novelzi Chapter 189
Chapter 189
Side Eugene 2 (Part 3)
“...Huh? C-Could you say that again?”
Just as I thought, since we didn’t arrange a meeting, we were having trouble explaining ourselves to the gate guards. Unlike among humans, where most are familiar with famous nobles, we were new faces. They have a right to be wary. Which is why Ash went to the front, to state his name... but...
“I have already said that I am Zahariash, Demon King of the Demon Continent. Have you not even heard my name?”
“N-No, well, I have heard your name...”
“Hmm, you do not believe me. Well, I do not have proof that I am the Demon King... Should I use my pressure then, Eugene?”
I’m not really up for it, but it’s getting annoying, and just as I thought we had no other choice, Adol stopped him.
“Demon King-sama, how about transforming into your half-beast form? I’ve heard that humans are more likely to believe a change they can see. It’s much better than having them sense some incomprehensible pressure.”
“Hmm, I see. Gatekeeper, is that acceptable?”
“Eh, ah, yes, certainly...!?”
That’s right, they can transform into their half-beast forms. It was a blind spot for me because I can’t. Ash transformed without even waiting for the gatekeeper’s reply.
...Come to think of it, this is my first time seeing Ash’s half-beast form. He mostly stays in his human form, to prevent magic power from leaking out, after all. Even in his half-beast form, the magic users around him would be intimidated by his magic power. And his beast form, a gigantic dragon, would make even humans faint. His human form completely seals it, so I’d completely forgotten.
“Hmm, it’s been a while since I’ve been like this. It feels strange.”
“...Normally, the human form, the one that suppresses magic power, is the more difficult one. The half-beast form should be easier.”
“It’s scary how quickly you get used to things. If anything, I’m more worried about losing control of my magic power.”
“Make sure to control it, Ash.”
Ash’s half-beast form, he has horns growing from his head, and parts of his skin, his face, arms, etc., are covered in scales. He also has a thick, long, tail that’s swaying, which is a bit amusing. It doesn’t seem that different from dragon-type demi-humans. Well, Ash is a dragon.
“Ah, i-it’s... real...!? I-I apologize! I’ll confirm this with the castle right away!! P-Please wait here for a moment!”
The gatekeeper hurriedly said that and then ran inside. Hey, hey, is it really okay to just leave us here? What if we barge in and start causing trouble? We wouldn’t do that, and nothing would change whether we were here or not, but...
The gate opened, and when we followed the gatekeeper, after just a few steps, the inside of the gate came into view. Five men, in red armor, were lined up, and in front of them, a particularly well-built man was standing at attention. That must be the captain.
“Captain Freed, these are the Demon King and his... entourage.”
“Ah, I’ll take it from here. You can get back to work.”
The gatekeeper called out to the captain, and the captain gave a brief instruction in a low voice. The gatekeeper then bowed to the captain, and to us, and returned to his original position. And entourage, huh? Well, we haven’t introduced ourselves, but still...
“We apologize for the wait. Could you state your names once again? It’s protocol.”
The captain gave us a shallow bow, and then continued, his tone formal. Ash and Gil seemed puzzled. This kind of custom isn’t really a thing on the Demon Continent. We can usually tell who someone is from their aura and magic power, and if you’re in the same organization, all you have to do is tell someone, and it’ll quickly spread.
“Hmm, well, if it’s protocol, I suppose I have no choice. I am Zahariash, Demon King of the Demon Continent. I have come to inquire about something from the emperor of this country.”
“The Demon King himself...?”
For the ruler of a continent to personally visit... that’s inconceivable for a human, I’m sure. And with three members in his entourage, as if bodyguards. Though they’re not really bodyguards.
I could see a hint of suspicion in the captain’s eyes. I’d expected this. And so, I finally spoke up.
“I’m Eugene. I’m acquainted with the previous emperor. Didn’t he say something to you? To hear me out, if I ever came calling.”
“! Eugene-sama...! F-For confirmation, the name of the previous emperor...”
“Ethan, right?”
“...’Tortiga is in darkness’?”
Oh, as expected of the captain. He knows the password, something only the ruler of the country would know. He whispered it to me.
“’Be the guiding light for the people.’ Contact the emperor.”
“...I have received your message. I’ll escort you there immediately.”
The captain, Freed, finally bowed his head. The knights behind him all bowed simultaneously. I felt the sharp stares of those behind me, demanding an explanation. I got it! I’ll explain later!