NOVEL NEXT Chapter 45 - Episode 45: The Demon Duke and Mishiri
Episode 45: The Demon Duke and Mishiri
We’re currently in the midst of a strategy meeting for the Demon King’s subjugation. Mishiri had a somber expression on her face. She’s the childhood friend of the hero, Cea, and her occupation is a priest. She’s 15 years old. Despite her age, her body is quite mature, especially her chest. However, she exudes cleanliness and is a lovely, delicate beauty. She attempted suicide due to her disappointment in Cea. I helped her and allowed her to live in the Demon Duke’s castle. After all, since Cea is from the same village as her, it seems difficult for her to return.
As a demon, I don’t really care what happens to such a girl. However, during meetings, having someone low-spirited can bring down the overall atmosphere. We need lively opinions for the Demon King’s subjugation now. Maybe I should talk to her to liven up the meeting. This isn’t out of concern, but rather the most efficient choice for the Demon King’s subjugation.
“What’s wrong, Mishiri? You look down.”
“Oh… Zaus-san.”
“What’s the matter? Feel free to voice your opinion.”
“My level is only 10. I’m weaker than everyone else, and I don’t understand anything about the Demon Duke’s territory.”
I see. It’s burdensome for a newcomer like her in this place.
“In that case, you can rest in your room. Don’t push yourself.”
“But… I… I’ve been helped by Zaus-san all the time. I want to be of some use.”
Hmm. Certainly, it must be awkward for her to be unconditionally inside the castle.
“I… Since I was little, I only knew the area around the village. When it comes to cities, I only know about the royal capital, Rontomelda. As an inexperienced girl like me, I can’t be of any help to Zaus-san, can I? Sigh…”
I see. She used to adventure with Hero Cea. Through their adventures, she’s supposed to grow up. It’s also my responsibility that I crushed her potential.
“You only know about Rontomelda…? Wait a minute.”
“Come to think of it, didn’t the king of Rontomelda demand the liberation of Zaus Town?”
“Yes. The mayor consulted with Zaus-sama, and the residents vehemently opposed it.”
“However, among the residents of Zaus Town, there are some who have families in Rontomelda, right?”
“Yes. However, the residents don’t want to leave the Demon Duke’s territory. Zaus Town is much more comfortable to live in than Rontomelda, in terms of taxes, facilities, and other aspects.”
“But it’s inconvenient for the residents not to be able to see their families or friends in other countries. And above all, it’s boring for me. Just having Zaus Town isn’t interesting.”
“So, what do you propose?”
“Conquest.”
“Ah! You mean to peacefully dominate Rontomelda!”
“That’s right. However, if we suddenly conquer it, it will cause great turmoil within the country, right?”
“Because it will be occupied by the demon tribe.”
“That’s where diplomacy comes in.”
“Huh? Diplomacy between nations? Shouldn’t we conquer it with force, like demons do?”
“Direct conquest is inefficient. If there’s a battle, there will be casualties. No matter if they’re enemy casualties, once the conquest is complete, they become casualties on our side.”
“So, it’s a decrease in labor force?”
“That’s right. And we might also suffer injuries from fighting. It would be better for both sides to avoid a battle if possible, wouldn’t it?”
“I see… Prioritizing benefits, peacefully occupying seems best… But, diplomacy seems challenging. We’re currently in a battle with the Demon King’s army.”
“That’s where she comes in.”
Mishiri’s eyes widened.
“M-Me!?”
“Yeah. I appoint you as the Demon Duke’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
“Eeeeeeeeeh!? So, that means peacefully ruling Rontomelda, right? I-I’m only 15 years old… Can I handle such a huge responsibility?”
“It’s your first position. It’s the same no matter who does it. But more importantly, I think personality is the most important thing in diplomacy.”
“P-Personality…? I’m not very confident.”
“That’s not true.”
“And… My intellect isn’t that great either.”
Ah, she was quite scolded by Hero Cea.
“Don’t believe the words of the hero. He’s mentally finished.”
Arjena patted Mishiri’s back.
“Have confidence. You’re a kind girl! I guarantee it.”
“Arjena-san…”
“If I were Cea’s childhood friend, I would have cut ties with him immediately. I don’t want to be with someone like him for even a second. You’re kind, so you tolerated such a hopeless hero. That’s definitely a strength. Have confidence! I love you!”
“Y-Yes…”
Alright.
“Don’t look so worried. I didn’t say you have to do it all alone.”
“That’s right, Mishiri. If there’s anything you don’t understand, I’ll always be here to help.”
“Mishiri-san, I’m here too, so please rest assured.”
“Haha! Thank you, everyone!”
“Indeed. The most straightforward ones are the best.”
Hmm, yes. She’s liked by everyone. Indeed, Mishiri would be the most suitable for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her kind-hearted nature will serve as a bridge between demons and humans.
“Zaus-sama. If Mishiri-san becomes the demon tribe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, there’s a possibility that humans may target her life.”
“Yes. Have some strong monsters accompany her. We’ll ensure her protection perfectly.”
“Understood. I’ll make sure of it.”
“What’s wrong? You seem to have a worried expression, as if I’m concerned about her.”
“No.”
“Don’t misunderstand. The minister is essentially the face of the so-called Demon Duke’s territory. If any harm were to come to her, it would be equivalent to an attack on me. I absolutely cannot allow that. That’s all.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Alright then.”
Mishiri showed a big smile. The gloomy expression from earlier was like a lie.
“Zaus-san! I’ll do my best!”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you.”
“Yes!”
Alright. In that case…
“We’ll need a dedicated carriage, an office, and ministerial attire. Let’s prepare them immediately.”
“Eh? A-Are you really going to do all that for me!?”
“Of course. Merel, take care of it.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“Ugh… Z-Zaus-san… Thank you so much for everything… I-I’ll definitely do my best! I’ll never forget your kindness!!”
“Haha. Well, don’t overdo it. There’s no deadline or quota, you know. Let’s just have fun.”
“F- Fun…? Even though it’s work?”
“Hehe. If the work you’re doing feels as rewarding as playing a game, you’d want to work more and more, right?”
“T- That may be true… But… Isn’t work supposed to be tough?”
“Fun is justice. At least, in my territory.”
They’ll move on their own accord like that. The rapid development of Zaus Town was due to the enjoyment. Indeed, fun is justice. And this time, even the subjugation of the Demon King’s territory, I’m actually enjoying it. After all, it means my territory is expanding. My Demon Duke territory, about the size of Awaji Island, aims to dominate the entire Earth. Kukuku. Just thinking about it makes me excited. Well, first, before attacking the opponent, we need to thoroughly reinforce our defense. My rebellion must have already spread to the Demon King’s army. So, we don’t know when the enemy might attack.
“Well then, shall we have the subordinate monsters install surveillance crystals? On the map… Here, here, and here…”
Yes. Things are going smoothly, smoothly.
On that day, surveillance crystals were installed at the borders of the territory. The total number: 100. We decided to create a monitoring room and display the footage there. Mostly like a surveillance center. Subordinate monsters will take turns monitoring the screens. And the next day, a goblin came running in a panic.
“Zaus-sama! The Demon King’s army has entered, gob!! The footage is clearly displayed on the surveillance crystal, gob!!”
Oh boy. Time for a visit.
I looked at the monitors in the monitoring room. Ah, I recognize the soldiers at the forefront. That crew cut… It’s the captain of the Demon King’s army elite guard, Kakgaridan.