New chapter of Let’s Create a Dungeon is out! (1/4 chapters)

 

 

The Demon King is Ready

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

My private room after a long time, the bed I had longed for so deeply.

Since heading to the Empire, it had been nothing but sleeping outdoors, over and over again. Even though the carriage was relatively comfortable, that was only in terms of the ride quality. As a bed, it is far from practical, and I have been enduring many mornings with back pain. But tomorrow morning will be different. It should be the best morning.

The first thing to do after returning to the dungeon is sleep. There is no noticeable change in the dungeon. Well, of course not, I had only been gone for about a week. If it changed in that time, there would be no point in trading. Still, there are a few changes.

One is that the cartwheel tactic I had taught the Kobolds before leaving the dungeon had evolved into a surrounding tactic. I had only explained it verbally, so perhaps it had been conveyed incorrectly. But since it isn’t bad, I leave it as is.

The task I had left to Lyle was also completed. It involved removing only the parasites from the spoiled Wari fruit containing parasites. I thought it would be troublesome, but Lyle said it was easy. I’ll make him do something more difficult next time.

The extracted parasites are to be mixed with freshly picked Wari fruit with parasites, which I had asked for before leaving the dungeon. I did not look at the contents. I never want to see those parasites again.

And now, I am about to bring about a change.

Sitting on the throne, I flip through Let’s Create a Dungeon. Unfortunately, no quests have progressed. It seems there are no quests with trading as a condition. Well, it can’t be helped. A Demon King is supposed to be the enemy of humanity and the world. It would make no sense for trade to be a quest condition.

Just as I finished checking, the door opened. It seems they have arrived.

“Maou-sama, we came as summoned.” (Selmina)

The ones who appeared were Selmina and Ifrina. I had called them to report something and ask a few questions. However, what was strange was that behind the polite Selmina, the usually energetic Ifrina came in, leaning on a staff and staggering.

“Uh, is Ifrina alright?” (Nobunaga)

“Ah, yes, she is… probably fine. While Maou-sama was away, she seems to have hit it off with Alice-san and started launching surprise mock battles at her every morning.” (Selmina)

And apparently, this is the result of losing those battles. …Wait, a “surprise mock battle” is basically just suddenly attacking her, right? Glancing at Ifrina, I see she’s wearing a staff and robe I don’t recall giving back to her. There are no visible cuts, so it seems it really was a mock battle, but I doubt it. I can sense a killing intent in her eyes.

“Well, as long as how you two spend your daily lives causes no harm, I won’t say anything. The reason I called you is because I had something to report.” (Nobunaga)

“Could it be that we are being returned to the Empire?” (Selmina)

Well, it’s close to that.

I spread out the prepared papers so they could see.

“Your permanent residence has been decided. You are no longer prisoners or guests. Do your best as slaves.” (Nobunaga)

The answer was the exact opposite of what they expected. What I had spread out was a slave contract given to me by the Border Baron. Selmina’s face turned pale instantly upon seeing it, and Ifrina, perhaps too exhausted to react, remained paled as ever.

“Th-then, will we be living chained up…?” (Selmina)

“Chains? Why would it come to that? Just continue living as you have been.” (Nobunaga)

At some point, a gap had formed in the understanding between Selmina and me. I had thought of slavery as a means to bring these two, who were in a vague state, into a clear subordinate position. But being born in the Empire, Selmina seemed to have a very different perception.

What should I do?

After a brief silence…

“No, that was just a figure of speech.” (Selmina)

Selmina tried to explain, but I ignored her and used my skill to transform into Selmina. Then, I read her memories. After reading her memories for a while and fully understanding the reality of slavery, I looked forward again. Selmina looked shocked, and Ifrina had collapsed on the floor as if to say she was exhausted.

“Oh, I hadn’t told you, had I? It seems I’m a Doppelganger-type Demon King. I have no awareness of it myself, though. Like just now, I can become exactly the same as the target. It’s not just appearance, but abilities and memories too. Also, If-nee… no, Ifrina, at least sit down for now.” (Nobunaga)

Unable to keep up with the situation, Selmina’s mouth hung open in shock, while Ifrina reluctantly adjusted her posture and sat down. After looking back and forth between me, who was sitting on the throne in Selmina’s form, and the real Selmina in front of her with a confused expression, she seemed to come to some understanding and fell asleep on the spot.

Ifrina might be quite the big shot in her own way.

I returned to my original pretty form and continued the conversation.

“As far as I could tell from reading the memories, a slave is basically a death row inmate. They’re chained up and forced to work. If it’s gathering seawater in a mine or cave, guards are placed at the entrance to prevent escape. If they die, that’s the end. Apparently, slaves have no human rights or anything like that.” (Nobunaga)

The slave conditions in the Empire are truly horrifying. Within Selmina’s mind, becoming a slave is essentially equivalent to death, which I now clearly understand.

“I don’t intend to impose such harsh living conditions. Just live as you have been… though you’ve been sleeping outdoors, haven’t you? I’ve just hired a carpenter. I’ll have him build you a house. In return, you’ll have to work harder.” (Nobunaga)

“That is more than enough. Thank you very much!” (Selmina)

Even though I only wanted to make them subordinates under the label of slaves, I was being thanked quite profusely. Compared to typical slaves, I supposed that was understandable.

“Still, when did we fall into slavery? It should only apply to serious criminals.” (Selmina)

“That’s because the Emperor was involved. Something like that can be easily twisted. I’ll say this to crush any hope, but your brother Froon didn’t seem to care at all. So don’t get the idea that he’ll buy you back or help you escape. Even this slave contract is hid–… huh? Ifrina’s signature is on here?” (Nobunaga)

“Ifrina! Don’t just sleep, get up! You’ve got some explaining to do or I’m going to be mad!” (Selmina)

Selmina grabbed the sleeping Ifrina by the collar and shook her vigorously, but Ifrina, who was still half-asleep, irritably struck Selmina’s face with the staff she was holding.

“Munya, full combo, don…” (Ifrina)

It seemed Ifrina had made her way into my private room at some point. Selmina was clearly angry as she released Ifrina, stepped back a few paces and raised her staff.

“Niflheim!” (Selmina)

Then, she froze Ifrina in a block of ice.

“Your Majesty, we have no intention of running away or relying on my foolish brother. Ifrina has also found someone she aims to defeat, so I don’t think she’ll want to leave here. Also, I have a question. I heard from Ran-san that talks are progressing toward trade with the Empire. May I send a letter to the Empire? And to confirm, are we officially the First and Second Court Magicians?” (Selmina)

Although her smile was quite radiant, I felt a strange chill from it.

“If trade is going to happen, I have no intention of interfering if you want to send a letter. As for First and Second Court Magicians, call yourselves whatever you like. We don’t currently have any magicians above you.” (Nobunaga)

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.” (Selmina)

It was a frightening smile, as if she were plotting something, but somehow it didn’t feel directed at me. I decided it was best not to get involved. That was my conclusion.

 

—

 

Having wrapped up the matter with Selmina, I headed to a certain place on the first floor.

Since Todon couldn’t speak the demon language, I had entrusted him to Lyle and allowed him to use the Goblins as subordinates during work, but I wanted to see how things were going.

“Listen up! To build a house, you’ve got to level the ground first. I saw what you did, and it was terrible! It’ll fall apart too easily! Compact the ground and make it flat! Remove all the grass and stones! Lyle!” (Todon)

“Yes yes, I’ll translate. You don’t have to yell so much, old man.” (Lyle)

He was working near Lyle’s shack. That said, it was still early, and all he was doing was giving instructions to the Goblins to remove stones and grass. The actual carpentry hadn’t started yet.

Well, the foundation is important. Compared to the slapdash buildings up to now, this felt like a very proper beginning.

“Ah, boss! I really don’t want to live with an old man like this. If possible, could you assign me a woman? At the very least, can I go back to being alone?” (Lyle)

I had planned to quietly observe unnoticed, but thanks to Lyle, I was found out. He has surprisingly sharp senses.

I had planned to quietly observe unnoticed, but thanks to Lyle, I was found out. He has surprisingly sharp senses.

“Ah, let the Goblins continue their work as they are. Lyle, if you want it that way, make Todon learn the demon language. Todon, until you learn the demon language, rely on Lyle. Also, if there is anything you need, tell the Hobgoblins. I will tell them to give it priority.” (Nobunaga)

“Oh, thanks. But this place is completely different from my homeland, so I’m quite bewildered. It’s like the elven cities I’ve heard rumors about. There are many trees, so there’s no need to worry about wood. The best part is that there’s no forge. That way, no one can tell me to do blacksmithing!” (Todon)

Todon laughed loudly with a gahaha. He truly seemed unwilling to be involved in blacksmithing. Behind him, Lyle collapsed to his knees in despair, as if the world had ended. It was unlikely that Todon could learn a language quickly. It was now decided that Todon would be living together with him for the time being.

“For this land leveling, the Orcs would be more suitable. Also, are only the Goblins here? I should call a few as supervisors. They need to develop their construction skills. Lyle, bring them.” (Nobunaga)

“…Haah, understood. The Orcs should be fine. They were happy when the flowers bloomed, but they were probably joining Alice-oneesan’s training out of boredom. However, the Hobgoblins seem to be in a bad mood because things aren’t going well, so can I use your name, Boss?” (Lyle)

When I told him to do as he liked, Lyle gave a half-hearted reply.

Now, let us move on to the main topic.

“Now then, Todon, I came here to confirm something. I came to see whether you have any hostility or malice toward demons.” (Nobunaga)

“Hm? Is that all? I don’t have any of that! I’ll rampage if someone tells me to do blacksmithing, but you won’t, right? If I were to direct hostility or malice, it would be toward that fool!” (Todon)

He could say anything with words. While Todon didn’t seem like someone who could lie, I still had to be thorough.

Transform!

 

—

 

In the northeast of the Allied Nations, there was a country with a mine. Most of its inhabitants were Dwarves, and it had many excellent blacksmiths. The ores were turned into weapons and exported. It was the largest arsenal in the alliance and the largest weapon-exporting country on the continent, the Dadara Mining Kingdom.

The king stood at the top, and national policy was decided by three close aides. These three were the warrior chief, who was the strongest among the nation’s warriors, the forge chief, who possessed particularly outstanding skills and was respected by the blacksmiths, and the mine chief, who had worked in the mines for many years and knew them better than anyone.

These were the positions everyone born in the Dadara Mining Kingdom dreamed of.

Todon was a dwarf who admired these positions and became the forge chief. His skill was said to be worthy of historical renown. By the king’s command, he created an axe equal to the sword of the Sword Saint, which was given to the warrior chief, the Axe Emperor. It was praised as the supreme axe.

Why, then, did Todon leave the Dadara Mining Kingdom? The cause lay with the king. The king began to show favoritism toward the warrior chief and only listened to his words. Even if both the forge chief and the mine chief opposed something, the king would gladly accept it if it came from the warrior chief.

The final straw was the engagement of the youngest princess. Normally, the three close aides would be informed beforehand. However, only the warrior chief knew. Furthermore, it turned out that the engagement had been suggested by the warrior chief.

The forge chief and the mine chief were enraged. The youngest princess was so wise, graceful, and uninterested in alcohol that she could hardly be believed to be a dwarf. The forge chief and the mine chief would sometimes seek her wisdom, and even the king himself relied on her advice. With her, the Dadara Mining Kingdom was secure. It was precisely because she was there that the forge chief and the mine chief had tolerated the arrogance of the king and the warrior chief.

To cast her away… what kind of thinking was that? When both the forge chief and the mine chief questioned the king, his reply was that it was for the strengthening of an alliance, and also because she was a concubine’s child. The first reason was understandable. It did not necessarily have to be her, but the reason itself was not completely unacceptable. However, the second reason struck a nerve. Dwarves prioritized unity as a race and value righteousness over blood ties. Among dwarves, the bonds formed by drinking together are thicker than blood. Even the royal bloodline among dwarves was not considered to hold significant legitimacy.

Todon was filled with rage as he declared before the king that he would never forge again. The king responded in kind, as if returning harsh words, and pronounced his exile. Todon accepted this calmly, ignored the nations in the alliance that tried to accept him as a blacksmith, and arrived in the Empire, where he met the Demon King.

 

—

 

That was what could be read from Todon’s memory. The mine chief likely did something as well, but since these memories were from when Todon’s blood was boiling, very little could be retrieved. And surprisingly, it seemed that at some point, Todon had become close friends with Claas through drinking together. When trying to recall Claas, only alcohol came to mind.

“Hey! Me! Why am I there, me! Maou was me? Then, am I Maou?” (Todon)

“Stop that strange confusion. This is the result of my skill. You are not me.” (Nobunaga)

After finishing the memory reading, I returned Todon to his original form and somehow calmed him down.

“I have confirmed that you harbor no hostility or malice. Keep up the good work.” (Nobunaga)

“O-oh? I don’t really get it, but alright.” (Todon)

From what I saw of Todon, I understood that he was almost incapable of lying and had an honest nature. That should be enough. Now there was only Ran and Alice left.

 

—

 

“I will be leaving the dungeon for a while. I’m heading to the Allied Nations.” (Nobunaga)

I summoned Alice, who had been in the training grounds, and Ran, who had been training her magic, to the throne room and conveyed the message. Incidentally, Ifrina, frozen in ice, stood in the corner.

Did Selmina leave her without cleaning it up?

“During that time, I will leave this place in your hands as leaders. Alice, continue your combat instruction as usual, and also begin teaching group tactics. Regarding the adventurers from the kingdom who enter from the south, if you are confident, you can wipe out every last one, then you may act. It might be a harsh judgment to entrust to a human like you, Alice, but I leave it to you.” (Nobunaga)

“Leave it to me. If they’ve entered the forest, they must be prepared to die. Don’t worry.” (Alice)

Those were truly reliable words. If it comes down to it, Alice could handle most situations on her own, so I felt reassured.

“Maou-sama, if I may humbly request… I would like to accompany you as well.” (Ran)

“Ran, I need you to keep everyone together. My constant absence lately may be causing some anxiety. With more humans arriving, there may also be confusion. If guests arrive from the Empire, I want you to receive them respectfully. Only you can handle this.” (Nobunaga)

“I apologize for not understanding Maou-sama’s intentions. I shall carry out your command with my entire body and soul.” (Ran)

She seemed to have taken it far too seriously. Perhaps I added too many words to convince her not to follow me.

How is she even planning to come with me? Unlike the Empire, the Allied Nations is enemy territory. Wouldn’t that be the same as revealing she’s a Demon? Have I left anything undone? I should recall just in case. The matter with Selmina, the matter with Todon, the demons, and Alice… ah, yes.

“Alice, now that I think about it, you have a magic bag, don’t you? Hand it over. I need two of them. In the first place, I don’t recall you returning it.” (Nobunaga)

“Don’t worry about it. Here, this one should do, right?” (Alice)

She tossed me a large magic bag, and catching it, I confirmed that preparations were complete. Thanks to Todon, the destination had already been narrowed down. I could gather the details once I arrived.

“Tomorrow, I will head for the Allied Nations. I leave the rest to you.” (Nobunaga)

Now then, I hope there’s a good target to be found.

That night, I decided to sleep early.

 

—

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