Chapter 95

I didn't head to the Demon King's castle, Dovolberg, but to Sefiro's castle, Balentzere.

It's been a few months since my last visit, but it feels a bit nostalgic.

Originally, I used to come to this castle often as Sefiro's subordinate.

In the past, I was summoned for no reason, used as a test subject, and forced to participate in meaningless tea parties, but recently, such opportunities have been scarce.

Probably because I've been promoted to a legion commander, they're giving me some space.

Even though she seems to be thinking of nothing, Sefiro, the witch, might be considerate in her own way.

As I was thinking this, a lizardman, the guard of the transfer room, saluted me.

"Oh, it's Ike. Congratulations on your promotion."

The lizardman is a subhuman with a humanoid form of a lizard. While his expression is hard to read from other races, his voice is lively. It seems he genuinely rejoices in my promotion.

"Thank you," I replied and asked where Sefiro was.

"Where is the commander?"

The lizardman answered immediately.

"Probably in the research building as usual, I guess."

"Again..."

I couldn't help but sigh.

I wonder what she thinks of her position as a legion commander.

After becoming a legion commander, I realized that the role involves not just military affairs but also internal administration, diplomacy, and personnel management.

Sefiro, who spends most of her time on research, shouldn't have the time for such responsibilities. I wonder how she manages the 7th Legion.

It's a big mystery.

I haven't heard that the 7th Legion's momentum has declined, so I assume she's managing somehow.

"Well, probably because the commander is so irresponsible, her subordinates are compensating for her."

My grandfather once said that when an overly capable person is at the top of an organization, the organization can't function properly.

Precisely, when the leader of the organization weakens or dies, the organization collapses quickly.

In that sense, he also said, "Sefiro is quite excellent."

She delegates tasks to her subordinates and trusts them completely, not interfering unnecessarily but stepping in when necessary.

Or maybe I was able to get promoted because I was assigned under her.

I didn't realize it when I was her subordinate, but now that I'm away, I can appreciate her.

"Maybe I should try to emulate her."

I could entrust my duties as a lord to Jiron and give Liris free rein in military matters.

What would happen then?

"………………"

When I imagined it, a bright future didn't come to mind.

"Well, everyone has their own way of doing things."

I muttered this to no one in particular and headed to Sefiro.

The research building where the Black Witch, Sefiro, resides is outside the castle.

It used to be inside the castle, but now it's a separate building outside.

The reason is that she often causes explosions that damage the castle.

If the castle walls were destroyed by one of her explosions, it would be disastrous for the Demon King's army, and the loss would be immeasurable.

She must have realized that it was bad, so a few years ago, she moved her research tower outside the castle and has been conducting experiments there daily.

When I arrived, the mad alchemist, Sefiro, was, as usual, working on a golem.

It seems she's trying to install a 'cannon' in the arm of an iron golem. As always, she has some outlandish ideas.

As I was thinking this, she spoke to me without looking up.

It felt as if we had just parted ways yesterday.

"Hey, Ike, what brings you here?"

"I have an important matter to discuss."

She must have sensed the seriousness in my voice. She said, "I see," turned around, and walked over.

Her black hair swayed, and her ample chest jiggled.

She still has a seductive appearance, but since we've known each other since childhood, I rarely think of her as a woman.

More like an older sister, I suppose.

—Though, she's a witch who has lived for hundreds of years, so the age difference is far from just 'older sister.'

"—Ike, you were just thinking about my age, weren't you?"

As she approached me, she made her usual sharp observation.

"Of course not."

I joked in response and stopped counting her age in my head.

I can't tell if she's guessing or reading my mind with magic, but if I had to choose three people I don't want to anger, she would definitely be one of them.

I've known her since I was a child and am well aware of how terrifying she can be.

She's someone I shouldn't make an enemy of.

"Well, Ike, we haven't seen each other since you became a legion commander. What brings you here? Did you miss my face?"

"Not to the point of homesickness, and it hasn't been that long."

"True, it hasn't been half a year yet. Well, I've been busy too, and to be honest, I almost forgot what you looked like."

I think she means to take off my mask and show my face, so I removed my mask and revealed my face to her.

"Hmm, you've become a bit more rugged. Humans grow so quickly."

"You could also say they age quickly."

"True, you will grow old someday too."

She said this with a sense of nostalgia and then continued, "I'll have my secretary bring some tea."

I declined immediately.

"No, I have urgent business."

"Ho, this is high-quality tea from Jakuro, but if you're declining, it must be very urgent."

She said this and then continued, "Alright, speak up."

I explained the situation succinctly.

"Yesterday, a peace envoy from the Alliance of Kings arrived."

"A peace envoy...?"

Even Sefiro seemed surprised by this.

Since the war began, the human side has never proposed such a thing.

"The humans must be in a dire situation. Or perhaps they're trying to set up negotiations while there's still room for discussion."

As expected of Sefiro. She immediately arrived at the same conclusion I did.

This made things easier. I asked her to help me present this peace proposal to the Demon King.

"What, are you a peace advocate?"

"Commander, you might have forgotten, but I'm a human, and I'm not particularly fond of war."

"I know you're human and that you've always disliked fighting since childhood. But these are different times, and I don't think the war will end so easily. Even if you desire peace, the other commanders might not agree."

"That's why I came to you. If I can secure your support, you'll be on my side during the legion council."

"I see, you're trying to form a majority beforehand. You sly politician."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"But why did you think I would support you? I might love war and oppose peace."

"If the war ends, you can focus on your research as much as you like."

When I said this,

"True, then I'll be a peace advocate too."

She said this without hesitation.

She's still the same. I smiled wryly, and Sefiro continued.

"Well, that was a joke. But it might not be bad to reach a ceasefire. The war is slightly in our favor, but if they offer a treaty with significant concessions, it might be beneficial. We can use this time to build more strength and widen the gap between us and the humans."

"That's a valid point."

Or, during this time, the enemy might regain their strength, but if the power balance shifts, the war might not happen at all.

There are various possible futures, but this decision is beyond the level of a legion commander.

It's a matter for the Demon King to decide.

That's why I came to Sefiro, and she agreed to accompany me to the Demon King's castle.

"Alright, I haven't greeted the Demon King in a while."

She said this casually and then chanted, "Sorcery!" and teleported to the transfer room, heading straight to the Demon King's castle.

She's still as quick to act.

I was glad to see that Sefiro hadn't changed after so long. I put my mask back on and stepped into the transfer room to head to the Demon King's castle.