Volume 7 epilogue (2/2)

“What a shame. Oh, hmm, it seems Ruru-chan has come back.”

Thanks to Aura monitoring the surroundings using her wind, she was the first to know that Ruru has come back.

Soon enough, the door to my estate opened.

“I’m back. I’m finally home after going around three cities. Patron, you’re such a slave driver! I should be asking for a bonus now.”

Ruru has just returned from a tour to the three new cities we built a church in. Since Prince Leonard no longer needed to be guarded, she was free to focus in the worship meetings.

The plan was for her and the Ocean Singers to visit each of the three cities and the royal capital once every week. They were to sing while those that would attend the worship meetings enjoyed a special wine called [God’s Smile].

According to the reports, we were a hit in every city.

“Very well. For your hard work, your salary would be increased from next month onward.”

“Ah, I was just kidding. But if you’re willing to give, I’m not going to complain. Thank you, Patron.”

As money-grubbing as always.

“Also, sorry to be sudden, but I have an important task for you in the dungeon proper. Let’s go there right away.”

“Eeeeehh. But I just got back. I’m tired. I wanna rest instead.”

“Are you sure? Even if I say you’ll regret it if you don’t follow me? I’ve prepared a special reward and all, you know.”

“Say that sooner, Patron. Well, come on, let’s go already!”

In a complete 180, Ruru leaded the way.

At that, Aura and Duke both chuckled.

Alright, time to do what I should have done long ago.

◇

After some time, we arrived in the graveyard dungeon room. There, most of the monsters in Avalon were gathered.

Food and drinks were aplenty. The High Elves played instruments, the Ocean Singers sang to that tune, and the Mythological Foxes danced, gleefully shaking their tails.

“Patron, what’s going on here?”

“It’s a celebration.”

“A celebration for what?”

“For you, of course.”

After replying so, I took her hand and led her to the prepared stage.

“Sorry for being late, everyone. But, at last, the star of our show has come!”

The monsters cheered.

Meanwhile, Ruru was pretty confused with what was going on. It would seem that although she normally had good intuition about things, when it was about her, she was rather slow on the uptake.

“To recognize your distinguished service and devotion to Avalon, I am going to give you a name and make you a special monster. However, know that this name comes with the duties and responsibilities expected from a member of Avalon’s top executives. Are you ready for that?”

I asked her so and stretched out my hand.

I couldn’t give her a name unless she was ready for the responsibilities it entailed. As a special monster, she had to be ready to support and protect Avalon with me.

“Oh, so it’s that. Ahaha. You’re so sly, Patron. What a surprise attack. But, thank you. This has made me so incredibly happy.”

Now fully knowing what was going on, R’lyeh Diva smiled and then continued speaking.

“But asking me whether I’m determined enough for that is kind of a silly question, don’t you think? I love this city and you, Patron, and I would do everything to protect you all. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have gone so far as to use that power, right? So, I swear that even after I receive my name, I shall continue to protect Avalon and you at whatever cost.”

Ruru answered so with a smile before taking my outstretched hand and shaking it.

“I have confirmed your resolve. R’lyeh Diva, from here on, you shall be known as… Ruhe.”

The moment I said her name, tremendous amounts of magic power flowed out of me along with my Demon Lord powers, and into Ruhe.

Upon naming a monster other than their would-be [Monsters of the Covenant], a Demon Lord had to one-sidedly bear the burden of the naming due to the lack of a special connection present in the former.

That being said, even if it was only while my powers were flowing to Ruhe, I did feel a connection between the two of us. She was always joking around and teasing people, but deep down, she had the most affectionate and considerate heart out of all others.

After a while, the flowing out of my powers ended.

Unlike when I named Duke, I felt better. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say I didn’t feel as weak. Naming S rank monsters truly was taxing.

Still, in order for her not to worry or feel guilt, I tried to hide my weakened state.

Just smile, I told myself, this is the time to show your willpower.

“Ruhe… my name is Ruhe.”

“Yes. In an old and forgotten language, it had the meaning of peace.”

After much deliberation, I concluded that Ruhe was the most fitting name for her.

“Fufufuu. What, are you serious, Patron? Peace is so not me.”

“It is my wish that someday, Avalon would be truly peaceful and free of conflict. In that dream of mine, I always picture you singing songs you genuinely love. Won’t you help me accomplish this silly little dream of mine… Ruhe?”

When I said so, Ruhe, who had tears falling from her eyes, smiled.

“Again, what a sly way to say things. But as I thought, you’re hopeless without me, aren’t you? Alright, I’ll support you, Patron. And, when this city is finally and truly peaceful, I promise I’ll sing of love.”

With her accepting and appreciating her name, the ceremony was over. My monsters clapped their hands and shouted their congratulations.

By the way, it didn’t seem like she has noticed it yet, but the black markings on her skin—which she got when she used that power—looked a tiny bit fainter than before.

Could it be that the naming allowed her to purify herself a little bit?

“Ruhe, sorry to ask so soon but I have a request. Won’t you sing us a song? Preferably one that matches what you are feeling right now?”

“Well, if you insist, I’ll play along with your selfish wishes.”

In contradiction to her words, Ruhe seemed happy as she began singing.

Meanwhile, my monsters and I were enthralled as we listened. By far, it was the most beautiful and heart-warming song I have ever heard. It was a song that could make anyone who heard it feel happy.

TL note:

1. Just as a sort of disclaimer, the Demon Lord Powers referred to when naming is 魔王力. The Demon Lord Powers all other times is 魔王権能. I think I have translated the latter as Demon Lord Authority before. To me, they sound to function pretty much the same so I’m going to translate both as Demon Lord Powers until a distinction is made clear.

2. If you recall, Procell has also regained the [Bow] Demon Lord’s abilities by killing them. I don’t see anything about that mentioned here though. I don’t know how that fits into the whole mechanics of things either, but I’m going forward with the assumption that it fits nicely.

3. Lastly, as far as I can tell, Ruhe is German. It’s written as ルーエ /Rue.