Chapter 247: Wisdom ・ Intelligence ・ Courage

Chapter 247: Wisdom ・ Intelligence ・ Courage

「How rare this is. For the Devil King and the Intelligent Beast King to visit so expressly.」

「Quit the teasing, Fraal. The fact that I had come has that much meaning.」

「......let’s hear it, Gandalf.」

In a low voice, the 3 meter tall, bulky Bearkin Beast King Guzhr asked Gandalf for the reason why they were called here today.

This place is the city-state that possess the sole port located at the north of the Demon Continent, Accuros. This nation’s ruler, Succubus Queen Fraal, the King Gandalf of the Devil Clan, and the Bearkin Beast King Guzhr. These three rulers surrounded a table. In the Devil Continent where monsters run rampant, there wasn’t much traveling between countries. Simply to the degree of conducting trade. Among such travels, the rulers of those countries visiting personally was even rarer.

Behind each of the three rulers sitting regally in a round table stood one of their respective knight escorts.

「If it is Fraal the Wise and Guzhr the Astute, you must already understand, the number of monsters has been increasing recently. It may still be within the margins of errors, but the types of Goblins, Kobolds, Ogres, and Orcs have been increasing in particular.」

「......Orcs aside, it’s been nothing but inedible monsters.」

「Hold on, Guzhr. That is what you care about? Well, even my side had grasped such information. Nevertheless, whether that is the influence of the miasma or if the reason is entirely different is unknown.」

By nature, the entire continent was of a monster nest-like environment, so the increase of monsters would not carry a sense of impending danger. But Gandalf, who felt an air of malaise within it, had proposed a conference with the rulers of other nation. And it was likely the same for Fraal and Guzhr who had accepted the proposition.

「I do not believe any of the ruling species have emerged.」

「Even if they are ruling species, those at the level of Goblin Kings and Orc Kings are no issue.」

「......Goblins stink and are inedible.」

「I am of the same opinion, but drop the eating part, Guzhr.」

Humanoid monsters were monsters that the people living in this continent weren’t all too happy about. Goblins were things that were inedible and stank, Ogres had hard muscles that take a long time to become edible. Kobolds also had a strong stench, and it would need herbs and precious spices so it could be eaten. The Orcs were the only ones that were delicious no matter the type. Especially since the taste improves the higher the species is, just by hearing “Orc King”, those like Guzhr would spontaneously salivate enough to fill their mouths.

「......were Ryvar and the other rulers called?」

「Do you think those guys would cooperate with us?」

When Fraal, who was in her own room after the conference, called out, the Oni woman waiting in the adjoining room came in.

Ryuka was a woman brimming with intelligence that was rare for the Oni Tribe, and she was Queen Fraal’s trusted right hand person.

「Do you remember the three people wearing cloaks the other day?」

「Yes. Though I could not perceive them myself, I presume the three were using advanced perception inhibiting magic and high level stealth-type skills.」

As she said so, Ryuka’s usual cool expression crumbled, showing her frustration.

「It’s inevitable, Ryuka. I am from the Succubus Clan, so I perceived them because of a slight feeling of malaise. However, it was still a coincidence that I did.」

「However, if I had realized, I could have detained them immediately......」

「Ah, no way, that’s impossible. Two of those three were definitely stronger than myself. I believe I can match one of them equally, but the remaining two must not be competed with.」

「Wha!?」

Ryuka’s shock was justified. Fraal was this queen of this nation, as well as its greatest power.

「Ryuka, compose yourself. I did not feel any danger, so perhaps all will be well.」

「......is that so?」

Fraal, the Queen of the Succubus Clan, has the ability to see through the true nature of a person. Since Ryuka had settled down, Fraal continued to speak.

「I want it arranged so that I would be informed if the palace guards or the soldiers in the land near the castle come across those three. I sincerely ask that they not be laid a hand on.」

「......very well.」

Ryuka wanted to say something but she held back, bowed her head, and left the room.

***