LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 69 - Episode 69: Zaus' Scout
Episode 69: Zaus’ Scout
Mishiri had tears in her eyes.
“Y-Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry. Ugh… The capture of Rontomelda is delayed… Ugh… I apologize for the inconvenience caused. Thank you for giving me a new role.”
“No, don’t misunderstand. I’m not replacing the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I just want you to take a little break from your usual duties and assist Stasa.”
“You’re so kind… to use someone like me… You’re truly a kind demon, Zaus. I’ll do my best to repay your kindness, no matter what… Ugh…”
“That’s why I’m saying, don’t misunderstand. I’ve seen your work through the reports. It’s very thorough and meticulous. You do a diligent job without any waste.”
“S-So, do you really trust me?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m relying on you like this. You’re the most suitable person to help Stasa right now.”
“Ahaha! Zaus is really wonderful! He’s always worrying about Stasa!”
“N-No, that’s not what I meant…”
If Stasa collapses, there will be a gap in the Foreign Affairs Team.
Thinking about long-term efficiency, it’s only natural to provide support.
It’s not like I’m worried about Stasa and them, or anything like that.
I’m an evil ruler. I don’t care if my subordinates collapse or die.
I’m just prioritizing efficiency over anything else.
“I will work hard!!”
Huh?
“Yeehaw! Let’s do this!!”
“N-No… Keep it in moderation.”
“I will do my best!!”
“Um, your job is to make things easier for Stasa and the others.”
“Yes! If I can help her with her work!”
“…And, if possible, could you focus on managing your health?”
“The invasion of the Demon Lord’s territory isn’t going smoothly! It’s natural to have a heavy workload!”
“W-Well, that’s true, but…”
“Leave it to me!! I’ll do my best with all my heart and soul!! Yeehaw! I’m off to Stasa-chan’s place right away!! Excuse me!!”
…I’m starting to feel uneasy.
Maybe the original workload is just too much…
Well, of course. The Demon Duke’s territory, which was about the size of Awaji Island, has expanded to the size of Honshu now. With the vast territory, the workload is bound to increase.
I need to replenish more personnel and make things easier for Stasa and the others. If Mishiri collapses too, it won’t be effective.
Smart and reliable personnel…
Hmm…
Well, there might be some.
I decided to use the Acceleration Acceleration magic to go to Kasegi Country.
The Acceleration Acceleration’s teleportation magic is as fast as the speed of sound. No matter how far away it is, you can arrive in just a few minutes.
“Alright. Arrived.”
Kasegi Country.
This is an eternal neutral country, a mysterious country that doesn’t belong to any territory.
Ninety percent of the residents are merchants, and there are rare countries with merchant guilds scattered everywhere.
The connections with other countries are mainly centered around commerce. Not only with human territories, but also with demon territories.
Since they have built relationships with various countries centered around commerce, they can exist as an eternal neutral country without being dominated. Even in the Demon Lord’s territory, they prioritize trade over domination, so their skill is quite remarkable.
I wore a hood to suppress my magical power and dressed as Chin Pin-in, a weapons merchant.
Chin’s attire is that of a Chinese-style merchant with round glasses. If you imagine a suspicious character you might see in foreign movies, you’ll get the image.
“Ohhh, if it ain’t Chin-san! Long time no see.”
It was a tanned-skinned busty beauty.
She was the merchant, Namba.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen her since the showdown with the Hero Cea.
Still as busty as ever.
Despite being a merchant, she exposes a lot of skin. She’s wearing a tube top, exposing her collarbone, and below that, her alluring cleavage is bouncing around. My gaze unintentionally goes to her cleavage.
“Hey, Namba-san. I want to go somewhere less crowded to talk. Do you mind? There’s something I want to discuss with you alone.”
“What’s up? You’re not planning anything dirty, are you? I don’t do that kind of stuff.”
Was she wary of my gaze?
I feel a little self-conscious when she says that. Without Meel, the caretaker, around, I tend to let my guard down.
I should try not to stare at her cleavage too much.
I took off my hood and revealed my horn.
“W-What’s with that face!? And that blue skin!? It’s too blue for a sunburn!? Hey, are you… Could it be that you’re a demon!?”
She was surprised, and her large breasts shook as if they were about to spill out of her tube top.
Oh no. I looked again.
“I see. My apologies for deceiving you. I am the Demon Duke Zaus. I’ve been working with you as a weapons merchant until now.”
“Eeeekkk! W-What are you going to do to us!?”
Her chest is shaking again…
“If I were going to do something, I would have done it a long time ago. Think about the benefits I’ve provided you.”
“Oh, now that you mention it… Yeah, that’s true. Chin-san is conscientious. I made a lot of profit in business because of you. Hehehe. And besides, I had plenty of chances for naughty things with you.”
Honestly, I don’t have the courage to assault a woman. If I had that kind of guts, my demon duke’s castle would have turned into a harem by now. And if I dared to make such a move and it backfired, it would all be over. If allegations of sexual misconduct spread within the castle, the dignity I’ve built as a demon duke would be shattered. Trust would be lost from the women, and they would be trapped in suspicion of when I might attack them. Once it gets to that point, the master-servant relationship would collapse. I’d have to live in fear of riots and assassination attempts. It’s terrifying. I absolutely won’t let that happen. I must maintain self-control and always be wary of honey traps. Meel prepared something called the “Sleeping Together Notebook,” but I still don’t have the courage to look inside. Everything must be handled with caution.
Anyway, that’s beside the point.
Let’s get to the main topic.
“I revealed my true identity for a reason.”
“What’s this about? I don’t deal with complicated matters. Kasegi Country folks only go for profitable deals.”
“Of course, I know. I brought a highly profitable opportunity.”
“Highly profitable!! That sounds great! Tell me more!”
“Merchant Namba. I’ve come to recruit you for the Demon Duke’s Foreign Affairs Team.”
“Eeeehhhhh!?”