5 - The humans are likely to die even if not conquered

“Then our goal is to conquer the human world,” Merle said, nodding. “I’m kind of excited.”

“Let’s attack this small town within this area!” Succubus said. “There are not too many people living there, but it will be the first step in your rule!”

“She must have a deep grudge to be this eager,” Merle thought. And she may have just sat taken the throne, but she didn’t share the same sentiment. Rather, her excitement was from being able to live as she wanted.

No worrying about employment or social status. No taxes, no bowing to any rulers. Live as you desire.

Was there anything more wonderful?

Merle left the castle with Succubus carrying her again, this time being held from behind. As Merle relished the feeling of Succubus’ soft, large breasts on the back of her head, she spotted a small town below. It was surrounded by rocky mountains and only had a dozen or so houses, but it was a good candidate for the first step in world domination.

Merle was careful in her descent. She may have had the sword, but her demonic army was only two strong. There was no chance they’d be surrounded and overwhelmed, but she still intended to retain control after the fighting was over.

They landed in a plaza with a fountain, but no one was around. Even if it was early in the evening, there were no signs of life, not even the sound of people’s voices. Merle ordered Succubus back up in the air for a better look.

“Your Majesty!” Succubus cried as she turned and pointed somewhere. “I see humans! But they are very weak!”

“Take me to them!” Merle replied.

They moved from the square to a street between some homes. There were no signs of life as if they had already been abandoned, damage to the structures exposed the interior to the elements. After some searching, they finally found a human:

A man sitting down before one of the houses.

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However, Merle was shocked to see his state: his cheeks were gaunt, his limbs were thin, and his body was just skin and bones. His clothes were so damaged from the elements they could be barely called that–tattered cloth might have been more accurate.

“They’d probably die even if we didn’t attack,” Merle thought.

“Now, Your Majesty!” Succubus cried. “Let us kill them at once!”

“Empathy is as moot if the other party isn’t another human,” Merle thought. “Hold it,” she said. “They’re going to die even if we leave them alone.”

Merle would draw her sword against those who stand against her. This, however, just felt like kicking the downtrodden.

“ This is not like a Demon King,” Merle thought as she lowered her sword, unable to bring herself to end his life. If anything, she wanted to do help him.

“T-Traveler? Do you have any food?”

Merle turned around and saw a young girl in rags, thin as the man, tugging at her skirt and looking at her with desperate eyes.