MC POV
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Several days had passed since Abernyu, Alfia, and Grayfia became my subordinates. We'd all started getting used to life in Delsgade. Over the past few days, each of us had started focusing on our own activities.
First, Grayfia. Previously, when she heard me ask her to become my maid, her expression was genuinely stunned. Well, it couldn't be helped—I truly wanted her to become my personal maid. Besides, I knew she actually had a hobby of being a maid, so there was no issue since no one was being harmed, right? In fact, when Grayfia began handling simple household duties within the castle, she seemed to enjoy her work… she became accustomed to it… no, she became professional at it very quickly. As expected of my maid.
Second, Alfia. On the other hand, she started training in the colosseum within Delsgade. She wanted to quickly get used to her body that now it no longer had any defects. I'm certain Alfia will continue growing stronger and eventually rival the other Seven Kings… considering her monstrous talent, I doubt it will take long for her to catch up to them.
While Alfia trained, Grayfia would occasionally join her after finishing her own duties. I think she's starting to feel challenged by Alfia. Frankly, the power gap between Grayfia and Alfia wasn't that wide… considering Alfia is currently at her peak condition without weaknesses… while Grayfia has not yet become the version of herself who holds the title of Strongest Queen. Grayfia must feel slightly pressured after witnessing Alfia's talent. Because if she slackens even a little, Alfia will surely shorten the distance between them. I hope their rivalry pushes them both to become stronger.
Third, Abernyu herself. She had told me that she wanted to explore the Demon Realm. That woman is truly eager to experience the mortal life she had longed for. Her mood has been visibly cheerful these past few days now that she's freed from the order that once bound her. I just hope she doesn't destroy something simply because she dislikes it.
And lastly, myself. At the moment, I'm lying on the rooftop of the castle, fully embracing ultimate chill mode. For now, I've decided to pause summoning people from other worlds. I'll continue again when I feel the need for more hands.
Sigh… I never imagined I'd be able to enjoy the slow life I had always hoped for. Feeling the gentle breeze brush against me while lying down and gazing at the sky. Not bad at all…
I won't deny that a life considered "meaningful" is one where you're overpowered, have a harem, and are wealthy.
But sometimes, there are moments when you want something else… something like a slow, peaceful daily life, free from complicated thoughts. And sometimes, that kind of life is incredibly difficult to obtain. You might possess power that allows you to do anything, but you also have to realize that such power is often the very cause that drags you into unwanted problems. And to me, that's something truly ridiculous.
Even after realizing that… we still chase that power desperately. Because in the end, we are still "human"… the most terrifying creatures, capable of doing anything just to obtain what they desire.
Haahh… what a truly distorted life.
For now, let's just enjoy this slow life…
…
After relaxing for a while, I went to see Shalltear to inform her that my castle was complete.
I teleported to where she was and saw her enjoying her tea time.
"Hi, Shalltear. I see you're enjoying your time~" (Arthur)
Hearing me, Shalltear placed her cup down on the table.
"Arthur-san~ is your castle finished?" (Shalltear)
"Yes. It's done. I've also recruited a few subordinates." (Arthur)
I sat down on the sofa across from her and glanced at some documents on the table.
"What are those documents?" (Arthur)
"Ah… these are about plans for industrial development in the Demon Realm. I thought it would be good to get a head start." (Shalltear)
Shalltear explained while picking up a slice of cake with her fork.
"After we announce the formation of the Seven Kings, we must begin industrial development to make life here more convenient. After all, civilization here is still quite backward. I want daily life to become more convenient…" (Shalltear)
I nodded in agreement. Well, if you want life to be easier, you have to advance civilization. As someone accustomed to technology, you'd definitely feel uncomfortable living in the medieval era. Especially if you were unlucky enough to have no power at all and lived in the medieval era in a world without supernatural abilities whatsoever… let's be honest, that would be hell-level difficulty.
Maybe a few talented individuals could survive in such times. But most people would slowly dying—if they weren't killed outright.
"…We could also start developing the entertainment industry once civilization here advances further… Nom~" (Shalltear)
Shalltear finished her explanation and popped the slice of cake into her mouth.
"That's good. I'm relieved you're advancing this world's civilization. At least we won't be stuck in this state forever." (Arthur)
We chatted for a while when Kuro suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"Hello, Arthur-kun~ hello, Shalltear~" (Kuro)
Kuro waved cheerfully and approached us.
"Kuro-san, have you finished handling your territory?" (Shalltear)
Shalltear asked while gesturing for Kuro to sit.
"More or less everything's done. The rest, Ein said she'll handle." (Kuro)
Kuro then took out several baby castella and offered them to us.
No matter how many times I see this, I still can't understand it… how can she be so obsessed with baby castella?
"How have you been, Arthur-kun? I heard from Shalltear that you're building a floating castle in the Forbidden Land! Can I visit it!?" (Kuro)
Kuro looked at me with sparkling eyes. I couldn't help smiling at her enthusiasm.
"My castle is complete. Also, I've got three subordinates who've already joined me—and of course, they're strong~" (Arthur)
I answered proudly with a smug grin.
"Hoo~ for you to say that, they must be impressive…" (Kuro)
Kuro and Shalltear looked intrigued.
"Are they people from another world, Arthur-san?" (Shalltear)
"That's right. I performed the summoning a few days ago, after my castle was completed." (Arthur)
I gave a small nod at Shalltear's question.
"Then I'd like to meet them. I think we can go together, Kuro-san~ Well, if Arthur-san doesn't mind…" (Shalltear)
Kuro and Shalltear looked at me with pleading eyes.
…Good grief, I didn't expect to see something like this in person. I couldn't help shaking my head.
"…You can visit tomorrow. Today, one of them went out to explore the Demon Realm, so she might not be back yet." (Arthur)
"Understood." (Kuro)
"Alright~" (Shalltear)
As we continued chatting lightly, I suddenly remembered Grayfia's request yesterday. She had asked me to bring some books containing various kinds of information about this world.
If I recall correctly, Kuro and Shalltear occasionally wrote many books like that.
"Kuro, Shalltear. Do you have any books about the various information in Trinia? One of my people wants to read something like that. If you have any, I'd like to borrow them." (Arthur)
"Oh~ I have plenty that I wrote myself. If you like, I can give them to you." (Kuro)
"Same here. It's no problem, Arthur-san. You can have them." (Shalltear)
Kuro and Shalltear suddenly took out black cubic gems. Isn't this…
"This is a Magic Box. The interior space is probably about the size of Shalltear's mansion. It's almost completely filled with copies of books I wrote myself. You can keep it, Arthur-kun." (Kuro)
"Mine is more or less similar to Kuro-san's. As for the books, there might be some differences since I wrote various general information useful for daily life. I had actually thought about giving these to you before… but since you were staying here at the time, I figured you could just read them directly in my library, so I forgot about it. Perhaps these will be useful for your subordinates, Arthur-san." (Shalltear)
Two Magic Boxes, each the size of a mansion and nearly filled with books. I suppose for a while, Abernyu, Alfia, and Grayfia would have something to do during their free time. I shook my head and let out a light sigh.
"Sigh… I appreciate it. Thank you." (Arthur)
After that, we chatted while reading the new manga I had created at Kuro and Shalltear's request.
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3rd POV
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As night began to fall, while Arthur was still with Kuro and Shalltear—
Abernyu returned to Delsgade after spending the entire day touring the Demon Realm. She entered the meeting room, where Alfia and Grayfia were already seated. In this meeting room stood a round table Arthur had created for his subordinates if they wished to discuss something.
"Has Arthur not returned yet?" (Abernyu)
Abernyu asked as she took a seat.
"Not yet. Arthur-sama contacted me earlier—he is currently with the Underworld King and the Phantasmal King of the Seven Kings." (Grayfia)
Grayfia replied politely with a slight bow.
"I see. In that case, it's fine. I called you here to discuss something." (Abernyu)
"Something?" (Alfia)
Alfia tilted her head slightly.
"I've been thinking about giving our group an official name. Previously, Arthur explained the Seven Kings and their respective factions to us, didn't he?" (Abernyu)
Alfia and Grayfia nodded.
"He also told us that he doesn't want to have an excessive number of subordinates like the other kings." (Abernyu)
Among the Seven Kings' subordinate groups… some of them have an enormous number of members. And the prime example… Shalltear. She had billions under her command, and that number is still increasing even now. There was no way Arthur would want such an absurd number of subordinates.
"Well, thinking about the utterly insane number of subordinates under the Phantasmal King… I can't even imagine organizing a group that size myself. That's beyond excessive." (Alfia)
Alfia spoke with a hint of annoyance.
"It would be extremely troublesome. I'm relieved Arthur-sama doesn't desire such a thing." (Grayfia)
Grayfia exhaled softly and shook her head.
"It's okay. Arthur really doesn't want too many subordinates—you needn't be concerned. Back to the topic… even though none of the Seven Kings' factions have official names yet, I believe it wouldn't be a problem if we were the first to have one…" (Abernyu)
Abernyu paused briefly before continuing.
"Since our group consists of only a few people, we can determine the name early. With an official name, we can be easily recognized by all beings in Trinia. And when we establish how powerful the subordinates of the Terminus King are throughout every corner of Trinia, that name can serve as a deterrent—so none would dare act recklessly toward my king. And finally, most importantly, the goal of Terminus King's subordinates is to eliminate anything that disturbs him… without having him do it himself. In this way, we can become worthy servants for my king." (Abernyu)
Seeing Abernyu's Divine Eyes of the End glow faintly caused both of them to break into cold sweat.
After spending a few days together, Abernyu, Grayfia, and Alfia had begun to understand each other's personalities to some extent. And for Grayfia and Alfia, they had started to realize that Abernyu had a certain obsession… an obsession toward Arthur that couldn't be explained. Even so, they remained silent and didn't dare to mention it…
"…I don't mind." (Alfia)
"…Do you have a suggestion for the name, Abernyu-sama?" (Grayfia)
"Of course. Guardians of the End… what do you think?" (Abernyu)
Hearing Abernyu's suggestion, the two nodded without objection.
"Simple but accurate. I think it's fine." (Grayfia)
"Agreed." (Alfia)
"Then, from now on, we shall be known as the Guardians of the End." (Abernyu)
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