It seems the examination items were extensive.
You might be wondering what “it seems” means. It’s because I have no memory of undergoing them.
Basic physical measurements were completed while I was unconscious.
When did that happen? To be precise, I had apparently been unconscious for about three days.
According to the attending physician, it’s speculated that my body’s defensive instincts put it to rest in order to better integrate the dragon’s blood. They informed me that all sorts of examinations, from health checkups to magical assessments, were completed during that time. That’s why I said “it seems.”
However, Evia-san mentioned there were still more.
Naturally, one becomes curious about what’s left. I asked the attending physician what the remaining test was, and he replied with a wry smile, saying there was only one left.
So, what was this last remaining test?
“I… should be recovering from an illness, you know.”
I grumbled while stretching my stiff body, which had gotten accustomed to sleeping, and looked around.
Last night, I took Evia-san’s offer and slept there. Although in my mind I had thought, “Now that the remaining tests are done, I’ll need to discuss things with Suella and the others,” I was instead changed and brought to this place.
This is a special room, even more so than the training facilities I usually use, and different from the Jigen Room. Not only is it more than twice as large, but the wall material and the floor are considerably more elaborate. The four surrounding pillars clearly have some sort of magical enchantment on them. Furthermore, various familiars fly around, observing my movements from different angles. Added to that, mages are gathered along the walls, almost surrounding me. These aren’t just Dungeon Testers; they are Demon Lord’s Army executives, specifically Court Mages.
“Well, I didn’t think the Demon Lord’s Army’s examinations would be purely medical. Actually, that makes sense,” I thought.
In addition to them, researchers are likely engrossed in data collection from a vantage point overlooking this floor. It saddens me that I understand and accept what’s about to happen, looking at my current attire.
“Jiro-san.”
“Suella, Memoria, Himik.”
As I was bracing myself for what was to come, lost in a state of denial, three women—Suella, Memoria, and Himik—approached me with worried expressions. I stopped stretching and turned to face them.
“Thank you all for coming. And I’m sorry for causing you worry again.”
My first words to them were thanks and an apology. They came for a very simple reason. The pretext was that I needed to be in perfect physical and mental condition for this upcoming examination, but the real reason was my own desire to see them before the test. It was too much to face the upcoming examination after sleeping for three days and having no contact. I wanted them to at least reassure me for a little while. Evia-san had likely already informed them, but I had them called so we could have a proper moment.
“No, it’s fine as long as you’re unharmed. Evia showed me the overview, so more importantly, Jiro-san, are you feeling alright?”
“The attending physician said there were no particular issues for the past three days. I haven’t felt any discomfort or anything unusual since waking up. If anything, I feel better than ever.”
Suella, of course, was worried about my physical condition first. Hearing that my body was mixed with dragon’s blood was clearly not a normal situation, so even though Evia-san said I was fine, she was still concerned. Her skin is tanned, and it’s a bit hard to tell with her makeup, but there were tear tracks around her eyes.
“Besides, this matter concerns how I’ll live from now on. So, by getting your stamp of approval that I’m perfectly fine, I want to put you all at ease.”
How many more times will I have to worry them? Or rather…
“Jiro-san, well, I understand that it can’t be helped, but please try not to worry us too much. Please consider our feelings as well.”
“Well, no matter how strong our Master becomes, you can’t overdo it. Resting properly is also important. So… so, you see…”
For them. Suella tends to act strong to avoid burdening me. I have to notice that. Memoria, though usually quiet, speaks her mind clearly. Yet, her words are clearly for my sake, as her expression shows. And Himik, who repeatedly averts her gaze and clutches her left arm tightly with her right hand, in her own awkward way, shows her concern. I understand she doesn’t want to be a burden like Suella, but she still wants to express her feelings.
“Ah, I know. You’re right. First off, after this is over, perhaps I’ll take some time off.”
I want to reciprocate their feelings, but I can’t quit this job just yet. Suella is also pregnant. I need to earn properly.
“I’ll propose the idea of a vacation to HR later. You’ve been working too hard. The new testers are also starting to get the hang of things.”
“Evia-san.”
The atmosphere had become a bit somber, damp with emotion, but Evia appeared, changing the mood.
“What, why aren’t you calling me by my name like you did before? We’re engaged, you know. There’s no need to be formal.”
She winked, seemingly plotting to repeat our last exchange from yesterday, causing Suella and the others to sense something and cast slightly stern glances in my direction.
“Given the rather amusing stares from our surroundings, especially the lukewarm ones, I’d appreciate it if we could save that for our private time.”
“Hmm, well then, I shall look forward to that private time.”
I explained that the stares, particularly the one from before, were a misunderstanding. That eased their gazes, and the somber atmosphere of a moment ago disappeared.
“…Evia-sama, that…”
However, now a slightly tense atmosphere emerged. Pushed in on a cart behind Evia was my Ore Tree. Suella’s gaze, which had softened moments ago, sharpened considerably upon seeing the now-pale Ore Tree. The same applied to Memoria and Himik. The companion I had that could have cost me my life, no matter how powerful, would likely be considered for replacement by them.
“The examination results show no particular problems. Our in-house blacksmiths and researchers are in complete agreement.”
“But…”
The reason it was brought here is because it will be used next. And knowing it will be used, Suella didn’t hesitate to protest to Evia-san about the action. She seemed to have resolved herself, facing Evia-san, who was clearly superior, with a serious gaze of work rather than the teasing look she had before. It was likely not Evia-san’s intention. However, as a Demon Lord’s Army executive like herself, this was a golden opportunity to collect data on cases like mine. Profit or human sentiment. This is a constant issue in any organization. Evia-san ensured the utmost safety possible. Starting with my checkup, followed by investigations by her trusted blacksmiths and researchers, and then Evia-san and the Court Mages ready to respond in case of an emergency. A lineup designed to eliminate any possibility of an accident. It’s impossible that she couldn’t sense Suella’s feelings, given the environment she prepared. However, perhaps to avoid personal bias, she refrained from using emotional words.
“Suella.”
“Ah, no need to say more. From here on, it’s my responsibility.”
As she called Suella’s name, a figure emerged, cutting off her words and declaring full responsibility.
“Demon Lord!”
“President!”
“Oh, there’s no need for you or the others to kneel. It would reflect poorly if it were heard that pregnant women were forced to do so, and it wouldn’t please me either. Children are the treasure of our nation, so cherish them.”
The President, the Demon Lord, appeared with Instructor Kio and Instructor Fushio in tow. Appearing with his usual flamboyant smile, his timing was so impeccable it suggested he had planned it. Suella and Memoria tried to kneel at his arrival, but the President quickly stopped them with a raised right hand.
“Now, you are Suella of the Hennenberg family, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am honored that you remember my name.”
“Yes, I recall you well. You’re quite the talent that this person managed to recruit.”
“I am humbled.”
Although they likely knew each other, this confirmation was a form of etiquette. A confirmation that clearly established their respective positions. With a graceful bow, Suella lowered her head, and the Demon Lord responded with a cheerful demeanor. Beyond his imposing presence, it was clear to anyone who looked which of them held the higher position.
“…With all due respect, Demon Lord, I wish to be granted permission to speak.”
“Yes, I can somewhat guess what you want to say, but I will permit it. Please speak.”
“Yes, regarding the mock battle with my fiancé that will take place immediately afterward, I implore you to reconsider using the Ore Tree he possesses.”
“Would it be tactless to ask why? I understand the reason, and I understand your feelings.”
Although Suella holds a position within the Demon Lord’s Army, her standing isn’t strong enough for her to speak so directly. The instructors and Evia-san had no intention of stopping her, but the reactions from the surrounding individuals were not very favorable. I wanted to tell them that I was fine with it. However, unable to admonish her actions, knowing the feelings of not only Suella but also Memoria, Himik, and Evia-san, I braced myself to take the fall if the President was displeased. But the President sent a look my way, assuring me it was alright.
“Now then!”
“However, as your King, I cannot accept your statement. Do I need to ask why? As someone as wise as you, you must surely understand how much data from his current condition will benefit the Demon Lord’s Army.”
The President, acting not as an individual but as the Demon Lord, admonished Suella, who was getting a bit passionate. Suella’s eyes flickered as if she wanted to say more, but in the end, she could only nod. It would have been easy to become emotional like a child here. But doing so would only harm her and those around her. Suella, being pregnant, acted with reason, understanding that she couldn’t go that far. Yet, seeing her frustration, I gently stood beside her and held her hand. I squeezed it lightly but firmly, as if to say, “It’s okay.”
“Hmm, Evia, did I perhaps speak a bit too harshly? I’m used to being the villain as the Demon Lord, but I never expected to be portrayed as such a villain. It’s unexpected.”
“No, I don’t think there’s a problem.”
“Oh? It seems even my secretary dislikes me. Raidou, Nōraifu, won’t you join me for a drink tonight, man to man?”
“Hahaha! In times like these, drinking is the best course of action, boss!”
“Kakakaka, in times like these, a man’s position is weak. In that case, I shall prepare one of my treasured bottles.”
The President, watching their actions with delight, teased Evia a bit but offered a neutral reply, perhaps not eager for the mock battle immediately afterward. Noticing the subtle shift in her mood, the President shrugged in defeat and turned to the instructors, asking them to console him, to which they happily agreed.
“Well now, it seems the tension has eased. Hennenberg-kun, Tris-kun, and Himik-kun, is that correct? Evia, I am aware of your worries, and I will conduct the mock battle with the utmost consideration I can offer. After all, whether his combat strength increases or decreases has a direct impact on my performance, and I cannot simply ignore it.”
The President, signaling the end of the mood-lifting session, turned to Suella and the others with a serious expression and clearly stated his intentions. Understanding this, they nodded in silence.
“I understand you have your grievances, and I won’t tell you to rest easy. But I declare this: there will be no accidents in this mock battle. Why, you ask?”
The President nodded with satisfaction at their response and gave a wink. The words that followed confirmed my greatest concern.
“Your opponent will be I, the Demon Lord himself. There can be no mistakes.”
That’s right. I’m going to fight the President next.
Today’s word:
Interacting with the head of an organization after waking up… Honestly, it’s enough to make one nervous.
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*The first volume of the novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year.
The second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content has been revised and expanded from the original submission to Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with additional unpublished interlude chapters included.
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The manga adaptation is currently serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
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