n

nIt took about ten minutes for Princess Kurnelia to calm down.

n“I am terribly sorry for losing my composure in front of you, honored guests. I am the ninth child of Queen Donaneris of Zanalpadna, First Princess Kurnelia. From now on, let us ensure our relations are…”

nThough there were some subtle differences in her etiquette from ordinary noble ladies, she bent her eight legs and bowed gracefully. There was indeed elegance in her movements.

n“Princess, I believe that this is impossible to smooth over,” Myuze said.

n“… Is it~?” Princess Kurnelia said in a miserable-sounding voice as she slumped onto the ground helplessly.

nIndeed, even though her younger sister who had become bait for the Noble Orcs and left to an unknown fate in order to allow everyone else to escape had returned, she had performed a flying body attack with her body whose lower half alone weighed easily over a hundred kilograms, embracing her younger sister so powerfully that any person caught up in it would have been seriously injured.

nIt was quite difficult to smooth that over.

nThough none of Vandalieu’s companions said anything.

n“Princess… Even though it has been delayed due to the war and should have already happened by now, you will be married, so you must be more calm,” said Myuze.

n“But since our negotiations with the Lizardmen were obstructed, Mother said that we have no choice but to continue the negotiations or pray for Zanalpadna’s descent… And just as I was persuading Darling to we cannot afford to lose Mother, I heard that Gizania-chan had come home, and I couldn’t help myself… but I’m glad you’re safe! Without any missing arms, legs or compound eyes!” said Princess Kurnelia, touching Gizania here and there to make sure she wasn’t wounded.

n“Princess, please stop!” said Gizania, seeming embarrassed, but in the end, she couldn’t do anything about it.

n“It seems that Princess Kurnelia gets along well with Gizania,” said Basdia, nodding in approval at how close the sisters were.

n“I get the feeling that they get along too well, but… I knew that what is common sense here would be different from the common sense that I know,” said Eleanora, almost groaning as she kept her eyebrows from rising.

nEleanora seemed to have thought of what a relationship between a normal princess and her younger sister with no right to the throne would have been like in a human society, causing an uncomfortable feeling that she couldn’t shake off.

nIn human societies, neither individual would show their true feelings like this in front of the other, and nobody would have expected it to be possible for Princess Kurnelia and Gizania to have a good relationship with each other.

nAfter all, one was a princess who would marry the first prince who was supposed to have become the king of an important allied nation, while the other was someone who would never be called princess due to the fact that she was born later than her sibling.

n“That’s probably because there has never been diplomacy and war of the kind that you and I have in mind, Eleanora. Not until the coup d’état in the Noble Orc empire, that is,” said Vandalieu.

nThe Noble Orcs and Arachne had both originally been races that worshipped Vida, and the sense of companionship and union had continued long after the wise Emperor Buugih’s rule.

nThis was probably completely different to the tragic, complicated and mysterious diplomacies, wars and power struggles that occurred in human societies.

nThe fact that the rulers of the existing group of city-states had been monsters like Noble Orcs and races created by Vida was one of the main reasons for this.

nNo matter how intelligent monsters were, strength was an important characteristic as a standard to measure oneself and others. And there was no guarantee that the rankings in strength would keep the current ruler’s bloodline continuing.

nThat was likely why authoritarianism based on bloodlines like human royals and noblemen hadn’t taken hold. Of course, strong parents usually produced strong children that inherited their characteristics, so they were still respected in this society.

nBut even so, there was no concept of “valuable new blood.”

n“And Myuze just said ‘politics and religion,’ so I’d assume that there are roles that govern religion in Zanalpadna and the Noble Orc Empire as well as roles that govern politics,” said Vandalieu.

n“That is correct, but a king is such a being, is he not? Shrine-Maiden-dono, you are a shrine maiden and a king at the same time, are you not?” said Myuze, agreeing with Vandalieu’s words as if they were obvious.

nIt seemed that in this group of city-states, including Zanalpadna, the king was one who ruled and also acted as head priest.

nVandalieu did wonder if it might be best to separate church and state, but gods existed and they would send Divine Messages to reprimand the rulers if they did anything stupid, and if their actions were terrible enough, their divine protection would be removed and they would be chased from their throne. Thus, there were no problems.

n“Indeed, I’m the ‘Holy Son of Vida,’” said Vandalieu.

nThe same applied for him. The effects of his Title were so beneficial that even if one told him to separate church and state, he would have to refuse.

n“By the way, you can let go of Vandalieu-sama now, you know?” said Eleanora.

n“Oh, how imprudent of me! I felt a strangely comforting sensation and I forgot,” said a startled Myuze as she handed Vandalieu to Eleanora.

nEleanora didn’t raise him into her arms; she quickly put him down.

nVandalieu-sama doesn’t move when someone is holding him, so when he doesn’t speak, he looks like a doll, doesn’t he?she thought.

nAs Vandalieu didn’t show much facial expression and had a weak presence, he gave off a strong doll-like impression if he didn’t move on his own.

nAnd it looked very bad for the representative of Talosheim to be lightly carried around by citizens and royal family members of Zanalpadna, a nation that wasn’t even an ally yet.

nEven though Zanalpadna was friendly, it was still a nation that had no diplomatic relations with Talosheim.

nAn elderly person appearing to be a mage came from within the gate and began speaking. “Everyone, we apologize for the princess having made a terribly shameful display. Also, we would like to express our gratitude for saving Gizania-sama. I am Bakota, a mage who serves Queen Donaneris. Err, Queen Donaneris has instructed that the guests from Talosheim should be brought to the castle, and… that her foolish daughter should be taken away by Myuze-dono.”

n“Taken away, no way~!” Princess Kurnelia complained.

n“Princess, this is an order. Hurry and get walking,” said Myuze.

nWith the words of the chief mage… one person who was likely equivalent to a court mage in human nations, Princess Kurnelia let out a pitiful noise as Myuze took her away. Right in front of guests from a foreign nation.

n“… Perhaps we don’t need to be so concerned about that,” muttered Eleanora, one of the few people with common sense that had been brought on this journey.

n“I’m begging you, please be concerned about it. I can’t do anything on my own,” said Kurt, who was unmistakably someone with common sense as well.

n“My shoulders don’t get as stiff as when I negotiate with human royals and noblemen, so I feel like it’s fine,” Vandalieu said to the two of them.

nIncidentally, it seemed that nobody had mistaken Eleanora for Vandalieu’s mother this time.

nThis was because nobody had noticed that she was a Vampire, as she was standing plainly in the sunlight, and even if they had, they would think it strange for her to refer to Vandalieu as ‘Vandalieu-sama’ if they were mother and child.

nThe total population of Zanalpadna was about a hundred thousand. This could be broken down into about ten thousand Arachne, seven thousand Empusa and about a thousand members from other city states who had been adopted into Zanalpadna’s families, such as Noble Orcs, High Goblins, High Kobolds and Ghouls. The remaining eighty-two-thousand were people known as the ‘citizens.’

nAnd within the city’s walls, there were many buildings that were very strange compared to those of ordinary cities.

nThere were countless large towers lined up in rows, and those were apparently private residences. Vandalieu had thought that there might be buildings resembling Japanese houses, since there were Samurais and Kunoichi, so he was surprised by what he saw.

nIt seemed that Arachne and Empusa larger than people, as well as humans, Dwarves, Beast-people, Titans and other races adopted from other nations, lived together in these towers.

nIncidentally, there were almost no Elves. Apparently, many of them lived in other city-states instead.

n“I see. Arachne and Empusa are races of only women, so it’s ordinary for them to live alongside members of other races to preserve their races,” Bone Man said in a tone of comprehension, watching humans and Dwarves going back and forth on the main street.

nIncidentally, he was still keeping his face well-hidden under his helmet, of course.

nAmong the people were other Noble Orcs who had escaped with Prince Budarion, so if Gorba and the other Orcuses of the Black Fang Knights’ Order under his command were seen to be with Gizania, Myuze and Princess Kurnelia, there would be no problems. The diatryma monsters they had tamed were being looked at from a distance, but surprisingly, didn’t seem to be feared.

nBut deciding that the same wouldn’t apply for an Undead, Bone Man was continuing to pretend to be a human wearing armor and a helmet. For now, it was still only Gizania who was aware that he and Borkus, who was also wearing a helmet, were Undead.

nThis was because when they had temporarily returned to Talosheim before, Fidirg, the Dragon God of Five Sins, and Merrebeveil, the Evil God of Slime and Tentacles, had been consulted. As a result of their advice, it had been concluded that it would be best to report this directly to the queen, who was also the head priestess for Zanalpadna, the Evil God of Carapaces and Compound Eyes.

n“I believe it is likely that Zanalpadna was able to receive Divine Messages from Vida-sama, unlike me.”

n“As far as I’ve heard, she retained enough strength to stay active after the battle of a hundred thousand years ago.”

n“Even if she failed to receive Divine Messages, there were several other gods with her, so one of them should have been able to receive one.”

nAs Fidirg finished speaking, Merrebeveil continued from where he left off.

n“However, we have no knowledge of the events that occurred outside the Boundary Mountain Range for… tens of thousands of years, at least. Even if the Arachne outside the Boundary Mountain Range worship Vida-sama, they would not worship Zanalpadna. It is likely that she could not protect the Arachne and Empusa outside the mountain range as she desired, so they deliberately let their faith die out,” she said.

n“Races that worship powerless evil gods are just monsters to the guys on Alda’s side.”

n“If it’s just Vida –”

n“Add -sama to her name,” Merrebeveil warned Fidirg.

n“Hyih?! My apologies, Merrebeveil-anego*! I merely thought that it would be easier to escape harm at the hands of those on Alda’s side if they only worshipped Vida!”

nTLN*: This is a humble honorific meaning ‘older sister.’

n“Th-that is why if we receive a written certification from the queen who has likely received Divine Messages from Zanalpadna, the rest of them should be convinced as well!”

nThe current policies had been decided as a result of this discussion that had also revealed the relationships of power among those who had changed sides during the war. It was a request to a god in a time of need… though the phrase’s meaning was different to its meaning on earth.

nUnaware of these circumstances, Princess Kurnelia began explaining some things to everyone, including Bone Man.

n“It is as Kotsujin-san* says, but it also means that the mistresses, the Arachne and Empusa, protect the citizens,” she said.

nTLN*: The Japanese pronunciation for Bone Man; Princess Kurnelia is unaware that this name literally means “bone person”

nIn the battle between Vida and Alda a hundred thousand years ago, Vida’s subordinate gods and the evil gods of the Demon King’s army switched sides, and the god of war Zantark fused with an evil god. And the races created by Vida fought under her command. However, there were also humans, Dwarves and Elves who believed in Vida as well.

nThe ones who survived the battle escaped here, to the inside of the Boundary Mountain Range, along with Vida’s races.

n“A short while after that, the humans apparently built independent settlements in this region, where Zanalpadna lies,” said Princess Kurnelia. “Though we were allies, they live differently to us so it was better to live separately, even if we conducted trade with each other. At first, things went well that way, but…”

n“According to the records, Devil’s Nests began spreading abruptly within the Boundary Mountain Range, and powerful monsters became prevalent,” said Bakota, continuing Princess Kurnelia’s explanation. “It is likely that when Vida raised the Boundary Mountain Range higher to protect her children from Alda, she filled it with thick Mana, causing numerous Dungeons to appear. As a result of repeated monster rampages as they emerged from the Dungeons, this place became a world where only those with the strength to fight can survive.”

nZanalpadna and the other gods had also created Dungeons for their children who worshipped them, but they had been unable to control the Dungeons that had appeared naturally, far away from the settlements. The monsters in those Dungeons had increased in number, and the people of the distant past had concluded that Devil’s Nests had spread rapidly due to the monsters from those Dungeons.

n“… Now that you mention it, there are a lot of monsters inside the mountain range for a place that is supposed to be a refuge,” said Vandalieu.

nThe Boundary Mountain Range that acted as a wall that separated the area within it from the outside world. Until hearing Bakota’s explanation, Vandalieu had never questioned why even the area within the mountain range as well as the mountain range itself and the skies above it were filled with Devil’s Nests where monsters were rampant.

n“This is what’s called not thinking critically,” he whispered to himself.

n“Mmm, I did not feel that anything was out of place,” said Zadiris.

n“We haven’t lived outside a Devil’s Nests, after all. What about you, Borkus?” asked Vigaro.

n“Actually, it was thanks to the monsters and Dungeons that we Titans of the old Talosheim prospered and went from being a settlement to a nation,” said Borkus. “Well, it was apparently tough at first, though.”

nBakota laughed. “Indeed, for those who are capable of hunting monsters, Devil’s Nests and Dungeons are blessings.”

nMonsters, which developed faster than ordinary beasts, yielded ingredients and components for food, clothing, arms and even Magic Stones that could become ingredients or fuel for Magic Items. Even plants grew quickly, producing fruit and other edible products within a year.

nIn addition, Dungeons produced already-made metal products and minable metal resources that could be processed, without limit. The treasure chests inside even contained Magic Items and Potions.

nEnvironments filled with Devil’s Nests and Dungeons were unparalleled blessings to the powerful.

nIn fact, just like the Titans of the old Talosheim, the Arachne, Empusa and Noble Orcs and other races had hunted monsters and cleared Dungeons to acquire all sorts of goods.

nHowever, the humans and Dwarves hadn’t been able to do this.

n“We don’t consider humans, Dwarves, Elves, Titans and Beast-people to be weak,” said Gizania. “In fact, I would not even pose a threat if I was faced with Bakota-dono’s magic. However, humans and Dwarves have a greater portion of non-combatants compared to us, and it takes time for them to become able to defeat the monsters in this area, so it seemed that they had no way to cope.”

n“I see, they are Rank 4 monsters to begin with, after all,” said Eleanora.

nRank 4 monsters were monsters that could be defeated by even by a veteran D-class adventurer alone. And a D-class adventurer was something that most people could become with an ordinary amount of talent and hard work.

nHowever, that didn’t mean that young people with no experience in real battles could reach D-class in a short period of time.

nEven Titans and Beast-people, who were races created by Vida with exceptional physical capabilities, needed to become adults and gain several years of experience after that… while producing numerous casualties and wounded, in order to become able to fight Rank 4 monsters.

n“That was when our ancestors and the ancestors of my darling decided that the races with the strength to fight monsters would protect them,” said Princess Kurnelia.

n“Ever since then, we have been called ‘citizens,’ and we have coexisted up until now by supporting the races that are our guardians,” said Bakota.

nIn other words, the Arachne and Noble Orcs had upheld their noble duty, while those being protected supported them through production-related work. It seemed that this class system had formed naturally.

nZanalpadna was a maternal-bloodline society; each tower had a single Arachne or Empusa family living in it, with several citizen family members living with them.

nArachne and Empusa apparently shared the adopted wives and citizen men that were husbands.

n“… Bufuh? Harems?” said Gorba.

n“This is bad, Kasim’s probably going to say that he wants to move in here,” said Borkus.

n“No, I don’t think it’s as good as it sounds,” said Vigaro.

n“I vaguely understand what you are trying to say, but as Vigaro-dono says, I do not believe that it is something to be envied by outsiders,” said Myuze. “The first duty of those we adopt into our families is making children with our women. The rest is the same as the citizen women. The only difference is perhaps that they do more physical labor.”

nIn Zanalpadna, it was generally Arachne and Empusa that took up leadership roles. Even if humans and Dwarves tried to become warriors that hunted monsters or soldiers that protected the nation, they would be of no use unless they were at least as strong as medium-strength adventurers.

nAnd the Arachne and Empusa were prioritized, as it was easier for them to receive Zanalpadna’s divine blessing.

nThat was why it was desirable for men to be involved in production-related work.

n“There are also cases where the men cannot work outside because there are many women in the family that they are being adopted into. Raising the children is hard work, after all,” said Princess Kurnelia.

nShe was referring to what was known as full-time house-husbands.

n“That’s… normal guys would be happy with it, but Kasim and Zeno wouldn’t like that environment,” said Vigaro.

nRaising children while surrounded by women, not needing to work. In a way, this was an ideal lifestyle. However, this wasn’t an environment that would be welcomed by Kasim and Zeno, who still intended to climb to new heights as adventurers.

n“Mages such as myself are valued highly even though we are men, and we can join the line of battle in times of emergency,” said Bakota. “Empusa, as well as large-build and small-build Arachne, are not very adept in the use of magic. Even medium-build Arachne are no more well-suited for magic than humans.”

nBakota, who had climbed to the position of chief mage despite being a man, acknowledged that those like him were exceptions to the norm.

n“However, while it is certainly true that men are in a weaker position than in the Noble Orc empire, they are really treated with care. If they were not, none would come from other nations to be adopted into our families, and it would be impossible to maintain the nation,” said Gizania.

nIncidentally, the children born in Zanalpadna between Arachne and Empusa with their husbands of other races were almost all born as the race of their mothers.

nNormally, the children of Vida’s races were born as the mother’s race or the father’s race in equal ratios, and in the case of Noble Orcs, children were almost all born as Noble Orcs.

nHowever, in the city states south of the marshlands, including Zanalpadna, a hundred percent of children were born as the race given birth to by the god worshipped in that nation.

nAn Arachne and Noble Orc couple would have Arachne children in Zanalpadna, but the same couple would have only Noble Orc children if they were in the Noble Orc empire.

n“If this Kasim-dono is searching for a partner, I believe it would be best to find a woman to adopt, rather than be adopted himself,” Gizania said.

n“Indeed. I will ask him myself when we return,” said Vandalieu. “By the way, though I’m changing the subject –”

nSince talks of marriage were proceeding without the person in question present, Vandalieu decided to forcibly change the subject. Kasim’s desires were unclear (It would be troublesome if a formal marriage interview was decided, only to find later that Kasim didn’t like women with eight legs or four arms). Vandalieu questioned whether it was really alright to meddle in Kasim’s business when he hadn’t asked for it.

n“Though I’m changing the subject, the people of the city don’t look very gloomy. In fact, they’re looking lively, even though the outlook is supposed to be bleak with the war,” Vandalieu said.

nIndeed, the faces of the people of all races were not very gloomy. There was some tension, nervousness and fatigue showing, but some of them were looking at Vandalieu and his companions with expressions of anticipation, and there was no small number of people expressing their welcome with cheers and applause.

nThis was despite the fact that they had been cornered and desperate enough for reinforcements to send a messenger to negotiate with the Lizardmen, whom they had never communicated with before.

n“That is because of you and your companions, Shrine-Maiden-dono,” Bakota and Myuze said simultaneously.

n“Because of us?” Vandalieu repeated.

n“That is right,” said Myuze. “Gizania-dono, who was thought to be lost, has returned safely, and it seems clear to them when they look at you that we have gained reinforcements that are our last ray of hope.”

nThere were no Lizardmen among Vandalieu’s party. However, they were all individuals that could not be thought of as being from Zanalpadna or any of the other city states.

nAnd since Zanalpadna only interacted with certain other city states, it was likely that the presence of these “strange people” had been interpreted to be “unknown reinforcements.”

n“And as for why the people are so lively… I believe that it is because the princess gathered attention by shouting my name as she ran at full speed from the castle to the gate,” said Gizania.

n“Ah… that would indeed cause people to see what has happened,” said Vandalieu.

n“I-I’m sorry? But I didn’t knock anyone over, you know! I used my threads to run past everyone from tower to tower!” Princess Kurnelia objected.

n“Princess, that is to be expected,” Myuze pointed out.

nZanalpadna’s castle had the appearance of multiple towers having been jumbled together. But with numerous Arachne and Empusa climbing up and down their walls, they looked more like anthills than towers.

n“Can you not get inside this castle unless you can walk on its walls or fly through the sky?” asked Vigaro.

n“So, we have no choice but to wait at the entrance?” said Vigaro.

nIt seemed that they had a bad feeling as they looked at the peculiar Zanalpadna-style architecture.

n“Come to think of it… could it be that you can’t do either?” asked Princess Kurnelia.

nIt seemed that Vigaro and Borkus were right. The towers that families lived in were also inhabited by citizens such as humans and Dwarves, so there were stairs and slopes.

nHowever, such considerations hadn’t been made for the castle. Most of those working here were Arachne and Empusa, or those who could use magic like Bakota.

n“Could we ask those of the Black Fang Knights’ Order to wait outside? The members of the castle will carry Borkus-dono and the others inside,” said Bakota.

n“Fugoh, alright,” said Gorba.

nIt was decided that Gorba and the other Orcuses would wait near the castle with their tamed monsters. They were all monsters that couldn’t be seen in Zanalpadna, so without their tamers nearby, nobody would be sure how to handle them.

nThough it seemed that there were specialized tamers for spider or mantis monsters at the stable.

n“Now then, Shrine-Maiden-sama –” said Bakota.

nVandalieu could use magic, and he could even crawl around walls and ceilings without it. He intended to say so, but –

n“Well then, I shall.”

nHe ended up being carried by Myuze for some reason.

n“No, Van can move around on his own, or even we could carry him…” Basdia began.

n“Basdia, leave this to Myuze-dono,” said Gizania. “It seems that she has something to request of him.”

n“Is that so? Alright, then.”

n“Why are you agreeing to it… I could just hold him and fly up,” said Eleanora.

nVandalieu listened to this conversation behind him as Myuze carried him.

n“Shrine-Maiden-dono, I actually have something I wish to earnestly consult you about…” Myuze said.

n“Is it about ninjas?” Vandalieu asked.

n“H-how do you know this?!” Myuze whispered, skillfully keeping her voice quiet despite being surprised as she climbed the walls with her sickle-arms and legs. “But our discussion will be quicker if you know! I wish for you to tell me about the ninjas in Talosheim that you mentioned! If possible, it would be best if you could teach me their training methods…”

nIt was a goal and a dream to one day become a ninja, not only for Myuze, but for all who possessed the Kunoichi Job. It seemed that Myuze had been unable to help but jump at the chance at a clue to reach that goal.

n“It’s a race title rather than a Job, and they can’t transform into giant frogs, but if you’re alright with that, I’ll tell you how they train,” said Vandalieu. “But it might not be anything special, you know?”

n“That will be plenty! Well then, take this. It is a symbol of our promise,” Myuze said with a smile covering her entire face as she produced a familiar necklace from her pocket and gave it to Vandalieu.

n“A necklace of deep affection?”

n“This is the Empusa version of that. We polish the sickle portions of our body rather than compound eyes, and the thread is something that I received from an Arachne that lives in the same house as I.”

nIt seemed that Empusa molted as well.

n“Well then, I will gratefully accept this,” said Vandalieu.

nSecond connection, get. Though it was uncertain as to how useful a connection with Myuze would be, as she was merely the captain of some gate guards, unlike Gizania who was the younger sister of the princess.

nThough even without such calculative motives, Vandalieu was happy that emotions of deep affection were being expressed towards him, so it wouldn’t bother him if the connection wasn’t of any use.

n“Now then, this is the queen’s chamber. Once I hand Princess Kurnelia over to Queen Donaneris, I believe I will be returning to the gate, so I humbly request that you do not forget our promise,” Myuze said.

n“I understand,” said Vandalieu.

nThe queen’s chamber that Myuze had carried Vandalieu to had something strangely Japanese about it. The floor resembled tatami mats.

nVandalieu felt slightly nostalgic for a moment, thinking that they were real tatami mats, but quickly realized that they weren’t. Arachne threads had been weaved into a tatami-like pattern and stained with dyes made from plants.

nInternally naming this ‘thread-tatami’ in his mind, Vandalieu turned his gaze towards the two people who stood out among the Arachne and Empusa in the queen’s chamber… though there wasn’t a physical throne, there was one medium-build Arachne that seemed to be the most important figure, and a somewhat gentle-looking Noble Orc who maintained an air of dignity despite being covered in bandages and having lost an eye and one of his arms.

nThere were also several people who were members of races that Vandalieu had never seen before, but these two were likely the most important people here.

nThe two of them returned Vandalieu’s gaze, especially the one who was likely the Arachne queen, who was staring in surprise at the two necklaces of deep affection hanging from Vandalieu’s neck. It seemed that the connections were having an astounding effect.

nAnd then, Vandalieu bowed his knee against the thread-tatami floor in greeting. “I am the king of Talosheim who rules the lands to the north including the marshlands, the Eclipse King and Holy Son of Vida. I thank you for granting me this audience –”

n“W-wait!” exclaimed the person who seemed to be Queen Donaneris, interrupting Vandalieu’s self-introduction.

nVandalieu looked up instinctively in surprise. “… Ah, I should be on both knees, shouldn’t I. It’s a tatami floor, after all.”

n“No, that is not it! I am in a position where I cannot possibly express enough gratitude to you, someone who has saved my daughter’s life, and is even the king of an entire nation! I should not even be allowed to hold my own head above yours; I request that you spare us from the shame of allowing you to press your forehead against the tatami!”

nThis was Vandalieu’s first time conducting diplomacy, so he had thought that he should be polite, but it seemed that he had been too polite. He looked around and saw that the Noble Orc and other Arachne were flustered as well.

n“Your Majesty, it’s unwise for kings of nations to lower their heads to one another so easily,” said Kurt, who had been carried up by another Arachne.

n“Please tell me that earlier. I was never a king before I became king,” said Vandalieu.

n“… I understand what you are trying to say, but the same is true of every king until their coronation ceremony,” Kurt pointed out.

nAs Vandalieu corrected his posture, a visibly relieved Queen Donaneris let out a sigh and began to speak once more.

n“I thank you for saving my daughter. I am Donaneris, the one who rules this nation that worships Zanalpadna. Due to Divine Messages that our god sent to me, I know of you, and that you are the Holy Son who will face great trials.”

nMonster explanation:

n【Empusa】

nThe below information is a summary of the descriptions in the Literature Manuscript of the Ancient Times, which was restored by the mages of the Mages’ Guild in the Amid Empire.

nThey are a female-only race of monsters with the characteristics of praying mantises, and their typical Rank is 4. They are highly intelligent but also ferocious, and because they act in groups unlike regular praying mantises, they are highly dangerous.

nIn addition to regular arms, they also have a pair of arms that have sharp sickles from the wrist onwards, and they manipulate these skillfully with the Unarmed Fighting Technique skill.

nThey have wings growing from their backs, but like praying mantises, their ability to fly is limited. They are mostly used for gliding.

nAlso, some of them are capable of using ‘Camouflage,’ allowing them to blend into their surroundings like praying mantises.

nAs they are a unisexual race, they require males of other races for mating, but Empusa only desire human males and males of Vida’s races. For this reason, they are considered to be more dangerous than Orcs.

nAfter mating, abducted men are eaten to provide the nutrition necessary to lay eggs. Following this, Empusa lay one or multiple eggs, which hatch after approximately a year. Children molt repeatedly, becoming adults after approximately ten years.

nThey are long-lived for monsters; some individuals have lived for over two hundred years.

nOccasionally, children of the male parent’s race are born from the eggs. It is thought that if these children are girls, they are immediately eaten, while males are raised until they are old enough to breed.

nThe existence of higher-Rank races such as Empusa Berserkers, Empusa Slayers and Empusa Assassins has been confirmed; they are extremely dangerous monsters.

nHowever, it seems that they are inadept in the use of magic; it is fortunate that there are almost no Empusa Mages.

nTheir sickles can be used as weapons just as they are, and their tough carapaces and bones can become materials for armor, while their wings can be used as an ingredient for Alchemy if turned into a fine powder.

nAlso, the Magic Stones that can be harvested from their hearts are well-suited for creating wind-attribute Magic Items.

nHowever, Empusa have not been seen in the Bahn Gaia continent for several centuries. It is thought that Empusa have been successfully eradicated in this continent.

nIt is truly fortunate that the eradication of a race of such evil monsters has been successful. For some reason, Empusa are not monsters that appear in Dungeons, so the Bahn Gaia continent will never see Empusa again unless some foolish tamer brings them from another continent in the future.

nHowever, the possibility of Empusa having survived in the southern region of the continent beyond the Boundary Mountain Range, where monsters run rampant, cannot be ruled out.

n