An Exchange

Ria was very troubled.

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

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

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?

Could it be solved with compensation?

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

Nevertheless, Asuka nodded composedly.

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 was the solution Guinevere had proposed.

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

Thats how well have it look like at least.

Well be sending the criminals to the Demonlands.

Are you serious?

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?

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

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

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.

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.

Ah, its not much, but here.

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

Time stopped.

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

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

So you still dont intend on taking off that mask?

Do I need to take it off?

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

Id like to see your face to be certain.

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

The Demon King then quickly took off his mask.

Its not him

But honestly, this face is just another fake one.

Still not him

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

Gonbei-sama!

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

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

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.

I was figured out?

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

Ria asked. It was also a Japanese name.

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

It was said that, in the end, he and the Demon King had killed each other in a one-on-one fight. A legendary existence.

And this legendary existence took things pretty easily.

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

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

Yeah, that way.

Halt crossed his arms with a pensive look.

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

Sighing, Halt finally told them.

He had spoken entirely in Japanese.

Returning to this worlds language, Halt said as such.

The X is a censoring in the raw. No idea what its referencing. Return This is a pun I dont understand at all. Sorry. Return Another reference I dont know!? Return In the past, I was translating his name as Halt because I thought it was meant to be a pseudonym to fit in with this worlds style. Turns out its not (according to a few lines up). Ill be keeping Gahalt as Gahalt though, as its obviously him trying to make it sound more localin this case English. Return