Informal Discussion ②
Second Part of Today's Session
"Then, informally, let us begin negotiations between the Church of the Divine Word and the Demon Clan."
The meeting commenced with the Pope's words.
The Pope initiating the dialogue—perhaps to ensure control remained with us, or something along those lines?
Honestly, in past interactions, everything has been settled through force and coercion. Nuances, etiquette—none of that matters.
Well, whether control lies with us or not—doesn't matter. If they wish to proceed, I have no objection.
In fact, overall, I have no objection.
"First, let us begin with introductions. Starting with me. The 57th Pope of the Church of the Divine Word, Dustin LXI. Please remember me henceforth."
The Pope's introduction concluded.
Following, the members of the Church of the Divine Word introduced themselves in turn. But honestly, I have no intention of remembering anyone other than the Pope and Kusama-kun.
The Pope of the Church of the Divine Word, whose reign number was fifty-seven, announced his name as Dustin the Sixty-First.
Whether anyone in this world truly understands the meaning of that number remains uncertain.
It declared he had completed sixty lifetimes and now walked his sixty-first.
To acknowledge that fact. To know it. To comprehend its meaning.
Only after accounting for all of these did he announce his name.
A mere name. Yet burdened with the weight of sixty-one lives.
Or more.
"Affiliated with the Pope's Direct Subordinate Unit, I am Syrin. A reincarnate. My previous name was Kusama Shinobu."
Kusama-kun introduced himself with a trembling voice.
Wait, he mispronounced it.
What was that—“chuttu-kakaku”?
He meant “chokkaku,” but clearly stumbled badly.
On the side, Oni-kun’s quiet mutter of “Kusama?” reached my ears.
Come to think of it, Oni-kun and Kusama-kun seemed to have known each other fairly well.
Syrilis had been part of Natsume’s group, but also interacted with other males to a reasonable extent.
Being part of Natsume’s group seemed more like following the stronger side than genuine admiration—didn’t appear to be driven by loyalty to Natsume at all.
That sort of petty, common-minded Syrilis.
Even now, in the very presence of the greatest power among humanity, little has changed.
“Here is my self-introduction. Please, your turn. The Nightmare Palace of the Labyrinth.”
Bwah—!?
W-what kind of bomb do you just drop like that!?
I knew I was sometimes called the “Nightmare Palace of the Labyrinth” in private—such a childish, clichéd nickname—but seriously, do you have to say it right in front of the actual person!?
No, no—this isn’t the issue.
How did you realize I am the same entity as the Nightmare Palace of the Labyrinth?
Where did the information leak?
Damn—didn’t expect you to hit me with two layers of pressure like this. Fearful, the Pope.
Everything about you is different from Agner.
This one’s not something to overlook.
Stay C.O.O.L.
Still fine.
If they find out who I am, the worst that could happen is embarrassment. Nothing else, should be fine.
Act composed.
“Call me Shiro. Preferably that way.”
No need for nicknames like ‘Nightmare Palace of the Labyrinth.’
That’s absolutely out of the question.
And you, Vampire Child—why are you staring at me with such shock?
Tone?
I can use honorifics if I wanted to.
“Shiro-sama. Forgive the question—what role have you been assigned among the Demon Clan?”
The Pope’s sharp gaze.
Looks like a kindly old man, but beneath that face, a blade sharp enough to cut through lies remains hidden.
As expected of the head of a vast religion that secretly controls all of humanity.
Not what it appears.
Still, faced with an inconvenient question.
I don’t have an official status among the demons.
If I must say, a close relative of the Demon King?
Hmm.
I should’ve secured some official role from the Demon King beforehand.
After this is over, I’ll take on a provisional position.
That’ll make future movements easier.
As for now, how did I respond?
"Consider me here today not as a demon, but as one of the world’s administrators."
Safe.
And I declared myself an administrator.
Praise my skill in escaping crisis while keeping the opponent in check!
Even I can speak when I try!
I pushed my brain to the limit, thought until my neurons ruptured, coughed up blood just to open my mouth!
So don’t throw conversations at me like that!
To indicate my intention not to speak further, I prompted the two on either side to introduce themselves.
The Vampire Child and Oni-kun, positioned on my left and right, completed their conversation through eye contact alone.
It appears the Vampire Child is to begin the introduction.
"I am Sophia Kelen. A reincarnated soul. But I have no intention of revealing my name from my previous life. Rather, it might be more accurate to say I am the former daughter of the Earl Kelen, whose parents and home were taken from me here."
Bwah!?
A damn idiot on our side just dropped a bombshell!?
H-hey, are you seriously saying that now!?
No, well, I suppose if it somehow aids the Vampire Child's growth, or whatever reason, I brought this unpredictable explosive with me—though I can't say what it'll cause!
Try to read the air a little more. Time your revelation properly!
Don't just drop it all at once and turn everything into a wasteland!
"I am Lars. Like Sophia, a reincarnated being, though I shall refrain from disclosing my former name. If you truly wish to know, ask the one named Kusakami later."
Hmph.
Oni-kun offered a safe, straightforward introduction.
Good, good.
"I am a species evolved from Ogres."
Bwuh!?
I don’t know what intent Oni-kun had in saying that, but some of the clergy’s eye colors shifted!?
Especially the Pope!
That one looked like it was processing something at high speed.
Wait.
Strange.
The introduction alone already caused such upheaval?
Is it just me who can’t foresee a peaceful, uneventful conclusion to this meeting?