Bribed by the Demon Lord Right Before the Ending

■ Black Bull □

A bolt from the blue.

It’s a sixth-tier magic spell that lives up to its name, dropping lightning from a clear sky.

However, there was a hidden alternative use: firing it directly from one’s hands.

While it might seem easier to predict an attack coming straight from the hand rather than falling from above, when fired from the hand, depending on the mage’s skill level, it can function similarly to a railgun.

KWAHHHHH!!

A superheated laser swept horizontally, melting all the iron stakes chasing after Gabriel from behind.

And it didn’t stop there—it climbed along the castle wall and incinerated all the pilfered bunkers in the process of reloading.

“Wha, wha-wha-wha-what!”

The dvergar stood with his mouth agape, unable to close it.

It seemed like the hidden card he had prepared was all of this.

“So, what do you plan to do now? For your information, since you’ve rejected our alliance, I have no intention of stopping Gavril.”

As I said this with a friendly smile, the dvergar swallowed hard and glanced at Gabriel standing beside me.

Gabriel appeared extremely upset, radiating an immense aura of power from her entire body.

It seemed like if we left her be, it could very well become Nídavellir’s final day.

The dvergar, having assessed the situation, immediately prostrated himself on the floor.

“I have committed a mortal sin!”

The man who was so brash just moments ago became submissive as soon as the tide turned. It was quite pitiful.

“So? How about dying?”

With those words, Gabriel stomped on the dvergar’s head with her bare foot.

“AAAAAAAGH!”

Someone watching might have called it a punishment, but the oppressive force was anything but normal—it seemed like she truly intended to crush him to death.

“Gavril.”

At my call of her name, she clicked her tongue and lifted her foot.

The dvergar, who narrowly escaped death, looked up with a face smeared in tears and snot, utterly grotesque.

“Thank you, thank you!”

“No, don’t misunderstand—I’m not saving you because you’re pretty. But today, I’ll show you exactly what an unfair treaty looks like.”

As I said this, I gestured toward the interior of the royal castle, prompting the dvergar and his retainers to hastily rise and begin leading the way.

Our group followed them leisurely into the inner part of the castle.

To be honest, I thought we’d be returning empty-handed without much gain, but thanks to their preemptive attack, things became significantly easier.

We must take everything we can from here.

The internal fortress consisted of five towering spires arranged in a pentagram shape, connected by long castle walls. These towers, each symbolizing an element, were interconnected to generate a massive magical barrier.

Listening to this explanation reminded me of the Constantinople Wall that once guarded the capital.

Its operating principle seemed somewhat similar.

Now, though I destroyed it, rendering restoration impossible, its defensive capabilities were legendary.

“Hmm, come to think of it, the dwarves built the Constantinople Wall.”

If that’s the case, it makes sense that the original technology was used for capital defense.

The dwarf king Dvergar led us to a grand banquet hall filled with a large table.

“Hehe, please take your seats comfortably.”

There was already an abundance of delicacies laid out, which honestly puzzled me.

How could someone who just showed hatred toward dragons prepare such a feast?

Something felt off, so I warned him.

“If you’re planning any tricks with the food, it’s best to stop now. I won’t tolerate it this time.”

“…”

Dvergar froze with a forced smile.

This guy?

When I glared at him sharply, Dvergar waved his hands and said,

“No! No! How could I possibly do such a thing? This is genuinely prepared for our esteemed guests visiting our castle!”

He protested earnestly, but you’ve already lost my trust.

Nevertheless, we needed to discuss matters, so I sat down.

Next to me, Gabriel sat visibly uncomfortable while Dorothea smiled mischievously, clearly amused by the situation.

An oppressive silence filled the banquet hall.

To be honest, I wasn’t hungry.

Given the sinister nature of the dwarf king sitting before me, I couldn’t rule out foul play in the food.

I’d rather wait until later and buy something from the market.

“First, reconsidering the alliance would be appropriate, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes, I admit I was mistaken. Of course, we should help you. Once the Demon Tribe falls, it will surely be our turn next.”

“If we form an alliance, how do you plan to assist?”

“Of course, by dispatching troops or providing supplies…”

“I’d appreciate specific numbers.”

At this, Dvergar’s expression hardened.

“Uh, how much do you expect?”

“That’s right. Asking from our side feels too obvious, so why don’t you suggest something, Dvergar?”

“Well, then, 5,000 soldiers and three months’ worth of provisions…”

“Tsk, is that all the support you’re willing to offer us?”

As I shot him down, Dvergar grimaced and increased the numbers.

“Then, 8,000 soldiers and four months’ provisions—how does that sound?”

“Why not go all out? Is that really the full extent of the strength of Nídavellir, the wealthiest kingdom on the continent?”

At this, Dvergar glared at me silently, calling me a highway robber with his eyes, but verbally agreed to the numbers I wanted.

“Then, 10,000 soldiers and six months’ provisions. That’s the best we can do currently.”

I nodded with a wide smile.

“Very good.”

“Then, I’ll call the scribe to draft the contract. Please wait a moment.”

“Ahh, there’s no need for that.”

I stopped Dvergar, who was about to summon the scribe.

“I’ve brought something.”

From my possession, I pulled out a Gears Scroll.

Nothing beats this for contracts.

Apparently recognizing it as a Gears Scroll, Dvergar broke out in cold sweat and asked,

“Must we go this far?”

“Just in case. It’s a safety measure in case the king breaches the contract.”

You know what I mean, right?

As I said this, I waved the Gears Scroll teasingly in front of his nose, causing Dvergar to bow his head in humiliation.

“Ugh, understood. Let’s write the contract using that.”

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

With a businesslike smile, I handed him the paper.[[#]]

Having secured the unfair treaty document, we left the Nídavellir Castle.

Dvergar suggested we stay overnight, but given his potential grudge, we declined and left promptly.

“Anyway, let’s eat first.”

They say even the most beautiful mountain scenery pales after a meal, and since breakfast, I hadn’t eaten anything. My stomach was growling.

Especially since we refused the lavish spread set before us, hunger hit harder.

Unlike me, who was visiting for the first time, Gabriel, who frequented Nídavellir, volunteered to be our tour guide.

“Nídavellir is a trading nation bordering the sea, so compared to other countries, seafood dishes are more developed here. Personally, I recommend the live barbecue where you can taste a variety of seafood.”

“Seafood barbecue!”

At the mention of food, Dorothea perked up enthusiastically.

But this time, I could empathize with her excitement.

Living inland means fewer opportunities to enjoy seafood dishes.

Though magic allows some access to seafood inland, the most common items at the market are salted fish.

I swallowed audibly and asked,

“Where can we find this?”

Gabriel grinned and pointed toward the bustling marketplace near the south gate.

“I have a regular spot. Let’s go there.”

Her confident posture indicated it was indeed a great place.

We followed Gabriel’s lead toward the market.[[#]]

Ding! Ding!

“Two beers over here!”

The tavern Gabriel led us to was packed with drinkers even in broad daylight.

Drunken dwarves, humans, and beastmen mingled freely, shoulder-to-shoulder, enjoying their drinks.

Perhaps due to the least racial discrimination among all the nations on the continent, the scene felt entirely natural.

As we sat at a table, a short female dwarf approached and asked,

“What would you like to order?”

Gabriel leaned on her elbow and replied,

“Seven servings of seafood barbecue and seven beers.”

“But there are only five of you. Isn’t that a bit excessive?”

“I’ll eat three servings.”

“Alright then.”

The serving girl, satisfied with the answer, nodded and carried the tray back to the kitchen.

I watched her retreating figure and remarked,

“She seems cool.”

“She’s the owner’s daughter. She’s been like that since she was young.”

“…Have you been coming here for that long?”

“About thirty years? Almost since it opened, I think.”

Gabriel hummed a little tune as she answered and began munching on the boiled beans the waitress had just brought.

Watching her, I suddenly felt hungry and followed suit, grabbing a bean.

Simply seasoned with salt, it tasted surprisingly delicious.

---