Chapter 3

And thus, the Free City of Arsenam fell into the hands of the Demon Army.

The number of casualties among the Undying Brigade was in the dozens.

Since the number of casualties on the Arsenam side was in the hundreds, considering the size of the city, it could be said that the city fell with minimal loss of life.

However, the orc strategist seemed a bit dissatisfied.

"Of course, it's not a bad thing that there are few casualties on our side, but isn't the number of enemy generals' heads too few?"

I would like to say, "That's because we kept it to a minimum," but I don't say it out loud.

Instead, I respond this way.

"The current Demon King values results more than the number of enemy heads, unlike the previous Demon King. He will properly evaluate our military achievements."

—Or so I hope, but I'm not confident.

Indeed, as the orc strategist points out, the evaluation criteria of the Demon Army are often focused on how many humans they have killed.

In the Japanese Warring States period, a demon would be evaluated and promoted based on how many heads of famous enemy generals they brought back.

However, since the current Demon King, Dairokuten, took the throne, the evaluation method has been significantly revised.

Even if you don't kill humans, as long as you achieve results, you will be evaluated—so they say.

If that weren't the case, someone like me wouldn't have been promoted to brigade commander, so the theory should be correct. However, the traditional values of the Demon Army still seem to be deeply ingrained.

"Either way, Arsenam is a trading city. Whether it's a mining city or an agricultural city, it's the same. If you kill the residents of a city you've just taken over, it's meaningless. If there are no residents, who will engage in trade? If you kill the dwarves, who will make the silverware? If you kill the farmers, who will till the fields? If there are no fields, how will you raise livestock?"

"Hmm, that's true, but..."

Some demons argue that if there are no pigs or cows, they can just eat humans, but that's a minority opinion.

There are few demons who prefer to eat humans.

Demons, like everyone else, want to eat delicious food.

For the same reason that the meat of carnivores is inedible, human flesh is apparently very unpalatable.

Moreover, demons cannot create the beautiful decorative crafts that humans and dwarves can.

They don't even have the skills to make basic items like carriages or weapons.

Everything is either seized from humans or forced to be made by them.

"That's why killing the residents of a city is the worst of the worst strategies."

I state this firmly, then add, "Do not kill non-resistant civilians," and decide to meet with the city's representatives.

The city's representatives.

The current lord of this town is in a coma, so the representatives are the head of the Merchant Guild and the parish priest of the church.

Both immediately try to curry favor with me as we get to the heart of the matter.

"Lord Ike, how much tax should we pay to the Demon Army from now on?"

The head of the Merchant Guild asks.

"Lord Ike, will faith in the gods be allowed from now on?"

My answers are as follows.

"The same as before."

Upon hearing these words, both are relieved, but only until I add a caveat.

"However, the laws of the Demon Army will take precedence over the laws of this city in all matters. Those who resist the occupation of the Demon Army or assist in such resistance will be punished, regardless of their number. Remember this well."

After issuing this order, both bow deeply and leave.

They withdrew more easily than expected, perhaps because the conditions were more lenient than anticipated.

Of course, all the treasures stored in the city will be confiscated, and freedom will be much more restricted than before, but it seems to be a much easier occupation policy compared to what was expected.

Until a few decades ago, it was common practice to kill all the soldiers and publicly execute the responsible parties. Compared to that, this is a much more lenient occupation policy.

The current Demon King's lenient measures are in place, but some legions still cling to old customs.

For example, the commander of the 2nd Legion, known for his cruelty, is said to have executed the responsible party of an occupied city by pouring molten iron into their mouth.

Compared to that, the occupation policy of the 7th Legion might be considered relatively lenient.

—Thinking about this, I suddenly recall the face of the 7th Legion's commander.

The conquest and occupation are complete, and I need to report this to him.

The moment I think this, my body begins to lose its outline and disappears from the spot.