Chapter 56: Strengthening My Foundation (5)
This was extremely vital information. Nothing was as valuable as information about other races. No matter what happens, I must extract information from Rusalka. Thankfully, it seemed like we could communicate well, so I thought of treating her a bit kindly while trying to coax the information out.
"Hmm?"
But wait.
If Rusalka was speaking in the human language, how on earth was Sharan communicating with her? Could Sharan speak the human language, too?
"Hold on, Sharan."
"Yes, Master?"
"How are you communicating with Rusalka? She uses a different language, right?"
"Ah, Master. About that…"
Sharan paused for a moment, placing a finger on her lips, deep in thought.
"Rusalka uses two languages."
She responded.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she uses the language I communicate in? And the language that the Shashas use? She uses both simultaneously to talk with me and the Shashas."
"Oh."
I understood.
Essentially, Sharan and Rusalka had a common language in which they communicated. On top of that, Rusalka had the ability to speak another language as well.
Let's call the language Sharan and Rusalka use the "Spirit Language" for convenience. The three of us were currently using the Spirit Language, Human Language, and Demon Language.
To summarize:
Kyuse - Fluent in Demon Language.
Sharan - Fluent in Demon and Spirit Languages.
Rusalka - Fluent in Human and Spirit Languages.
Damn, how did that even make sense?
How many damn languages were there?
How the hell did you even learn all these?
Anyway, translation was possible, so let's get on with the conversation. Just as I was about to ask something, Rusalka started speaking to Sharan first. I quietly listened to their conversation for a while.
"Master, Rusalka is curious about you."
"About me?"
"She says she wants to get to know you better. She's never seen a Shasha like you before?"
She must have been curious since she was seeing a demon for the first time. But wanting to get closer?
"Hmm."
Unexpectedly, I wondered:
Was it because I was a demon that I was rather popular among female monsters? Honestly, and this was my objective opinion, but I, Kyuse, was a rather handsome demon.
"⸻."
Suddenly, Rusalka looked at me and playfully squeezed her own breast.
"Master, if you like them, she says she'll let you touch more."
I was certain.
No matter if she was a monster, no female would allow a being they don't have any affection towards to touch them.
"We'll talk about that later. So, Rusalka, can you tell me about the race with no horns and short ears? I'm curious about them."
"Shasha. Shaaa."
Sharan attempted to translate.
"⸻."
And the conversation resumed. Waiting for translations was incredibly tedious.
"Master."
"Yes, Sharan. Tell me."
"Of course, Master."
Sharan began her explanation.
Shasha.
From her description, that undoubtedly seemed to be humans. However, she mentioned that there weren't many around. It seems Rusalka had only ever encountered three of them.
Three.
It was not a small number. If three humans had ventured here… there might be a human village nearby. This might not be as deep in the wilderness as I thought. After all, I haven't seen any beasts larger than myself.
"So, what about those three?"
"Sharan? She dragged them into the water and sucked their blood."
"Gasp!"
Was this creature something like a vampire?!
"…?"
Startled, I jumped, and Rusalka tilted her head.
Of course… She didn't show hostility towards me. Rather, she seemed to be showing some fondness.
In summary, Rusalka was a being akin to a vampire. A water spirit that fed on human blood. But that was expected, right? Just as I, born as a demon, acted as the demon king here.
I was a bit shocked, but that was because I had memories from when I was human. What did it matter to me, a demon, if a water spirit fed on blood? We should get along if we can.
"Hehehe, impressive. Your hunting skills are no joke, huh? You're really good at it?"
When I praised her like that,
"…"
With a fist covering her mouth, Rusalka blushed and avoided my gaze. She was definitely feeling shy.
Good.
If it was this vibe, I could get along with Rusalka. And if we got closer… I might be able to make her mine, just like Sharan.
It was not because Rusalka was a voluptuous beauty. As the demon king, it was natural for me to desire such beings.
"So, Rusalka. I'll tell you what you're curious about now. What do you want to know?"
"Sharan Sharan. Sharanaa. Sharan."
"…"
When Sharan interpreted, Rusalka smiled as if she felt pleased. Then, she spoke enthusiastically.
"When asked where the Master comes from, I said from the demon world."
"Ah, yes. Good job."
I had already told Sharan about the demon world.
"…?"
But this one seemed clueless.
"If you don't understand, just say I'm from another region."
"Yes, Master."
That was how we continued our conversation with translations.
"When asked if the Master is male, I answered that he is."
"Hehehe, our Sharan is so smart. Well done."
"Thank you, Master."
Praise made Sharan beam with a smile.
She was so adorable.
Anyway.
"She wants to talk more with the Master. I think Rusalka likes Master?"
"Like? Me?"
"Yes. She says she feels good around you."
Was it because of my magic power?
Tzupot.
I immediately unleashed a magic infusion technique. A bead of magic power formed at my fingertips. Rusalka's eyes widened at the sight.
"This is a gift. Want it?"
"Sharan Sharan."
As Sharan translated, Rusalka nodded her head eagerly.
"Give me your hand."
"Sharan."
Swoosh.
Rusalka extended her hand at my request, and I infused her with my magic power. The moment the bead of magic was absorbed by Rusalka,
"…?!"
Rusalka trembled with delight.
"Master. Rusalka seems to be feeling good."
"Hehehe, of course she does."
Buril, Imsoong, Sharan. They all loved it when I infused them with my magic power. It was a sure hit, so of course, Rusalka would love it, too. It was amusing. From the moment she received the magic infusion, it was as if I'd already won over Rusalka.
Then…
Splash!
The trembling Rusalka plunged into the lake.
"What was that?"
And then, shortly after.
Splash!
She leaped out again.
Flap-flap.
She was holding a freshwater fish as big as an arm.
"A fish? Did you get this for me?"
"…"
Rusalka offered me the fish!
"Wow! Thanks!"
I immediately took the fish. We had become close enough to exchange gifts in such a short time! With this, I could win her over in no time.
"Master, Rusalka said she wants to eat the fish with you."
"Ha ha! Rusalka is so kind!"
"Rusalka wants to get closer to you, Master."
"Yeah! Tell her I feel the same!"
"Yes, Master."
And so, we continued our conversation in a warm atmosphere.
Rusalka said she had never seen someone like me before. She probably perceived me as the first male she'd ever seen in her life. She probably didn't feel this way towards human men.
While we were conversing.
Rustle-rustle!
Suddenly, the bushes on the other side rustled, and a kobold sprang out. The moment it saw us.
"…"
Rusalka stepped forward.
"Oh!"
Could she be trying to charm the kobold? I wanted to see what would happen, but what Rusalka did wasn't an attempt at seduction.
Swish-swish!
Suddenly, the lake water began to move, gathering in Rusalka's hands. Was she manipulating the water like a water spirit would? Soon, a water sphere the size of an ostrich egg formed.
Swoosh!
A stream of water shot out from the sphere!
"Oh no!"
It was incredibly fast! The water stream hit the kobold's chest!
"Kyuhat?!"
The hit kobold fell backward.
It was magic. Water magic. I immediately ran over to check the kobold's injury.
"Oh my God!"
Its chest was slightly dented, and blood was pouring out. The power of the water stream was as if it had been pierced by a spear!
"Rusalka, you're good with magic!"
"Master, isn't it amazing?"
"I think it's amazing too!"
She'd be perfect as a ranged damage dealer. Sharan had more of a melee fighting style, so she couldn't do this. I looked behind and saw Rusalka following us, talking to Sharan.
"Sharan, we have fish anyway. Let's eat together. Please tell her."
"Yes, Master."
Sharan spoke to Rusalka in their language.
"…"
Rusalka smiled and nodded.
"Great! Sharan! I'll prepare the bonfire!"
"Yes, Master!"
And so, the three of us ate together.
We had a harmonious meal with Rusalka.
The atmosphere was very good, and after a hearty conversation, we bid each other goodbye, and I was on my way back to the dungeon.
"Kya. I was really lucky."
It was a good decision to scout today. I met a nice being like Rusalka and learned a lot. At least I learned that humans could reach this place. I should keep that in mind.
"Master. Are you planning to make Rusalka a subordinate, too?"
"If possible."
Currently, Rusalka is showing affection towards me.
If we met a few more times, exchanged gifts, and I continuously channeled my power into her, eventually, she would follow me just like Sharan.
It felt like recruiting a general in the Three Kingdoms era, but honestly, this was much better. Recruiting sexy monster beauties was naturally better than recruiting hairy old Chinese men wielding scary swords.
It was something even a Demon King would want to do.
"How is Rusalka, Sharan?"
"If Master helps, she would be good."
Sharan giggled.
All Sharan thought of when looking at Rusalka was whether or not she would benefit me. Truly loyal and lovely.
"Hehehe, right? Then let's get along well with Rusalka, Sharan."
"Yes, Master."
"But, Sharan."
"Yes, Master?"
However, there was something he was curious about.
"Is it okay for me to touch Rusalka's chest, Sharan?"
Sharan really liked and followed me. But did she not get jealous? She was surprised when I suddenly asked to touch Rusalka's body.
"Eh? Master? You like chests, don't you?"
It was as if she was asking why I was questioning the obvious.
"Yes, I do."
"Sharan likes what Master likes. Sharan has two chests; with Rusalka, it's four chests, right? Master likes all four?"
Sharan explained with hand gestures.
"Sharan has one horn, and with Rusalka, it's two, right? Master likes both?"
"No."
What was with the horn count?
"Master should have more chests and horns to like."
"Ah, seriously. Sharan."
She probably needed more education about how to view women… What did she think of them?
Well, anyway.
Sharan's caring heart was truly adorable.
"Thank you. For thinking of me. Sharan, you are really lovely."
"Shaasha. Sharan loves Master too."
"Keugh!"
I was happy to be born a demon.
Thank you! Lady Duchess Mother!
"Hehehe."
If I were to recruit Rusalka, our power… not the horn count… would surely increase. The thought of it made me very happy.
"But Master, will you also give Rusalka some of the white stuff?"
"Why? Sharan doesn't want?"
"Yes. Master's white stuff is for Sharan. Just give Rusalka a little."
It seemed that she didn't want to share my white stuff.
"Hehehe, got it. My white stuff is all for Sharan. Let's just give Rusalka as much as Sharan wants to."
"Yes, Master!"
"Alright."
Sharan hugged me.
"So, Master! Let's quickly go and play with the horns!"
"Let's hurry!"
Perhaps seeing Rusalka's naked body caused this, but I was extremely aroused. We needed to quickly return and play with the horns.
Sorry, Buril.
I was having fun while you were doing all the work.
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