Kuro no Maou Chapter 528

Chapter 528

528 Battle rits Negotiations

On the 6th of Pristine Water Month.

Four days had passed since I returned to Spada—in other words, four days had passed since I parted with Lily.

Lily hadn’t returned as of yet.

After waiting for a day and seeing no signs of her return, Fiona agreed that we should at least investigate her whereabouts. For the ti being, I commissioned the Adventurer Guild’s to search and provide sighting information. But so far, it was to no avail.

That night Lily went out, it was as if she had vanished without a trace.

Of course, since it was Lily we were talking about, I didn’t need to worry about her safety. However, at the notion that I might never be able to see her again, anxiety swirled in my heart. Despite being reassured by Fiona that she’d return soon, I still felt uneasy.

At the sa ti, I also had other concerns. It was sothing more pressing and urgent—

—yes, it was none other than the negotiation about the treatnt of Sariel.

I donned my formal seminary attire and went to the Royal Castle of Spada with Sariel in my arms.

“But isn’t Sariel capable of walking on her own?”

“If we made a display of how she’s limbless, the other side will be less cautious.”

Fiona walked beside . She was also clad in her school uniform.

I had various concerns regarding Sariel, as well. But for the ti being, she wore a spare ascetic robe that I had in the dinsion pouch. Moreover, she also wore a dimple hood—one with a proper size that wouldn’t conceal her face. Looking at the familiar sight, I was worried I might accidentally refer to her as ‘Yuri.’

—Thus, I rode on the back of my beloved horse, Mary, alongside Sister Yuri—ahem, Sariel—as we trudged on the main street of Spada.

Not only did Will prepare the stage for negotiations, he also said that he’d be present. Normally, the negotiations would only be attended by those who were involved. Nevertheless, since I was an uneducated adventurer, I’d require a spokesperson—kind of like a lawyer—to guide through the Sparda’s laws and negotiations to not get scamd. Besides, it was common to hire a specialist and have him attend. In that regard, Will was definitely trustworthy.

I could see Will triumphantly holding a sign that said “Win the lawsuit” in front of the gate.

“This is the second ti I’ve co to the royal castle.”

“Are you nervous?”

“This ti, I won’t just be receiving so dals…”

When the majestic Royal Castle of Spada appeared in front of , I couldn’t help but whine.

“If the negotiations failed—”

“—I know, then I’ll have no choice but to leave Sariel to the authorities.”

“That’s right. After all, we don’t want to make an enemy out of the Sparda country.”

Even in the worst-case scenario, as long as she could avoid execution, then everything would be fine. As long as she was still alive, there was a chance that she’d be able to see the light of day.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Thus, we stepped into the Royal Castle of Spada.

At this point, besides asking for Will’s help, the application for the battle rit negotiation had been formally processed through the Adventurer’s Guild. After showing the docunts and guild card to the guard at the main gate, I was allowed to enter the castle without a hitch.

However, as expected, the knights in crimson armor, along with magicians in crimson robes appeared in front of us. They assembled a formation in order to surround us.

…Well, I’d heard in advance that it’d be that kind of “welco”, so I wasn’t that worried.

I’d already reported what happened after I teleported with Sariel. Frankly, I expected the knights to storm into our dormitory as soon as the na “Sariel” escaped my mouth. However, the Sparda’s side had tacitly allowed to shelter her until today.

Could it be that the other side was cautious enough to avoid any coercive thods?

Regardless, it seed that quite a number of knights were quietly dispatched around the seminary to guard and monitor.

“Oh, you’re here, Kurono, I’ve been waiting for you!”

After I passed through the hall covered with a bright red carpet, I saw Will crossing his arms in the waiting area. Considering that it was his family’s royal castle, the sight of him felt sowhat unnerving…

“I’ll be in your care for today, Will.”

“Leave it to ! I’ve attained the formula to victory!”

Will, who confidently said so with his red cape cluttering, was acting like his usual self.

As he sat down on the sofa in the guest room, Will asked us to take a seat. At the sa ti, Celia—who was quietly waiting like a shadow—prepared aromatic red tea and so deserts.

“First of all, let introduce myself. My na is Wilhardt—Wilhardt Tristan Spada.”

Naturally, Will’s golden eyes were trained at Sariel, who sat on my lap. We’d been discussing her for a long ti, but it was the first ti for him to et her in person.

“…You may speak.”

After putting down the empty cake plate, Fiona said.

Even now, she hadn’t lowered her guard against Sariel and basically prohibited her from speaking. Even more so considering that we were currently in a royal castle. If she were to utter even a single verse of a chant, I wouldn’t be able to do anything if she were decimated on the spot.

“Nice to et you, my na is Sariel.”

It was a rather curt greeting to the prince of a country, but of course Will didn’t mind.

“I see, you’re as beautiful as the rumor. Certainly, it’d be unavoidable for bad rumors to spread.”

“Hey, spare with that.” I glared at Will, who made an attempt at flirting.

“Hahahaha—!” In response, he only laughed. “I’ll inquire once more—but do you understand the purpose of today’s negotiations?”

Fiona and I nodded in return.

“The first goal is to have Ms. Sariel becoming Kurono’s slave be recognized as a fair reward.”

Inwardly, I still resisted the notion, but I had no hesitation in doing so.

“The second goal is to prevent the bounty from being reduced as much as possible… In other words, this is where my negotiating skills co to play.”

“No, the prize money isn’t all that important—”

“—That’s not true! At first glance, the slave reward may appear like an alternative to the original bounty, but we mustn’t forget the fact that Kurono fought by himself! As such, he should be rewarded separately! Kurono, I’ll make sure that you’re awarded with both Sariel and the bounty!”

…Why is he so passionate about this?

To be honest, as long as I got Sariel, I didn’t really care about losing the bounty.

“Then, let confirm one more thing… Fiona, do you have any objection regarding this arrangent?”

“No, I don’t. I made a promise with Kurono. Besides, I’m not really concerned about it.”

“Alright, I shall hold on to those words.”

…It’d be a problem if Fiona intervened at a crucial ti. By asking that, Will had proven that he was proficient at laying the groundworks.

After that, we confird a few more things.

“Excuse , Your Highness Wilhardt, Kurono, the preparations are complete.”

Soon after, one of the knights summoned us.

The ti had co.

I was too nervous to touch either my tea or cake. But when I glanced at the table, both of them were gone.

…Since when? How strange.

“Well, then, let’s go. It’s ti for judgnt!”

With Will leading triumphantly, we went to the throne room where King Leonhardt was waiting.

***

The throne room, which I hadn’t visited since the awarding of the dal, was as solemn and tense as ever. Despite being as large as a gymnasium, the splendid structure—which was thoroughly decorated—symbolized the glory of the Spada country.

The tall crystal statues that rose to the ceiling were also impressive.

…Co to think of it, the statues of a male swordsman and a female knight displayed at the school gate of the seminary might be based on the image of [Immortal Champion: Svaldias] and the [Dark Knight: Freesia]. While the two were active in entirely different eras, but from the perspective of the people of Sparda, they were both equally revered gods.

As for , I wasn’t intimidated by the ancient god statue, but by the king who governed this country. I’d only ever caught a glimpse of him from a distance on the battlefield. When I saw him sitting on the throne right in front of , I was struck by his lofty presence.

First and foremost, I delivered the formal greetings without any hitch, before cutting straight to the case.

“—Even so, Will. I didn’t expect you’d go out of your way to negotiate for military rit.”

Of course, the one who spoke in a lighthearted manner that didn’t at all befit the throne room wasn’t King Leonhardt, but the first prince—Aizenhardt Tristan Spada. As the general who led the 4th Squadron of the Spada Army—to which we belonged—“Gladiator”, it may be natural.

“I was made aware of my powerlessness in the most recent battle. To my friend, Kurono—the hero who contributed imnsely to Sparda’s victory, if there’s anything I can do to help, then I’ll be more than happy to oblige, Brother.”

“Hm, look at your enthusiasm. I can’t take you lightly. After all, Will, you have discerning eyes. If it’s the friend you’ve chosen, even my father wouldn’t stand a chance. After all, he’s a true hero who’ve slayed monsters.”

With a dauntless smile, Aizenhardt looked at , and then Sariel, who sat beside .

As if being considerate to Sariel’s disability, a chair had been prepared in advance for her. While the chair itself looked gorgeous with gold and silver work, it probably had so sort of binding effect built into it.

After all, she was once a monstrous apostle with the strength to turn the tide of battle on her own. Since she’d be in the presence of the king, their vigilance was understandable.

“—Regardless, is this lovely maiden dressed in miserly outfit truly the 7th Apostle, Sariel? At that ti, I had my hands full with Ai, so I couldn’t see your battle very well.”

Despite how trivial it sounded, he got there.

…Speaking of which, how was I supposed to prove that?

“This girl is, without a doubt, an apostle.”

Unexpectedly, help arrived.

“Hm, well, if my father says that, then it must be so.”

King Leonhardt—who’d been silent until now—concluded that. Surely, when it ca to that man, he could easily discern that.

“If she’s indeed an apostle, then we have to make a swift decision! We mustn’t waste our ti idling, Your Highness!”

Following that, soone exclaid.

He was none other than the white Baphot old man I saw at Galahad Fortress. If I recall correctly, then he should be General Gesenburg, who led the 3rd Army, “Rampage.”

While most of Sparda’s generals were present, Simon’s sister—General Elia—was nowhere to be seen. Maybe, there wasn’t enough ti to gather all the generals?

In spite of that, the throne room was still filled with people, although they mostly didn’t say anything. In the upper echelons of the Sparda army, there were many civilians and bossy old n who seed to be ministers. To be fair, the fact that an apostle had been captured must’ve garnered a lot of attention.

“Well, well, don’t be so hasty, Uncle. Such degree of cautiousness, over a girl with missing limbs? Above all, she’d lost the divine protection of the [White God]. Therefore, I doubt she’d be able to bring forth such an abominable power again?”

“Still, don’t let your guard down. Even if she is without divine protection and is missing her limbs, there’s no guarantee that she won’t pounce on and rip my throat.”

…That’s awfully accurate, General.

Even the day after she lost her limbs and was in tatters, she’d kill a huge armored bear unard.

“Haha, you’re exaggerating. So, Will, what are you trying to do by gathering these people? What are you trying to ask for? Don’t tell you only ca here for the bounty?”

“You’re correct, Brother. However, I’m just soone in charge of the defense. First of all, as according to the rules, we should let the person himself express his or her wishes.”

“I see, I was slightly off-mark. Alright then, Adventurer Kurono, you may state your desire.”

It’s finally my turn.

I took a deep breath.

If I wasn’t careful, the mont I said this, a spear may fly at . In the event of an ergency, I’d escape with Sariel in my arms.

Alright, I was ntally prepared.

I don’t care what follows, the future will take care of itself.

“—As a reward for defeating the 7th Apostle, Sariel, I’d like her to beco my slave.”

I said it without stuttering; briefly and concisely.

However, the throne room was stiffling, as if everyone was still waiting for to say sothing.

That’s strange…

Did they not hear the first ti?

Of course, I wasn’t whispering, either.

“What—!? That’s just preposterous—!!”

As if to blow away my concerns, General Gesenburg scread. As his shout resounded through the wide throne, my surroundings began to clamor.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to repeat said preposterous line.

“Hey, hey, Uncle, calm down… Your blood pressure is going to spike. Even so, what a shocking request.”

“Do you understand what you’re saying, Adventurer Kurono? Even if you have achieved great feats in this battle, what you’ve just proposed is utterly horrendous!”

‘That’s right—!’ ‘That’s right—!’

Thus, voices of objections resounded. For a mont, it was as if I was a star of a Diet Broadcast in the middle of a heckling session. I had seen this coming.

…How are you going to turn this around, Will?

“…Silence.”

Amidst the commotion, the voice of the ruler echoed. Then, as if being splashed with water, silence returned to the throne room.

“Adventurer Kurono, I’ve heard your wish. Now, what do you think, Aik?”

“Of course, I deem it unreasonable to enslave such a woman.”

“—Gesenburg.”

“Second, that. Keeping in mind the danger of the apostles, it’s highly unacceptable. Above all, there’s no precedent for wanting to enslave the enemy general.”

The two were absolutely right. In fact, I agreed with them.

“—Pfft… Hahahahaha—!”

However, a certain soone directly objected to such an obvious truism.

“There’s no precedent—!? I honestly didn’t expect that from the wise General Gesenburg—! Apparently, none of my siblings whom have gathered here noticed—!”

With his glorious red cloak fluttering, Will spread his arms and exclaid as if he was having a soliloquy.

“Very well, Will. Say what you have to say.”

“Well, then. If I may—” After gracefully bowing to his father, Will spoke in a clear voice.

“—What a tragedy! With so many people in one place, how can not a single soul rember the founding myth of our almighty Sparda—!

Everyone’s gazes pierced him all at once. ‘What is this guy talking about?’ Such was what their gazes implied. His older brother, Aizenhardt, also had a hint of confusion on his face.

“Sieghardt—the [Sword King] who built Sparda on this land—and his first queen, Eleanora; I believe no one in this place knows how their relationship began?”

“…Kurono, do you have any clues?”

“Nope.”

Fiona whispered in my ear, and I felt sowhat relieved. Neither of us knew the founding myth of Sparda, either. Was it okay to pursue this topic nonetheless?

“Hey, Will, no way, you—…”

“Yes way, Brother! The Sword King, Sieghardt, defeated the princess of the small country that ruled this land at the ti—Princess Eleanora; also known as the Crimson Princess—in a one-on-one duel. By enslaving her, he laid the foundation for building Sparda here!”

—In other words, he took the princess as his own and just took over her kingdom?

That’s one hell of a story, dude.

“Your Highness Wilhardt, as the prince of Sparda, that kind of statent is—”

“—What? There’s no need to mince words by this point, General Gesenburg. Regardless of what may happen afterwards, the fact remains that a man nad Sieghardt enslaved the girl nad Eleanora in the aftermath of the duel. Even the history books attested to that. Above all, my father—His Majesty the King, Leonhardt—has confird it.”

“Certainly, the king’s divine protection is [Sieghardt].”

“I see, is that so?”

While having a secret conversation with Fiona, I managed to keep up with the story.

King Leonhardt probably exchanged words with the deified Sieghardt, just like I did with Mia.

“In other words, it’s still within a realm of senses for soone who single-handedly defeated an enemy general to recruit her as a slave!”

Will said with a boastful expression as if he’d won. However, it seed that the upper echelons of Sparda weren’t so weak-willed as to be caught up in the mont.

“…But isn’t that just an embellished story?”

“Nowhere in Sparda’s law is there a written and guaranteed right.”

“That’s right. Again, isn’t it just farfetched?”

A relatively sensible counterargunt flew from the outfield.

“Your Highness Wilhardt, I think everyone has a point.”

“The point is that my claim has no legal basis, is it?”

As a representative, General Gesenburg clarified, but Will remained composed as if he’d seen it coming.

“Then, on the contrary, is there a law that prohibits the slavery of the enemy general in the modern law? How about the ancient law? Can those of you who’re familiar with the subject offer so insights?”

“…Just because it isn’t prohibited by law, it’s allowed. Aren’t you just grasping, Your Highness?”

“Pfft, that won’t do, General Gesenburg. Why are you treating like a child? I don’t need to be lectured about morality. Certainly, I’m still a student—but, ‘If there’s no law against it, you shall go unpunished.’ Is the first thing I learned as a freshman as per the excellent teaching of the seminary faculty.”

What often was said as circumventing the law was actually a gray area where it was unclear whether or not one would be subject to punishnt. Even if soone objected to said act, that was just them being biased, and it was unlikely for a punishnt to be carried directly simply because of their words.

After all, law was everything that was written there, and common senses or sothing like that had no role in it.

“I see that you did your howork, Will.”

“Well, as much as my status as a student allows, anyway. Nevertheless, I’m confident, Brother. There’s no legal basis to ban Kurono’s request.”

“Hmm, then, what of recent precedents?”

“It’s actually the most widely-known punishnt to force criminals to beco slaves of the state and engage in forced labor. Of course, in this case, there’s no distinction between n and won.”

…I see, there’s a forced labor sentence.

I wondered if they’d be forced to work in a mithril mine or sothing.

“Also, there are so precedents were nobles and knights, as revenge, sell off their enemies after stripping them of all human rights. That’s my best proof that a defeated enemy can be turned into a slave.”

“I see, well, I’ve heard stories like that… What do we do, General Gesenburg? It’s not looking so good for us.”

“Please wait, we can easily refute that with—”

—Will, who was fully ard with theory, against the unyielding general. Just when I thought that it’d be a protracted discussion, the end ca swiftly and abruptly.

“Alright, I shall grant Adventurer Kurono’s wish.”

King Leonhardt suddenly declared that.

Of course, Prince Aizenhardt and General Gesenburg were awestruck. Before they could say anything, the king silenced them with his gaze.

“Still, there are conditions.”

I can see why.

Hopefully, it wouldn’t be sothing outrageous.

While desperately feigning my calm, I t the sharp gaze of the king.

“Prove that Sariel has received the protection of [Dark Knight Freesia] at Pandora Temple. Afterwards, form a master-slave contract with an appropriate ceremony.”

That’s quite sensible.

I had no reason to object since it was my plan from the beginning.

“I won’t subject you under harsh interrogation, but I’d like you to testify what you know about the crusaders.”

I had seen that coming, as well. Sariel no longer had anything to hide about the crusaders.

“Lastly, let her participate in the next war against the Crusaders as my soldiers.”

“I understand… But is that really alright?” I instinctively asked.

If there was an internal conflict, how much damage would Sariel suffer?

“I saw that she has great power. She’ll surely be a great boon for our army.”

“No, that’s not what I’m asking…”

“Since you requested to enslave her, you must’ve been confident in your ability to control Sariel’s power.”

…I see, if he puts it that way, I have no choice but to agree.

“Yes, I’ll definitely take care of Sariel and fulfill your expectations.”

“Very well. Then, with this, the battle rits negotiations with Adventurer Kurono will be concluded.”

While Prince Aizenhardt and General Gesenburg seed like they still had sothing to say, they conceded by saying, “Understood, Your Majesty.”

…Anyway, I was truly glad that the conversation ended in the best possible way. For the ti being, I was relieved.

“Ugh… Father. Even though it was supposed to be my spotlight, for it to conclude in such an amicable manner…”

…Will was the only one who complained.