episode_0026

After enjoying ourselves to our heart’s content at the night market, we returned to our lodging.

Although it was called a lodging, in reality, it was a grand mansion bought and renovated by the cult.

“I wonder if it’s really necessary to live in a place like this.”

“Don’t be like that. In the end, we also prepared all this because we wanted to play with demons.”

Honestly, being in such a grand mansion like this, I felt quite good.

“Let’s start by making and trying the dragon skewers that Adel personally taught us for the first night.”

Looks like they prepared diligently.

I never thought they would even bring dragon meat.

“This time, the World Tree also gave us various herbs.”

They gave us herbs.

Hmm, using the leaves of the World Tree and such as herbs.

Wow, did we come out for a vacation or a culinary experience?

“The World Tree sent these herbs as a token of gratitude for taking care of their seeds on behalf of the demon lord.”

Yes, I am indeed taking good care of them.

By diligently tending to them every day, it seems the World Tree is also satisfied.

Just by looking at its appearance, it seemed like it was on the verge of dying, but thankfully, it still looks healthy.

It really looked like it could die any moment.

“For dinner, let’s grill some meat like everyone else.”

Saying that, they lit a bonfire we only saw in survival games.

Oh.

Grilling meat over a bonfire in the front yard of a grand mansion, how romantic?

“That’s nice.”

The scenery outside was beautiful.

The stars in the night sky were beautiful, and the cool breeze felt refreshing unlike during the day.

That’s how we spent the night with the children and drinks.

“What’s the plan for today?”

“Today, Beatrice will negotiate with the prophet, the princess, regarding the events in the desert.”

“I see.”

Investigating the events in the desert will surely take a long time… well, what can you do.

Well, considering that higher beings might be involved, it wasn’t just us who gathered there.

Demons, managers of the World Tree, Dragon Lords, Empresses, Saints and Maidens, among others.

“Then let’s head to Wangsung first. We need to receive a commission there so that we can comfortably investigate those anomalies.”

Hmm, it sounded like they were fishing for compliments, but I didn’t touch on that.

Well, since we’re already traveling, it’s good if we can do it comfortably.

If we can get a pass to go anywhere on the way, wouldn’t that be nice?

“We are not aiming to gain money but other things. Since money has piled up enough to rot.”

Yes, our cult earns more money than it spends.

Even when you consider each expense, investments, distributing money to the clergy, running academies and banks, we spend lavishly yet it never dries up; instead, it accumulates.

Just from this explanation, you can understand how overwhelming the money accumulated by the cult is.

“For example… Hmm, the relics from the old Fernium Kingdom seem decent.”

Will you offer them?

No, if the people here insist differently, we might be able to present them.

Especially since she can actually see the future, she might hand them over even faster.

With such thoughts in mind, we had a light breakfast and headed towards Wangsung.

Wangsung turned out to be closer than expected, and we could easily enter.

“…Looking at it this way, it’s even smaller than our sect.”

“Of course. The congregation that worships the demon lord must have a grand and massive structure more than any other building.”

It was a massive congregation to the extent that we got lost whenever we were bored, so we just accepted it.

Thinking like that, before we knew it, we had approached the inside of the castle where the prophet was supposed to be seated.

“Nice to meet you, followers of the dark religion, and you, the dark one. I am Chanel of the Ask Kingdom.”

With a polite greeting, she slightly bowed her head.

In her tattered clothes, carrying a book around, she was the prophet Chanel.

One of the key figures, a princess of the kingdom, and the one who entrusted us with the mission.

“If you can solve the strange occurrences happening in the desert recently, we will surely reward you accordingly.”

She calmly went straight to the point without much small talk.

Is it better to go straight to the point rather than getting caught up in various chatters?

It might have seemed arrogant, but our kids were understanding.

Of course, it would be more accurate to say that they weren’t paying much attention.

“I want the relic of the Fernium Kingdom, but you see, it’s hard to get water in the Ask Kingdom…”

“Don’t babble nonsense. Even though the relic isn’t meant for such purposes, can’t you get water yourselves?”

Abel chuckled.

He kept walking forward slowly, constantly interrupting.

“The prophet seems to think we are ignorant. Even if we didn’t know their true identity or the situation in the Ask Kingdom. If we bet on that, you should deliver it.”

Yes, yes.

So, they’re just using force to threaten.

The problem here is that threats made solely through force seem to resonate well with those who are followers of the dark religion, as opposed to others.

“The prophet just needs to nod as usual. Haven’t you been doing well? Whether when we destroy the kingdom, enjoy the empire’s struggles, or even when we manifest the great father here directly. So, please nod as usual.”

However, Chanel also nodded, being a key figure.

“Well then, Abel, surely you understand. Ultimately, if we don’t have that relic, we’ll all die.”

“It’s a pity. I thought you’d make the right choice to preserve the remaining lives rather than being killed while trying to steal the relic. It’s a pity. The prophet’s name is regrettable.”

“Now, please wait a moment. Would you like to have a meal before you go?”

A sudden meal?

Hmm.

One must know that the people here are not to be trifled with.

So, there must be another intention, and she probably knows the future.

“…Let’s have a meal. It’s not lunchtime anyway.”

“…If Father wishes, let’s eat for a moment.”

I just got curious.

What kind of future did she see to suddenly suggest eating in this situation?

Does she hope that during this time, they will turn a blind eye to their kingdom?

Or is she trying to gain favor with me to preserve the relic?

Regardless of the method, it didn’t seem very good.

“Everyone, please prepare for the meal.”

Everyone sat at the kingdom’s table.

Chanel sat on the throne where the king should sit.

I didn’t say anything there.

Her father, originally the king of the Ask Kingdom, was killed by the followers of the dark religion.

And she was the child who witnessed her father’s death firsthand.

There was no need to bring up that story.

Even Abel’s earlier suggestion to nod as usual was a trashy way to evoke those times.

Even third-rate actors wouldn’t do that.

“Now that the meal is ready, please eat.”

The meal was ordinary.

Just the right level of sophisticated meal that seemed to come from a kingdom, with a decent taste and the chef’s skill.

Literally, it felt ordinary.

“So, I’m not sure if it’s okay to ask why this meal is being served.”

“…Until you finish your meal, I just hope your opinions won’t change.”

Relics, relics…

It feels like a memory, but I can’t recall. What ability…

Ah, I remember now.

‘To those existing on the desert, it was an ability to help them avoid sandstorms and alleviate the temperature difference felt during day and night.’

But we don’t need that.

Is it just because it’s a good item that they want to bring it here?

Hmm, makes sense, doesn’t it?

“…It tastes good.”

However, even though it’s not immediately necessary for us, it’s something necessary for the children.

She wasn’t someone I had spent a lot of time watching, but she was a key figure, and there was no need to kill her or push her to the extreme.

“I quite like this place, Abel. I hope I can come back again next time.”

“…If Father wishes, feel free to come anytime.”

“Good to hear, seems like Lord Evil has had a change of heart.”

After that, there was a slight tension between Abel and Chanel, but it was decided not to intervene further.

By the way, did they suggest the meal thinking I would only now remember the effects of the relic?

Indeed, the prophet, there’s something different about it.

“In that case, as a reward, let’s agree to construct a branch of the Black Tower here.”

Abel said with a grin.

In summary, Abel’s words meant that he would now incorporate this kingdom under the Evil Religion.

Moreover, if she were to completely rule this place as a subordinate, she must serve the Evil Religion that killed the king of this kingdom.

“That should be sufficient.”

However, she responded more calmly than expected.

Once the reward was settled, we set out to find the anomaly in this desert.

Of course, Beatrice had many things to say about the Empire, so she couldn’t participate in today’s schedule.