-48- Interlude
In the world called Zacrekrifel, a game is being held. The demons vie for humans as chess pieces and compete ruthlessly with each other. Lighting up the flames of greed and aiming for a higher position, the playing field of the board is there.
Those who are watching from above, and those challengers who are risking everything. Those who are in between the two and killing time. Those who are making a profit by gambling on the results of the game. The profit continues to flow for Ashia that signed a contract with the organizer and is involved with the game administration.
The dragonian Opelgua was in a good mood. Due to the success of the event, his affiliation with the organization was officially recognized. Getting his hands to information and authority that can"t be given to trainees, his laughter is overflowing because of joy.
Unlike the usual, he is sitting at the customer side of the counter and drinking a celebratory drink alone. He drinks up the red liquid poured into a gla.s.s and puts on orders to the automaton many times. He rolls his slender tongue in the c.o.c.ktail served with a refined and perfect ratio.
High-pitched footsteps echo across the hard stone floor. An acquaintance who seems to be in good mood sat next to him.
Feeling like pouring cold water to the celebratory drink he was enjoying inside the quiet store, the dragonian threw words to the thoughtless visitor.
「b.i.t.c.h, what"s your business?」
「How are you? Seems like you"re in a good mood, Opelgua. Congratulations on being an official member of Ashia.」
As she says her congratulations with a clear face, she asks the automaton for a drink.
The demon Streiya receives the gla.s.s filled with deep blue liquid over the counter and takes a sip.
「So, how would you explain the move you made on my piece?」
「Your piece? You should tone down on your jokes, demon.」
The demon places the accompanying fruit in her mouth and laughs. Rolling the fruit on her tongue, she raises the corners of her mouth while slowly savoring the melting flesh of the fruit.
「Will the organizers even intervene in the game?」
The dragonian laughs with a groan.
「Someone, for some reason, has already made a move. However, I hear that person often moves regardless of Ashia"s policy. Well, that position has been exempted. The rest has always been the same.」
To the dragonian"s reply, the demon swallows the seed and closes her eyes. When the stream of thought ends her deep contemplation, she drains the liquid and disappears somewhere.
Looking at the empty seat, the dragonian raises a cup. He had a toast with joy illuminated by the light seen through the red.
「If the universal winner of the game is the manager, the stocks will be settled.」
Speaking words that no one hears, the dragonian orders for another drink. On top of the counter, two empty cups and a coin issued by Ashia has been left behind.