14. Rewards of Victory
I was at the royal castle.
Once again, in the throne room, all the supreme commanders, except for the dragon, were assembled.
“The Virus King, Lord of Disease’s efforts in effectively neutralizing Rank Kingdom’s Dragon Knights are worthy of commendation.”
His Majesty himself was praising me.
“Therefore, I shall reward the Virus King, Lord of Disease.”
I felt the sting of gazes upon me. But it was slightly less intense than before. Perhaps because more of them now understood that the Dragon Knights were a formidable foe, and that my actions—my diabolical methods—in crippling them had benefited the nation.
While they acknowledged the value of my contributions, many still disapproved of my methods and my ambiguous origins, so those stares wouldn’t disappear entirely.
“Name your desire…”
I leaned in and whispered to Liz. She stepped forward and spoke on my behalf, delivering the pre-arranged lines.
“The Lord of Disease is deeply honored by your praise. If it pleases Your Majesty, she wishes only to continue pledging her unwavering loyalty to you and this nation.”
“Of course. I shall continue to accept your loyalty. …You desire nothing else?” His Majesty smiled.
“However, you have followed my orders and achieved tangible results. For the sake of those who follow, I must reward you. …Consider your reward carefully.”
His Majesty waved his hand dismissively. Having been granted permission to leave, Liz and I exited the throne room.
…And then, I found myself once again facing His Majesty, this time on the sofas in the waiting room.
“I apologize for the charade.”
So, you were aware it was a charade, Your Majesty.
“But thanks to you, we have some breathing room. The enemy’s war-weariness is growing. Especially in the Empire and the Holy Kingdom. They’re wary of provoking us further.”
Their basic strategy was a standoff at the border, maintaining the status quo. For those who preferred to avoid conflict or were content with the current situation, all-out war was unthinkable.
Of course… it was unthinkable for us, too.
But that was precisely why we had to maintain our offensive. Public opinion in the human nations was always against us.
Those who cried for peace.
Those who craved absolute security.
Those who attributed the conflict to racial differences.
They didn’t recognize our right to exist.
“The display in the audience chamber was a farce, but I appreciate your cooperation.”
How impressive! The Virus King, Lord of Disease achieves victory and humbly declines a reward!
How magnificent! His Majesty accepts the Virus King’s unwavering loyalty!
This little charade was designed to improve our image—mine, as a somewhat controversial figure with an unstable position, and His Majesty’s, for favoring me.
As His Majesty had said, it was a farce.
However, for those unfamiliar with me, the Virus King, Lord of Disease, reaffirming her loyalty would have some impact. And for those who did know my true identity, it would send a different message.
“I was under the impression that I was supposed to decline the reward.”
“I changed my mind,” His Majesty said casually.
“Perhaps you could have consulted me first.”
Please, Your Majesty.
But since it was a reward, it was difficult to protest too strongly. If it were a punishment, it would be a different story.
“So, you have no specific reward in mind?”
“I am content with my current position.”
But even if it’s a reward, I would appreciate it if you didn’t change your mind without consulting me, Your Majesty.
“However, I would still like to request additional personnel. From any army, not just the undead, if there are any volunteers.”
“Very well, I’ll make an announcement. …No personal requests?”
“None at the moment. I’ll give it some thought.”
“Very well. I’ll provide you with every possible convenience. …I trust you won’t make any unreasonable requests.”
His Majesty smiled. The weight of his trust was heavy.
Then, Liz, who had been standing silently behind me, spoke.
“Your Majesty. I also have a request regarding personnel.”
“Go ahead.”
“I request an immediate reinforcement of the Master’s security detail.”
“Liz. We already discussed this…”
There were several reasons for my limited security detail. One was that my post was far from the front lines, and increasing security there would imply suspicion towards our own forces.
While only a small number would actually resort to assassination—well, it wasn’t suspicion, it was certainty—so we did need precautions. However, excessive security would only breed unnecessary distrust.
Hence, a single, highly skilled bodyguard. And a maid disguise. That was the decision.
Whether or not I liked maids was a separate issue.
“The situation has changed. I believe this warrants additional security, even if it means using the ‘reward’ you just received. I make this request both as your bodyguard and as your adjutant.”
Liz spoke formally, as befitting an audience with His Majesty.
“Is there an imminent threat?”
“Not at this moment. However, there are several plans, albeit in the planning stages, to assassinate the Virus King, Lord of Disease. And with her recent rise in prominence, some may reconsider those plans. …Precisely because one imminent threat has been eliminated.”
His Majesty pressed a hand to his forehead and sighed deeply.
“Foolishness… Don’t they understand that losing her would be a great loss to this nation?”
“They likely don’t. …We are not a unified front.”
Liz’s words were heavy.
We were a nation of diverse races. Even excluding the smaller races like the doppelgangers, and grouping beastmen and undead together, we were still a multi-racial nation comprised of at least five distinct races: dark elves, beastmen, undead, demons, and dragons.
A coalition of disparate groups united against a common enemy.
The road to this point had been arduous, and it would likely remain so.
But the same was true for humans. Even within a single race. Different nations, different regions—their histories, cultures, ways of thinking, everything was different, to the point where they might as well be different species.
We were lumped together as ‘the other’ by the humans… they were united by their enmity towards us, and we were united by their enmity towards us.
“Very well. I’ll discreetly solicit volunteers from each army. However, finding warriors strong enough to serve as a supreme commander’s bodyguard will be difficult.”
“I will continue to protect you until then.”
“Thank you.” His Majesty looked at me apologetically.
“…I’ll do my best. But—”
“Please don’t worry. I have received more than enough. However, if anything should happen… please take care of my subordinates.” I bowed my head.
“Indeed… I apologize…”
On the way back, Liz was unusually sullen.
“What’s wrong, Liz? Did I say something wrong?”
Liz glared at me.
“By ‘if anything should happen,’ are you expressing dissatisfaction with my abilities?”
“No, I have no complaints about you. But you do leave the mansion sometimes, and there’s such a thing as being outnumbered. Besides, you’re an assassin. Direct confrontations aren’t your specialty, are they?”
“…That’s true, but…” Liz conceded grudgingly.
“Hopefully, ‘if anything should happen’ won’t happen.”
“Indeed.”
But ‘if anything should happen’ happened sooner than expected.
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