The legend of the Crimson Demon clan started from Suqing.

Chapter 248 Hello, get married

Crusch's sharp eyes swept over Natsuki Subaru, who was mustering up the courage to force himself not to retreat.

"First, I want to confirm one thing. The purpose of this gathering must be told by you in person."

"Of course it is——"

He faced the sharp gaze without flinching, as if he had forgotten his previous failures, with a determined smile on his face.

“Emilia’s camp and Crusch’s camp are going to form an alliance on equal terms——negotiations for this purpose!”

"You mean alliance...?"

Crusch was slightly stunned, then looked at Rem, who shook her head slightly to indicate that she was not the one who revealed it.

Once again, he marveled at Natsuki Subaru.

Roswaal gave Rem instructions without telling him, and strictly ordered that Rem must not tell him the content unless he found out. However, he was so narcissistic that he only cared about himself, and he was dying because of a broken heart, so how could he see other things?

After experiencing several reincarnations, Natsuki Subaru finally realized it.

"The content of the evening talks is about forming an alliance. I have heard Rem roughly about the conditions we proposed."

"The magic ore in the Eriol Forest and some of the mining rights are the main bargaining chips."

Crusch, who didn't think there was anything to hide, readily said what Natsuki Subaru was only trying to hint at.

Zun Zun didn't respond at all.

Instead, the eyes of the only businessman present lit up.

"Oh my, this is something you really can't miss."

Russell, who had been quiet just now, had a shining look in his eyes, and from the tone of his voice one could tell that he was delighted to finally hear something of substantial value.

From what Russell said, magic ore seemed to be able to be used to make magic stone crafts, or skilled craftsmen could make magic props. Although magic props and the like were related to his major, he did not know much about them, and did not have much opportunity. In the final analysis, he just did not have the time to study them.

Then Natsuki Subaru said that he could give up part of the mining rights of the Eriol Great Forest without excessively interfering with each other's camps, and the term was set at three years. If they were not satisfied, they could add more time.

He spoke very cautiously and carefully, otherwise it might become a permanent mining right if he was not careful.

This is undoubtedly an exciting proposal.

Crusch still shook his head and said, “In this case, the impact after the negotiation will be a problem. We have to deal with Emilia, a hostile candidate for the King’s Election who is also a half-elf... and who is slandered as a half-demon. Considering the future, we have to deal with it carefully.”

You can say she is careful about her reputation, or you can say she cares about her reputation.

Yet it is necessary.

If you want to move towards the goal of the throne, you have to take all aspects into consideration.

Although the mining rights of the Eriol Forest can make Crusch a lot of profits, there is no need to have such a sense of urgency. Pushing the situation too hastily will only leave hidden dangers for the camp.

So they need a reason.

One who can push the situation forward and make the people around him quietly obey something. This is what Natsuki Subaru must provide, and it is also the thick barrier he needs to overcome.

Natsuki Subaru's lips trembled slightly, and he clenched his teeth to prevent himself from jumping up in excitement. After taking a deep look at Zun Zun beside him, whose eyes and mouth were tightly closed as if he didn't exist, he suppressed the trembling in his whole body and took a deep breath.

"In order to establish an alliance, we will hand over mining rights and...intelligence."

"intelligence?"

"Yes, what I can hand over is a certain piece of information - the location and time when the white whale appeared. This is my card."

A great start!

Zun Zun’s heart skipped a beat.

It was not that he felt scared after hearing the name, but the change in the energy in the room made him involuntarily alert. A heavy and thick sword energy swept through the room. Zun Zun slowly opened his eyes and looked at the old butler standing behind Kurushu.

"…I'm so sorry. I was so immature."

Wilhelm closed one eye and apologized to everyone without changing his expression. He said that he would leave if asked to, but was stopped by Crusch, who knew that his former master had to listen to the requests of his subordinates.

"So, the somewhat abrupt word 'white whale' appears. The white whale you are referring to can be regarded as the White Whale of the Mist, one of the three great magical beasts, right?"

"Yes, it is the monster that spreads the fog and moves in the air."

Natsuki Subaru, who has experienced many reincarnations, has completely grasped the location and time of the appearance of the white whale, so he decisively chose to use this information as trading material for the alliance.

Crusch fell into deep thought.

Her mind told her that she couldn't agree to this, but her heart told her that her subordinates' silence was deafening.

Russell was shouting about the horror of the white whale. As a businessman, he knew how powerful the white whale was that roamed the continent and caused trouble to the caravans and various kingdoms.

Although Zun Zun has never seen a white whale and doesn't know how powerful it is, he thinks it should be similar to the Mobile Fortress Destroyer.

They are also wandering around the continent, wreaking havoc, leaving no grass wherever they go, and everything is so difficult to deal with.

...At least there is a high probability that Zun Zun cannot defeat the White Whale.

"If we can predict the time and place of its appearance, the significance and value of the information would be worth more than a million gold coins, but..."

Russell looked down at Natsuki Subaru with a cold gaze.

"Its value is based on the credibility of the information. How will you prove it, Lord Natsuki Subaru?"

"I'm going to say roughly the same thing as Russell. Now is the time for us to hear the basis for your statement."

Crusch also questioned the source of the information.

Natsuki Subaru was already sweating profusely, but his expression did not show any uneasiness. He tried hard to suppress his weakness and revealed the next card.

"This is why I knew in advance that the white whale would appear!"

After that, an object was placed forcefully on the table. It was an old-fashioned flip phone.

Crusch and others were surprised by this magic item called Meteor that could glow, have strange patterns, and take pictures. Russell was full of praise after playing with it.

Although Zun Zun scoffed at this, he did not speak out to expose his clumsy lie, but watched him perform quietly.

Although the flip phone could not warn of the appearance of magical beasts, nor could it accurately predict the time when other monsters would appear, Subaru Natsuki's clever words still changed Crusch's perception.

Suddenly I realized that Crusch's Divine Protection is similar to the magical tool lie detector in "Soharu", and both have a slight deviation in the perception of the truth.

It seems that the information about the appearance of the white whale obtained through the old flip phone seems to have gained a minimum level of trust, and everything is developing in a good direction.

——But what’s wrong with me?
Ever since Natsuki Subaru said he was going to have a meeting, Zun Zun has been just acting like a vase, watching him act pretentiously, completely unaware of why he is here.

Feeling a bit bored.

"Can the Lun family also join in on the topic of that meteor?"

The sudden intervention startled everyone in the reception room.

The owner of the voice stepped into the room, smiling sweetly at the surprised gaze, and the girl combed her wavy hair with her fingers.

"The one who called Ren's house was the most surprised. That's so weird, Natsuki."

His light purple hair is as soft as velvet, and his gentle face naturally gives others a sense of comfort.

The smiling girl looked through the group of people cautiously, conveying to those who knew her the atmosphere that they must not be underestimated. However, what no one expected was that when her eyes fell on Zun Zun, they suddenly lit up, like a shark smelling blood.

The girl walked impatiently to Zun Zun with light steps, placed her hands gently on his hands, a perfectly sweet smile appeared on her face, and her little mouth opened slightly.

"Please marry me."

Ok? ? ?
Zun Zun looked at her in dumbfoundedness.

"Wait, wait." Natsuki Subaru stopped Anastasia from proposing to him on the spot and sighed, "I know you're anxious, but don't be anxious. I called you here for another important matter."

"That's weird, Nayue. Isn't this exactly what you asked me to do?"

“Hey, I remember asking Rem to tell you that Zun Zun is at Crusch’s residence, and I think she also mentioned another thing.”

"Hmm. I see, it's Ren's turn to be anxious. Sorry, I must have scared you accidentally."

Anastasia smiled sweetly at Zun Zun again.

She really is like a soft marshmallow girl. No matter her dress, smile or actions, she is so light and elusive.

"Anastasia Hessin."

Crusch closed one eye and called out the girl's name, her tone sounding a little annoyed and low.

"Although you were invited by Subaru, it's a bit too much for you to barge in and behave disrespectfully towards my distinguished guest."

"I'm sorry."

Anastasia apologized in a very perfunctory manner, with an attitude of 'I've already apologized, what else do you want', which made everyone's impression of her slightly reduced.

But as Crusch said, it was Natsuki Subaru who invited her here, so she couldn't get angry even if she had some grudges.

"I didn't want to come originally, but the girl standing over there seduced me with those words... Although she said that it was something related to the white whale and couldn't be taken lightly."

Anastasia giggled.

The three candidates for the king's election gathered together. Natsuki Subaru clenched his fists vigorously. The real show was about to begin!

"--excuse me."

Russell raised his hand and said after getting permission: "I would like to ask Lord Natsuki Subaru, your intention in inviting Lady Anastasia to the scene, I wonder if it is..."

"It's for sale, isn't it?"

After Natsuki Subaru said this, the atmosphere in the reception room suddenly became tense.

Russell was looked down upon, needless to say. Crusch's expression also became embarrassed. She said coldly: "You mean, between Anastasia Hexin and me, who will pay a high price for the information of the White Whale? You choose your ally based on this? If that's the case, it's really too superficial, Natsuki Subaru!"

“…No, that’s not the case.”

“Oh my, Miss Crusch, I’ll be scared if you look at me like that.”

Natsuki Subaru, who was oppressed by Crusch's domineering eyes, shook his head, but Anastasia tilted her head happily to meet the Duchess's sharp gaze.

“The person standing on top is afraid of being caught up and surpassed from below. That’s the expression on his face.”

"What a bad interest. For you who always regard your own desires as the right path, it is a natural judgment, but my way of life will never be shaken. In addition--"

Crusch took the provocation seriously and looked at Natsuki Subaru again.

"As you heard, Natsuki Subaru. If you expect a war of information between the Karsten family and the Hexin Chamber of Commerce, I can only say that I have misjudged you. I do not intend to..."

"Wait, wait! Calm down, Crusch. It's too early to speak."

Subaru Natsuki quickly stopped Crusch who was about to interrupt the conversation.

The Duchess frowned.

"It's too early to tell... So, you don't mean to wait for the price to rise?"

“Of course, right? Besides, waiting for a good price means holding the same thing to dangle different people. However, the demands of this merchant lady from the beginning to the end are different from yours, Crusch.”

"That's right, so don't be so nervous. Besides, you should have guessed why the Lun family came here."

Anastasia looked at Zun Zun, whose expression became increasingly strange.

It’s broken, it’s coming for me!
(End of this chapter)