Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 77: The Whisper of the Devil

Early in the morning, on a highway in the woods near Almond that connected to the Bertram kingdom.

"DON'T!"

Alphonse Rodan was riding his horse alone towards the marquis region of Rodan while saying harsh words.

Almond is the territory of Duke Kretia whose position is adjacent to the marquis Rodan region in Bertram kingdom.

Although Almond is surrounded by a vast forest and small lakes around it, from the fact that it is a commercial city, the establishment of the surrounding highway has been orderly, he said, although the distance until one arrived at the marquis region was even two days by horse, yet the distance to leave the city was long.

As the winter had not yet passed, an unpleasant chill penetrated through his coat.

But, when he raised his eyes, the vast sky was reflected in his field of vision, even though today was a very pleasant day with good weather, alphonse's mood was really bad and was not even able to enjoy the scenery.

This and that, all because of yesterday's show.

Even considering that it was ruining his mood, Alphonse who caused trouble in the restaurant of Rikka company was tied up by a reconciliation contract with Rio.

At the time the contract was written he was careless due to excessive anger, Alphonse fully accepted Rio's words.

The reason for that was because of his pride which did not allow him to take such a commoner as his opponent.

Stead was being distressed by himself, probably because he was imagining the moment when his crimes were revealed to his father, it seemed like most of the content of the negotiations did not go into his ears.

After writing the contract, Alphonse returned to the inn with Stead while taking with him a prostitute who had come with them to the place.

Although it seemed that Stead was not in the mood to do that, Alphonse confined himself in his own room like that, and venting his to the prostitute was like venting that anger.

Although Alphonse fell asleep just like that from exhaustion, a man who introduced himself as the messenger duke Euguno came to the inn when he woke up.

Although he somehow got a bad premonition, even Alphonse could not just send Duke Euguno's envoy away.

Somehow it seems that Stead was also summoned with him, which is to say, he was summoned under the command of Duke Euguno along with Stead.

「FOOL IT!」

As soon as they entered the room, Alphonse and Stead were scolded by duke Euguno,

「QUARREL TO TRY TO ATTRACT OTHER WOMEN, MORE, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOMENT RESTAURANTS ARE PLAYING ALL OVER WOMEN. FINALLY, ALMOST TO THE PRISON TO TRY TO GET AN IMPOLITE STRIKE WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY, THAT？ I AM EVEN MORE INTERESTED THAN SPEED！！

Duke Euguno recounted the reason for his anger.

"Hi Me"

Stead and Alphonse screamed pitifully for overwhelming anger.

Alphonse guessed why they were summoned to this place.

While at the same time making guesses as to why the previous incident was transmitted to the duke of Euguno, and finally he arrived at his answer.

No one but one could report the matter to duke Euguno among the people of the place.

On the inside of Alphonse's head was an ice-cold beauty, the face of an expressionless woman appeared.

Section 2

「T-Woman it. Saying that he won't report it to duke .... 」.

While his body was trembling in fear, Alphonse muttered in a low voice.

That woman—, Aria has promised properly.

。

He would not report any previous events to the duke of Euguno.

Which meant the reason she was shouting like this was because, Aria had broken her promise, right.

Play around when you're a mere treasurer, anger rage and flows inside Alphonse's head.

「Women you said？ Don't tell me, you mean miss Liselotte？ In what position do you call her that WOMAN?」

Not missing Alphonse's voice, the duke of Euguno demanded an explanation with a piercing cold tone.

It seems that somehow duke Euguno misunderstood Alphonse's words about 「The woman was」 with Liselotte.

"Ah no . The treasurer who heard the situation at the time said 『There will be no reports on the matter today to sue Euguno from me』.... 」.

Alphonse explained in panic.

They are very honestly guilty of taking it out of their mouths in an attempt to cover up their guilt.

As for the duke of Euguno who guessed their scheme to bribe secrecy about this matter earlier, he left in astonishment with their extremely careless modus operandi.

「The treasurer didn't lie at all. Because the person who reported this issue to me is miss Liselotte 」

Duke Euguno corrected Alphonse's misunderstanding.

「A-What does that mean?」

However, Alphonse's failure to notice due to his half-baked crisis management even to the end, bit the duke of Euguno with a somewhat sullen state.

「He told you a figure of speech no. He kept his word, moreover it did not go against his promise. Nonetheless, even though you were exaggerating in the relaxed royal academy, to appear noble even as a joke, you were extremely disappointing. No, I am even ashamed as a noble from the same country as you .... 」.

When I think that these kind of people who are nothing more than this level of negotiation skills are the ones who will bring the future of Bertram kingdom, he said, it is inevitable that you are too pathetic―― As if to say that, Duke Euguno keeps his face face face down.

like that, he sent a line of sight filled with blatant humiliation towards Stead and Alphonse.

For this powerful spirit power, with their fear even exceeding their shame, the two instantly turned their eyes away.

「Again, what's with that contract?」

Staring with a glance, duke Euguno referred to the reconciliation contract written by Alphonse-tachi.

「This is a duplicate contract, look. For You to unilaterally swallow the prohibition clause put forward by Your opponent, You do not even add the prohibition clause against Your opponent for releasing information about YOU. Wouldn't such a thing be your weak point after 」

Section 3

So he points out a contract flaw written by Alphonse-tachi.

「Eh ......?」

The two showed hesitant faces without understanding the reason for Euguno's anger.

Duke Euguno sighed as if annoyed by their reaction.

「When I read that contract, even if I try to negotiate a ban from the front, sudden contact even from me as the person whose authority is above you stupid fools is forbidden. On the other hand, while we are still in the same clause, if it comes out badly, we will breach this contract. In addition, the words in the text have no restrictions on magnification of interpretation. It was as if the person said "Please threaten me at all costs" 」[TL: And the next thing you know, you're dead]

Duke Euguno furrowed his brows as he recalled the contents of the contract.

"Ah …… . . 」

He vaguely recalled the contents of the contract and compared it to Duke Euguno's words, Alphonse took out a single word.

And Duke Euguno clicked his tongue,

「But, I'm happy. Because of your failure, a fool was awarded by Miss Liselotte. He'll meet with the victim later and it seems he'll make a request not to reveal about today's events. Do you understand what that means That means we have to ask nobles from other countries to guard against the failures of the nobles in our country, understand？ 」

He just asked in a cold tone.

「When I heard this story from Miss Liselotte, I couldn't even lift my face in embarrassment. Since the careless actions of you fools are the cause, even though even under normal circumstances we are already in an unfortunate situation, you are making an extra debt on it. You have just shown disgrace over your own position. Understand now? "

The two lowered their heads in silence as if trying to escape the duke Euguno's glaring line of sight.

Stead trembled in fear at his father's anger.

On the other hand, Alphonse trembled with fear and anger that came from humiliation.

「Do you have anything to say！ Stead?」

「Y-Yesh!」

Stead replied in a shrill voice when his name was suddenly called.

「Although you've made such a huge mistake before, it seems like you haven't learned anything from past events. I've already said that there's no second time, am I？ 」

「Ah, no, this ……. . That's ……. 」

Although he tried to make excuses, Stead faltered and could not say a good explanation.

「I won't hear any reason！ I said no second time. I deprive the right of succession inheritance from the ducal house of Euguno of your 」

Section 4

Succession heritage――, that is succession of titles of nobility is as long as there is no special reason called failure in the mind and body is basically the habit of succession by the eldest son of the house.

Except for the eldest son by reason of exclusion is to nominate as a succession person the head of the family, which means that once granted the usurpation of the heir right of the head of the family is considered a disgrace that will last for the life of the nobleman.

「T-No way ....」.

Stead's face was tinged with despair.

「Fuhn, but, doing something like an official announcement to disgrace our home at this point in time should be avoided. Good luck. Although your right to the succession of the usurped inheritance remains inside, you only need to make use of it as a knight from now on 」

After a brief snort, the duke of Euguno informed him.

「S-real?」

A small amount of life returned to Stead's face.

Duke Euguno wore a sneering expression towards his son's reaction.

「Fuhn, work for the money part I used to take you until now as much as possible. Stead, you are waiting for your order at Inn 」

Duke Euguno said that with an expression as if he really saw it as a thing.

「Y-Yes!」

Even though Stead was jolted, he still nodded vigorously.

Duke Euguno's line of sight moved towards Alphonse.

「Alright, Alphonse-kun. Considering your treatment as a noble in another house is not for me to decide. A letter has been sent from me to your father. You will return to the region under the pretext of "my anxiety piling up", prepare yourself to hear your treatment

In a way that seemed to have no particular interest in it, duke Euguno told him that the verdict was in a light tone.

Such words were unbelievable, Alphonse fell silent with his mouth agape.

"That's it . The problem today is that you don't reveal it to anyone. You both go now, I don't want to see your appearance 」

「A-Conmitted！ E-Excuse me!」

Stead took the initiative to leave the room.

「S-Things like that don't make sense！ I am the royal protector of your great princess Flora！ What authority should you do for it!」

But, Alphonse became emotional and refused orders from Duke Euguno.

It was calm, but duke Euguno sent a cold line of sight to Alphonse while saying those words with a penetrating tone deep in his mind.

Section 5

「…… !!!」

Alphonse unintentionally lost his words.

Although it made his body tremble in annoyance, again it was impossible because he could not even fight against duke Euguno, so he had no choice but to leave the room following Stead.

The matter he was being stared at by duke Euguno on their backs with a profound line of sight unknown to anyone.

And then came to the current situation, but.

「AAH, Damn, AM Damn,！ DAAMN IIIT'S！ DUKE IS DAMAGING！ HOW DARE HE SERVE AS IF SEEING PEOPLE!」

The events mentioned above happened, Alphonse's mood reached its lowest point since this morning.

He continued to babble in frustration because a while ago, he was grumbling about the people causing his anger.

Although Alphonse's voice echoed within the peaceful forest, nothing could be found in the surroundings.

No, even if there were people around, Alphonse would still be screaming in frustration.

「EVEN I'VE DONE SOMETHING APPROPRIATE!」 [TL: I was speechless, Alphonse-kun] [ED: is this really a surprise at this point]

Alphonse gripped the strap with a stronger force as he gritted his teeth.

“Those who fool themselves are unforgivable. ”

“Aria, duke of Euguno, and those commoners, all those who look down on me. ”

“I achieved superior results in the royal academy. ”

「DAMNDAMNDAMNDAMN IIIIIIIIIIIT!」

Screaming alone in the woods.

Alphonse imagined them begging for mercy in front of him as he mercilessly killed them.

No, in Aria's case, she had other uses before that, Alphonse showed a grim smile.

He would not be able to vent his own stress with such a fruitless method.

With the inside of his head tinged with low will, he might soon return to the city to kill them if he did not vent his anger in this way. [TL: In your dreams]

And then, in that place.

"Good morning . Knight-sama 」

A man came to greet Alphonse.

Alphonse jerked his body.

For some reason, a man stood under Alphonse before he noticed the man.

Even if he moved on the highway, it was not inferior to dangers such as beasts, monsters, or robbers.

Although that did not mean that he would fall to the monsters or bandits that inhabited this area because Alphonse was a knight, he said, his mark spread around him as if he was fine with any kind of attack.

Rather than with hope, he resolutely did that to kill that person if they came to attack him.

Although he was looking at the forest with a glance in case of a sudden attack from both sides, his line of sight was neatly sent towards it just a moment ago.

Or so he thought but, Alphonse could not see the presence of this man until he appeared before his eyes.

Alphonse had an unpleasant feeling because of that.

Section 6

"What's your business?"

He asked as he investigated the man while keeping his guard up.

It seemed like he was walking on the highway alone, but, the man was only wearing a black robe without carrying any significant baggage.

His age was probably around his thirties, although he had quite pleasant features, he was a little pale and unwell.

「This is it, this is it. My name is Reis, just a simple and ordinary traveling merchant. Alright"

The man who called himself Reis was doing self-introduction with a ketus movement.

Reis grinned happily when his line of sight met Alphonse.

「Hah, lowly and humble merchant yes. Go . My mood is bad now 」

When he found out that Reis was nothing more than a merchant, Alphonse said those words in a tone filled with obvious contempt.

「Oya, I wonder how you could end up like that？ Do you feel bad？ Since you met a merchant like me, would you consider using this simple service?」

Although he spoke in a self-deprecating tone, Reis suddenly appeared in front of him.

Reis smiled recklessly.

「I don't need it！ You're a scary friend. Leave it！ You should leave when I say so！ 」

Alphonse shouted as he felt fear in Reis.

「Naynay, don't say that, the reality is, I have an item that is very suitable for you at this time」

Unbelieved by Alphonse's harsh tone, Reis cuts off the conversation in a aloof manner.

「What a brash. As expected of a lowly merchant ..... What, that？ 」

When Alphonse laughed mockingly as he tried to mock Reis, Reis took out a stone that resembled a black gem from his breast pocket.

The stone released an ominous black light.

「Please, feel free to see it slowly」

As if fitting in his brain, a sweet sound like a medicine that sounded delicious, very tasty seeped into his head.

Section 7

"…………AH"

When he came as well, he noticed that his consciousness was captivated by the stone as if it was sucked in by it.

By the black, gloomy dark gem as if it were the bottomless pit itself.

"Ha ha ha . This amazing stone is not 」

Reis laughed happily.

Alphonse's student had already lost his sanity.

"Great . I thought this stone was right for you. It has received emissions from good negative emotions. The effect can even soar so far 」

Although Reis had said something, Alphonse's consciousness was reduced and those words did not enter his ears.

「I present this stone to you you

For what reason, those words could be understood by Alphonse.

“Give me this. ”

“You gave this gem to me. ”

「Did you give this to me?」

「Yes, it might grant your wish this time. But, I hope you grant my wish before it's 」

Alphonse's consciousness quickly became blurred.

Regardless of the feeling that his five senses had become sharper.

Suddenly the scent of blood floated in the air inciting Alphonse's nose.

When he took a closer look, a blood-like thing seeped into the black-robed man.

Yang ・ Darah ・ Is it ・, no, such things are trivial.

That's what Alphonse wants for――.

「Kill. That city, those people ………. People who look down on me ... 」.

With a cold and sickening voice, Reis grinned grimly.

「It's really very simple. But it's okay. Because it's according to my wishes. The contract is completed correctly. Here, do not hesitate to have it. Please swallow it 」

Reis' body slowly rose up in the air, gently whispering those words as he got closer to Alphonse who was riding a horse.

And casually grabbed Alphonse's face with his rough hands.

The black gem was clasped in his other hand.

Reis forcefully thrust the jewel into Alphonse's mouth.

「GUH ....」.

Section 8

Although the inside of her mouth was hot, it could not be spewed out as Reis forcibly closed his mouth.

Breathing became painful, unable to bear it, Alphonse swallowed the jewel for a long time.

After which, the lower part of his stomach suddenly became hot.

Immediately, the heat spread throughout his body, he accidentally spewed it out.

「Hey, don't spit. Swallow it. You'll die soon if you spit it out.

Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow. Swallow up"

Reis continued to whisper those curse-like words into Alphonse's ears.

Before long, the indications of trying to vomit a foreign object from his body disappeared from Alphonse's face.

After confirming that fact, Reis laughed in satisfaction.

Completely like a boy who gladly received his gift.

But, for what reason.

The smiling face was like a demon playing around with human emotions.