Chapter 228 – It Was Gigantic!?

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“So this is the country of monsters…”

Iria was amazed by the view from the deck of the airship.

The scene that spread out below, was not too different from a human city. Streets paved with stone spread out like a spider’s nest. High walls surrounded the city, and outside, were endless fields and farmlands. It was something that felt familiar to me.

The airship we were on was currently very close to the Demon King Castle. It was where goblins and orcs lived. In the whole Demon King army, their lifestyle was closest to that of humans.

Mette muttered next to Iria.

“While I was surprised by human cities, monster cities are also impressive.”
“Also more crowded than human cities and villages.”

As Melk said, the population did seem to be greater than human countries. I suppose this was like the capital city, and so it was especially prosperous.

“Huh? Are those wyverns? The sky is a lot busier than in human countries.”

Asuha also looked impressed as she gazed at her surroundings.

Around the airship, goblin guards were mounted on wyverns.

But aside from them, there were other wyverns and gargoyles that seemed to be transporting goods. They used the sky routes for daily work.

In any case…we were surprised by so many things in the Demon King’s territory.

I had also had some prejudices when it came to this place. I thought the roads would be winding and confusing, but the buildings and roads were all planned out and proper.

Celes looked quite smug.

“Baah… Everyone, you have not seen anything yet! The castle is even more amazing! I shall guide you!”
“You talk like someone who is from the Demon King’s army…”

Mette muttered. And then the woman in black armor and purple hair…Demon King Sophis, opened her mouth.

“From my point of view, a giant airship that can fly to and from the castle within a day is much more impressive… And it was made by you, Sir Joshua?”

I shook my head.

“I only prepared the materials. It was the dwarves who designed this airship, and I would not have been able to do it without the help of the other races as well.”
“So it was accomplished through the help of the whole Fendel Alliance.”

I nodded.

“Aye. And so I believe…that we can also build a gate to another world.”

Sophis looked at my eyes and nodded silently. There was something like sadness in her expression.

…She was the leader of so many monsters. Not only that, but each race had completely different concerns. And so it would be difficult to keep them organized. And she must always feel alone.

Eventually, Melk’s voice rose from the bow.

“A giant mountain… No.”

It wasn’t just Melk, but the rest of us became speechless when we saw where the airship was headed.

A giant city with numerous rows of buildings that pierced the air.

A towering spire that surpassed any mountain we knew of, and a round building so massive that it could house an entire city within itself… Everything was more than ten times the size of what humans use.

Iria muttered.

“It is like a city for giants… I had no idea such a place existed.”
“Did the Demon King and monsters build it?”

Melk asked, but Sophis shook her head.

“This was made by a single Demon King. The first one, it is said. And he happened to be a user of production magic.”
“Huh… There is also a story shared among humans, that the Demon King castle was built by one Demon King. Demon Kings really are amazing.”

I could never do anything like that. These Demon Kings really were on a different level.

As we looked on in awe, Sophis whispered.

“I don’t…know about that.”
“Hmm?”

I asked, but Sophis suddenly looked like she remembered something.

“By the way, a place has been prepared for you to eat and sleep. However, it is still midday. I did not realize it would be this fast…”

I just needed to put the Summoning Stones into magic workshop. It would not take very long, and so we could return today.

Sophis continued hesitantly.

“Perhaps you could enjoy a meal before you leave at least?”

Iria stared at Sophis silently. She was probably thinking that there could be some trap set up in the castle. And that it would be best to leave as soon as possible.

In the midst of this awkward atmosphere, Melk finally said,

“Might as well just eat the food and leave?”
“Ms. Melk…it’s rude to say it like that. We are not friends.”

Said Asuha. And Sophis muttered, ‘Yes, indeed.’

As the atmosphere became even more uncomfortable, Melk turned to Asuha with an expressionless face.

Asuha frantically opened her mouth.

“Ah, bu-but! …I also have some interest in the city!”

However, Iria’s face remained serious.
She was probably thinking about the worst case scenario. If someone as powerful as Sophis took us by surprise, we may not be able to defend ourselves… And so it would be best to keep a distance.

Eventually, Mette said,

“Well, I am also curious to see what kind of food the Demon King’s people eat.”

Mette’s arms were crossed, and she was looking towards Iria. Iria looked back at her with a concerned expression.

After some time, Iria finally let out an exasperated sigh.

“It cannot be helped… Since it is just about midday, let us eat here then.”

Iria then turned to me, and I nodded.

“Indeed… We still have plenty of time. Sophis. We would be glad to just have lunch with you.”
“Re-really?”

Sophis sounded a little surprised. Perhaps she did not expect us to agree. While we were currently cooperating with each other, the other monsters were different. And so it was like we were still within enemy territory.

“Well, if it is too much trouble…”
“Not at all. Preparations will be made at once.”

Sophis replied, and then she gave the order to the black suits of armor.

It could have just been me, but she seemed somewhat happy.

Wanting to meet people from her world. Perhaps the reason Sophis wished that was because she felt lonely in this one.

Yomotsu and Kyuby also felt lonely…

There was no doubt that she used them because she needed their power.

However, if all she needed was power, then she could have used the same enchantments that she used on her other monster subordinates.

Perhaps she had not done so because she felt a kinship with them, since they had lost loved ones.

Somewhere in Sophis’s heart, there might be a longing for friends… Whether she realized it or not.

Shortly after, the airship that carried us landed near the Demon King’s castle.

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