Foreigner Volume 7, Chapter 139

Volume 7 Chapter 139, Magic Sword ~ 47

「Oi, Sheryl.」

「Yes」

　A gust of wind blew. Cloaks and cloaks rustle in the wind. Even though the wind was a little stronger than usual, Satoru stood there haughty, casting a cold glance at the flaxen-haired woman.

「Let me tell you something first. I didn't want this to happen, so I avoided making a name for myself as much as possible.」

「......As I thought, so it's like that」

「As you thought?」

　Satoru looked down at the beautiful woman who remained tufted with a furrowed brow. Sheryl nodded emphatically.

「I felt fear for Satoru-sama, but that was for pure power. I have never felt that for a person who would be a Demon King. I regret that I could not persuade my grandfather.」

　I see Satoru thought to himself.

　The fact that Sheryl and the dead High Mentor were grandfather and grandchild made a connection in Satoru's mind.

　Sheryl, who was so afraid of Satoru's unmeasurable soul that she approached the High Mentor through personal channels, and the High Mentor, after much thought, decided to take action to defeat Satoru. Because of the difference in their positions, Sheryl may not have been able to express her concern about the danger of antagonizing Satoru until the end ― the question is why the old man, the High Mentor, came to the conclusion to defeat Satoru in such a shortsightedly.

　As if reading Satoru's thoughts, Leia gave a small shrug.

「...Well, it is strange for me to say this. In a way, I don't blame him. Your grandfather may have been an excellent sorcerer in his own right, but even a man of character can be frightened when dealing with something beyond his power.」

　It is natural to want to eliminate such an opponent.

　The reason why Leia knew the name Graham Coogan is simple: every five years, the Academy of the Wise publishes a book on sorcery, the Compendium of Sorcery Systems, with the High Mentor's name as the publisher. The name of the publisher has not changed in the past five years, and there was no way that a person who could serve as the High Mentor of the Academy of the Wise, a place that aspiring sorcerers longed for, could be an ordinary sorcerer.

　Satoru nodded at Leia's voice. Certainly, that could happen. Sheryl mocked herself.

「......When 【Fallen Sacrificial Princess】 Leia Löwenstadt-sama says so, it is also persuasive.」

　Leia's expression instantly froze.

「Don't call me by that name.」

　Her voice is also very cold. A chill runs through Sheryl, and she gets goosebumps. As expected of the 【Immortal King】, her intimidating presence is not even a footnote to those of other beastmen. Realizing that she had been scaled back, Sheryl hurriedly bowed her head to Leia.

「My deeply apologies.」

　She has not yet received Satoru's assurance that he will not destroy the city of Ares. She can't die until she gets his assurance. If Leia Löwenstadt is offended, Sheryl is only going to live to be counted.

　Leia readily lowered her reservoir. She was not so much of a child that she would continue to bend her navel at the mere mention of an abominable name.

「Now then, I don't know what to do.」

　Satoru folded his arms and thought.

　He had no intention of killing everyone in the city of Ares. However, he was prepared to do so, depending on the situation.

　The Academy of the Wise, which was the most hostile organization, the High Mentor took responsibility in the form of death ―― Consequences. Now Satoru intends to destroy the Chalk Tower.

　Baron Dantes' army is over at the time of the revenge.

　As for the arrogance of the royal palace of Ares in recruiting himself and wanting Minerva, it would be better to destroy the royal palace, which is their symbol.

　It's just.

「Oi Sheryl. How many of you know about my power?wi」

「I'm sorry, but I think it's reasonably widespread. I don't think it has penetrated to the general public, but at least to the nobles belonging to the Ares Senate and to the Mentors of the Academy of the Wise. I don't think it is known to other countries yet.」

　Sheryl's voice answered without hesitation, causing Satoru's eyebrows to furrow even more.

　The reason is that Satoru realized that since his power in another dimension is known, there is a possibility that he will be interfered with or solicited in the future.

　Although they are still inside Ares, there is no guarantee that they will not leak out at any time. If he was simply afraid of information leaks, he could kill all the sorcerers belonging to the Academy of the Wise, the Ares nobles belonging to the Senate, and the royal family―but as expected, he doesn't want to go that far under the current circumstances.

　It may seem a little late to start since he(and Leia) has already killed more than 500 people, but there is no end to the number of people he will kill because they are known to him, and not a few of them may not be bad people. Satoru would be hesitant to kill such people as well.

　Satoru suddenly thought of something and glanced at Isolde. The Holy Sword Clan that she had led. Couldn't we follow in the footsteps of that clan?

　What is needed for that: threats and surveillance.

　Show them that Satoru has the power that they cannot resist him. Then, threaten them. And leave surveillance. If information leaks out, or if they try to mess with him, he will have no choice but to destroy Ares itself...

「Oi, Cheryl. You'll do anything, right?」

「If that's what you want. If my life is the only thing that can save so many.」

　Sheryl looks straight back at Satoru with determined eyes. She was intimidated, as she was when she faced him earlier in the Chalk Tower, and there is no sign that she is about to piss her pants a little.

　Satoru sighed deeply and clenched his stomach.

「Not only Ares but also the Academy of Wise, I'll have you keep an eye on them to make sure they don't mess with me.」

「...... That's, it?」　

　Satoru sharply scowled at Sheryl, who raised her voice unexpectedly.

「I'm not done talking yet. You will be my pawn. ...... No, I'm going to make you a magical slave.」

「What?」

「As a pawn of the Demon King Satoru, you are to go to Ares and tell the bigwigs not to touch me at all. Of course, I forbid you to say anything about it. Then, at the right moment, I will smash the Chalk Tower and the royal castle from afar」

「――!」

　Sheryl felt her hair stand on end.

　The Chalk Tower and the royal castle, the Strahltraun, are the two symbols of Ares. Satoru's declaration to destroy both of these symbols was intensely frightening. Moreover, as Satoru's pawn, she herself went to threaten them.

「The destruction of those two is persuasive. I will not compromise on that. I told you before, that I don't trust you with all my heart. You're just being calculating, and you might sell me out.」

「Th-that's not true.」

　Satoru brushes aside Sheryl's denial.

「You deceived me. Am I right?」

　Sheryl was at a loss for an answer. It was unquestionably she who followed the High Mentor's order and guided him.

「That's why I'm going to make you a magical slave. And then add 【Compulsion】 to it...」

　In addition to being bound as a magical slave, Sheryl is also bound by 【Compulsion】. Sheryl is bound by art that binds her in a tight knot―though it is her own fault, Sheryl was deeply ashamed of herself for having to go to such lengths to get him to believe her.

　Isolde was looking at her――and her gaze was painful. It is also painful to be doubted by the person with whom she has formed an amicable relationship and even told her name, which should have been kept secret. This is also a self-inflicted wound.

「If you become a magical slave, you will remain in Ares as my pawn until I or you die, unlike other magical slaves, and watch for those who try to oppose me. You will kill those who oppose me. Even if they are kings. If you are out of your depth, contact me. I will provide the means.」

　As if chewing slowly, Satoru throws strong words at Sheryl. Each one of them is so strong and heavy.

「.....If I don't accept this proposal, you're going to destroy all of Ares?」

「Well, I'm fine with nothing, as long as they don't mess with me at all in the future. I would smash the Chalk Tower and the royal castle right now if it would make them sorry and stop messing with me again. But it won't stop them from messing with me without a threat. To really keep them from messing with me, there has to be a clear threat and surveillance. You understand, right?」

「That's why.......you're a going to make me a magical slave」

　Threats and surveillance.

　Thinking about it, Sheryl realizes that what Satoru is talking about is what the Holy Sword Clan has been up to now.

　Sheryl realized that if any of the neighboring countries were to reach out to Satoru, Satoru would take care of Ares as if Ares had leaked the information. Just as the Holy Sword Clan had done in the past.

　In order for Ares not to be destroyed, Sheryl would have to keep a very close watch on them. It is an extremely difficult task. It is not something to be taken lightly. Sheryl shudders.

　The eyes of the former head of the Holy Sword Clan have sharpened, but Sheryl does not notice.

　Satoru slowly walked up to his own magical slave, a half-elf girl, and hugged her shoulder.

「You people sent this girl's mother to her death. She was murdered.」

　Sheryl was shocked by Satoru's confession. The half-elf girl's face fell quickly. She did not have a direct hand in it herself, but it is easy to imagine who did it.

「Raymond was the one who ......」

「That's what triggered that big explosion. That son of a bitch tried to get rid of me by holding this girl and her mother hostage. This child's mother ― Reine-san ― is dead, partly because of me, but also because of you.」

　Sheryl shuddered as she learned the truth about the mysterious explosion.

　Her former fiancé, who had been extremely violent, had done something terrible. Killing the Elves, to whom all of humanity owed a debt of gratitude, was unforgivable. If the circumstances were correct, it would have been a terrible crime that would have resulted in the destruction of the family.

　It is an undeniable fact that she herself was a part of it, even if she did not intend to be. Sheryl is deeply ashamed. She would like to erase the fact that such a man was her fiancé.

「You didn't order this. I'm sure the son of a bitch did it on his own anyway.」

　Sheryl nodded. "Hmph," Satoru rumbled.

「What was that bastard? He was wearing a similar ring to you, so I knew he was related to you.」

「He was my fiancée. It was an unwilling partner, but...」

「...... I see what you mean.」

　Sighing heavily, Satoru turned to Sheryl.

「So what are you going to do? If you can't give in to me, the man who killed your colleagues, your fiancé, your father, and indirectly, your grandfather, then so be it. I'm not going to give you the time of day.」

　Leia was impressed by Satoru's judgment. Even though there was a hint of what the Holy Sword Clan was like, it was still an absolutely brilliant decision. There are three problems: whether this woman is capable of monitoring them, whether she can destroy them this time if Ares reaches out to Satoru again, and finally, the last one is that when that happens, this woman must also be dealt with, and she wonders if that is really possible.

　Satoru has a bit of a soft spot for those with whom he has shared an amorous relationship. However──Leia glanced at the newly added magical slave. Leia casually approached Isolde and gave her an earful. Isolde responded with surprise but nodded silently at Leia's words.

　Sheryl pondered as Satoru stood roaring in front of her.

　Certainly, the destruction of the Chalk Tower and the Royal Castle Strahltraun would be a great threat. The Academy of the Wise was originally a bit of a runaway in some respects from my grandfather, Graham Coogan, so I think I can handle it ― although of course, I can't be too careful, since there is the danger that it will be spread to unnecessary places and the sorcerers will be so intellectually stimulated that they won't be able to resist trying to get close to it.

　The problem is the royal court and the senate.

　They are proud and vicious creatures. They want power, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to oust their opponents. It is extremely likely that they will contact Satoru, who possesses the power of another dimension. Their hands are so many that there is a strong possibility that they will not be able to keep a close watch on themselves.

　It is hard to believe that the King of Ares and the old dogs of the Senate would refuse Satoru's offer, and would simply go along with what Satoru says with only a few threats. And their contact with Satoru would mean the destruction of Ares. The house where I spent my life, my mother's family, and my not-so-many friends would all die equally.

　To prevent that from happening, Satoru would need to make a very strong threat. The destruction of the Royal Castle Strahltraun is certainly a good one.

　But there is one problem to begin with.

「......It may seem strange for me to ask this, but I have a favor to ask.」

「Say it.」

「As persuasive as you are in destroying the Chalk Tower and the Royal Castle Strahltraun, I have neither the ability nor the authority to do so. I cannot even meet the King of Ares. As it is, I can't make good on your threat.」

　Yes, that is the first problem. But Satoru says nothing of the sort.

「Ohh, just that. No problem, I'll take care of it.」

「If you want, Shall I go there?」

　The one who said that was Leia Löwenstadt, the 【Immortal King】. For the first time in her life, Sheryl has goosebumps. Certainly, with her power, there is no way she could have invaded the royal palace(?). The fact that Sheryl is accompanied by the legendary 【Immortal King】 is also persuasive.

　But Satoru shook his head.

「No......Solor」

「Yes, sir.」

「You go there.」

「Understood」

　A beautiful-looking woman with long light blue hair responds. Derek had heard that she was also a high-ranking sorcerer, but Sheryl wondered how she compared to Leia and Satoru. But Sheryl's fears were instantly blown away.

「This guy can use Magic.」

「Magic!?」

　An ancient technique that only Demons could use in this day and age. Before Sheryl could even raise her voice, Isolde's eyes widened and she showed a surprised expression. Of course, Sheryl's eyes widened in astonishment.

「Her magic power is not as good as mine, but it's better than Leia's. It's good enough.」

「Wha......」

　The soul that surpasses Leia, the 【Immortal King】 ― Sheryl can't help but be surprised.

　If it is true, even she can easily conquer the royal palace of Ares. No, it would be a piece of cake for her to destroy even one city of Ares. Once again, she was stunned by the enormous of Satoru's power. Satoru, Leia, and Solor ― it would not be difficult for the three of them alone to conquer the entire world.

　Sheryl managed to quell her surprise and think.

　What do I need? What do I need to do?

　The most important thing is not to destroy the city of Ares. The hundreds of thousands of people who live in that city, and I am here now to protect them.

　To do so, I need the Royal Palace, the Senate, and the Academy of the Wise. I need to silence those three who know Satoru by threatening them. To do so, I must meet them face to face and talk to them.

　―If that is the case.

　Sheryl's hesitation disappeared from her mind.

　With an unbelievably clear and calm mood, Sheryl's forehead touches Satoru's feet and kisses his shoes.

　A gesture of absolute obedience, as Leia once did, and Isolde did just a few moments ago.

　She kisses the shoe for a count of three, then moves away a little and falls flat.

「I'm grateful for Satoru-sama's offer. I, Sheryl Meylander, pledge my absolute loyalty to be Satoru-sama's magical slave. I would very much like to take on the role of watching over Ares.」

「I see.」

　Satoru only said that so.

　She was making that gesture of pledging absolute obedience, but Satoru did not trust her from the bottom of his heart. Satoru knows that the reason for her acquiescence and acceptance is also based on her calculation to save the people of Ares.

　He doesn't doubt much of her abilities. To be a blackmailer and a watchdog. She will strive with all her might based on that calculation.

　When she disturbs that calculation, it will be the destruction of Ares. It is hard to believe that she would make such a foolish decision.

　He factored in the calculating and knowingly dared Sheryl to negotiate with him.

「......I have a favor to ask you, Satoru-sama」

「What do you still have in mind?」

　Satoru asked back with a raised eyebrow.

　Sheryl raised her head. Her face is more resolute and noble than ever.

「One is the story of the here and now. There are still a few survivors in the vicinity at present. I do not want them to be harmed either. I will convince them later. Wouldn't it be bad to let them go now?」

「No, if Milord allows me to persuade them, I will.」

　Isolde raises her voice. For a moment Sheryl's eyes go blank, but Isolde is aware of the people from the Academy of the Wise in the vicinity, so there is no problem.

　Satoru looks at Sheryl, then Isolde, and nods. He doesn't think he wants to do any more killing here.

「So? One thing is for sure, there's more, isn't there?」

　Sheryl puts her hand on her chest and checks her heartbeat. It was pulsing pretty fast, which was no surprise. After a small self-mockery, Sheryl resolutely looked into Satoru's eyes.

「Once I become your slave, I will devote everything to you. So ......you see」

　Sheryl gulped. She took three deep breaths and confessed.

「Before you leave, will you hold me?」

　Isolde rolls her eyes and Satoru also gasps at the offer. Sheryl's eyes are serious. There is no hint of calculation in her eyes―or perhaps she intends to appeal to his affection by having a physical relationship with Satoru?

「Are you expecting me to be sweet by you doing that?」

　Sheryl shakes her head strongly from side to side.

「No, I don't. I simply want you to imprint on me. I don't care how rough you make it, no, I politely ask you to do so.」

　Sheryl's determination is probably genuine. Satoru felt this way without any reason.

　She had little experience with men, as he know from that one time when she was so frightened at the mere sight of a half-naked man. She was begging to be violently raped.

「No matter how much I resist or cry out, I want you to finish it.」

　As Sheryl clearly states this, Satoru looks up at the sky, calms down, and thinks for a moment.

　What he is about to do, and what she is prepared to do.

　What Satoru said about what's to come will tie her up for the rest of her life. If that is the case, I want it to be imprinted on me, she says.

「――I see. All right. Prepare yourself.」

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