“Peace negotiations?”
At this timing?
While I was handling post-war matters with Suella, a notice arrived from headquarters regarding an urgent matter, and I had just confirmed the document.
The content was so outrageous that I almost doubted it for a moment, but the document and seal were all officially used ones.
For a moment I thought it was a trap by Tris, but I was convinced once I confirmed who the other party for the peace negotiations was.
“Wouldn’t you say it’s more of a ceasefire agreement?”
It seems they proposed to hold discussions with the resolve to settle everything, including past matters.
The more I read the report, the more questions arise about how and why this happened, but I can’t pursue that right now.
“Yes, therefore, we would like the Human King to be present.”
The problem is being ordered to leave the front lines during this extremely busy period and head to the negotiation table.
“I understand it’s a direct order from the Demon Lord. However, we also need to consider maintaining the front lines.”
It’s difficult to leave at this very moment. I’ll try to confirm if he understands that.
“With that in mind, the Demon Lord has arranged for the Undead King to be sent urgently as a replacement. As soon as the Undead King arrives, the Human King will hand over duties and withdraw to the rear.”
“…If that’s the case, I understand.”
If personnel are supplemented, and they are trustworthy individuals, I have no complaints. Then, why am I being called now?
“Well, if the other party is human, it would probably be better for me, a human, to be there.”
It will probably serve as an appeal for the Demon Lord’s Army to seek peace with humans. Amidst a fortress of non-humans, having one human, especially one with status, will be understood as the Demon Lord’s Army valuing humans.
“I believe that’s part of the intention, but…”
“Is there anything else?”
If even a small number of enemies can be reduced while we are at war, it’s a beneficial situation for us. The Empire is a rare country among Isal’s nations where ideology hasn’t permeated religion. It’s a very rare country and at the same time, a great power with considerable influence.
“Yes, perhaps they intend to settle the matter of Himusumi here as well.”
I thought there might be something other than a buffer role in negotiating with that great power, but Suella, after thinking for a moment, prefaced her remarks with a possibility and pointed out something not written in the directive.
“Ah, I see, there was that possibility.”
I have already submitted a report stating that Himusumi was discovered. Therefore, it’s natural to take measures to resolve it. A man who was incited by Kawasaki and kidnapped. There’s a high possibility that I, his colleague at the time, would be made to attend in order to have him returned.
If that’s the case…
“I just hope we don’t push our luck too much.”
The fault lies with them. Therefore, there’s a possibility that we might make demands that go beyond a reasonable level. No, it’s not a possibility. The President will undoubtedly make unreasonable demands. Considering the possibility of making unreasonable demands at the peace negotiation table, the discussion will undoubtedly become heated. Thinking about it makes me feel a headache coming on.
Sighing, I scratch my head. I know I have to get used to these kinds of negotiations. In fact, I’m already engaged in what’s called probing each other’s intentions in discussions with nobles and Japanese high officials. Considering that, I can consider myself to have enough experience.
“For now, I should prepare to withdraw to the rear. I should start by summarizing the current situation for the handover.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I suppose it’s pointless to be nervous, but I should do what needs to be done before handing over. Since I can’t explain everything verbally, I must prepare documents immediately.
And then, two days after the directive arrived. We spent the time uneventfully, feeling an unsettling quietness with no response from the other side. On the designated day, Instructor Fushio deploys a dungeon next to Instructor Kio’s dungeon. The two dungeons are side-by-side. Normally, this would be a situation where conflict could arise, but we know each other well. A formation is deployed that makes one wonder if it won’t become the most terrifying arrangement without causing any trouble. With this, I can withdraw to the rear with peace of mind. The instructors nodded with satisfaction at my creation of the handover document, and I immediately withdrew from the front lines.
“Hmm, is this what the atmosphere of peace feels like?”
Returning to the civilized buildings from the front lines with Suella, my comment was a commonplace one.
“There’s no killing intent, and the air isn’t dusty. It’s true that there’s less tension compared to the front lines.”
I was referring not to my residence, but to the military headquarters managed by the Demon Lord’s Army. I, who have special permission to transfer into the Demon Lord’s Castle, experienced the castle’s atmosphere—which was on alert but not in combat readiness—as peace. Suella gives a wry smile at my words, but it can’t be helped. After all, I described a space where Royal Guard soldiers were on patrol everywhere as peaceful.
As I appeared, I offered a brief greeting to the soldiers who saluted, and we began to walk.
“Please follow me.”
“I will.”
It had already been communicated that I would be coming, and a Royal Guard soldier waiting at the entrance of the teleportation circle began to lead the way.
“The advance party for the negotiations has already established their positions on the designated land. It has been conveyed that His Majesty the Human King will proceed to that location after an audience with the Demon Lord to form the encampment.”
“So, it seems there isn’t much time?”
Our pace was somewhat faster than usual, and the hurried atmosphere made me realize there was no time to spare.
“Yes, I cannot speak about the details, but the situation is worse than you might imagine.”
“I see.”
If a close aide of the Demon Lord cannot speak about it, it’s highly likely a problem related to gods. Now, what should I do? I glance at Suella, and she nods silently.
“I apologize, but I would like my secretary to return to my main camp for now and join me later.”
“Understood.”
I also need to make some preparations. If I’ve moved to the safety of the Demon Lord’s Castle, it would be better to have Suella rendezvous with Keiri and the others to adjust our forces. There will likely be a need for discussions as well.
“King of Humans, please be careful.”
“Ah, you too.”
Perhaps it’s because we’re inside the castle, but the farewell is a little sad, but if we’re to separate public and private matters, we must do this much. With a touch of reluctance, the Royal Guard guides Suella to another soldier. Then, alone, I am led to the room where the President is.
“Demon Lord, I have brought His Majesty the Human King.”
Not the throne room, but this is a war room, is it? Perhaps it’s more convenient in a state of war. Amidst various soldiers moving about, without letting their guard down, and with the entry and exit of each soldier strictly managed. In this setting, the Demon Lord, who was talking with officers around a table in the back, likely noticed my presence, but turned towards me at the Royal Guard’s words.
“Ah, good work. You may withdraw.”
“Yes, sir!”
He’s not in his usual suit, but in armor. Clad in his battle attire, I feel a slight pressure, but as the Royal Guard withdraws, I step forward.
“Demon Lord, His Majesty the Human King has arrived.”
“Yes, thank you for your trouble. Without delay, we don’t have much time. Please look at this. I want to hear your opinion.”
“…This is a map of a city? But, this…”
“Yes, the capital of Tris. Our spies risked their lives to obtain this latest one.”
Spread out on the table is a map of a city. It’s not a simple one like a tourist map, but a detailed one that would be used from the design stage.
“These lines represent magic circles, don’t they? Judging by the spell formation, it’s a summoning circle. Considering the structure of a spell that summons from another world, it’s a spell for the descent of a god, isn’t it?”
Lines and circles have been added with new ink over it, and as I decipher them, I envision the magic that Instructor Fushio told me about.
“Yes, it’s preparation for the descent of a god. However, there are a few inexplicable points.”
I understand the meaning of this map, considering the spell formation, the location, and the opponent’s intentions as told by Valse-san. However, the President points to a part of the map indicating something unclear.
“The most important of these is the timing. We have no idea when the descent will occur. Considering the opponent, the summoning will happen soon, at least within a month.”
The question isn’t whether the summoning can be executed with the current spell formation, but rather, when will the god descend?
“When would you summon?”
The highest person in charge of the Demon Lord’s Army asks me this. Before I could even wonder why me, I quickly consider. I can always ask a question back.
“Two weeks… no, in ten days.”
I thought it. I considered it. I deduced it. Any of these words could be used, but “intuition” feels like the most fitting.
“The basis?”
“Intuition.”
However, the more unsettling the feeling, the sharper and more accurate my intuition becomes. I could infer from the available information, but it wouldn’t be as accurate as my gut feeling.
“I see, you’ve decided that.”
That’s why I conveyed it in the way I have the most faith in, but the President nodded in satisfaction with information that wasn’t even speculation, let alone with any basis.
“Demon Lord, may I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you ask me that question just now? I don’t think I’m particularly skilled in areas like data analysis. If the Undead King came as my replacement, I assume he’s also come up with an answer.”
Even if he’s a general, can he be trusted that much? No, it’s not about trust or faith. I simply wanted to resolve my doubt about being asked to perform a skill in an area I’m not good at.
“Oh, I just wanted to hear the answer from the most influential person in the Demon Lord’s Army right now. I asked individuals with excellent experience, knowledge, and talent, but everyone replied that there was more than twenty days left. However, you and Nōraifu were different. Nōraifu also replied ten days, just like you.”
And so, my doubt was resolved with a surprisingly simple answer. I wanted to say, “What is that?” at the content delivered with a smile, but I also had a part of me that accepted it as unavoidable. The Undead King Nōraifu, who is overwhelmingly more experienced than me. It’s the same answer as someone I can regard as a teacher. I must avoid wasting precious time in a situation where time is already scarce.
“Is that so? Then, let’s move on to the next topic. It seems we have more than enough time.”
Based on my intuition and the instructors’ experience, there is no time to spare. No, not just no spare time, but it’s a situation where we should initiate operational maneuvers immediately.
“We don’t have the luxury of time to be leisurely negotiating peace with the Empire.”
“However, we must eliminate any lingering concerns.”
And yet, within the Demon Lord’s Army, there’s a lack of coordinated steps, and we’re also burdened with diplomatic problems. In such a situation, facing a god carries too many disadvantages. We should immediately mobilize the entire army and deal with the god with our full strength. Despite this, our President has declared that he will proceed step-by-step with leisure. He must have a plan. I’m certain of that.
“For that, we need the Empire’s strength.”
That’s what our supreme authority has stated. If he needs it, then he must need it.
“As you command.”
I must obey. That’s what being a corporate slave entails. I shall demonstrate the results swiftly.
A word for today:
There are times when hands must be held.
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