Imperial Chapter X-3

"Well then, I've changed my mind. You, who call yourself the Demon King—did you truly lose to me?"

"I don't recall claiming such a title, but I am often referred to as the Demon King. My name is Taro."

"I've heard tales of you. They say you're quite strong. I'd very much like to see you fight a warrior. Don't you think so?"

The lord once again addressed his attendant warrior.

The warrior gave a hesitant expression, shaking his head slightly in refusal.

You're not going to say anything?

The castle lord, wearing a bored expression.

"This gathering is for exchange, Your Excellency. Instead of fighting, wouldn't you rather talk more?"

Veronica quickly interjected with a warning tone.

"Fighting is fine, and so is conversation. But I'm tired. I'll be returning to my room now."

"I see. Then I'll have someone see you out."

The castle lord strode off confidently, leaving the gathering behind—doing as he pleased, then vanishing without a word.

Negotiating with that one seems like it'll be quite a challenge.

The gathering continued afterward, eventually coming to an end.

Late at night, while resting in the mansion, I detect a reaction from the magic essence detector.

I rise, quickly adjust my gear, and step outside.

Already, William and several other magicians had spread out.

Approaching slowly yet with unwavering steps.

The intruder must have noticed we've already deployed our forces, yet shows no intention of fighting...

Eventually, the moonlight reveals the face of the intruder entering the manor grounds.

No, the face wasn't visible. That's because the figure wore a mask—the person was a samurai guarding the keep's rear.

A single sword hung at his waist.

You're counting on me missing next time, are you? Trying to finish me off for sure?

"Stop! What do you want at this hour of night!"

William shouted, demanding he halt.

In response to William's call, the samurai came to a stop.

"I've come to deliver a request to the Demon King."

"A request? At this hour? Come back tomorrow."

William relaxed his guard, trying not to show hostility.

"That won't do. It must be done now, at this very moment,"

The moment the warrior moved his feet, he was already in front of me.

Just like last time.

Appearing in front of me in an instant and slashing at me.

Slipping past every kind of detection technology, including magical essence sensing...

William was startled and turned around too late.

I had experience with this. I'd expected he'd do it again.

I, too, have attacks just as fast as his.

At the moment the warrior's arm touched my body, a powerful electric shock surged through the warrior's arm.

No further attack came.

In fact, it wasn't even an attack. Though he approached, I felt no hostility—only the intent to grab.

Holding his shocked arm, the warrior stepped back, creating distance.

"You! What did you just do!"

William activated his magic, preparing to strike.

Wait, William. At least let me hear your words.

However,

Alright, if there's a problem, help me out.

Understood.

Have William keep watch outside for samurai, then return to the mansion and begin preparations.

Lina was waiting, as expected.

Sorry. I woke you up.

Yes, it's fine. But are you okay with the conversation?

Ah, no problem. I'd like to ask for your support tomorrow as well. Rest easy today.

"...Understood. Please don't push yourself too hard."

Lina returned to her room.

This is fine. I can't afford to lose her now.

If that warrior goes berserk, it will be difficult to fight while protecting Lina.

But Lina's room is warded. It should hold for now.

While preparing a solid defense, I'll invite the warrior inside.

As soon as the warrior enters the mansion, he removes his mask.

His appearance is typical of many seen in this world—chestnut-colored hair and a well-built physique, clearly well-trained. He's a large man, easily over 180 centimeters tall.

His face is pleasant, though not striking in any way.

Truly, he looks like someone you'd see every day in this world.

"First, let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in the land of Nihon. I am known as Tōgen."

"Tōgen? Unusual name. I might know... I'm Sato Taro. I'm the king. A wizard-king, so they call me the Demon King."

He gave an expression as if he already knew. I thought he'd start speaking, but he hesitated for a while.

"So, what's the reason you've barged in here in the middle of the night?"

"Yes, I've come with a request for you."

"That's what I just heard. I came to discuss the details of that request."

"Will you accept it once you hear the details?"

"That depends on the details. You're showing up in the middle of the night like this—how could I possibly agree so easily?!"

"Completely reasonable... Then... "

The words from Tōgen were a single, shocking sentence.

"I wish for you to kill my lord, the Tenshu."