I was Betrayed then Reincarnated as a Kitsune

Chapter 167: Request from the Demon King

[Luna POV]

Its been a few months since we came back from the Vanquishing festival.  In this time, weve gone through several dungeons as well as some other quests here and there around the Empire.  I managed to reach level 58 in these few months and Soleil eclipsed me by reaching level 62.  We were now headed to the guild after finding something to eat.  Once we reached the guild and went up to the third floor, we were immediately called into Ibukis office.

Hello everyone. (Ibuki)

Good morning.  Im surprised, theres barely any paper in here this time. (Luna)

And its wonderful.  Anyway, Ill get straight to the point, the Stellaris party has been given a nominated quest from the castle. (Ibuki)

I was thinking it was going to happen at some point, but looks like we get to meet even more royalty. (Velvet)

Im surprised it took this long, honestly. (Luna)

So, youve met royalty before? (Ibuki)

I have.  My uncle is married to Princess Nia of the Celestia Kingdom and Ive met King Drome and am on good terms with the crown princess.  Ive also met King Lobo of the Beast Kingdom. (Luna)

You know a lot of people in high places. (Ibuki)

You dont know the half of it. I heard Soleil and Velvet murmur.

What is the quest nya? (Mio)

Youll hear the details at the castle, I was just told to tell you all about the quest. (Ibuki)

She then pulled out a letter from her desk and handed it to me.

Show that to the gate guards and theyll bring you to where you need to go. (Ibuki)

All right then, well go and see what this is about. (Luna)

We left Ibukis office and started making our way to downstairs.

I wasnt expecting to get a nominated quest today.  I wonder what its going to be. (Ophidia)

No idea, but I have a good feeling about it. (Luna)

Do you think it might be related to those labors. (Soleil)

Im hoping thats the case. (Luna)

{Even if its not, Im sure itll be something good for you Luna.}

If its not, then I just need to be on the lookout for situations like them like I have been for the last few months.  Its not like Im in a rush to get them dome or anything.

{Come to think of it, I wonder what will happen if you manage to complete them before you reach level 100?  Will you ascend when you get nine tails, or will that not count toward your ascension?}

I though you would know.

{Unfortunately I dont.  Im sure I can find out, but it might take some time to do so.}

Then well worry about it at a later point in time.  Its still a far off thing at the moment.

We continued to discuss our theories of what the nominated quest would be as we made our way to the castle.  When we arrived at the gate, two guards stopped us.  When I showed them the letter Ibuki handed me, one of them started leading the way to our destination in the castle.

It was an impressive building made in old Japanese style.  The guard led us inside the largest building and into a magic formation in the center of the room.  When we all stepped inside the center, we teleported to another floor.

If there is these kind of teleportation tools, why is Grey only now putting them in dungeons?

{Probably because the atmospheric mana in dungeons interferes with them.  The only reason you can set them up is because youre special.}

I see.

I stopped my short conversation with Tamamo when a relatively young-looking butler approached us.  The guard that was led us here spoke to him and the butler nodded.  He then looked over to us and said he would lead us.  We were led down a hallway that was gorgeously decorated with tapestries of what I assumed was the history of Onigashima.  We then stopped in front of some huge red and gold doors.  The butler opened them and we entered behind him.  When we entered the room, I saw someone sitting on a throne.  He had what looked like a crown of horns and I could tell he was tall even while sitting.

He looked up as we approached and gave a sinister looking smile.  We stopped a bit away from the throne but none of us but the butler bowed.  Seeing this, the king smiled even wider before he started to speak.  He had a deep voice that resounded loudly in the empty room like he was talking into a microphone.

Sebastian, leave us.

Yes, your majesty.

The butler quickly left the room.  Once the doors were closed, the entire atmosphere relaxed a bit.

Welcome to my castle, adventurers.  I have heard many things about you.  I am Demon Emperor Leonhardt.  I thank you for coming here to listen to my request. (Leonhardt)

It is nice to meet you, Emperor Leonhardt.  I am Luna Reed, or if we go by my adventurer title, Luna the Spectral Mists.  I am the leader of party Stellaris. (Luna)

Well met.  Now, I will move on to the request since I am soon to be very busy.  My youngest daughter has recently become old enough to start learning magic.  She is also capable of using spirit magic, but she has not contracted with a spirit yet.  I would like you to go and bring one here so that she may contract with it. (Leonhardt)

Is there a specific spirit she would like to contract with? (Luna)

There is a special spirit located in the largest forest in the empire a few days walk west of here.  It takes the form of a large silver hind. (Leonhardt)

Hearing his words, I smiled inwardly.

Very well, well take care of it.  Although I would like to ask permission to teleport here once we accomplish the task. (Luna)

I would love to grant that request, but I would need to know in advance when you will arrive. (Leonhardt)

Then Ill give you a special item that will let me contact you.  I assume you know of the special boxes that the adventurers guild has, yes? (Luna)

I do.  Ibuki has spoken about them before and has told me how much easier it makes her work.  Ive been meaning to ask if she knows where I can find the maker, but she refuses to tell me. (Leonhardt)

I dont get why she would do that, but Ill let you know that Im the one that made them. (Luna)

I then pulled out one of the extra boxes I carry around for cases just like this and handed it over to Leonhardt.

Thank you.  Would you be open to making more for me in the future? (Leonhardt)

Ive done it for King Drome, so I dont see a problem with it.  Just send it as a nominated quest through the guild and Ill work on it. (Luna)

Then expect another quest once you finish with this one. (Leonhardt)

Very well.  We will take our leave to go and prepare. (Luna)

I wish you luck. (Leonhardt)

We all walked out of the throne room and were greeted by Sebastian the butler.  He led us out of the castle and we made our way back into the city.

That was impressive, big sis. (Soleil)

Was it?  I dont really think so. (Luna)

It was nya.  Even I wouldnt talk to a ruler that casually nya. (Mio)

Why not?  Youre an S-rank adventurer, so you shouldnt have to bow to anyone.  Not to mention your other status. (Luna)

Oh yeah nya.  I guess youre right nya. (Mio)

You seemed a bit excited about the details of the quest, master.  What was that about? (Ophidia)

Its a labor. (Luna)

I see.  Which number would this one be again? (Ophidia)

Four. (Luna)

Honestly, I was surprised that you didnt offer to let the Stellar spirit be the one to have a contract. (Velvet)

Im waiting until we see Lia again to do that. (Luna)

Ah.  That makes sense. (Velvet)

Isnt that the name of the Elf General nya? (Mio)

Yep.  I met all of the generals at a party in the Celestia Kingdom some time ago.  I even had an archery competition with her. (Luna)

Who won nya? (Mio)

Lia did, but only barley. (Luna)

Thats impressive nya. (Mio)

So, do we actually have to get stuff to prepare for this, or are we just going to head straight for the forest? (Ophidia)

Well head straight for the forest.  I have anything and everything well need like always and if I dont have something, we can just get it in the forest. (Luna)

If nyormal adventurers heard you say that, theyd cry nya. (Mio)

Fufufu.

Like that, we left the city and headed off to find ourselves a spirit hind.

Chaos Realm:

Skadi: So, Luna finally met Leonhardt.  I kind of expected it to go differently.

How so?

Skadi: Well, he is kind of like me and Luna where he likes to fight strong people, but he seemed a bit mellow this time.

Maybe he was trying to act dignified in front of them for some reason.  I bet if Luna said she knew you, he'd act differently.

Skadi: Probably.  I kind of want to see that now.

Who knows, maybe you will.