We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Dark clouds.
The Giant Demon Lord, barely greeting us, left Charlotte in charge and departed immediately.
“…Uh, was our report really that important?”
The Giant Demon Lord’s method of long-distance travel is spatial transfer, so he didn’t depart by carriage from the detached palace’s entrance. He unleashed an overwhelming miasma before our eyes and vanished into its depths. As I watched him go, I casually asked Charlotte, who remained.
No, I understand.
The sudden disappearance of an island and all its inhabitants, an event the Emperor tried to keep secret even by enlisting his direct army and the God of War, couldn’t possibly be a small problem.
Still, the recent commotion was too elusive, making it feel unreal, so I wanted to confirm with Charlotte, the Demon Lord’s confidante.
Charlotte then narrowed her eyes, as usual, smiled, and happily informed me.
“Yes, indeed. Without Elnea-kun’s report, the Demon Race’s country might have been annihilated in the worst-case scenario.”
“What!?”
Our eyes widened.
The Demon Race’s country might have been annihilated?
This Demon Race’s country, which has reached the pinnacle of prosperity far exceeding that of the Human Race’s country?
“No, no, no, that’s going too far, isn’t it? I mean, the Demon Lord did warn us that getting too involved in the conflict between the Demon Race and the Divine Race could lead to war.”
The Demon Race and the Divine Race have waged countless wars before.
Thousands of years ago, the reason the Demon Race moved to this land from the east was, despite various factors, ultimately because they were chased by the Divine Race.
And even after establishing their country here, they have repeatedly warred with the Divine Race of this land.
“…Ah. But, I see. The Divine Race’s country has been destroyed numerous times in wars with the Demon Race, hasn’t it?”
I’ve heard a little about it.
A war where Charlotte led the Demon Race Army as the Great Marshal to counter the vast army of the Divine Race.
I believe it was about five hundred years ago?
It was a time before Ruilala was even born.
The Demon Race emerged victorious in that great war. Conversely, the Divine Race Empire, which suffered a crushing defeat, was on the path to ruin.
Speaking of which, the current Divine Race Empire was established after that, right?
The current Emperor overthrew the declining old empire and built a new one.
I’ve also heard that the Divine Army, which invaded our current Forbidden Territory two thousand years ago, was eventually annihilated by the Demon Race.
Surely, there must have been countless other wars.
And each time, the Divine Race’s country either declined, was destroyed, or a new one was established.
Thinking about it that way, Charlotte’s words about a country’s destruction gain weight and seem like a realistic possibility.
“But still, it feels off, doesn’t it? I admit, the Divine Race’s country has been destroyed many times in wars with the Demon Race. But the Demon Race’s country has never been destroyed, has it? I can hardly believe it might be destroyed.”
From the era when the Demon Race ruled the eastern lands to the present, their country has seen cycles of prosperity and decline. However, to my knowledge, the country itself has never been destroyed.
Because the Demon Race has a ruler with absolute power.
Someone who once defeated the Fighting God and still truly rules the Demon Race with overwhelming power and presence. As long as that person and their confidante exist, I’m convinced the Demon Race will not be destroyed.
Therefore, no matter how much truth is in Charlotte’s words, I cannot accept them at face value.
In response to my assertion, Charlotte simply shrugged with a smile.
“As Elnea-kun says, as long as those individuals exist, the Demon Race will not be destroyed. However, the country is a different matter.”
“You mean?”
“As Elnea-kun likely knows, they are not interested in governing and managing a country.”
“Ah, I see!”
I had forgotten.
That’s right. The ruler of the Demon Race has no interest in the country. That’s why, even when chased by the Divine Race in the eastern lands, they didn’t fight back, and even now, they rule by stationing Demon Lords in various regions.
Yet, all demons, including the Demon Lords, hold them in such awe that they show absolute obedience. This is why they are not “Demon Lords” ruling the Demon Race’s country, but “Rulers” reigning as beings of terror.
“Regarding them. They would likely even find pleasure in watching the destruction of the Demon Race’s country and enjoy it.”
“Uwah. That’s the worst!”
“Fufufu. Yes, it is the worst.”
“And Charlotte, you can laugh so cheerfully like that!”
Surely Charlotte also possesses the mindset of the ruler’s side.
Although she now pledges loyalty and serves the Giant Demon Lord, she once nearly annihilated the Demon Race as the “Golden One.”
“But if the Demon Race’s country were to be destroyed, wouldn’t the Divine Race’s fangs also turn towards the Ruler?”
“At that time, they would personally annihilate the Divine Race. Just as they did when they defeated the Fighting God. This time, perhaps I shall observe by their side. Fufufu, I’m looking forward to it.”
“No, no, it’s not fun at all!?”
The Ruler shows no interest in the survival of the Demon Race. Only one thing. Perhaps they turn their attention to a being that challenges them.
And the Emperor of the Divine Race might be secretly accumulating power to bare their fangs at that terrifying Ruler.
“So, Charlotte, what exactly do the things we saw indicate?”
The island called the “Paradise of the Heavenly Race,” which should have been at the center of the lake, vanished entirely without the knowledge of even the residents of the surrounding villages. The Emperor had this fact concealed by his most trusted First Army.
Furthermore, the Giant Demon Lord, upon receiving the report, abandoned his enjoyment of our travelogue and immediately went to report to the Ruler.
What kind of secret have we stumbled upon and reported?
We were already told it was a secret that could lead to the destruction of the Demon Race’s country. But we want to hear more specific details.
Charlotte pondered for a moment, then her lips curved slightly as if she had thought of something.
“Ah. You definitely had some wicked thoughts just now!?”
“Fufufu. Is that so?”
“No, no, that expression was definitely your usual scheming face when you plan to toy with us!”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Observing our reactions, Charlotte smiled gleefully. And, as expected, instead of answering the questions we desired, she posed a question back to us.
“It cannot be helped. If Elnea-kun and the others desire it so much.”
“Charlotte’s schemes are something we don’t desire at all!”
“Please don’t say that. Surely, His Majesty, if he were here, would have also asked this.”
“No. Don’t ask!”
“Elnea-kun. And everyone here. Regarding this matter, why did you break your promise with the Divine Race and inform the Demon Race?”
“…Ah, about that.”
Come to think of it, I don’t think I mentioned it.
Why did we tell them about Amira and her connection to the Fighting God? And why did we break our promise with Guen and inform the Demon Lord about the events concerning the Paradise of the Heavenly Race?
“That’s right. We know that if the Divine Race found out we leaked information to the Demon Race, the Armēdo Kingdom and Dragon Peak would be endangered. Still, the reason we reported it is likely because we felt this matter was very important to the world.”
Of course, we had a family meeting before visiting the detached palace. What to discuss, and what to keep secret.
Among them, Amira’s secret and the island of the Heavenly Race were the most crucial topics.
However, the family’s opinions on this matter were easily unified.
“We should talk about Amira’s situation.”
“I think it’s fine to talk about the Fighting God.”
“Yes. I agree with my sisters. Among the Demon Race, there are still veterans who have faced the Fighting God themselves, so there’s little need to hide it. Rather, wouldn’t it be easier to act in the future if we discussed it?”
“The Giant Demon Lord and Charlotte might be able to tell us more about the Fighting God. It wouldn’t hurt to hear about the Fighting God’s past stories in order to find the secret to Amira controlling her power.”
On our way back from the Divine Race’s country. We held a family meeting on Nimia’s back.
The opinions of the three sisters, Yufilia, Nina, and Sefina, along with my own thoughts, were met with nods from everyone.
Alf and Amira had departed on a journey of training around the world with Uncle Luludodo before we left the Divine Race’s country. Therefore, even if the Divine Race or the Demon Race tried to interfere with Amira, it would be difficult.
After all, Uncle Luludodo claims he can repel any number of Gods of War, so I doubt anyone can lay a hand on Amira, who is protected by the reliable Uncle Luludodo.
The Ruler of the Demon Race might be different if they were serious, but that person would likely be sharpening their teeth, waiting for Amira to grow to a level that captures their interest.
Besides, if they’ve left on a journey and their whereabouts are unknown, no one can even make contact, let alone interfere.
Moreover, if we disclose it first, it will be easier to consult them if something comes up.
Rather than keeping secrets, it’s better to share information with those we can rely on.
Of course, we will be selective about who we disclose our secrets to. That’s something we’re good at.
After all, we’ve only shared the secrets of the Dragon Forest and the Forbidden Territory with a very limited number of people, and there have been no failures where the information spread to the public.
And regarding the matter of the Heavenly Race’s island.
We all felt it was crucial to report it, even if it meant breaking our promise with Guen.
“I don’t think that can be dismissed as just a plan the Divine Race Empire is secretly carrying out.”
“I had a premonition of that too, Mistral. It’s an abnormal situation for the world.”
“If we had selfishly prioritized our own safety or our family’s safety and faithfully kept our promise with Guen, I fear there would be no turning back.”
However, Ruiseine raised her hand.
“Is it truly alright to convey that report to the Demon Race? Indeed, it was the Demon Race who asked us to investigate the Empire’s situation. However, while we can trust the Giant Demon Lord, those above him…”
“That’s right. That’s what worries me…”
It was the Ruler of the Demon Race who commissioned us to investigate the internal affairs of the Divine Race Empire.
Of course, we don’t want to report directly to that scary person, so we’ll report to the Giant Demon Lord first and have him relay it.
In other words, what we saw and reported will be relayed directly to the Ruler of the Demon Race.
The problem then becomes that we don’t know how the Ruler of the Demon Race will act.
Will it be an option to observe, like with Amira’s secret, until the Divine Race’s scheme matures?
Or will they get involved and cause chaos, finding it interesting?
If it’s the latter, wouldn’t the Demon Race and the Divine Race be thrown into chaos by the Ruler?
Could our report trigger a massive war between the Demon Race and the Divine Race?
“…No, that’s not right. If the Empire’s plan proceeds as is, it’s likely to lead to a major war sooner or later. Still, if we want to minimize damage to civilians and neighboring countries, we have no choice but to convey it.”
The only ones capable of resisting the Divine Race, who possess immense power as a species, are the Demon Race, who possess comparable power.
And we are more familiar with the Demon Race than the Divine Race. Therefore, explaining the situation to the Giant Demon Lord and preparing for an emergency is the maximum cooperation we can offer at this time.
“The Giant Demon Lord should respond in the right way.”
The Giant Demon Lord is a rare demon who cares about his country and his people.
That’s why we trust him and continue to interact with him.
If he receives a report from us, surely the Ruler will take it seriously. …Right!?
“In any case, if we don’t convey it, there’s no way to deal with it. If it escalates to a crisis where many lives are threatened because we didn’t report what we should have, it would be unbearable!”
Whether our report leads to a good outcome or a bad one, it all depends on the Giant Demon Lord and the Ruler of the Demon Race.
However, hesitating out of fear of an uncertain outcome isn’t like us.
If it heads in the wrong direction, we’ll take the lead and steer it back onto the right path!
Everyone agreed with the conclusion I reached.
“So, that’s why we reported it. So, deal with it seriously!”
I warned Charlotte, and she replied with her characteristic mischievous response, “I hope so.”
But judging by the Demon Lord’s reaction, it seems to have been a threat to the Demon Race as well, so I don’t think it will go in the worst-case direction.
“So, Charlotte. Tell me already. You must have some idea about our report, right? That’s why the Demon Lord went to report so quickly.”
If it were an incomprehensible situation, the Demon Lord would have likely tilted his head in confusion right here and tried to figure out the true meaning of the Divine Race’s scheme. The fact that he left before our travelogue even finished means he must have been caught by something he was aware of.
Charlotte smiled happily at my guess.
“Elnea-kun is always so sharp. His Majesty and I both like that about you.”
“You mean you like how to best toy with me because of that trait, right!”
Setting aside my retorts.
We seriously awaited Charlotte’s answer.
Then, as if finally sensing the earnestness of our demeanor, Charlotte narrowed her eyes further and smiled.
“Well, with just Elnea-kun’s report, we haven’t reached certainty yet.”
After pausing, Charlotte stated.
“In a word, a Great Forbidden Technique.”
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