Volume 5 Chapter 6 (1/2)
In order to help Marcho, I came to [Dragon] Demon Lord Astaroth's dungeon and asked for his cooperation but was refused.
”I have expected that you're planning on helping Marcho at the moment.”
Being a first-class Demon Lord, there was no way he didn't know of Marcho's situation.
”Hmm, then, why did you come here?”
”So that I can persuade you into doing it.”
The expression on his face grew stern.
”So, you think you can convince me? That's a mighty big statement but very well, I'd like to see you try.”
His voice was merry but his eyes were not.
Even if my statement was taken as arrogance, there was nothing to be done. After all, a newly born chick of a Demon Lord just said he was going to change the mind of one of the strongest Demon Lords.
”First of all, why would you not lend Marchosias-sama any aid? The two of you are friends, correct? I even saw the two of you speaking on friendly terms during the [Evening Party].”
I only saw them together for a short time but even then, it was enough for me to feel the trust and closeness between them. He should want to help her, at the very least.
”Certainly, we are close friends and we have been so for a considerably long time. She is someone I consider important to me. However, a Demon Lord does not act based on his emotions alone. Just how many do you think rely on me? I have thousands of monsters and several ally Demon Lords to think of. The better question is, why are you going to help her? You are going so far as to endanger your subordinate monsters but have no prospect to gain anything from it.”
What he said was true.
I myself worried if it was alright to put Avalon and my monsters in danger. After some deliberation though, I had decided, by my own will, that I would help her.
And to answer his question:
”I owe a great deal to Marchosias-sama. My conscience will not allow me to let her die before I even have the chance to repay that debt. Furthermore, what kind of Demon Lord will I be if I chose to suppress my emotions!? I love her and I cannot forgive myself if our last moments were in disagreement.”
”Are you resolved for whatever follows?”
”Yes. I have this decided this on my own and will follow it through with the best of my abilities.”
Astaroth narrowed his eyes and then, after a short while, spoke in a gentle manner.
”Marchosias is fortunate to have a good child. However, those are your reasons for choosing to help her. I'm afraid those can't be applied to me.”
”Yes, I understand that these are just a young man's reasons. That's why, I'm willing to give you recompense for your help, [Dragon] Demon Lord Astaroth. I hope your judgement as an adult will see what you stand to gain and think about it.”
Stolas who was beside me was breathless for a moment and then looked at me with a somewhat lonely expression on her face.
”So you're going to go that far? Very well then, what are you offering me?”
”My medal… but then there is the possibility that for this fight, I may use the only remaining medal I have at the moment so the payment will have to be delayed until next month.”
”What makes you think I'll act for the sake of one medal?”
”If a Demon Lord as great as you examine these two with me, I'm sure you'll agree to the value of my medal.”
Astaroth, being one of the strongest Demon Lords, was strong enough to see the information about Kuina and Wight's capabilities. Certainly, he knew that the two of them were S rank monsters and from there, he must have also concluded that my [Creation] medal was worth the consideration.
Originally, to have an S rank monster meant you had receive one or at least the ability to make one from the Creator. There just wasn't any Demon Lord who could make S rank monsters on their own before.
In truth, I had only fully realized the value of my medal during my negotiation with the [Time] Demon Lord.
”Hmm. That is interesting but I'm afraid that it isn't enough. I would like to add another condition to this deal.”
Astaroth said so and then looked at Stolas and me.