CH 43

The Fox Princess made her appearance.

She has golden fur, pointed ears and a broad tail.

But that is not the point. What is the key issue is the preponderance of force that this fox is exuding. There is no doubt that this is…

“The Demon King, ‘Hundred Beast Clad Fox Princess’…?”

“Correct, though I’m only borrowing the mouths of the demons under my command, not my own body, as the Fog King had done.”

Nonetheless, what is this domineering sensation of yours? The body of the demon she is in control of is presumably equivalent to our own Disarray Devil’s Darning Needle monster.

“Well, I’ve come here tonight to have a chat with you, but first of all, let’s introduce ourselves. My name is ‘Hundred Beast Clad Fox Princess’. As you are well aware, I am the Demon King of the labyrinth, the ‘Fox City of the Beasts of War’.”

“I am Hisano Ichiko, the ‘Kirijin’. The one sleeping here is Kokoro Izumi, the ‘Kirijin’.”

“Mm. I understand. Now, Ichiko. Let me ask you a straightforward question.”

The sense of oppression emanating from the Fox Princess induces me to straighten my back involuntarily.

“Why did you leave the Fog King?”

As I thought, you would pose that question. However, as the Demon King, it is obvious that this is a matter that you must evaluate.

After carefully observing the Fox Princess, I contemplate whether I can tell a lie or deceive her. Well, the conclusion is needless to be said. The Fox Princess is not caught off-guard or careless in any way. If I were to fabricate a poorly crafted lie or deception, I would be slaughtered the moment I said it. Then, I can only answer truthfully.

“The reason I left the Fog King is to attain the ability to defeat the Fog King, Kurokiri.”

“Have you lost your mind? Killing your own master is not something a servant should dream of doing, is it?”

The eyes of the Fox Princess are wide open. Her gaze seems to be fixed on something incredulous. It is a natural reaction, but that is why…

“Don’t worry, the Fog King himself is aware of the fact that I harbor murderous intent against him. And despite the fact that he knows it, he lets me roam freely. To begin with, I may have given my body to the Fog King, but I have never sacrificed my heart to him.”

Without any hesitancy, I expose my true intentions and my circumstances.

And in response to my words, the Fox Princess glares at me while releasing an overbearing aura. In all honesty, this is the most horrific experience I’ve ever had, but I can’t back down. If I back down at this point, she will conclude that my feelings are nothing but a mere passing judgment.

Even so, I wonder how Izumi can sleep under such pressure.

“Haa… I apply a lot of pressure even though this is not my main body, but it seems that you are dead serious about it. Both you and the Fog King seem to be out of your mind, don’t you agree?”

“Hahahaha…”

After all this chatter, the transportation line on my right chest suddenly glows.

“Eh!”  “Hmm. What is this!”

And then the light momentarily obscures everyone’s vision, and afterwards, a lone fog is in front of my eyes.

“Who is the one out of their mind, Fox Princess-san?”

“The way you look and speak… You’re the Fog King!”

“Hey, Kurokiri!”

The Fox Princess and I are greatly startled. I never imagined he would show up here… and from the looks of it, it seems he has been eavesdropping as well.

“What do you want, Fog King?”

“Well, I was hoping to hold a serious discussion with you at least once as a neighbor. And it just so happens that Ichiko and you came in contact.”

“Hmm, then quickly state your request.”

Discuss…? That Kurokiri plans to discuss? Even though he was the one who slew the nearest neighbor, the Ogre King? Wait, the Fox Princess-san is unaware of this news, right?

“The business is simple. I wish to establish a mutual non-aggression pact between the ‘White Fog and Black Swamp Forest’ and the ‘Fox City of the Beasts of War’.”

Eh?

“I refuse, because not only do I not believe you are committed to upholding your promise, but there are already three people, or rather two people and one body, who have already infiltrated here.”

Eh, ah.

“Well, that’s a predictable reply. Well, it’s not me who wants non-aggression, but the humans. To tell you the truth, I’m not asking for mutual non-aggression, but for a ban on large-scale invasions.”

“A major invasion ban, huh? So that means you and I would be involved in a series of mutual sheathing, skirmishes, and assassination attempts.”

“It’s a bit of a chess match, but it’s a beautiful relationship between Demon Kings, isn’t it?”

“Heh. Well, that is fine then. I mean, things are the same as they are now, aren’t they?”

“Hahaha. That’s indeed true.”

Before I am aware of it, the conversation between Kurokiri and the Fox Princess-san is advancing at once. The two of them are laughing with their mouths, yet their eyes aren’t smizing… I mean, the amount of pressure being put on those around them! All that pressure!

“Well then, excuse me. Incidentally, everything Ichiko mentioned is the truth.”

“I can tell by the look in her eyes. So, where are you going?”

“Since it’s convenient, I’ll do a quick check on X-J5.”

“I’ll give your subordinates permission if you send me a report about it later.”

“Alright.”

After saying this, with the pressure on the surroundings fading away, Kurokiri in the body of the Fog departs for the west.

Um, if I may be so bold as to say so, I have just stumbled upon quite a scene…

“Now, if that’s the reason, there’s no necessity for me to interfere. If anything, I would be more than pleased to offer my assistance. Are you there, Mugi?”

“Ah, yes. I’m here.”

Mugi-san enters the room. Apparently, she has been waiting outside the room.

“From now on, you will accompany these two and sharpen your techniques.”

“Eh?” “Yes?” “zzzz.”

Both Mugi-san and I unconsciously become dazed. As for Izumi, she is still sleeping like before.

“You appear to be inquisitive. It’s a simple story. In this world today, there is no harm in possessing a certain degree of power. You want to be of service to me, don’t you? Then go with them and hone your abilities.”

“Y-yes!”

Mugi-san replies broadly to the Fox Princess’s words. Is Mugi-san perhaps someone who has devoted her heart and soul to her Fox Princess-sama?

“Since the development has come to this, I’m sorry, but if you are going to pass through my territory, I will need you to bring Mugi along with you.”

“I understand. If that’s the case, I’ll accept.”

I also reply in the same manner.

“Now, both of you shall do your best.”

Leaving those words, the Fox Princess leaves.

Nevertheless… I wonder what will be in store for our journey from tomorrow…