Black Iron Magician

Chapter 477 Yahoho~

The one who appeared in front of us was an old man, but he has a stout body of more than two meters. His dignified face and solemn costume overwhelmed those who see him, making it clear that he’s no ordinary old man. If he could have matched his words and actions with his appearance, he would have been the ideal image of a ruler. But with his previous ‘yahoho’, it’s too late for that.

「Vakala, what are you doing here?」

「Please―― eh?」

「Ha? Vakala?」

「…… Deris, is that true? You aren’t joking?」

The receptionist who was trying to stop Vakala, Bulk, and Giorgia are staring at me. ‘What the hell is he talking about? Vakala? Is this person really Vakala? Crap, what should I do…’ and so on, they’re probably thinking something like that.

「Haha. It’s a lie, I’m just kidding. He’s actually a guest that I invited here. So, don’t worry about it and come back to your work. I’m sorry to bother you.」

「That’s right, I’m Deris’s friend. My name is misleading, so I use it to surprise everyone every time I introduce myself! Now it’s my special trick!」

「I-Is that so? Um…」

The receptionist glanced at Bulk and asked for instructions. Bulk nodded silently in response.

「… Then, I will take my leave.」

The receptionist left the room and closed the door. At that moment, I glared at this giant old man. How dare you give me trouble again.

「Don’t glare at me, Deris. We being friends is not a lie, right?」

「We’re just acquaintances. So, why are you here? Well, I can already guess it, though.」

「W-Wait! Deris, is this person really Vakala-dono of the Great Eight Demons!?」

「Yeah. I had to deceive the receptionist before, but he’s the real 『Old Skull』.」

「I’m the real Old Skull. Yay~」

「B-But, like his nickname, isn’t Vakala-dono’s body just bones!? No matter how you look at him, this old man is a human being, right!?」

「That’s because Vakala is disguising with the flesh. An undead of his level can steal the flesh of other corpses and put it on himself.」

「I camouflaged well. Yay~」

Hey, stop with that way of talking and double-peace sign, they ruin your appearance.

「Vakala-san, long time no see!」

「Oh, if it isn’t Haruna-chan. You did well with the big task of finishing Maria off. I can feel that you’re getting stronger day by day.」

「Ehehe, I did my best.」

「Gramps, you are looking very stylish today, aren’t you? You would be quite popular if you weren’t filling your cheeks with a rice cracker. What a waste.」

「Oh, Touko-chan, you speak rudely today, huh? The last time we met, you were using honorifics and acting like a maid, right?」

「Oh, was I? Lily-shishō isn’t here and it’s not a formal occasion, so isn’t it fine? Well, you don’t have to mind it that much, haha!」

「Hoho, that’s right!」

Haru was pleased when praised by Vakala, and Touko was over-familiarly hitting Vakala’s back. Yeah, I think you need to learn about the sense of distance. I mean, he’s the most dangerous Demon King in the world.

「Now that I’ve deepened exchanges with Deris’s disciples, it’s time to move on to the main subject.」

Saying so, Vakala sat down on the chair without permission. The main subject, huh? In all probability, I’m sure we’ll be talking about the trial, but it’s coming sooner than I thought. Good grief, it’s troublesome and annoying.

「Ah, I should have asked the receptionist girl to bring me some tea and sweets. What a blunder.」

「Hey, don’t give priority to tea over the main subject….」

「But~, I’m thirsty from the long trip~」

「You don’t even have a throat in the first place. Now, do it seriously.」

「Um, should I buy something?」

「Ah, wait. I’m sure there are scones and cream cheese in the office. Use my name and ask the staff. I’m sure they will also serve the Queen’s favorite tea.」

「Okay!」

「H-Hou, that’s not something I could imagine coming from a dwarf’s mouth. It’s a little culture shock for me.」

Vakala opened his eyes wide. I can understand your feelings, but that sure is rich coming from you. I mean, Vakala and Maria are responsible for the current situation of the Demon King society.

「Then I’ll go too. I’m confident that I can make tea better than anyone!」

「Mu, I won’t lose either. I’ve learned to make tea at Nell-san’s mansion with all my might!」

「Now you’ve said it, Haruna. Let’s have a match! Let’s see who can make the best tea!」

「Bring it on! Everyone, please wait! I will bring you some very delicious tea!」

「Hey, do you have a round pot!?」

「「「「………」」」」

The two left the room in a hurry. I’m sure it will be delicious, but I can’t picture them making tea gracefully.

「Fumu. Perhaps that attitude of connecting even the smallest thing to a match is the key to their rapid growth. I want my subordinates to learn that spirit from them.」

「Well, I guess that’s one of the factors. Well, you went out of your way to come to us. Does that mean you have decided what kind of trial we’re going to do? That’s the reason you’re here, right?」

「As expected of Deris. I was thinking of asking you, the girls’ master, for your opinion on the trial I have in mind. That’s why I have the girls step outside.」

「You did that on purpose, huh?」

「Hey, is it okay for us to listen to it? To be honest, I still can’t believe the fact that the Great Eight Demons is here….」

「I don’t want any development where there’s no turning back after hearing it. I’m old and my remaining years are short, but I’m not in a hurry to die.」

That’s a reasonable opinion. I wouldn’t be involved in anything related to Vakala if it weren’t my problem. Even the Adventurer Guild would not want to take the initiative in getting involved with the Great Eight Demons.

「So, Vakala, is it something that’s bad if they hear about it?」

「It’s not that serious. Well, it’s better if you don’t tell anyone about it, though.」

「You heard him? What are you going to do?」

「…… I have the responsibility to oversee things inside the guild, so I’ll stay for the time being.」

「If Bulk is going to do that, I will also do that. Well, just treat us as if we’re not here. We won’t tell anyone, of course.」

The two old men chose to remain. Being someone with responsibilities sure is hard, huh?

「Okay. So, Vakala, what kind of trial did you come up with that you said that you wanted my opinion?」

It’s after Maria’s trial, so I think it won’t have much of an impact.

「Umu. Well, it’s not a big deal. Would you mind going and destroying the Elderado Great Empire?」

…… Pardon?