NOVEL WEB Chapter 14
Chapter 14
Aaron and Lin’s secret meeting began. Meanwhile, other infiltration teams were on guard, ensuring that Andromalius’ forces did not catch wind of their meeting.
In such a slum, there were often cases where errands were assigned or information was gleaned, making discretion essential. If a peaceful resolution had been possible, they would have slipped money to everyone to keep them quiet, but…
Right now, they neither had the time nor the money to do that.
“Ugh…!!”
Splash!
Blood droplets scattered on the floor. An infiltration team member who had dispatched a vagabond who discovered the meeting spoke.
“One down.”
“We’re done over here as well.”
“Same here.”
Epsilon, too, had dealt with one and surveyed the surroundings. Once they finished tidying up, the vagabonds were left hiding, not daring to approach.
“Stay alert. We mustn’t be discovered until the meeting is over.”
“Understood.”
“If there’s any suspicious movement, eliminate them all.”
“Sure.”
Thanks to their swift movements, the area around the hut felt eerily quiet, not even a rat dared to scurry by. Only the quiet voices of Lin and Aaron floated in the air.
“His Majesty Seere intends to seize the 70th floor.”
“Indeed.”
“Is that truly possible?”
“It’s entirely feasible.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“If you and your following cooperate with us, it is completely attainable.”
Lin held back the rest of her words. The most crucial part of negotiations was maintaining an equal standing. If Lin revealed that fact outwardly, Aaron Laidras would gain the upper hand in negotiations from that moment on.
So Lin presented another reason.
“First, my existence is one of the reasons.”
Lin had a personality with little arrogance. It was embarrassing for her to put such words into her own mouth, but one of the cards Nahun had suggested she reveal during the negotiations was herself.
“That’s quite a lot of confidence.”
“Do you not find it convincing?”
“No, I agree with that opinion as well.”
Just because Seir was dead and a much weaker Seere ascended to the throne, it didn’t mean that Lin, who had been a commander since Seir’s time, had suddenly lost her capabilities.
Aaron was well aware of the abilities of those once known as “Seir’s Four Blades.” Yet, he found it hard to believe that just one person could make the conquering of the 70th floor feasible.
“However, Commander El Laze, you alone cannot defeat Andromalius’ forces.”
“That is an obvious fact.”
Aaron took a puff from his pipe. He had a rough idea of what was to come. If they could not utilize the power of their own forces, the chance of victory in this war was very slim.
“How do you intend to resolve that issue?”
So he deliberately threw out that question, expecting Lin’s response to affirm their need for assistance. He planned to use it to gain leverage in the negotiations. But…
“I will state just one thing regarding that matter. We can’t reveal all of our cards.”
Lin maintained her composure as she casually crossed her legs and spoke as if she had anticipated Aaron’s question.
“There is someone much stronger than I am accompanying His Majesty Seere.”
Aaron nearly dropped his pipe in shock. He slowly lowered it and looked at Lin with disbelief.
“What did you just say?”
Seir’s Four Blades. That name was not self-proclaimed. It was a title imbued with reverence by the demon kin for the four commanders trusted by the second-ranked Demon King, Seir.
The strength of Lin El Laze, who held one of those positions, was well-known and did not require explanation. For someone like her to claim there exists one more powerful was nothing less than astonishing, and Aaron couldn’t help but be surprised.
“Ha, haha! Commander El Laze is quite the joker.”
“It’s no joke, Count Laidras.”
Lin smiled gently as she addressed Aaron.
“Do you think I would joke in such a setting?”
She had not lied. This was also one of the cards that Nahun advised Lin to reveal in negotiations. To undervalue her own power to that extent could come across as sheer arrogance.
However, Lin herself believed that what Nahun had demonstrated in the training grounds had exceeded imagination. Though it was a mere assumption, she was thoroughly convinced that Nahun was indisputably stronger than herself.
“…You want me to believe that there is someone stronger than you?”
“If you cannot believe it, there’s nothing I can do about it. You may suffer some losses, but we will handle this ourselves. Just know, Count Laidras, that you will not escape unscathed.”
Lin appeared ready to end their meeting, suggesting that they could indeed capture the 70th floor solely with their own strength.
‘Is this just a test? No, what was said just now was definitely…’
It was real. The expressions, gestures, voice, and gaze gave no sign of deception. Aaron was an experienced individual who could easily read such signs, and the absence of any such indicators meant that Lin’s words were all truth.
Aaron, feeling a slight tremor of shock in his hand, picked up the pipe once more. He then grabbed Lin, who was about to leave.
“…Let me confirm it one more time. This is a certainty, right?”
“Is there any reason to lie in this kind of setting?”
In the shadows, the glow of the pipe burned brightly. Yet, inexplicably, Aaron began to notice a strange glint in Lin’s eyes.
“…I understand.”
Lin smiled contentedly as she spoke.
“If you raise military support from within, I promise to provide appropriate status and rewards.”
“Instead of a rotten old rope, let’s grab onto a strong new one.”
The negotiations had been successfully established.
#
Lin returned to the 72nd floor to report the successful negotiations to Nahun, who expressed great joy and encouraged her.
“Well done, Commander Lin.”
“It’s thanks to your advice, Nahun.”
“It seems it was effective as expected.”
If they were up against a high-ranking Demon King’s subordinates, it would not have worked, but Lin thought it would work perfectly against the low-ranking Demon King forces around the 70th.
The name Lin El Laze, known as Seir’s Four Blades, was still a figure of fear for the low-tier powers. If someone like her claimed that there was someone stronger than herself, the effect would increase exponentially.
“Are preparations for the expedition ready?”
“We can commence as soon as we send a message to His Majesty Citri.”
“…You’re thorough, aren’t you?”
Lin averted her gaze for a moment before looking directly into Nahun’s eyes.
“Nahun.”
“Yes?”
“Why do you present yourself as His Majesty Seere’s mentor?”
Nahun returned Lin’s gaze, sensing the ‘doubt’ emanating from her. Lin found his presence to be perplexing.
“What do you mean by ‘mentor’?”
“It’s not a position by nature, but, compared to your abilities, it seems rather insignificant.”
A being with such capabilities and strength. Why did he serve under Seere von Debata, in the lowest ranks? That explanation remained elusive.
Lin would have understood it better if he wanted to kill the current Demon King, Seere, and take that position for himself. Feeling suddenly tense, she scrutinized Nahun.
“It seems I’ve made you uneasy, Commander. But fear not. I wish for Seere to grow properly more than anyone else.”
“…I cannot comprehend that practically. Why would someone like you do that? I don’t understand why you’d choose His Majesty Seere, who has nothing and is of little consequence on the 72nd floor.”
“Reason…”
To return home after witnessing the ending. That was the original purpose, but stating it plainly would only make him seem mad. So Nahun provided another reason as an explanation.
“Wouldn’t it be amusing?”
“…Excuse me?”
“To raise the weakest and most despised Demon King and one day have her rule over the entire demon world. How would that feel to witness?”
In that moment, Lin felt an overwhelming pressure from Nahun’s sudden change in demeanor. Having encountered countless strong foes as Seir’s Four Blades, this was the first time she had ever felt such an intensity.
Nahun’s dark eyes glimmered with an eerie radiance.
“It would certainly be enjoyable, wouldn’t it?”
That was why Nahun had enjoyed simulation games. The story of a character who was consistently scorned and neglected reborn in the hands of a player to achieve great success; the catharsis of that was a sensation that could not be felt in other games.
Lin questioned Nahun with a quivering voice.
“…Are you saying this is solely for your amusement?”
“It would be unfair to say it’s just that. That is certainly the trigger, but I genuinely like this place.”
Nahun spoke with a pleasant smile.
“Seere is cute, obedient, and diligent. Cain is steadfast and loyal. Rea is a warm person you can trust with internal matters. Cecili keeps things tidy and is quick to grasp situations. Mark’s culinary skills are unrivaled in the demon world.”
Looking at Nahun as he praised the individuals within the Demon King Castle, Lin felt slightly perplexed.
“Baruna, the Vice Commander, has a bit of a rebellious streak, but there’s no doubt about his skills and loyalty to Seere. And Commander Lin, you are beautiful, strong, and loyal. I came to realize through this ordeal that you have quite the acumen as well.”
“Y-yes…!?”
“That’s not an exaggeration, is it? I would never underestimate your power, which earned you the title of Seir’s Four Blades. I always think of you as our hidden card.”
“That’s not the issue!”
“Hmm?”
As Nahun tilted his head, Lin facepalmed in frustration and sighed, shaking her head.
“…Never mind. Please forget it.”
“Very well. Regardless, I like the people here on the 72nd floor. In many ways, they appeal to me.”
Nahun’s was a familiar face from having played Ebel Queen Maker numerous times. Seeing the characters he had only witnessed in the game was naturally pleasant, making it impossible not to like them.
“So rest easy. Unless you cast me aside, I will never turn my back on you first.”
Lin, unaware of Nahun’s true background, felt somewhat touched.
‘Was my concern unnecessary?’
The sincerity felt through Nahun’s expression seemed genuine. It appeared he truly held a liking for Seere von Debata’s Demon Castle. Lin smiled subtly as she inwardly felt relieved.
“Thank you for attentively answering my insufficient remarks.”
“That’s not an inadequate remark, that’s incorrect.”
“Pardon?”
“The one the commander is loyal to is not me, but Seere. Thus, the very statement of disloyalty does not hold. Rather, you should say it is loyalty.”
Nahun smiled brightly.
“The commander asked that question with Seere in mind, right?”
“I appreciate your perspective.”
“I reiterate, you did well. Go back and take a rest.”
“Yes.”
Lin bowed respectfully and exited the office. While thinking about Nahun’s genuine smile, she couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.
“Our Majesty is surely fortunate with relationships.”
#
“What did you say?!”
In the palace of the 70th floor’s ruler, Andromalius, the prominent forces were gathered in attendance—everyone except Aaron Laidras and his confidants.
The reason for such a gathering was none other than…
“Demon King of Rank 71, Citri, has sent a declaration of war to His Majesty Andromalius concerning the 70th floor!”
It was due to the declaration of war from the 71st floor. Andromalius slammed his fist against the armrest of his throne in fury.
“Citri, that wench must have lost her fear!”
“You must be cautious, Your Majesty.”
“Why should I fear that wench?!”
“Even though Citri’s forces are sealed, her strategies remain in play. Do not forget that she was once part of the high-ranking Demon Kings.”
“Hmm…!”
Andromalius was a Demon King who knew how to heed the advice of loyal subordinates. Despite his strong sense of self, he possessed a few advantages that ensured his followers wouldn’t abandon him.
“Does she have some plot in declaring war?”
“If she didn’t, there would be no reason to suddenly instigate a war.”
“You’re probably right. What do you think the reason could be?”
“There’s one possibility.”
A man stepped forward. He was a figure of considerable importance among the forces under Andromalius, though not as notable as Aaron Laidras. Andromalius had deep trust in him.
“Count Eugene Vermilion, what could be the reason?”
Eugene Vermilion, that was his name. Despite his relatively young age, he had established considerable power and was one of those Andromalius had fully supported to keep a check on Aaron Laidras as his forces grew.
Eugene bowed his head in response.
“Recently, news has emerged that the 71st and 72nd floors have formed an alliance.”
“What?!”
The hall buzzed. Since the alliance between Citri and Seere had not yet been officially announced, very few in other tiers were aware of it.
“We sent a spy, and confirmed that Citri has been descending to the 72nd floor frequently.”
“How dare she declare war against me with faith in the 72nd floor?!”
“You must not dismiss it, Your Majesty. Although the 72nd floor may not have a large force, Seir’s Four Blades are present there.”
“Hmm…!”
The only survivor of Seir’s Four Blades, Lin El Laze. Even Andromalius couldn’t afford to take her lightly. Eugene continued.
“And recently, there have been reports that they installed a king on the 72nd floor.”
“Indeed, I received that report.”
“The individual in question is said to be extraordinary in every aspect.”
“Isn’t that merely a rumor? Why would such a remarkable person choose to serve as king on the 72nd floor?”
“However, Your Majesty, I heard that it was that individual who facilitated the alliance between the 71st and 72nd floors.”
Eugene’s words surprised not only the assembled nobles but even Andromalius himself, causing him to widen his eyes slightly.
“Are you saying she brought Citri into this?”
“You mean to say it wasn’t an alliance led by the 71st floor?!”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Therefore, you must respond decisively to this war.”
Eugene advised Andromalius.
“Let’s start with a full-scale war. Fortunately, we possess overwhelming military strength, so if we steer this conflict into an outright war, neither Citri nor Seir’s Blade will have any way to deal with it.”
“Eugene, your opinion is indeed correct! Citri, I will show that pompous wench the disparity in our power!”
As Andromalius spoke, he looked around, searching for the presence of a certain man. Not seeing him, he inquired of his aide.
“Where has Count Aaron Laidras gone?”
“He did not attend, Your Majesty.”
“What?!”
Even though Aaron had been at odds with Andromalius recently, he was undeniably a top figure on the 70th floor. The fact that such a person hadn’t attended a significant meeting caused the other nobles to react with great alarm.
“Now that you mention it, the forces of Count Laidras are also conspicuously absent!”
“No, where could they have gone during such a critical time?”
Andromalius instinctively felt a sense of unease. Not only was Aaron Laidras absent, but all of his supporting forces had also completely vacated the area. What did that imply?
“Bring Aaron Laidras here immediately!”
“Understood, Your Majesty!”
At that moment, a soldier came rushing into Andromalius’ palace.
“Y-Your Majesty, it’s urgent!!”
“How dare you! Don’t you see His Majesty is conversing with his aides?!”
“I apologize! But it’s a matter that absolutely must be reported!”
Andromalius stopped the aide who raised his voice with a gesture.
“What is it?”
“Th-the… Aaron Laidras and his forces have rebelled!”
Andromalius and everyone present immediately stiffened. The timing of their rebellion, right after Citri’s declaration of war arrived, was something even a child would understand the significance of.
Andromalius rose from his throne in a furious outburst.
“Aaron Laidras, you traitor!!!”