First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 43
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
The Fox Princess made her appearance.
————–
(Ichiko POV)
She had golden fur, pointed ears and a broad tail.
But that was not the point. What was the key issue was the preponderance of force that this fox is exuding. There was no doubt that this was…
“The Demon King, ‘Hundred Beast Clad Fox Princess’…?”
[Correct, though I’m only borrowing the mouths of the demons under my command, not my own body, as the Mist King had done.]
Nonetheless, what was this domineering sensation of yours? The demon she was in control of was presumably equivalent to our own Disarray Devil’s Darning Needle monster.
[Well, I’ve come here tonight to have a chat with you, but first of all, let’s introduce ourselves. My name is ‘Hundred Beast Clad Fox Princess’. As you are well aware, I am the Demon King of the labyrinth, the ‘Fox City of the Beasts of War’.]
“I am Hisano Ichiko, the ‘Kirijin’. The one sleeping here is Kokoro Izumi, the ‘Kirijin’.”
[Mm. I understand. Now, Ichiko. Let me ask you a straightforward question.]
The sense of oppression emanating from the Fox Princess induced me to straighten my back involuntarily.
[Why did you leave the Mist King?]
As I thought, she would pose that question. However, as the Demon King, it was obvious that this was a matter that you must evaluate.
After carefully observing the Fox Princess, I contemplated whether I can tell a lie or deceive her. Well, the conclusion was needless to be said. The Fox Princess was not caught off-guard or careless in any way. If I was to fabricate a poorly crafted lie or deception, I would be slaughtered the moment I said it. Then I can only answer truthfully.
“The reason I left the Mist King is to attain the ability to defeat the Mist King himself, Kurokiri.”
[Have you lost your mind? Killing your own master is not something a servant should dream of doing, is it?]
The eyes of the Fox Princess were wide open. Her gaze seemed to be fixed on something incredulous. It was a natural reaction, but that was why…
“Don’t worry, the Mist King himself is aware of the fact that I harbor murderous intent against him. And despite the fact that he knows it, he lets me roam freely. To begin with, I may have given my body to the Mist King, but I have never sacrificed my heart to him.”
Without any hesitancy, I exposed her true intentions and her circumstances.
And in response to my words, the Fox Princess glared at me while releasing an overbearing aura. In all honesty, this was the most horrific experience I ever had, but I can’t back down. If I backed down at this point, the Fox Princess will conclude that my feelings were nothing but a mere passing judgment.
Even so, I wondered how Izumi can sleep under such pressure.
[Haa… I applied a lot of pressure even though this is not my main body, but it seems that you are dead serious about it. Both you and the Mist King seem to be out of your mind, don’t you agree?]
“Hah…”
After all this chatter, the transportation line on my right chest suddenly glowed.
“Eh!” [Hmm. What is this!]
And then the light momentarily obscured everyone’s vision, and afterwards, a lone fog was in front of my eyes.
[Who is the one out of their mind, Fox Princess-san?]
[The way you look and speak…. You’re the Mist King!]
“Hey, Kurokiri!”
The Fox Princess and I were greatly startled. I never imagined he would show up here… and from the looks of it, it seemed he had been eavesdropping as well.
[What do you want, Mist King?]
[Well, I was hoping to hold a serious discussion with you at least once as a neighbor. And it just so happens that Ichiko and you came in contact.]
[Hmm, then quickly state your request.]
Discuss…? That Kurokiri plans to discuss? Even though he was the one who slew the nearest neighbor, the Ogre King? Wait, Fox Princess-san is unaware of this news, right?
[The business is simple. I wish to establish a mutual non-aggression pact between the ‘White Mist and Black Swamp’ Forest’ and the ‘Fox City of the Beasts of War’.]
Eh?
[I refuse, because not only do I not believe you are committed to upholding your promise, but there are already three people, or rather two people and one body, who have already infiltrated here.]
Eh, ah.
[Well, that’s a predictable reply. It’s not me who wants non-aggression, but the humans. To tell you the truth, I’m not asking for mutual non-aggression, but for a ban on large-scale invasions.]
[A major invasion ban, huh? So that means you and I would be involved in a series of mutual sheathing, skirmishes, and assassination attempts.]
[It’s a bit of a chess match, but it’s a beautiful relationship between Demon Kings, isn’t it?]
[Heh. Well, that is fine then. I mean, things are the same as they are now, aren’t they?]
[Hahaha. That’s indeed true.]
Before I was aware of it, the conversation between Kurokiri and the Fox Princess was advancing at once. The two of them were laughing with their mouths, yet they aren’t smizing…
I mean, the amount of pressure being put on those around them! All that pressure!
[Well then, excuse me. Incidentally, everything Ichiko mentioned is the truth.]
[I can tell by the look in her eyes. So, where are you going?]
[Since it’s convenient, I’ll do a quick check on X-J5.]
[I’ll give your subordinates permission if you send me a report about it later.]
[Alright.]
After saying this, with the pressure on the surroundings fading away, Kurokiri in the body of the Fog departed from the west.
Um, if I may be so bold as to say so, I have just stumbled upon quite a scene…
[Now, if that’s the reason, there’s no necessity for me to interfere. If anything, I would be more than pleased to offer my assistance. Are you there, Mugi?]
“Ah, yes. I’m here.”
Mugi entered the room. She had apparently been waiting outside the room.
[From now on, you will accompany these two and sharpen your techniques.]
“Eh?” “Yes?” “zzzz.”
Both Mugi and I unconsciously became dazed. Izumi, on the other hand, was still asleep.
[You appear to be inquisitive. It’s a simple story. In this world today, there is no harm in possessing a certain degree of power. You want to be of service to me, don’t you? Then go with them and hone your abilities.]
“Y-Yes!” Mugi replied broadly to the Fox Princess’ words.
Is Mugi-san perhaps someone who has devoted her heart and soul to her Fox Princess-sama?
[Since the development has come to this, I’m sorry, but if you are going to pass through my territory, I will need you to bring Mugi along with you.]
“I understand. If that’s the case, I’ll accept,” I also replied in the same manner.
[Now, both of you shall do your best.]
Leaving those words, the Fox Princess left.
Nevertheless… I wonder what will be in store for our journey from tomorrow…
?
Check out other Outer World Story series in order: Outer World Story: The Black Mist that Devours (First series), Outer World Story: Pumpkin Sorcerer (Third series), Outer World Story: Basilisk of Ice Sculpture (Fourth series)