Chapter 30

Heading towards the Demon King Castle of Dovolberk.

It’s the same transfer room as last time.

I receive the same kind of inspection as before, but this time it was a simplified version.

Sefiro said with an unusually serious expression,

"There is an urgent matter for the Demon King."

It might also be because we had already been inspected once before.

I bowed slightly to the magician who introduced himself as an acquaintance of the old man and headed towards the audience chamber where the Demon King was.

"But, it’s still a long and winding path, isn’t it?"

I couldn’t help but complain.

"It’s only the second time, but I’m confident I’ll get lost again next time I come."

"Of course, you will. The Demon King Castle changes its layout randomly every time."

"I see."

That explains why there’s no sense of familiarity.

Moreover, this person is heading straight without hesitation. Perhaps when you reach the rank of Legion Commander, you are taught the rules of the random map.

I wanted to ask, but before I could, we arrived at the audience chamber. This time, Sefiro and I were allowed to enter simultaneously.

The Demon King was already seated on the throne. I knelt on one knee with Sefiro and bowed my head.

"Legion Commander Sefiro, along with his subordinate, Undead Legion Commander Ike, have arrived."

When Sefiro said this, the Demon King, as usual, muttered her catchphrase,

"—Is that so?"

She also gave us permission to raise our heads, so I lifted mine.

There, as always, was a beautiful girl. She could be described as a perfectly proportioned, world-class beauty.

Sefiro, who can also be classified as beautiful, is a different kind of beauty.

If I had to describe Sefiro in one word, it would be alluring,

and if I had to describe the Demon King in one word, it would be delicate,

perhaps.

One of the biggest differences between the two might be their chests.

Sefiro’s chest is like a large fruit,

while the Demon King’s chest is like a washboard,

perhaps.

As I was thinking this, the Demon King spoke.

"Ike, you’ve been staring at my face for a while now. Is there something on my face?"

I was taken aback.

I hadn’t expected to be spoken to.

"No, there’s nothing on your face."

When I answered, she said,

"—Is that so? There’s nothing on my face?"

"……"

I nodded silently.

"Then I must look like a featureless mask. You mean I don’t have eyes, a nose, or a mouth?"

……Oh no. Is she angry?

It’s hard to tell because she has no expression.

I’m pretty sure her previous life was the famous Oda Nobunaga, who was known for his quick temper.

I should probably flatter her.

No, I don’t need to flatter her. I should just speak honestly.

"—No, I’ve never seen a face as beautiful as the Demon King’s."

"…Is that so?"

Besides, all she ever says is "Is that so?" and never changes her expression, which is really frustrating.

As I was thinking this, the Demon King spoke again.

"…By the way, do you know why I called you here this time?"

—My heart started pounding.

I glanced at Sefiro out of the corner of my eye, and he, unusually, was breaking a cold sweat.

Of course, it makes sense.

We were just having an internal conflict among our group.

Of course, it was due to the scheming of the Third Legion Commander, the Bloodstained Headless Duke Basteo, but before we could explain ourselves, we were already called in, so it’s no wonder he was sweating.

Still, Sefiro, my superior, is quite composed.

He quickly regained his composure and stated the facts calmly.

"The Third Legion Commander, the Bloodstained Headless Duke Basteo, tried to persuade my deputy and the Undead Legion Commander to betray our legion."

"Persuade—why?"

The Demon King asked with no expression.

"Well, I believe it’s because he intends to betray the Demon King and become the next Demon King. That’s why he’s trying to undermine our legion."

"Do you have solid evidence?"

"In this situation, where we are at war with humans, trying to undermine another legion is the best evidence."

After Sefiro said this, he waited for the Demon King’s reaction.

I also watched the Demon King’s reaction closely.

She closed her eyes and remained completely still.

She was breathing, as evidenced by the slight rise and fall of her chest, but if not, she would have looked like a doll.

After a moment, she opened her eyes and said her usual line.

"—Is that so?"

However, this time, she continued with different words.

"…And, Sefiro says this, but what do you have to say, Basteo?"

"What!?"

Both Sefiro and I exclaimed simultaneously.

The Demon King had said something unexpected.

The Demon King glanced to the side, where the Third Legion Commander, the Bloodstained Headless Duke Basteo, was standing, holding his own head under his arm.

"As I said before, their claims are a pack of lies. They are the ones who harbor rebellious intentions against the Demon King. They secretly killed Jace, who had gathered evidence and reported it to me, which is the course of events of this incident."

"No, that’s ridiculous! You were the one who incited Jace to betray!"

Sefiro protested desperately.

"To begin with, it’s unreasonable to believe the words of those who are fighting among themselves during a war with humans."

As he said this, Basteo laughed.

Sefiro, unusually, raised his eyebrows and his face turned red.

He must be extremely angry.

He looked like he was about to attack Basteo at any moment, but the Demon King stopped him.

"Both of you, stand down!"

Upon hearing this, Sefiro and Basteo immediately knelt on one knee and bowed their heads.

I did too.

"Do you think I know nothing?"

The Demon King said and then addressed Basteo.

"I’ve known for a long time that you have a second heart. But do you know why I haven’t eliminated you?"

"……"

Basteo responded with silence.

The Demon King ignored this and continued.

"There is no demon who doesn’t have rebellious intentions against me. The more capable they are, the more they want to rise to a higher position. That’s what demons are like. If I punished everyone who had rebellious intentions, there would be no end to it."

She then turned to Sefiro.

Sefiro, unusually, was cowering.

It was the first time I had seen Sefiro like this.

In a way, it was a rare sight, but it wasn’t just a matter of someone else.

If Sefiro were to be punished, the Seventh Legion would be in danger of disbanding.

No, Sefiro is more than just a superior; she is like a real sister. I couldn’t bear for something like this to happen.

The Demon King, turning to Sefiro, said,

"Sefiro, I know you don’t have a second heart. However, I am aware that this incident was due to your oversight."

"Of course, I understand. It was my failure to manage properly."

Sefiro admitted her mistake honestly.

The Demon King, confirming this, said her usual line,

"—Is that so?"

and then continued,

"There is a saying, ‘both sides are to blame in a fight.’ However, I don’t want to lose two capable Legion Commanders at this time."

She then said,

"So, let’s settle this in a way that is fitting for demons."

"…In a way that is fitting for demons?"

I couldn’t help but interject.

The Demon King, without showing any concern, turned to me and said,

"A duel. The one who wins is right, that’s what being a demon is about."

She said this decisively,

"The method of the duel will be discussed later. Until then, wait in the waiting room."

She then stood up from her throne.

The three of us, who were present, bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, my lord!"