Chapter 195: Dropping Hearts

Chapter 195: Dropping Hearts

After years had passed, the enduring loyalty of Yamata No Orochi's demon companions perplexed me. How had an alcoholic snake demon like him managed to command such allegiance? According to Agon, Yamata No Orochi wasn't exactly an inspiring or authentic leader in front of his subordinates.

As we prepared for a potential confrontation, I raised my hands and spoke, trying to diffuse the tension. "We're not here to fight. You can verify with Uwabami that we aided her during the war against Shuten Doji."

"She didn't mention you," responded a feminine-sounding purple unicorn.

Perplexed, I inquired, "Then what did she tell you?"

After all, Uwabami should have acknowledged our contribution after the war. We had played a significant role in her success and in preventing Shuten Doji from dominating the world.

The tree demon shrugged, using its roots to mimic the gesture. "She didn't say much. She arrived with Lord Orochi's body and returned to drinking. Although she did complain about the detrimental effects of prolonged sobriety on her body."

I groaned in frustration. "Damn alcoholics."

"Did you expect anything more?" the tree demon responded. "She was renowned as the only demon capable of outdrinking Lord Orochi."

"No! Lord Orochi took it easy on her!" the purple unicorn insisted. "It was her birthday! Lord Orochi never loses."

The alcoholic demons seemed poised to engage in a brawl, a situation I wanted no part in.

Unsurprisingly, Agon, with his peculiar sense of curiosity, approached the tree. "So, um... do you poop?"

My brain cells withered away in response to the absurdity unfolding before me. The other guy seemed ready to respond too.

Before the tree demon could answer, the purple unicorn kicked it. "Don't entertain foolish discussions with the enemy!"

For a fleeting moment, the unicorn's eyes met mine, and I felt a shared understanding between us. We both had to deal with these kinds of individuals.

The brief camaraderie was shattered as the Sake Mountain spouted, drenching us in alcohol. As the liquor permeated my hair, leaving it smelling like a distillery and feeling sticky, I couldn't help but sigh. "How does something like this even exist?"

A mountain of sake? I had never pondered its origins before. There must have been some extraordinary event in the past that gave rise to such a bizarre phenomenon.

"Master Orochi believed it might be the result of alcohol demons perishing in this vicinity, or perhaps a human with an unusual ability," the purple unicorn said.

I nodded in response. "So, are you going to attack us or not?"

"We are uncertain," admitted the tree demon. "Master Orochi always welcomed those who could withstand his poison to join him for a drink. The poison has weakened over time due to his absence, but his invitation still stands."

"Do you have any ideas on how to fix this?" I asked Uwabami after she calmed down.

"Nope, I have no clue," Uwabami shook her head. "But I could help you search!"

She seemed hopeful, almost eager to embark on an adventure.

"That sounds good. Maybe you and the others can search for a solution," I nodded. "I'll be where you found me before, in case you need assistance. I have something to attend to."

I needed to resolve the conflict in the Sun Country, and it seemed like time was running out. I wanted to achieve my goal with minimal bloodshed, but the circumstances weren't favorable. I had to ensure that Wis ascended the throne before it was too late. The ones behind the assassins needed to experience consequences for their actions.

"But I need you!" Anika exclaimed, hurriedly amending, "Um, I mean, we need Carpy for transportation. Having him would save us time."

"Yes, but you're right now uncertain about where you need to go. So having Carpy would be pointless," I reasoned, against Anikas hidden motives.

However, I truly needed to return. By now, Princess Wis' family might have dispatched more assassins.

Before anyone could object, I leaped up high. Though I couldn't reach great heights like a Warrior, a tendril of water wrapped around my waist and lifted me above the clouds, where Carpy stood.

The bond between Carpy and me was peculiar. Our contract made us closer than most other Masters and tamed demons. There were moments when it felt like we could even read each other's minds; he always understood my intentions, even when I didn't articulate them.

To be honest, I wasn't entirely certain if this was solely due to the contract or something else.

...

After hours of travel, we finally arrived back home, the familiar small town where I could unwind and playfully tease the weeb princess.

"Carpy, are there any demons around?" I asked.

"No," Carpy responded, but there was an unusual tone in his voice as if he were puzzled by something.

I shared his confusion. While I had instructed my subordinates to handle any demons they encountered, with the option to call upon the former members of Organization X for assistance if needed, it seemed unlikely that they could handle every demon within Carpy's sensing range.

Something was amiss. "Carpy, can you sense the whereabouts of my subordinates?" I inquired.

"No, Master Kon," he replied. "I can't even sense the princess or her guard."

My heart sank, and an uncomfortable tightness gripped my chest. There was only one type of person that Carpy couldn't detectcorpses.