Akatsuki Translations

With the bragging competition between Julia and Roux concluded, the once bustling house was enveloped in a deafening silence.

Palmina had returned to the church to report, and Julia, wary of teleportation magic, had volunteered to accompany her as a guard, intending to stay the night.

Originally, Farsa intended to send her off, but Palmina insisted that she couldn’t force a severely injured person to do so. Farsa sat alone in the study, contemplating the events of the day.

According to what he heard from Palmina and Zenobia, Roux was kidnapped that morning, and by the afternoon, she appeared at the southern gate of the royal city.

This would imply the existence of a magic user capable of teleporting from the northeastern demon territory, the Wolf Demon village, to the central part of Valois kingdom, the royal capital, in a matter of hours.

However, as far as Farsa knew, there was no precedent for a teleportation magic user of such caliber. Moreover, the existence of the Phantom Demons themselves was rare, providing no specific information for identification.

His only clue was the residual magic energy that he sensed during the ruins investigation the other day, which he believed to be teleportation magic. Even though it was premature to connect the dots, Farsa believed that the chances of the culprit being the same individual were high.

He wondered why someone would harbor such resentment towards him and Astarte, enough to frame them. He speculated that he must have unknowingly offended someone.

Alternatively, it could be that another demon harbored resentment and was merely cooperating.

Moreover, the fact that Roux was used meant that there should be some sort of machination to convey this incident to the Demon Lord’s army.

How he maneuvered within the Demon Lord’s army at that time would be crucial, and a misstep could cause internal strife sparked by unnecessary suspicion.

Firstly, there was the follow-up with the Wolf Demons, then alerting Demon Lord Lilith and his deputy, Astarte, proposing countermeasures, and providing information to Cruel, one of the Four Heavenly Kings who governs the south of Valois kingdom where information is easily accessible. There was plenty to do.

All of these require him to seal the information he knows as Farsa, a human, to act while operating as Mirage, a demon.

If he exhibited any suspicious behavior, it would disadvantage him later when suspicions are directed towards him. But doing nothing despite having information would be the epitome of folly.

As Farsa, the chief court magician, and Mirage, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, he must take advantage of holding two names and positions; otherwise, there would be no point in living a double life.

Also, as the human Farsa, he must find a way to return Roux to her original place.

However, there was a slightly difficult problem in adopting the most realistic, or rather, the most reasonable method with just Farsa’s power.

“You seem to be deeply engrossed in thought, Farsa-dono. I knocked, but there was no reply, so I let myself in.” -Zenobia

“Hmm… Ah, Zenobia. I was just pondering over some future matters.” -Farsa

Farsa was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice Zenobia until she spoke.

He tried not to show it, but Farsa was in terrible shape, worse than usual, with his attention, physical strength, and most abilities severely diminished.

Of course, if Zenobia had approached with murderous intent, he would have noticed instantly, and his physical and magical strength were still sufficient to match the abilities known to others as Farsa.

However, he was far from perfect, and the severe injury from Julia’s dagger still lingered.

Ideally, he should have heeded Palmina’s advice and rested for a few days, but his situation and position as Farsa wouldn’t allow it.

“The future, huh? How true was your statement at the meeting, Farsa-dono? It seemed plausible, but I felt a significant discomfort. I doubt your only reason for defending Roux-dono in such a way was to obtain information about the demons. I assume Julia and Palmina-dono are thinking the same thing, even though they haven’t voiced it.” -Zenobia

Farsa resigned himself and admired the fact that Zenobia, Palmina, and Julia couldn’t be fooled. Zenobia and Farsa often worked together, and had a fair understanding of each other’s principles.

Farsa risking his life to protect Roux was indeed abnormal, and considering Julia’s mental state, it was obvious that she couldn’t use satisfying healing magic.

During the meeting at the royal palace, the focus was on the demon that appeared at the southern gate, and Farsa, who appeared as lively as usual, was not questioned further.

However, to Zenobia and the others who knew him well, his actions raised questions. Farsa pondered over how to respond, and eventually came to a conclusion.

“Zenobia, you know that I traveled around the kingdom before I became a court magician, right?” -Farsa

“Hmm? Ah, if I remember correctly, you met Princess Aurelia during that journey and were promoted to court magician.” -Zenobia

“Right, that’s correct. So, what was I doing before that… I know more about demons than you all think. Zenobia, perhaps something comes to mind with just this?” -Farsa

“…You can’t be a black marketeer, can you? If so, that’s quite problematic!” -Zenobia

Black marketeers were illegal groups that dealt with demons.

The human nations, including the Valois kingdom, had cut off diplomatic relations with the demon territories 300 years ago, and trading with demons was a serious crime.

However, goods from the ancient civilization period flowing from the demon territories, and specialty products made using race-specific abilities were secretly traded.

These items were sold at high prices to the nobles living in the royal city, and the black marketers’ goods were frequently circulated in black markets.

There were always merchants who profited by trading with enemy countries in any era, but the courage to do so with demons could be deemed admirable in a sense.

And if Farsa, the chief court magician, was a black marketeer, it was clear to everyone that it would be a major problem.

“Hmm, not exactly, but something similar. I’m sorry, but it’s not something I can openly discuss. But, I know that demons create villages and till fields just like humans, build cities, and trade. They also fall in love, form families, and love their children. But, I also know more about Julia’s past, her pain, and her hatred for demons than anyone else. So… I think that’s probably why I acted the way I did. I also couldn’t defend the demon and attack Julia, but I didn’t want Julia to kill a demon child… I guess that’s about it. Also, I want to properly return Roux-chan to her parents. After all, family is best when together.” -Farsa

Of course, Farsa was not a petty black market dealer but one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Lord’s Army, and much of what he said was true. The unexpected revelation about a part of Farsa’s past had left Zenobia perplexed, her eyes wide and arms crossed in disbelief.

Zenobia, who had just discovered a secret about Farsa that no one else in the kingdom knew, was unsure of how to respond. By nature, she was an upright and fair individual, steadfast to the point of obstinacy, a trait some might interpret as inflexibility. Now, knowing of Farsa’s past dealings with the demon race, Zenobia, as a knight, could not overlook such information. Yet, should she act on it, Farsa would be treated as a criminal.

For these reasons, she couldn’t hastily jump to a conclusion. After what felt like an eternity, Zenobia finally found her words.

“Farsa-dono, it seems my hearing isn’t what it used to be. I didn’t quite catch what you’ve been up to in the past. But I did clearly understand your concern for Julia, Roux-dono, and all those who strive for peace. And I suppose you must have had some reason to risk telling me all this. Perhaps you wish to leverage the influence of the House of Ctesiphon, especially with prominent nobles in areas where you have little sway?” -Zenobia

“Ah, Zenobia, as astute as ever. Indeed, for the plan I have in mind, your assistance, or rather the power of the Marquis of Ctesiphon, is necessary. I think you understand that there’s nothing in it for you. In fact, considering my past, there’s a chance it could turn out to your detriment. So you don’t have to force yourself to cooper ―― ” -Farsa

But before Farsa could finish his sentence, his words were cut off by Zenobia’s lips. It seemed he had left himself vulnerable, and he found himself savouring Zenobia’s soft kiss, a surprising turn of events.

“Fa-Farsa-dono… that was a down payment for my assistance. Feel free to use me to your heart’s content. But know this, you will have to take responsibility.” -Zenobia

Flustered, her face flushed red, Zenobia made her declaration to Farsa. She had remembered one of the techniques Roux had taught her to win a man over: when a usually strong-willed man shows his weakness, push forward decisively. Zenobia, the kingdom’s bravest knight, demonstrated her worth in unexpected ways. Even Farsa had to admit that he was taken aback, but he wasn’t particularly upset about it.

He needed to align Zenobia to his cause, even at the risk of exposing himself, to fulfill his plan of sending Roux, a demon, back to her home by legitimate means. In times of war, many prisoners were often freed in exchange for money, and being a prominent noble held high value as a hostage. Applying this to Roux’s situation, the most acceptable approach would be to establish a negotiation with the demons, obtain some kind of compensation, and hand over Roux.

However, Farsa had to tackle the issue of persuading and influencing those who opposed negotiations with the demons. Farsa did have some influence within the palace, but his connections to prominent regional nobles, like counts and marquises with large territories, were extremely limited.

Particularly the nobles of the northern part of the Valois kingdom, who harbored strong resentments towards demons, would rather see Roux publicly executed. They were the type who might incite unnecessary opposition or even rebellion if provoked too much. Therefore, the first step of the plan was to see how much groundwork he could lay in advance.

Farsa had taken all this into account when he decided to reveal such potentially damning information to Zenobia. If worst came to worst and he couldn’t win Zenobia over, he was prepared to abandon his identity as Farsa and forcibly bring Roux back.

Although Farsa’s thinking may seem hasty, the situation would only worsen the longer he put off making a decision. The Fortuna Faith, which Palmina belonged to, had an ideology of expelling demons and would undoubtedly interfere. Moreover, the intervention of the nobles from the north of the Valois kingdom, or even the neighboring countries to the east and west sticking their noses in, were all possible outcomes.

From laying the groundwork to negotiating, the faster things proceeded, the better. In other words, it was best to push things forward before rumors about Roux spread too far. Farsa had considered all this when he approached Zenobia, but he hadn’t anticipated her response would be a kiss.

“As for responsibility… well, it’s a little late to be asking about that now, isn’t it? But I still have many secrets, and I might decide to throw everything away and run. So I’m afraid I won’t be able to live up to your expecta ―― “

Once again, Farsa’s words were cut off by Zenobia’s lips. This kiss was more intense than the last, and Farsa found himself reflexively reciprocating.

“Phew… I wasn’t planning to go this far, but you leave me no choice, Farsa-dono. As I’ve said before, I’m willing to wait until you’re ready to share what you’re dealing with. And if you try to run, know that I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth. Despite appearances, I’m a very persistent woman.” -Zenobia

Zenobia, usually bumbling and clumsy, was nowhere to be found. Instead, she made her bold declaration with a resolute, knightly countenance, likely a result of her nerves coming full circle into a state of excitement. However, for Farsa, romance meant confronting the difference in their lifespans, something he usually avoided thinking about.

As a half-demon, half-human Farsa was uncertain about the exact lifespan of phantom demons, but he expected to outlive most humans and die earlier than most demons.

Nevertheless, the current situation unavoidably made him conscious of it. In his heart, Farsa pondered the unanswered question of how his mother, who he had never known as a human, and his father, a demon, had deepened their relationship.

Yet, there was no one to answer that question. No, he had to find the answer himself.

“It would be really embarrassing to be told this much by a woman and then just run away. So, for now, I think I’ll become a manipulative guy who conveniently uses Zenobia to avoid that shame.” -Farsa

“Oh, that’s the Farsa-dono I know. Let’s make the most of each other now. Though I must say, I’m not a woman who can be satisfied with just that. After all, I offered you my first time, so be prepared.” -Zenobia

“…I hope you’ll go easy on me.” -Farsa

Though Farsa’s words were quite roundabout, in essence, he was making a declaration of how he intended to approach the situation while fully facing Zenobia and ensuring the success of their plan.

On the other hand, Zenobia understood that Farsa couldn’t easily come to a conclusion. She fully acknowledged this and intended to use her family’s influence.

Listening to all this, it was easy to assume that Farsa was just a despicable man using a noblewoman for personal gain.

“Hehe, that depends entirely on you, Farsa-dono. But having a marriage proposal at this time might be advantageous. It’s the perfect position to secure my father’s cooperation. Indeed, this is similar to being lost at sea and then being found by a ship.” -Farsa

“…To me, that ship feels more like a slave ship from which there’s no escape once you’ve boarded.” -Farsa

Perhaps Farsa was beginning to regret his choice. The reason for selecting Zenobia was partly because she was a daughter of a marquis, but it was also because she held a more neutral position.

Julia’s hatred towards demons was strong, and even with Roux’s situation, she was barely holding on. If she found out about Farsa interacting with demons, the outcome was unimaginable.

As for Palmina, her friendly disposition towards demons was evident from her attitude towards Roux. However, the barrier of the Fortuna Faith, which advocated demon exclusion, posed a significant obstacle.

Hence, choosing Zenobia seemed like the best option, but by doing so, he would automatically be pushed into the path of an engaged man. That alone created a multitude of problems, leaving Farsa pondering how to explain it all to Julia and the others.

The challenges kept piling up: Zenobia’s feelings, returning Roux to her village, Julia’s revenge, the relationship with demons, and the issues facing Farsa as a human.

“By the way, Farsa-dono, it seems I’ve reached my limit. Sorry… but could you… take care of me…” -Zenobia

“Whoa, that was rather sudden, huh? Geez.” -Farsa

Zenobia, who had appeared brave until just now, blushed deeply and collapsed into Farsa’s chest.

Having experienced fainting just from being hugged by Farsa, it was no wonder she couldn’t handle all this pressure. Farsa reflected on himself as an older person, feeling guilty for putting such a burden on a younger woman.

“Haah… When did I become such a workaholic? Originally, I just wanted to earn enough money and spend a peaceful retirement reading books.” -Farsa

Letting out a sigh and speaking to himself, Farsa found that his current life wasn’t so bad after all. At least, he couldn’t easily abandon either his human or demon side. To resolve the problems surrounding him, pursuing peace between the two races seemed the most realistic and efficient goal.

The path ahead would be long and arduous, but a sense of purpose gave him an invisible vigor. Though Farsa himself might not fully realize it, he was undoubtedly becoming more fulfilled compared to his previously passive existence.