Chapter 8: demon lord
After we left alone the beast demon laying down on the ground, we have reached the demon lord castle.
To tell the truth, this will be the second time I meet with the demon lord. In front of the door made from intimidating steel, I take a deep breath. The one who I will see is the strongest demon. The demon lord that commands more than ten thousands of demons under him. If he wanted to kill me, it can be done without even wasting one breath.
“Third division army general Gomoruiroa and division commander Raito come to report.”
after teacher said it in a calm voice, the huge door opened slowly. Pillars from polished obsidian that is decorated by specialty silversmith. The whole room tones is black and decorated with silver. When the silver is saturated, it blends nicely with the black color as if it is combined to form a harmony.
Nearby, some dragon man is guarding and armed with short spear. Their scales are also black in color. The black scales, silver spear, it all undeniably added the beauty of the scenery. With a thunderous sound from deep inside the room, someone said: “please enter”.
I was trembling but I was trying not to cause shame for my teacher. Even if something bad happened, we can fix it. Even if I died, there is still a chance to be reincarnated again. I was trying to ease my mind as much as possible as we walked.
In that hall, my footsteps are echoing but it was strange. The echo and my movement isn’t match. Somehow in this shiny black obsidian and silver decoration there is a picturesque trick. Because of that I also think it wasn’t possible to walk by erasing the footsteps.
And still there are more dragon man inside. There is one that’s called lizard man but they will cry called that since they are after all still a dragon race. Still, why he can be here? It’s because the demon lord are from the dragon race himself. He is not from the demon race but from the dragon race. Sitting on the throne, it is 『the demon lord Den Richter』. Indeed even if he come from the dragon race he is still the demon lord. His physique isn’t like normal dragon man who is only two meter tall. He is a giant that stands out. His scales wasn’t dark brown or green but it is blazing red as if he is covered by fire. And as he aged, he will possessed what is called majesty coming from the dragon race.
However the thing that inspired me the most is his magic. Magician can see the flow of the mana and right now around him, there is an overwhelming density of magic flowed just by him breathing. His level far surpa.s.sed other demons and the level of magic he achieved far beyond anyone. Even if me and the whole werewolves corps attacked and even teacher helped us, there is no chance for us to win. There’s a big gap between us.
So naturally as a demon I will give my respect to him. While kneeling I give my respect.
“Third division deputy commander 『Maokami Raito』 reporting in.”
Maokami is my t.i.tle that is given by the demon lord. After all important people in the demon lord army has a t.i.tle. Mine is just a small fry.
The demon lord is looking at me with his eyes that is shining in gold color. Involuntarily I stand up straight.
“We have capture the trading city Ryun and now it is under own control.”
“I know.”
it was a modest voice but it was intimidating enough to cause the pillars to tremble. Ah, my report is done, now I want to go home again. But then the demon lord continue to ask.
“Can you explain to me concisely what kind of tactics you used?”
“Ah, yes!”
I involuntarily bowed but now I need to answer the question carefully. Let’s just speak of the conclusion for now.
“I made a strategy to do an ambush. At first, I asked some of the werewolves to infiltrate as traveler and we also used the inu corps as diversion.”
the demon lord looked down at me still within silence. Was the explanation not enough? But contrary to my expectations the demon lord nodded slightly.
“That tactics, what is the advantages?”
ah, a simple question this time.
“It is to minimize the damage to the army and at the same time facilitate the governance of after the war better.”
“Tell me more.”
ah, quite persistent but still within my capabilities to answer.
“The werewolves corps is made of elite so it wasn’t easy to find replacement for even a soldier. If we still think of the incoming future war, any casualties should be avoided.”
“So, tell me the second part.”
ah, he also still want to know about it. It is also something I remember when I was studying under teacher. Demons sense of submission is only to the strong. Losing a fight, or facing someone stronger, we will pledged our loyalty only to the strong. However human beings are different. If we killed their strongest family member, they could still fight back to us. He might be worried about this.
“I’m also trying to try to suppressed the damage to the enemy side. We can do it as long as the human is in fear of our power and doesn’t have any grudge. We also let the count to cooperate with us.”
the demon lord eyes is focused on me as he speak in growling voice.
“That method.. isn’t it easier to do it by force?”
clearly the atmosphere has changed. This question is bad. Ruling by force is the demon common sense. Of course the demon lord is doing this right now. If I answered it wrong, it can be considered as a criticism to the demon rules as demon always tried to show their superiority from others. The demon lord voice echoed heavily.
“Answer!”
ah, I have prepared myself. There is nothing lose anyway.
“I want to avoid unnecessary conflict and cooperating with the humans, I am confident it will be the best and most secure route.”
ah, I’ve said it now.
Clearly the expression of the dragon soldiers is changed. Well they didn’t clearly show it on the surface but they are now releasing battle spirit. What should I do? Run away if I’m going to be killed? Or can I still expect my self to be reincarnated as another Kazuya?
However the demon lord doesn’t even react indifferently and nodded.
“Very well if that’s the case.”
so, it was over. The blood thirst that is filling the hall dissipated in a blink of an eye. Apparently I won’t be killed today. But once again a hot feelings struck my chest. The demon lord speak again.
“Since you will be cooperating, you will need some ample funds. For the governance cost, you can take one million copies silver.”
“Ah, Thank you demon lord!”
“If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
certainly the burden on my chest has been lifted. The demon lord sagacity are also outstanding. There is a clear reason why he is the demon lord.
Then, teacher who has been silent all along asked the demon lord.
“The demon lord, aren’t this going to cause a problem in your plan? It’s only for a trading city.”
“Don’t worry.”
the demon lord isn’t fazed when replying.
“The second division Nuyue, gained silver from their raid and it has been given to us as a loot. Therefore we still have more funds.”
“I understand. Thank you demon lord.”
after that teacher also gives a bow and our report is finished.