Welcome to the Impregnable Demon King Castle - Chapter 188-2

188 – Onwards! To the Original Dungeon! (Part 2)

「Could you please explain yourself?」

Milla’s tone was sharp.

「It would appear I am rather disliked. My daughter must be loved by her subordinates.」

「Of course. She is the best Demon King, after all.」

「…It would be nice if all the world thought the same as you do.」

Fellow wishes to destroy the way Monsters are currently valued as evil.

And the quickest way to do that is to abolish all Dungeon Clears.

When the war was over, there came an era where mankind and those who were once called Demons could co-exist.

However, the form of entertainment that was based on incidents that occurred during those violent times, known as Dungeon Clears, has made the image of Monsters = Evil remain till this day.

In addition, the national government has not lowered its guard against powerful Demi-Humans.

Fellow believes this to be the main cause as to why my master disappeared from center stage.

He wants to end Dungeon Clears as quick as possible because he wants my master, to him the greatest Demon King, to make a come-back.

「…We have strayed off-topic. I have several reasons to invite Sir Lem. The first is, of course, because I believe he wishes to solve the issues plaguing his hometown. And the second is…because this is a chance for him to prove his usefulness to the government.」

「…I…see.」

I work as Lemegeton in the Demon King Castle, but I can’t hide my identity like that with the national government. As for the Human Lem using the horn, it could be explained away as my being a person of mixed parentage or some sort of power from my ancestors, but that sort of deception will not work when considering how I repelled Fenix and then Aerial.

Unless I was a pure-blooded Demon King-level, there is no way I should have won against such opponents.

How a twenty-year-old with a horn managed to prepare an exceedingly vast amount of Magical Energy will also become a point of interest.

There are bound to be people who notice that I can utilize the Magical Energy from the Core as my master did.　

「I can scarcely believe it as well, someone who was once the world’s 4th ranked becoming the Demon King Army’s Chief of Staff will surely catch people’s attention.」

「…Lem isn’t a dangerous person of the sort.」

「I believe that as well. However, the harsh reality is that not everyone will think the same.」

「…Grr.」

Milla grinds her teeth.

「If I return with good results from the Original Dungeon, will that change people’s minds?」

「Achievements are important. Having them or not can make a big difference.」

That’s something that I can agree with.

「You and I have different goals, don’t we? Knowing that, should you be here, pretending to want to help me?」

「What a mean question. You know very well, Sir Lem. I am on the side of anyone who puts their all into a fight. By eliminating Dungeon Clears, I can offer a new job to Adventurers and Monsters alike. At such a time, they would all be called Athletes equally.」

His ultimate goal and mine may be different, but that’s no reason to not help.

Even the people from the Elementary Level – Beginner’s Dungeon, assuredly extended a helping hand to him after acquiring the property rights. Although they did that because they wanted the Dungeon to survive, so they had to in order for that to succeed.

「However, it is important to doubt. In fact, I didn’t come to speak with you with good intentions alone.」

「What do you mean?」

「It would be troublesome if you were to disappear for boring reasons. This also benefits me, as well as my father.」

「…Did you discuss with my master about something else?」

Fellow smiled broadly.

「That…is a secret. A conversation between father and son.」

In other words, they did.

Something that benefits Fellow as well…could it be?

「Did my master promise to do something if you helped me?」

「It is possible to be too astute. But rest assured. I swear that I am not making any sort of deals between father and son.」

He didn’t make a deal, yet my guess was astute…?

If that’s the case… No, let’s leave it for now.

「…Are there any other reasons for inviting me?」

「The current members are causing delays in the investigation, so one of my reasons is to bring a breath of fresh air by inviting the superior Black Sorcerer Sir Lem. The other reason pertains to the aforementioned separate company. A person from said company recommended you, Sir Lem.」

「Recommended? Is it someone who knows me?」

To recommend the Black Sorcerer Lem, it would have to be someone who saw the Tag Tournament and took an interest or an old acquaintance. But do I have an acquaintance in a large company that would be commissioned by the government to investigate a Dungeon?

「I won’t spoil the surprise and let you meet them and see for yourself. Oh, that person is taking a horse carriage there tomorrow. If you like, you can ride to your village with that person.」

It would honestly save me a lot of trouble, not having to make travel arrangements. Just preparing a journey to my hometown would have taken quite a bit of time.

「…There is no danger, yes?」

Asked Milla, Fellow nodded.

「Cocoons will be prepared, so challenging the Dungeon with Avatars is possible. Of course, we shall compensate for any injuries sustained, as well as give recompense.」

「Not about that, I am talking about the deepest part where the Spirit resides.」

「How it usually goes is that the Spirit shall grant the favor of those that pass its trials, yes? The Spirit does not force the Human into a contract. The choice of whether or not to challenge the trials has always been solely on the Human’s side. Even if Sir Lem were to reach the deepest parts, he will be in no danger provided he does not take up the challenge.」

In this case, if you fail the final trial, there will be a nasty penalty.

That penalty is only known when you reach the deepest parts.

「If Lem is going, then I shall go too.」

「Well, that is reassuring. Having the strength of one of the Demon King Army’s Big Four on our side shall help us greatly.」

「…Also, I have notified her Highness of your visit.」

「Ahaha, there is no need for that. Surely-」

「What plans do you have for my subordinates…!!!」

The window glass shattered to bits as something jumped through it into the apartment.

It was her Highness.

「It’s good to see your face. It has been a long time, Lu. Well, I suppose your dear papa did see your face when you came to cheer on Sir Lem and Miss Furcus, so I guess it hasn’t been that long. Ahaha.」

If I’m not mistaken, her Highness came to the Tag Tournament to cheer us on.

「Who cares! I forbid you from setting foot in the dormitories!」

「In that case, I shall create a house rule that forbids you from ignoring emails from your papa.」

「Silence! Do not involve yourself with my adorable subordinates!」

「Ahaha, afraid that papa will poach staff again? I don’t think that’s going to be the case with these two.」

When Fellow retired as the Demon King, he pulled out a considerable amount of Monsters.

Because of that, the tenth stratum Floor Boss position and so many others were vacant.

「I am worried about no such thing! Carmilla and Lemegeton are like my children! They shall not lift a finger to help you achieve your goal!」

「Just as Lu has inherited the occupation as Demon King from two generations past, I only wish to inherit his will. I only wish to realize a world that welcomes anyone to freely compete with all their strength.」

「Liar! If that is all you wanted, then there are other ways to achieve it! It is clear that you are rushing the process simply because of your Father Complex!」

Well, I suppose it is as her Highness says.

To get rid of the cause of my master’s disappearance so that he can return to the world, he wants to quickly change the status quo.

「It would be nice if you could love papa the same way.」

「…Heh.」

Her Highness laughed and readied her fist.

「Please wait, your Majesty…!」

I hurriedly jump in between them.

「Do not stop me, Lem. Fear not, I shall reimburse you later.」

I don’t think that’s really the problem.

Milla and I managed to keep talking to her to calm her down and, after a long period of time, we succeeded.

Although, I do wonder why Fellow, who has proven to specialize in negotiations, doesn’t demonstrate such prowess when faced with his daughter?

Wait…is it because he is dealing with his daughter…?

Fellow is just happy to be able to talk to his daughter, and he is smiling.

I don’t think this is the recommended way to communicate…

After her Highness has understood the situation, she gives her permission with an extreeeeeeeemely reluctant look on her face.

「If anything happens to them…」

「You’ll what? Kill me? Please don’t say such things.」

「I will break your horns.」

Her Highness was dead serious.

「…I believe it’s too early for you, Lu.」

「I will break…」

「Ahaha-」

「…your horns.」

Even the smile on Fellow’s face had disappeared.

「I shall bear that in mind, Demon King Lucifa.」

After that, her Highness laid out several conditions, and my homecoming and Milla’s accompaniment were approved.