Akatsuki Translations

Exhausted after their training, Mirage and Astarte, as always, found themselves drowning in paperwork while sipping on bitter mana potions. With Belzebuth, a member of the Four Heavenly Kings, away on another matter, they worked alone in the office. The quiet was only punctuated by the scratching of their pens and the rustling of papers.

“Mirage, what was that exactly? Even if it was just for a moment, seeing my father pushed to his limits… It was a first for me.” Astarte asked, her voice unexpectedly breaking the silence.

She was referring to the final move Mirage had demonstrated during training, a blow that had forced Belzebuth into a corner, an unthinkable feat compared to the Mirage of yesterday. Astarte’s small body was almost completely hidden behind a mountain of paperwork on her desk.

“Well, it felt like forcibly causing an explosion, or rather, a burst of magical energy used for enhancement magic. I admit my explanation is inadequate because I didn’t do it with a clear understanding myself. I just had a feeling I could do it. But as you saw, Astarte, it’s meaningless if I can’t keep it up afterward. It’s almost suicidal to let go of your weapon.” -Mirage

“An explosion, you say? Honestly, I can’t quite grasp it. But if you say so, it must be so.” -Astarte

Mirage’s extensive knowledge of magic was something even Astarte had come to understand over the past year. Originally, Mirage had spent a lot of time at home engrossed in many books about magic. Since joining the Demon Lord’s army, Mirage had frequented the library in the Demon Lord’s castle, deepening his knowledge and applying it in practice.

The situation had not changed since coming to the Eastern lands. Mirage had devoured books owned by Belzebuth, and it was not unusual for him to exchange opinions with Astarte. Naturally, their understanding of each other deepened. If Mirage, a pure theorist, made vague statements about magic, Astarte would agree that it was simply incomplete.

After their brief conversation, both returned to their silent paperwork. But once again, Astarte broke the silence.

“By the way, do you aspire to a promotion, Mirage?” -Astarte

“Not at all. As I’ve always said, I’m content with a bare-minimum lifestyle as long as I have enough work. I’d rather not be a hardworking deputy of the Four Heavenly Kings. However, thanks to my position, I can access the forbidden library, which is a blessing. But I’ve read most of the interesting books there, so I’d like to retire soon… After all, I have teleportation magic…” -MIrage

“ Sigh, I thought you might have changed your mind since you’ve been taking your training seriously. But you really are hopeless.” -Astarte

However, the mountain of paperwork obstructed any chance of deciphering her expression, but despite her apparent annoyance, there was a faint smile playing on her lips.

In the first place, Mirage had no intention of retiring, and even if he did, it wouldn’t be so easily accepted.

With the ability to move to various facilities of the Demon Lord’s army through teleportation magic, there was no way anyone would simply let Mirage roam freely, considering defense.

Even if he were to retire, without a doubt, he would be placed within the reach of Demon Lord Lilith’s watchful eye. Mirage could well imagine a future in which he would be burdened with one problem after another.

I guess it’s because of the reason I joined the Demon Lord’s army. I really wonder where I went wrong along the way. I’m not interested in climbing the ranks, and honestly, I don’t even want to work. I still don’t understand why I was appointed as a deputy. It’s not like things wouldn’t function with just Astarte around, right?”

Mirage, with an attitude that would undoubtedly earn the resentment of those driven by ambition for advancement, was speaking to Astarte alone.

Astarte, aiming to succeed her father and become the leader of the Silver-Horned Demon Clan and a member of the Four Heavenly Kings, held ambitions that Mirage was aware of as well.

It wasn’t just a simple desire for promotion; Mirage knew that it was because Astarte had grown up watching her father’s example, pursuing him since childhood.

“Well, indeed, I was sufficient on my own until now… but there must be some kind of intention from the Demon Lord or my father behind this. By the way… this is just a hypothetical question, but what would you do if, let’s say, the time came for me to succeed my father, and I offered you the position of deputy at that time?” -Astarte

Though spoken as a ‘what if’, the question held substantial reality. If everything went as planned, Belzebuth’s rightful successor was undoubtedly his biological child, Astarte. Astarte had grown up clinging to her father, and she was adored like a daughter by the veteran soldiers.

However, the current position of a deputy was by no means an undeserved favor due to her parent. Her capabilities were evident to all, gained through his own efforts. Not only did she enjoy the trust of her fellow Silver Horn demons, but also the other demons under Belzebuth’s command. Many who resided in the eastern lands hoped for Astarte to become the next Heavenly King.

Mirage, who had traveled to various lands on inspections and missions, had seen this, and he was convinced that it would happen in the not-so-distant future. Particularly, the popularity of Astarte among the townspeople was immense; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was liked by people of all ages and genders.

Though she gave off an impression of being unexpressive and cold, the accumulation of years had revealed Astarte’s sincerity and her unwavering dedication.

“Hmm, as I’ve said before, I don’t like working. By the time you become one of the Four Heavenly Kings, I might not be in the Demon Lord’s army anymore. But if I’m still there, it might not be so bad to work under you.” -Mirage

“I-Is that so…? Well, if it comes to that, granting your wish entirely might be impossible, but I’ll do my best to arrange for some time off.” -Astarte

“That’s quite an enticing offer. With that, I might end up pledging my loyalty to Astarte instead of the Demon Lord.” -Mirage

“D-Don’t say foolish things! W-Well… um… Your corrupted nature is beyond help at this point, but I do acknowledge your strength. Moreover, rather than suddenly having someone unfamiliar beneath me, it’s better to have you, whom I know well.” -Astarte

Belzebuth, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, was still active in his role. Despite Astarte’s wish, the final decision lay in the hands of the Demon Lord Lilith. This conversation was nothing more than a distraction during work hours, yet Mirage couldn’t help but find the petite girl, buried under a mountain of paperwork, endearing.

She was young enough to be a rookie in the demon army, given her age. Born under an illustrious father, she must have struggled under the weight of expectations more than once. She had her stubborn moments, but she had grown to be straightforward and diligent. It was hardly surprising that Mirage developed a playful affection towards Astarte.

“Well then, when the time comes, I hope you’ll take care of me, Tart-chan.” -Mirage

“Wha, wha, wha…!?” -Astarte

Astarte’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. ‘Tart’ was a nickname used by her parents and the older demons familiar with her from her childhood. Yet, Mirage had never once called her by that name before. His words were effective; Astarte’s pen, which had been making a constant scratching noise on the paper, came to an abrupt halt.

From a young age, Astarte had been engrossed in training, leaving her with little time to build relationships with her peers. Most of the demons of her age in the army were new recruits or of lower rank, and none of them would dare to call Astarte, the daughter of one of the Four Heavenly Kings and the deputy, by a nickname. Particularly not the men, who would be even more hesitant.

In other words, Astarte wasn’t accustomed to being addressed in such a manner by males of her age. Mirage’s words had an immediate effect, and Astarte’s pale skin was quickly turning a brilliant shade of scarlet.

“I…my name isn’t Tart-chan, it’s Astarte. Please stop calling me that!” -Astarte

“Really? I thought it’s a cute nickname and makes you more approachable.” -Mirage

“C-cu-!? I forbid you from using that nickname! If you utter it again, I will cut off your head!” -Astarte

Astarte stood up abruptly, her voice raised in anger. Unfortunately, her desk was piled high with paperwork. Whether she accidentally hit them with her arms or the desk itself was jostled, the mountain of paperwork began to topple.

“Whoa, careful there, Astarte. You need to watch your surroundings.” -Mirage

Mirage moved quickly, catching the falling documents. Their positions had now shifted; once obscured from each other, they now found themselves face to face. Could this innocent girl, who was flustered from being called by a nickname, remain calm while so close to the one who had caused her distress?

“I, uh, excuse me!” -Astarte

Astarte chose to flee, her ears turning as red as her face, as she dashed out of the office. Mirage, left alone, regretted teasing her a bit too much and silently watched her retreating figure. Later, he received a message that Astarte had left early due to feeling unwell, and he was left to tackle the mountain of paperwork alone.

Unfortunately, Astarte’s dash from the office, her face flushed, didn’t go unnoticed. Many soldiers saw her running through the castle, and the news eventually reached Belzebuth. Mirage, who had finally finished his work, was completely exhausted. Awaiting him was an interrogation disguised as a chat with a father who doted on his daughter.

As a side note, Astarte didn’t speak to Mirage for the next three days, and he had to make extra efforts to win her back. Despite a few bumps along the way, Mirage’s life as a deputy continued.