Chapter 731: Did 668 go into the brothel?
Ever since arriving in this world, Shane had never felt like the main character.
Yet when it came to women's favor, he couldn't help but think he had a bit of a protagonist's charm.
Just after becoming an adventurer and joining an adventurer team, all the members turned out to be exceptional beauties probably handpicked from thousands.
The true face of the unparalleled princess hailed as the most beautiful in the Human Race, which no one knew, was discovered by Shane. Through various exchanges, their relationship naturally progressed, and they became betrothed.
One of the Six Great Demons that stood at the apex of the Demon Realm had also become his fiancée.
An Elf Clan beauty who had never reached fruition in her relationships was also first claimed by him, breaking the precedent.
Even the Lady of the Elbein Family who had received the unknown Blessing of the Goddess of Fate, and was from the same lineage as the Kingdom Treasure, was plucked by him.
Finally, Shane had even visited the Elf Country filled with only beauties, becoming the only male foreigner received by the Elf Clan since the previous Hero, staying for a whole half month in the land of only elf maidens.
Now, he had come to the Demon Realm and, after an accident, was he being welcomed into a tribe known for its beauties?
With such luck with women, Shane couldn't believe there wasn't some protagonist's fortune at play.
When he thought about it, during the time he was dealing with Moro, searching for the High Priest's secret base, and entering the underground prison to rescue Cappelen, he had also feasted his eyes, hadn't he?
Could it be that people who reincarnate into otherworlds all inevitably face the fate of creating a harem?
Bathed in the curious gazes of the beauties of the Sand Scale Clan, Shane was lost in these nuanced thoughts as Shajina led him into an extraordinary-looking building.
Here, a group of people was ready to welcome Shane's arrival.
"Welcome to the territory of the Sand Scale Clan. Please excuse any lack of hospitality," said a Sand Scale Clan man standing at the forefront of the reception line, with utmost respect.
He was of advanced age, appearing like a human in his fifties; his hair was not yet white, but crow's feet were evident near his eyes. Scales, like those of fish, covered nearly half of his face, making this Sand Scale Clan man seem formidable.
"Father."
Shajina bowed deeply to the man.
The older Sand Scale man before them was the Clan Leader of the Sand Scale Clan, Shajina's father, a being of Level 79 and an upper-level demon nearing Eighty.
"How may I address you?"
Shane took a moment to assess the other, asking the question while feeling somewhat introspective.
According to Shajina, the Sand Scale Clan was a relatively weak race in the Demon Realm, with few strong individuals, which is why they only resided on the periphery of the Enchanting Demon Territory, considered a minor group among the many races of the Demon Realm.
Yet, even such a minor group had an upper-level demon nearing Level Eighty.
If such a group was considered minor among the Demon Realm's countless races, like stars in the sky, how terrifying were the truly powerful groups?
And how great would the total military capability of the Demon Clan be, encompassing so many races?
Shane felt as if he was getting some insight into the real power of this supreme race that even the Divine Race could not deal with.
Of course, while Shane was musing over this, Shajina's father, the Clan Leader of the Sand Scale Clan, also marveled.
"Just call me Sharyon," he said, expressing his amazement.
"Even though I had received advance word from Shajina that a Legendary Human adventurer would grace our lands, I did not expect you to be so young."
Evidently, Shane's young-looking appearance along with his remarkable strength were a surprise to the Sand Scale Clan, including Sharyon.
Shane knew that showing legendary strength at his apparent age was bound to seem outlandish, even in the Demon Realm.
To avoid doubts, Shane said nonchalantly, "Clan Leader, you flatter me too much. I only appear young, but in reality, I'm almost reaching fifty. It's the blessing of a Goddess of the Divine Race that allows me to maintain my youthful appearance."
"I see."
Shajina, who stood by, showed a look of realization upon hearing this.
"Please address me by my name," Sharyon responded, seemingly coming to terms with the situation, yet his attitude remained as respectful: "You are a Legendary being, deserving to be received with the utmost hospitality even by the powerful Stone Woman Clan of the Enchanting Demon Domain. You could sit with their leaders as equals. Our minor fringe group does not merit your respect."
His demeanor was quite humble.
But that was the Demon Realm, a world where strength dictates respect.
Here, weakness is a sin; even if you're a Goddess of the Divine Race or a King of a major human Kingdom, without compelling strength, you won't be respected.
Conversely, as long as one has the strength and is powerful, except for some ideologically extreme groups, even a human will receive a degree of respect.
This atmosphere was somewhat similar to that of the martially focused Ragna Empire.
It's just that the Demon Realm took it to a more thorough extreme.
Thinking this, Shane decided not to be ceremonious.
"Then I'll call you Sharyon directly."
Shane accepted Sharyon's suggestion.
Sharyon finally allowed a faint smile and ushered Shane into the building behind them.
There weren't many accompanying them, other than Shajina, the daughter of the Clan Leader, and a few Sand Scale Clan members of notably higher levels.
They dared not neglect Shane, so they staged a grand reception.
Shane was ushered into a hall by his hosts, where he took a seat alongside Sharyon.
Sharyon immediately commanded his servants to bring forth the finest wines and delicacies—even summoning the Sand Scale Clan's troupe of beautiful dancers, who gracefully performed in the hall with song and dance.
Truth be told, Shane had never experienced hospitality quite so fervent before.
Especially since the Sand Scale Clan was truly abundant in beauties—the sight of these Sand Scale Clan maidens dancing together was a delightful pleasure, almost causing Shane to forget his original purpose.
After the performance, Sharyon even went as far as to send the two most attractive Sand Scale Clan women to attend to Shane, offering him wine and massaging his shoulders.
Shane felt as if he had walked into a brothel and the awkwardness in his heart was beyond words.
(Fortunately, Lilith and You Lin were not here...)
Shane felt some relief.
After all, this scene was somewhat inappropriate for children, not quite the experience for the young.
Of course, had Lilith and You Lin been there, perhaps Sharyon would have hosted differently.
Shane could see that the Shalin Clan Chief was very perceptive and shrewd, always observing his every word and action and immediately changing the entertainment and manner of hospitality at any sign of Shane's impatience or displeasure.
Clearly, this esteemed Clan Leader was very keen on courting Shane's favor.
If children had indeed been present, would Sharyon have altered the situation immediately upon Shane showing the slightest discomfort?
This left Shane unsure whether to feel fortunate or discouraged, his mood once again growing subtly complex.
Watching the Sand Scale Clan beauties by his side become increasingly bold in their touches, gravitating towards places they ought not, Shane quickly returned to the matter at hand.
"Sharyon, you must have heard from your daughter the purpose of my visit, haven't you?"
Shane struggled to extricate himself from these pleasurable distractions.
"Yes," Sharyon turned to face Shane, saying, "My lord has come here to meet the Enchanting Demon Lord, right?"
"More or less," Shane didn't deny, saying, "I hear that she resides in the heartland of the Enchanting Demon Territory, correct?"
"That's right," Sharyon nodded, saying, "The Enchanting Demon Lord's castle is indeed in the heart of the Enchanting Demon Domain. If we ride the fastest Flying Series demon in our Clan, it should take around three days."
"Three days?" Shane pondered for a moment, "And after reaching the Enchanting Demon Domain, can I meet the Enchanting Demon Lord?"
On this question... Sharyon gave a wry smile and said, "That question, I'm afraid I cannot answer it for you."
Upon hearing this, before Shane could respond, Shajina spoke up.
"The Enchanting Demon Lord's castle may indeed be within the Enchanting Demon Domain, but how can a marginal and weak race like ours get in touch with a being of a demon's level?" Shajina sighed, "Not to mention us of the Sand Scale Clan, even the Stone Woman Clan, rumored to have three Legendary warriors, finds it difficult to meet the Enchanting Demon Lord. Only the Legendary warrior among them who became a subordinate of the Enchanting Demon Lord often sees her, while others, even the Stone Woman Clan Leader who is also Legendary, seldom get the chance to meet her."
Legendary warriors, while esteemed and ruling their own territories within the Demon Realm, are in comparison but minnows to a demon.
So, even Legendary warriors, unless they are officers, find it hard to meet a demon as they wish.
"Especially an existence like the Enchanting Demon Lord who, amongst the Six Great Demons, is second only in reclusiveness to the Dragon Demon Lord, who usually resides in deep sleep and is the hardest to encounter."
Sharyon's remarks piqued Shane's curiosity.
"Why?" Shane inquired with curiosity, "Does the Enchanting Demon Lord rarely go out?"
The answer to this question, however, was beyond Shane's expectations.
"No, the Enchanting Demon Lord is different from the Dragon Demon Lord; she isn't secluded but often goes out for pleasure."
Sharyon delivered this unexpected response.
But...
"It's because the Enchanting Demon Lord frequently travels for pleasure that each appearance causes the utmost commotion."
Shajina lamented in such a manner.
"If she often travels for pleasure, then why is it so difficult to meet her?"
Shane was perplexed.
Under these circumstances, Shajina spoke earnestly.
"Because, those who have seen the Enchanting Demon Lord end up unwilling to leave."
Shajina said so.
"The Enchanting Demon Lord is the most tempting and beautiful being in this world... no, in all of Omni Potanssen."
"All who have seen the Enchanting Demon Lord, whether man or woman, end up captivated, driven mad by her."
"Every single outing of the Enchanting Demon Lord is met with attempts to stop her."
"Therefore, my lord, wishing to see the Enchanting Demon Lord you're taken with, might prove very difficult."
Shajina's gravely solemn words finally made Shane understand the situation.
Suddenly, Shane was briefly taken aback.
Wait a second...
"Taken with?"
Had he... misunderstood?