Volume 4 Chapter 8 (1/2)

After we came back home, I unconsciously spoke to myself out loud.

”I messed up; I've made Marcho angry.”

After I brought up the topic of [Rebirth], Marcho was enraged.

Even if I was being selfish, I had no ill intention; I just wanted her to live longer.

That said, her anger was understandable.

I half-expected her—one of the strongest Demon Lords—to be insulted by my offer to become my monster through [Rebirth] so I had prepared to persuade her but it felt like what enraged her was the very idea of extending  her life itself.

”Oto-san, you're making a sad face.”

”It's because Marcho's angry at me.”

Based on her personality, it was extremely unlikely for Marcho to become hostile and harass me.

Nevertheless, she was an important friend. Being in a quarrel with her is painful.

”Does Oto-san like Marcho?”

”I do. She's someone I respect. She has also taken good care of me.”

”Then, make up with her! If you say you're sorry, it'll probably make things ok, somehow!”

Kuina said so and I smiled. There were some truth to her words though. And so, I decided to visit Marcho again after she had calmed down a little and apologize with all sincerity.

”You're right. I'll go properly apologize to her some time later, with a gift while I'm at it. ……say, Kuina, when I reach the end of my lifespan and die, will you mourn for me?”

Upon hearing my question, she looked as though she was about to cry. She then hugged my right arm tightly.

”Kuina will be devastated. I absolutely don't want that to happen. Oto-san has to always be together with Kuina!”

Looking at her react like that made me feel happy, somewhat.

”I also don't want to die, of course. But that's all the more reason why I can't understand Marcho. I'd absolutely hate it to leave my adorable monsters behind and will therefore do whatever is necessary to be with you all longer, even if that means lowering myself to be another Demon Lord's monster. I thought all other Demon Lords would think so as well but apparently, that is just my hubris speaking.”

Maybe in the course of my long life, I'll have a change of mind. For the moment though, it's a sentiment I just can't comprehend.

I then recalled my conversation with Marcho.

She had said that somebody else had proposed something similar to my own proposal. That somebody probably was another Demon Lord and that Demon Lord was most probably [Time] Demon Lord Dantalian.

There was a chance that with his ability, he's able to stretch the 300 year lifespan of us Demon Lords.

”Kuina won't let Oto-san die. If it's to keep you alive, Kuina will do anything. Foxes are symbols for longevity so maybe if Oto-san eats Kuina, Oto-san will live longer!”

”Master eating Kuina is totally out of the question but I agree that we can't let you die, master. With the power of science, we should be able to overcome anything, even lifespans. If we have as much time as 300 years, my research to overcome your lifespan will be complete by then… I will absolutely make it so.”

”It's not just science either; don't make light of the power of nature. I will prepare the right food and environment that let you live a healthy and long life! If my powers increase further, I'm confident I can make a real Tree of Life that will surpass even the current World Tree we have now!”

Kuina as well as Rorono and Aura all spoke encouraging words to me.

It made me happy. However, strangely, I laughed involuntarily.

”Geez, you all. Thank you. That really made me glad. But don't worry 'cause I'm not going to leave you all behind.”

I then pet each of my beloved daughters' head.

Every one of them is a long-lived monster. They would age only until they have reached the most suitable age and form for combat. Moreover, they would continue to live long after I'm gone. Denying the fate of living on without me, they said they would do whatever it would take to prolong my life.

I'm filled with joy but now is the time for actions.

”Kuina, take some low level monsters and go hunt in the [Crimson Cavern]. Take along the Avalon-Ritter too. Its level won't rise but I want some battle data collected. I'll also increase the number of Mythological Foxes by two. They're very useful monsters with their speed, agility, and presence sensing capabilities so make sure to train them well.”

”Yeah! Kuina will raise her new little sisters properly!”

Kuina raised her hand and answered so. Her fox-ears were standing up too; an indication that she was motivated.

”Rorono, is it necessary for you to be there and directly control the Avalon-Ritter?”

”No. Battle protocols have been stored in its memory.”

”Understood. Then, Kuina, I'll leave the data collection to you. As for you, Rorono, continue your research on their mass-production. That shall be our key to victory in the upcoming war. I expect much from you.”

”Roger. I will not disappoint your expectations, master.”

Rorono, with a serious expression on her face, nodded and immediately headed for her workshop.

”Aura, figure out a way to hasten Kohaku's recovery. We cannot afford to let him be idle. He may not be as strong as you girls in combat but he has experience that we sorely lack. He'll definitely be helpful.”

”Certainly, please leave it to me. He'll be in better physical condition than ever before!”

”Also, tell him I'm going to borrow his wisdom later regarding intelligence gathering monsters. I just can't believe that we have an intruder even you can't detect. So, I want to know those kind of monsters' nature, to understand them, and to know how they can scout without any problems.”

”Okay, I'll relay that to Kohaku-san!”

Aura bowed and left.

With that, each of my Monsters of the Covenant began their work.

Not to be outdone by them, I went to work on my own set of duties as well.

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