She Who Became Immortal

“Get the manager. I’m done with talking to store clerks.”

Summarized to that effect, my demand elicited expressions of astonishment and discomfort from Victor Illyrius and his two human companions.

Their faces had long since shed their masks of impassivity. As they shifted their gazes back and forth between myself, Euphemia Grimwood, and the beastmen approaching from the other side, they remained frozen, standing motionless. Ultimately, they merely wasted time until the lion beastmen and the elephant beastman, accompanied by a lioness perched on the elephant's shoulder, drew near.

Their decision-making seemed paralyzed.

Victor, the negotiator and person in charge, was visibly grappling with the situation. The burly man named Berke Golt clenched his teeth so hard it seemed like they might grind together, while Kuzel Giddy of the Black Armor Knights stared at Victor with a troubled expression.

Victor, the designated negotiator, was making a show of nonchalance. After the initial shock and fear had subsided, he managed to plaster a frivolous smile on his face.

I couldn't help but be somewhat impressed.

He could have fled to fetch Leopold at my command, but after hesitating and deliberating, he had ultimately chosen to stay. It seemed like he was half paralyzed but still decided to remain in place.

The Beast King and his men were now quite close.

They were within earshot, their distance such that a raised voice would reach them.

I noticed the lioness, Lex Asuka, perched on the elephant beastman's shoulder, covering her ears with both hands. It wasn’t a gesture of listening closely—it was the opposite. It was an attempt to block out the noise.

A sense of foreboding gripped me, and I took the same action as Lex.

It was the right call.

――GROOAAARRR――!!

Suddenly, a roar that vibrated through my entire body, not just my eardrums, erupted.

It was the roar of a lion.

The roar of the Beast King Brandon Kruger. It was a colossal sound that surely reached the beastmen army behind us, the fortress within, and even the human forces.

Now that I think about it, Randall used magic to amplify his roars into physical shockwaves. It’s likely Brandon can do something similar. Even though the lion princess Lapis Kruger isn’t as strong as Randall, she can use claws similar to Randall’s.

The roar was so enormous it felt like it could have flattened the surrounding grass.

Naturally, the three humans, who hadn’t anticipated such a thing, stared dumbfounded at the approaching Beast King, their souls seemingly drained.

However, Brandon and the others paid no heed to the humans.

Continuing as if they were simply taking a casual stroll, Brandon raised a hand and flashed a friendly smile.

It was a confident, charismatic smile of a Beast King.

While I wasn't about to fall for it, I couldn’t deny it was impressive.

There might have been some internal change in Brandon from killing and usurping as a Beast King. Well, it’s hard to imagine nothing changed.

“It’s been a while, Euphemia Grimwood. I hear things have become quite interesting. Is there a commotion in my domain that I wasn’t informed about?”

“It seems you’re doing well, too. But allow me to correct you. This is my domain, not just the vicinity of yours.”

“Ah, so it is. I was considering offering my assistance as a good neighbor, but if it’s unnecessary, I’ll refrain from stepping in.”

With a huff and a charming smile.

I responded with a haughty smile of my own.

“Don’t be shy, Beast King Brandon Kruger. It’s a rare excursion, so enjoy it. Your dear neighbor is currently being demeaned by those wretched humans. Since you’re here, you might as well lend a hand.”

“...I see. Though, it seems you’re the one who should be extending a hand.”

Brandon showed a wry smile and finally turned his gaze to the still-dazed humans. The pressure from his aura made Victor’s companions, who were not warriors, react strongly.

Unable to bear it, they crouched down, gripping their sword hilts, and assumed a combat stance.

Yet, the Beast King seemed indifferent, taking a step forward and smiling at them.

“Quite the attitude, but I am a forgiving sort, so I’ll let it slide. I am Beast King Brandon Kruger. What business do you have with my dear neighbor? If you intend to harm them, it goes without saying where our allegiance will lie.”

The pressure intensified.

In the meantime, his sister Lapis, with a grin of delight, sidled up to me and whispered,

“Brother seems thrilled to offer his assistance.”

Ah, the troubles of being a charming beauty.

“Beast King… Lord Brandon Kruger…”

Victor managed to force out these words, his eyes wide and bulging as if they might pop out. Still, he didn’t attempt to flee. He didn’t even glance at his remaining two companions, who remained in their combat stance.

“What is it? Do you need something from me?”

Brandon tilted his head with a casual air, though his imposing presence remained unchanged. Glancing back, I noticed the "Healing Saint" held captive by Junos had turned pale.

She was likely used to numerous injuries and even seen deaths, but facing the pressure from a strong individual was a new experience for her.

Well, I’m not particularly used to it either. To be honest, if a kobold went all out, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Whether it’s a kobold or a Beast King, it’s all the same. I won’t die, nor can I die, and I can’t overcome violence.

“I—I am the representative and negotiator for the human forces stationed behind. Beast King Brandon Kruger, what about… Euphemia Grimwood…?”

“Did you not hear? I said she is my dear neighbor. Furthermore, as Euphemia mentioned, this entire area is her domain. Or perhaps it’s better to say I’ve acknowledged it. That should be clearer for you humans.”

“S-So… If we were to harm her, we would become your enemies…?”

“Indeed.”

“…………I see…………”

Nodding, there was a brief silence.

While Victor likely engaged in rapid internal calculations, the busty 'furless' lioness who had been lowered from the elephant beastman’s shoulder came prancing up to my side. She leaned in, whispering like Lapis had.

“There is food aid from the Spade Territory. If this situation drags on, they’ve promised additional support, though it’s a secret for now.”

“Oh…”