Time passes in the blink of an eye when you’re living an ordinary life.
When you’re swamped with work, find solace at home, and continue that cycle, you truly feel how fast time flies.
“I have responded to your summons. It is I, the Human King.”
“Enter.”
Then, I present myself at the president’s office on the date and time specified in the email’s summons.
“Excuse me.”
Being told to present myself as the Human King, I felt the weight of being a general once more as I stepped into the president’s office.
“Ah, I’m sorry to bother you during your busy schedule.”
He wasn’t there to greet me, but the only person in the room was the Demon Lord, President Insigne Runallos. Evia was nowhere to be seen.
Normally, she would never leave his side, ensuring the president could work.
“There are no problems. I have excellent subordinates.”
Her absence must mean this isn’t a particularly important matter.
I exchanged pleasantries and, as prompted, took my seat facing him.
I sat with my posture straightened, while the president relaxed his.
We sat in a way that clearly showed the hierarchy.
“Yes, I’m listening. From what I’ve heard, there don’t seem to be any issues. Truly skilled work.”
“I am honored by your praise.”
This kind of exchange is merely a confirmation of the situation, as the report has already been submitted.
It’s simply letting him know that I know what he knows.
There’s no need to be nervous; as long as I answer appropriately, it will be fine.
“Well, both of us are busy. Let’s quickly get to the reason for this summons, shall we?”
“…I heard the schedule for the dungeon construction has been decided.”
“Yes, official approval will be a little later, but Evia has been working hard. Approval is expected by the end of the year, and at that time, our existence will be known to the world.”
“By the end of the year… that’s fast.”
“From Japan’s perspective, they seem to be concerned about when interference might come and complicate our relationship. It appears the conditions we presented earlier were very well-received.”
And then we got to the main topic.
It concerned the dungeon and land I manage. An artificial island plan created a considerable distance from the Japanese mainland.
“I won’t say it’s exceptionally generous, but for Japan, it’s like obtaining abundant oil fields. Japan has always suffered from severe resource shortages.”
In return for this, they are being granted access to oil fields lying dormant on the continent.
The extraction technology is already established, so I only need to contribute through the dungeon I manage.
The transportation costs will also be significantly less than importing from overseas, which will lower industrial costs within Japan.
This, in turn, will invigorate economic activity, making it a boon for those who drive the economy.
“There are still a few who are saying we shouldn’t be accepted, but it seems we’ve largely succeeded in getting them to agree. The situation is definitely progressing. What do you say, Human King Jiro Tanaka? How do you feel right now?”
The president asks my feelings, given my position with such a significant influence on the economy.
“I have my concerns, but conversely, beyond that, there’s nothing much else. I will do my best with what I can do. I also have subordinates who support me. That’s all.”
“Hmm, if you were making light of the situation, I was considering giving you a lecture, but it seems that’s not the case. I’ve heard there are many in Japan trying to make you a puppet, and I can’t have my closest subordinate being manipulated by such people.”
“…So, it has reached your ears as well, Mr. President.”
And I intuitively realized that this was likely the president’s true intention.
Even if it’s by the end of the year, there’s still time before construction begins, and publicizing the Demon Lord’s Army to the citizens is within the scope of our expectations.
The fact that the president, who believes we’re not doing anything out of the ordinary, specifically summoned me, using the dungeon as a reason, must be because it’s a harmless excuse.
“Of course, my ears are sharper than others at discerning matters. I’m well aware of your position. I hear you have no shortage of marriage proposals.”
“I don’t know if I should be happy, but I do get those kinds of offers frequently.”
“Furthermore, I hear there are many proposals for the future marriage of your children as well.”
What the president wants to know is likely a confirmation of the power dynamics within the organization he manages. Within the ever-changing Demon Lord’s Army, the shifts in power, with me at the forefront, have been remarkable.
For better or worse, I’ve caught the president’s attention.
“When Evia often told me those stories, I honestly thought Evia was joking.”
“I believe that kind of custom exists in this world too?”
“It’s a custom that died out a long time ago. In this day and age, it’s rare for families to strengthen their ties through such arrangements.”
“I see, so it’s understandable that you’re surprised.”
Seeing the president chuckling with amusement, I was relieved that he wasn’t taking the marriage proposal situation negatively, for now.
However, I don’t have enough leeway to be complacent about it.
This president, though he may seem to be enjoying himself, possesses a cold logic that allows him to discard people at any moment.
I probably won’t be dismissed from my post as general over this, but there’s no need to intentionally worsen his impression of me.
“Still, you and Evia have come up with an interesting idea. You, as a general, are playing the fool to protect your family. While it appears defensive, I see it as an offensive stance.”
“…You know that much?”
However, I never expected him to know about my doting father and loving husband of his wife stories.
“Didn’t I tell you? My ears pick up sounds much farther than you think. Well, as you’ve chosen people who are discreet, I haven’t heard the details.”
And I can’t help but cast a skeptical glance at the president, who claims not to know the finer details.
“It’s true. I heard that you and Evia weren’t enthusiastic about these marriage proposals, so you devised a plan. But beyond that, I haven’t heard anything more. However, it’s clear that you are becoming a new force. I wanted to hear what kind of power structure you intend to create. The reason Evia isn’t here is because I thought it would be troublesome if she gave you unwanted advice.”
Without showing any displeasure at my gaze, the president smiled as if welcoming it, and his demeanor changed instantly.
Despite growing and surpassing his instructor in strength, he exuded an aura that made my skin crawl. While he may not have any intention of baring his fangs, a national leader cannot overlook the intention to expand his influence.
I now understand why Evia isn’t here, but there’s no cause for relief.
In fact, it feels like I’ve jumped into the mouth of a tiger.
“…Indeed.”
At this point, it’s a choice between two options.
Confess honestly or try to deceive with skillful words.
Both carry their own risks.
“At least, for now, I have no intention of expanding my influence through marriage proposals.”
I decided to confess honestly about what I could, choosing to speak frankly.
My conversational skills are no match for the president.
The risk of upsetting him by withholding information and creating a bad impression is more frightening to me. Besides, Instructor Kio would likely say something like, “Don’t try to deceive him, face the president head-on.”
“Yes, I can somewhat surmise that from your usual relationship. Also, you are on good terms with Raidou and Amili. You also seem to maintain a proper distance with the Nōraifu forces, and most importantly, with the backing of the Nordis family, there’s no need to deepen relationships with petty nobles.”
Perhaps my actions were seen favorably, as the president, who had been exuding an aura, suddenly calmed down, crossed his legs, and prompted me to continue.
“After all, I have four wives.”
“Hahaha! Even so, you believe marriage is necessary, don’t you? It’s a matter of factional politics, but families with lower standing within a faction tend to bet on emerging powers. Moreover, you are the one who defeated Raidou. Your expectations are higher than you might think.”
“So, you are concerned that my influence will expand ‘too much’?”
“Hmm, you’re quick to catch on.”
The president nodded in approval as I confirmed my understanding of his words, which he had gradually revealed with hints.
“Originally, I don’t believe your influence will turn against me. After all, the current captain of your organization is Muil Hendelsberg. He would prioritize stability over ambition. However, as I mentioned earlier, it’s different for ambitious individuals with weak positions. Many of the families proposing marriage to you are of that kind.”
The president then sought my understanding of what he was worried about, and I readily nodded.
“Yes, Evia and Memoria often tell me about those kinds of things.”
In fact, Evia and Memoria often tell me stories about how certain families spend lavishly or are involved in drug trafficking behind the scenes, which has taught me to distinguish between dangerous and safe families.
“It seems you’re having trouble dealing with such families.”
From here on, the president’s tone became more casual, as if there was no need to hide anything, and I couldn’t deny his statement, but instead offered a wry smile of affirmation.
“If I could handle it myself, it would be better, but if I did, the backlash against you would intensify, so that’s not a good strategy.”
Though he seemed to be considering helping me in his own way, the president was right; if he were to openly protect me, it would worsen my public image.
“I appreciate your concern, but this is something I must handle on my own.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Why is the president confirming such an obvious point?
The president’s reason for summoning me this time is undoubtedly to confirm my power dynamics.
And he must have concluded that I have no ambition.
I wonder what else he needs to ask.
“However, it is also clear that it will take time for your influence to stabilize. In times of peace, that would be fine, but now time is of the essence.”
“Time is of the essence? Is there a problem?”
I asked, sensing that ‘something’ was the reason for the president’s actions.
“There are various movements on the Isal side. I assumed they wouldn’t make a move for a while after losing their Seraph, but it seems they have more perseverance than I expected.”
“!”
He shared unsettling news with me.
“We’ve lost contact with some of our spy organizations sent to their side. It appears the Church is taking the lead in rooting out our collaborators, so we’re still getting information through Raidou and Lunaria, who are trying to minimize the damage. However, if this continues, it’s becoming difficult to gather information from their side. It’s clear they’re systematically trying to block our intelligence, so my true intention in summoning you is to have you become self-reliant quickly and able to provide rear support for us.”
The peaceful times are about to end.
“A war?”
“We have no intention of attacking them. However, there is a significant possibility they might attack us.”
“…”
Was the rush to negotiate with Japan to secure safe territory for support during a war?
“Please consider that we don’t have much time. ‘Haste makes waste’ is a saying from your country, but the time we have is less than you might think. I want you to start operating the dungeon as soon as possible.”
The situation is more serious than I thought, and time is running out.
“I know this is harsh, but you may have to consider a political marriage, which I know you dislike. I summoned you today to convey this.”
The president has told me to separate my personal life from the critical state of the nation.
Today’s Word:
Being able to choose your methods is a luxury.
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Pandora Pandemic Panic: Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened Again, But We’re Fighting Back With Secret Bases and More!!
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