Chapter 87

Leaving the courthouse, I step outside.

There are no guards present.

They must be inside with Gassai, cleaning up the aftermath.

It would be nice to say that this is the end of the matter, but reality is never that simple.

What just happened was nothing more than a show.

During my rise as an adventurer, I’ve had my fair share of dealings and conflicts with nobles and powerful figures.

In the end, partnering with the princess helped stabilize things politically, but I handled most of the resolution, and I can already imagine what will happen if I don’t take any further action.

It will likely lead to a bloodbath.

I used force to intimidate them, so they should remain quiet for a while, but eventually, they will forget and try something again.

On top of that, there’s still the matter of cleaning up the Hell Research Society. I had put it off because interfering during our investigation in the Magic Nation wasn’t wise, but I need to deal with it before leaving this country.

I’m done with demonic disturbances. Who knows what would have happened if another demon lord besides Demogorgon had appeared this time?

If it’s just a regular demon, we have Mastema, so we can handle it, but…

A demon lord is different. They’re essentially walking natural disasters. I’d rather not encounter one again.

But the more I think that, the more likely I am to meet one again.

And, honestly, the demon worshippers are more troublesome than the demons themselves. A group that believes their goal justifies any means is an utter nightmare.

I doubt any organized force remains, though. I’ve heard the Empire has completely eradicated them following the Kingdom incident.

If I dispose of the demon-related documents still in the Magic Nation, there shouldn’t be any more new followers emerging.

“Sepia.”

“Yes?”

“Take Mastema with you and dispose of the Hell Research Society’s documents. You should have an idea where they are, given you were once the principal.”

“Yeah, well, former principal. But I think I know the likely place.”

“I’ve got somewhere to go.”

Mastema is carrying Sepia. Apparently, Mastema is faster.

It seems Mastema isn’t too keen on the idea of other demons arriving. If Demogorgon can’t come here, there’s no point in leaving anything behind.

“Where are you going?”

“To see the most powerful person in this country.”

Power is simpler than money or force—it’s all about clear relationships.

If a powerful person becomes your enemy, you just have to secure someone even more powerful.

My destination is the heart of the Magic Nation.

The building where the leader of the Noulais Magic Nation resides.

Or should I say mansion?

I arrive without much delay.

There’s only one guard.

But I’d bet they’re more skilled than Gassai.

Stopped by the guard, I show him the card given to me by the princess and explain my business.

After glancing at the card, the mage guard tells me to wait and goes inside.

He returns within five minutes, inviting me to enter.

Nothing was said about my sword.

“Please proceed straight ahead. The Magic King is waiting in the room at the far end.”

Inside, everything is immaculate—so clean there’s not a speck of dust.

Paintings and vases filled with flowers are lined up in perfect order.

In a word, it’s eerie.

As instructed, I make my way to the room at the far end. When I knock, the door opens on its own.

I enter.

There’s a figure in a wheelchair, with their back to me, and a woman standing beside them.

The woman’s face resembles Sepia’s.

If Sepia were older, she’d probably look just like her.

This must be Sepia’s sister.

From Dazen’s comments, I gathered that Sepia’s sister held a high-ranking position, but to think she’s the secretary to the king…

She’s definitely at the core of this country’s power.

The woman grips the wheelchair’s handles and pushes it forward, approaching me.

The elderly man in the wheelchair is so aged he likely can’t move a single finger of his own accord.

The Magic King, Jiggle.

A legendary figure who established the mage class and ruled from its pinnacle.

It seems he no longer appears on the public stage due to his age. I’d heard that he’s been extending his life through magic for over 200 years, but this…

From the empty space, a chair and table materialize, and my chair is pulled out for me.

I suppose I’m meant to sit.<Thank you for taking the trouble to come.>

“Whoa, what is this?”

<It’s telepathy. I can’t move my mouth anymore, so this is easier.>

“I see. But I didn’t expect to get an audience the same day just by mentioning the imperial family.”

<The Empire is a valued client. Besides, I knew you were coming.>

The woman beside him prepares tea.

One cup for me, and one for Jiggle.

I don’t touch mine.

<Her name is Hein, Sepia’s elder sister.>

“I figured.”

I’m not used to voices ringing directly in my head, but it doesn’t disrupt the conversation.

<You have nothing to worry about. We don’t intend to harm you or your companions.>

“Words alone can mean anything.”

<My word should carry some weight. But if you need more, how about this?>

Hein places a sheet of paper in front of me.

A magical contract.

If any of the terms written here are broken, the offender will face judgment.

I’ve heard it’s impossible to tamper with these…

The contents match exactly what he said.

I write my name first.

“Jiggle, your hands can’t move, right? What now?”

<My body may not move, but this is trivial.>

The pen floats in the air, signing the name of King Jiggle.

With this, I have a deterrent.

If they move against me despite this, I won’t hesitate to retaliate.

“How much of this situation is your doing?”

<I don’t know what you’re referring to. Though, I do regret letting Sena Easton slip by. Witches can have unexpected knowledge. I let her roam too freely.>

“You didn’t consider the consequences?”

<I can handle it. That’s what the academy’s barrier is for—adjusting dimensions to deal with threats.>

So the barrier around the academy isn’t to protect from outside threats but for internal control…

There’s nothing more to gain from this conversation.

A mage is a mage, no matter what.

I stand up. I’ve accomplished what I came for.

I turn to leave.

Ah, there’s one thing I should say.

“Hey, Hein.”

“What is it?”

“That corpse smells a bit, you know.”

As soon as I say it, Hein, who had shown no emotion until now, breaks into a grin.

It’s nothing like Sepia’s smile. It’s a smile filled with filth.

“Oh dear, oh dear. Do come again, Sky Knight.”

“Like hell I will, to a country like this.”

I spit out the words and leave the mansion.

---

TN: It really feels like Hein could be a demon herself, or she’s pulling the strings behind the scenes, using the king to help the demons. That creepy smile she gave—it was nothing like Sepia’s—was a huge red flag. Given her high position as the king’s secretary, she has the perfect opportunity to manipulate things from the inside.

Honestly, with how weak the king is, it’s possible she’s controlling him entirely, or at the very least influencing his decisions to benefit the demons. It raises a lot of questions about what she’s really after and whether she’s more dangerous than she appears.