A new chapter begins!
A sufficient amount of time has passed since that night when the bond with Keiri deepened, and I can now look back on it with fondness.
“It’s finally here,” I thought, filled with a sense of deep emotion.
With Evia’s pregnancy and Keiri’s engagement, a series of celebrations followed, and I wondered what would come next.
“Construction of Dungeon Island begins tomorrow.”
I never expected the construction to actually start within the year.
The ceremony will take place tomorrow morning, right on the sea, with the President accompanying me and escorted by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
It was a week ago that I completed the final check and stamp, and sent off the documents. Now, as the superior, my job is to let things run their course, witness the results, and receive reports. My subordinates have diligently checked all preparations, worked tirelessly to resolve any issues, and declared with determination and confidence that everything is fine, erasing any lingering doubts.
All I have to do is trust them.
“I never thought we’d receive such massive, unsolicited aid from Japan.”
Originally, construction was planned to start in mid-December, before Christmas, but now, as autumn is beginning, the dungeon construction is set to commence with three months to spare before the year ends. This was made possible by the provision of materials with no strings attached—a suspiciously generous offer. This extraordinary support, which I would have dismissed out of hand if not for Kirie’s involvement, was even more dubious because the sponsoring family was the same one that caused so much trouble at the marriage hunting party we recently held. The suspiciousness was compounded, reaching a level where common sense, let alone intuition, screamed that we absolutely should not accept it.
They promised support with materials, funds, and personnel, offering favorable conditions that would shorten construction time with almost no return. I’m not so naive as to accept this support without suspicion.
However, upon hearing the circumstances, my perspective shifted entirely.
“Could it be the power of a god?”
The truth behind this accelerated construction schedule was the wrath of a god, a fact that was frankly too serious to laugh at. The planned punishment for those who caused trouble at our marriage hunting party was intended to be handled within human bounds. In fact, I had obtained the President’s permission regarding the Demon Lord’s Army, and most issues were resolved at my discretion. However, it seemed the Japanese side wouldn’t let it go at that.
“Is it true that in every world, gods punish those who don’t bother them?”
Alone in the empty office, I finished the final check of the dungeon plan displayed on my PC. After confirming there were no issues, I turned off the computer and let out a sigh, murmuring those words.
The fact that Mimamori-sama had drawn up the plan meant divine will was involved. Those who acted recklessly, assuming there would be no consequences, had apparently incurred divine wrath to the point of risking their families’ complete annihilation. According to Kirie, it was incredibly difficult to appease the genuinely angered god. What was presented as the solution was a compromise found after much effort.
To appease a god’s anger, offerings are necessary. However, this time, ordinary items wouldn’t suffice to calm the divine fury. Instead, they proposed to serve the god by fulfilling their wishes, thereby appeasing their displeasure.
“It feels like I’ve just witnessed the power of a god firsthand.”
Glancing to my side, I saw an evidently expensive vase displayed in the office, adorned with otherworldly flowers. These were also part of the apology, a plea from the head of a family with a deep history in ikebana, requesting permission to celebrate with these exotic blooms. I had thought Japan was largely atheistic, but it seems some still genuinely believe in the terrifying power of gods.
I don’t know what was said or how they were chastised, nor do I care to know. But it was clear that it had a significant effect, as the son of the family who caused the trouble and the head of the household, with grim expressions, grovelled before me, offering a kowtow. The elders of the Japan Shiju Jutsu Association, pale-faced, pleaded for forgiveness in unison. The sight of only Kirie remaining standing amidst this scene is still vividly etched in my memory, even as time passes. Keiri, who was standing behind me as my secretary, seemed to exude a sense of joy, but I was far from being able to feel that.
The reason for their attire was particularly striking. The white robes signified death shrouds, a symbol of their willingness to commit seppuku and atone with their lives. Had I refused their offer of aid, these people would have truly faced dire consequences from divine retribution. It couldn’t be called unjust. They were the ones who had first incurred the god’s wrath—self-inflicted. However, by the standards of modern Japanese society, death seemed a bit extreme. But that’s just the common sense of ordinary Japanese people. In the less visible, spiritual world, this was the highest form of apology. As a general of the otherworld, I couldn’t indulge in the typical Japanese tendency to forgive out of sympathy.
Therefore, “Is this what they call responsibility?”
In accepting this aid, I entered into several contracts and accepted their apology. Simply accepting it without any conditions would leave us vulnerable to exploitation. Thus, we had to impose some unreasonable demands to ensure our advantage. To prevent future exploitation based on this “unsolicited” aid, the conditions were summarized into three points:
First, this aid must be explicitly codified as recompense, with signatures and blood seals exchanged in the presence of the heads of both our organizations. This measure ensures that the aid will not be revisited as an uncompensated act. While the amount of aid is predetermined to prevent unlimited demands, it must be provided until completion.
Second, they must refrain from any sabotage during dungeon construction. Furthermore, if any entity with hostile intentions towards the Demon Lord’s Army is discovered within or outside our territories, they must be reported immediately. Should any of the individuals involved in sabotage be connected to this matter, they will be liable for additional damages.
This second condition serves as a defense against espionage during dungeon construction. While the Demon Lord’s Army personnel will primarily build the dungeon, there’s a possibility of bribery attempts. Therefore, countermeasures are necessary. In a sense, this asks Japan to act as a shield, primarily through whistleblowing. It doesn’t demand physical countermeasures, only informational responses.
And third. In a way, this is the most important. Should we ever confront a hero in an otherworldly war, they are to summon their family members, particularly those of high political or influential standing, to negotiate the hero’s withdrawal.
Indeed, summoning civilians onto the battlefield is painful, but conversely, if we can weaken the enemy’s strength through negotiation, it would be a significant gain. Though they might be brainwashed by the god, the possibility is not zero. They will likely attack us out of hatred for the Demon Lord’s Army, and we might reveal a side that has abandoned all common sense.
The plan is to use that to our advantage, to make the world recognize the danger of summoning heroes. We’ll launch an “Anti-Isal Ideology Operation” to spread this throughout the world. The Japanese media would undoubtedly publicize this story, and it would trend on social media. In our information-driven society, the speed of transmission is unparalleled compared to the otherworld.
When I proposed this to the President, he burst into laughter. Evia, however, was impressed. I added that we would also take a stance of trying to rescue the hero if possible, which would garner goodwill. This earned me a strong approval from the President, represented by a large, approving mark.
This is the general outline, but the details were further codified in a legally sound manner and signed. Following this, massive aid began to flow from the Japan Shiju Jutsu Association. The aid was under the association’s name for reputational reasons, to be perceived as a god’s benevolence. The actual funds came from the families that caused the trouble, a procedure designed to enhance the association’s authority.
“On a day like this, you should be resting, but your worrying nature hasn’t changed at all,” a voice echoed from the dim space as footsteps approached, and she appeared.
“Keiri.”
“I got a call from Suella saying you hadn’t returned yet and suspected you might be here… and here you are, just as I thought.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime stage, after all. It’s not like me… no, it’s a huge gamble in my life. I need to compensate for my inexperience in something like this.”
I had apparently been lost in thought longer than I realized. When Keiri pointed it out, I checked my wristwatch and saw that there was not much time left until dinner. Himik was supposed to be cooking for us tonight as a pre-celebration for tomorrow.
“It’s alright. The people you’ve gathered are all highly capable. They’ll make sure it’s a success, no matter what.” Keiri beamed at me, her vibrant smile seeming to blow away my anxieties. Even though I had seen that same smile when we worked together, it seemed to have become even more beautiful since that night we spent together.
“? What is it, staring at my face like that?”
“No, I just thought you’ve become even more beautiful.”
“…What? If you can make jokes like that, you’re not as nervous as I thought.”
“I’m being sincere. And you saying it’s alright has eased my worries.”
“Oh, you’re being impossible.”
“Do you dislike it?”
When I told her honestly, her expression softened into a bashful smile. Our sense of distance had, in a good way, become closer. Although we maintained professional boundaries, in our work interactions, she now uses this closeness to better understand my thoughts than before. As a result, my work efficiency has significantly improved. However, Muil-san did say, “I wish I had two or three great-grandchildren…” I’ve responded that I’m actively working towards that goal.
“Dislike it? Of course not.”
“I see. Then I’m happy.”
“You’ve become more mischievous, haven’t you?”
“Have I? I’m just honestly expressing my feelings.”
I stood up and started to get ready to leave. I’m not good at sensing other people’s feelings. So, at the very least, I try my best to convey my own. The word “shame” is only relevant when discussing my own faults. I need to make sure I clearly convey the words “I like you.”
“That’s what’s so unfair about you.”
“Do you dislike it?”
“Don’t ask. You know the answer.”
“Ah, I understand now.”
Given my position, I could die at any moment. From here on, I will also be the person in charge of the dungeon. My status value will increase significantly. Keiri, a being I must protect, has joined me with joy as I embrace her. Evia’s belly now carries another life that I must protect. I cannot afford to die. But I will be the first to be hurt. I will step forward to protect them. I might die as a result. That’s why I need to make sure I convey these things when I can.
“Shall we go, Keiri?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to Himik’s cooking too.”
“Ah, if we don’t leave soon, it’ll get cold.”
“Then shall we use teleportation?”
“No.”
I need to say what I can, so that I have no regrets.
“It’s precious time I can spend with you, Keiri. It’ll be tight, but let’s walk home.”
“Agreed.”
Tomorrow will be a busy day, but I’ll savor this happiness.
Today’s word: The long-awaited day is filled with a mix of tension and excitement.
Thank you for your continued feedback and mistyped error reports. If you find this interesting, please consider leaving a review, rating, or bookmark.
I am also currently serializing another work: Pandora Pandemic Panic – Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened Again, but we are fighting back with various secret base operations!! Please check that out as well!!
