Chapter 98

Due to the need for content division, this is a bit shorter.

I apologize.

"Even if we say our relationship is bad, I don't know the details. What I heard is that 'the Dark Guild is incompatible with us. Although their nature is similar, they are a conflicting organization.' The rest is just bad-mouthing the Dark Guild. I think only the executives know the details."

What does it mean to be incompatible? Although they are different organizations, they are both underground organizations, so they should be closely connected, right? Or not?

Moreover, if it wasn't the third lady who hired the Dark Guild, then who...? No, I feel like I don't have enough information.

"Is there anything else you know?"

If this is all I have, I'm at a loss...

"Let me see... Oh, I remember. It's more of a rumor within the organization, but the Dark Guild is—"

◇◇◇

The information I got from the third lady about the Dark Guild wasn't much. Except for one thing.

"An organization commanded by the Demon King's subordinate... huh."

Come on, stop it... I don't want to get involved in any more trouble. If the top of the Dark Guild is a subordinate of the Demon King and is operating to gather and control information in the human world, it would be a large-scale operation.

By the way, I remember the top's subordinate of the Dark Guild was called Belias... In that case, the Demon King theory might not be entirely wrong...?

Speaking of which, Alph is a demon. Maybe he knows something about the Demon King? He might be busy, but I'll ask him to come and talk.

"Alph, do you have a moment now?"

"Oh, my lord. What's the matter?"

"I want to talk a bit. If you can, come to my location. Do you know where I am?"

"Understood, no problem. I'm already—here."

"Whoa?!"

I knew he was capable, but isn't that too fast? Or rather, I have no idea how he got here... He truly is elusive. It's bad for my heart, so please stop.

"So, what's the talk about?"

I want to ask about the Demon King, but first, I need to know if there's a demon named Belias.

"Alph, do you know a demon named 'Belias'?"

"Belias, huh... That's nostalgic. Yes, I certainly know him."

Seriously... This guy seems to know everything, which is a bit scary. Does he know about the Dark Guild too?

"What kind of demon is he?"

"Hmm... My lord seems to have a misunderstanding. First, do you know what kind of creatures demons are?"

Now that you mention it, I don't really know what demons are.

"I don't know... Can you tell me?"

"Of course. Originally, the current demons are best described as the Demon King's subordinates. Under the Demon King, there are various ranks, and Belias belongs to the third rank—basically, the lower ranks. However, even in the third rank, a demon has the equivalent strength of an A-rank adventurer in human terms."

I see. So Belias is a rank name, not an individual name.

"If it's a rank name, does it have an individual name like Alph?"

"No, basically, demons don't have individual names. They are given individual names by the Demon King if they achieve something or have a record. Or they can name themselves if they are powerful enough."

So, the person from the Dark Guild who called himself Belias is likely a demon. Yomi said Belias was an unusual name, so it's probably not a common name.

If the right-hand man of the top is in the third rank, the top is probably in the second rank. I don't think the Demon King would be the top of the Dark Guild, so it's more likely to be a subordinate.

...Wait, if Alph is a demon with an individual name, he must be quite powerful?

"Then, Alph?"

"No, I am an old demon. The situation was different back then. There were fewer demons, and they could freely name themselves."

I see. Maybe there's something he doesn't want to say. I'll wait for him to tell me.

In any case, I now know what demons are.

"Can you tell where other demons are, Alph?"

"Other demons... Normally, I can only recognize my own subordinates, but I'll try to find out for you."

I just asked, but Alph can do and know everything.

"...How's it going? Can you find them?"

"Probably... There seem to be two second-rank and two third-rank demons. The location of one of the second-rank demons is unknown, but I found the locations of the other three."

"Wait?!"

Those must be the members of the Dark Guild. If we take them down...

No, wait. I've heard the Dark Guild is a large organization. If we provoke them, the Demon King might even show up. I don't want to get involved in more trouble...

"What will you do?"

"...I don't want to be targeted anymore, but I don't want to provoke them and make things worse. But knowing that the top of the Dark Guild might be a demon is progress."

I still don't know what to do...

"In that case, I'll take care of it for you. I won't do anything to harm you. Besides, it seems my fellow demons are causing trouble. Please let me handle it."

Leaving the Dark Guild to Alph... Yeah, it might not be a bad idea. The girls I protected are being taken care of by either Luna or Yomi, so I'll tell them not to overdo it.

Then I can also guard Lily and organize the information. Yeah, that sounds good.

"Alfred, can I leave the Dark Guild to you?"

"Leave it to me, my lord."

With that, Alph disappeared. Alph is capable, and I don't think he'll overdo it.

I still have to find the client and have a lot to do... The third lady seems to be off the hook, but I feel like I'm missing something.

"What am I missing...?"

I'll update this slowly.

I'd be happy if you could rate, bookmark, etc.

The story will progress rapidly from the next chapter.

Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Award] and will be published by Futaba Shobo.