SWNOVELXO Chapter 496
Chapter
496. Sharing the Fundamental Premise
“—I have a contract with the [Forbidden Demon God].”
As we walked, I disclosed my basic yet critical information to Helena.
“And that Demon God is this… Antendeixis.”
When I pointed to Ante with my thumb, Helena looked at him with a face full of skepticism, “Is this really a Demon God…?” Of course, Orderju looked equally doubtful—Ante’s magical power was at most upper middle-tier or lower upper-tier as a demon. He certainly didn’t look like a being known as ‘God.’
“This here is just a fragment. The real body is too significant to cross worlds. It’s disguised as a mid-tier demon.”
“…Maybe I should have hidden your true identity. I apologize.”
“That’s obvious, think about his position!”
As I explained, Odigos and Ante were whispering to each other, but it was all too audible. What a lack of decorum!
“Hmm. But even talking about positions, what kind of gathering is this, anyway?”
“…Huh?”
However, Odigos’s words couldn’t be ignored, causing everyone to halt.
“What I’ve heard is that the boy who was being licked is actually Zilbagias, the Demon Lord’s Prince, who has disguised himself as a Human, and is also Hero Alexander—at least that’s what it seems. Liliana guided him to ‘Hero Alexander’, which means the [guidance] was accomplished, so it must be true. It’s fascinating that Antendeixis has a contract with him, but I can’t quite grasp the background of why a Demon Prince would be a Hero and why a Forest Elf would naturally merge with the Demon Prince.”
Wait, are we starting from there?!
What the heck—when I shot a questioning look at Liliana, she clapped her hands and stuck out her tongue.
“Oh, I’m sorry! Speaking of which, ever since I contracted with Odigos a few days ago, I’ve been running around without explaining anything at all!”
You’ve been running this whole time!? And it’s only been a few days since the contract?!
You rushed to meet me so urgently… I appreciate it, but… couldn’t you have at least explained—while running?!
“Well, you see, during the time I was running, I was that child.”
—There was no way a puppy could fulfill its duty to explain…!!
“Yesterday, I was overly excited, so I couldn’t delve into those discussions… and, well, I couldn’t really speak about it in front of Helena…”
Liliana glanced at Helena, looking apologetic in every sense.
“I get it. Well, for Odigos, who knows nothing, and for Helena’s sake, shall we confirm and share information…?”
I summarized the story: the plan to assault the Demon Lord Castle, the unexpected rebirth, the visit to the Demon World, and the contract with Ante—
“When I referred to the ‘great achievement’, this is what I meant. Odigos was guiding demons visiting the Demon World to find their ideal partners. Without Odigos’s guidance, Ante and I would never have met.”
No one normally walks all the way to the ends of the Demon World.
“So, you mean… it will be difficult for demons from now on to form contracts?”
The old elf Orderju trembled, his eyes wide with shock. I was relieved he understood my shock.
“At the very least, finding an ideal partner will become a matter of luck. Isn’t that right, Odigos?”
“That’s undeniable. However, I won’t disregard the power of fate and destiny that doesn’t rely on my abilities.”
Even without Odigos’s guidance, some individuals might be determined enough to find their ideal partner.
“But, it has undoubtedly become significantly more difficult… I imagine the Demon Lord Kingdom is in an uproar right about now. At least the higher-ups are.”
The Demon Lord must have a headache right now. Serves them right.
…However, there was an ominous feeling regarding the new movements on the northern front. Until now, the Demon Lord Kingdom had been advancing at a turtle’s pace. If they completely wiped out the alliance forces, there would be no enemies left, and internal strife might begin.
To put it another way, the Demon Lord Kingdom had underestimated the alliance. But if they realize their source of power, contracting with demons, would be shaky for the next few hundred years—
What if they felt a sense of crisis that they could be undermined?
…There’s no guarantee the Demon Lord wouldn’t change their strategy. Everything could be decided at their whim…!! Well, I’d like to believe this isn’t something that could happen overnight.
“In other words, I am the greatest contributor to the prosperity of the Demon Lord Kingdom.”
Helena, who had been quietly listening until now, said with a sarcastic tone.
“Don’t you think anything about it? You’ve contributed to the Demon Lord Kingdom, yet you’re going to be at odds with demons from now on?”
Her tone remained the same as she questioned Odigos.
“Hmm. Not particularly. I haven’t contributed to the Demon Lord Kingdom; I just did what I wanted to.”
Odigos shrugged, stating it simply.
“Of course, if they seek my guidance, I would be happy to assist.”
Yet, his casually continued words escalated the tension in the room instantly.
“That’s—”
“As a fundamental premise, my desire is ‘to guide people as much as possible and to enhance my own power.’ Therefore, if someone seeks my guidance, their species does not matter. Whoever they are, whatever their purpose, wherever they go, I will guide them.”
As he strolled in his tailcoat.
Odigos had no face. No expression. No breath.
It was impossible to tell where he was looking—just a purely inorganic gentleman standing there.
“However, there are priorities. I have contracted with Liliana. I am convinced that being together with Liliana allows me to guide people to the maximum extent. Hence, her wishes are my wishes. Our objectives and means are aligned at a higher level.”
Abruptly stopping, Odigos turned his whole body toward Orderju.
“So you don’t need to look at me like that.”
Heh, a faint hint of a knowing laugh.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
—At least not as long as Liliana is alive.
“…………”
Orderju stroked his beard, narrowing his eyes as if afraid that the demon before him could see through his soul through those windows called eyes.
Wow… indeed, Odigos is a demon after all.
And refreshingly 【neutral】 at that.