The Demon King Who Draws

Chapter 32

The Rotten Boots.

The lowly ones planted in Riudira had finally caused a stir.

Thanks to them, a nameless monster visited the stronghold.

This incomprehensible being easily infiltrated the stronghold, murdered a few of its members, and even usurped the position of the stronghold’s master.

Rebellion?

Or revolt?

It was certainly worth pondering.

Indeed, one of them, risking his life under the watchful eye of the monster, suggested we reclaim the master’s position. I expressed my reservations, but some agreed with him.

The next day, all who concurred were dead. The one who spoke of rebellion breathed easily.

I asked him.

“Why are you unharmed? All who were with you are dead.”

His answer was outrageous.

“What? What are you talking about? I was at the black market on the monster’s orders.”

The monster.

It is everywhere and nowhere.

The moment the stronghold accepted it, we became no different than slaves to this monster.

Because of this, the last vestiges of resistance faded away.

The monster is the rightful owner of the stronghold.

A very sly and sinister being.

Suddenly, I felt that no power could stand against it.

But then, days later, I witnessed a scene I never imagined.

Right now…

“Is that monster… nervous?”

A hint of anxiety.

A touch of anticipation.

Such emotions seemed to emanate from the monster.

The monster’s personal guest, scheduled to visit the stronghold today.

“Bow your heads, everyone.”

In the stronghold, power is everything. At the monster’s command, everyone bowed their heads. These folks, having shifted their nests numerous times in this field, were quick on the uptake.

Thud…

Thud…

A pleasant and heavy scent mingled in the air.

The footsteps belonged to three individuals. One of them had the footsteps of a small stature.

“Have you arrived? I’ve been waiting.”

“Mori, you exceed expectations.”

“You flatter me.”

A chilling gaze touched the back of my neck. To think that a mere look could evoke such a shudder…

“…Clear out. We have matters to discuss.”

The voice of the so-called great one was deep and dark. It was fitting for someone the monster would serve, as black as pitch.

Who exactly is this great one…

What could this dreadful monster be serving…?

* * *

“It seems there’s no one of use,” he mused, his voice echoing in the dimly lit chamber.
“The lot of them were never expected to amount to much. I sought only the expendables we need at present.”

“Indeed… If that’s the case, I might just fulfill the role entrusted to me.”

Conversations with Mori had become decidedly more comfortable.

Why do I find such dialogue easier now?

‘Is it because I’ve resolved to become Faust?’

Previously, my exchanges with Mori were akin to an actor’s performance. An actor embodying Faust, yet still clinging to a human identity.

Back then, I would posture and put on airs for Mori, but now, there’s no need. After all, I have truly become Faust.

“…Your gaze seems to have changed,” Mori noted.

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Quite the opposite. The vermin of the fortress would’ve wet themselves had they locked eyes with Lord Faust.”

“You flatter me too much.”

“Hehehe… Well, that’s my impression, but more importantly…”

Mori’s gaze shifted to the two women beside me.

“…A new aura… that of a demon.”

“You can sense it?”

If Mori had detected Amon’s presence, it meant complications lay ahead.

In the city we were to venture into, there would be many stronger than Mori. If he could sense Amon, so could they.

‘Hmm? Wait a moment…’

In a brief lapse of attention, Amon’s presence had swelled. It was a power even Mori couldn’t ignore.

“…Do you intend to break our agreement?”

“It was merely a test. Ahem…”

Before leaving the dungeon, Amon and I had made a pact. She would not reveal her power without my consent. If she broke this promise, I would consider dissolving our summoning contract.

‘The method of dissolution… remains unknown to me.’

Yet, the threat seemed effective. Her formidable ego had settled, causing no issues during our journey.

Ah, the flowers, the flowers. Such vibrant species are rare in hell; I shall commit them to memory.
The times have certainly changed. The humans I recall were not so well-groomed.
Amon muttered to herself like a tourist on a package holiday. Only upon reaching the fortress did she begin to stir unease.

“I’ve been making an effort, haven’t I? This unfamiliar landscape has caught my fancy.”

Her sly smile.

‘Better not to dwell on it, or it’ll be a headache for me alone.’

Turning away from Amon, I asked Mori.

“The black market is larger than anticipated?”

“Indeed. This time, the market was held not far from Riudira, though it’s usually a great distance away—a vast black market.”

“Why only this time?”

“A benefactor funding the market chose this location. The land is his property, so the organizers had little reason to refuse.”

“Goods equivalent to three mid-sized caravans are traded?”

“If you include private deals, that’s about right.”

The more they heard about the night market, the brighter the eyes of the two women beside me shone.

“There must be exquisite tea available. No, there ought to be!”

“Plenty of intriguing items will flow through. I hope some will meet our expectations.”

We weren’t here for leisure, yet it felt as though we were setting out on a picnic.

“But who is this benefactor?”

“A recent inheritor of a barony in Aindale. He’s kept to himself, so few know much about him.”

“The baron has such financial power?”

“That’s the odd part. Rumors suggest the late baron—his father—had ties to the underworld. Some say the title was bought with favors scratched for powerful nobles.”

“Hmm…”

The details were intricate.

Very much so.

If asked what impressed me, it would be the entirety of the black market’s background.

Nothing was constructed haphazardly.

Not the benefactor’s secrets nor the choice of the market’s location.

In the game, these were mere details to be glossed over, but now, reality has intertwined everything like cogs in a machine. To move as if it were still a game would be to remain oblivious, even as a dagger pierces the heart.

“What’s the schedule?”

“Truthfully… we have little leeway.”

“I see…”

With a swift motion…

“Let’s depart.”

* * *

Whirring softly…

Clatter…

Clatter…

Aboard the carriage were Lucifer, Amon, and I. Mori was seated at the driver’s bench, steering us through.

Mori had somehow managed to prepare a carriage, using one that had been lying around in the fortress’s storage. The horses, two in number, were bought from a nearby ranch, he claimed. To my question of whether they were stolen or looted, he laughed heartily, assuring that he had made sure there would be no issues, hinting at future uses for the carriage.

The truly frightening thing about Mori was his ability to think and move like a human.

“It should be around here by now…”

The carriage came to a halt. Stopping in the middle of a deserted forest path was unsettling, but soon it became clear why Mori had done so.

Swoosh!

Someone was climbing up to the driver’s seat.

“Bill.”

It was Bill, the dark elf assassin.

“Master Faust, you’re unharmed.”

Bill glanced briefly inside the carriage before fixing his gaze forward again.

“Mori, let’s depart.”

As soon as he sat down, Bill commanded, and Mori retorted with a snort.

“Hmph, I would’ve done it without being told.”

Clack…

“Bill.”

“Speak.”

“What are the main items in the black market?”

“While not quite on par with the official markets, due to its proximity to the ruins, artifacts from there are the main flow.”

“And?”

“A massive amount of contraband.”

Contraband. That very thing was loaded in this carriage.

Adventurer parties had fallen numerous times within the dungeon, their equipment and belongings now ownerless. Adventurers don’t pay much for what goes down their throats, but they do pay a high price for gear that protects their bodies.

Even sold as scrap, the items would fetch a decent price in Solaria. Moreover, the relics of Karl Kurso, who used expensive scrolls like water, remained, ensuring we’d earn more than enough for our journey.

The informants in the fortress kept tabs on adventurers traveling from Riudira to the Great Forest, so there was no risk of the dungeon becoming dangerous while we visited the black market.

Clatter…

A whole day by carriage.

Having started from the fortress, the actual distance to the dungeon was a bit further, but we had arrived at the location of the black market.

Clatter…

Yet, something was odd. Looking around, all I could see was forest. Trees here, vines there…

‘If we’re not here for forest bathing, shouldn’t there be some lights?’

The forest was silent, not even the sound of wild animals.

‘That can’t be right…’

Focusing on the scenery between the trees, which seemed to bloom like mirages, the illusion shattered like broken glass.

Whoosh!

The forest was suddenly filled with light, and smoke billowing from chimneys.

The black market’s guards, in long-sleeved robes holding spears, stood watch. Two approached the carriage.

“How did you come to visit?”

“Here.”

Bill presented the introduction letter from the fence I had instructed him to deal with.

“There are many of you; we’ll need to inspect the carriage.”

“As you wish.”

Swoosh…

An unpleasant gaze swept through the carriage. Bill had already completed his disguise, so there was no issue.

However, for Lucifer and Amon, who could charm anyone with their beauty, caution was necessary.

“Ahem… If you encounter any problems during your stay, please visit us.”

“Much appreciated.”

Grin…

Despite Amon’s archaic tone, the guard, barely containing a smile, opened the barred door.

Creeeak…

“Pass!”

Clatter…

Clatter…

As the door opened, a whole new world unfolded.

Lights adorning the night. The dozens of tents gave the thrill of a visiting traveling circus.

“Get lost! I won’t sell at that price!”

“Do you even know the value of this item to haggle so fiercely?”

“Hey! Don’t touch the slave! Do it again, and I’ll cut off those nasty fingers!”

The black market was truly a den of nocturnal activity.

Being the first day of the market, everyone was active, raising their voices.

“The fence has arranged separate lodging for us. We’ll head there.”

“…Alright.”

Clatter…

Upon reaching the lodging, Bill took the horses that had pulled the carriage all this way to the stable, feeding them fodder mixed with bean husks.

“Phew! The thick scent of humans is everywhere.”

“Displeasing, but I’ll endure.”

I ignored the demons’ complaints, instead focusing on another group arguing in the middle of the black market street.

“You can’t ride horses within the premises.”

“Ha! Do you know who I am?”

“Excuse me, but may I ask your name?”

“…”

A noble’s daughter, no doubt.

Still unable to shed her childish mischief, the young woman with her hair tied in a cute ponytail was engaged in a standoff with the guard.

The woman on the horse exuded nobility, but regrettably, my attention was drawn not to her but to someone in the crowd wearing a robe.

As the torchlight flickered towards her, her features became fully visible.

A beauty to take one’s breath away.

Her skin was remarkably pale, and her eyes were of an unusual hue.

Our gazes met.

The first day at the black market, an odd encounter.

Beside me, Amon chuckled and murmured.

“It seems they too are hiding their true identity.”