Dungeon Overlord: Monster Girl Harem!

Leonhardt wandered the village, enjoying the sights and listening to the people to ensure he could take the best possible action when needed. After walking for a while, he found himself outside a small, worn-out building. It was just beside the delicious skewer stall, which he had visited the day before.

"Oh? If it isn't the handsome customer!"

The wife, who was sweating slightly, appeared from the door, holding a huge steel cauldron with a fixed lid. Likely their secret sauce.

"My Lady, do you need help?"

After studying many books on human culture using his parallel thought, the manner of his speaking changed to suit the moment and situation. He placed a hand on the barrel and, without effort, flipped it into the slot of thier stall with a low thud.

"Oh my, such an eloquent tone and strong body. I am envious~ haha." The husband stepped outside, his knives and skewers sparkling clean.

Leonhardt smiled back and gave a polite wave, "sorry to bother you. Honestly I couldn't forget the taste of your craft and found myself standing here. Haha."

"Eh?" The middle-aged man looked at Leonhardt, stunned, his eyes twitched and seemed almost wet upon hearing his words. "R-really?"

"Of course, the subtle hints of spice and the creamy taste of the yoghurt dip that accents and smooths the heat..." He wasn't lying—for the first time since awakening in this world, apart from Papilion, this man's skewers made Leonhardt want to eat.

"Mister, please try a fresh one."

Leonhardt took the hot, sizzling meat and bit down, savouring the flavour with a deep breath.

"How is it?"

"Hmmm!?" His eyes widened; the taste wasn't spicy, but fresh, a little fruity, and quite sweet. The flavour was reminiscent of almonds and cream; it was lightly seasoned and felt light on the tongue. "This is good, it's light! I could eat ten of these... amazing."

Neither of the humans understood the significance of a monster saying this to them, but their smiles beamed. As Leonhardt made his decision, he leaned closer to the man behind the cart.

"Do you love this village?"

A strange question, the man tilted his head as if thinking.

"Well... not really, it's just another place for me to ply my trade."

"I see..." Leonhardt glanced at his wife as she handed over the money to customers. He noticed she was wearing a thick, hooded cloak, which was a good fit for her dark skin and long, dark red hair. The first time he came, he had almost missed this, sure that she looked different. Even the male looked more tanned and closer to Leon in colour right now.

"Do you have any desires to work in better conditions?"

"Hmmm? You sound like some shady salesman right now, haha."

Leonhardt chuckled and shook his head.

"No. I'm one of the leaders of the new kingdom... Embevale, in charge of the City Luka and I'm here to recruit talented individuals like yourself. My name is Leon."

Although he could easily reveal his identity, he wanted to keep it veiled for now to avoid giving the church too much power. In his evolved state, most people who knew the former Leonhardt might be shocked when they meet his new self.

"Really?"

"I can offer land for you and your family if needed. Also, I plan to open multiple restaurants within the next year or two, with my current funds we can pay a good wage."

"I'm Alda, a pleasure, Leon. But what's the catch, although the other side has amazing and mystical rumours like a dream... working for a monster and with monsters is strange. Don't monsters eat humans? Why would they like this meat?"

The male leaned forward, holding out his hand.

Leonhardt smiled back and accepted his firm grasp, giving it a good squeeze but not enough to break anything. The feeling of mutual respect filled the air between them. "Monsters might not eat normal food, normally but... look here." With a whisp of aura, the slight mask of Leonhardt's figure that made him look like a tall human with dark skin faded, causing the man to gasp.

Only strong warriors or those with eyes could see his proper form, but since Alda was someone he wanted to win over... Leonhardt revealed himself as a Majin.

"Y-your..."

"Do you understand what I am?"

"A devil?" The human said in an almost whisper.

"No, I am a Majin. A humanoid monster born from the fusion of a Djin and several other races, like a Fae and an incubus."

Leon enchanted his words. To stop people from spreading his words. And if someone without permission heard them, it would sound like gibberish, because Leon used the native tongue of the desert clans in the far south.

"Then you are like us?"

"Are you from the south?"

The male nodded and turned to his wife, who was staring at them with a curious expression.

"Forgive me, I do not know who or where I was created... and woke up in the basin. However, the Djin is a creature both revered and feared by the desert people right?"

"Yes, they are said to be holy protectors of humans and those who judge those who betray our people."

"Then this is your chance to join me. In exchange, I will protect you and your family. If you wish to move, then you can, as long as you keep my identity confidential. Please, just enjoy your lives. I want to protect this flavour, to nurture it along with the great kingdom of Embervale, where all are even beneath the everburning forest."

Propaganda, but Leonhardt believed this... at least those who believed in him and followed him were all equals to him.

[You're changing into such a charming man...]

(What's this, you're not pretending to be embarassed!? Ifrit... are you sick?)

[Shut up...]

The flaming demon turned away, grumbling in his spirit chamber with a huff.

Leonhardt closed his eyes and moved forward with a soft smile, "So please... if you will take my hand, escape this village before the humans endanger your lives." He flicked his gaze to the lord's castle, and Alba gasped.

"Did you already know?"

"That the lord is seeking to steal your recipe and profit from it?"

"...honey?" The beautiful maiden of the sands came closer, noticing the conversation and waiting for her husband's permission to join. "I am Vasha... my husband's eternal wife and partner."

"A pleasure, I am Leon. I'm sorry for approaching you at such a time..."

"It's fine, as long as we are together." She hugged her husband with a smile, the two obviously in love and happy.

Still... it is hard to understand fully.

"What about payment? Can we discuss that?" His wife's careful smile switched, and she suddenly became like a panther ready to pounce for any benefit or gain she could receive.

"The payment and taxes should be much better than now, the tax in Lukas is 5% of profit, and 2% for borrowing the land. If you want a home instead, we can offer one in exchange for your work."

"B-but isn't that unfair? You will lose money with such a small amount of tax..."

Leonhardt shook his head and smiled softly at the two humans. "The land is bountiful, all that is lacking is people and those who wish to help it grow, I think you are just such an individual." He turned to Alba, whose eyes were open wide as if shocked.

"I accept."

"Honey!"

"I promise that you will never regret this option, and from this moment the Dungeon Master of Embervale will protect your livelyhood and safety, never forget our agreement."

The two humans stared at Leonhardt's form, a strange pressure surrounding him, as a wave of power, like that of a deity, descended into the mortal world. They could sense the magical energies converging and forming around them, but at the same time, there was no overbearing feeling; instead, it slowly seeped into them.

Words... a contract, the king's laws folded into their minds as they accepted.

"Such... magic..."

"It is the law of Embervale, we keep our word and don't break promises."

His aura vanished in an instant, leaving behind only the faint scent of something sweet and refreshing... and both Vasha and Alba no longer felt the cold winds of the north; instead, the warmth of the sun felt like a gentle cloak that enveloped them, like being back home in the sweltering desert... a nostalgic feeling.

"From now on, you are protected. Take pride, I believe in your skill... one day we shall enjoy the finest food prepared by humans. This will be our kingdom's accomplishment."

The two were stunned at the grandiose of his words, but after accepting his dense aura and the strange laws now imprinted in them, could anyone doubt the truth?

"Ho ho ho." A strange voice sounded from the side, causing all three people to turn.

The smile on Vasha's face vanished as she pulled her robe tight, hiding her voluptuous figure. Alba also seemed a little sensitive—his brows were tight, and his smile darkened instantly.

"Lord Assquat1!"

Pronounced "Asshat"