Hell Mode: Volume 9, page 14
“Stop already!” Meruru cried. She used her massive hihiirokane golem to get in between the two.
“Whoa?!” Allen exclaimed in surprise.
“Allen, look around you!” Helmios, who was standing by the golem’s feet, shouted.
“Huh?”
The Summoner glanced around and saw that the ring had been completely eviscerated. The audience stands had also been gouged out and destroyed. He quickly searched for the nation’s representatives, hoping that they were safe, and spotted a group evacuating the arena.
“Eek! H-He’s looking at us!” one cried as they locked eyes with Allen.
Screams echoed. Everyone was a good distance away, but they were afraid that they might get attacked. They all feared Allen. He was still in a daze when he noticed Muza’s massive body shrink before his eyes. The Beast King’s joints shifted once more, and both his fur and his snout grew shorter as he became smaller.
He’s so small now. As Allen gazed down, Shia approached the Beast King lying atop the remnants of the destroyed arena and offered him a red cloak. He took it, and they began chattering, though Allen could not hear them.
“Your Majesty, please be ready for Shia and her squad to support the Allen Army,” the Summoner said.
But Muza did not even glance his way.
“Oh, Mia. Even Shia will leave my side now,” Muza muttered. “I have...”
He glanced at Shia and walked away, stepping over the debris as he wrapped the cloak around his shoulders. I guess this fight’s over for now. He honestly comes off as a clumsy, stubborn father to me.
Muza refused to look at Allen as he left. It seemed that he would not raise any more issues. And given that Allen did not plan to gloat, he also made to leave. Surely, someone from Giamut would clean up this mess.
After a short while, he decided to return to the conference room, remembering that the meeting was not over yet. While the leaders of the conference, including Muza, had gathered, not all of the representatives of the other nations were present. They had fled during the fight and had not returned. Allen entered just as Lenoatiil was voicing her opinion.
“With that much power, they can serve as a reserve corps in our fight against the Demon Lord Army,” she said. The implication was that she wanted to allow Allen and his army to do as they pleased.
“Hmph...”
Regalfaras sounded grumpy. Is he angry that we just destroyed his arena?
“Oho, indeed,” Pupun said. “Why don’t we allow the Allen Army to do as they wish and have them team up with the Five Continent Alliance during battles?”
Baukis had been relieved of the duty of keeping tabs on the Allen Army and would be receiving slates to strengthen its golem army. Nothing else mattered to Pupun.
“I-I’d assume there are no issues with that,” Holanoroy stammered cautiously. “We of the Crevelle Kingdom are well aware of the power Sir Allen possesses.”
The Beast King did not utter a single word. He merely kept his eyes closed with his arms folded in front of him. Perhaps he was willing to accept everything without giving any input.
“I thank you for your cooperation,” Allen said, assuming that the conversation was about him. “Unfortunately, Demonic Deities have far more power than what I’ve just shown you. I’d imagine the Demon Lord is above even that.”
I didn’t use my Summons, though. The stronger he grew, the more he came to realize that he was weaker than Rehzel and Lycaoron had been before their transformations.
The Five Continent Alliance leaders fell silent, either surprised that Allen had interjected or stunned by what he had just said. Not many had seen the Demonic Deities’ powers with their own eyes, including the leaders present at this conference. Their silence led Allen to believe that the meeting had ended, and because of that, he did not notice Sophie glance at the queen of Rohzenheim, who gave a small nod.
“As there are no voices of dissent, we of the Five Continent Alliance shall form friendly ties with the Allen Army,” Lenoatiil announced before turning to the Summoner. “Now then, Lord Allen. As the representative of the Allen Army, what shall we call you?”
“Huh? Pardon?” Allen asked.
“You will represent the Allen Army, a group that is willing to cooperate with the Five Continent Alliance. How would you like to be addressed? I believe this is essential if we are to continue our friendly relationship.”
Uh, does she mean like a title or something? Should I have a title within the Allen Army? Allen had not thought about that—he just wanted to be a representative of the Allen Army and Hardcore User Island. But he would need to compromise just a little and work as a team with the Five Continent Alliance.
“Could I think about it for a while?” Allen asked as he glanced at his party.
“Then how does ‘Commander in Chief’ sound?” Lenoatiil suggested. “You’ll be Commander in Chief Allen.”
Hmm? Isn’t commander in chief a higher rank than grand marshal and admiral? A guy who’s in charge of a measly five-thousand-man army is a commander in chief? From lowest to highest, rank order went: general, field marshal, admiral, and grand marshal. Allen believed that a commander in chief ranked above that. He felt that he was more suited to be a field marshal at best.
Admiral Garara had been granted his rank because he led the golem pilots of the Baukis Navy, and Siguul had been named grand marshal because he commanded Rohzenheim’s elven army. A commander in chief outranked them both. Moreover, only an emperor outranked a commander in chief, making it seem like Allen was in charge of the entire Five Continent Alliance army. In truth, Allen did not care, and he glanced at his party.
“Sure, why not?” Cecil said.
“A perfect title for you, Lord Allen!” Sophie said, clutching her hands in front of her chest.
“All right then,” Allen said, unable to find a reason to refuse. “Since no one’s complaining, I will become the commander in chief of the Allen Army.”
And so, after fighting the Beast King, destroying an arena, and obtaining a new title, Allen’s first Five Continent Alliance conference drew to a close.
Chapter 6: Pelomas the Merchant’s Profession of Love
Five days had passed since the meeting with the Five Continent Alliance. Allen, Cecil, and Pelomas were currently at the Granvelle City magistrate’s manor. Coincidentally, it was also where Allen had lived while serving as a manservant of House Granvelle before leaving for the Academy. The magistrate was seeing the trio off at the manor’s porte cochere.
“Please send Viscount Granvelle my regards, Lady Cecil,” the current magistrate, a man in his forties, said politely. He had not been around when Allen was a manservant, but he was apparently a relative of Viscountess Granvelle. Allen had been told as much at dinner the evening prior, which they had eaten in the manor.
“Of course. I shall be off,” Cecil replied.
The magistrate turned to the nearby coachman. “Rickel, take good care of Lady Cecil.”
“Of course,” Rickel replied.
Rickel had been the head manservant when Allen was still working there. He had taught Allen all sorts of things, both good and bad, and had taken very good care of the Summoner. Allen was happy to reunite with his old friend, who was walking toward the stable to fetch a carriage.
“Good grief, Pelomas!” Cecil said wearily. “You should see the look on your face.”
Pelomas had a stern and terrified expression. “Well, I was rejected once.”
“That’s what we’re here for. Don’t worry. I know Fiona very well, so I’m sure I can handle her.” She puffed her chest out proudly to reassure Pelomas and slapped him on the back.
“Wha— Ow! All right, all right,” Pelomas said.
As he grumbled in response, he steeled himself to ask out Fiona, the daughter of wealthy inn owner Chester. He had been rejected once, and this would be his second attempt. Allen had been told that the reason for the rejection was Pelomas not being a strong man like Fiona wanted, but since then, he had received his class promotion and raised his levels in the dungeon.
Despite having grown stronger, he was still shy and hesitant, and it was making Cecil impatient. She had claimed that she would offer her assistance and pushed the merchant to visit Fiona once more. Since Allen was familiar with Cecil and Fiona’s relationship, he was asked to tag along as well. Thus, the trio boarded the carriage led by Rickel and headed for Chester’s luxury inn, located in the middle of Granvelle City’s square.
“Allen, do you think my outfit looks okay?” Pelomas asked nervously. He was wearing clothes made by a famous tailor in the royal capital.
“Yeah, you look great,” Allen replied absentmindedly. He was too busy using his Seeds of Magic.
Don’t know, don’t care. We’re gonna be at Fiona’s soon anyway. Allen could wear powerful gear without a care in the world. Quite frankly, he did not see the difference between this outfit and Pelomas’s usual attire. Watching the merchant restlessly rustle around, fixing his collar and sleeves, he thought, The clothes don’t make the man. You’re still the same old you.
“Don’t worry, you look great!” Cecil encouraged him. “You look like the son of a merchant who stumbled upon a small fortune!”
“I-I feel like you’re not really complimenting me...” Pelomas mumbled.
Just then, the carriage creaked to a stop.
“Lady Cecil, we’ve arrived,” Rickel said, opening the carriage door.
“Ah, thank you,” Cecil replied. “You’ve become more serious about your job.”
“Oh, my lady! I’m always hard at work, diligently toiling away!”
“Sure, sure. Of course.”
Cecil, like everyone who worked at House Granvelle, knew that Rickel had the tendency to ditch work at times and was irredeemably lazy. She ordered him to head back, and after watching the carriage leave, the trio headed into the luxurious lodging.
A middle-aged man dressed in a luxurious, neat outfit approached Pelomas and Cecil. The man, who seemed to be the manager of the inn, personally guided the group to the highest floor, where Chester was awaiting them. The wealthy inn master was clearly looking forward to their visit. When they entered his room, he outstretched his arms and flashed a bright smile, exuding a welcoming atmosphere.
“Thank you for coming, Lady Cecil, Pelomas,” Chester said.
“Why, thank you. You seem to be doing well,” Cecil replied.
Chester was not familiar with Allen, and the Summoner was treated like a piece of decor. However, a certain lady had noticed his presence.
“Master Allen!” Fiona cried. She emerged from behind her father, Chester, her golden locks flowing loosely below her ears. She was enveloped in a luxurious white dress with gold embroidery, her beauty on full display. “Oh, and hi, Cecil. I see you’re here too.”
“It’s been a while, Fiona,” Cecil replied. “Yes, I’m here too.”
Cecil, Allen, Pelomas, and Fiona were all the same age. Allen had once saved Fiona from a murdergalsh that was attacking Granvelle City. He had received gold coins as a reward, and he had used them to purchase a mithril sword, which had given him the strength to hunt and easily pierce the tough shells of armored ants. He had farmed quite a few magic stones from the Rank C monsters.
It had been five years since then. Time really flies. I heard Pelomas met Fiona around that time.
Chester guided Cecil and Pelomas to a table in the drawing room. Allen and Cecil sat on either side of Pelomas, sandwiching him. Across the table, Chester sat opposite Pelomas, and Fiona chose the seat opposite Allen’s. The servants brought in tea, and cups and saucers were placed in front of everyone.
“Sir Pelomas, I trust that your business is booming,” Chester started. He spoke politely, like he had done with Cecil.
“Um, M-Mr. Chester? As I’ve said before, there’s no need for you to call me ‘sir,’” Pelomas stammered. “You don’t need to flatter me.”
“What in the world are you saying? Sir Pelomas, you have brought all my luxury inns under your company’s umbrella. I’m fully aware that a merchant should be respected not for their age but for the business they’ve done.”
Though Pelomas had reached adulthood, he was still rather young, and he was bound to have many more subordinates and employees in the future. It was imperative that those around him understood just how impressive his accomplishments were.
Chester had opened a luxury inn business, and not a single location had closed down before being bought out by the Pelomas Whaling Company. The shrewd businessman had done a lot in his life, including having contributed more to Granvelle City’s development than anyone else. Chester treating Pelomas with respect implied that he was entrusting the boy with supporting the economy of Granvelle City.
Chester had been renowned as a wealthy merchant and successful inn master within Ratash. However, he had been bought out by Pelomas, as the boy had wanted to prove his worth as a merchant. That was the condition he had been given in order to be allowed to court Chester’s daughter. To that end, he had aggressively worked to amass enough wealth to purchase the inns, and the Pelomas Whaling Company now had control of every single inn within Granvelle City, save for the first, highest-ranking inn that Chester had established. With Chester working under the Pelomas Whaling Company, he continued to run the other inns as he had before.
“Master Allen, I thank you for coming today,” Fiona said. “May I ask what relationship you have with Pelomas?”
“We were both born in Krena Village, and we’re the same age. We used to play knights as kids,” Allen replied.
When Dogora had served as the leader of the kids, he had dragged Pelomas along whenever they had decided to play around. Fiona, who had been blessed with wealth and power from birth, was a force to be reckoned with in Granvelle City because of her money. She had often taken the opportunity to visit the Granvelle manor when Allen was still a manservant. Her visits had become especially frequent after Allen had saved her from the murdergalsh, but even she was not aware of his ties with Pelomas.
“Is that so?” Fiona said. “And what have you been doing?”
“Ah, well, I’ve been working with Cecil and Pelomas on some things...” Allen replied. He thought the topic of the Allen Army might be a touch too violent for this situation, so he remained vague about it while mentioning that he was helping out with the Pelomas Whaling Company. Uh, I need you to speak with Pelomas, not me.
“Hey, Fiona!” Cecil said. “We’re not here so you can chat with Allen.”
“Oh my,” Fiona replied. “You still choose to get in the way of conversations between Master Allen and me?”
The two exchanged crackling glares as Pelomas shifted awkwardly in his seat beside Cecil. Meanwhile, Chester glanced wearily at his daughter next to him. The two ladies had been on bad terms ever since Allen was a manservant at the manor. Cecil, who might not have had money at the time, was still the daughter of a noble. Conversely, though Fiona had all the wealth in the world, she was the child of a commoner. They kept trying to one-up each other.
When Pelomas had told Allen that he was going to ask Fiona for her hand once more, Cecil had agreed to go with him as an act of support. Allen had gotten the sneaking suspicion that the conversation between the girls would quickly derail, so he had decided to tag along as well. His concerns had been proven true, but he was not here to indulge in nostalgia while Cecil and Fiona fought.
“Pelomas, staying silent will get you nowhere,” Allen said, finding his chance. “Why don’t you say a few words.”
“R-Right,” Pelomas said. “F-Fiona...”
Fiona glared at him. “What is it now?”
Is this not a lost cause? I feel like we should just take the L here. Based on Fiona’s attitude, it seemed impossible for Pelomas to convey his feelings to her, and Allen felt like the boy should move on to another woman. But Pelomas could no longer back down. His face turned bright red as he gazed into Fiona’s eyes.
“P-Please go out with me!” he cried.
It was an impressive display of iron will, and he clearly did not want to date anyone but Fiona. However, Fiona was just as stubborn as he was, if not more.
“I firmly rejected you the other day!” Fiona shouted. “I like strong men! I have told you as much, and if you still choose to try to woo me, I shall take it as you ignoring my feelings! I will never fall in love with a man who shows no consideration toward my thoughts!”
Allen decided that any chance Pelomas had with her was gone now. That’s that, I guess. I’ll take him out to a good restaurant or something today. I hope there’s one near our base at the Rank S dungeon.
“Fiona, I’ve told you many times just how impressive of a company Sir Pelomas has built,” Chester said. He was accepting of Pelomas and Fiona forming a relationship and had told his daughter about Pelomas’s capabilities as a merchant.
The boy owned the second-largest company in Ratash and ranked eighty-seventh in the world in terms of annual earnings. He had accomplished all this in a few short years, and Chester intuited that Pelomas had room for even more growth.
As a merchant himself, Chester could properly assess both a product’s value and a person’s character. Because he had confidence in his skills, he had clawed his way up to his current position. He was also aware that Allen and Cecil had played a role in helping the Pelomas Whaling Company get established and grow. That only improved his view of the boy.
A merchant certainly could not grow all by themself. Friends, relationships, and the rest of their network had to be utilized to the fullest to become established as a merchant. Chester was no exception to that rule. He wanted Fiona and Pelomas to form a close relationship so that his own company could grow as well. He had chosen to be here because he had expected his daughter to reject the boy and knew that he could not change her stubborn mindset alone. He cast a surreptitious glance at Allen.
