“Hey, Crocell, are you in?”
A modestly sized mansion. This place is in Hell, and it is the residence of Marquis Crocell, one of Lord Belial’s subordinates. Crocell has a fondness for studies and research, and from time to time, thick, intricate books are delivered here.
“Lord Seere, Lord Crocell is currently summoned to the human world,” said a servant.
“He’s gone there again, huh? Well, that’s fine. I’m just here to deliver some books. Sign for the delivery, will you?”
The one who appeared was a small demon servant. To prevent complaints about undelivered items, I always ensure the recipient signs for their delivery. When dealing with higher-ranking demons, it’s not enough to say, “I handed it over,” if they later claim ignorance.
Especially when it concerns something related to Lord Belial, it’s crucial to handle things properly to avoid future complications. Particularly with someone like him…
I handed over a box full of books and pondered whether there might be anyone else who would have me deliver something. Just then, I felt the pull of a summoning from the human world. As my name was called in the incantation, I carefully scouted the coordinates before heading over.
As I thought—it’s Lord Belial!
And it seems there’s someone else with him…?
The location I was summoned to this time was a large, urban town quite different from the last one. Though I was summoned to a quiet spot away from the crowds, the bustling noise of the lively town reached my ears.
The summoner was a woman with pale lavender hair, dressed in a white robe. Her amethyst-colored eyes and fair skin gave her an imposing presence. She is Lord Belial’s contractor and a terrifyingly powerful magician, fitting to be a King’s contractor. What a fearsome woman.
“Seere, I plan to buy souvenirs for everyone. Will you carry them for me?”
The voice was gentle and composed. Silvery hair, eyes as beautiful as translucent sky-blue gemstones, graceful movements—
Lord Lucifer!! To think that this noble being would also be here in the human world, and in the same place…!
“Yes! Of course! I’ll assist in any way I can!!”
“Good. I’ll leave it to you,” he replied with a soft smile—an expression so kind and unlike what one would expect of a demon.
But… could it be that Lord Lucifer, too, was summoned by this woman? She truly is someone not to be underestimated, more dangerous than any ordinary noble from Hell. I must be careful not to displease her. I’m not exactly built for combat…
In terms of rank, I’m like a prince or grand duke. But my combat ability? At best, it’s on par with a marquis or earl. Though Hell values combat prowess above all else, my transportation abilities are highly regarded!
Among the rows of upscale shops, Lord Lucifer entered a shoe store first.
Shelves lined with beautifully displayed shoes stretched along the walls. Heading straight to the boots section, the entrance and pathways were spacious, with ample unused space. A single flower stood in a vase here and there—what a strange kind of aesthetic.
As Lord Lucifer examined a few pairs of boots, a smiling shop assistant approached him.
“Would you like to try them on?”
“No, they’re souvenirs. Hmm, I’ll take everything on this shelf.”
He pointed to the second shelf with a serene expression. …Everything on the shelf?
“Everything…? But these are samples, and as for sizes and colors—”
“I see. Belial, I’ll leave it to you,” said Lord Lucifer with a smile, moving on to inspect the sandals. What an unbothered demeanor…
“You didn’t consider that shoes come in different sizes, did you?” said Lord Belial with a sigh as he began negotiations. Despite his reluctance, he swiftly finalized the details. Soon, two additional shop clerks rushed out to assist in packing up everything.
Meanwhile, Lord Lucifer was trying on sandals. When it comes to this man, even the King of Hell is no more than an errand boy. After trying on a few pairs, Lord Lucifer chose two.
“These and these,” he said, handing the selected sandals to the woman contracting Lord Belial. She instructed the clerks to separate them from the rest of the purchases.
Once the items were packaged, I stored them in my spatial pocket. On to the next store.
As expected, he bought shelves of high-end hats and bags with the same efficiency, leaving the store satisfied. He’s quick to decide, simply pointing at entire displays. The clerks could barely keep up with the packing. Lord Lucifer’s shopping style, contrary to his refined appearance, is bold and decisive. It’s surprisingly refreshing.
My spatial storage still has plenty of room, so I’m ready to take on anything else they need!
“Shall we have lunch soon? I’ve made a reservation,” said a man in a navy robe who had, at some point, joined the group. A human, it seems? He acts almost like Lord Lucifer’s subordinate.
“Yes, I could use a break,” replied Lord Lucifer.
“Thank you, Sebirino,” said Lord Lucifer to the man.
“Master, leave all the mundane tasks to me!” the man replied.
So, this must be the magician woman’s apprentice. He must know that Lord Lucifer and Lord Belial are Kings.
The reserved restaurant was simple yet elegant. A private room overlooked a small garden with a pond.
The meal, consisting mainly of vegetables, featured a well-seasoned soup with a subtle flavor. It suited Lord Lucifer’s preference for light dishes. This magician’s apprentice is quite capable.
Sitting at the same table as Lord Lucifer—this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ll savor every moment. Eating while gazing upon his divine visage makes even the water taste heavenly.
…No, this water is just plain good. It’s infused with lemon juice—a refreshing touch. Humans come up with such clever little ideas. I’ll teach this trick to my servants when I return.
“Do you still plan to buy more?” asked Lord Belial after the meal.
“Of course. I’d like to get some food as well. What do you think His Majesty would enjoy?”
“Surprisingly, despite appearances, His Majesty has a sweet tooth. Though he did mention disliking fresh cream.”
The idea of King Satan having a sweet tooth is unexpected. That’s valuable information.
He doesn’t seem like the type to enjoy sweets. This insight could be useful for future offerings. I’ll be sure to share it with my master, Lord Amon, when I return. Being a transporter unexpectedly grants access to such valuable intelligence.
Few in Hell likely know the preferences of the reserved King.
“Then shall we buy some human-world sweets?”
“Shall I arrange for it in advance?”
“I’ll leave it to you. I’ll choose His Majesty’s share, so please prepare something suitable for the others. Seere, you go with him as well.”
The male sorcerer promptly rose from his seat. Quick-witted as ever. I responded immediately as well.
“Yes! Leave it to me.”
This man was a disciple of that woman, the one contracted to Lord Belial. In that case, he shouldn’t be as dangerous as she is. It’s far easier to deal with him without being overly tense.
It’s an honor to accompany Lord Lucifer, but it’s so mentally draining. And Lord Belial is with us as well. That one’s mind is an absolute enigma…
Given that she’s contracted with that Lord Belial, that woman may appear graceful, but she’s probably not as innocent as she looks. I won’t be fooled.
By the afternoon, the shopping district grew busier, with people of all ages entering and exiting the stores lining the main street. Some sat on benches at the edges, placing their luggage beside them. Occasionally, small demons and tiny beasts passed by, carrying goods. I’d better watch my step.
The sorcerer went around several shops, buying baked goods, jellies, and overly fancy chocolates.
He hardly hesitated at all. Shouldn’t he give it more thought? This is for Lord Lucifer! What a bold man. Regardless, he kept picking and buying, putting everything into my space.
He entered another shop and purchased yet more items. As we exited, being seen off by the store clerks, we noticed a commotion among the people.
“A child’s been bitten by a summoned beast!”
Someone shouted for medicine or healing magic, their cries mixing with a child’s fiery wails and a mother’s desperate screams.
A crowd had gathered in the direction we’d come from, suggesting the injured were over there.
“…Excuse me, I’ll go check the situation,” the sorcerer said, bowing his head to me before quickly disappearing into the crowd.
Helping strangers, is he? Rather compassionate, this one. I followed behind and blended into the crowd, watching the scene unfold.
It was a boy, perhaps around ten years old.
A pool of blood spread across the ground like a puddle, and a few potion bottles lay scattered, likely used already. Unfortunately, their effects had been insufficient. Although the bleeding had stopped, the wounds remained gruesome, with the boy’s leg nearly severed.
Healing this with magic would require mid-level recovery spells and considerable skill for full recovery.
Nearby, an adventurer—presumably the summoner—apologized profusely, struggling to restrain the black, dog-like beast with blood-stained jaws. Creatures like that tend to get excited by the sight of blood.
The beast snarled, its red, gleaming fangs visible in its threatening open mouth.
The sorcerer approached the boy and inspected the condition of his leg.
“…Hold him steady. I’ll cast a healing spell.”
“Th-thank you, Mage…!!”
The mother bowed her head tearfully to the man in the navy robe. The boy clung to her, sobbing and begging for help.
The man placed both hands on the ground and began chanting a spell.
“The vivid hues of the forest, drawn upon the earth’s map, enrich the soil, spreading fertility. The bowed heads of ripened rice gleam like gold. O season of harvest, take the mighty branches of the Dahii and breathe life into them. O mountain, turn your gaze of life upon us. Bendigeid-Tyr.”
A gentle golden light emanated from the ground, enveloping the mother and child. The boy’s wounds vanished without a trace. This spell is usually cast in a circular range with the caster as its center, but he skillfully focused its effect on the child. So, he’s proficient in earth-based magic.
A healing spell leaving no scars—he’s quite the capable sorcerer!
But perhaps agitated further by the light, the beast broke free from its summoner’s grip and charged at the sorcerer with its jaws wide open. Magic wouldn’t make it in time.
Just as I was about to intervene, Lord Lucifer gently stepped forward, blocking the beast’s path with an outstretched hand.
The beast instantly halted, becoming docile. It must recognize true power—especially from one of the top-tier warriors of Hell.
“That was an impressive healing spell. And as for you, summoner, if you can’t control it with your contract’s power, you shouldn’t continue this contract,” Lord Lucifer remarked.
“I’m so sorry, truly sorry…! Thank you for stopping it.”
The summoner kept apologizing, holding the large, dog-like beast firmly by its thick neck and soothing it.
Whether he’ll terminate the contract remains uncertain, but he seems deeply regretful.
Even for a mere beast, letting it approach defenseless humans without proper control is reckless. He’ll likely reflect on this incident moving forward.
After the commotion, Lord Lucifer prepared to return to Hell.
The woman contracted to Lord Belial facilitated his return. I was next.
Come to think of it, her magic allows for remarkably smooth transitions between Hell and the human world. No wonder Lord Lucifer permits her summoning. She and her apprentice seem well-regarded.
…Better add them both to my “Do Not Oppose” list.
