The cube had been completed.
That means it's the best conclusion.
However...
Everyone in the conference room, including the Demon King, held their breath.
'It took a rough turn.'
It means that the 0th Corps Commander felt uncomfortable.
The Demon King carefully examined Deon's expression. Expressionless as usual. That's why he was more concerned. He didn't know what he was thinking.
However, he seemed to know for sure that he was not in a good mood, so he opened his mouth as if being chased.
"Of course, I know very well what type of combat you specialize in."
"..."
"But monsters also have emotions. Rather, they are more faithful to their emotions than those with intellect. So I'm sure your fighting style will work well."
"..."
Still no answer.
The Demon King, who became anxious at this, looked at Deon's eyes and added slowly.
"Besides, you were looking for alcohol before, right?"
He flinched.
The fingertips holding the cube moved slightly.
At the same time, Deon's expression cracked slightly. And what was revealed was an expression that seemed to indicate slight embarrassment and denial.
In contrast, the Demon King's face became brighter after checking that expression, confident that he had guessed correctly.
"Doesn't that mean a lot of boredom has accumulated? Wouldn't it be best to use this opportunity to let it go?"
"..."
Was it too explicit?
The cool silence stood as close as a knife, aiming in all directions.
The source is, of course, Deon.
Judging by the mood, he felt like he should say something more, but he'd already said everything he wanted to say.
In the tense atmosphere, the Demon King quietly waited for his answer.
How much time passed? Deon's head, which seemed to never move for the rest of his life, slowly shook up and down.
***
I calmly and slowly nodded my head. It was intended to interpret the words of the Demon King, who only said things that were incomprehensible, but even though it was interpreted from multiple angles, the conclusion was narrowed down to one.
'So you're saying it's because I was looking for alcohol?'
I barely stopped my hand from touching my forehead.
That excuse is flimsy. Are you telling me to be deceived or not?
The Demon King is not foolish enough to criticize something like this, so he probably made a flimsy excuse on purpose.
So, this must be an expression of his will to send me unconditionally at any cost, even if I refuse.
'Ha... really.'
There is no choice. I forced my head to nod and felt remorse, but that didn't last long.
As soon as I could express my affirmation, someone stood up from one corner of the table and raised their hand.
"Then I'll apply too!"
"...Lirinel?"
I was a little surprised when a hand suddenly rose from a place I thought wasn't there, but I relaxed a little when I saw the familiar appearance that was revealed next.
11th Corps Commander Lirinel. She had the most reassuring appearance, so every time I met him, I would give her various things out of joy.
Of course, I know that that girl has the second highest magical power after the Demon King. I also know very well that they are called a little devil on the battlefield.
However, humans are always caught in a narrow-minded way of thinking. Unfortunately, I was also one of those people.
What's so dangerous about such a small kid? Well, I treated her comfortably with that kind of mentality... but she said she was applying? That kid?
"There are four big cities. I heard that the number of monsters surging in is increasing by the day."
Belitan nodded quietly.
Lirinel seemed to have gained strength from the silent affirmation and said, clenching her small hands, "So what we need is a corps commander who can most efficiently protect the four cities that are separated from each other."
"Do you want to say that's you?"
"Yes! Belitan is your typical ignorant martial artist who wields an axe. Demon uses a dagger."
I'm not the only one who heard this, right?
I glanced at Belitan's face and saw that he too must have heard her, unable to say anything in bewilderment, just opening his mouth.
Was there something between the two? For some reason, it seems like Lirinel is setting an edge against Belitan...
"No matter how good your fighting style is with a weapon, all you have to do is protect the castle you are staying in."
"So, you, who use magic, are going to step forward?"
"Yes!"
"Are you so selfless?"
"Of course!"
"..."
"..."
A sighing sound emerged from among the Corps Commanders. No, it wasn't a sigh, but I think it was closer to a groan.
Lirinel fidgeted, glanced at me, and spread her shoulders wide as if she had made up her mind.
"I'll tell you again, there are four cities. So, if Belitan and Demon take charge of one each, and I take care of two, I will thank Demon for his hard work... no, not like this."
"Lirinel."
"Yes?"
The Demon King changed his posture. He tilted his body, rested his chin, and gently folded the corners of his eyes towards Lirinel. It was a smile so bright that it would captivate anyone.
But I know. That's a bad-tempered smile made to torture the other person with hope before rejecting them.
But the Demon King uttered one word while maintaining his bright smile. Words so short that you might not believe your ears.
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Do it. I will allow it."
***
The Demon King showed a benevolent expression towards Lirinel, who had a puzzled expression on her face.
Strangely enough, she volunteered to help, but how can Ianyonesay something to her face?
Of course, it wasn't out of any pure intentions. Because she likes Deon.
She didn't insist on protecting the same city, but simply offered to take charge of two cities by herself to save Deon the trouble, so why would the Demon King refuse?
If she had been overcome by emotion and made an irrational proposal to keep the same castle, he would never have allowed it.
Rather, he would have been angry.
"You want to save Demon some trouble, right? Do whatever you feel like."
In the first place, Deon was sent to relieve stress, but it would be difficult to worry about multiple cities at once and he would become stressed again.
There was nothing more dangerous than a stressed Deon, at least in this Demon Castle, so in that sense, Lirinel's positive attitude was indeed welcome.
Therefore, the Demon King willingly allowed the 11th Corps Commander, who was originally responsible for the Demon King's Castle's protection barrier, to go out.
It;s easy to deal with attacks from the outside with peace of mind, but there is nothing more difficult to deal with than an ally running rampant inside.
"Instead, before you leave, let's fix the Castle's barrier."
"Yes! I will make sure it lasts for 100 years!"
...To stay strong for 100 years?
The Demon King just laughed.
***
After the meeting, everything went smoothly.
What that means is....
"Commander Demon, everything is ready."
"Are you sure you really prepared everything?"
"Yes, it's perfect."
"Still, just in case, think about it carefully. Have you
forgotten anything?"
"No, I haven't."
"Because that memory isn't something you can trust..."
"Just in case, I asked people who have connections with Demon to tell me more about what he needs. Nothing was missing."
Perfect. They're so perfect I feel like crying.
In the end, a voice close to a groan came out of my mouth.
"Isn't that too fast...?"
"That's too much praise. It's been a while since Commander Demon has gone out, so shouldn't we prepare as quickly as possible?"
It's not that. No.
Why is my lieutenant so capable...!
The 6th and 11th Corps are still in full swing, but only our Corps has already completed preparations and was waiting outside.
This brings the day of death closer.
As I was lying on the bed in frustration, Ed came from somewhere holding a black robe.
"Since you're going out, you'll need to wear bandages."
Well, I guess so. There is no harm, it is all the same.
When I go out to the human world, where the sun is, I wrap bandages all over my bare skin and put a robe on top of it. There is no need to explain how meticulous it is.
'It's a little frustrating, but... I can't help it.'
What can I do with my weak body?
If my eyes or skin are exposed to sunlight for even a short period of time, problems can occur, so I have no choice but to cover up, even if it is uncomfortable.
You might ask, isn't just wearing a robe enough?
However, because the robe could flutter around and expose bare skin such as the hands, arms, or face, it was safest to wrap a bandage over my body in advance and then wear a robe over it.
'Actually, there is no need for a robe in the demon world, but it is a symbol of sorts.'
It was like that because the '0th Corps Commander' always wore black robes on the battlefield.
To put it mildly, I was even given the nickname 'Reaper'.
Actually, there was a modifier saying 'crazy' in front of it, but I will arbitrarily remove that. Other things are different, but especially this since it must have originated from a solid misunderstanding.
"Commander Demon?"
"Ah."
I pressed my cheek to the bed sheet, blinked, and stretched out my hand to grab the robe. Then Ed took a step away.
"...?"
Despite the annoyance, I raised my head with difficulty. Ed was still holding the robe.
I stretched out my arms again and showed his intention to receive the robe, but all I got in return was silence. Even after waiting for a long time, the robe was not placed in my hand.
I was very annoyed, but I didn't have the courage to get angry at Ed, who was a candidate for Corps Commander, so in the end, I suppressed my frustration and muttered, "...Give it to me."
"I'll put it on for you."
"Ed, I say this all the time, but it's not necessary...."
"It's because I want to do it."
"..."
I feel burdened. Go away, okay?
Ed is the most capable deputy out of all the other deputies.
Since he was a candidate for Corps Commander in the first place, his value can be easily understood without having to elaborate.
How would I feel about having to hire such a talented person?
I like that he is competent and has a kind personality, but somehow I feel like my blood is drying up every day.
Especially when ordering him to do something.
It's roughly like this.
'What if he tries to kill me for making him work too much?'
Or, in the distant future, when they find out that I am a useless person.
'He might even try to kill me for making him pandering to such a bastard.'
So, as much as possible, I try not to make him work... but if this guy doesn't work, I wonder if he has a disease that causes thorns to grow, and he just looks for work day after day.
From going to the human world just to buy a new puzzle or cube, to something as trivial as buying outerwear.
'Please get some rest, you bastard!'
My conscience and survival instincts are ringing alarm bells like crazy, thinking that this talented person would only serve as a servant.
But Ed persuaded me faster than I could open my mouth to say no.
"If you look at the adjutants of other Corps Commanders, they are all half-corpses, walking around holding documents. Even while eating, they can't let go of the documents. But I am
watching all of this with a clean face without a single dark circle, holding silverware with my hand that is not holding a single document. How do you think I feel?"
"..."
Do you think you'll be happy?
But this isn't the answer he wants.
As I quietly closed my mouth, Ed let out a faint sigh. Then, he lightly lifted the robe he was holding to make it easier to wear and said, "I'm asking this because I feel like if I don't do this, I really will have no reason to exist. Will you allow me to put it on you?"
"...As you please."
The word is permission, but I have no choice.
Just as I was about to sigh and obediently receive Ed's attention, I heard a knock on the door.
Not missing the opportunity, I quickly pulled away and nodded toward the door as if I had been waiting.
"It looks like someone came."
"I will go."
Ed put the robe down on the bed and headed towards the door.
Meanwhile, I quickly picked up the robe and put it on. It was a quick and perfect scheme that made me proud.
But I guess that wasn't the case with Ed.
"Commander Demon, the Commander of the 12th Corps visited... Did you put it on yourself?"
"Yes."
"It's a mess, isn't it?"
Was I wearing this too hastily?
When I looked again, my robe was disheveled here and there. Still, I don't think it's to the point where I can't wear it completely... Sigh?! Was it enough to make you sigh?
Ed, sighing inaudibly, approached me again and straightened up the crumpled and disheveled hem of my robe. As he knotted the straps that held the loose robe in place to prevent it from falling off, he resumed what he had meant to say a moment ago.
"The Commander of the 12th Corps has visited. Would you like to meet her?"
"The 12th Corps Commander...?"