Akatsuki Translations

Mirage of Illusions

A genius who climbed up to the rank of the Four Heavenly Kings, never revealing his true face hidden behind the mask, not even to the Demon Lord.

“Mirage-sama, I do not seek an apology. I seek an explanation.” -Astarte

The genius sat in a seiza, bare-chested.

With his arms crossed, Astarte, his deputy, looked down on Mirage, who was sitting in the formal position. They were in Astarte’s bedroom, on his bed. At first glance, one might think they were engaged in some peculiar play, but that was far from the truth.

“Honestly, I’ve been spoiling Tart-chan by entrusting her with my official seal. I regret that.” -Mirage

“It’s quite surprising. Indeed, I did accept your official seal, Mirage-sama. But you said it was merely a matter of entrustment, that you intended to continue with your work as usual.” -Astarte

“Yes, that’s correct.” -Mirage

“However, your frequency of showing up at work has been decreasing day by day. In the past week, you’ve hardly done any work. Moreover… why has your health deteriorated?” -Astarte

It was not unreasonable for Astarte to be worried.

With tasks such as maintaining security within the royal city, creating magical tools, compiling reports on Roux and the demon race, and occasionally attending important meetings, while also investigating the personal affairs of Duke Dampierre and Marquis Ctesiphon, Mirage, as Farsa, had a lot of time-consuming tasks. His duties as one of the Four Heavenly Kings had been neglected.

Meetings with Marquis Ctesiphon, consultations with Cecilia, duels with Zenobia, and other events that took up his evenings were often handled by correspondence alone.

One could no longer say that he was managing both roles, and that this had overlapped with the period since he entrusted his official seal, left him without an excuse.

What’s more, due to his reckless behavior in the duel with Zenobia, his health had deteriorated again.

Mirage was seated on the bed out of Astarte’s leniency, and he was bare-chested because he was examined after his condition worsened.

Mirage intended to hide his physical condition at all costs, but he was pointed out for his strange behavior as soon as they met and was taken to the bedroom.

Astarte’s observational skills were truly fearsome.

“I overdid things a bit over there.” -Mirage

“Hah, Mirage-sama, I must insist that you develop a sense of responsibility as one of the Four Heavenly Kings and a habit of caring for your own body. If you continue to push yourself like this, things that could be cured won’t be, and you’ll keep repeating the same mistakes. It seems that even this is beyond your understanding, you maggot-brained scum.” -Astarte

Ah, something about this is nostalgic and calming, Mirage thought to himself, surprisingly at ease.

While they had been conversing through the communication orb, they hadn’t had any lengthy conversations because there were no problems reported from Astarte’s side. Their exchanges had been extremely brief and formal.

Feeling a sense of comfort like home in Astarte’s familiar attitude, Mirage remembered his own family home.

That said, the building he could call his home still existed.

“You always manage to hit where it hurts, leaving me speechless.” -Mirage

“Seriously, Mirage-sama, it seems you’re hopeless without me. Now, please lie down right away. I’ll give you another acupuncture treatment for what it’s worth.” -Astarte

Despite showing signs of exasperation, Astarte suggested the treatment, and Mirage obediently lay down on the bed.

As before, Mirage was lost in thought, looking up at the ceiling, feeling the pain of needles being inserted all over his body and the soft touch of Astarte’s buttocks.

Zenobia had accepted him as a half-demon and one of the Four Heavenly King’s, Mirage.

But how about the others?

His deputy, who was inserting needles into his chest with a serious expression, would he accept him if he told him that he was half-human? Or would he despise him?

Judging from his attitude so far, he might accept him, but there was no guarantee.

“…Mirage-sama, do you have something on your mind?” -Astarte

“Yeah, just a little. You always notice these things, don’t you, Tart-chan?” -Mirage

“Well, I observe you every day. For example, I can tell that one of the multiple female scents you’ve been emitting lately is stronger than before. It seems you’ve become quite intimate with her.” -Astarte

At Astarte’s bombshell, Mirage felt a chill run down his spine.

Sure enough, he had woken up in the same bed as Zenobia that morning.

However, he had bathed and changed his underwear before heading to Marquis Ctesiphon’s residence.

If it were Louveteau, the chieftain of the Wolf Demon tribe, he might notice the lingering scent, but Astarte was a silver-horned demon. Her sense of smell was not particularly enhanced as a species.

When Mirage glanced at Astarte, she was waiting for a response, inserting a needle near his heart.

Incidentally, if you have enhancement magic, it’s easy to stab a heart with a mere needle.

“No… that’s…” -Mirage

“I was joking. I just wanted to tease you a bit. Judging from your reaction, it seems you’ve done something like that to me, and yet you’ve laid your hands on another woman. By the way, it’s a completely unrelated story, but my father was devoted only to my mother and never strayed. According to him, if he had, no amount of lives would be enough. And, another unrelated story, I’m told I take after my mother in personality. Yes, completely unrelated.” -Astarte

Marquis Ctesiphon was also devoted to his wife, Mirage remembered, as he pondered how to get out of this situation.

The kingdom’s law allows polygamy, and in many demon tribes, it’s not unusual for chieftains or those with power to have multiple wives.

However, being legally and traditionally accepted is entirely different from being accepted on a personal emotional level.

Zenobia is his fiancee and they plan to get married in the future, but it’s difficult to put into words the relationship between Astarte and Mirage.

Their relationship is too intimate to be passed off as that of a Four Heavenly King and his deputy, but they haven’t explicitly confirmed their relationship in words.

He was told to take responsibility, but there’s been no further discussion beyond that.

Even so, it’s dishonest to remain ambiguous forever.

Of course, the stain of dishonesty cannot be wiped away since he’s already engaged to Zenobia.

“I think… I love you, Tart-chan.” -Mirage

As Mirage said this, Astarte’s body jerked.

“That’s a very careless expression. Are you a pervert who enjoys being hurt, Mirage-sama, and are you deliberately phrasing it that way to make me angry?” -Astarte

“I don’t mean to. To me, Tart-chan started as a work partner, the daughter of a boss I was indebted to, has become an important subordinate, and feels like a cute little sister. But… it’s also true that I feel attracted to her as a woman, so even if it was my misunderstanding, I kissed her. But the person I met over there accepted me even knowing that I am a demon—” -Mirage

“—La Paralysie!” -Astarte

“Gah!” -Mirage

At the numbing pain that ran through his whole body, Mirage couldn’t help but groan.

Then he realized that he had lost control of his limbs.

Straining his barely mobile eyes, he confirmed the presence of Astarte. From the tips of her right hand, a thread-like substance extended, connected to a needle embedded in Mirage’s body.

“You let your guard down. My specialties are mind control and illusion magic. Since I can manipulate magic that directly influences the brain, it’s not hard for me to craft a spell that affects the nervous system. Originally, I developed it as an anesthetic… but it seems to have other uses.” -Astarte

Astarte constantly absorbed the cutting-edge medical knowledge of the Demon Lord’s army. Moreover, she possessed a unique magic technique that combines her demon clan’s inherent mind control magic with illusion magic, earning her the moniker of the “Maniac”. As his aide, she had a strength that rivaled the Four Heavenly Kings, making her a formidable opponent for Mirage if he let his guard down.

But why now, he wondered? With his mind reeling in confusion, he tried to regain control over his body, but his efforts were in vain.

“You’ve probably already tried, but you can’t activate any magic. The needle in you, Mirage, is connected to your magical circuit. As long as I’m channeling my magic into you like this, you won’t be able to muster any magic of your own.” -Astarte

“W-why…”  -Mirage

“Why? I’ve always declared that I’ll strike at your weak spot, Mirage-sama. I’ve just taken advantage of an opportune moment.” -Astarte

With that, Astarte traced her left hand’s fingertips along Mirage’s neck, a seductive smile playing on her lips. She looked more mature than usual, her petite body emanating an alluring aura. Mirage was completely cornered, unable to move or cast any magic, just as Astarte had said. There were numerous reasons he could use as an excuse—his trust in his aide, his less-than-perfect condition—but none of them mattered. The fact was, his life was in Astarte’s hands.

And then, without any hesitation, Astarte’s beautiful white fingers reached for Mirage’s mask and peeled it off.

“So, this was your secret, Mirage. I see, it makes sense why you’d hide your face with a mask. You managed to deceive Louveteau… but there’s nothing you can do in this situation.” -Mirage

Astarte’s crimson eyes checked Mirage’s right and left eyes alternately, realizing there was no impurity in them. Not a specialized lens disguising his identity, but a pure black right eye and a crimson left eye. Once this had been revealed, Mirage understood that there was no covering it up.

“What… what do you intend to do with me?” -Mirage

“Well, what should I do? I could take your head and present it to the Demon Lord, or use you as a rare sample for experiments. But first, you let slip that you’re a demon, is that all that’s been revealed?” -Astarte

Faced with Astarte’s sharp gaze, Mirage realized lying was not an option. The same thing he had done to Cecilia just a few days ago had come back around to him.

“No, they know I was born between a human and a demon, and that I am one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Mirage.” -Mirage

“I see. In that case, I can’t let this slide.” -Astarte

Before he could ask what she meant, Mirage’s words were cut off by Astarte’s lips sealing his own. Her tongue invaded his mouth, moving around as if to explore every corner. The sound of their kissing and the ragged breaths echoed throughout the bedroom. Astarte devoured Mirage’s mouth greedily, again and again. Before he knew it, Mirage had regained control of his body, switching their positions and pinning Astarte’s petite form to the bed.

“Mirage… more,” Astarte pleaded, her eyes glistening with desire as she looked up at him, her lips shiny and wet. Mirage felt a sensation that shook his brain, and he leaned in to answer her call.

“…Ah, m,” Astarte moaned, her body trembling.

Their sensual moment didn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. It continued on.

　◆◆◆

“It wasn’t… an illusion…” -Mirage

“Are you bottomless in your stupidity, Mirage? My apologies, I couldn’t help but speak my mind,” Astarte retorted to Mirage’s muttered realization, her words sharp and biting. Mirage, bound and unable to resist due to his magic being sealed, had thought that he was being brainwashed while seeing illusions. But the Astarte who clung to his right arm, using it as a pillow, told a different story. His mask was lying on the floor, their clothes scattered around it.

“Um… It’s a bit late, but could you explain?”  -Mirage

“There’s nothing to explain, Mirage-sama. You’re the one at fault. You did what you did to me, then made a move on another woman, even revealing your true identity. I was waiting for a fair fight where I could unmask you, or for you to confess at the right time… but I grew tired of waiting, so I took the opportunity to strike, even if it was a bit underhanded. But you, Mirage-sama, who forgot to always be on your guard, have no right to complain!” -Astarte

Mirage couldn’t argue with Astarte’s points. He thought back to Astarte’s father, Belzebuth, who could be considered his mentor, constantly repeating that one must always be ready for battle. Being caught off guard was a common occurrence, and Mirage was at fault for letting his guard down. Of course, that was also a sign of trust, but if Astarte had truly betrayed him, Mirage would have been easily killed.

“I really was outmaneuvered by you, Tart-chan. I never thought you’d secretly prepare new magic.” -Mirage

“That’s because you never show up when I’m training during the day. For the most part, Mirage-sama, you’re too lenient with children and women. You only revealed your identity because you were found out, right? You’re perfect otherwise, but it’s your weaknesses that are your downfall.” -Astarte

“I am truly ashamed. Also, please don’t grab my side.” -Mirage

As both Farsa and Mirage, his identity had been discovered due to women and children. Moreover, he had been told similar things recently, so he had no choice but to reflect on his actions.

“I might need to tie you up with chains, Mirage-sama. If I leave you be, you might do something absurd.” -Astarte

“Um, could you not say such dangerous things? It’s scary because I think you might actually do it.” -Mirage

“Hehe, just joking. Oh, and since your identity has been revealed like this, please take me to the human kingdom next time. I need to talk to the woman you mentioned earlier.” -Astarte

“…Will it end with just a talk?” -Mirage

“It depends on her response. And I—

―― I don’t intend to be just a convenient woman for a man,” she said, flashing a wide smile. Astarte was terrifying, yet beautiful. Mirage wondered if he could stop the two women, and as he imagined the future, he visualized the destruction of the royal capital and realized something

To return Roux to her parents, he would inevitably have to deal with both women. As Mirage turned away from the terrifying future, he realized something.

“By the way, is it okay for you to be away from your duties?” -Mirage

“I finished everything in anticipation of your return, Mirage-sama.” -Astarte

As she said this, Astarte turned her blushing face away. The aide to the Four Heavenly Kings’ Mirage was, after all, an efficient, calculating, and adorable girl.

With this chapter, the main story comes to a close! There is a short side story after this, so look forward to when that releases! But I hope you have enjoyed reading!

(By the way, a new series will be replacing this one)