Volume 9 prologue (1/2)

Prologue: The [Time] Demon Lord’s Party

After we arrived at the [Time] Demon Lord’s dungeon, we were brought via Transfer into a dungeon room prepared specifically for entertaining guests.

“Master, Kuina didn’t come?”

Fel, the [Time] Demon Lord’s monster with white wolf ears and a white wolf tail, asked me so.

She was an S rank monster created using the [Creation] medal who viewed Kuina as a rival.

She was also the one that picked me up from Avalon.

“It’s a shame, but she has to house-sit. There’s something she has to do in Avalon”

“I-it’s not like it’s really a shame or anything. It’s just that it frustrates me to be the one on the losing side and thought using my new special move to get even!”

Even though she said such things, I could feel she was a bit lonely.

I was very grateful to Fel. Through her invitation, Kuina was able to do dangerous training and sparring methods at no risk in the [Time] Demon Lord’s arena where time could be rewound.

Originally, one couldn’t use such a place freely, but because it would help Fel as well, the [Time] Demon Lord had given his consent.

Thanks to that, Kuina’s lack of actual combat experience was being offset.

Having a rival was certainly making Kuina stronger.

“I’m looking forward to that. I’ll be watching when you two fight again.”

“Definitely do! Watch how I kick Kuina’s ass down!”

At that, I could only smile wryly.

As much as I was happy that Fel and I were close, I was ultimately on Kuina’s side.

“I’ll do my best, so cheer for me, okay?”

After saying so with such a wide smile, Fel flaunted the top of her head toward me.

When I indulged her wish, she issued out a funyaa as her facial expression became meeker.

She really is a good kid.

But then, I suddenly felt a gaze trained on me.

“Fel-tan, my precious Fel-tan, she’s being deceived by that green horn. Un-unacceptable. Even though I’ve lived for much longer and have had more life experience, even though I have such a dandy appeal, why?”

The piercing gaze belonged to an old man wearing a white robe.

For some reason, he was gnawing on a handkerchief while tears fell from his eyes.

His real identity was the [Time] Demon Lord’s dragon. Despite what his temporary humanoid form might suggest, when it came to fighting, he was a force of nature.

He was one of the monsters that possessed the most amazing [Time] powers. He outshone even Fel in this regard.

He was the ace of the [Time] Demon Lord’s winning hand, the [Chronos Knights]. The Chronos Knights were so feared by the other Demon Lords, it was said that once they appeared, one better escape right away or all was over.

Or at least that was how it was supposed to be… right now, he was nothing but an idiot grandparent that was doting on his grandchild.

“Ragna-jii, you’re so annoying. I’ve told you, stop following me around. And stop with the my Fel-tan, please. Fel isn’t yours!”

Fel, having noticed Ragna’s presence, scolded the latter off.

“M-my Fel-tan, my precious Fel-tan’s gone astraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!”

Losing the respect of his grandchild, the time dragon who had made a name for himself in numerous battlefields ran away while crying.

What did he come here for anyway? Speaking of dragons, it’s about time I let him out.

“Phew, finally out. My lord, as to be expected, being in the [Storage] is rough on the shoulders.”

Duke, the middle-aged gentleman, appeared.

Today, he decided on wearing a black tailcoat suit.

“You seem more pumped than usual, Duke.”

“Hahaha. Because my wife knew today was my big day, she tailored for me this special item. Thanks to her, I am ready for whatever’s to come!”

As ever, Duke’s family life seemed to be going well. How stupidly happy he and the Dwarf Smith were would show whenever he talked about their married life.

Except for them though, I don’t think any of my monsters are in a relationship.

It wouldn’t be strange for my monsters to have a romantic relationship with humans, but…

Mythological Foxes: A man’s merit is in his tail. If he doesn’t have a fluffy one, then forget about it. Ah, but if it’s Procell-sama, it’s perfectly fine.

Dwarf Smiths: a weak man is a hard pass. At the very least, the man has to be stronger than us for us to feel charmed.

High Elves: Elves are long-lived beings, so being in a relationship with a man of a short-lived race is more trouble than it’s worth. At the very least, the man has to live 300 years.

Their preferences were quite strict.

Out of my monsters, perhaps only the Ocean Singers had the possibility to form a relationship with the humans, but being part of our intelligence corps, they had duties that required them to be away from Avalon a lot.

To be in a relationship with their fellow monsters was also possible, but for some curious reason all of my humanoid monsters except from Duke were all female.

Can it be that I’m cursed? But whatever, I’ve let my thoughts wander for too long already. It’s time to get back on track.

“Fel, is everyone already here?”

“I don’t know. For the time being, let’s head over there. That’s what father told me.”

Like that, Fel led me by the hand. I just smiled wryly and let her.

◇

The place where Fel led me to was a garden where flowers of all colors were in full bloom. For a second, I forgot we were still within a dungeon.

And, in a roofed terrace, I saw [Time] Demon Lord Dantalian and [Beast] Demon Lord Marchosias enjoying some tea.

“Ah, Procell, you’re finally here. You sure took your time. I was so tired of waiting, you know.”

Marchosias, or Marcho as I called her, waved at me and then greeted so.