I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V9C6

Translated by Hamster


**Volume 9: A Moment of Respite**
**06. Not a Blessing, but a Curse**

"The Demon God's ideal, in simple terms, is indirect domination. He envisions a skill that learns infinitely, ultimately becoming a skill that can produce the perfect human who will not make mistakes. By installing this skill's bearer as the king, he aims to unify and rule the world to create an ideal, perfect nation where nothing is lacking."

The Demon King spoke in more detail about the Demon God's desires and objectives. Then, he continued with his own thoughts.

"But --- I've always been skeptical about whether such a skill would benefit our nation. Think about it. When the Demon King Skill is completed in my successor or even their successor, how can we be sure that their 'correct' judgment will be beneficial or even correct for us, the people of the Rustgard Empire?"

The Demon King's words were more of a rhetorical question, not seeking an answer, because he already had an answer within himself.

"Let's take it to an extreme. What if the holder of the Demon King Skill decides that the Rustgard Empire is unnecessary or should be eradicated for the world's good? --- In other words, there's no guarantee that a perfect human will always be on our side, or that of our descendants."

At these words, Cyclo and the others felt a sense of agreement.

If one considered the actions of the God of Judgment, whose goal was to judge evil, it wasn't hard to imagine that the bearer of the Demon King Skill could turn against them.

"And the completion of the Demon King Skill isn't something that will happen suddenly in the next or the subsequent generation. It grows slowly over a long time. During that process, the risk that we, as subjects, might be victims of 'incorrect' judgments cannot be ignored. The more powerful the Demon King Skill, the more fatal a single 'incorrect' decision could be."

"So, the Demon King Skill only protects what comes after its completion, while we, who live in the meantime, are excluded from its consideration?"

Indeed, that would be hard to accept, Cyclo thought. But there must be more to it than just that, he considered.

"But that alone wouldn't drive you to want to destroy the Demon King Skill, right? Given that the damage is indirect and a future problem, it seems a bit hasty."

"Exactly. While I did see it as a problem, I hadn't thought to destroy it immediately. The trigger was --- my only daughter, Leona."

As he said this, the Demon King gently stroked the head of his daughter, Leona, who was sitting next to him.

"It started when she was born. Regardless of my role as the Demon King, I wondered if it was right to pass on the Demon King Skill to her---a skill that might not bless our nation, but could potentially curse it."

Looking at Leona, the Demon King spoke with a tender smile.

"By the time I die, the number of young people in the Black Wolf Tribe will have increased. One of them will be chosen, so it's not guaranteed that Leona would be the one to inherit. I understand that, but --- I didn't want to burden my child with such a destiny."

He continued to speak.

"And the final deciding factor. Leona has dreams for her future."

"Dreams for the future?"

Cyclo repeated the question, looking towards Leona for the answer.

Leona exchanged a glance with her father, the Demon King, then nodded as if she had made up her mind and spoke.

"I --- want to make sweets!"

Leona's voice trembled slightly, perhaps due to nervousness.

"I was deeply moved when I ate the sweets Papa brought back as souvenirs. When I found out they were made in the Heimburgh Kingdom, I was surprised. The empire---the people of Rustgard originally lived in different settlements formed by various demons. We don't have the ancient history like Heimburgh does... So not just sweets, but cooking, songs, dances, everything is still in its infancy."

As Leona spoke, her voice grew stronger with passion.

"So, I want to study in Heimburgh. I want to learn how to make delicious sweets and share them with everyone in Rustgard and --- not just them, but with people all over the world, making them smile, making them happy!"

Leona's spirited words and declaration left Cyclo and the others taken aback. The Demon King supplemented her words.

"This is the second request I have for you. Please, let Leona stay in your mansion. If possible, I would like you to teach her how to make various sweets from this country and around the world."

"Eh, wait... in the mansion?"

Cyclo was bewildered by the unexpected proposal from the Demon King.

"That's... there's no problem with that, but why us?"

"Even as the Demon King, the only place where I can entrust such a task with peace of mind is with you, who have power comparable to mine and are not in an antagonistic relationship with me."

The Demon King's words were succinct but implied various concerns.

"I want to fulfill Leona's dream. For that, I can't continue this endless war with the Heimburgh Kingdom. I can't pass on the Demon King Skill to the next generation. Considering all these reasons --- I want you to conquer the dungeons related to the 'Three Dark Beasts,' that is, the Demon King Skill."

By the time the Demon King had spoken this much, Cyclo finally understood everything.

In essence, the Demon King was doing everything within his power for his child. He was just an ordinary, yet ideal father.

"...I feel like I can understand the sentiment of turning to people from an enemy country for help."

Cyclo gave a wry smile.

"So, Demon King. You chose to join hands with us for the sake of your daughter --- Leona?"

"That's right. To be precise, I accepted the Creator God's proposal and took that hand."

Cyclo and the Demon King reached out their right hands to each other and shook hands.

"Sure, I'll accept your request. I don't like the idea of the Demon God's vision or the future of the Demon King Skill, and --- it's not a bad deal to have the favor of the empire's top leader."

"Heh. I'm counting on you, Cyclo."

Thus, Cyclo and his companions formed an alliance with the Demon King.

"--- Well, now that we've settled things. Cyclo, I'll leave Leona in your care starting today."

"Ha!?"

"Please take care of me, Cyclo-san!"

And with that, the moment the deal was sealed, the Demon King pushed forward boldly.

Leona, bowing deeply, also tried to force the issue with a 'please, take care of me' attitude.

"Wait a minute, Demon King!"

"Haha, my apologies. I've actually snuck out today, so I must return to the empire soon. We'll arrange for a time to discuss the details later."

"No, that's not what I meant!"

"Excuse me, then!"

With those last words, the Demon King opened the drawing room window, leaned out, and in a single bound, flew into the sky, disappearing into the distance.

Left behind, Cyclo turned to Leona with a movement so stiff it sounded like rusty gears grinding.

"...Ah, Leona. About your father..."

"Please take care of me!"

"No, so..."

"Please take care of me!!"

Leona, though nervous, was insistent on being taken care of.

It seemed they had been outsmarted by both the Demon King and his daughter.

"...Sigh. Alright. You can stay with us starting today."

"Thank you so much, Cyclo-san!"

And so, Cyclo's mansion gained another resident.


Previous
Next

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V10C1

Translated by Hamster --- ### Volume 10: Reunion **01 Departure to the Capital** Several days after his meeting with the Demon King, the day arrived for Cyclo to head to the capital for his investiture. "It's finally time, Cyclo-kun. I'll have to leave everything in your hands," Deimos said. "Yes, please wait with peace of mind, Deimos-san." At the lord's manor, Cyclo exchanged farewell greetings with Deimos. "By the way, are you sure you don't need me to arrange for a carriage?" "Yes. I've developed something a little more elaborate than a magical tool... something that makes travel much easier." "Ho, that sounds intriguing." Upon hearing Deimos's words, Cyclo grinned and asked, "Would you like to see it?" --- Cyclo led Deimos out to the manor's courtyard. "Clock Generation - 'Fafnir'!" Cyclo extended his hand in front of him and activated his skill. In an instant, complex magical...
Read more

I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V11C11

      Translated by Hamster --- ### Volume 11: The Eastern Frontier  **11 Aftermath of the Behemoth Incident** Cyclo's party, now with Pepemos in tow, set out to join up with the Demon Army. Along the way, Cyclo explained the details about Pepemos to everyone. "...Is this really okay?" Baal asked with suspicion, to which Cyclo agreed. "Honestly, I think it's plotting mischief. But killing it now would feel kind of... wrong." He said, looking at Pepemos. At that moment, Mist was cuddling Pepemos, stroking its head and body, showing her affection.  Pepemos seemed content, its expression clear. Just by looking at Pepemos's cute appearance, one would hesitate to put it down. "Well, if it does anything bad within my sight, I'll kill it instantly. Even if it secretly tries to increase its magical power to become stronger, I'll kill it. So, I think it won't become a major issue." "Hmm... This weak creature can't do much harm as it...
Read more

I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V9C1

Translated by Hamster **Volume 9: A Moment of Respite** **01 Return** --- "---It's bright." After conquering the Deep Hole, Cyclo and his companions returned to the outside world. Cyclo squinted at the sun, which he hadn't seen in a while. His companions each stretched out their bodies, savoring their escape from the confined space. "It was really a tough conquest, wasn't it? The highest difficulty and time we've ever faced." "Yep, I've never experienced something like this before..." Karim and Alice reminisced about the harshness of the dungeon. "But we managed to conquer it, thanks to all of us working together." Mist said with a sense of satisfaction, and everyone nodded in agreement. "That's right. Thanks, everyone. ---Well, we have a lot to talk about, and we need to discuss the future, but before that, we have to report back to the guild." After all, the reason for starting the conquest was the appearance o...
Read more