2 – Far Too Weak for a Four Heavenly King
To celebrate my becoming one of the Four Heavenly Kings, the demons of our faction threw a grand party. Objectively, it was a modest party. The demon world itself didn’t have many resources other than magic, so it was inevitable.
But we had a lot of fun. With every sip of beer, a verse of song would flow. The melody and rhythm were a mess, but the drunken atmosphere made everything about the party enjoyable.
Some demons, due to their racial characteristics, couldn’t drink. But they wasted no inhibitions and yelled out in the festive atmosphere. The rare party continued deep into the night. It was a really fun time.
And after all the partying ended.
When the magic of alcohol and song dissipated like foam and the deep blue darkness of the night sky chilled the heated atmosphere.
I felt an uncomfortable feeling.
Because I had to betray them.
“……”
“Rain, what’s wrong?”
Scarlet, who was cleaning up the party with me, noticed my mood. I thought I was doing well at hiding my emotions, but she was not someone easily fooled.
Scarlet, of the Mongma race, was sensitive to emotional changes. Due to the blessing she received as a hero’s descendant, she couldn’t be deceived by tricks or lies.
Everything was clearly visible in her eyes. My discomfort and hesitation, everything.
But not being able to lie about my feelings does not mean I couldn’t lie about the truth. Unaware of this, Scarlet trusted my lie and helped me.
“Scarlet. Can I… do this?”
“Rain?”
“I’m just a powerless half-demon. I only gathered you all because I couldn’t bear it alone and needed help. This Four Heavenly Kings seat is too much for me.”
“You can do it, Rain.”
“I don’t want to disappoint you.”
There wasn’t a single lie in it. My sincere feeling was that I didn’t want to disappoint the demons who trusted me.
However, that’s just a very small feeling. I will use everything that I can to fulfill my duty, and I will betray them at the most critical moment.
The fact I said I don’t want to disappoint them.
It was no different from confessing that I will definitely disappoint them.
“Rain….”
“Sorry, does saying this to you just cause trouble?”
“As for us, we’ve always only disappointed those dear to us.”
“Hm?”
“Being of a discriminated race, working in the Demon King’s castle… we all possess abilities far beyond our due. We were born with talents that don’t match our status, raising expectations, and thus, we often end up disappointing.”
“……”
“Raising hopes arbitrarily, and being disappointed just as arbitrarily. Every day, I wish they wouldn’t expect anything from the start. It’s not like I wanted to be born with these talents…”
“……”
“The funniest thing is, we have expectations for ourselves too. With my level of ability, things should surely be somewhat different, we think. It’s foolish, isn’t it?”
“Not particularly foolish. It’s only natural.”
The demons working in the Demon King’s castle are all those who have at least a minimal recognition of their abilities. The minority races have been able to work here because they’ve proven ‘abilities unbecoming of their race.’
They must have certainly been on the receiving end of expectations from those around them. If you keep receiving such expectations, you sometimes fall into the illusion that ‘you are a special existence.’
Realizing that there are people who take for granted the very specialness you prided yourself upon is not easy.
The moment one’s source of self-esteem, their ‘specialness,’ turns out to be not so special after all.
The once towering self-esteem morphs into a dreadful sense of powerlessness. It’s a common tale.
“Yeah, really. It’s indeed so obvious… why was it so hard to accept?”
Scarlet stretched her hand towards the night sky. Her purple hair, resembling the night sky, quivered slightly in the night breeze.
Staring at her in a daze, her beauty was captivating. Dressed in a black gown deeper than the night sky, she looked not like a succubus, but a saint who believed in the goddess of night. So vivid yet so ethereal, as if reaching out to her would result in touching nothing but air, just passing through.
Yes. Just like the night sky.
She resembled the night sky.
“Rain. Rain taught us that it’s okay not to be special to each other. That there’s a normalcy that shines more when we’re together, that our shortcomings can become a bridge that fills the gap between us. So even if you disappoint, Rain, it’s okay. When that happens, we won’t be alone; we’ll be together, right? We’ll drink together, sing songs, and dance ridiculous dances…”
“……”
“Rain?”
“Thanks, Scarlet.”
“No need to thank me.”
Listening to her, my mind cleared. I had been under one misconception. The delusion that when the mission is over, all these relations would shatter.
But on second thought, that wasn’t necessarily the case. They say that a person tricked by a top-class con artist doesn’t even realize they’ve been tricked. A spy isn’t much different from a con artist. In fact, they need to be even more covert.
I just have to betray the demons without them realizing they’ve been betrayed. All I need to do is deceive more thoroughly, trick them more completely.
Even the Demon King will remember me as a most loyal retainer. Until the moment the hero’s holy sword pierces my heart, he won’t suspect a thing.
I will become the most faithful spy.
“I’ll take care of the rest. You go inside and rest, Scarlet.”
“No, Rain. I started this, so I should finish it.”
“But you all prepared this for me, so I want to finish it myself. Won’t you yield to me?”
“…Sigh, you’re always too kind, Rain.”
“Is that so?”
“You’re so kind that it’s almost worrisome.”
I wish she could hold onto that misperception for a long time. For me. And for her.
I prayed to the gods of death and life for Scarlet. I’m not sure which one will grant my wish. It is a difficult task for both gods to provide for Scarlet, who is a hybrid of two opposing races, and me, who is only half of both.
It may lead to a situation where none of the gods answer my prayer.
If that happens, it’s up to me to make this prayer come true.
After all, I don’t believe in either.
***
I heard the meeting of the Four Demon Kings is about to take place. It’s the first day they’re gathering after the Demon King’s resurrection.
I feel a bit nervous. The other Demon Kings are likely the most powerful and capable demons, while I’m merely a half-blood who happened to get selected from the minority race, Quarters. There might be some who blatantly disregard me.
“Rain, are you okay?”
“Oh, Scarlet….”
“Hee-hee, aren’t you too nervous? You are fully capable of sitting in that position, so it’s okay to relax.”
Scarlet clenches her fists and strikes a fighter pose. She looks so cute that I let out a chuckle without realizing.
Even this emotion feels a little embarrassing, thinking that Scarlet might be having the same feelings.
“If there are any demons that disregard you, Rain, I will discipline them with the power of the hero.”
“I guess…”
Not many demons can win a one-on-one fight with her, the descendant of the hero. Even the Four Demon Kings might have a difficult time fighting her.
This is a matter of attributes, not abilities. She, being a succubus, is not affected much by demonic energy, but the power of a hero is deadly to most demons. It’s understandable why other demons fear her, as she was born with a power specialized in crushing her own species.
Thinking about it, being a half-demon, I might stand a chance against her. At least, the damage from battle attributes is halved.
…But that doesn’t mean much because I’m the inferior version with half the strength. Regardless of attributes, she far surpasses my capabilities.
“Rain, aren’t you daydreaming…?”
“I was just thinking that I would lose miserably if I had to fight you.”
“There’s no way I could beat you, Rain.”
“You’re saying you’d let me win?”
“It’s not like I would swing a sword at you, Rain.”
“Well, that makes two of us.”
“Ha-ha, so it’s a draw?”
From Noble mtl dot com
After chatting with Scarlet for a while, it was time to attend the gathering. Scarlet waved her hand to send me off, and I reciprocated before entering the grand conference room of the Demon King’s castle.
The room was excessively large for a meeting of only four people. It looked like it could seat dozens.
I seemed to have arrived not too early, yet I found myself alone in the conference room. I chose an appropriate seat and sat down.
Again, lost in a daze, I rhythmically tapped my fingers on the desk. Had I mistaken the time? Should I go out and double-check? Just as the thought crossed my mind…
The door opened, and someone came in.
“Oh, someone got here before? The other two haven’t arrived yet?”
“Yes, hello.”
“We’re all among the Four Heavenly Kings here; there’s no need to be so stiff and formal~ Or do I look that old?”
“Not at all, you look… rather youthful.”
“A handsome guy like you also says the sweetest things.”
She was a young girl with a wide-brimmed, upturned hat and striking pink hair. Although she appeared quite young, her speech betrayed a sense of maturity.
As a high-ranking demon, her visible age was likely not her true one. Based on her dress, I guessed she might be from the witch clan living in the southern forests of the demon world, a species like succubi composed entirely of females.
Witches were known to seldom leave their forests, making this witch quite the unique character.
“I’m Magenta~ What’s your name, friend?”
“I’m called Rein.”
“Ah, that name suits you! By the way, I arrived right on time, but it seems the others are late?”
“I’m the one who arrived exactly on time, witch. It is precisely the top of the hour right now.”
Interrupting the witch mid-sentence was a skeleton cloaked in a bleak grey robe. Most likely a lich.
Eerie blue flames flickered in the eye sockets of the skull.
The witch, who introduced herself as Magenta, frowned.
“Ugh, I just can’t stand the undead. They reek of death, don’t they?”
“Spare me the nonsense, witch. My bones are magically treated, ensuring they are always clean. If there’s a smell, it’s from that filthy flesh of yours.”
“You sure don’t hold back with women, do you?”
“Organic beings like yourself, who have lived for a similar span of years as me, shouldn’t be so bold. Surely you’ve lived even longer than me, considering your age after turning into a lich?”
“Ha. This is why I detest corpse types.”
It seemed these two were already acquainted.
I was mildly curious about the witch Magenta’s age, but thought better of asking directly. Instead, I introduced myself.
“I’m Rein. And you, sir Lich, may I ask your name?”
“Upon becoming a lich, I abandoned my name. Just call me Grand Magus.”
“Pfft, your name was Choonsik when you were human, right?”
“Shut it, witch. You think I don’t know your old name?”
“If you want to die a second time, go ahead and say it.”
“Tsk, it’s so childish I can’t even play along.”
Seriously, how old are they? Later, I’ll have to secretly ask… Master Archmage Choonsik.
Though he had no tongue, Master Archmage Choonsik made a tsk sound as if clicking his tongue and looked around, asking with a voice that conveyed his puzzlement.
“But are there only three of us? I heard there were supposed to be Four Heavenly Kings.”
“Well, maybe someone’s running late? Not everyone is as punctual as I am ~.”
“Tsk, to be late on the first meeting set by the Demon Lord himself. Such an inconsiderate fellow.”
“Maybe there’s a good reason? Let’s wait a little longer.”
It would be awkward if we started without them and had to begin all over again once they arrive.
In situations like this, it’s better just to wait.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long before the last of the Four Heavenly Kings arrived. Black hair, black eyes; at first glance, he looked like an ordinary person, but the twin horns protruding above his head betrayed his race.
He was from one of the most powerful races in the demon world, the Dragon Demons.
“Looks like everyone’s already here?”
“Tsk, so you’re the last of the Four Heavenly Kings. Can’t you keep to a schedule?”
“Do I really need to?”
“The lizard who trusts only in strength…”
“Heh, want to go at it? I’m always ready.”
“You think I can’t handle you?”
The two began to ramp up their posturing abruptly.
Blue flames surged from the eye sockets of Master Archmage Choonsik, swirling the air around him.
Meanwhile, the fashionably late Dragon Demon casually placed a hand by his eye, his pupils transforming into those of a reptile, scales emerging across his skin.
This is going to escalate into a full-on brawl. I better intervene.
“Excuse me, Esteemed Four Heavenly Kings…? Shouldn’t we prioritize discussions first? The Demon Lord arranged this meeting himself.”
“Tsk, that’s true.”
“Pfft. Got cold feet?”
“I won’t fall for such provocation, lizard.”
“Heh, too bad. But who’s that newbie? Hmm, a half-demon?”
“Ah, I’m called Rain, a half-demon.”
“Why was this weakling chosen as one of the Four Heavenly Kings?”
“Well…”
Should we tell him outright that he was chosen because he’s a member of a minority race, Quarterzero?
“Does it matter? He’s cute.”
“Heh, indeed. We’re more than enough to assist the Demon King. I’m Onyx. Let’s get along, shall we? Shall we shake hands?”
“Yes, nice to meet you. …Huh?!”
The moment he grabbed the hand extended by the demon dragon Onyx, he felt an infernal heat, as if his hand had been plunged into a furnace.
Fast pulling his hand away, there were burn marks and blisters. What the f*ck?
“hehehe, you’re a funny one? We should get along, okay?”
“…Yes, Lord Onyx.”
What a fiery greeting. It must be like when men apply strength during handshakes.
I’ll have to heal it with a potion later. Ugh, it hurts.
“Heh, I’m in a good mood. We’re having a meeting, right? Let’s get it started.”
“Oh, Yes.”
Thankfully, the first meeting ended somewhat successfully.
I realized that my position among the Four Heavenly Kings was nothing more than a toy. Damn it.
***
“Lord Onyx, did anything happen at the meeting? You seem happier than usual.”
“Ah, Chan. Do I? hehehe. Ah, it reminds me of something fun. There’s an interesting guy.”
“An interesting person… are you referring to?”
“Yes. He seemed to have a similar power level to you… But he managed to shake off my hand?”
“Are you referring to the hand you grabbed, my lord?”
“He must have some hidden talent. It could be why the Demon King noticed him. It’s going to get interesting.”
“…….”
Onyx’s servant, Chan, prayed for the poor soul in his master’s sight. He knew too well how mean his master’s “pranks” could get when he’s in high spirits.
The man would have been better off sacrificing one hand. A hand could be easily healed with magic, but a broken mind is much harder to heal.
He hoped that the Fourth Heavenly King had a strong will.
“Why is my whole body shivering…?”
“Rein, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I guess it was just a feeling.”
“Huh, are you too tense because you’ve become one of the Four Heavenly Kings?”
“Is that so…?”
Oh? Is the MC actually very strong, but since he has a low self-esteem he always considered himself to be weak?