Side: Seraria
"We now stand at a turning point in history. The time has come to settle the long-standing conflict with the Demon King."
At this moment, I am holding an emergency assembly in Weed's coliseum, with the kings of each nation standing beside me.
No—this is a send-off ceremony.
Before me, the elite forces of the three nations are lined up in formation for appearance's sake, and in front of them stand Weed's own elite troops.
And in the stands, the dignitaries of the three nations, along with the citizens of Weed, listen in tense silence.
"The Demon King has despicably isolated the Kingdom of Roumel, plotting to crush each nation one by one. Even now, Roumel is under the fierce assault of the Demon Race—no, by the Demon King himself!!"
My declaration caused a stir throughout the arena.
I hear voices whispering, "So that's why we couldn't get in touch," and "So that's what was happening."
"However, the gods—no, we ourselves—have not abandoned us!! Certainly, the gods may exist. But those who save us are none other than ourselves!!"
Many tilt their heads, unable to grasp the meaning of my words.
That's only natural. I will now make it clear.
"One person saved another and came to Weed. And they said this: 'I don't care what happens to me. So please, save the demon race.' I was suspicious. The demon race are servants of the Demon King—why should we save them? But the truth was different. The demon race were slaves, oppressed by the Demon King!! They had been waiting for a chance to escape his grasp. And yet, during this attack on Roumel, they chose not to flee. Instead, even while being pursued, they risked their lives to warn us of Roumel's danger!!"
Still, most cannot determine whether this is truth or fiction.
Which is precisely why this is our trump card.
"Why did I believe the words of a demon? I'm sure many of you are wondering that. So I will show you—the proof that convinced me. Come forth."
At my signal, Liliana steps forward, and beside her walks a robed figure.
"This woman is the demon who brought us word of this crisis—Liliana-dono. She looks no different from humans or beastfolk. We were told demons were monstrous in appearance—but that was the Demon King's deception, meant to keep them from escaping. Look at her. She is no different from us. In fact, she is beautiful. And look—look at the blood seeping through those bandages!! Even in such a state, she came to warn us!! And she saved someone precious to me."
Of course, the bandages and blood are staged.
My husband healed her completely.
But the effect is overwhelming. Her pitiful appearance stirs the imagination of all who see her.
Then, the robed figure removes the hood.
"I believe you all know her well. My precious younger sister—Elju."
And, the final piece: Elju.
Elju, who had traveled across Weed and the other nations, was known and trusted by royalty, nobles, and citizens alike.
Seeing her face, no one doubts her identity.
Her hair is shorter now, but a face like hers is unmistakable.
"Everyone, please listen! I was saved from becoming a sacrifice to the Demon King by Liliana-san! I have no reason to doubt her! Despite the danger to herself, she told me of the crisis approaching Roumel and brought me here. She—no, the Demon Race—are people just like us. Even now, while suffering under the Demon King's hand, they are fighting desperately to ensure no harm comes to us!"
Elju then takes Liliana's hand.
"I want to save the Demon people who saved me! Extra Heal!"
As planned, to prove she is the real Elju, she uses Extra Heal—a spell fewer than five people on the continent can cast.
She removes the bandages to show that Liliana's "wounds" have been healed. Seeing this, the knights and the people of Weed are fully convinced of her identity. Well, she was the real deal from the start, but still.
Hearing her voice and seeing her stand there, one king rises. My and Elju's bastard father—the King of Roshure.
"My elites! For what purpose do your swords exist?!"
"""Our swords exist to strike down those who harm our country and our people!"""
Then, the King of Gartz stands and bellows:
"My elites! For what purpose do the shields you carry exist?!"
"""Our shields exist to protect against those who harm our country and our people!"""
Finally, the Saintess of Rithea stands:
"My elites! For what purpose are the prayers you offer?!"
"""Our prayers are for the safety of God, our country, and our people!"""
Now, it's my turn.
"My elites! For what purpose does Weed exist?!"
"""Our Weed exists for the people!"""
After that declaration, I take a breath and deliver the final blow.
"Elites of all nations! People of Weed! Are the Demon Race, who are still fighting even now, our enemies?!"
"""NO!"""
"Then what are the Demon Race to us?!"
"""A proud people, and friends we must save!"""
Good. The captains of each nation's elite units, who we briefed beforehand, lead the chant. The preparations are complete. All that's left is the final word.
"Here and now, we end the cycle with the Demon King! I hereby declare the Grand Subjugation of the Demon King! Those who follow us, let out your voices!"
"""OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!"""
A roar loud enough to pierce through the arena spreads across Weed.
"My elites! Do you have the courage to represent the people, save the Demon Race, and strike down the Demon King?!"
"""OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!"""
The response is a powerful, resolute howl.
"Then we have no enemies! All forces, prepare to depart! Our goal is but one: the head of the Demon King!"
* * *
In this moment, the ideology of "slaying the Demon King to save the demons" was born.
I've done all I can for now. I'll need to convey the detailed strategies later, but for now, my subordinates will prepare for departure as planned.
"Good work, Seraria."
"Oh, thank you, Dear. Is Rurua alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine now. You've been so kind to me for the last three days... I feel bad for the other wives if I take up any more of your time."
"Oh, don't worry about that. In exchange, Rurua is being taken out of the rotation for a while."
"Ehh!? T-That's cruel!"
Checking that Rurua is back to her usual self, we chat for a moment before Elju and Liliana approach us.
"Good work, Elju."
"Yes, your speech was magnificent, Chii-aneesama."
"Thank you. And Liliana... there's no turning back now, you know?"
"Yes, I was prepared for that from the start. I believe this is the best plan. A 'clean' peace is no longer possible. Therefore, I will do my utmost to save as many lives as I can."
There is no hesitation in Liliana, despite having played along with this massive farce. She truly was a Demon King.
"Now, even though I've given the grand order, the casualties will be immense if we just leave things as they are. We're the only ones who can do something about that. You all understand, right?"
Yuki and my reliable fellow wives all nod.
"As originally planned, we will take the Demon King's head with Liliana as our guide. But there are many enemies, and the Demon Race possesses unique racial strength. It's our job to break through that."
I make my katana click as I settle it at my hip.
"We will be the ones to take the Demon King's head."
Yes, we'll let the "elites" think they are taking the head, but it won't necessarily be the real Demon King they face. We'll move ahead, swap the Demon King for a body double, and take the real head ourselves.
"Honestly, how did things turn out like this? A Commercial District representative going on a Demon King hunt... well, it's for Onii-san, so I won't complain about the labor."
"I'm surprised too. A guild receptionist going on a Demon King hunt... I wonder what the quest reward is for that?"
"I feel the same. It's an honor for the Elven race, but to be the one actually doing it..."
"Riel, we've come a long way, haven't we?"
"Yeah. We've worked together with Tori to get here, but a Demon King hunt? I'm getting excited."
"...I'll crush them with everything I've got. If it leads to peace."
"Onii-chan! Onee-chan! we're going to defeat the bad Demon King!! I'll do my best too!"
"Me too! I'll work hard with Aslin!"
"...Leave it to us, Yuki."
"I am a princess, but precisely because I am a princess, I must strike down the Demon King!"
"Splendid, Sheila-sama! I, Killue, shall accompany you!"
Now then, Demon King. Just you wait.
Still... setting all of this up was exhausting. Even if it's only been three days.
