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 V9C8
Translated by Hamster
**Volume 9: A Moment of Respite**
**08. Coordination Between Three Parties**
Days later, the day of the meeting with the Demon King arrived.
Instead of Cyclo's mansion, this time, Cyclo, the Demon King, and Deimos gathered in the drawing room of Deimos's mansion.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Demon King. I am Deimos Northforia, the Lord of Northforia."
"I am the Emperor of the Rustgard Empire. I apologize, but since I am a singular and absolute individual, I do not have a separate name to distinguish me from others. You may just call me Demon King."
The Demon King and Deimos shook hands.
"And I'm Cyclo Owen, who is apparently called the hero of Northforia. I'm also scheduled to be conferred the title of baron."
"Nice to meet you, Cyclo."
Next, Cyclo and the Demon King shook hands.
"--Well, let's get to the point. We've already done some preliminary alignment through letters, but let's confirm each other's goals and the benefits we'll provide."
Deimos spoke, to which the Demon King nodded in agreement.
"From my side, I am asking you to conquer the three dungeons that are the source of the Demon King Skill. In return, I promise to provide the backing you need for the establishment of Northforia."
With the Demon King's words, Deimos nodded and continued.
"As we've mentioned, we require your backing for the establishment of the nation. Naturally, we would appreciate cooperation in sharing necessary information along the way."
"Of course, I've taken that into account."
"Then, we have no problem temporarily providing Cyclo as a combatant for the dungeon conquest."
This was something that had already been decided via letters, but now, formally and in this gathering, Northforia and the Demon King agreed to form a cooperative relationship.
"In that case, let's decide on the specifics of our next steps. Do you have any plans?"
"Yes, certainly."
When asked by the Demon King, Deimos nodded.
"First, for Cyclo to be officially conferred a title, he must go to the capital. Even though I've conferred the title, it won't be valid across the entire kingdom unless it's reported to the country."
This had been decided even before their interaction with the Demon King.
However, from here on, the plan was altered due to their involvement with the Demon King.
"And after the ennoblement in the capital --- Cyclo will head to the empire as an envoy to negotiate a ceasefire or a peace treaty."
"Hoh?"
At Deimos's proposal, the Demon King let out an amused sound.
"I see, you intend to show off the new hero, Cyclo Owen, to stop the empire's movements."
"Yes. We'll then negotiate a ceasefire agreement under even terms. This will be one of Cyclo Owen's accomplishments, to be used as a credential in the establishment of Northforia."
"And it will also serve as a reason for me, the Demon King, to back the establishment of Northforia."
Concluding an equal ceasefire agreement with the Demon King would be a significant favor to the Heimburgh Kingdom as well.
A favor large enough to be utilized in the establishment and independence of Northforia.
"Afterward, upon returning, Cyclo will proceed with the conquest of the 'Dragon's Nest,' making rounds in the western city-states for face-to-face discussions, and then tackling the dungeon in the 'Night Country'."
"Yes, if we are to simultaneously work on the elimination of the Demon King Skill and the establishment of Northforia, that order would be ideal."
The Demon King immediately grasped Deimos's intent and put it into words. Deimos nodded in affirmation and added:
"Of course, there will be some adjustments necessary due to the movements of the Heimburgh Kingdom and the Skill Selection Church, but for the most part, this sequence should be feasible."
"--Cyclo, do you find this plan unreasonable?"
Asked by Deimos, Cyclo nodded.
"It's fine. I've already conquered Deep Hall, so I plan to do this one more efficiently. And to weaken the Skill Selection Church, I'm willing to become a noble, visit the empire, and go to the Night Country. It's a much easier journey than being sent to Northforia as a slave."
Cyclo said with a hint of jest, to which Deimos gave a wry smile and continued.
"As he says, there shouldn't be any issues with the execution of the plan itself. The remaining uncertainty is---"
"The Skill Selection Church. And the movements of the nobles and royalty at the heart of the Heimburgh Kingdom."
"Yes. We can't predict what cards they'll play or when, so we'll inevitably have to respond reactively."
The Demon King said with a difficult expression, to which Deimos nodded in agreement.
"Those guys are masters of harassment. It will put quite a burden on Cyclo, but---"
"No problem. I'll manage, together with my companions."
Cyclo said, and the Demon King nodded in satisfaction.
"Hmm. With the God of Creation's seal of approval, I'll trust you here."
"Please do."
After that, the three of them discussed the details of the route and procedures up until the ennoblement in the capital and the journey from there to the empire, finalizing the specifics.
Thus, the day began to wane.
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