Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~

Volume 3 Chapter 7

Tunto I [Demon King’s Army Correspondence]

{Shuten POV}

[Special feature on the Invasion Festival of the capital city of Eden! What a joyous occasion!]

[This year’s slaughter is defined by the new cutting-edge fashion! Loincloths!]

[Who will be the new member of the Four Heavenly Demon Lords? We are searching for a veteran to succeed the “Power” of Gurufeil [1] in time for the ma.s.sacre!]

[To the mothers and fathers of the members of the Demon King’s Army. Information on visitation guidelines.]

[Eurekchan, today’s the day!]

[Announcement of the Livestock [2] Showcase]

The t.i.tles covering every inch of the flyer I had been handed was enough to make me dizzy.

It’s…chaos…

The flyer I was given was probably a series of articles that had been printed in some kind of newspaper. It was true that most of the information on here was valuable, but I don’t know if I could call the design fancy or hideous since it is such a hodgepodge of text.

What is ‘this year’s slaughter?’ As expected, the Demon King’s Army is pretty terrible.

What kind of animal husbandry is in the Livestock Showcase? It seems to refer to humans. I guess for the Demon King’s Army, humans are as good as livestock…the third game in the series was arranged differently, but for I and II the enemy of mankind is the same.

In addition, it seems they are recruiting for the Four Heavenly Demon Lords’ position.

Does that mean there is a shortage in talent?

“…Uwa” (Hiragi)

“Hmm?” (Shuten)

I heard a sound of amazement leaked out of someone standing behind me, while Veloce watched silently.  Looking over my shoulder, I saw that Hiragi was reading the flyer as well.

Those eyes seemed kind of upset. No, well, yeah. That’s a normal reaction.

Even I’m pretty stunned.

To pa.s.sionately talk about the details for a ma.s.sacre as if it were in the same category as fashion was rather upsetting. There is nothing to laugh about. I cannot accept this even if it is considered normal for this world.

“…In any case. ” (Veloce)

“Long time no see. It’s been a while – hasn’t it?” (Shuten)

“Oh, do you know her?” (Hiragi)

It was very obvious that Hiragi was being vigilant, as her tails were holding very still. Even her ears were pointed upward, and it seems that she instinctively knew this “human” in front of us was many degrees stronger than normal.

“On another note, I’ve been working on increasing my ability [3]. That’s how I’ve become so much stronger.” (Veloce)

“W-well that’s good.”

(Shuten)

She closed the latch on her small pouch with her thumb.

I wonder if she has any thoughts about how the other side feels about all this?

She kind of gives of the impression that this was business as usual, or something.

But what in the world is she doing on the mountain trail to Tunto?

Unlike last time we met, she doesn’t seem to be in any kind of rush.

As for my true feelings, I wanted to talk casually. But I certainly did not want to be killed.

Veloce Vie Atmosphere

Effectively the 3rd in command within the Demon King’s Army, she is certainly stronger than even the Four Heavenly Demon Lords. It was surprising that she was personally scouting talented demons when we first met, but even more surprising was that she came here as well.

In Grimoire Lancer II she never appeared in the final phase even once. Perhaps I just didn’t think about it enough, but even for me who completed every single side-quest, I could not have imagined that the reason why was because Veloce was away from the Demon King’s Castle.

I handed the Demon King’s Army Correspondence over to Hiragi and asked Veloce, “So, what kind of business do you have with me this time?” (Shuten)

“Heeh~ I was just pa.s.sing through the area. What did you think about the article on the Four Heavenly Demon Lords?” (Veloce)

“Please stop talking about it as if a Demon Lord was an item for sale.” (Shuten)

“Sorry~ but if you become a Heavenly Demon Lord happiness will surely come to you~” (Veloce)

“Stop it with such a sales-like recruitment!” (Shuten)

As usual she is a girl with no subtlety.

“By the way, weren’t you being chased by the Magic Librarians?” (Shuten)

Now that I was able to comprehend and restrain my Intimidation Aura, I could understand that the girl in front of me was not ordinary. It was like she was h.o.a.rding magical power and aura.

Maybe it’s a little late to start thinking about who is the strongest, but I wonder just how much difference is between the 4th and the 6th seat. I don’t know who is stronger between Desiree and the Ocarina woman, but at the very least they are clearly both stronger than Grendel. And as for Yatano-chan…

It’s pretty clear that she flits around too much, but there’s not really anything I can say about that.[4]

I wonder, was Veloce the person who escaped from Yatano-chan?

“Oh, that. It certainly was

was dangerous. After saying goodbye to Shuten I stayed in the Empire for a bit, but I got a bit distracted by a baldy~. I exterminated a few rank-and-file pests, but I may have gone overboard since it quickly became an overwhelming swarm.” (Veloce)

“…I see.” (Shuten)

“Oh were you worried about me?” (Veloce)

“What-do-you-think!” (shuten)

I shook my head at Veloce who tilted her head in confusion.

This conversation has completely gone astray.

“Well, I was surprised that such monsters could be found on the human side. When I initially thought that I could blow them away with my spells, they pulled out their Divine Phenomenon Phase Skills and countered them. Ah, yep, I had to run away with everything I had. I think I don’t want to see an umbrella for a long time.” (Veloce)

It seems like it was Yatano-chan.

“I think it’s pretty impressive to be able to escape from that in the first place…” (Shuten)

“There was no compatibility for those cursed by G.o.d like me. Those horrible Divine Phenomenon Phase Skills~.” (Veloce)

I had heard that in detail from Yatano-chan too.

In using her Divine Phenomenon Phase Skill, it was like she was opening an umbrella that I wouldn’t be able to pick up at all. Putting it that way, aren’t I pitifully incompatible?

I still have confidence that I could escape from Yatano-chan if I really needed to though.

“That umbrella woman is a long-distance-bombardment type, so I can manage if it is just escaping.” (Veloce)

“A long-distance-bombardment type is it? What about you Veloce?” (Shuten)

“I am- oh, right!” (Veloce)

Veloce put her finger under lips in a thoughtful gesture. The way her twin drill hairstyle lazily drifts in the breeze makes me wonder if they would be soft to the touch, and the sunshine made me feel sleepy.

Then suddenly, I felt some fingers poking me in the back.

“What is it?” (Shuten)

“W-who is this with the tight twin drills? She’s saying something strange, about an invitation to join the Four Heavenly Demon Lords?” (Hiragi)

“Oh, this person is the “Imperator” of the Demon King’s Army, Veloce, who we talked about before.” (Shuten)

“Demon King’s Army!? are you a humanoid demon?” (Hiragi)

“Hmmm? I just noticed, but, who are you?” (Veloce)

After talking with me, she turned to face Hiragi with a questioning smile.

Then, after being face-to-face with Hiragi she looked her up and down, before reaching into her pouch and pulling out another paper.

“Nice to meet you, I am Imperator of the Demon King’s Army, Veloce

Army, Veloce Vie Atmosphere – are you Shuten’s friend?” (Veloce)

“Well, ah, kind of.” (Hiragi)

Hiragi suddenly became embarra.s.sed.

If it’s me it’s possible. I don’t really understand why she suddenly got so tense, but I feel like I’d be in trouble if I interrupt…sorry that’s a lie, I feel like I am seeing how her feelings have changed.

Fight on Hiragi, towards tomorrow!

“Oh, it seems like Shuten only has eyes for his kindred – The more I see the more I want him – how about a monthly salary of 2.2 million gold?” (Veloce)

“Oh, it suddenly went up.” (Shuten)

“No, it’s just a show of our antic.i.p.ation for Shuten’s ability. By the way, what is your name?” (Veloce)

“Yes, I am Hiragi.”

“Uwaa~ I see. Aren’t you part of a lovely family? This fellow is the trendy Mr.Shuten after all.” (Veloce)[5]

Yep, yep. I cross my arms and nod my head in agreement. A feather pen suddenly appeared in Veloce’s hands as she scribbled down something without asking for permission.

In any case, I only have eyes for my kindred is it?

I see.

“W-what are you staring at?” (Hiragi)

“Well, because these are eyes that only see their loved ones. I’m being praised, Hiragi-chan.” (Shuten)

“O-of course!? But I am still older–” (Hiragi)

“Well, Veloce, I hope you can understand that this little one is good at pretending. It can be a bit of a headache…But even if it is a flawed coc.o.o.n it will surely become a beautiful b.u.t.terfly.” (Shuten)

“Don’t just ignore me!!” (Hiragi)

While Hiragi made annoyed noises on the sidelines, I turned to observe Veloce’s response.

Somehow she had a blank expression while watching Hiragi, then she looked at me and spoke.

“How interesting~ So fluffy and in good condition~ I want one~.” (Veloce)

“Oh, please take one home with you as a souvenir for the Demon King’s Army.” (Shuten)

“Just what do you think Nine-tails are!?” (Hiragi)

I was finally able to bring out Hiragi’s personality.

The opponent in front of me is a very different character than Yatano after all.

Hiragi seems to have been staying vigilant, but…well, I think it’s better to keep a natural pace and expression like this.

And besides, Veloce isn’t trying to be intimidating in the first place.

Her presence naturally creates a strong pressure on the surroundings, but only certain people could notice it. That certain kind of person is one that has to have enough strength and ability to instinctively sense a “Hidden Intimidation Aura.”

It might be hard to understand because only Hiragi andonly Hiragi and I are here, and she’s kind of a mid-boss character. I understand that it’s hard to be small-fry surrounded by big fish.

“ Tunto… Isn’t it on the way to the Capitol City Eden?” (Shuten)

“Are the two of you going to Tunto right now?” (Veloce)

“Yep.” (Shuten)

“Oh! How convenient~” (Veloce)

Veloce, who covered her mouth with one hand, slowly narrowed her eyes and laughed cheerfully.

“Please come see our festival, which is just over in the capital of Eden.” (Veloce)

“Festival…?” (Shuten)

In other words, its the same as the t.i.tle of the article in the paper I handed to Hiragi.

[Special feature on the Invasion Festival of the capital city of Eden! What a joyous occasion!]

Even though I wasn’t certain, I suddenly had a sinking feeling about this Demon King’s Army.

“Veloce, what are you going to do with the Demon King’s Army in the capitol?” (Shuten)

“Well, we’re going to be having a lot of fun. Of course you are welcome to join in Shuten.” (Veloce)

She pinched the hem of her gothic dress and gave an elegant curtsy.

Jumping a slight distance away, she suddenly turned back as if she remembered something.

Now that she had finished all the articles, Hiragi who also noticed something going on raised her head and looked over.

Smirking slightly with only one corner of her lips, Veloce said:

“I was somewhat disappointed. That’s right. If that Magic Librarian is the long-range bombardment type, then I —” (Veloce)

Indeed, in the final battle with the Demon King the two commanders “Imperator” and “Wheel” dropped back without showing their full power. Even though it was a terrible battle already, I remember being secretly depressed not seeing what kind of abilities “Imperator” had, so there is no memory of fighting with her.

However, her words were enough to cause a cold sweat to break out on my back.

“ —I will only tell you that I am a wide areof-effect annihilation type~. See ya around~” (Veloce)

And just like that, Veloce disappeared into the fog.

What was going to happen in the capital city?

Honestly speaking, I had a very bad feeling.

The direction I sensed the Pearl Piece from did not change.

Translator Notes