Volume 2 Chapter 3 Archbishop Gebutz, Visit
A few days later, an archbishop from the Holy Empire arrived at the Demon Lord's Castle.
"It's an honor to finally meet you. I am Archbishop Gubetz Fullman of the Holy Empire."
Archbishop Gubetz, if one had to describe him in a word, was like a toad.
Short in stature like a child, his protruding belly resembled an ogre's, and his flat face was marred by warts.
'Big brother... This guy gives me the creeps~'
Today, Divine Beast Haku was visiting and perched on my shoulder.
Divine Dragon Sia was also resting on the other shoulder.
"Nice to meet you, I am Zeke, the king of this land."
"Wow! You are quite the impressive one!"
Before I could greet him, Archbishop Gubetz approached.
He stared at Haku and Sia, who were on my shoulders, his eyes sparkling.
'...Creepy. ...This guy.'
Sensing Sia's trembling, I stroked her head and tucked her inside my clothes.
'You scoundrel! Don't you dare bully Sia!'
Haku barked, but Archbishop Gubetz didn't seem to hear him.
"Oh my, what magnificent fur and scales... They must look so stunning."
Apparently, he was a beast enthusiast.
I hoped we could communicate well...
"Well then, Archbishop Gubetz, let's get to the point."
Currently, knights from the Holy Empire have trespassed into our territory and taken our citizens captive, injuring them.
I requested their unconditional return and to overlook this incident.
"I am most grateful for your kind consideration. And... what do you desire from us?"
"I appreciate the directness. Let's get straight to the point. We wish to propose a peace treaty."
"Oh! A peace treaty, you say?"
"Honestly, I have no desire to fight with you. We just want to live peacefully."
I offered to provide resources like Mana Crystals in exchange for the condition that they would not harm the monsters.
"Very well, we accept your conditions."
He agreed so easily, huh.
I thought there would be more resistance, but I guess I was worrying for nothing.
"Thank you. I think the people will be pleased with this."
"Oh my, is that so? Then perhaps you could indulge me as well?"
"Are you talking about the welcoming banquet?"
"Not at all. I'm requesting that you hand that over to me."
The archbishop pointed at Divine Beast Haku, who was perched on my shoulder.
"...Sorry, but I can't do that. She's a cherished daughter of a dear friend."
"Oh my, then how about that blue dragon from earlier? Could you hand her over instead? I'll pay a high price, of course."
"...Like I said, she's also precious to me. What's with you? Talking about them like they're objects."
With a blank expression, Gubetz spoke.
"Aren't beasts just like objects?"
"...What?"
"You see, I collect beast taxidermy."
Taxidermy—essentially decorative displays made from animal corpses.
"Both the white and blue beasts are splendid! If you'd part with them, we can proceed under the previous terms."
"...That's a no. Offer a different condition. I'll even increase the amount of Mana Crystal provided."
"Our empire is rich in resources, though not as much as this region for certain reasons. Still, I'd value those beast taxidermies far more than Mana Crystals."
"Don't mess with me!"
Even though this was a diplomatic setting, I raised my voice.
"Do you even know what these creatures are? They have lives and wills of their own!"
"Hmph... Beasts having something as refined as will? That's absurd. Then if those two are out of the question, provide other rare magical creatures on a regular basis, and we'll accept the terms."
This...!
Just as I was about to raise my fist, a voice intervened.
"Hold it right there, doctor."
A handsome man with golden hair appeared before us.
"D-Divine Dragon King!?"
Gubetz's eyes widened as he looked at the Divine Dragon King.
"W-where have you been? We searched everywhere!"
"What's going on?"
The Divine Dragon King sighed deeply.
"I am revered as the Holy Beast of the Holy Empire. It's been that way since my parents' time, but I don't like it."
So that's why he's like the Divine Beast King Sofia of the Beastman Country.
I've heard that in many places, the Divine Beast is revered as a being that brings prosperity to the nation.
"Divine Dragon King, what are you doing loitering around here? Hurry and return to your country."
"I refuse."
"Wh-what did you say?!"
Gubetz' eyes widened in shock as he shouted.
"Wh-what are you talking about?!"
"You have committed 2 grave sins. First, you dared to suggest turning my daughter Sia into a stuffed trophy."
"W-what?! That pitiful blue dragon from before... is the princess of the beautiful Golden Divine Dragon King?!"
"The second sin. You caused my dear doctor discomfort."
The Divine Dragon King exuded a menacing aura, and Gubetz plopped down on the spot.
"This is a good opportunity. I'm done being the Holy Beast of the Holy Empire."
"W-what?! Why would you do that?!"
"I've decided to thrive in this country alongside my ally, Zeke."
"Wh-what did you say?!"
The Divine Dragon King laughed and put an arm around my shoulder.
"W-wait, how can you just... I can't forgive that!"
"Why do I need your permission? We're not animals kept by the Holy Empire. You just assumed that."
The Divine Dragon King smiled at me.
"But Zeke, the amazing beast veterinarian, is different. He respects all creatures as individuals, regardless of their species. He's nothing like you."
Gubetz frantically argued.
"B-but if you leave, what will become of our nation?! Without the mythical creature, our country's power will diminish!"
"I don't care. I've never liked you anyway. After what you did to my daughter, trying to turn her into a trophy, I've had enough. I'll move to this country with my queen."
"N-No, if the Emperor finds out that I caused the loss of the Divine Dragon King, I'll be in big trouble!"
"I don't care. Just get lost with your friends."
Gnashing his teeth in frustration, Gubetz stares at me.
"If it comes to this, I'll use force!"
"Stop!"
I thrust my Holy sword towards Gubetz's neck.
"H-How... W-When did you...?"
"Hmm, even though we were quite a distance apart, you closed the gap in an instant. Even the Divine Dragon King couldn't keep up with your movements; as expected of the teacher!"
"Get lost. Don't you dare lay a hand on my precious friend."
Gubetz turns on his heels and runs away.
"I'll remember your name, Demon Lord Zeke! You're on your own from now on!"
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