LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 79
Chapter 79: The Demon Lord’s Prince Moves
Well then, it’s Zilbagias, just waking up from a solid sleep after finishing my conversation with the first undead.
Honestly, sleep is crucial. After a good rest, my head feels much clearer.
“I was feeling a bit dazed after sleeping too long, you know.”
That’s just because you were dead asleep! If you sleep excessively, that’s what happens to the human body.
“How troublesome…”
Everything in excess becomes poison, you see. Humans can’t absorb power infinitely like demons—oh, and by the way, if you drink too much, you’re going to have a bad time, so be careful.
“Ohhhh…”
Setting that aside, let’s talk about necromancy.
The encouragement from the soldiers yesterday energized me. Now that I’ve vowed, I can’t betray their trust.
I need to push forward even more seriously toward defeating the Demon Lord.
Lately, I feel like I’ve been too passive regarding the situation. Now that I’ve been elevated to a viscount and earned Platy’s trust, I’m in a position to make my own decisions.
I want to take more proactive action.
“But what exactly should I do?”
Right now, I’m thinking about the hobgoblins.
The hobgoblins are on the verge of being expelled from the Demon Lord’s administration due to the no-goblin-and-ogre theory.
I get why the night elves and demons can’t trust them, especially after the trouble I went through with the mix-up of papers.
But if the administration of the Demon Lord Kingdom becomes too sound, that will pose a problem for me—heroically speaking.
—So, I’m thinking of proposing a few words to the Demon Lord.
“Are you going to listen?”
Sure, as long as it’s a neutral opinion that isn’t too pushy.
However, it might not have much impact. Still, it’s better than saying nothing.
Maybe I can delay the expulsion of the hobgoblins, especially by linking it to what I heard from Enma. Even if it fails, it won’t hurt me. It’s worth a shot.
With that in mind, I finished my breakfast and decided to visit the Demon Lord’s office.
“Heading out?”
When I told the Night Elf Maid, Viene, that I was changing today’s plans, she blinked in surprise.
“Yeah. I’d like to observe Father’s work, and I have a little something I want to discuss.”
I shrugged dramatically.
“—It’s about those hobgoblins. I told Sidarl I wouldn’t butt in on this issue. I want to share my thoughts with Father.”
I’m not lying.
“Is that so?”
Viene laughed slyly, likely thinking I’d join in the hobgoblin expulsion movement out of annoyance over the document mix-up.
Well, under normal circumstances, that’s what anyone in my position would do. It would be hard for anyone to imagine that I, of all people, am going to defend hobgoblins that aren’t worth a single copper coin.
And here I am, heading to the palace, with both Sophia and Viene tagging along as my escorts—what a laugh!
“Such bad taste.”
You like this kind of irony too, don’t you?
“My absolute favorite.”
I can’t see Antendeixis’s face inside me, but I bet he’s grinning wickedly.
†††
The Demon Lord’s palace welcomed me with its unchanged magnificence.
Speaking of which, I did miss a meal due to training, but the dinner gathering of the Moon Day is approaching. Maybe I should have visited then?
—Nah, they say good things should be done quickly. Once the Demon Lord makes a decision, things start moving. If I’m going to intervene, the sooner the better.
“Good day, Prince Zilbagias. What brings you here today?”
I was greeted by the polite butler, a demon with a goat’s head.
“I’d like to observe Father’s political affairs. Of course, if he’s busy, I can come another time.”
“Today’s schedule is business as usual. Allow me to guide you.”
By the way, this demon is one of the elite demons I’ve seen in the Demon Lord Castle. It must take quite a bit of magical power to employ him. He’s probably one of the Demon Lord’s underlings.
Antendeixis, do you know this guy?
“Nope, I don’t. He likely had some rank before coming here, but he’s risen through the ranks quite a bit.”
So, he’s not a seasoned demon from the Demon World. I’d rather not have another encounter like with Sophia.
Right, Sophia might know what kind of demon he is. I should also scout the Demon Lord’s fortifications since I might end up fighting him eventually…
I walked through the area filled with luxurious decorations, passed by the audience chamber, and entered the operational area.
As usual, a long line of petitioners was waiting in front of the Demon Lord’s office. Ignoring them, I was swiftly led inside.
“—Huh? What’s up, Zilbagias?”
Noticing me while he stamped papers with a somewhat lifeless expression, the Demon Lord adjusted his posture and straightened up.
“I’d like to observe Father’s political affairs again.”
“Hm… You’re quite the curious one. Very well.”
So he brought a small chair to the corner of the room, and I sat down to watch the Demon Lord at work.
After I showed up, he seemed to re-energize, but the poor guy is looking pretty worn out…
I wonder when he finds time to rest? If I’m planning to strike, I’d want him thoroughly exhausted.
“Imagine being attacked by your own son when you’re completely worn out from work—how would that feel?”
Who knows? I have no idea, but it would be a blast for the one doing the attacking.
“Your Majesty, we have reports from the front!”
Oh, this is some juicy information.
I sat back down in my chair and tuned in.
—Still in winning battles.
The Demon Lord Kingdom is currently engaged on three fronts. The northern front faces the dwarf kingdom, primarily in the mountainous regions. The eastern front tackles the forest elves and the human race in the plains and woods. And the southern front confronts the beastmen nation and the human alliance that refuse the rule of the Demon Lord Kingdom.
While executing a strategy that avoids rapid territorial expansion, the Demon Lord Kingdom conducts a solid three-pronged operation.
Since both the Demon Lord Kingdom and its allies have properly prepared for the battles, the fighting has been fierce, yet the Demon Lord Kingdom continues to win steadily.
“According to our intelligence network, there are new movements on the northern front, backed by the Holy Church—”
The official reading the report keeps glancing at me. Is that a member of the Izanis Tribe with greenish hair, from Emelgias’s faction?
His sneaky gaze is bothersome, so when I stare back firmly, he stops sending me glances.
…Still, that intelligence network. Even if the Holy Church prepares for a counterattack, they’ll be exposed like this.
The Izanis Tribe is closely connected with the night elves, right? I’ll make sure to wipe them out, along with that green-haired brat and the entire intelligence network…!
“Hm. Good work.”
The Demon Lord, after signing a few documents and handing them to the official, let out a small sigh and leaned back.
“Let’s take a bit of a break.”
“I’ll bring some tea.”
The butler bowed and left the room as if he had a clear understanding of the situation.
Now, it was just the Demon Lord and me left in the office.
“—So, is there something you want to discuss, Zilbagias?”
I raised an eyebrow slightly as he turned to face me, his tone a bit more casual.
“…You’ve got me there, Father.”
I smiled wryly, like a child whose innermost thoughts have been exposed.
It’s only natural to think something’s up if I suddenly show up without regard for the dining date. Sure, it is, but I’ll keep the Demon Lord’s face preserved.
“Hmpf. Father is well aware of such things.”
Proudly, the Demon Lord declared, but he’s overlooking an important detail.
Just who is truly standing before him…!
I chuckled softly and then adopted a serious expression to begin the conversation.