Chapter 96

In the transfer room of the Demon King's Castle, as usual, the sturdy demons were on alert, their eyes gleaming, ready for any illegal intruders. However, once one reaches the rank of Legion Commander, the scrutiny becomes more lenient.

Or perhaps, the Demon King specially considered and commanded, "There's no need for a thorough inspection of Ike and Sefiro."

The Demon King knew I was human and seemed to trust Sefiro.

In both my previous life and this one, he was rumored to be ruthless and cruel, but I knew he was unexpectedly delicate and considerate.

When we informed them that we had urgent business with the Demon King, they granted us permission to head to the audience chamber in the Demon King's Castle.

The path was as long and confusing as ever, but following behind Sefiro, we easily reached the audience chamber.

"By the way, I became a Legion Commander, but I still haven't been told the structure of this random dungeon."

I muttered this, but Sefiro only smiled slyly when she looked at me, not revealing any secrets.

Perhaps she thinks it's too early for a newcomer like me, or maybe she's happy to have an advantage.

Probably both, but I entered the audience chamber without worrying about it.

The audience chamber of the Demon King's Castle was vast, with a solemn atmosphere, but the throne at its center was empty.

"Is the Demon King absent?"

I asked Sefiro.

"No," she shook her head.

"I just had a conversation with him via telepathy. He should be in the castle. Maybe he's taking a bath?"

She closed her eyes again and began to chant the telepathy spell.

"………………"

She was a stunning beauty when she closed her eyes and remained silent, but she was rarely silent except at times like this.

I watched her for a while, and suddenly she opened her large eyes and said,

"I understand. The Demon King seems to be in his private room."

"His private room?"

I had always imagined the Demon King and his throne as a set, but even kings need private rooms and personal time.

I was curious about what kind of room the delicate girl lived in and what kind of private life she led, but I knew I would never have the opportunity to find out.

I was just a Legion Commander, a subordinate of the Demon King. I would never have the chance to peek into her private life.

—That's what I thought, but my former superior, Sefiro, started walking towards the door leading to the Demon King's private room.

"Commander, where are you going?"

I couldn't help but ask, but Sefiro's response was indifferent.

"The Demon King's room."

"…………"

I was momentarily speechless but quickly spoke up.

"Is it alright to go in without permission?"

"It's not a matter of permission. The Demon King has ordered us to come to his room. What would you do if you didn't go?"

"……Indeed."

I was surprised by her unexpected words but understood when she explained.

"The Demon King doesn't mix business with pleasure, but he trusts those he likes. Your grandfather, Romburg, often played chess with him, and I sometimes visit for girl talk."

"……Girl talk, huh."

"……Do you have something to say?"

"No."

I firmly denied and followed behind her as she headed to the Demon King's private room.

"Surprisingly simple room, isn't it?"

That was my impression when I saw the Demon King's room.

The Demon King, the Sixth Heaven Demon King, was Nobunaga in his previous life.

Nobunaga was known in later generations for his love of foreign goods and flashy tastes, but it seems to be different in this world.

At one end of her room, a tatami mat was laid out, with a futon on top.

I had imagined she would sleep in a canopy bed, but it seems that wasn't the case.

Perhaps because I was staring at the Demon King's bed, the owner of the room said,

"Surprised?"

Of course, the owner of the room was the Demon King.

I had stared because I was surprised, but it was rude to stare at a woman's, especially a superior's, room.

"I apologize for the rudeness."

However, the Demon King didn't seem to mind and continued,

"I understand your feelings. I just want my bedroom to be peaceful. Besides, I prefer sleeping on a tatami mat to a bed."

She gestured for me to sit on a chair. The room was simple, but there were chairs and a table.

"These are also simple, not luxurious."

"Indeed, a reasonable character."

After reassessing the Demon King's personality, I asked straightforwardly.

The Demon King was rational and logical. It was better to get straight to the point.

I handed over the letter I had received from Alistair the other day. The Demon King quickly read through it.

It took about ten minutes, too long to read a simple letter but too short to decide the future of the Demon Army. At that moment, the Demon King spoke.

"Good terms."

It seemed the Demon King agreed with me. Sefiro also followed.

"Indeed, good terms. We already have half of Rosaria. If we can take it all, this war can be considered a strategic victory for our Demon Army."

The Demon King nodded slightly and added,

"However, it depends on whether the humans will fulfill their promise."

"Indeed," Sefiro agreed.

The two beautiful women looked at me, wanting to hear my opinion.

I spoke honestly to both of them.

"The letter was brought by a human girl named Alistair. I met her once, and she didn't seem like someone who would lie."

"But she is a messenger. We can't know what those behind her think."

"Indeed. I can't judge what the King of Rosaria and his subordinates think."

"Furthermore, the actions of the Alliance of Kings are concerning. They gathered to aid Rosaria. Can a single king decide to make peace?"

"True. Even if the King of Rosaria gives up, other kings might still be eager to fight."

I could imagine the kings shouting, "The demons are our mortal enemies. When will we drive them out if not now?"

"Various possibilities exist. Rosaria might genuinely want peace, or other kings might be urging the King of Rosaria to make peace because they are tired of a fruitless war."

"That's also a possibility."

"But there's also the possibility that they are just buying time. They might be preparing a large-scale counterattack in secret."

Sefiro laughed, "Indeed, there are endless possibilities. That's why we came to the castle to seek the Demon King's approval."

I concluded and looked at the Demon King. Sefiro followed suit.

As I mentioned before, this decision goes beyond the level of a Legion Commander. Only the Demon King can make the final decision.

I wondered what conclusion the girl called the Demon King would reach.

The girl, who was a renowned strategist and politician in my previous world, closed her eyes for a moment and then decided,

"I believe this peace is worth making."

Sefiro and I were surprised by her words. I was pleased because my wish was granted, but Sefiro looked surprised.

Sefiro asked the Demon King without hesitation,

"Is it alright? Making peace is not bad, but other Legion Commanders will strongly oppose it. Many of them are bloodthirsty."

Sefiro didn't name anyone, but I could think of a few who would strongly oppose.

However, the Demon King confidently said,

"Don't worry. I will handle the adjustments myself."

"But there's a risk of rebellion. Or perhaps that's the true intention of the humans?"

Sefiro pressed, but the Demon King seemed confident.

"If that's the case, it means I lack the capacity to be a Demon King. We'll deal with it when it happens."

However, she continued,

"This world is in turmoil. Not only demons and monsters, but humans are also exhausted. Taking a break might not be bad."

"A time to rest and regroup, you mean."

I nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. You know that our Demon Army has become much richer and stronger than before, thanks to a certain man."

The Demon King and Sefiro looked at me, referring to me.

"By making peace and waiting, the gap between humans and demons will widen. Our agricultural and industrial production will increase, and our gun ownership rate will rise."

"So, the longer we wait after making peace, the more advantageous it will be for our Demon Army?"

Sefiro asked, and the Demon King nodded, saying, "Theoretically, yes."

"——If the Demon King thinks so, I will not oppose it. If there are objections at the Legion Commanders' meeting, I will fully support the Demon King."

Sefiro declared, and the Demon King smiled slightly, saying, "Thank you."

Seeing her smile, I felt reassured. I was confident that she also desired peace.

I decided to do my best to support her.

With the resolve to be a powerful ally to the Demon King, I said to the Demon King and Sefiro,

"Please let me be the negotiator with Rosaria."

The Demon King's gaze was on me, and she seemed to have high expectations.

"I will entrust all negotiations with Rosaria to you."

The Demon King said this with a delicate smile.