Akatsuki Translations

Dragons, creatures of ancient legend, known as the most powerful of all monsters.

In the fairy tales told across human kingdoms, there are countless depictions of the Demon Lord controlling a dragon to abduct a princess. However, such tales are nothing more than fiction.

There is a race known as the Dragon Demons who can transform into dragons, but they are entirely separate from the dragons that are considered monsters.

These monstrous dragons show their fangs even to their own kind, and on occasion, they can easily annihilate one or two towns.

However, it seems their numbers aren’t particularly high. Excluding the Wyverns, classified as lesser-winged dragons, actual dragon sightings are rare. It is said they live secretly in unexplored lands, where no one dares to tread.

Additionally, the dragon’s body is a treasure trove. Their tough hides, scales, claws, and teeth are fashioned into high-priced weaponry, while their blood and liver are used for medicinal purposes.

The liver and blood of ancient and powerful dragons that have survived from time immemorial are whispered to be the ingredients for a panacea.

In any case, dragons are formidable adversaries. Even the appearance of a single one can lead to great turmoil, making them a threat not to be trifled with lightly.

The dragon that appeared this time exhibited an extraordinary degree of brutality.

『In just three days, we have lost two thousand lives, a third of which belonged to the Demon Lord’s forces. These are staggering figures indeed. 』 -Belzebuth

In the office, Mirage and Astarte were present. Belzebuth, who was absent, was communicating with them through a communication orb.

Currently, Belzebuth was away on a secret mission under the command of the Demon Lord Lilith. The unfortunate timing of the dragon’s disturbance coinciding with his absence was nothing short of bad luck.

The demon race, being more long-lived and resilient than humans, has a smaller population. The loss of two thousand lives would be equivalent to the loss of nearly twenty thousand humans.

“To think we’d be so thoroughly trounced by a mere monster. Father, for the sake of the soldiers who lost their lives, we should mobilize the entire army and set out to subjugate it!” Astarte proposed, her voice filled with fervor, to Belzebuth on the other end of the communication orb.

The Demon Lord’s army did not only consist of soldiers; it included non-combatant demons and children.

The Wicked Dragon that had crossed from the Germania Empire into the demon territory had annihilated the border patrol and repelled the reinforcements from the surrounding areas. It had started to attack villages and towns one after another.

It was currently in a region where the cat-demons were fighting over territory, and everyone was living in fear, uncertain of when it might move again.

『I would like to immediately avenge our fallen comrades, but regrettably, I have a mission from the Demon Lord. The handling of the dragon… this Wicked Dragon, will be left to Astarte and Mirage, just like the bandit disturbance we resolved the other day. 』 -Belzebuth

The term “Wicked Dragon” was a name given for convenience; its formal species was still unknown. It was called a Wicked Dragon because it was covered in pitch-black scales and emitted an evil aura.

Belzebuth’s response to the situation with the Wicked Dragon was something Mirage had not anticipated.

Given the level of damage in just three days, it was inconceivable that Belzebuth, the commanding general, would not return. It seemed like a cruel joke.

Belzebuth had been carrying out secret missions on the orders of the Demon Lord Lilith for some time now. Recently, his absences had become more frequent, so Astarte and Mirage, his deputies, had been given a lot of authority.

However, their main roles were limited to giving initial commands during emergencies or normal times. They had never anticipated a situation like the current one.

“Wait, Father, this time it’s different from the bandit situation. If we handle this incorrectly, it could cause great damage to innocent people, our soldiers, and even the Demon Lord!” -Astarte

“I agree with Astarte. If you’re in a difficult place to return from, I will go out of my way to come and pick you up.” -Mirage

The opinions of Astarte and Mirage were quite reasonable, and anyone would agree with them.

Being a member of the Four Heavenly Kings was not just a nominal role. One had to be stronger than any other demon living in that land. Without Belzebuth, the strongest demon in the eastern lands, the subjugation of the Wicked Dragon could not begin.

『You both make valid points. But aren’t you forgetting something? I am on a secret mission by the command of the Demon Lord. And I’m saying that even after hearing this report, I cannot return. That’s why I’m leaving this matter to you two. 』-Belzebuth

Belzebuth was indirectly stating that his current mission was more important than the crisis caused by the Wicked Dragon.

Only the Demon Lord Lilith would be more important than his duties as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

Belzebuth, known as a tyrant for his mercilessness toward enemies and a wise king for his deep consideration towards his brethren, earned the nickname “Belzebuth of Purgatory”. His reputation was such that being his enemy was hell, while being his ally was heaven.

Considering Belzebuth’s nature, it seemed unlikely he would say such things thoughtlessly. Mirage concluded that persuasion was futile and prepared to shift his focus to future plans. But the small girl sitting next to him seemed unsatisfied.

“B-but, Father! I will appeal directly to the Demon Lord! So ―― ” -Astarte

『―― Astarte! I’m telling you, I’m leaving this to you. Or… can’t you do anything without your father? 』-Belzebuth

“Ahh… Uh… That…” -Mirage

The cold, pushing tone of Belzebuth’s voice echoed throughout the office, even through the communication orb. Mirage, having never seen Belzebuth take such a harsh attitude towards Astarte, unintentionally looked at the girl sitting next to him.

Astarte, apparently taken aback by the sudden turn of events, had an expression like a child being scolded by a parent, or a lost toddler. Mirage, seeing Astarte in this state, managed to keep his cool, but he couldn’t completely hide his worry.

The magical power he had sensed from the Germania Empire and the Wicked Dragon that appeared this time were easily connected.

He fully understood that the amount of magical power doesn’t decide the outcome of a battle, but he had never heard of magic that could be sensed across countries, and he could infer that the Wicked Dragon that appeared this time was the strongest in history.

Moreover, according to the report from the border patrol, the Germania army seemed to have driven the Wicked Dragon into the demon territory by attacking it in a way that led it there. At that time, it is said that they had built a mountain of corpses exceeding an estimated five thousand humans.

The extent of the damage in the past month is not difficult to imagine, and it can be inferred that the Wicked Dragon’s war potential is huge.

In the unlikely event that the Wicked Dragon remains in the eastern lands without being addressed, there’s a possibility that the damage could extend all the way to the Demon Lord, depending on the direction it takes.

Even in the face of such a crisis, the Heavenly Kings Belzebuth has a mission he must prioritize, as commanded by Demon Lord Lilith.

It’s not unreasonable for Astarte, who doesn’t know the details of the mission, to complain, but it doesn’t seem like Belzebuth’s will is going to change.

“Belzebuth-sama, I have one thing I’d like to confirm.” -Mirage

『Ho, what is it, Mirage-kun? 』 -Belzebuth

“In the event that Astarte and I have a disagreement about how to handle the situation, am I correct in assuming that the final decision rests with Astarte?” -Mirage

“Mirage, what are you saying?” -Astarte

Astarte again raised her voice in confusion. Throughout his tenure as the stand-in for Belzebuth, commanding the army, Mirage had never been at odds with her. Sure, Mirage had occasionally suggested slacking off or made bizarre proposals, but fundamentally he had always followed Astarte’s orders. Over time, this compliance had become the norm.

The sight of Mirage, who normally displayed little sense of responsibility, asking questions as though he was already on board with the plan was nothing short of jarring.

『Hmm, I see, I see. Well, in that case, as long as the troops under my command obey, I don’t mind if they act on their own discretion. However, I can’t approve if this leads to chaos that can’t be controlled. 』-Belzebuth

“In that case, I have no problem.” -Mirage

『Well, well, that’s good to hear. Now, Mirage has happily agreed… But what about Astarte? 』-Belzebuth

Although it wasn’t so much an eager agreement as a reluctant one, Mirage checked Astarte’s reaction again, sensing the obvious confusion.

The reason Mirage had asked Belzebuth the previous question was precisely because he feared the current situation. Astarte, diligent and hardworking, had never made a noticeable blunder, performing her duties like an exemplary honor student.

Considering her age, her experience was among the top in the Demon Lord’s army. It would be apt to call her an excellent deputy. Indeed, Mirage thought so, too, and had no significant complaints when carrying out tasks with Astarte.

On the contrary, it felt like gaining a slightly stubborn younger sister, which was quite endearing. However, Astarte and Mirage had fundamentally different ways of thinking. Astarte, for better or worse, always tried to emulate what Belzebuth would do, while Mirage believed in relying on his own strength.

On a regular, less-dangerous mission, there would be no problem, and with Astarte’s abilities, failure was unlikely. But what about when they faced an enemy far superior to them, as was the case with the Wicked Dragon?

Unlike Belzebuth, who made all his decisions based on his own will, Astarte, who emulates, might become a source of worry in a real crisis, especially if there was an expectation of sacrifices from the start.

“I… I… um…” -Astarte

『It’s fine if you can’t do it. Fortunately, Mirage-kun seems willing to stand in for me. 』-Belzebuth

“…! I… I’ll do it! I’ll take father’s place!” -Astarte

『Well then, I’m counting on both of you. I’m a busy man, and I think I won’t be able to contact you for a while. 』-Belzebuth

With Belzebuth’s unilateral words, the communication orb lost its light, and silence returned to the office. Mirage internally criticized his superior, thinking that there was no need to provoke Astarte like that.

She never said it directly, but Astarte respected her father, Belzebuth, and saw him as a role model. That’s why, from a young age, she endured harsh training and was now serving as the deputy of one of the Four Heavenly Kings, despite her young age.

When Mirage was about Astarte’s age, he spent his days shut up in his house, engrossed in reading books and eating up the fortune his father left behind. He joined the Demon Lord’s army for the simple reason of earning a little living expense, and he thought that Astarte’s efforts to catch up with her father in her small body were worthy of respect.

However, if Belzebuth spoke in that manner, there was no way Astarte could refuse, given her character. Being disappointed by her real father and role model would be unbearable for Astarte. But that’s not necessarily the best judgment when you’re risking your life.

“Mirage, I don’t know what you’re up to, but I won’t lose. I’ll gather the officers for a military conference two hours from now. Let’s exchange opinions on future policies there.” -Astarte

“Well… uh, okay. Then I have to prepare some things too, so excuse me.” -Mirage

A deputy with the same position, talent that improved rapidly even with unfamiliar weapons, a seemingly nonchalant attitude, the recent statement to Belzebuth, and the fear of disappointing her father – all these elements were enough to stir Astarte’s competitive spirit. As he left the office, Mirage heaved a deep sigh.

For now, he decided to accurately gauge the enemy’s strength. Although Astarte would be upset if she found out, Mirage had no ambition for promotion, nor did he care if Belzebuth was disappointed in him. He simply wished for a peaceful world where he could spend his days immersed in reading.

He would avoid unnecessary work and quickly finish what needed to be done. Following this creed, Mirage had walked the path of advancement, but if there was one flaw, it was that he disregarded emotions too much.

The Wicked Dragon incident highlighted Astarte’s weaknesses, but the same was true for Mirage… though neither of them realized it.

『Anyway, wasn’t that a bit forceful? Rather than yer daughter, I think tha’ boy realized somethin’, at least. 』-Lilith

In a dimly lit room lit only by a small candle, a woman’s voice with a distinctive accent emanated from the communication orb placed on a wooden table. There were two orbs on the table, but one had already lost its light.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to move for a while. Either way, this is the best course of action. Besides, he’s smart. Even if he suspects something, he won’t blindly intervene.” -Belzebuth (TL Note: speaking in keigo)

A man in a hooded robe, his face hidden, sat in front of the table, speaking to the orb. Occasionally, his eyes, tainted black, peeked out from under the hood.

『…Is it really that bad? That dummy was the same, but if ya drop dead on me out tha’ blue, I’ll be so sad I’ll wail ya know. And when there’s no one around, stop talkin’ in such a weird way. It gives me goosebumps! 』-Lilith

“Ah, my bad. I seem to be off. But I don’t intend to drop dead that easily. At the very least, I’ll survive long enough to see the kids shine. Besides… my wife would be angry.” -Belzebuth

Leaning back in his chair and looking up at the ceiling, the man responded with a smile.

『Hah! Still takin’ jabs at an ol’ spinster like me? 』-Lilith

“…Sorry.” -Belzebuth

『Nah, you apologizin’ so frankly hurts even more, ya’ big oaf! More importantly, when can ya come back? 』-Lilith

“About a month, or two if possible. And about that matter…” -Belzebuth

『Yeah yeah, I get it. I’ll play tha villain, you just rest up. ‘Course, that’s if this whole thing goes well. 』-Lilith

“Thanks. I’ll contact you again when things calm down.” -Belzebuth

『Alright, see ya later!』-Lilith

Like the other, the communication orb lost its light and became a silent sphere. Perhaps it was because of the lively voices until now, but the silence in the room felt even more pronounced.

“Well, will this decision turn out to be a blessing or a curse? Even so, I’ve made quite a foolish choice.” -Belzebuth

The man muttered to himself as he stood up and stowed the two orbs in his robe. His voice seemed somewhat cheerful despite his self-deprecating words. As he rose, his hood slipped back revealing long silver hair that swayed gently with his unsteady steps. After the man left, the room was only lit by the flickering candlelight.