New chapter of Let’s Create a Dungeon is out! (1/3 chapters)
Demon King Goes to Andal
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Andal was one of the southernmost cities of the Empire and a major transportation hub. Being adjacent to the Great Forest of Owa, it also had a large number of adventurers. What were the main tasks of these adventurers? Due to its role as a transportation hub, many were involved in escorting duties. Moreover, as there were streets and districts that were expected to confront the Don-Oga (a prominent Orc lord) and the various factions of the nation, additional support was often required. However, the most common requests were related to the Great Forest of Owa. These requests included gathering materials from the forest, as well as hunting monsters and demons.
What they all had in common was the danger to life. Whether it was gathering materials or hunting different species, monsters and demons were sure to attack if one entered their territory. The Great Forest of Owa was not a safe place for humans. What would have happened if the Demon King of the Great Forest of Owa had come to Andal?
Naturally, it would have caused a huge commotion.
—
First, there was an uproar at the gates. A young soldier, likely a new recruit, spotted me and became confused, causing quite a scene. However, it seemed the situation had already been communicated, as a middle-aged soldier, likely an experienced one, stepped in, struck the recruit, and then calmly addressed me. There was a slight sense of wariness and fear, but that was to be expected.
While we waited for the person in charge or the one responsible to arrive, the news of the Demon King’s (my) presence spread throughout Andal, and people began gathering to see me, adventurers and townspeople alike. They gathered at quite a distance.
I couldn’t help but wonder if they could even see me from that far away.
Is it really necessary to stay that far away, even if they were afraid?
In the end, the only one who actually approached was a brave young boy. He threw a spiky fruit, resembling a chestnut, toward me.
What is this?
After the boy ran off somewhere, the person in charge arrived. It was the Guild Master of Andal. At that moment, the memory of a previous incident in Andal surfaced in my mind.
“Are you okay from the head injury?” (Nobunaga)
Perhaps because of that, I couldn’t help but ask. I truly felt sorry if there were any lingering effects. For a moment, the Guild Master stood there with his mouth agape, looking rather foolish. But soon, he seemed to realize what I meant and flashed a forced smile.
“It’s healed without leaving a trace. Now, let me guide you.” (Karve)
I wondered where he would be taking me. I had only stopped by Andal on my way to Mustang, so perhaps I could rent a carriage, or would I be made to wait somewhere?
“Maou-sama, who was that person?” (Ran)
On our way as we followed the Guild Master, Ran seemed curious and asked me. I was unsure how to answer. All I knew was that he was the Guild Master of Andal’s Adventurer Guild and that I had accidentally injured him during my previous visit. I didn’t know his name, nor did I know why he was guiding me this time. However, that question was soon answered.
“Ah, my apologies. It seems I forgot to introduce myself after the shock earlier. I am the Guild Master of the Adventurers Guild, Andal branch. My name is Karve. Please remember it.” (Karve)
It seemed Karve had been eavesdropping, as he immediately introduced himself. He had keen hearing.
I wish I had that too. I don’t even have ears.
Then, it was my turn to introduce myself.
“I am Nobunaga, the Demon King of the Great Forest of Owa. This is Ran, the Arachnid who leads the Arachne, and this is Rin, the Lizard Commander who leads the Lizardmen. I hope we can build a long-lasting relationship.” (Nobunaga)
Both Ran and Rin lowered their heads in respect. They looked somewhat displeased, but I hoped they could overlook it for now.
“As for what comes next, I was thinking of hosting a welcome banquet at the Adventurers Guild. Of course, I’ll arrange for a carriage to Mustang as well–…” (Karve)
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m in a hurry. Could we just arrange the carriage for now, and save the banquet for another time?” (Nobunaga)
I was curious about what kind of food might be served, but the movements of the various factions were weighing more heavily on my mind, and I didn’t have the luxury of time.
Karve appeared to ponder for a moment.
“In that case, I will arrange the carriage. Would you mind waiting at the Adventurer Guild in the meantime?” (Karve)
The arrangement for the carriage is supposed to be done during the welcome, isn’t it? Well, the situation is uncertain, so I guess it couldn’t be helped.
I agreed and headed toward the Adventurers Guild, strolling through the large crowd that had parted in front of me.
Everyone seems to be overly cautious, don’t they?
—
“Hello! I’m the receptionist here!” (Receptionist)
“No, I was asking where the Guild Master is.” (Nobunaga)
When I entered the Adventurers Guild, the first thing I saw was a receptionist woman and a well-dressed man who appeared to be flustered by her. However, my gaze quickly shifted to the surroundings. There were many people who seemed to be adventurers. When I came before, there were very few. I wasn’t sure if there were fewer before or if there were more now, but there were no real adventurers like Duster among them. They were lacking in muscle, physique, and presence. There were some who resembled adventurers, but they weren’t quite there. I wondered why they had gathered.
Could they be the staff for the welcome? They should have paid more attention to their appearances.
“Deputy-dono, what seems to be the matter?” (Karve)
Karve, looking somewhat flustered, approached the Deputy. At his voice, the Deputy and the surrounding adventurers seemed to notice me and turned their gazes toward me. Among those gazes, there was an obvious mixture of hostility. Sensing this, Rin and, a little later, Ran stood in front of me, but I gave them a reassuring pat on the shoulder and motioned for them to move back behind me.
If they were real adventurers like Duster, I would need to be cautious, but there’s no need to worry about thugs or half-thugs. If it came to a confrontation, Rin would likely be stronger, or even Ran might be stronger. Moreover, hostility is to be expected. There are Demon Kings who oppose the Empire (like Don-Oga). There are probably adventurers who have fought Demons in their quests. Given that, it’s unreasonable to expect them not to display hostility.
“Oh, Karve-dono. Actually…” (Deputy)
The Deputy and the Guild Master began a long conversation, which meant I was left unattended. It was uncomfortable. I wanted to talk to someone, but everyone around me was either showing hostility, murderous intent, or fear. The only person I could approach was… one person.
“Ran, Rin, wait here. I would like to speak with someone, if that’s alright.” (Nobunaga)
“Welcome to the Adventurers Guild. What can I help you with?” (Receptionist)
It was the Obaa-san at the reception desk.
—
“Yes. Well, because of the appearance of Maou, many of the younger adventurers have left Andal, you see. So now it’s just the Guild Master and me left.” (Receptionist)
“No, I asked who that Deputy was, but never mind. It seems there are quite a lot of adventurers today, is this the usual number?” (Nobunaga)
“Yes. The Guild Master has a bad habit with alcohol, you know. Just the other day, he went out for a drink and ended up bleeding from his head.” (Receptionist)
It was a brutal battle. This kind of struggle was only matched by the Sword Saint. I half regretted starting this conversation, but the information I was hearing was all new, so I couldn’t ignore it. However, I never realized how painful it could be to have a conversation that wasn’t really going anywhere. The answers returned had nothing to do with my questions. I almost felt like I shouldn’t bother asking anymore, but I had to remain vigilant, as sometimes she would answer questions I hadn’t even asked.
Also, I should spread the word about the Guild Master’s bad drinking habits. It’s not anyone’s fault, blame it on the alcohol. That would be the right thing to do.
“By the way, am I not scary? I am the Demon King, after all.” (Nobunaga)
“Well, yes… there are quite a lot of people today. But they’re just here to hanging out. No one has taken any requests.” (Receptionist)
Another unrelated answer. However, she said something quite intriguing. Really? With so many people around, no one has taken any requests? There must be a reason. erhaps they just wanted to see the Demon King with their own eyes. Well, that’s probably not it, but I am a little curious.
“Nobunaga-sama, I apologize for making you wait again. I have just inquired, but all the carriages are in use, and there are no available ones at the moment.” (Karve)
Somehow, Karve had finished his conversation with the Deputy. The Deputy had already disappeared, and for some reason, even the adventurers who were less than adventurers were no longer around. Karve didn’t try to hide his mistake and lowered his head. It would be too harsh to blame him for this oversight. I decided to show generosity and forgive him. Immediately after, the sound of hooves echoed as a horse, carrying someone, ran off.
“There is one, after all.” (Ran)
Ran said something unnecessary. Thanks to that, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became awkward.
“I apologize. We do have the horse, but there is no carriage.” (Karve)
“Maou-sama can ride a horse.” (Ran)
Please, stop. I can ride a horse, but that doesn’t mean I can control it. Running with it is out of the question. However, since Ran said it with such pride, as if it were her own achievement, I couldn’t correct her. So, I attack from a different angle.
“You all are the ones who can’t manage it. A carriage is necessary. We’ll just have to wait until one is free. It would be good if we can find one today.” (Nobunaga)
For some reason, Ran was moved by those words, and Karve also made it clear that he would search with all his might. About an hour later, the carriage was finally available, but a problem arose.
“Maou-sama, Ran cannot ride.” (Karve)
The large-bodied Arachnid couldn’t fit into the carriage. Well, it was made for humans, so it wasn’t something I could complain about. Even Karve seemed troubled by this, but to me, it didn’t seem like a big problem.
“Ran, you will ride on the roof. If there’s any unusual situation, notify me immediately.” (Nobunaga)
I didn’t think the Arachnid would be thrown off by the speed of the carriage. Besides, she could stay alert in all directions, which would be good. It might be a bit troublesome for Ran, though.
Ran happily accepted, so the carriage left Andal in a somewhat awkward manner.
Well, it would be easy to tell that the Demon King is riding.
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