Volume 4 Chapter 4 (2/2)
At that, the delegation leaked out a chuckle.
To them, having a family name proved that one was an aristocrat. Or a very wealthy merchant that paid a large sum of money to get a family name.
Another reason for them to belittle me.
”Whatever, just hurry it up. I'm hungry after all that walking we did to reach this damned countryside. Serve us food and alcohol! I doubt you'll dare but if you serve us inferior stuff, you know what'll happen, right?”
”Of course. We have been informed of your visit so we have prepared a feast for you.”
I began to guide them to a mansion with a reception room rigged with various tricks and magical defenses that no one could see. Additionally, that room was also completely soundproof.
In the worst case scenario, we would dispose of them all there and spread the false information that they were eaten by monsters along the way.
”Say, that girl's a beast-man slave, right? Tell its master that I'll be borrowing it for a night. I'll be taking real good care of it.”
The man pointed at a Mythological Fox and said those words. In reaction, my face somewhat stiffened.
Just what is this guy thinking of doing to my monster‑daughter?
”There are no slaves in this city. She is a splendid citizen of ours. So I'm afraid I can't grant that request.”
”Is that so? How boring.”
”We have establishments like brothels here so please feel free to enjoy your nights there. They have professionals there with good looks and great techniques. I think you'll find their services to be enjoyable.”
Thanks to the ease of getting generous clients, cheap taxes, delicious food, and even the presence of a hot spring, many prostitutes who worked away from their homes came to work at the brothel in Avalon.
I estimated that these prostitutes were enough to satisfy the delegates. However, should they demand that it had to be the Mythological Foxes, I intended to kill them right away.
I had decided beforehand that some things should absolutely not be demanded of us and one of those things regarded the safety of my monsters. Should they cross the line, I would show no mercy. I would never sell out my monsters.
”Really now? Of course, they'll be for free, wouldn't they?”
”Yes. We will shoulder everything to make your stay comfortable.”
At that, the man showed a disgusting expression on his face.
”Alright, it's all good, then! I like your attitude, you know your stuff! HAHAHA!”
The man laughed as he hit my back.
At that, the fur on Kuina's tail stood on end, showing her silent anger.
”Wait a minute”
For whatever reason, the man went toward the shop managed by the Mythological Foxes. As soon as he entered, he grabbed a sword made by the dwarves.
”Oi, you lot, come look at this. It's amazing.”
”Commander, this sword..!?”
”With this sword, we can defeat any enemy!”
”Who would have thought we would find such a fine sword in this remote countryside!”
The soldiers were very pleased with the dwarves' swords.
The day before, we took the sword made by Rorono—the very same high-quality sword used to attract customers—down and hid it as a precaution. If that was among the swords the soldiers had seen, it would have caused unnecessary trouble.
Anyway, as they held the mass-produced swords, the men of the delegation came up to me.
”Oi, Procell, give these swords to us! If you do, we'll put in a good word for you to our higher ups.”
They said, greed visible in their eyes.
Their words were too frank and were even humorous.
”Yes, no problem. Rather, please carry them. They are one of this city's specialty products.”
My answer pleased them to the point that they started doing practice swings right there and then.
After a while, the delegation finally arrived at the mansion.
After a simple inquiry—since this was an inspection after all, even if in name only—they stuffed their mouths full of food and drank as much alcohol as they could. After they were full, each member of the delegation headed to the brothel to have a good time.
I then guided them to their lodgings that I had arranged beforehand. The rooms they occupied were first class ones that cost three times as much as normal rooms. This was of course shouldered by us.
After assisting the delegation, I returned home and scrutinized the contents of their demands.
”I can't accept these conditions. They're far more than what I expected.”
I intended to compromise quite a bit right from the start but their demands easily went beyond what I could tolerate.
Thankfully, Wight was there to give an evasive response.
We can't accept these exact terms but there's still room for negotiations. If we can maybe loosen their terms a bit… were my and Wight's opinion. However, I was convinced that regardless of what we would do, in the end, a war with the humans would break out.
It felt like the terms they gave were too demanding and too strict by design as though our refusal was assumed from the start. But if we did refuse their unacceptable terms, they would then have an excuse to have complete rule over us through military intervention.
But could all these really be fueled only by human greed?
Could there be a Demon Lord hiding with human society and using them?
If it was a war waged by the humans, even old Demon Lords would be able to lay their hands on me.
I couldn't help but think along these lines.
”At any rate, I should focus on getting those soldiers to be pleased with their stay here so we could stall for as long as possible.”
Like that, I thought up of various strategies in my head.
◇
In the morning of the third day since they arrived, I stood in front of our city's gate to see the delegation off.
”You've taken good care of us in the past three days. For a remote settlement, this has been quite enjoyable.”
”I'm glad you're pleased. For you who have come all the way to this remote place, we did our best to make your stay as enjoyable as we can.”
”Did you not think of anything this whole while? Don't you have any sense of dignity?”
The leader of the delegation gave me a suspecting look.
I wondered then if I have overdone it a bit too much.
During their whole stay, these men did whatever they pleased. Normally, a city's ruler would have probably been furious if outsiders behave as these men did. In truth, I lost count of how many times I wanted to kill them. Even so, I put up with it as though I was even glad of their continued stay.
”For us who seek to be under the protection of the empire and gain safety as soon as possible, we would not hesitate to do everything we can for you who would protect us in the future.”
I calmly said things I didn't mean.
”Kuhahahaha, those are some good intentions! What a good dog you are. You're the first one to say such an obedient reply to me. Well then, in order for you to receive the protection of the empire, pledge allegiance to our lord.”
”I would in a heartbeat if I could but certain adjustments within our city will have to be done first and that will take time. Once it's finished, we will send out a message so won't you graciously wait until then?”
”Hmm, I guess there's that too… very well, Procell, you miserable dog… no, you who has respect toward empire, we will wait. You probably won't do anything strange but don't make us wait too long, hurry it up!”
”Of course.”
I replied so and then showed him a smile.
The delegation left with more luggage than when they arrived due to the gifts I sent their way. With that, they returned with a pleased expression on their face.
I was sure the delegation would report to their lord that I, the chief of this remote settlement, was a coward and would do anything I was told with little to no threats needed.
”Now then, just to be sure, I better ready a fighting force suited for a war against the humans.”
A war against humans needed a different set of strategies and fighting force than when going against a Demon Lord in his dungeon.
Even if things don't, in the end, come to war, the preparations done would absolutely not go to waste.
With this earned time, I'll be able to prepare even more. I'll show those soldier who the real fool is.
I was the type to harbour a grudge. I would never forget the humiliation I endured this time.