37: The Investiture Ceremony
I walked alone down the red carpet of the audience chamber, without my staff.
The vast hall, large enough to accommodate over a thousand people, was almost empty. Only the royal guards, clad in black armor and white surcoats, lined the red carpet for the investiture ceremony.
I knelt at the end of the red carpet, before the throne.
His Majesty descended from his raised throne and tapped my shoulder with the gnarled wooden staff. The chains rattled, the blue gem catching the light, and I narrowed my eyes beneath the mask.
Then, I listened to His Majesty’s words.
“Lord of Disease. I hereby bestow upon you the position of supreme commander of the Demon King’s army.”
“It is my greatest honor…” I spoke the rehearsed lines, performing the rehearsed actions.
“You shall serve as commander of the newly established Sixth Army, effective today. I expect your unwavering loyalty, Lord of Disease and Poison.”
I accepted the staff offered by His Majesty, took a few steps back, then straightened my posture. All that remained was to say, “I pledge my renewed loyalty to you, Your Majesty,” and exit without tripping over my robe.
“Now, let’s hear your inaugural address.”
I froze.
Wait, Your Majesty.
Why are you deviating from the script after we rehearsed?
I glanced at him from behind my mask, and he simply smiled.
Was this a test of my abilities as a supreme commander, or was he simply amusing himself? I hoped it was the former.
I took a deep breath and steeled myself.
“I am the Lord of Disease! My objective: the extinction of humanity…!!”
I declared solemnly, striking the stone floor with my staff. Sparks flew, and the royal guards flinched.
“All who threaten the peace of the Listrea Demon Kingdom are my enemies!”
I had chosen to live in this nation. Therefore, the peace of this nation was my peace.
Perhaps, from the moment I’d chosen this name, peace was no longer an option.
And that was why I declared it my enemy.
His Majesty’s smile deepened. A chillingly intense smile hidden beneath a veneer of calm. …He isn’t called the Demon King for nothing.
“—I pledge my renewed loyalty to you, Your Majesty.”
I think, in that moment, I truly became the Lord of Disease.
“My apologies. But I wanted to see your resolve.”
“…It’s quite alright.”
His Majesty and I were alone in the waiting room.
I had a lot I wanted to say, but I swallowed it all and nodded vaguely.
As someone who’d practically forced their way into this position, achieving a meteoric rise through the ranks, it was difficult to complain. But I really wished he wouldn’t deviate from the script.
Of course, the ability to adapt to unexpected situations was a requirement for leadership, and he was probably testing me.
I believe that’s what you were doing, Your Majesty. That amused smile… it’s because you’re impressed with your new subordinate, right?
“Tell me what you desire. I have granted you the position and authority of a supreme commander. But those are merely the basics.”
“…Meaning, there’s more?”
His Majesty nodded.
“—What do you desire?”
The Demon King asked me that question.
“I would like a mansion… with a maid.”
I gave him that answer.
“…Hmm?” His Majesty tilted his head.
“…Is that all?”
“I have already received everything I need. Therefore, I desire only a small, personal indulgence.”
His Majesty frowned.
“An indulgence…?”
“In my world, maids are very, very important.”
“…Indeed. But an ordinary maid wouldn’t be suitable for your personal service.”
“That is why I have a proposal, Your Majesty. You still require someone to monitor and protect me, correct?”
His Majesty smiled wryly.
“You’re very direct. —But yes, you’re right. While I trust you, I need someone to keep an eye on you.”
“I agree. The regulations also state that a supreme commander requires a vice-commander.”
“You’ve already read the regulations?” His Majesty seemed surprised.
I’d reviewed all the materials provided. …I wouldn’t have the audacity to call myself a supreme commander without reading them.
“I have. Therefore, the simplest and most effective solution would be to have someone serve as my monitor, bodyguard, and vice-commander.”
“…Does she really need to also be a maid?”
His Majesty’s question was valid.
“It’s a matter of both practicality and personal preference. Consider it a disguise for my bodyguard.”
“…Very well.” His Majesty nodded, as if conceding defeat. Then he smiled.
“From the way you’re speaking, you already have someone in mind, don’t you?”
“Yes. —I would like Lizlit Finis as my vice-commander.”
His Majesty glanced behind me.
“…I-is that so?”
I turned around, and Lizlit was standing there, as if she’d materialized out of thin air. But I was no longer surprised.
“Ah, Lizlit. So, what do you say?”
“We’re in His Majesty’s presence.” Lizlit stared at me intently, her eyes unreadable. After a moment, she turned to His Majesty.
“Your Majesty. Do I have a right to refuse?”
“You do. Compatibility is important for a vice-commander. If you believe you are not compatible with the Lord of Disease, I won’t force you.”
With His Majesty’s backing, it would be easy for her to refuse my offer.
“Why me?”
“Would you be angry if I said intuition?”
“Not angry, but I would appreciate a more detailed explanation. And we’re in His Majesty’s presence.”
I adjusted my tone as she’d suggested and repeated my offer.
“I feel that you are necessary. That is why I want you to be my vice-commander. You spared my life because you felt I was necessary for this nation, didn’t you? Therefore, I believe it is your duty to continue to monitor and assist me.”
Lizlit stared at me for a moment, then closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were still devoid of emotion.
But she nodded.
“…Indeed, perhaps you do require an attendant.”
It would be a little while longer before I could ask her—beg her—to let me call her Liz.
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