pleased.
Mm. And tell him to be careful that Phanakea doesn't find out. If Phanakea knows, then Feriah will know.

　Phanakea, the goddess of medicine and herbs, is Nektor's wife.
　She is also the daughter of Feria, goddess of marriage and childbirth, and the sister of Tothna, goddess of knowledge and books.
　And the goddess Feria hates this Modes.
　Phanakea herself is a quiet goddess, but she is closely connected to her mother.
　If she finds out that she has been given a jewel fruit or a smoked queen salmon, she will report it to her mother.
　If that happens, the goddess Feria will surely blame Nectar.
　Then I feel sorry for Nectar.

'I know, I know. "I understand," said the goddess, "but Nectar has no respect for Feria. Or should I say, the men of Elyos are not in the presence of the goddesses.

　Heybos says with a reluctant look on his face.

'The male gods of Elyos are having a tough time of it: ......
Absolutely.

　Then he laughs with Heybos.
　So what will Odis and the others do now?
　Deirdre hates the gods of Elyos.
　Perhaps Elyos could be in trouble from now on.
　That's what I thought as I looked in the direction of Elyos.



◆Rena, the goddess of wisdom and victory.

I'm back now, Lady Raina.

　Nia, the captain of the war maiden squad that had gone to Phanakea, returns.
　When we returned to Elyos, we left the war maidens who had been turned to stone with Phanakea.

''Thank you for your efforts. ''Nia?'' Are those boys going to get better?

　Phanakea is the goddess of medicine and herbs.
　She should be able to heal the stony war maidens with her power.

''Yes. The Phanakea-sama says that thanks to the shield of Lady Raina, all of them are less symptomatic. They should be able to return to normal soon.

　Nia reports back to me with her head down.

'Yes, that's good. Now that's a relief.

　I sit down in a comfortable chair and look up at the heavens.

'The ....... Lady Raina, .......

　Nia looks at me with concern.

'What is it, Nia?'
'That ....... Your body is that .......

　Nia's eyes are on my stomach.
　I look at my belly.
　My belly is a bit fuller.
　I can still cover it up with clothes. But it's going to be hard to cover up.

"It's all right, Nia. "I just don't think you're going to be able to go out from now on.
"Lady Raina. We're fine. Please take good care of yourself.
"Hmm. Yes. I'll take that as a yes. I'll leave it to you, Nia.
'Yes, Lady Raina. Please leave the rest to us. Then I'll leave you to it.

　Nia bows her head and leaves the room.
　Nia is right, I'll just have to stay in my room and be quiet.
　But I'm worried about the movements of the snake queen, Deirdre.
　But there is nothing I can do with this body.
　I've already reported to Odis about Deirdre.
　So I'll leave the rest to Odis.
　But Odis will not be able to do anything.
　He is busy protecting Elyos.
　It would be nice if the god of power and warfare, Tors, could be of some help.
　But it is unlikely that he will be able to defeat Deirdre if he can only push.
　In other words, the gods of Elyos can't stop Deirdre.
　So there's no way to beat her.
　There's also Rage, but he can't be counted on to do much.

'Huh. ....... I can't help but think about it now.

　I touch my belly.
　I wish this baby was born sooner.
　I'm sure he will be the strongest and bravest person to ever surpass Rage.
　After all, it's me and Kuroki's child. There's no way he's weak.
　If this child is born and grows up, he or she will be no match for Deirdre.

"Be born quickly. Be quick about it, my little hero.



Black haired wise man Chiyuki

'So ....... So that silvery white witch is controlling him.

　I hear from Shirone about what happened in the kingdoms of Velos and Argoa.

''That's right, Chiyuki. It seems that Kuroki is going crazy because of the White Silver Witch ....... It seems that because of that girl, Kuroki is taking the side of the Demon King.

　Syrone said with a sinking look.
　I didn't know there was such a witch.
　Apparently she is the daughter of that ugly demon king. She must be incredibly ugly.
　When we returned to the Republic of Ariadia, we received an award from General Krasus.
　For rescuing those trapped in the labyrinth, Raige was made a hero of the Republic of Ariadia, and she and her companions were given honorary citizenship of Ariadia.
　With this Ariadia citizenship, any country that belongs to the Ariad Alliance will be able to come and go as they please.
　And Rage was officially awarded the title of hero.
　The fame of Rage, the brave man of light recognized by the Republic of Ariadia, would resound in the western countries of the continent.
　From now on, it would be easier for him to operate in the western part of the continent.
　However, what I am concerned about is the vice-president of the Magicians' Association, Tarabos.
　I've heard he's missing.
　Apparently he was connected to Atrana. Maybe he escaped.
　That's why I didn't get paid by the Mage Association. What a pity.
　Also, Rage was begged by Eulia, who had become queen, to become her husband and king of the kingdom of Pasipaea.
　Of course, Rage refused. There are many countries that want Rage to be king.
　And if he became king, he would not be able to move from that country.
　That's why we would be in trouble if Rage becomes the king.
　Refusing Eulia's offer, Rage and I left the General's Office and returned to the Temple of Raina in the Republic of Ariadia to discuss future matters.
　The topic of discussion is, of course, about Cyrone's childhood friend, Kuroki.

But Shirone, is this Kuroki-san?　You're going to help Miss Ligeena and all that, so I'm guessing you're not completely manipulated.

　Reno is right.
　He doesn't seem to have been completely manipulated.
　If he was completely manipulated, he wouldn't be able to help me.
　Besides, he must be a good man, seeing as he saved Regena.
　Also, he's not in control of his memories.
　If that's the case, there may be a way to help.

'I hope so: ......
Don't worry, Sirone. For some reason, it's a given that characters who appear as enemies at the beginning and save you in a pinch will become your friends before the final dungeon. So, Kuroki-san will surely become Nao and the others' companion in the end. You don't have to worry about it.

　Nao gives an incomprehensible comforting look.

'I kind of hate ....... Because he hurt you, Ray.'

　Sahoko says, a little disgusted.
　Surely he's the reason Rage almost died. Sahoko can't forgive him for that.

'Sahoko!　It must be the fault of the Silvery White Witch.　Kuroki shouldn't really want to do that!

　Cyrone says, tapping the desk.
　Cyrone says that, but there's no doubt that he hurt Rage.
　That's certainly what's stuck with me.
　What does Rage think of him?
　Would you welcome him as one of your own?
　If Rage doesn't take him in, even if we rescue him, he may not be able to stay with us.

'Calm down, Shirone, ....... And Sahoko, I understand how you feel about Mr. Rage, but that's a bit of an exaggeration. He's being manipulated.
'Sure. ....... Sorry, Sirone.
'No, it's fine. It's a fact that Kuroki hurt Reigi-kun.

　The two of them bow their heads.
　Sahoko is usually mild-mannered, but her personality changes a bit when it comes to Rage.
　Syrone also seems to have a bit of a personality change when it comes to his childhood friend.

''Haha, I didn't know that the Demon King had a daughter, by the way. I'll have to find out more about the Demon King.''

　It seems that the White Silver Witch is the daughter of the Demon King.
　There was no information that the Demon King had a daughter. To begin with, I don't even know that he has a queen.

The Demon King's daughter, I don't really want to imagine it: ......

　Rage makes a disgusted face.
　I've seen the Demon King once in a magical video.
　He was incredibly ugly.
　Is that Demon King's daughter also ugly?
　At least he seems to think that Rage is ugly.
　I certainly don't think a beautiful girl would be born from that ugly demon king.
　According to Cyrone, she was a very disgusting girl.
　That's probably why she's so ugly.

I'm sure you're not the only one. It's a good idea.
What's up, Nao?
I'm also curious about the silver witch, but who were those people who came to rescue the evil god of cows? I've met one of the guys on that big bird before in Rox's basement.

　Nao says with an unusually grim look on her face.
　'Me and Nao have had a horrible experience with a masked man on a Rufvian.

'I'm curious about that too ....... Who are they?　Isn't the Evil God Lavrus one of the Demon King's companions in the first place?

　I'll ask Shirone too.
　The demons in this world should be controlled by the Demon King. If that's the case, then the evil gods who control the demons should be under the control of the demon king.

''Let's see, ....... I'm not sure about that either, but ....... But I'm pretty sure the evil god is not one of the demon king's friends. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this, but I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.

　Sirone's words surprised me.

'It's true, Sirone!

　I crammed up against Silone.

'That's what I heard, but ....... 'What about it, Chiyuki?'

　Syrone doesn't seem to realize the gravity of what he said.

'I've never heard of an evil god or demon that isn't one of the Demon King's friends!　This is such an important piece of information!

　Silone is surprised when I explain.
　She finally realizes.
　According to the lore I had heard, it was the Founder Goddess Orgis and the Virgin Goddess Mina who created this world.
　Orgis and Mina worked together to create a beautiful and shining world.
　However, the Demon King Modes appeared out of nowhere and tried to rule the world.
　Orgis and Mina died after fighting the Demon King.
　The Demon King enveloped the world in darkness and released his demons, his followers, into the world.
　The children of Orgis and Mina gathered around Odis and fought the demon king.
　They managed to defeat the demon king and reclaim half of the world.
　With half the world back, the world was illuminated for half a day.
　This is how the world was divided into day and night.
　The Demon King was defeated, but he is still alive and ready to strike back in the land of Nargol.
　Odis and his men managed to win, but the sacrifices were too great for them to give chase.
　Thus the stalemate continues.
　This is supposed to be the state of the world.
　We were supposed to be called in to bring full light back to such a world.
　Nowhere in this lore are there any evil gods who do not follow the Demon King.
　Moreover, I've never heard of them being in enmity with the Demon King.
　In other words, there is a third force other than the gods of Elyos led by Odis and the Demon King.

''It's going to be troublesome: ......

　Rage looks disgusted.
　It's certainly troublesome.
　I thought it was just a conflict between the gods of Elyos and the Demon King of Nargol, but it wasn't.

''Right. There's a lot of things I need to look into. And I'll have to hear a lot of things from Raina as well: ......

　Raina will have to teach me a lot of things.
　The mythology of this world wasn't actually taught to me by Raina.
　I studied it from the books.
　I would like to hear more about it from Raina.

'Well, I'll have to ask Raina a lot of questions.

　I mention Raina's name and Rage says with a smirk on his face.
　It makes my heart ache to see that.
　I didn't expect Rage to be loved by Raina, the goddess, either.
　Rage is a beautiful woman. Really only good looks.
　She has a well-groomed face and a clean nose. She has slit eyes and light hair.
　She is slender and tall and has good looks.
　Rage is also smart and most importantly strong.
　If you only look at me with this, there's nothing to be said for it.
　But that's not going to happen.
　All kinds of girls like a handsome man like Lage.
　That's why I can't really expect him to only look at me.
　But it's because I have some kind of expectation that I'm by his side.
　It's really a faint little expectation.
　But then Raina appeared at Rage's side.
　My faint expectations were completely destroyed by Raina's appearance.
　If there was a beauty like that, not only would she only look at me, she wouldn't even be number one.
　Why would there be such a beautiful goddess?
　I'm confident in my looks in my own way, but not as good as Raina.
　Rage was in a very good mood when that Raina told him she loved him.
　I think I should explode.
　It's so frustrating.
　I look at Raige with cold eyes.
　He doesn't notice my gaze and keeps a cool expression on his face.
　He's completely oblivious to the fact that I don't know what's going on.

But before that, General Krasz will be holding a celebration for you. Since it's a good time, let's attend that before we go.

　I say with a bit of anger.
　It looks like General Krasus is going to host a celebration hosted by the Republic of Ariadia for saving those trapped in the labyrinth.

A celebration, isn't it? I've been poorly fed in the labyrinth for a long time, and I need something good to eat.

　Nao says, drooling.

'Yes!　I've been locked up for so long. I need a break!

　Reno says in a strong tone.

'That's true too. We need a break, too.'

　Rage agrees with Reno.
　There will be beautiful girls at the celebration.
　Her face is smiling as if she's thinking about that.

'A celebration or ....... Even though Kroki didn't do a great job .......

　Cyrone says with a dark look on his face.
　Surely, yes, he would be the one who would be most admired.
　And yet he's not there.

'Yes, he is. 'Well, he was the one who actually saved the people trapped in the labyrinth. Not Mr. Raige and me. He's the one who really needs to be praised.

　I say with a sideways glance at Rage.
　Rage's face is visibly grim.
　Rage doesn't say it back, as if he understands that it would have been dangerous if he hadn't come.
　I feel a little better about it.
　I have to thank him for what he did for me in the Rox Kingdom.
　I could feel his willingness to help me out.
　I want to save him as much as Cyrone does.
　Rage and Sahoko may not like it, but he should be one of us.
　What is he doing now?



Dragoness Regena

So, Regina-san. It's nice to meet you.

　Master Kaya says to me.

'Um, can I really do that?'
It's okay, Tormulkis will assist you.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Regina.

　The fat man next to me bows his head to me as he rubs his hands.
　This mansion we are in originally belonged to him.
　But this Trumarkis's wife, Atrana, is an evil god and has been tricking the brave men.
　However, he himself seems to be an ordinary human being, he was just being used by the evil gods.
　He didn't actually know what Atrana was doing.
　But he's not Kaya-sama who would forgive him for that.
　He was deprived of all his wealth and his business association became Kyouka-sama's property.
　The house that belonged to Kyouka-sama is now the Ariadia branch of the Mido Chamber of Commerce.
　And just a few minutes ago Kaya-sama asked me to become the head of the Ariadia branch of the Mido Chamber of Commerce.

'And I'll be calling someone from the St. Renaria Republic. I trained her, so you can rest assured, Regina.

　Master Kaya says so, but I shake my head.

'That ....... I still can't do it. I've never done any business before!

　Why would he entrust me with it in the first place? There must be someone better.

'It's all right, Mr. Regina. You're the one who was approved by Mr. Kroki. If you're someone he approved of, I'm sure of it.'

　Kyouka-sama looks at me and smiles.
　Kyouka-sama apparently thinks highly of her husband.
　The fact that more people think highly of the master is a good thing.
　And with those words, I give up on persuasion.
　If you mention the master's name, you can't refuse.

'You are the right man for the job, Regina. River transportation on the Kish River with lizardmen. You must be able to do business more advantageously than other operators. I'm sure you'll make a tremendous profit.

　That's what Kaya-sama says, Kaya-sama, and he seems to have a different agenda.
　Their eyes catch me.
　I want to run away if possible.

''Is this also an ordeal for you, sir. ......

　I looked up at the ceiling and thought of my husband.



◆Dark Knight Kroki.

　We meet up with Kuna as we approach the central mountains.

'Kroki!

　Kuna looks at her and comes to hug her.
　Kuna's eyes are moist as she looks at herself.
　It's been a long time since I've seen Kuna, and I feel like she's more beautiful than before.
　Such a pretty girl hugs me.
　This couldn't have been possible in the original world.
　I'm overcome with tears of emotion.
　I did it, myself!

Ugh. ....... I'm sorry, Cuna. I'm sorry I missed you ....... And Glorious.

　I stroke Glorious' neck.
　When I stroke his neck, Glorious lets out a sweet sound.

'I really missed you ...... kroki. Come home with me .......

　But I shook my head at the words.

''Hey, Kuna. Since it's a good time, why don't we go visit the Republic of Ariadia?
The Republic of Ariadia?

　Coona nods her head.

'Yes, the Republic of Ariadia. I'd like to go around with Coona.

　I've looked around with Raina, so I've done my homework.
　Besides, it might be a good idea to see a vaudeville.

'Kuna will go anywhere with Kroki.

　Coona smiles. It's an angel's smile.
　Just by smiling this smile, you can have three bowls of rice.
　Of course, it's a bowl of rice.

"Mmm-hmmm.

　I can't help but laugh in a weird way.
　And I'm even drooling.

'What's up, Kroki?'

　Coona looks at herself curiously.

'No, it's nothing. Let's go then.

　I wipe the drool off my hands and force myself to regain my normalcy.
　We fly ourselves on Glorious.
　Our destination is the Republic of Ariadia, in the opposite direction from Nargol.
　The time is already night.
　The moon, shining in silvery white, lights up the night sky.
　Unlike the sun, the moon gently illuminates all living things.
　In such a moonlit night, he flies on Glorious, the dragon.
　Towards the Republic of Ariadia.