Volume 6 Chapter 10 (2/2)

All the eyes of my monsters were gathered on us. When I shot a glance at them from atop the stage, they understood that the naming was finally going to begin, ceased their conversations with one another, and then became quiet.

Right at that moment, R'lyeh Diva sent a signal to the Ocean Singers, making them change the music they were playing from a cheerful one into a majestic one.

With that, the scene was set. All that was left was for me to give Wight his name.

”Wight, thank you for all the support you've done thus far. The reason that I, an incompetent Demon Lord, continue to win is because I have you, an excellent chief of staff. I am very grateful to you.”

”I am unworthy of your thanks. I was able to do all I've done because of you, my lord. It might seem like I'm returning words you've said, but you're the reason I was able to draw my full potential.”

The smooth talker that he was, Wight used the words I had said before against me.

”Wight, to reward you for your services and achievements, you shall henceforth have a name.”

I said so and then concentrated.

The moment I decided to begin the naming, I felt something in me becoming switched to on. I felt my magic power and my might as a Demon Lord boil up within my body.

”The name I'm going to give you is… Duke.”

The moment I said his name, my magic power and my Demon Lord might went into Wight as these black specks of light.

I felt I lost an outrageous amount of myself. So much so that I found it hard to even stand.

It got cold, or rather, I felt cold. I felt my strength continually being drained away.

I now understood what it truly meant to name a monster other than my [Monsters of the Covenant]. The stronger the one being named, the greater the toll. And Wight was a Black Dragon of Death Siegwurm, a special S rank monster, at that. The strength it consumed of me was unimaginable.

My knees were wobbling, but because I knew I must absolutely not fall at such an important event for Wight, I steeled myself instead.

I can't be a bother to him now of all times.

A moment later, the black lights stopped flowing. Finally, the naming process was complete. Wight was now officially Duke.

Forcing my unsteady body to stand by willpower alone, I looked directly at Duke.

With an intoxicated face, he looked at me as well and then nodded.

”Duke… That's my name.”

”Yes, it is. From now on, you will no longer be called Wight. Instead, you shall be known as Duke. From here on, all of you shall refer to him as Duke.”

When I addressed the audience, they began chanting his name: Duke, Duke, Duke.

Each time it was chanted, the more Duke grew triumphant and the more the reality of having a name sunk into him.

”Your name is a word from a lost language which means the highest seat of nobility next to the monarch. It was a noble with influence that could rival that of the monarch itself. In exchange for that power though, the position also offered duties and responsibilities that must be endured. And what I ask of you is to not only muster and organize my monsters, but to also be their role model. To be the most proper and ideal monster there is. Can you do that?”

”So long as my lord wills it, it will be done. I have and will continue to be until thine body rots, by your side, my lord.”

Wight, now named Duke, pledged so while kneeling down.

As usual, his graceful conduct was worthy of a portrait.

”I'll be expecting much from you, Duke. Much more than before now that you're part of my top brass in both name and actuality.”

”Yes, my lord!”

Good reply.

With that, the naming was over.

My monsters clapped and congratulated Duke.

”Now, let's get down from this stage. There are food and drinks waiting for us. It's been a while since we shared a leisurely drink and I say today we do just that. Tell me of all the things going on with you recently.”

”My lord… would you not mind even if I talked about the woman I love?”

Upon hearing that, I had a vacant look on my face.

And then, I recalled that he was in a relationship with a Dwarf Smith and that Dwarf Smith was now pregnant.

”Yeah, talk about her as much as you want. Duke, you must do your best for your child, okay?”

”Yes, I want to be a father the child can be proud of.”

Duke said so and smiled. It wasn't the usual smile he gave me, but rather, it was the gentle smile of a father thinking about his child.

”Alright, today, we drink!”

”To the last drop!”

Just like that, we drank the night away.

The alcohol was great, better tasting than usual.

I had finally named Duke and I strongly believed that we will be by each other's side now more than ever.

The party continued until morning, full of non-stop laughter from my monsters.