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Chapter 3: Meeting the Chief 

Diablo’s eyes gradually grew accustomed to the darkness. At the center of the building was a large tree that extended upward like a tower, and people were seated upon its meandering roots. It was still too dark to tell what they were wearing, let alone the expressions on their faces however. Only Shera, with her night vision, squeaked in surprise at something. 

—What’s wrong? Do they look that scary to her? 

Diablo thought to use magic to illuminate the place...but right now they were visiting for Rem’s sake. Angering the Dark Elves would be unwise, so he decided to let Rem handle communication. 

“...I am an Adventurer.” Rem stepped forward. “I go by Rem Galleu. Are you the Dark Elves’ ruler?” 

“Ohohoho...” a calm, womanly voice echoed in response. “Ruler? No, I am only their chief. Nothing more.” 

Just like the woman who guided them here, this voice’s intonation was thick with an accent. But with this being another world, they should all be speaking the same language. Diablo was the only one who understood what they were saying in Japanese. He presumed that while the races did have their own language, other countries used different dialects, and this difference in intonation may be a representation of that. 

“...Could I ask for your name?” Rem asked. 

“’Tis Rafflesia S. Orangewood... You may feel free to simply refer to me as Rafflesia.” 

“...Understood, Lady Rafflesia.” 

“Ohohoho... You needn’t be so serious. Oh, yes, I’m sure this darkness is quite inconvenient for our non-Elven guests, yes? Let us illuminate the place.” 

A spell was chanted and a ball of light appeared near the ceiling. A ?Light? spell illuminated the room as if someone had turned on a light bulb. Blinded by the sudden light, Diablo squinted as he tried fixing his gaze on the person speaking to them, only to swallow his spit in surprise the very next moment. 

—Yup, I can see why you were shocked now, Shera! 

Rafflesia had giga boobs.

He thought this may be the case once he saw the local women, but this sort of volume went beyond his wildest imagination. To say it was more than could fit in one’s hand would be a vast understatement; one would need two hands to support them. 

Her outfit was layers of fabric held together by a sash at her waist. If her stomach were to stick out here, she would have looked like some swollen frog monster, but her figure was slender and curved like an hourglass. Diablo was dubious as to how that outfit supported the weight of her upper half, but found he couldn’t tear his eyes from her. Her hair wasn’t black like the other Dark Elves, but a shade of silver that approached white. 

“Your boobs are really big, Lady Rafflesia!” Shera said what everyone was thinking but didn’t have the nerve to say without reservation. 

“Ohohoho... You’re quite blessed yourself, are you not, miss? I would be hard pressed to believe you were an Elf had I not known otherwise.” 

“Huh? Ah, hmm... Ahaha...” 

Shera laughed timidly. She hid her form with a robe, but it seemed Rafflesia had seen through her disguise immediately. It was probably to be expected, but there was more to this woman than a pair of enormous breasts. 

“Hmm...” Rafflesia’s eyes narrowed. “This is a surprise... Are you Elven royalty? Your aura has such a luminescence to it.” 

“Ah, hmm...” 

Shera fell speechless. She wasn’t the type who was capable of lying. 

“What!?” the Dark Elven women sitting in the background reacted with surprise. 

It seemed there were soldiers lying in wait in the shadows. Diablo had assumed there would be four or five soldiers—presumably archers—present, but there were far more than he imagined. It seemed even he wasn’t capable of accurately perceiving Elves hiding in the woods. 

“You idiot!” Rem grabbed Shera by the shoulders. “Why won’t you say anything!?” 

“B-But, I really am the princess...” 

“...But the Dark Elves hate the Elves! Didn’t you think about what would happen if they found out you were royalty!?” 

“B-But, Rafflesia seems like a nice person...” 

“What if she’s not what she ‘seems like’ and tries to hurt you!?” 

“Well, Diablo’s here...” 

Rem hung her head dejectedly. Shera’s life of wealth and blessing made Shera far too hopelessly optimistic. By contrast, Rem’s life of continual lonesome hardship made her a pessimist. 

Diablo shrugged. 

—Being depended on doesn’t feel too bad. 

A Dark Elven girl, the one who wore the mohawk costume, nocked a bow and arrow in Shera’s direction. 

“You’re the Elven princess!?” 

It wasn’t just her—other Dark Elves had also drawn their bows. 

“We Dark Elves were once betrayed by the Elves...” Rafflesia said with a severe expression. “We hold a particularly bitter grudge against the current Elven king.” 

“Huh!? But it’s the first time you’ve even met me!” 

“True... But even if the offender forgets, the victim cannot help but remember. Be it a hundred or thousand years ago.” 

“No, that’s not fair!” 

Shera’s ears drooped lower than usual while Rem gritted her teeth. 

“...It’s like I said. You’re an idiot.” 

Rem slipped her fingers into her belt, clasping a summon crystal. Rose and Sylvie seemed to be standing still, but their senses were sharpened as they prepared to plunge into action at any second. 

Diablo sighed. 

—This is just like at the Grand Cathedral... 

Hanging back and letting others handle negotiations just made the situation roll into the worst possible scenario. He believed in his comrades, but acting as a Demon Lord was what suited him the most. 

He pulled the ?Prototype Great Scythe? from his pouch. He couldn’t use the Tonnerre Empereur on them if he wanted to hear about the ritual magic, but, if he used low level magic, it shouldn’t kill them. 

“I haven’t the time for your nonsense. Hear me, you Dark Elves! I am Diablo, a Demon Lord from another world! Your petty grudges do not concern me. Obey my orders if you value your lives!” 

“A Demon Lord!? I knew the Elves couldn’t be trusted!” 

The mohawk costume girl fired an arrow. 

She’d done it. 

Some voices called out to stop her, but it was too late. It was an attack from a short range, so even if it was from a weak girl, Diablo anticipated some damage. But suddenly, Rose stood between them, moving like a squall, and cut the arrow down with her arm. 

“What a pitiful creature you are, to attempt an attack on Master...” she spoke, her eyes open so wide it was almost surprising her eyeballs hadn’t rolled out of their sockets. “You deserve a painful death!” 

“Rose, don’t kill her!” Diablo strictly forbade her. 

At the same time, Rafflesia also cried out, “Desist!” but her attempt to hold the Dark Elves in check only spurred them to attack further. 

The other Dark Elves fired their bows one after another, raining arrow after arrow on Diablo and his group. There were probably thirty arrows that had been unleashed. He’d used ?Volcanic Wall? before to protect himself, but using fire magic here would burn the tree down. That would be going too far, Demon Lord role play or not. He felt like he probably only provoked them more than anything, but he never came here to fight them in the first place... 

Brandishing his scythe, Diablo unleashed his magic. 

“?Sonic Wave?!” 

A defensive wind element spell that sent shock waves blowing the Dark Elves’ arrows away. A barrage of air spread out around them, knocking back anyone around—namely the girl who’d fired the first arrow. 

“Kha!” 

Her back hit the wall, seemingly doing considerable damage. But to anyone that was even a bit further from Diablo, it felt like nothing more than a sudden gust. He’d managed not to hurt Rafflesia, but the soldiers in the tree’s shadows were still at large. 

—No, I can’t kill them. 

Diablo tried thinking of a spell that would disarm without killing them, and in the space of that moment... 

A Dark Elf warrior descended from the ceiling, brandishing a broadsword. It was a woman in leather armor. 

“Raaaaaaaaaaaahhh!” 

“Rose will not allow you to approach Master!” 

Rose intercepted the warrior, but since Diablo and his companions were in close proximity, she didn’t deploy the Magimatic Sol, instead brandishing her double-bladed sword. 

But just before the attack connected... 

“Hiya!” 

The Dark Elf warrior waved her sword aside. The sword’s trail turned into a shining blade which flew in Rose’s direction. It was ?Sword Slash?, a level 60 martial art that used MP to fire slashes from afar. This warrior was, evidently, rather skilled, and went to show that Dark Elves used more than just bows and arrows. 

But Rose simply bent aside, evading the flying blade. 

“Ngh!?” 

She evaded successfully, but the side of her dress’s skirt had been ripped in the process. 

The Dark Elf warrior landed, pointing her sword in Shera’s direction. 

“Don’t move, or else the princess—” 

“Eek!?” 

With a bow in her hands, Shera was a high level Adventurer, but she froze in place when she was threatened with a sword. She lacked practical experience. 

It seemed she would be taken hostage, but before the situation could develop any further, Diablo chanted a spell. 

“?Lightning Bullet?!” 

A ball of light gouged into the Dark Elf warrior’s flank, pulverizing her leather armor with ease. 

“Gah!?” 

The warrior flew back, the air knocked out of her lungs and blood dripping from her side as she slammed against the wall. The spell’s secondary effect triggered and the ball of light burst, causing additional damage. 

—Oh crap, is she dead!? 

He had to think fast, so he ended up using a spell that was swift and had considerable power to it. She was apparently a high level Warrior, but he didn’t kill her, did he? 

“Ugh... Aaah...” 

Still lying down, the warrior moaned in pain. Diablo sighed in relief, but on the surface his attitude was the exact opposite. 

“You’re quite the stubborn one. Heheheh... Who wants to be blown back next? Maybe I’ll try a dark element spell next.” 

He flapped his cloak menacingly. This piece of EX-rank equipment, the ?Sojourn of Darkness?, had the effect of inflicting the ?Fear? status on all enemies. This warrior was, apparently, extraordinary among the others, and the Dark Elves were all visibly rattled as a result. 

† 

“Cease this fighting!” Rafflesia raised her voice again, and everyone seemed to agree this time. 

“Heheheh... How boring.” Diablo smiled boldly. “Well, so be it. I’ve come to speak to you anyway. If you acknowledge how powerless you are, I may be inclined to show leniency.” 

The Dark Elves seemed to share the Elves’ proud nature, and many of those present ground their teeth in frustration. But Rafflesia held them in check, speaking with a calm smile. 

“Hmm... I thank you for your tolerance, honored guest. Fighting against such a powerful sorcerer is a terrifying prospect indeed. From what I hear, you felled the Lord of the Black Forest with just one spell?” 

“The Lord of the Black Forest? Ah, you mean the Black Behemoth. I hardly believe that sort of weakling deserves such a grand title.” 

The Dark Elves were growing visibly restless. They’d come to realize how much stronger the opponent they aimed their bows against was, and since Rafflesia had heard the report regarding the Black Behemoth, the fight was mostly avoided. The girl who had fired at them, despite having seen Diablo’s magic, was simply short tempered. 

—There are two patterns to a large group opening up with hostilities after all. Either the leader orders the offensive, or a soldier on the front lines loses their temper and attacks recklessly. 

“You really defeated it with magic, didn’t you... Such massive power...” Rafflesia spoke, her voice full of amazement. “Honored guest, what did you mean by ‘Demon Lord’?” 

“Exactly how it sounds. I am different from this world’s Demon Lords however, for I come from another world.” 

“Ohohoho... I see... Fascinating.” 

Rafflesia’s gaze washed over Diablo like a tongue, as if trying to evaluate him. It was unsettling. 

“Hmph... This one will tell you the rest.” 

Diablo stepped back before Rafflesia could see through him. Rem, who had been handed the initiative in the conversation, turned a gaze to those who fell in the battle. 

“...Let’s treat the wounded, first. We apologize for this uproar... We have no intention of harming or offending the Dark Elves. Please, believe us when we say so. Shera is also a friend of mine. She accompanied me here out of concern for my well-being. She may be the princess of the Elves your people hold a grudge against...but right now, she is a heartfelt attendant of mine.” 

Rafflesia nodded and gestured with one hand. The Dark Elf warrior and other wounded were carried away; and there were, indeed, only women here. 

Having confirmed the wounded had been taken away safely, Rafflesia opened her mouth to speak. “After we have pointed bows and swords at you, your fear of Princess Shera’s safety is rational enough. Allow me to apologize on the Dark Elves’ behalf.” 

Both sides had apologized, which meant Rem was now allowed to get into the nitty-gritty. 

“...I’ve heard that ritual magic capable of extracting a Demon Lord’s soul is passed down in this land.” 

“I know not of such a thing!” Rafflesia’s expression suddenly turned quite severe. 

“...That’s... I realize there must be some circumstances at play here, but perhaps you could hear of my own circumstances, first?” 

“Your circumstances, honored guest?” 

Rem placed a hand on her abdomen. “...A part of the Demon Lord Krebskulm’s soul is sealed within my body.” 

“A Demon Lord!?” 

“...Yes. I’m sure there’s no need to explain what a Demon Lord is at this point. But in ancient times, it was sealed within my ancestor by God...then passed down from mother to daughter for generations.” 

“Such a seal is upon you!?” 

“...Much has happened, but because a large amount of magical energy was infused into my body, the Demon Lord Krebskulm was resurrected.” 

The Dark Elves trembled at Rem’s words, far more visibly than when Diablo had proclaimed himself to be a Demon Lord earlier. 

“I-It cannot be... So, that resurrected Demon Lord...” Rafflesia rose to her feet. 

“...No, Diablo really is a Demon Lord from another world. He is not Krebskulm. Would an awakened Demon Lord hold a conversation with the races? According to the scriptures, he only...ravages, and destroys.” 

“Yes... That’s how it should be... It is as you say.” 

“...The Demon Lord Krebskulm is now in an incomplete form. You can think of it as being sealed in another manner.” 

“Very well.” Rafflesia sighed in relief and sat back down. 

Rem didn’t mention it was Diablo’s magical energy that had resurrected Krebskulm since, no matter how you twisted it, their actions were like a betrayal against the races. They would be credited as Demon Lord worshipers, even though they had their own reasons to act the way they had... 

Rem continued speaking. She explained that if she were to die, or have more magical energy flow into her, the remnants of Krebskulm would be unleashed. She could give birth to a daughter and have them inherit the seal, but she wanted to end this fate with her generation. She wanted to extract the Demon Lord’s remnants and dispose of it all. But she did keep it a secret that the resurrected Krebskulm had become Klem, the biscuit-loving girl. 

“...Such is my story. A trustworthy friend told me the Dark Elves may have a ritual magic that can help me, which has led me here, to you.” 

“Hmm... I understand your story. But I’m afraid I cannot say we truly have a ritual magic that can do away with a sealed Demon Lord’s soul.” 

Rafflesia’s attitude had become odd. 

“I don’t know the details, but does it have to do with what happened in the past?” Diablo asked what she’d meant, only to be answered by, “I really don’t know the details.” 

The way things were going, their negotiations weren’t moving along. It was like they were wandering through a maze with their eyes closed. Rem asked Rafflesia a few more times, and in the end she disclosed the Dark Elves’ circumstances. 

† 

Rafflesia crossed her legs, her oversized breasts jiggling as she did. “Then let me tell you of our past. A story older than the last war, dating back much earlier than that—to the time when a Human king marched his army into the old Dark Elven forest in what was called a ?Crusade?.” 

Diablo’s mind filled with questions marks. 

—A Crusade? What’s that? That word never came up, not even in Cross Reverie’s lore books. 

“The Crusade really is a thing of the distant past,” Sylvie whispered. “It’s the name of an order of soldiers raised by the king of Lyferia from three generations ago.” 

It was probably so old it wasn’t even mentioned in the game’s setting and lore. 

“The Crusade’s purpose was to prevent the Demon Lord’s revival...” Rafflesia continued her story. “At least on the surface... They attacked us because the ritual magic capable of undoing the Demon Lord’s seal was passed down in our traditions.” 

It was a horrible story. Not just Rem and Shera, even Sylvie looked shocked. It appeared the majority of the races weren’t aware of this. 

“Even though we only inherited the ritual magic that was passed down to us since the times of myth... Many Dark Elves were killed by the soldiers of the Crusade. They burned down the beautiful forest we once inhabited, and what few survivors remained took to hiding in this poisoned forest.” 

“That’s... I can’t believe it...” Rem moaned. 

“When the Crusade attacked us...” Rafflesia continued her tale, her voice heavy with sorrow, “the Elves did nothing to defend us or come to our aid. Is it not natural we would resent them? King Greenwood, who had lived at that time, has passed away just recently.” 

“Father...abandoned you!?” Shera’s breath was stuck in her throat. 

“You did not know? Well, I suppose if you did, you never would have come here.” 

“They just told me the Dark Elves were scary and bad...” 

“Yes, I suppose the Elves would fear us, wouldn’t they? The grudge between us is simply that great.” 

“Ah, ooh...” Shera hung her head. 

Rem fell silent, and Sylvie’s constant smile was gone as well. Rose’s expression was as blank as ever, and she merely seemed to be cautious of her surroundings. 

Diablo, however, hated this silence. They needed to hurry these talks along, since time wasn’t currently in their favor. 

“Hmph... In that case, this is a great chance to use this ritual magic you’ve risked your life to defend, is it not? A golden opportunity, if you ask me.” 

Rafflesia seemed taken aback, and raised her voice the next moment. “This is not what we were talking about!” 

—I messed up, didn’t I... 

It seemed like what Diablo was trying to express didn’t quite come across to her. But a Demon Lord didn’t take back his words, even if they were mistaken. He had to push onward, confidently. He clicked the pommel of his war scythe against the ground. 

“So you hold a grudge against the Crusade and the Elves, no!? So what? How does that relate to me? We’ve gone to the trouble of coming here, so you will cooperate with us!” 

“Fool! You think that is any way of making a request!?” 

The fact he angered her made him panic internally, and his tone only became haughtier to compensate. 

“Hmph... We’re finally back to talking about the ‘now.’” Diablo smiled thinly. “Then allow me to revise my attitude. Would that encourage you to cooperate?” 

Rafflesia was visibly upset, but she was still in a position that commanded others. She still had the presence of mind to think rationally. 

“Does that revision mean you will resort to violence to get your way?” 

—Well, that is an option. But Rem would despise me for it, and I don’t want to resort to extortion either. 

As Diablo contemplated as such, Rem raised her voice in denial. 

“That’s absurd! I just want to solve my problem... I fully believe stabilizing this situation would benefit the races as a whole. But I think forcing someone to act against their will is wrong!” 

“That’s a very benevolent intent to have...” Rafflesia sighed. “You are a powerful sorcerer, honored guest. But if you were to threaten us with that power, I would resist you with all my might. The Dark Elves will always choose to fight over yielding to violence.” 

It wasn’t hard to imagine that this proud nature was why the Crusade nearly drove them to extinction. Diablo thought teaching others about the ritual magic was preferable to death...but everyone had their own set of values. There was a difference of race at play here, and the events of the past complicated things even more. 

“Yeah, I understand.” Sylvie nodded, seemingly convinced. “God must have entrusted the ritual magic with you because of that disposition.” 

“...Is there any way you could cooperate with me?” Rem asked. 

“Why, of course—you’ve brought your friend along after all. And she’s no ordinary friend either, but the Elven princess herself! With the King’s passing and her brothers already deceased, she is the sole heir to the royal bloodline.” 

Everyone’s gazes suddenly fixed on Shera. 

“Huh? Me?” 

“Ohoho... If you were to reclaim the trust the Dark Elves had lost toward the Elves...it would make me a friend to you, honored guests. And I would gladly extend my assistance, yes?” 

Shera smiled at the sound of that offer. “Yeah, that sounds great! I don’t know a lot about what happened in the past, but being friends is a good thing!” 

“I’m pleased to hear you say that. Then, as proof of our friendship...would you yield part of Greenwood to us?” 

“Huh...?” 

“In the past, we Dark Elves also lived in an abundant forest. But now we’re forced to live in these poisoned woods... Would my suggestion not do as a mark of reconciliation? If the Elves give us part of their forest...we could forgive them for not fighting against the Crusade with us. A plot of land three times the size of this forest is all we need, I believe?” 

Rafflesia directed a gaze at Shera, trying to assess her reaction. 

“Hmmm...” Shera’s expression was pensive, while Rem’s and Sylvie’s were severe. 

They demanded land in exchange for the ritual magic—but that deal was in no way acceptable. 

Diablo gripped his war scythe tightly. 

—She never intended to cooperate with us in the first place. Maybe I should resort to violence anyway, even if they resist... 

Of course, the Dark Elves sensed the shift in the atmosphere. The Dark Elven archers stood at the ready, suspense filling their expressions. Things seemed to be on the verge of exploding, when Shera clapped her hands in a dry, snapping noise.

“Okay, I accept!”

“Ohohoh... As I thought, you will not yi—” Rafflesia’s eyes widened in shock. “Huh? What did you just say?” 

“I said I accept.” Shera gave a carefree smile. “You said a plot of land three times the size of this village, right? I don’t really get it, but if it’s only that much, I think we can manage.” 

“S-Such foolishness! The forest is too small for the Elves as it is, and some of you are forced to live outside of it! You don’t have enough land to be able to give some away!” 

“But if what you said is true, it only makes sense to share it with you. Isn’t living in a forest with nothing but poisonous plants horrible?” 

“That’s... Yes, of course it is...” 

“I don’t know why Father didn’t protect you—I’ll ask Mother about it later. But I think the Elves and the Dark Elves should get along.” 


“Impossible! That’s impossible!” Rafflesia shook her head. “Th-That’s right... You’re a princess, nothing more. You’re not the king. You don’t have the authority to give the forest to us. That’s your angle, yes!? You’ll go back on your words later, saying you can’t keep your promise!” 

“I’m not lying!” Shera tapered her lips grumpily. 

“Can you swear your life on it!? Can you swear it on God’s name!?” 

“Of course! So please, just help Rem!” 

“Wh-What are you...” Rem cut into the conversation with a flustered expression. “Do you even understand what you’re saying, Shera!? No, of course you don’t!” 

“You’re so mean, Rem...” 

“Stupid Shera! There’s no way the Elves would agree to let the Dark Elves claim part of their forest! Your can’t swear your life on that type of promise so thoughtlessly like that...” 

“I’m not being thoughtless. I’m not... I mean, you put your life on the line and came to save me when my brother kidnapped me... So this time, it’s my turn to help you.” 

“Th-That’s...because Diablo was...” 

“Yeah, I know. And if Diablo’s ever in trouble, let’s both work together to save him too.” Shera pumped her fists before her chest. 

“...You really are an idiot...” Rem said in a trembling voice. “What could we ever do in a situation Diablo can’t handle?” 

“Ahaha, I guess you’re right.” 

“...Are you really sure about this, Shera?” 

“Positive!” Shera nodded deeply. “I thought this through, and I have the perfect plan!” 

“If you say you swear it on God’s name, Princess Shera,” Rafflesia continued the conversation, “I’ll believe your words. In exchange for a portion of your forest, we will put the past behind us. We shall be friends, and I shall solve our Pantherian guest’s problem with the sealed Demon Lord. I swear it in God’s name.” 

Shera nodded enthusiastically. “It’s a promise! Swear to God!” 

† 

They were to perform the ritual magic immediately. Diablo had thought only Rem would have to take part in it...but Shera wanted to come along and accompany Rem as well. They had no choice but to trust Rafflesia about the ritual magic, but given the scale of the compensation she would receive for it, Diablo doubted she’d lied. 

But what about the other Dark Elves? Could he say for certain they wouldn’t hurt Rem and Shera? Rem was about to have the ritual magic performed on her, and Shera was weak to ambushes. Diablo was getting anxious. 

“I will join as well,” Diablo proposed. 

“Ohohoh... Do you not trust me? You are a wary one. But having too many people present can be a problem. The altar is a small place.” 

“Very well. Rose, Sylvie, keep watch near the carriage.” 

Rose seemed terribly hurt for a moment, but bowed deeply. “As you command, Master.” 

“Right, we’ll wait outside. Don’t make a mess in there, Diablo.” 

The two of them left the building. 

Following in Rafflesia’s footsteps, Diablo, Rem, and Shera entered a room deeper into the castle.

On the other side of the great tree— 

They found themselves in a small room. The room had two exits, one being the door Diablo and his group had entered from, and another door further into the room. The place had no windows, and was even darker than the room before, with Rafflesia lighting the room up again with another Light spell. At the center of the wooden floor was a small pond surrounding a rock, with fish swimming in the water. 

Surprisingly enough, Rafflesia hadn’t brought any guards with her. There was no one but the four of them in the room. Were her guards on the other side of the wall, or maybe masking their presence? Not detecting them would be pretty lame...but pretending he found them when they weren’t actually there would be even more pathetic. It’d be ridiculous. How was he supposed to ask without giving up any of his Demon Lordly dignity!? 

“Hmph...” Diablo snorted. “Your guards... What are you playing at, Rafflesia?” 

“This place is called the ?Chamber of Purification?,” Rafflesia said with a gentle smile. “The only ones permitted to enter are myself and those undergoing the ritual, so there is no need for any guards.” 

So there really weren’t any guards... 

“I’m surprised you trust us so easily.” 

“Ohohoh... I’m already a friend to you, am I not?” 

“Hmph.” Diablo made an unconvinced expression as Rafflesia continued her words. 

“It may be hard for you to understand since you come from another world, honored guest...but when one of royal blood makes an oath on God’s name, it is a very serious affair. Far more serious than an exchange of gold could ever be.” 

“Is that so.” 

“Those of royal blood receive God’s blessing, which allows their kingdom to flourish, and this agreement is, however you look at it, to our benefit. If we were to accept this proposal and not keep our end of the bargain, our honor would be all but forfeit, no?” 

“I suppose so. Receiving a section of the forest three times the size of your village in exchange for the ritual magic is an easy deal...” 

“That’s not right!” Shera cut into their words. “I promised the Elves and the Dark Elves would get along!” 

“True, indeed... My people are still half in doubt, but if we could live once again in a bountiful forest... If you abide by your word, Princess Shera, I am sure we will get along well. We would be neighbors after all.” 

“...Is this really all right?” Rem asked with a languid expression. “I’m worried the Elves won’t take too well to losing some of their forest...” 

“It’ll be fine,” Shera guaranteed. 

They couldn’t help but be anxious though. This was Shera after all, and she never did think things through thoroughly enough. 

Rafflesia crouched and scooped up water from the pond. She breathed in the water’s scent, then drank it. 

“Hmm... It appears there will be no problems. Let us cleanse ourselves.” 

“...Problems?” Rem asked. 

“This land’s spring water is usually safe, but every so often the forest’s toxins can mix into it. So I just confirmed the water’s purity by its smell and taste. It is for this reason we have fish swim in this water as well.” 

“...We’ll use this land’s water for the ritual magic?” 

“Our honored Pantherian guest—your name was Rem, was it not? Do you not believe me?” Rafflesia nodded and asked back. 

“...That’s a difficult question. We’ve only just met, and I’ve heard of what happened in the past. But Shera put her life on the line to give me this chance... So I leave everything to you, Lady Rafflesia.” 

“Ohohoh... You are a wise woman indeed.” 

“...I entrust myself to you.” 

Diablo recalled this... 

—Ritual magic, huh... That time when I had to pour my magical energy into Rem was a pretty huge mess. I had to put that into her and do that... Is this time going to be the same? Are those two going to, uh...grapple, or something? 

“H-Hmm... Are you going to touch my body during the ritual?” Rem asked, her cheeks a rosy pink. Apparently the same thoughts were going through her mind. 

“Why would I touch you? A ritual given by God is done by standing upright and performing earnest prayer. There’s no need for physical contact.” 

“...We’ll just be standing then? And talking? No touching?” 

“There’s an altar in the east of the village. We will pray there until the sun rises. You may stand, but as we’ll be spending the whole night there, sitting would probably be more convenient. But...if you insist on me touching you, I certainly could?” 

“No! Please, the usual ritual is just fine!” 

“Ohohoh... Very well then.” 

“Yes, thank you. I was prepared for the worst, but it looks like I won’t have to go through any more humiliation this time.” Rem sighed, visibly relieved. 

“I’m glad you have calmed yourself. Now, let us proceed to purify ourselves in the pond.” 

Rafflesia reached for her sash, undoing it in a swift motion. She lifted up the fabrics she wore as clothing, exposing her bosom, which already stuck out from under her clothes as it was, freely into the air. 

“Fwa!?” Rem let out a peculiar squeak. 

† 

Having stripped naked, Rafflesia reached a hand out to Rem. “We will be offering our prayers to God, so it is only natural that we purify ourselves.” 

“...I-I see...” 

“This is a custom passed down with the rest of the ritual, so please follow my example. First, we wash both hands.” 

“...Naked?” 

“Follow my example.” 

“...Aaah...” Rem sighed. “All right.” 

Diablo turned around so he wouldn’t look, but then Rafflesia said something absurd that made him do a double take: 

“All who have entered the Chamber of Purification are participants in the ritual. Since they, too, will stand before God, they must cleanse themselves as well.” 

“Fwa!?” This time Diablo made the same peculiar squeak Rem had made earlier. 

“Oooh, I get it.” Shera nodded and reached for her clothes without a hint of hesitation, preparing to take them off. 

The Elves were supposed to be proud, but they didn’t seem to have any qualms over being naked around people. 

“...Aren’t you...embarrassed, Shera?” Rem asked, her face flushing red. 

“A bit... But I swore my life to God for this.” 

“...Y-Yes, you’re right. How could I neglect to notice that... This magic is for the sake of my future...and the prosperity of the races. And you made a great promise in exchange for it, your life included. Th-This is nothing to be ashamed of!” 

“Ahaha... Besides, it’s like bathing.” 

“...Yes, that’s right. It’s not like strangers are looking at us.” 

Rem began taking off her clothes. Diablo strengthened his own resolve too. He couldn’t just say “I’m embarrassed so I won’t participate” after everyone else decided to do it. The old him may have selfishly rejected them, but he’d been working alongside Rem and Shera since he came to this world, and a feeling of camaraderie for them had grown in Diablo. 

“There’s no other way. I will accompany you as well.” 

In terms of combat potential, this situation also put them at a disadvantage. Rem and Shera would respectively have to leave their summon crystals and bow behind. But if something were to happen while they didn’t have their equipment, Diablo alone would be able to use magic to defend them. 

He put his war scythe into his pouch and took off his cape and top. His pulse began accelerating. Taking off his clothes in front of women was embarrassing after all. He’d bathed with Rem and Shera before, but this wasn’t something he could get used to. 

—The worst part is I can’t even let it show I’m embarrassed! At times like this I have to rely on math! I’ll fill my thoughts with numbers, and make all the blood go from my groin to my brain. Pi is...3.14159265358979323846264338327950288419... 

“Err... What was the next one again... seven? Or was it one?” 

“...What’s wrong, Diablo?” 

“Let’s hurry up and bathe!” 

Shera grabbed him by the arm— 

Naked. 

Before the sensation of exposed skin and the color of her body that filled his field of vision, the sequence of numbers he’d memorized back in middle school was blown to pieces like a slime that had ?Explosion? cast on it. 

Hot damn. 

“...If you’re participating, hurry up, Diablo.” Rem reached for his belt. “The position of the stars and the moon are important for a ritual magic of this magnitude.” 

 

As she spoke, she skillfully undid his belt, grabbed his pants, and pulled them down. 

“Ah?!” 

Rem’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes widened like saucers. She hopped back in a panic, her face as red as a lobster. 

—You just pulled my underwear down along with my pants!!! 

He stood exposed. 

Stark naked. 

“I-I-I-I’m sorry, Diablo!” Rem stammered, firing off words in fast succession. “A-Anyway...l-let’s hurry!” 

“Aaah, hmm.” 

Having been stripped by Rem and with Shera pulling him by the arm, Diablo stood before them— 

In the nude! 

His body temperature rose, and he wasn’t cold since they were in a closed room. If anything, he was sweaty. 

To his right was Rem; to his left was Shera; and opposite him was Rafflesia: 

Small, large, extra large. 

“Ohohoh... You are quite innocent, yes? We’re all of different races, so there’s nothing to stress over.” 

“You shouldn’t mind such pointless things yourself and just get on with the ritual.” 

He tried hiding his embarrassment behind menacing words, but the impact wasn’t quite there when he said it naked. His only solace was that his body was muscular and toned thanks to his level 150 stats. 

Rafflesia crouched and sank her right hand into the water. 

“Now, follow my example, if you will.” 

“...Very well.” 

“OK!” 

Rem and Shera crouched as well. Diablo emulated them and reached out his right arm. The spring’s water was, as expected, cold. He was surprised when Rafflesia told them to strip, but the purification itself wasn’t much different from bathing. They soaked their limbs, washed the sweat off their torsos, and cleaned their faces. Had it just come down to that, there wouldn’t be any problems. However... 

Drops of water dripping off her wet hair, Rafflesia made way to the door opposite the one they’d entered from.

“Let us make way to the altar.”

“...H-Hmm... What about our clothes?” Rem asked, after blinking twice in puzzlement. 

“Ohohoh... What are you saying? Putting on filthy clothes now would defeat the purpose of purifying ourselves.” 

Rafflesia opened the door, and a gust of wind blew into the room. It led outside, to the Dark Elf village. It was the back of the castle, which meant the carriage was on the other side, but they could see several buildings of similar architecture. A shade of madder red had washed over the sky, but it was still bright outside. Dark Elf women were preparing dinner with their stoves, chopping firewood, or servicing their bows. 

“...We’re supposed to walk past here...like this?” Rem asked in a faint, dry voice. 

Rafflesia took the lead and stepped outside. “Let us hurry. We must begin the ritual magic before the sun sets.” 

“Aaah... Err...” Not just her face, but Rem’s entire body burned red. 

“Ah?! We’re going out like this?!” Even Shera was visibly flustered by this. 

“If you wish...” Rafflesia turned to face them with a calm expression. “You could stay behind and Miss Rem alone will accompany me.” 

Cleansing one’s body and walking to the altar was a custom in this village, so she was apparently used to it. 

“Th-There are only...Dark Elf women in this village, right!?” Rem asked, her voice steeped with nervousness. 

“Yes, of course. When boys are old enough to hold a bow, their brothers and fathers take them outside the village for training.” 

“...I see...” 

Rem seemed prepared to walk outside. 

“Aaah?!” 

A Dark Elf woman walked by them, carrying a bundle of branches. It may have been customary in this village, but seeing people walking around nude in broad daylight was still surprising. But having seen them walk in a line, the woman realized they were doing it for the ritual magic and bowed respectfully. 

Rafflesia walked at the head of the line, her head held high. Rem and Shera followed her, their faces flushed. 

—This is really bad! 

He couldn’t turn back now, so Diablo kept on walking. 

“Kyaa?!” a village girl screeched, dropping her bundles of branches on the ground with loud crashing sounds. She faltered backward, her gaze, however Diablo tried to avoid thinking of it, fixed on a very specific point. 

—My horns, right?! The horns on my head! 

Diablo still had the ?Distorted Crown? equipped, the one item he could remove. But he couldn’t just say “I could actually take it off” after all this time. It was a highly efficient piece of equipment that granted him an HP regeneration effect, but had the added feature of making it seem like horns were growing out of his head. This was a feature none of the races had, so it would make sense for the girl to be taken aback. It did look like the Dark Elf villager’s gaze was directed significantly below his head, but...he was probably imagining it. Definitely. 

The village girls were turning their heads toward him one after another. 

“Oh my...” “Well now!” “Kyaaa ?” 

As they were heading for the altar in single file, many of the villagers got on their knees respectfully, but some of the women were gazing fixedly at them. Diablo was bad enough as it was when it came to being the center of attention, so having so many unfamiliar women look at his naked body made it hard to maintain his nerve. 

He turned his gaze straight ahead, only to find Rem sweating profusely. 

“Haa... Haa... Haa...” 

“Hey, are you all right?” 

“...Huh? What is it, Diablo? Is there a problem? Because I’m fine, of course, I’m perfectly OK.” 

Her words came out in ragged breaths. She was sweating as if she had just run a marathon, and her skin was a stark shade of red. Transparent drops slid down her thighs, and her knees were shaking. 

“Th-They’re looking...” she murmured to herself in a delusional tone. “I’m naked...in front of strangers... This... This is...” 

Contrary to her claims, Rem looked to be anything but fine. 

“What’s wrong? Does your tummy hurt?” Shera, who was walking alongside her, noticed Rem’s distress. 

“I-I’m...fine...” 

So she said, but Rem’s knees were shaking so much she could barely walk. She was merely staggering along. 

“...Aaah... They’re looking. That lady... She looked...at me...so hard... I... I’m so embarrassed...” 

Rem tripped over some undergrowth, almost tumbling to the ground. 

“Watch out!” Diablo reached out to catch her, grabbing her by the shoulders. The moment he did, Rem let out a high pitched scream. 

“Hiyaaa!” 

“H-Hey...?” 

Rem spasmed as if she’d just been shocked by electricity. 

“Hnnnnnnnnn!” 

—Don’t tell me she...? 

Diablo stiffened as he held her in his arms. The drops flowing out of her pooled beneath them. 

“Ahh... Guh... Hmm, aah... Diablo... D-Don’t... Haa... Grab me so suddenly...please...” Rem spoke weakly, tears welling up in her eyes. 

“W-Walk straight then.” Diablo managed to squeeze out a response, overwhelmed by the situation. 

“Aaah... I’m...fine... Yes... There’s nothing...wrong...” 

Rem walked forward, her body even redder than before. 

 

“Aaaaaah...” Shera’s face was red too. 

Diablo walked behind them, minding to stay cautious. 

“Don’t tell me you’re going to start acting crazy too, Shera.” 

Every person had their own disposition. Rem just happened to react to having to walk outside naked more acutely than others... 

Contemplating about how odd things had become all of a sudden, Diablo marched on, stepping over the liquid that dripped onto the ground.

They finally reached the east end of the village. There stood a raised building that seemed to serve as a granary, with a step ladder inside that led up to the ?Altar’s Chamber? on the second floor. A purple carpet was spread out in the room, and different types of ritual equipment were lined up. An old silver holy symbol stood at the end of the room. 

Rem stood there, moist from tears and sweat (among other things)... 

“Haaa... Haaa...” 

“Now, come into the magic circle, Miss Rem. Princess Shera and Sir Diablo may sit in the back. Just try to not fall asleep.” 

“Of course...” Rem took a deep breath. “I’m, I’m fine...” 

Rafflesia approached the holy symbol and began chanting a prayer. Her words were full of solemn weight, meaning she was probably reciting a passage from the holy scriptures. 

Within five minutes, Diablo was bored. 

“Is this gonna last until morning, Diablo?” Shera whined. 

“That seems to be the case. Just don’t fall asleep.” 

“I’m hungry.” 

“Endure it.” 

“I-I need to pee...” 

“Buh?!” 

Diablo and Shera turned pale, realizing things were going in a bad direction indeed. 

And so, much had happened...

But the ritual magic had been successfully completed. 



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