Rasal Marfik... Known as the Martyr of Death, she was a figure feared throughout the Demon Realm on par with Tiamat, the Monster of the Black Forest.
However, unlike Tiamat and her peculiar proclivities, Rasal was a fundamentally intellectual and composed individual. Aside from a few specific people—most notably Sirius, with whom she was constantly bickering—her demeanor was quite gentlemanly and polite.
As for why she was so feared, a great deal of it was simply a matter of appearance.
...S-So scary... W-What's with that huge coffin? It really is a coffin, right? What does she use it for? I can't think of any reason to carry one other than for corpses... D-Does she put the people she kills in there to take home? Her magic power is overwhelming, too. Kaito-kun really is something, being able to talk to her like everything's normal.
As Kaori watched Kaito and Rasal speak, her first impression was identical to most: the massive coffin strapped to the woman's back was impossible to ignore.
There was a practical reason for it, however. Rasal was a necromancer, and the coffin served as her primary medium for casting spells. Since necromancy was more efficient when channeled through items associated with death, carrying it was a rational, if unsettling, choice.
Of course, given Rasal’s high level of skill, she could easily cast her magic without any medium at all. However, her researcher's temperament made her prioritize efficiency above all else.
Then there was the jet-black robe she wore, its hood pulled low to hide her face. This was another practical choice—protection against chemical splashes during her research—but combined with the coffin, it gave her a distinctly suspicious air.
Most significant of all was her aura. Kaito was immune to it and Rasal herself often forgot its effect, but immense magic power naturally exerted a crushing pressure on others.
For a powerhouse of the highest-ranking Count-class, that pressure was formidable. However, the exact amount of intimidation varied by individual, as many high-ranking demons adjusted their output depending on the situation.
The Seven Princesses, for instance, frequently interacted with the weak—including Lilliwood, who was worshipped as a deity in some regions. To avoid overwhelming their followers, they normally suppressed their magic power to a minimum.
Similarly, the Ten Demons often operated under secret identities or carried out intelligence missions. They kept their power strictly hidden to avoid detection.
On the other hand, the Five War Generals—with the exception of the humble Ozma—usually cloaked themselves in a significant amount of power as a display of strength, even if they were technically restraining themselves. The Four Great Magic Dragons followed a similar philosophy, maintaining a massive aura to demonstrate their dignity as members of the War King Faction.
As for Rasal, she suppressed her power somewhat but still maintained enough of an aura to be recognized as a true powerhouse. She did this for the sake of her lord, Isis, ensuring that the Death King's subordinates would never be underestimated.
To ordinary people like Kaori and Elis, this came across as a wave of pure intimidation. Even so, Kaori remained relatively composed.
Well, I mean... compared to the War King-sama, this is nothing. Then again, maybe my point of comparison is just broken...
Having met Megiddo several times—a man who radiated a world-shaking aura with no intention of holding back—Kaori found Rasal’s presence frightening but not paralyzing. When she had first met Megiddo, the mere sight of him had nearly moved her to tears.
Noticing Kaori’s gaze, Kaito glanced her way, silently asking if she wanted an introduction. Kaori caught his meaning instantly and gave a frantic, subtle shake of her head.
She assumed there might be an opportunity later, but for now, she hoped Rasal would focus solely on her greeting to Elis. Unfortunately, that hope...
"Oh? And who might this lady be? One of you is clearly the Pope, but the other otherworlder... I believe I caught a glimpse of her at the shipboard party?"
...was dashed in an instant. Since Kaito’s gaze had already signaled her presence, Rasal naturally turned her attention to the rest of the group. Kaori sighed internally, offering a wry, resigned smile as she accepted her fate.
"Ah, this is a former Hero-role..." Kaito began.
"I-I'm Kaori Mizuhara."
"I see. You have my thanks for the introduction. I am Rasal Marfik, a subordinate of Death King Isis-sama. Since you are a friend of Miyama Kaito-sama, I imagine our paths will cross again. I look forward to our future acquaintance."
"Ah, yes. I look forward to it as well."
Despite her frightening exterior, Rasal’s conduct was perfectly dignified. Kaori managed to return the greeting without stumbling over her words, though the tension was undeniable.
My list of incredible acquaintances just keeps growing... Kaori thought. She let out a small breath and subconsciously rubbed her stomach, feeling a faint, familiar ache beginning to stir.
Serious-senpai: "If they stay at Elis's store through Part 50 and then just change the subtitle to continue the date... there's still plenty of time for Elis to take another direct hit to her stomach."