I Quit Being a Court Magician Apprentice to Become a Magical Item Craftsman
While Annika was out shopping, for some reason, she came back with Belial and Rini. And there was one more person, someone I’d never seen before… no, not a person, an existence that wasn’t human, accompanying them.
“This is Shemihaza. I’ll be intruding.”
“He is my friend. Treat him with the utmost courtesy!”
“…Belial, are you plotting something?”
Ah, I guess when Belial says something kind, it does sound suspicious, doesn’t it?
His name is Shemihaza. He’s an angel sent to the human world as one of the Watchers.
Belial was sent earlier as a Watcher, but he fell from grace after being consumed by carnal desires. When angels engage in sexual relations with humans, they fall from grace and can no longer remain angels.
Shemihaza came to the human world as the leader of the second batch of Watchers, tasked with observing and guiding humans. He had ten archangels under him, and a total of two hundred angels were dispatched. However, he met a charming wife, had children, and formed a family. It seems that most of the angels at that time ended up forming bonds with humans.
Yes, both of them are fallen angels who made pacts with humans. The difference is that Shemihaza married and lived with his family in the human world, while Belial simply played around before moving to Hell!
By the way, this is a story from a human world that no longer exists, one that’s already been destroyed.
The two of them were reminiscing about the old days when they were Watchers.
Then Belial talked about his time in Hell, and Shemihaza shared stories of his travels while wandering the human world.
Shemihaza was summoned here and, after fulfilling one contract, decided not to enter into any more contracts and has been staying in this world ever since. He doesn’t need much food, and he wanders around the world, occasionally staying in small villages for a while. He’s living a carefree life.
“And then, I saw this Annika, who resembled my late wife, and it made me nostalgic.”
“If that’s the case, then—”
Belial’s statement made Annika flinch, and she quickly intervened.
“I can’t get married… I just met you today!”
She denied it desperately, her face turning red.
“It’s a contract. I only meant that a contract would be fine. Even if you resemble my late wife, I wouldn’t suddenly recommend marriage.”
“Ah…!!”
That’s right. I don’t know how powerful Belial’s friends are, but they must be quite capable. We wouldn’t need to hire adventurers for trips outside the town or when gathering resources. Shemihaza seemed to be smiling with a sort of enjoyment.
“That’s right. If you provide me with meals, I’ll offer protection. Of course, you’re free to pursue romance. No matter how much you resemble her, you’re not my wife…”
“Yes, this is true. In Hell, he would be of the rank of Marquis, I suppose?”
“Well, something like that. I think of myself as being more of an Earl. I’m not great at combat, but I understand magic and healing items. If she’s a craftsman, then she’s a good match.”
Annika seemed anxious and shrank in response to the conversation taking its own course.
“Isn’t that… a big deal…!?”
Normally, just having a title in Hell is already quite impressive. Since my contractor is the Lord of Hell, Belial, I show respect even when meeting a demon with a title.
I get it, but it’s hard to grasp the true scale of the power here.
“But I can’t do summoning, and I don’t understand contracts…”
“I’ve prepared the contract. If you introduce yourself and accept it, it will be established. Summoning magic isn’t needed. I’m already here, and I have no other world to return to.”
After explaining everything, Annika seemed to understand. The contract between the two was established. If all I had to do was feed him, the cost of his protection would be much cheaper. He seems to know about medicinal herbs, so I can ask him to gather them, and he might even help with magic training. It looks like she’ll be able to improve even without me being there!
As we were talking about the terms of the contract, Belphegor and the others returned.
“Lord Belial, welcome back. Just in time, we have something to discuss.”
“…What about her?”
“She is a messenger of Lord Lucifer. I apologize, but we must prioritize this matter.”
“That’s only natural! If it’s a messenger of Lord Lucifer, nothing should come before that!”
Shemihaza, you too.
I couldn’t help but feel like saying it. It’s not just demons who are fans of Lucifer. He was once the most radiant being in Heaven. He’s a fallen angel, but could he still have fans among angels…?!
Belphegor only accompanied Belial and went into the room in the back.
□□□□□□□□□ (Next, Belial’s perspective)
“Lord Belial. How much do you know about the situation?”
“…Was it from Lord Lucifer? Yes, I’ve already gathered most of it. If he’s come, he must be causing a ruckus?”
“Impressive as always. Lord Lucifer is concerned that if this continues, there may be a situation where heavenly beings will have to intervene. If possible, we would like you to confirm the situation, Lord Belial.”
Lord Lucifer values harmony. He must be frowning at the unnecessary chaos. He should be quite loyal to Lord Lucifer, but… isn’t that right?
However, even though they say I should confirm the situation, I can’t exactly go all the way to Tranchinel. I could head to the Fen Duchy, but he might notice and come here.
It’s hard to predict his actions.
“If I were to encounter that one in this world, it could lead to the worst possible outcome. Such a troublesome situation. I suppose we’ll have to wait and observe for a while.”
“I’ve also asked that you pay attention to Baal-sama. If it seems like he’s going too far with his mischief, please let me know. We can summon Baal-sama to handle it.”
That’s a good idea. If it’s Lord Baal, he’ll surely knock some sense into him if it goes too far. Even if it turns into a battle, I don’t think I’ll lose, but I can’t reveal my full power. Heavenly beings are likely already watching.
“That’s a safe choice. I don’t think anyone would be foolish enough to oppose Lord Baal’s words.”
Though, I might be in for quite the beating if I tried to argue.
“Truly troublesome. This is a problem caused by humans, so they should handle it…”
“…Once they summoned him, it was already determined that it couldn’t be helped.”
“That’s true. Summoning someone like him, who takes pleasure in tormenting and killing humans, and even making a contract with him… Such foolishness is almost a crime.”
Belphegor put his fingers to his forehead, as if signaling that this was a painful issue.
If Lord Lucifer came, it would be resolved immediately, but he’s not the type to intervene in such matters simply because humans have caused it. He’s not one to put himself out there for the sake of ending a situation that they’ve caused themselves.
Right now, that one is likely enjoying himself, his hands stained with fresh blood, relishing the sight of it. How unsophisticated.
Such behavior isn’t the work of a king. A king of Hell, a demon lord, should destroy everything without leaving a trace, instill fear so intense that it freezes every drop of blood, and if he’s going to crush a nation, he should rally the demons inside and bring it down from within! Honestly, if it weren’t for the contract with Iriya , I’d show him how it’s done myself! Then, I’d present the country I’ve conquered to Emperor Satan!
“…Lord Belial, are you lost in such trivial thoughts?”
“…I was just considering countermeasures.”
Ah, sharp as ever. As expected from Lord Lucifer’s secretary.
For now, we’ll keep an eye on the situation. If the damage spreads to other countries, we’ll direct it toward a resolution. Lord Lucifer is not the type to reach out to someone for help after making such a mistake, but he wouldn’t want innocent countries to be dragged into this.
That said, he recently started keeping a rare dragon, and when I suggested using it for hunting, he replied with a smile,
“Then, my prey would be you, wouldn’t it?”
A merciless personality. Everyone is fooled! That gentle expression is just a façade!
“I’ve been entrusted with the important task of tending to Lord Lucifer’s garden rather than dealing with the human world, so I’ll take my leave now. It seems that the amusing woman is not present today, though. She was quite a remarkable human.”
Belphegor finished his business and left promptly.
Leaving behind such troublesome issues…
For now, I’ll have to gather information while avoiding contact. It’s not the right time to act yet. I wasn’t supposed to be returning from Egdualum. After meeting Shemihaza and reminiscing about the Watchers’ days, I never expected I’d end up being forced to monitor the Demon Lord of Hell next!
