“Are you alright?”
“I apologize for worrying you the moment we met. My complexion is a bit off, but my physical condition is fine.”
“If that’s the case, then good.”
Since then, I’ve been handling various administrative tasks. I’ve postponed dealing with the nobles, as it was causing me stomach pain, by putting it off for later.
My complexion after an all-nighter, dealing with information leaks, and then facing the nobles – a triple whammy.
Amili-san, who arrived precisely on time, down to the second, responded to my grim expression with a wry smile at my words.
“Your magic power is clear. Then there’s no problem.”
“You can tell that much?”
“Affirmative. I wouldn’t be able to claim the title of General if I couldn’t.”
Despite her petite stature and youthful appearance, Amili-san is one of the top ten powerhouses in the Demon Lord’s Army. While my pure combat power is apparently superior, she boasts that even the President would need time to defeat her in terms of military force.
When I invited her to a seat prepared in the conference room, she sat down without any hesitation in the spot I designated.
“Would you like something to drink?”
“Cocoa, a sweet one with milk.”
“Understood.”
I had heard about Amili-san’s preferences from Kaido, so I had prepared it in advance. I caught Keiri-san’s eye and asked her to prepare it, and she nodded before heading into the pantry adjacent to the conference room.
“Time is of the essence, let’s get to the point.”
“Understood. Then, I’ll be direct.”
Amili-san’s personality does not lend itself to small talk. In private, she might enjoy such things, but being here for work, it’s preferable to get straight to the point rather than engage in idle chatter.
Despite being busy with Isal matters, she made time to come at Kaido’s request. I want to accommodate her.
“I believe you know that I’m in charge of negotiations with Earth’s organizations.”
“Affirmative. I receive information from the Demon Lord and am aware of the high level of attention this is receiving from the military.”
“Yes, and regarding those negotiations, an organization from Japan has proposed marriage talks to further deepen our exchange. Therefore, I would like to borrow your strength in preparing for this marriage arrangement.”
“I’m aware of that much from Tadashi’s explanation. As for me, I have no problem lending my strength, depending on the conditions.”
Thanks to Kaido sending the documents in advance and explaining the gist of the situation, the conversation is progressing smoothly. Truly, in a sense, I wish I could make those who only pursue profit drink Amili-san’s nail wash – the conversation is moving along so quickly.
What I want to ask of Amili-san is to eliminate any lingering concerns. Frankly, my tenure as General is short. While I’ve gained connections with the Nordis and Mura families to solidify my base, it’s still insufficient.
Earth is, in a way, a treasure trove. Not in terms of resources, but in terms of technology and talent. As the person in charge of negotiations, I’ve been chosen, and there’s no end to those who try to curry favor with me and secure profits. Some are even trying to get their daughters involved in this marriage hunting party to secure their own exclusive trade routes, which is beyond troublesome.
We are dealing with them, but unfortunately, many underestimate the human general, who is still young. The deeper the historical lineage of a family, the stronger this sentiment and the more resistance we face. Therefore, I asked Amili-san to act as a buffer. This negotiation is for that purpose.
“What are the conditions?”
Kiō, Amili Mazacraft. Her combat power was second only to the late Kuzuri within the army, boasting immense military strength. I braced myself for the conditions she would present, but listened with a sincere attitude.
“You don’t need to brace yourself so much. For the Human King, it’s an easy request.”
Amili-san, who had silently returned, handed me the cocoa. I accepted it and took a sip, and she, uncharacteristically, showed a slight change in her expression.
“I am interested in the benefits on Earth, but I will not use this matter as leverage to demand them. Please take this not as my personal will, but as the words of Kiō.”
As the Human King, perhaps the most valuable thing would be the right to interfere with Earth. I, who hold the position of the sole representative of the Demon Lord’s Army, would be a target for anyone desperately wanting influence. Yet, she states she doesn’t want it. In political terms, this is undoubtedly at the top of the list of things desirable. Despite that, she explicitly states she doesn’t want it as Kiō.
“Are you dissatisfied?”
“Rather than dissatisfaction, I would say I’m perplexed. Frankly, I was considering a joint venture, so this is rather anticlimactic, and it actually made me worried, which is why I came.”
“Unnecessary worry. We are in the midst of war. I don’t have the luxury of pursuing profit. I’ve heard that you are strengthening your rear base and supporting me. I will not make the foolish decision to undermine that base.”
Having savored the cocoa, she quietly placed the cup down. Knowing my stance as General, her words eased my apprehension somewhat.
“Among us Generals, who are only focused on moving forward, you are the only one who has publicly declared your intention to provide support. In that sense, it is a source of anxiety. However, conversely, if it comes to fruition, it could have an immense effect. I have heard about your character from Tadashi. Therefore, I have no qualms about trusting you. I presume the Oni King will make the same judgment and accept your assistance.”
However, being praised so much for what I’m trying to do makes me blush. While some see me as pathetic or hesitant, it makes me incredibly happy to know that the necessity of my actions is understood.
“Your evaluation is too generous; I am humbled.”
“It is a just evaluation. You defeated the Oni King in public. I do not doubt your abilities.”
I don’t intend to be modest, but my words, which slipped out unconsciously, were met with a sharp retort that made my eyes widen slightly.
“A word of caution: you have a tendency to underestimate yourself at times. Currently, due to your focus and the circumstances, it’s a habit that doesn’t stand out and could be considered a minor issue, but it still needs improvement. Your minor remarks not only lower your own standing but also negatively impact how others perceive you. Of course, if you are intentionally doing it, that’s another matter, but it generally does not lead to good results in our army. Therefore, if possible, you should avoid it.”
Further unsolicited advice. Why would she go this far? But the moment our eyes met, I understood. It was Amili Mazacraft.
“I will be careful from now on.”
“Affirmative. You should.”
Amili-san, satisfied with my words, which offered no personal gain, reached for her cocoa again and began to drink. The way she sipped the cocoa in small, delicate bites might lead one to believe it’s not particularly expensive. Especially considering the quality of the milk used. I wonder what kind of face Kaido would make if I told him later that she drank it so deliciously. While harboring such mischievous thoughts, I offered my sincere gratitude for her advice, something I couldn’t express by bowing my head, but could convey through words.
“We’ve strayed from the topic. Now, for the conditions.”
Amili-san, who granted me time for such trivial conversation, showing her trust in me, presented her conditions.
“First, I demand priority rights to one of the potion factory lines that the Human King is establishing.”
“That would be for military use, correct? Your army doesn’t seem to require many potions.”
“Negative. While our army’s main force consists of Golems, they are operated by Mechanoids. They can get injured or fall ill. If they remain healthy and operational, Golems can be repaired indefinitely. Considering their health and survival, a stable supply of high-quality potions is of utmost importance to our army. Of course, I am not asking for them to be provided free of charge. I am requesting priority usage rights for the production line, with the aim of ensuring a stable supply of potions produced by that line. The price will be paid.”
“I see… Indeed, that is correct. Understood. We will arrange a meeting to discuss the specifics later, but I will consider it favorably.”
Amili-san’s request was, in a way, predictable. The further the war progresses, the more difficult it becomes to secure supplies. War is a bottomless pit of expenses. It is an activity with no productivity, only consumption. In such an environment, my dungeon, which aims for stable production, seems to be a very attractive prospect. Rather than meddling with Japan’s influence, she seems to be interested in that aspect. It makes sense when I consider it. The establishment of the dungeon is a prerequisite, but I had no hesitation in agreeing to this condition.
“Thank you. Second, the conclusion of a treaty between my faction and the Human King’s faction.”
Given that she said it depended on the conditions, I anticipated a few. And the conclusion of a treaty was something I had foreseen. Even as Generals, our positions and the lands we govern differ. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss these matters beforehand to avoid future problems. I’ve heard that Instructor Fushio and Instructor Kio are also doing so. In their case, it’s a treaty that goes a bit beyond a non-aggression pact, promising mutual support in times of need. That’s why, after Instructor Fushio’s absence, I recall hearing at a drinking session that Instructor Kio is keeping an eye on Instructor Fushio’s territory and assisting his wife. Amili-san’s treaty is likely of the same nature.
“What are the contents?”
“A basic non-aggression pact and a mutual military cooperation treaty. Details will be discussed by our subordinates in a formal negotiation session.”
“…I cannot give an immediate answer, but I will consider it favorably. However, the latter, while the former is understandable, is difficult to promise.”
“Understood. For me, simply concluding a non-aggression pact is significant.”
“Understood.”
I am able to respond without panic to what falls within my expectations, but the thought that such things may increase in the future weighs heavily on me. I keep these thoughts hidden and manage to keep the situation within manageable limits for now. I hope it continues this way.
“Finally.”
The last condition was finally presented. After the stable supply of potions and the conclusion of a treaty, I braced myself for what important matter would come next.
“This is the most important.”
Moreover, Amili-san explicitly stated it as the most important. Keiri-san, who was standing by to take minutes, also turned her attention to me. I swallowed hard.
“I am listening.”
I waited for Amili-san’s words, determined not to miss a single syllable.
“Tadashi and I have produced a child. Following that, I wish to pay my respects to his parents. I request the Human King to act as a matchmaker.”
“…”
I repeated the words in my mind, wondering if I had misheard.
“…Congratulations.”
I praised myself for not shouting, managing to suppress the words from my heart, though internally, I was struck by lightning in sheer astonishment. What? Kaido, since when did you have a child? I desperately tried to hide my flustered reaction. I hadn’t heard anything about this!
“Thank you.”
“Does Kaido know about this?”
“Affirmative. He informed me just a moment ago.”
“Just a moment ago?”
“After confirming her physical condition, tests this morning revealed she was pregnant. The moment I realized, I reported it to Tadashi.”
They came here in that flow?! I could only express my amazement at such impetuousness.
Today’s Word:
Familiarity can reduce surprise, but astonishment still occurs.
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I am also currently serializing another work: “Pandora Pandemic Panic.” The Pandora’s Box has been opened again, but we are fighting back through various means in our secret base! Please check that out as well!
