kscans

Chapter 75 - Interlude: The Schemers

The clock rewinds to the day Shinsuke and his party subjugated the Undead.

Seven monsters sat at a table encircled by pale blue flames. This was the meeting place of the Seven Demon Lords.

Bamhal the Dragon King spoke. "…Now then, this recent matter has concluded, but Lates, what are your own thoughts on it?"

To this question, Lates the Thousand Poisons replied, "…As far as I’m concerned, the experiment was a success. …However, various points for improvement have come to light, so I suppose you could call them future challenges."

At this, Redorza the Sage inquired, "Points for improvement? …May I ask what they are?"

Lates responded, "Of course. …First, regarding the poison that turns subjects into Undead and enhances their bodies. …It is far too potent. When a human ingests it, their body cannot withstand it and turns to ash. …The cause was that the rates of enhancement and regeneration from the poison could not be controlled, leading to self-destruction."

"…Therefore, I created a controlling insect. This insect acts as a command tower, controlling the human who has been administered the poison and successfully preventing their self-destruction. …However, this robs the Undead of the ability to act on instinct. The timing of their defense, the target they aim for, the method of attack—all of these must be dictated by the insect."

"…This results in delays and ambiguous movements, preventing them from acting effectively. …Moreover, if the insect is crushed, control is lost, and they turn to ash. …From the above, points for improvement were identified, and I intend to work on refining the poison and enhancing the command tower’s cognitive abilities."

He gave a lengthy explanation.

Redorza said, "Thank you. …What you’ve shared will be very helpful to me as well. …As a token of my gratitude, if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask."

Lates expressed his thanks for the offer.

Confirming that their conversation was over, Bamhal asked, "…Now, is there anyone who wishes to go next?"

The one who raised her hand was Harynair the Corruptor.

"…Dragon King. Please allow me to go next."

To this request, Bamhal said, "…Hmm. Harynair, you have already shown your face to him. …Furthermore, are you not unsuited for schemes and strategy?"

At his words, Harynair replied, "…You strike where it hurts. …It’s true, I suppose. …However, I do not believe I will need to be the one doing the scheming."

Her words piqued the curiosity of the others.

Harynair did not have any retainers; she was a succubus who always enjoyed herself alone. Her statement sounded as if she had an accomplice.

Harynair continued. "…It’s only natural for you to be curious. …The truth is, while Lates was making his move, I was making mine. …Oh, and don’t worry. I have the Dragon King’s permission."

At this, Bamhal said, "…Indeed, Harynair came to me for consultation. …She wished to be active in the Empire. …She asked that I keep it a secret from the others."

It seemed she had permission.

Harynair said, "…I’ll continue. I am currently working as a maid in the Imperial castle. …Based on information I’ve gathered there, I have formulated a certain plan. First, there are two princesses in the Empire…"

From there, Harynair calmly explained her plan. As they listened, they all became convinced that things were about to get very interesting.

After her explanation, Redorza spoke. "…To think you had concocted a plan of such magnitude is quite a surprise. Truly fascinating. …However, forgive my impertinence, but will you be able to execute this alone?"

To his question, Harynair replied, "…Well, there are parts that are a bit much for me to handle alone, and the probability of success is fifty-fifty at best. …Therefore, Dragon King… I would like you to lift Rumby’s probation."

At this request, Rumby exclaimed, "Eh?! …You want my probation lifted? …Harynair, does that mean you want my help?"

To this question, Harynair asked, "…Would you rather not?"

In a slightly disappointed tone, Rumby replied, "Not at all!! In fact, it sounds like fun!! …Pleeease, Bamhaaal?"

Rumby pleaded, looking up at him.

Bamhal thought for a moment before asking, "…Harynair. Is Rumby’s power needed now?"

To this question, Harynair answered, "…No, not yet. …Her power will be needed after the first phase is complete."

At her answer, Bamhal declared, "…In that case, I will lift Rumby’s probation when her power is needed. …Until then, you will behave."

At this decision, Rumby pouted. "Muuu… …Okay. …Make it quick, okay, Harynair?"

She reluctantly agreed.

Redorza, who had been listening to the conversation, said, "…Lady Corruptor. If it is all right, may I participate as well?"

At his words, Harynair replied, "Oh my, for you to make such a proposal… is there something you wish to test?"

To her question, Redorza said, "…It’s nothing. From what I’ve heard, there is no doubt it will be interesting. …I merely wish to lend a hand. …Of course, it is natural to assume I have an ulterior motive. …I wish to see my own experimental subjects perform to their fullest potential."

He said this with a faint smile.

Seeing this, Harynair said, "…I see. …The first phase has parts where failure is not an option. …Will you help me with that?"

To her reply, Redorza said, "…I understand, for the most part. …Very well. Call me when the time comes."

He agreed.

After that, Lates asked, "…Lady Corruptor, what about my turn?"

To this question, Harynair said, "Hmm. I can’t think of anything for now. …If I need you, I’ll let you know, so could you wait until then?"

She said, pressing her hands together.

Lates looked a little dejected. …Not that you could tell from a fly’s face.

Amidst this, Harynair said, "…Daios. There is something I would like to ask of you."

At her words, Daios asked, "…Me? …The Empire has no sea, so I wouldn’t think I have a part to play."

To his question, Harynair replied, "It’s not in the Empire. …I want you to keep those two pinned down in the Republic. At least until the first phase is over. …Of course, you can refuse if you wish."

To this request, Daios said, "…Very well. I, too, am interested in your plan. …I will cooperate."

He agreed. After that, Harynair said, "…I’ll ask just in case. Sidoor?"

At her words, Sidoor replied, "…I will not cooperate. …However, my retainers are on the Empire’s border. …You may use them as you wish."

Harynair took that as an agreement.

When the preparations were mostly complete, Harynair asked, "…Dragon King. What do you think? …Of this plan?"

At her question, Bamhal crossed his arms.

"…We have a rule not to stand on the main stage. This plan, if mishandled, could publicly reveal that we are making a move. …But, that is that, and this is this. …I, too, have wanted to do something interesting."

He said this with a smile.

Everyone there knew what those words meant.