The Puppet Kingdom, Jistav.
In Clayman's room, Laplace was regaling him with a delightful tale.
The way he clutched his stomach while laughing uproariously was incredibly comical.
"Clayman, let me tell you, hahahaha..."
"It's just that, that, hahaha..."
"Guess what I saw this time, our... hahahaha..."
(▼ヘ▼#)
For the first time, Clayman felt that when Laplace was being frivolous, he was truly beyond help.
"Take your time laughing. Speak when you're finished."
"Don't be mad, I... I'll restrain myself, hahaha..."
Laplace continued to clutch his belly and laugh, causing the veins on Clayman's forehead to bulge.
After a long while, Laplace finally calmed down. He then informed him of the news of Lord Kazalim's resurrection and conveyed the next steps of the plan to Clayman.
"Hahaha, I see. No wonder you're so happy."
"Lord Kazalim has actually been resurrected. That's wonderful."
After the pleasantries, Clayman received his orders and immediately began execution... In the Beast Kingdom of Eurazania, Carrion was drinking fine wine shipped from Nazarick and the Jura Tempest Federation, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Suddenly, a signal came from the ring of the demon lord on his hand.
(Carrion, I need a favor from you.)
Carrion, who had been slightly tipsy, immediately regained his dignity as the Beast King upon hearing Clayman's transmission.
(You'd better be sure about this. Once it's repaid, we're even.)
(Eh, no problem.)
(Tell me then, what exactly is it?)
(I need...)
A moment later.
The Heavenly Wing Country, Fulbrozia.
Frey was in her study processing national documents when, like Carrion, a transmission from Clayman came through her ring of the demon lord.
Its content was exactly the same as the transmission to Carrion.
(Clayman, what kind of trouble are you stirring up now? I have no interest in cleaning up your messes.)
(Aya~ Frey, you're as cold-hearted as ever. Once this is done, we're even.)
Frey rubbed the bridge of her nose. The aloof queen had no desire to continue associating with Clayman.
After witnessing Nazarick's military parade, Frey knew that Clayman's fate was already sealed. She saw through it clearly and didn't want to wade into these muddy waters.
However, it would be for the best to repay this favor as soon as possible.
Years ago, she and Carrion had been recommended to become Demon Lords by Clayman's former master, Kazarim. This debt had been owed ever since.
Repaying it early to draw a line between them might be a good choice.
Ultimately, she agreed to the request.
But to clear herself of responsibility, Frey passed this news on to the Jura Tempest Federation... Inside the White Ice Palace, a playful smile curled at the corners of Guy's mouth.
Just now, Clayman's communication had reached him. Everything was proceeding smoothly, just as Draco had planned.
Looking at Draco, who sat opposite him calmly sipping tea and occasionally teasing Raine, Guy couldn't help but feel a secret sense of admiration.
He felt that Draco was more suited to be a chess master.
Compared to his own schemes, Draco's calculations were even more inscrutable, and he could ensure that everything was foolproof.
"Are you so certain they will convene the Walpurgis?"
Facing the puzzled Guy, Draco calmly shook his head.
"Only the Walpurgis can draw Luminus away. Rozo's goal was never the Holy War, but the one inside the holy coffin."
"Yuuki, who thinks he's on the fifth floor, never imagined that Granbell—or more accurately, 'Greed'—is in the stratosphere, while we are in the outer space layer."
Confronted with Draco's cryptic words, Guy became even more confused.
But!
To show that he was indeed in the outer space layer, he could only nod in agreement with a smile, pretending he had anticipated it all along.
"Alright, I'll leave the rest to you. Now it's time for my performance."
"...Ah, leave it to me."
Draco gave little Raine's head a playful rub and then left the White Ice Palace amidst her angry scolding.
Misari seemed to see through Guy's thoughts and asked in a low voice.
"Lord Guy, what should we do next?"
"This..."
Guy himself was a bit dazed. The plan was originally well-set: have Luminus intentionally trigger the Holy War, then draw out and eliminate the unstable elements within the Western Nations.
At the same time, convene the Walpurgis to weed out Clayman, the Demon Lord who loved to stir up trouble.
But what was this about a holy coffin, Granbell, the stratosphere, and the outer space layer?
Guy had understood what he was doing before, but now he was suddenly at a loss.
Then he had a second thought: whatever, it couldn't be wrong to set Clayman up to die first. He could just leave the remaining mess for Draco to handle himself.
Guy praised himself for his own wit.
"Hmm, proceed with convening the Walpurgis. Since Clayman can instigate Frey and Carrion, according to the rules, three Demon Lords have the authority to open it. Raine, go and notify the other Demon Lords."
"As you command, Lord Guy."
Raine wasted no time and began her tasks. Every time a Banquet was held, she was the one responsible for notifications and transportation.
Misari remembered something and continued to ask.
"Regarding the proposal for this Banquet, do we need to send someone to notify that Master of Monsters named Rimuru?"
"He already calls himself a Demon Lord, and according to Lord Draco's wishes, Clayman can be left for him to deal with."
"Have Milim bring him along while she's at it."
"Understood."
And so, under the schemes of various factions, the Walpurgis officially began... In Nazarick, the Throne Room.
Draco sat upon the throne. Shedding his usual casual demeanor, he appeared solemn and majestic.
Below him, except for Shalltear, all the other Floor Guardians and executives like Benimaru and Shuna were present.
"Greetings to the Sole supreme being!" xN
Everyone knelt on one knee in unison.
"Rise."
Draco waved his hand for them to stand. Looking at the respectful Guardians and executives before him, he paused for a moment before speaking slowly.
"Demiurge."
"Your servant is here!"
"Begin mobilizing troops to the border of the Puppet Kingdom. Wait for my command. You will be the war commander this time. Shuna and Souei will accompany you. Also, remember not to cause widespread destruction; that country is full of antiques and is very valuable."
"As you command, your servant will surely complete the mission!"
Demiurge accepted the order.
"Mare, you go as well. Your primary responsibility is to provide support and gather experience."
"O-okay, Lord Draco."
Mare responded timidly.
Draco then looked at the rest of the group.
"Benimaru, Shion, Hakurou, lead the Yōki to support the Jura Tempest Federation."
"Sebas, go to the Kingdom of Falmuth. Without Diablo, the combat power of the new royal capital is too weak. To prevent a sneak attack by opportunistic people during the chaos, hide in the shadows and protect the new king."
"As you command, My Lord!" x4
"Cocytus and Sebas, keep an eye on Shalltear's side. If support is needed, go immediately."
"Shanks, the city's defense is entrusted to you."
"Albedo, come with me."
"..."
As order after order was issued, Nazarick, the long-dormant primordial beast, once again bared its sharp fangs and began its hunt.
Going wild.
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