Dragon’s Bloodline

Ria was very troubled.

She was troubled about the murder between humans and demons started by that hunt.

Their future relations with demons might just depend on how this case was handled.

If it had been humans theyd killed, they would have received capital punishment or been demoted to a crime slave.

However, the ones killed this time were demons, kobolds. There naturally hadnt be anything like a penalty for killing kobolds before.

While that may be true, they couldnt be declared innocent. If they were, relations between their races would deteriorate.

So, whats to be done?

Asuka had come all the way over to Jaeburgs government office.

By the way, what happens for stuff like this in the Demonlands?

Asuka silently gestured her thumb across her neck. A much more severe punishment than Jaeburg gave.

Could it be solved with compensation?

I dont care but could they pay?

Itll be paid for from the national treasury this time. How about one hundred and sixty gold for the four fallen kobolds?

This was an unreasonable compensation for human nations.

Nevertheless, Asuka nodded composedly.

What would happen to the offenders?

That was the main topic. Asuka hadnt figured out her stance on what was to be done about that either.

Theyd normally be sent to do slave labor to pay off a suitable fine, but for this, theyll be executed.

Asukas eyebrows twitched.

That is, their crime is not that they murdered kobolds. Its national treason. By deteriorating our relations with the demons, they were attempting to shake the security of all nations with their actions.

That was the solution Guinevere had proposed.

The ultimate solution was for neither side to feel hostile towards the other.

Although this would obviously lower Rias popularity, it shouldnt be something fatal to her reputation. Guinevere felt that way.

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Are you serious?

If you have a village with strong demons, Id prefer to send them there. Then if they can reform after a few years, we can have them decide if they want to stay or return.

Asuka changed through several different expressions with her arms crossed as she looked up at the ceiling, to the left, and to the right. She even looked behind her.

Thats interesting. Maybe Ill find a town with lots of vampires living in it?

Showing off her sharp fangs, she passed her judgment on them.

Later on, that group quickly adapted to the demon town, even staying there with other family members. That was, however, a story for another time.

By the way, whats going on with me meeting the Demon King?

I was in touch with Rei. His Majesty will head here when he is free.

That guy seems super busy all the time for some reason though?

Please dont say it like that.

In that case, how about I go to him? Hes probably in Casalia or Lemdria yeah? Or maybe the Empires territory?

The Empires territory. He should be in a place called Falsas overseeing the towns construction.

In a panic, Asuka hurriedly stopped Ria as she started to get up immediately after saying that.

Theres the chance youll miss each other, so please wait here.

The day eventually came.

In much too much of a grandiose mannerenough to rival Shifakas mannera masked man stood in the Manesh palaces courtyard after breaking its barrier.

Standing amidst the assembling guards with an attendant, his gaze swept across the area and shouted.

SoXXmon! Im back![1]

In a reception room, four people stared off against the Demon King and his attendant.

The Demon King took his hands out from his pocket and spoke.

Ah, its not much, but here.

What he had in his hands were Demon King steamed buns.[2]

Time stopped.

The first person to break the silence was Serge with a laugh, eliciting the Demon King to roar in laughter as well.

Ria smiled wryly before joining in as well. As for Carla and Guinevere, they didnt understand the significance of it.

Because it had something written in Japanese.

It said [Artful Treat: Demon King Steamed Buns]. Moreover, written in pointlessly perfect penmanship.

So you still dont intend on taking off that mask?

Ignoring the threes continual laughter, Guinevere asked him a question in an ice cold voice.

Do I need to take it off?

We cant talk as equals with someone who isnt going to show us their face.

Saying that after finally getting out of her laughing fit, Ria caused the Demon King to sigh.

You already know though, right?

Id like to see your face to be certain.

On this point, Guinevere was obstinate.

The man she had once loved. The man that was her own sons father.

I know, but dont say anymore. Its more fun when you expose your own identity unexpectedly.

Its not him

Guinevere muttered. His identity wasnt the mysterious mage, Gonbei.

But honestly, this face is just another fake one.

Like a certain mysterious thiefs grandson, the skin on his face peeled away. Even his voice changed.[3]

Still not him

This face was one of a youthful man, different from the one Guinevere knew.

Now when I wear this, the mysterious mage will be completed.

When he took out a new mask and put it on, another face with a sharp look in its eyes appeared.

Gonbei-sama!

The Demon Kings attendant stopped Guinevere as she tried to hug him from over the table.

She was also wearing a mask, but still hadnt removed it.

What an unromantic way for long-separated lovers to meet.

Lovers? It looked more like one-sided love on your end to me.

The attendanta flight magic user that could keep up with the Demon King on the way herehad a second-rate disguise. Having met her before, Ria knew who she was.

Youre from Black Cats?

I was figured out?

Taking off her mask after being asked that by Ria, the one to appear was Ferna.

I was formerly part of Black Cats management. I am now Halt-sans right hand.

Haruto? Is that your real name?

Ria asked. It was also a Japanese name.

Taking off the mask, the Demon King returned to looking like a Japanese youth.

Im Arisugawa Haruto. Im called Ars Gahalt here though.[4]

It was the name of the Hero from the legends.

They were talking about secret things, so Carla brewed the tea herself.

Aah~, smells great~

His dignity as the Demon King couldnt be seen in his tea ceremony skills at all.

Now then, Demon King no, should I call you Halt-san?

Yeah, that way.

Then Halt-san, Ill ask you frankly. What the heck happens in the Great Collapse? Neither the Saint Emperor nor the Dark Dragon would answer. But you know right?

Halt crossed his arms with a pensive look.

[Lets see, who of you have a previous life?]

Hearing the question spoken in Japanese, Ria and Serge raised their hands.

[Ill say it then. You can explain it to the others later. But do you really want to hear it? You wont regret it?]

Both Ria and Serge nodded vigorously. They were practically impatient, there was no way theyd pass up hearing it.

Sighing, Halt finally told them.

[Its when the dimensional boundary breaks and two worlds collide.]

He had spoken entirely in Japanese.

That is the Great Collapse.

Returning to this worlds language, Halt said as such.