Black Iron Magician

Chapter 420 Happy Scouting

While Deris and the others were having a wonderful training camp in Adelheit, a certain person was secretly working behind the scenes in Crocus, which was in the midst of turmoil. That person, who entered the grounds of Crocus Castle without anyone noticing, was clad in black and completely blended into the darkness. The purpose was to gather information inside the castle, which was shrouded in mystery. This person has been working undercover for more than half a day in the demon castle. Just who is this spy? Well, there’s no need to hide it.

「Kuhihihihi. Fine, I’m going to stay obediently inside Crocus as promised. I won’t attack other sisters and other vampires, and I won’t steal anything. I’m just taking a walk in private. Well, even if I’m like this, I’m still the president of a large company. That’s why I have to do it secretly so as not to stand out.」

The sixth rank of the Great Eight Demons, Alezel, has already infiltrated the castle with a wicked smile on her face. She certainly doesn’t commit any act of violence or theft, but it’s hard to say that she’s staying obediently. But even if she’s discovered, Alezel is confident that she could escape. She would use all deceitful words, such as sophistry and unreasonable objection, to slip through the gap in her promise with Ursula, and then physically escape from that place with her feet as a speed star. She’s no longer choosing the means as her patience has run out.

「According to the information that Zex-han has obtained, Maria-han won’t leave the throne of this castle. That means no one can catch me now. Fuhihihi. Fighting ain’t all about punching each other, you little vampires! Now, I’ve checked this section. Also, the hostages are safe. Let’s see…. Now I just need to find the whereabouts of the vampire sisters and a safe route to the throne.

In the great hall of the church set up in the castle, Alezel is making notes in her notebook and thinking about where to go next. Even though the place has been overwritten by Maria’s barrier, the high-rank vampires seem to be not good with the place that was originally sacred. This area was less watched, and it was very easy for Alezel to move around.

――――Creak.

(Oh?)

The church’s large door opened unexpectedly, and Alezel hid right away even though she was surprised a little. Of course, Alezel was on alert for her surroundings even while thinking. Normally, she would have been able to detect the enemy even before the door was opened, no matter how much they tried to hide their presence. This is the first time since the start of the undercover investigation.

「■■…」

The one that appeared through the door was a large humanoid monster with a dark red mist around it. The only thing that is recognizable is its silhouette, and even Alezel’s eyes cannot see the monster’s true form. The monster has a mysterious light on its head and is observing the area with the light, as if it is patrolling the area.

(Uwaah…)

Even though they don’t meet face to face, Alezel could feel its strength on her skin. She couldn’t feel its presence until a while ago, but now the church is covered with tremendous pressure. Alezel held her breath and suppressed her presence with all her might. She had to do it, and she acted unconsciously.

The monster walks slowly into the church and sees the inside while shaking the light. It crossed the passage lined with benches and checked behind the altar and organ. After a quick look, the monster left the church with the same steps as when it came.

(…… Uheee.)

The event took place in a few minutes. But for Alezel, who was hiding with all her might, it was a moment of seemingly endless hell. As soon as she was released, sweat broke out all over her body, and she couldn’t stop her shaking. Her body was telling her about the danger of the monster.

(That thing is bad news. It’s probably stronger than me. At worst, it’s maybe comparable to Nell when she got really pissed off. The pressure was that much. What the heck is that thing…? Good grief, it was Deris who normally would take that kind of mental burden. It was not the kind of pressure a mere merchant should take. I think it’s better to escape from here right away.)

After repeatedly confirming that the unidentified monster was completely gone, Alezel moved through the walls, ceiling, and attic like a certain fast-moving black insect, escaping safely out of the castle. Setting Maria aside, Alezel finished her mission without being found by anyone.

「Okay, I was worried because it was the first time after a long time, but I was able to manage somehow. As expected of Alezel-chan, the beautiful elf girl who will lead the next generation. She does her job perfectly. But, that monster was unexpected. Even at my level, I couldn’t detect it until it was close. Does it have some kind of skill to hide its presence until you see it, and then give fear the moment you see it? Besides Maria and the vampire sisters, there are still other enemies to watch out for――!?」

Alezel sensed something and immediately hid on the spot. Near her, there’s no unusual presence like the monster she saw earlier. However, when she looks up at the dark red sky in the distance, there’s a figure of the monster with wings.

「■■, ■■■.」

「…… Why is that thing there? It was in the castle until a while ago, ain’t it? Wait, the color is slightly different from the previous one.」

The monster’s appearance is identical to the one she saw just a few minutes ago, but on a closer look, the color of the light on its head is different. Also, this one seems to be patrolling the surroundings as well.

「Sigh, I see. That thing is another individual, huh. This is getting serious. If there are more of them, it’s gonna be an impossible battle, ain’t it? That thing is strong enough to be put in the upper rank of the Great Eight Demons, ain’t it? Aah, I don’t wanna fight!」

Even though Alezel was complaining, she observed the monster properly and wrote the information in her notebook.

「With those monsters around, there’s no safe place in Crocus even if Maria-han doesn’t come out. I’ll send this information to Deris, but seriously, who’s gonna fight it? With Maria-han waiting on the throne, we can’t just carelessly send Nell, our ultimate weapon.」

Alezel stopped writing and groaned. Nevertheless, this elf sure talks to herself a lot even though she’s a spy.

「…… In case of emergency, should I dump it on Deris and run? Oh, that’s a good idea. Yep, let’s do it! Despite everything, I’m sure that he will be able to survive! Let’s go back!」

Alezel made a bad joke (?). Where did she leave the nervousness she felt a few minutes ago? Then, she continued writing, finished it, and suddenly disappeared from the spot.

――――The 69th day of training is over.