Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 55

He was confused when she suddenly handed a book to him. What kind of book is this? And why demon king? He had that kind of question in his mind.

「...I’m sure you have lots of things to ask nya. But first, give that book a quick look nya」

「I understand, I’ll give a look at it first then」

Influenced by the pressure in the audience room, Ainz decided to read its content obediently.

Its spine seems to be made of brand-new leather. It was still soft to the touch and had no signs of aging peculiar to leather.

And its letters were very easy to read.

Ainz feels calmer after a few moments of enjoying the feel of the book. And then, he begins to open the cover of the book.

「...This book was made by Kadyma-san and Chris-san?」

「That’s right nya. After six months of frantic research, I’ve finally completed this book nya. It is difficult to even put a value on it nya」

It seems that Kadyma, who has devoted herself to research, is so confident in her work.

There is a karma that only Ainz can break. The words that Kadyma had spoken continued to bother him, and he began to concentrate on the book to see if he could find any clues.

「Oh, wait nya. Cover your body with this cloth before you start reading it nya... For safety nya」

***

The following is a description of the conditions under which the Demon King originates.

They cannot be a purely human species, only interracial or half-humans have the potential to become a demon king. No matter how many times they evolve, they will always be the demon king of the species they were born into. For example, if they are born as a bird demon and evolve into a different species, they will still be a bird demon king. As long as they don’t have the necessary qualifications to become a demon king, no matter how many monsters they eat or how many levels they gain, they will never achieve it.

With the above conditions, I will explain it in this book.

In the past, only one demon king has ever appeared on the continent of Ishtal.

『The Jealousy Succubus, Arche』

She bears the name of Jealousy, but when she was first awakened as a Demon King, she did not bear that name. More information about that will be given later.

In the past, there was a time in Ishtal when people who are now called interracial were considered monsters. Nowadays, even if they have a physique similar to that of a monster, if they can speak and do not harm others, they are given the right as an interracial race.

However, in the days when this awareness was still low, the Demon King, Arche, was the king for many of them.

She’s been described as shy and inexperienced as a king.

But that girl has a family. They’re the Dullahan and the Elder Lich.

From these families, the one country where Arche becomes the Demon King begins.

A family of three has been traveling through the continent of Ishtal for many years. During their journey, many encounters greet the three of them.

In the course of their long journey, the three families have helped many monsters (from different races) and made a name for themselves.

As it continued, the names of the three became known to many.

The three of them were kind. If someone was in trouble, they would help them and fight with them. Many people who adored the three of them gathered together, and a town developed.

Since then, the three of them have continued their many journeys, starting from the newly formed town. Those who were helped on their journeys would move to the new town.

Over the years, this cycle continued, and the town continued to develop significantly.

The town was as calm as ever, and it seemed as if those peaceful days would continue forever.

But it happened suddenly. Without warning, Arche, who had not yet become a Demon King, developed a high fever and lost consciousness.

...Three days later, she opened her eyes as if nothing had happened. The day she woke up was the day the Demon King Arche was born.

This information was widely passed on to the people living in the town. When the people in the town heard the news, they celebrated the birth of the king and rejoiced that a country had been established.

After that, many monsters who heard about the birth of the Demon King began to move to the town. And finally, the town was transformed into a country.

It is said that the culture was simple and modest, unlike the land of humans. Even so, the people who lived there were thankful for the fact that there was no inconvenience in living.

That’s a situation that will soon change in a few years. One thing leads to another, and the country begins to fall apart.

It all started by a certain race... The red foxes. That race has joined the country where Arche reigns as the Demon King.

The red foxes were friendly, blended right in, and had a lot of interaction with the people.

Gradually, however, the country gradually began to change. After the woman who is chief of the red foxes entered Arche’s castle that had been built, the country began to take on an acrimonious atmosphere.

She was liked by many of the people. The popular chief quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became one of the demon king’s closest aides. The woman also had made numerous donations and contributed to the development of the country.

However, ever since she started to go to Arche’s side, there were many times when she became restless.

She became emotionally unstable and talked to herself a lot.

The people were terribly worried and prayed that she would get better. And it was from then on, that the two aides, Dullahan and Elder Lich, were kept at a distance from the vicinity of the Demon King, Arche.

Suddenly, the two aides were sent to a new village that was some distance away. As a result, only the red fox woman was standing beside the demon king, Arche.

In the end, Arche, the Demon King’s mental condition did not recover, and then an incident occurred. Arche, the Demon King, woke up as 『The Jealousy Succubus, Arche』.

She became faithful to her own desires and began to rampage without self-control.

Dullahan and Elder Lich then ignored their previous orders and returned to the Demon King, Arche, who had suddenly begun to run amok. However, the three never saw each other again. Because she refused to do so.

After that, she continued to run amok, as if she was going to destroy everything. She attacked the city of people who lived far away and took the lives of monsters who did not follow her.

After that, with many sacrifices, the Demon King was defeated by Ishtalica.

...And in conclusion, why did the Demon King start to run amok? What did the red fox do? I’ll write about it.

I don’t know how, but the Demon King Arche was cursed with an old curse called the “Curse of Solitude”.

It is said to be a tribal skill that only the Red Fox Chief possesses. But it is still unknown how the curse was applied to her.

***

「I skimmed some parts, but I’ve read all of it. But does this mean that the hypothesis you found before has been proven?」

「That’s right nya. The Red Fox cursed the Demon King, and that curse caused the Demon King to run amok. And the result of that curse has been passed on to Ishtalica nya」

「...So, prior to that, the Demon King was harmless?」

「That’s right nya」

Ainz listened to Kadyma’s explanation and understood the reason for what had gone wrong. Whatever the reason, the red fox is the root of the whole problem.

「So, I get what you’ve done so far. But...」

「Let me tell you what happened to Ainz when he came back from Euro nya」

「...A-ah, okay」

At last. Why had six months of time passed and this was happening? Now that the long preface was over, he could finally get that explanation.

「It’s all because of the trick of fate nya. Among the souvenirs Euro had given to you was a figure of the Red Fox Chief nya. That’s the reason why Ainz went out of his mind nya」

「I see. But if I just went out of my mind, why did I sleep for so long? I don’t understand」

「I’m sorry nya, but this is a special case. I had to come to a conclusion that... The Dullahan in Ainz’s body has run amok. If what Chris told me is true, you had used his (Dullahan’s) technique nya. Its attack power is so powerful that it can damage the White King with just one swing nya... That’s crazy nya」

Kadyma nonchalantly continued her explanation. But Ainz is having a hard time keeping up with her.

「W-wait a minute, Kadyma-san. Isn’t that... Like I was being controlled by Dullahan」

「That’s what I’m trying to say nya. If not, how do you think you can use that technique nya... The data about Dullahan we’ve gotten so far was still unreliable nya. It appears that... The Dullahan was quite a unique individual」

「Ainz-sama... After Ainz-sama collapsed, I tried to measure your physical strength and magic power to check your body condition, only to found out that your magic power was completely empty, and your physical strength was nearly exhausted」

Chris added to Kadyma’s explanation about the situation at the time. Ainz has a huge amount of physical strength and magical power. But why did he lose so much?

「She’s right nya, Ainz. I think he used Ainz physical strength too to compensate for your lack of magic power nya」

That was how terrifyingly strong the Dullahan’s attack was. That’s what she’s trying to say.

「Let me put it more simply nya. The Dullahan was so powerful that it could even defeat a sea dragon with ease nya. And that has put a lot of burden on Ainz’s body, so your body was forced into a dormant state to recover from it nya」

「...I see, he was pissed off when he saw the person who harmed his family... the Demon King. It makes sense」

「That’s why nya, we have to put a special cloth that has a sealing capability over Ainz’s body to prevent him from going out of control nya」

Ainz shifted his gaze away from Kadyma and looked at Sylvird near the throne.

「Grandfather」

「...A-ah, what is it?」

「The red foxes have moved to Euro... Do you think they are preparing for something?」

「You’re a very perceptive kid, as usual. Certainly, I do think so」

「And do you think they will do something to Ishtalica in the future?」

「...Yes, indeed」

That’s what makes him concerned. They instigated the Demon King to attack people. They’ll have to gather more information about the purpose of their attacks. And now that they’ve been found on the neighboring continent, it’s hard to believe that nothing will happen to them in the future.

「I see... I understand... So, if we’re not careful, I might be targeted by them too, huh?」

Ainz was convinced when he saw Sylvird nodding in silence.

「I think I won’t need this cloth to suppress Dullahan anymore」

「...Why nya?」

「It’s because “She” is already safe. I finally understood its meaning... So, I’m sure I’ll be fine」

「W-who are you talking about nya...?」

Ainz then took one deep breath.

「I’m probably the most suitable person to have a connection with them... Grandfather, let me check it out first... about the red fox」

If by any chance... the red fox does try to take action, it may not be in the near future, but in the distant future, Ainz thought.

But still, as a person who had a connection with the Dullahan and Elder Lich... he shouldn’t leave them behind.

Ainz glanced at Lloyd and Sylvird, Kadyma and Warren, and lastly... Chris, then put his decision into words.

***

It’s been almost a month since Ainz woke up.

A lot of things were happening at a dizzying pace.

First of all, the academy. Since his regular exams had been postponed as a special exception, he took all the exams that had accumulated. Of course, his grades went down, but he still managed to stay in the First Group.

After that, he leisurely had a chat with Butts, Leonard and Roland, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. But since Ainz was supposed to have been on a long assignment, they appreciated him for his hard work.

Since he was still using a wheelchair, he explained to them that he had been injured on the trip.

Afterwards, he desperately continued his physical rehabilitation. However, perhaps because she (Elder Lich) had done something, Ainz’s body quickly recovered, and now, after a month, he felt better than ever.

And finally, he visited her to fulfill the promise he had made before he went to Euro.

「Hello, Claune」

「...Hello? I don’t think you should only say that, no?」

They were not in the castle today, but in her home in the city... the house of the August Chamber of Commerce, and also Claune’s current home.

Ainz, who had come without an appointment, only greeted with “Hello” to her. As for Claune, she’s not happy.

Apparently, her grandfather, Graff, is on a business trip for the Chamber of Commerce today.

The day Ainz woke up for the first time in six months, she came to the castle that day. And with a lot of tears in her eyes, she hugged Ainz in the same reaction as Chris and Olivia.

Since that day, she has spent most of the past month with Ainz in his rehabilitation.

And today, Claune was at her own house since Ainz is also taking a rest today.

「Haah... Well, whatever. Welcome, Ainz. Please come inside」

「Yes, thank you」

He entered Claune’s room, which was neatly organized. Since his arrival in the building, the people of the Chamber of Commerce had been greatly surprised by Ainz’s presence. But since they knew about his relationship with Claune, they let him in without any suspicion.

「Jeez... Do you know how many things a girl has to do? We have to get ready first. That’s why you can’t just come here so suddenly without an appointment」

Despite being a little angry, Ainz just smiles and opens his mouth.

「Hey. Let’s go on a date」

「...!?」

After a few moments of stiffness, Ainz was pleased to see the overly surprised Claune. It’s normal for Ainz to do things so suddenly, but even so, that sudden word from Ainz had enough offensive power to rob her of her thoughts.

It’s almost spring, and the weather is warm and the sky is calm. And so, their date begins.

***

The warmth of the weather made it a perfect day for a date. They walked through the less crowded areas and had arrived at their destination.

「Kya... Jeez, you shouldn’t splash the water again, okay?」

「Uwaah~ this is so amusing」

Even though it was a date, they couldn’t go far away. But they can’t go to a prominent place near the royal capital. They decided to go shopping, but they had to avoid the main streets.

So Ainz chose a place in the port of the royal capital. It was a small port compared to Magna, but it was near Princess Olivia, who was docked there.

The people of Ishtalica would not normally come here, so he felt safe.

「Wait a minute, Ainz? You say we’re going on a date, but why are you just standing there watching?」

「Watching Claune playing with them is really amusing」

By the way, Ainz is not with an escort today. However, a group of undercover agents are watching over Ainz and Claune from the shadows.

They had been forced by Chris to do it this way.

「...I-is that so...? B-but that’s not good! You have to accompany your date partner too」

「I know, I know, sorry」

Ainz was sitting on a wooden box on the pier. And the ones Claune was playing with were the twin sea dragons. As expected of monsters, their growth rate was extraordinary. Rather, there was probably a problem with how they were fed.

The culprits were giving the twins a lot of magic stones for fun. The price ranged from as low as 1,000 Gs to over 5,000 Gs for the more expensive ones.

He appreciates that she keeps a daily record of his growth and that she takes care of him. However, the culprit didn’t seem to expect that it would grow to this level, and said, 『I never expect this nya! But I can’t stop myself from feeding it to them nya!』 And so on.

Therefore, the twin sea dragons will surely grow up rapidly in the future.

「They sure grown a lot while I was unconscious for the past six months, aren’t they?」

「Kyururu~?」

「Kyu~?」

「Their voice is still cute though their size is not just cute anymore」

El and Al. The two sea dragons have already reached five meters in length and are now having quite good fighting ability. They hunt small monsters that live in the sea around for them to eat and occasionally bring back souvenirs to the castle.

「The two of you can still get back to the castle through the canal now, but it’s going to get difficult soon」

「Yes. That makes your father (Ainz) sad. He can meet you guys right away at the castle, but here, it’ll take a little longer」

「...W-well, it’s good for them to grow bigger, right?」

Looking at Claune, who was giggling, Ainz felt glad that he had come to see her today.

For the sake of the two sea dragons, the waterway of the castle was connected to the waterway outside. The passage, which had been heavily sealed and heavily constructed, was made just for the twins.

「...Then? What’s wrong, Ainz?」

「What do you mean?」

Claune, who was stroking the head of the sea dragon, turned around to him, and let her beautiful light blue hair fly in the air.

「Haah, jeez... Do you think I don’t know? I’m gonna be very angry, you know?」

Her pouting face didn’t change her dainty appearance. He smiled a little, but decided to be honest before she got really angry.

「What would you do if I became a complete monster?」

「...T-that is? Err... Umm... I wasn’t expecting that...」

As soon as Ainz replied, Claune’s face showed signs of being caught off guard. It seems that he has missed something.

「Claune?」

「...Umm, I thought you’d talk about the red fox, but it seems I was wrong...」

Claune had heard that Ainz was going to investigate the red fox. The method of investigation has not yet been finalized, but it will still involve many trips to many places, and that will come with danger, of course.

「Aah, sorry! I thought about that too... Well, that’s one of the problems, but this one is a little different」

「W-well, that’s okay then, but... What do you mean by becoming a monster, is like becoming the Dullahan?」

「Yes. Kadyma-san said that was a possibility」

Ainz’s job is Named. It is something that monsters usually acquire, her concern and speculation could not be ignored. And as he investigated the red fox, he was worried that he would be affected by Dullahan and become a monster completely.

「So you’re saying that, you might be reborn as a monster?」

「I guess you could say it like that」

Claune looks at Ainz with a tilt of her head. The sweet flowery scent that is unique to Claune drifts from her swaying hair.

「...Has that ever happened to you in the past?」

「It seems that there used to be a magic that could do that, so it’s not impossible」

Hearing Ainz’s reply, Claune began to think further. The way she put her thin, shapely white fingers to her mouth was somehow lustrous and beautiful, and of course, it caught Ainz’s attention.

「Then, let’s do this」

「Eh, err...?」

「If you ever really do become a monster. I want you to give this to me again from the reborn Ainz」

Claune turned to Ainz and saw the star crystal bracelet she wore on her left arm.

It was still as beautiful and shining as it had always been.

「This way, it won’t be a problem, right? As long as the new Ainz gives me a Star Crystal again, I wouldn’t have a problem with the reborn you, right?」

「What do you mean by it won’t be a problem... I think it’s the opposite though」

He doesn’t understand what Claune is talking about. If he ever becomes a monster, it won’t be a problem if he gives her the Star Crystal again?

But Ainz had forgotten the other meaning of the gift of a Star Crystal, a proposal.

If Claune could receive the Star Crystal from Ainz again, that was all she needed.

「Well, of course, I’d do so if that’s all you need... But are you sure?」

「Haah, jeez... “If that’s all I need” you said? It saddens me when you treat me so lightly, you know?」

Claune crosses her hands under her chest and tells Ainz of her dissatisfaction.

「S-sorry! But I was just surprised...」

Seeing Ainz’s immediate reaction, Claune smiled softly again.

「Fufu... So, if that ever happens... Promise to me, okay?」

「...I will, I promise. If that ever happens, I’ll get another star crystal for Claune」

Hearing Ainz’s reply, Claune slowly walked and sat down next to Ainz.

「I couldn’t help much about the red fox, Ainz is the best person for the job, and I know this is for the best」

Claune takes Ainz’s hand, and lays her own hand on top of it, and begins to talk.

「...It’s not like you’ll always away from the royal capital, right?」

「I’ll come back every month. There’s a water train that goes to a lot of places in Ishtalica, so that should save me a lot of time. And for some reason, I can’t afford not to go to the academy」

He will probably have to go to the guild as well. After all, adventurers have much more information than the country does.

「...I see, then... eventually, you might even go to Hyme, right?」

「Yeah... Because maybe there’s more information over there」

He was going to tell her himself, but Claune had already anticipated the possibility of him going to Hyme.

Claune stroked Ainz’s hand in her hand, she was worried about him. He’s a little embarrassed, and gradually begins to get nervous.

「Is that all Ainz was worried about and wanted to tell me?」

「Eh? Y-yeah... that’s all」

「Is that so... Let’s go then, come on, stand up, Ainz!」

While still holding Ainz’s hand, Claune suddenly stands up and starts to pull him along. Without resisting, Ainz let himself be pulled along by her.

「Wait... C-Claune, where do you want to take me so suddenly?」

「...We’re on a date, you remember? we shouldn’t stay in just one place, right? There won’t be a commotion as long as we don’t go through the main street. Come on, let’s go. From now on, you’ll have to accompany me shopping!」

The sight of Claune with a big smile on her face is just as dazzling as ever.

With her hand holding his, Ainz left the pier where they had been playing with the twins. The twin sea dragons looked a little sad, but they still saw them off.

Little by little, the road ahead for Ainz will become more difficult. That’s why he wants to enjoy the time like today.

It was not only Ainz, but also Claune who was thinking the same.