Dungeon Defense (WN)

had a position much higher than theirs.
Whether the young ladies had really taken a liking to Dantalian or had some ulterior motives, they intended to spend the night with him.

“I apologize.”

Dantalian gave them a clear refusal.

“It is unfortunate, but I have neglected my partner far too much today.
If I decided to do so even for the night, then I am afraid of what will befall me later.”

“By your partner……is Your Highness referring to that succubus?”

One of the ladies furrowed her brows and pouted.

The woman named Lapis whom Dantalian had brought was standing at a corner of the ballroom drinking wine.
Her other hand was holding a thick book.
She was reading in the middle of an archduke’s ball.
She didn’t pay attention to Dantalian even though he had reappeared as she was completely immersed in reading.

“It is not Demon Lord-like to be concerned about such a woman! If anything, I-.”

“Miss.”

Dantalian spoke.
His eyes were stern.

“I will not stand idly by as you insult my partner.”

The atmosphere became cold.

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The young lady who had just complained was the daughter of a noble tiger beastman.
They were one of the noblest bloodlines in the demon world.
Dantalian had just declared that a mere succubus was more important to him than her.

“I-I apologize.”

The young lady immediately bowed.
Her face was red with shame.
The Kakola Archduke mentally clicked his tongue as he watched this from behind.

That girl was most likely ordered by her father to do whatever she could to get close to Dantalian.
In other words, for a political reason.

The young miss had carried out her father’s order faithfully.
She fawned over Dantalian for 4 hours since the start of the ball.
She was probably disappointed by Dantalian’s shabby outer appearance, but she didn’t let her disappointment show.
She understood Dantalian’s political significance.

Thus, even if it was rather impolite, she did her best to approach Dantalian.
She was splendid and impressive.
She possessed the wisdom and bravery necessary for a noble of the demon world.

‘But you met the wrong opponent.’

The Kakola Archduke was certain of this now.

Dantalian wasn’t a lecher.
He only acted like one for the sake of luring the archduke out.
Unfortunately, the young miss got caught up in Dantalian’s act.
It wasn’t only her, but the 4 other young ladies who had been waiting as well…….

But, the Kakola Archduke couldn’t help but wonder.
Dantalian had rebuked her much too harshly.
He should have been able to refuse her a little more politely.
And yet, why did he choose to refuse her so harshly to the point of being almost ridiculing?

“…….”

At that moment, Dantalian glanced at the Kakola Archduke.
The Archduke nodded.

‘I see.
He is telling me to respect that succubus.’

It was for the sake of sending the Archduke a signal.

From this point on, the Archduke was going to have to send 2,000,000 gold to Dantalian throughout the period of the next 6 months.
During this period, that very low-ranking succubus, Lapis Lazuli, was going to be acting as the clerk.
The Kakola Archduke was going to only be meeting Lapis from now on since he was no longer going to be able to meet Dantalian personally.

By rebuking the young lady, Dantalian was implicitly sending the Archduke a warning.
Do not look down on her just because her standing is low.
She has my utmost trust.
If you disregard her, then you will incur my wrath.

At this point, the Kakola Archduke wanted to let out a strained laugh.

―Isn’t this guy way too thorough?

He has no openings whatsoever.

Every action he made and every word he spoke was dyed in political intrigue.
He didn’t try to simply obtain a complete victory.
He only wanted to win moderately.
He saw through the Archduke completely and told him exactly how he should act.

It was like this before as well.
Instead of paying taxes regularly, he requested for only a single payment.
He made the Archduke an accomplice while also showing him proof.
And finally, Dantalian made it clear how much he trusted the succubus.

‘Being earnest when interacting with the succubus would be the same thing as being earnest to Dantalian.’

He was telling the Kakola Archduke how he should behave from now on.

Even if they have become accomplices, if they are unable to meet face to face, then their trust would quickly dissipate.
However, Dantalian established the succubus as his representative.
Treat her well.
As long as you are able to do this, our relationship shall remain firm…….

‘It makes me not want to defy him when I know that he’s this calculating.’

The Kakola Archduke saw Dantalian off.
He kept watching the carriage carrying Dantalian until it completely disappeared from his sight.
It wasn’t until then that the Archduke could finally relax and return to his abode.

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On his way back, the Archduke noticed a young girl get on a carriage.
It was the girl who was ridiculed by Dantalian.
The Archduke felt interested so he approached the young girl.

The girl looked at him in surprise.
She seemed greatly honored to be able to even see the Kakola Archduke’s face as she bowed.

“Your Highness.”

“Ah, there is no need for pleasantries.
Who is your father?”

“Your Highness!”

The young lady abruptly got down on the floor.
She didn’t seem to mind the dirt getting on her beautiful dress.

“If this young lady has committed a sin, then please only take this young lady’s life! It was this young lady’s fault, this young lady’s father and family have done no wrong.”

“Oh?”

The Archduke felt satisfied.
He thought that there were only trashy people among the nobles, but he managed to discover a useful household.
If they were able to raise a daughter like this, then the father must undoubtedly be competent as well.

“Put your worries aside.
I am here to compliment you.”

“Pardon me?”

“His Highness Dantalian is not like your usual person.
I can only be pleased to know that someone under my wing was able to notice his true nature even slightly.”

“Your Highness…….”

The young lady was moved.

“That is great praise to both me and my household.
This young lady is the second daughter of Earl Gerinheight.”

“I see.
Gerinheight had a second daughter? Tell him to visit me when he has the time.
Also, tell him that he has given birth to quite the splendid daughter.”

The young lady got on her knees once more as she showed her gratitude.

The Kakola Archduke felt satisfied as he resumed back to his home.

He thought to himself as he walked through the night path.
Dantalian was definitely a powerful opponent.
It was undoubtedly his complete defeat.
However, this didn’t mean that he or the demon world was weak.

“Don’t underestimate him, huh?”

The Archduke chuckled.
He quite literally couldn’t underestimate him.

‘……Moreover, his lower tool was also quite immense.’

The Kakola Archduke recalled the recording from the Memoria artifact.
As he expected, does one have to be that impressive down there in order to defeat a Demon Lord like Barbatos? He really couldn’t be underestimated…….

***

TL Note: Thanks for reading the chapter.
I don’t really have anything in particular to say about the chapter, but on a completely different note, an official translation of Handholding might be coming out soon.
I’ve been working together with Meteor Strike Media to get it released and I think it should be fine for me to mention it here since they announced it in their Discord server.
I’m not sure what will happen with the translations that’s up on my site yet, but I’ll probably have a discussion with them about it sooner or later.
It’d be sad to take them down, but hey, the official translation was also done by me, so it’s more like swapping my old translations out with more refined ones (Although they’ll have a price tag).

Welp, I’ll say more when I have more info.
I’ll see you guys in the next chapter.