A chest, but not of typical size.
One person could hardly lift it; it seemed three people clinging onto one chest were barely managing to carry it.
It must have been rare for the Demon Lord to bestow such a reward. Even the nearby demons couldn’t hide their curiosity and directed their gazes towards the chest.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Each time the chest settled on the ground, a tremendous sound resounded. It was proof that the contents were packed tightly.
Thud! Thud!…
Carrying the chest took quite a while, and it was only when it was piled high like a mountain that the task was finally finished.
“Open it.”
The Demon Lord uttered just those two words, and the shadows moved swiftly. At last, the huge chest creaked open, revealing its contents.
“No way?”
“That’s…!”
At the same time, the demons couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
So dazzling!
Ezekiel found himself frowning involuntarily. The jewels and accessories were reflecting such a strong light that it was hard to look directly at them.
Each one seemed like a precious item, but what was even more astonishing was the sheer quantity. The gigantic chest was filled entirely with treasures.
But this was just the first one opened.
“Keep opening. Show me without stopping.”
“I will obey the Demon Lord’s command.”
Before the astonishment at the first chest faded, the next one was opened. Another wave of surprise appeared on the faces of the demons.
“Demon Lord…?”
“How can you give so much to a human…?”
While the first chest was filled with decoration-focused accessories, the second was packed with useful equipment and artifacts for battle.
‘Have they amassed this much wealth in such a short time?’
Ezekiel was astonished at that point.
The Demon Realm had been completely devastated during the war, but one couldn’t help but wonder when they had stacked up such wealth.
…It must mean that there are many fiends secretly operating in the continent. That was bad news all around.
“Oh, especially that one, show it in detail. I think the Ice Ghost would really like it.”
At the Demon Lord’s command, a shadow lifted one of the artifacts. The demons immediately let out a collective sigh of admiration.
“Oooh….”
A dagger. But not just any dagger.
“It’s a dagger that can contain both the vengeful spirit and the chill. Mixing the soul’s resentment and the coldness creates… How beautiful is that?”
Even among the demons, the God of Hatred was so taken with it that he was staring with his mouth agape. At this rate, he might drool.
Everyone’s gaze soon shifted to the next chest.
Having opened just two, it was only natural to wonder what was in the next one.
The corners of the Demon Lord’s mouth lifted.
An air of arrogance was present in his expression. He had confidence that whatever others imagined, there was even more beyond that.
The shadows opened the next chest.
Clatter─!
The sound of glass bottles filled with liquid clinking echoed. That sound alone was enough. Everyone immediately sensed what was within the chest.
‘Impressive power lies within.’
‘To think of fusing that into liquid…’
Even the demons gulped audibly.
The types were diverse, but consuming any of them would undoubtedly lead to growth in their realm. The way the demons looked at Ezekiel turned more begrudging.
They didn’t like how Ezekiel was easily receiving items that they deemed tempting.
Amidst the intertwining desires, the Demon Lord spoke.
“The Demon Lord bestows all of this upon Ezekiel.”
Valetta’s face wore an even more arrogant expression. He looked confident that he had made an offer that the other could not refuse.
But.
Ezekiel quietly shook his head.
“I have no intention of accepting something from the Demon Realm. Don’t push it.”
“Push it?”
The Demon Lord reacted as if the word amused him.
“I am the ruler of the Demon Realm, Ice Ghost.”
“…”
“Are the things contained within this chest truly precious to me? They are not. The Demon Realm overflows with luxury and mystery. To give this much to the God’s groom is actually quite modest.”
As soon as the Demon Lord turned away, he returned to his throne above. It was a miraculous moment of teleportation.
“I believe mere congratulations wouldn’t convey my heart, so I provided rewards that are more visually evident. It shouldn’t be hard to understand?”
The shadows were still moving at that very moment.
After closing the lid of the chest, they placed one after another beside Ezekiel. As if to say he could take them anytime.
‘It’s dangerous and suspicious.’
However, Ezekiel still had no intention to accept.
First of all, the sheer amount was suspicious.
Do they fill foods with poison when it’s abundant? No. They put just a single drop of extreme poison in delicious food to certainly bring about death.
To Ezekiel, the chest looked just like that.
There must surely be items that could be poisonous hidden among them, and if it was the Demon Lord, that would be expected. The lavish items were likely meant to hide that.
“Ice Ghost, you seem to be in deep thought. I can almost hear your brain working overtime.”
Valetta burst into laughter as if Ezekiel’s contemplative expression was amusing.
“Hey, Ice Ghost. Isn’t it truly funny?”
“What’s funny?”
“Even after the Demon Realm has gone through such a brutal war and suffered, we are extending this level of goodwill towards you, a mere human. But you still harbor hatred and rejection towards us. Isn’t that quite disheartening!”
Ezekiel’s brow naturally furrowed.
After all, these possessions must have originally been part of the continent. To then give them back as if doing a good deed after having taken them through improper means?
“The Demon Realm is this generous in embracing the world, while the continent is always selfish. As the ruler of the Demon Realm, I can’t help but find it lamentable!”
“…Valetta!”
Finally unable to hold back, Ezekiel shouted.
“How dare you speak the Demon Lord’s name!”
“So disrespectful!”
“I’ll tear you apart right now!”
At that moment, the demons reacted intensely, almost ready to leap. Mentioning the Demon Lord’s name in the Demon Realm was not allowed; the aversion was strong.
But.
No demon dared step forward.
It was because Valetta raised a hand quietly.
“Calm down, my demons.”
Even having his name called, Valetta showed no signs of anger. In fact, he wore an even broader smile than before, undoubtedly a smirk.
‘…Damn.’
Ezekiel felt frustrated.
He wanted to rush out and cut off his head, but he couldn’t comprehend why Valetta seemed so powerful. The moment he released the chill, it felt like he would be crushed.
His mind raced with thoughts.
‘If I return to the continent, how much more training will I need to undergo? How much power will I need to gather…’
Though the Emperor and Princesses were still alive, if the Demon Realm invaded, it was clear the continent would suffer horrific wounds.
It was a point where he urgently needed to strengthen himself and formulate a more solid plan. Ezekiel realized this.
Then Valetta parted his red lips once again.
“Well, anyway… I’m done. The fun has worn off.”
Valetta said, lightly brushing off his hands. He shook his head as if dismissing the laughter.
“I wanted to see you waver to some degree, but you’re still a stubborn one. How fortunate the Emperor of the continent is. Thus, I’ll conclude this marriage ceremony.”
The demons immediately started to fade away.
But at that moment.
“Didn’t you just mention your rewards?”
“…”
A single remark from Ezekiel halted the Demon Lord and the demons in their tracks.
All gazes suddenly turned toward the man.
“How can you call things offered to taunt a counterpart rewards? I feel as if I haven’t received anything from the Demon Lord or the Demon Realm.”
“Hmmm~?”
The Demon Lord raised an eyebrow.
It seemed her interest was piqued by the Ice Ghost’s words, and she released the posture of resting her chin on her hand from the throne.
“Ice Ghost, did you have something else in mind?”
“As I said, I have no need for the Demon Realm’s stolen goods.”
“Then?”
“Reveal your thoughts. What do you intend to do from here on out?”
In an instant, the space seemed as if it might shatter.
The demons’ mana, eager to punish the rudeness toward the Demon Lord, mingled with Valetta’s power… everything began to intertwine.
But nonetheless, it seemed Valetta was feeling quite amused.
“Indeed, every time we meet, you say such interesting things.”
The Demon Lord laughed joyfully.
“Are you asking me to share my future plans? With you?”
“Yes.”
“My plans… plans, plans, plans….”
The Demon Lord, who muttered like that, appeared to be in a good mood. Like a girl thinking about where to go on a trip.
“Oh, right. I just came up with one.”
“I’m listening.”
“Ice Ghost, you indeed….”
With a deep voice, the red lips parted.
“…your existence is just too intriguing. How would you react if I said I want to set you on the side of the Demon Realm?”
“You can’t be serious…”
“No, hear me out till the end.”
The deep, resonant tone interrupted Ezekiel’s words.
“You can see it with your body. The Emperor seems to offer just a few drops of Sun Elixir at best…. Is that how you’re being trained? Will you continue to live as the Emperor’s little puppy?”
The Demon Lord shook her head.
“That won’t do. It can’t happen. I’m not a petty person like the Emperor. Thus, I will offer a different option.”
The Demon Lord pulled out a small orb from her robe.
It was a tiny red orb, the size of a fingernail.
“This is a ball that will grant you eternal life upon swallowing.”
Valetta wore a despicably cunning smile.
“…What do you think? Isn’t this a true reward?”
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