Chapter 184: Welcoming and Audience (1/2)

Chapter 184: Welcoming and Audience

Parade.

There really was one.

With an open carriage that was ornamented in a conspicuous way to the level of a portable shrine in festivals, it carried us from the gate to the castle.

Since coming to this world, this has been the most embarrassment I’ve had.

It made me think that there’s no other day I wanted to bring my mask as much it did today.

At the front, Io slowly advanced on his black horse-like ride; at our side, there’s Rona.

Well these guys are in their own country, and their position is that of a demon general, so they are probably used to this kind of treatment.

But I was a normal citizen in Japan, and in this world I am a merchant, so being immediately able to cope with this type of event is impossible.

I was somehow able to return my stiffened face to normal, but I was unable to reach an understanding or free myself from obstructive thoughts.

What surprised me was Mio and Shiki.

Mio had an unconcerned face as if nothing’s happening, and Shiki was smilingly responding to the welcoming words thrown at him and was waving his hand.

Incredible.

These two are honestly impressive.

Also, I don’t know if this is the sense of worth for the demon race, or that’s just their valuation of hyumans, but it felt fresh.

As soon as the parade began, obviously, the gaze of the blue crowd that was lined up at both sides of the wide street were gathered at us.

I had shrunk the magic armor to a point that can’t be seen, and my magic power itself is in a state where other people would find it hard to notice.

Because of that, I who was the main guest, was looked at with puzzled eyes; at Mio with curiosity; and at Shiki, they simply let out their breath.

From three of us, the one who was showing the most power to the outside was Shiki.

Not much later, eyes of respect were also directed at Mio.

Glittering eyes were directed at her.

Not long after, cheers were also poured at me.

Even though I am barefaced.

For the demon race, the appearance is secondary. I understood that here they evaluate people by their power.

Because they are demons, they have blue skin and have horns on their head, but just as expected from the people created by the Goddess, they all have nice looking features.

I don’t know what kind of introduction they did to us, but being welcomed by a group of beauties feels uncomfortable.

“Fufufu, they really did it. Last night’s reception in the village was truly exaggerated as well, but I didn’t expect that they would go through so much effort.” (Shiki)

We enter a towering castle, and were led into a spacious room.

Shiki, this is not something to laugh about.

Here I am, unable to stop sighing because of the mental fatigue.

If I let my guard down, a deep sigh would leak out from the depths of my stomach.

Even if Mio confirmed me that there’s no tapping and spying set up in this room, my rapid fire sighs were not stopping.

How deplorable.

“There were a number of stores that seemed delicious-looking. I will check them out later.” (Mio)

Now that she mentions it, the kebab-looking one looked good.

Wait, that’s not it.

Is it okay to go outside? That’s the first thing that should be answered, Mio.

Fuh…

“Outside huh. I will ask later and see if we can step out, Mio. And so, as expected, the reception at last night’s village was also a plan from them, Shiki?” (Makoto)

I ask for confirmation of Shiki.

It is certainly true that for a town that has been enduring blizzard and existing, they gave us a warm welcome.

I thought that it might be because people related to the Demon Lord and the Demon Generals had come, but is there some sort of underlying reason?

The most I thought was: ‘The Demon Lord is also giving orders to the towns’.

“Of course. ‘Even in unexpected places, the demon race is a monolith, and the Demon Lord also has good reputation’, is most likely what they were trying to appeal. The parade is also a part of it. They probably thought that a welcoming was obvious for guests of the Demon Lord, and they must have wanted to show the trust they have for their own lord.” (Shiki)

“Are you trying to say that this appeal is another word for political pressure?” (Makoto)

“No. The Demon Lord is without doubt doing a good government for the demons- no- the demi-humans as a whole. This capital is without doubt the place with most demons, but the sight of demi-humans wasn’t rare, right? In the citizens that were welcoming us, they were naturally mixed in.” (Shiki)

“Ah, that’s true. In that case, there’s no need to make an appeal. We would be able to tell just by looking around normally.” (Makoto)

“…They wanted us to understand the demon race in the short time of our stay, is most likely what they were trying to achieve. If it were people that only had good points… it would have been easier though.” (Shiki)

“Eh, is there anything troublesome coming?” (Makoto)

Seeing the words of Shiki stalling, I felt a sense of foreboding.

“No. It seems like for the demon race side, they are properly trying to grasp Waka-sama. At this rate, they will probably not try a scheme of separating us. Of course, I will be keeping an eye and providing support.” (Shiki)

“Yeah, do your best Shiki. I will leave that part to you.” (Mio)

… Mio.

If you are leaving that to him, just what do you intend to do.

“I will leave the protection of Waka-sama and recklessness display to Mio-dono. I am counting on you. If I don’t have to fling my power as Larva, they will probably slightly understand the depths of our power after all.” (Shiki)

“… You two, I am counting on you, okay?” (Makoto)

It seems like Mio does have intentions to work.

For now I am relieved.

Ah, I kinda feel nervous now.

At Rotsgard, when I met with the high-standing people of countries, it was an emergency situation, so I remember that I wasn’t that nervous.

Being welcomed in this kind of way and even putting on a parade, well, it was to be expected.

At the Empire, before I could get nervous, there were a lot of events going on, and Tomoki served as a good stress relieve. Well, he made it possible for me to use him that way.

*Knock*

Uo, it’s here.

“Excuse my intrusion. The representative of Kuzunoha Company, Raidou Misumi-sama. The preparations for the audience have been finished.”

A serene voice.

The lively words increased my nervousness.

Deep breath~, deep breath~.

“Ah, yes! I will go soon!” (Makoto)

Shiki opened the door and leaves to the corridor.

Two armed soldiers were there and two demons with a nice personal appearance.

There are 4 people coming to guide me?

No, but the two others are not armed. Did civil officials come as well?

They must have noticed me staring unconsciously, the two lowered their head.

But they don’t say anything.

The two had a difference in height like that of Akua and Eris.

The tall one is a man with indigo blue short hair and a fine goat-like horn.

In terms of age, he is obviously older than me, but I think he is young. Maybe in his mid-twenties?

His demeanor is soft and has a gentle smile on his face.

The other one is a small woman.

Or more like, little girl.

Long straight blonde hair, and a still small horn.

Her mouth looks like it is smiling, but her eyes were showing a light as if inspecting me.

… At least it is better than the scheming eyes of Eris.

Hmph, well, there should be an explanation later.

Even though they have come to tell me that the audience preparations have been done, it would be rude to keep talking here. As Shiki said, it seems like the demon race won’t be coming with any foul plays, so let’s just be obedient.

This may be common etiquette of the demon race.

“Then we will be guiding you.”

“Please do.” (Makoto)

One of the armed soldiers measured the timing and talks to me.

I nod.

Right now it is without doubt noon, and yet, we are walking the corridor with lit lights.

It is always night here after all.

A capital of everlasting night does sound kinda cool.

The people that were walking the opposite direction, no matter their appearance, they all shifted to the sides and lowered their heads as they saw us off.

Yeah, it does feel itchy.

But that time didn’t continue for long.

We arrived at a big door that felt like a gate.

There were two robust soldiers… no, maybe knights, with a clear difference in hair color that were standing at both sides of the door.

The two that were silently walking behind until now went along with the two soldiers and approached the door. They seem to be talking about something.

As expected, the two with good personal appearance are probably from a higher standing.

While I was thinking that, the big door opens.

I was bask by a faint light, so maybe it has some sort of magic imbued.

From the door that opened without making a sound, I could see a red carpet spread out.

Oh, it truly looks like an audience room.

Being urged to go in, I thought this before going into the room.

Maybe there’s some sort of etiquette here.

“Uhm, can you please tell me if there’s some sort of custom I am required to do?” (Makoto)

I approach the smiling man that has an easy to talk atmosphere, and quietly ask him.

“It is okay to just act as you normally do. It is a given that you don’t know the etiquette of the demon race. If Raidou-sama holds respect for our Lord, then it is enough if you just show it in your own way.”

“I-I see. Understood.” (Makoto)

‘If you don’t know, it is fine even if you are lacking in manners’, is what he is trying to say, right?

Okay.

Let’s go.

Resolving myself, I face forward.

The man that gave me an explanation and the girl that came along with him were standing at both sides of the red carpet that I advanced in.

Are they people that will be participating in the audience?

If there’s people like that, it would make me feel better.

I continue straight through the red carpet.

Mio and Shiki were following a few steps behind.

After the red carpet, there’s a stairway, and after that there’s the throne.

I can see that there’s someone there.

… Or more like, standing.

It is not sitting on the throne?

No no no, not only that, it is walking down the stairs?!

Eh?!

Is the Lord of the demon race supposed to do something like that?

No good, don’t fall in chaos.

This might be a plan from them as well.

I was about to walk in quick steps, but I was somehow able to maintain my speed.

If I continue on, someone will probably notify me of where is the point I should stop.

I walk in a calm pace.

I’m totally at my wits end inside my head though.

The person that’s probably the Demon Lord doesn’t stop its feet and continues going down the stairs.

The distance steadily shortens.

This is unexpected, really unexpected.

Being bewildered in this occasion can’t be helped.

I should at least try not to stutter. Yeah, let’s do that.

Subordinates, stop that person!

Your Lord and a stranger merchant will end up talking at close range, you know?

Isn’t that bad?

But my internal screams ended unanswered.

My legs stop.

Because I can’t advance further.

Right in front of me, there’s the Demon Lord.

Wearing a luxurious cloak that covered all sides of its body.

The height of my gaze would be staring right at his chest, so the first impression that came out was his cloak.

Looking up at the Lord of the demon race who is standing straight, I look at his face closely.

And so, he was younger than what I thought.

It is an appearance that would make me question if he has already turned 40.

As a man, he looks like the age where he has passed the difficult period.

His short blonde tortoise shell cut hair was lifted up in order to avoid having it on his horn. At around the top of his ears, there’s two thick curved horns like those of a goat.

Our eyes met and we both look at each other.

He is the Lord. I could tell that in one glance.

What an incredible presence.