Category: The Virus King

39: A Peaceful Daily Life

I was in the garden.

Liz and Samarkand stood behind me.

Before me lay a Barghest, belly up, enjoying a good scratch. Several others were nearby, patiently waiting their turn… or not.

While they weren’t actively trying to interrupt their companion’s petting session, they were nudging and vying for attention. As I stroked one’s belly fur with my right hand, I wrapped my left arm around the neck of another, scratching under its chin.

Looking up, I saw a clear autumn sky, a few wispy clouds drifting lazily.

The sun-warmed lawn felt warm beneath me. It was no longer hot. While it was probably still sweltering in Japan, here, a long-sleeved shirt was comfortable.

This was perhaps… more peaceful than my life back in Japan.

Today is a good day.

“Hey, Liz.”

“Yes?”

“I wish every day could be like this.”

“…Considering you’ve been targeted for assassination on a weekly basis lately… I would also appreciate a little more peace…”

“Ahaha.”

“Is that something to laugh about?”

“It is.” If I couldn’t laugh about this, I wouldn’t be suited to be the Lord of Disease.

“My master. I will protect your life, even at the cost of my own.”

“…Samarkand? Please value your own life a little more.”

“Indeed. Every bone, every drop of blood in my body belongs to you. Therefore, I shall be your shield until the very end.”

“…Right…” I nodded, overwhelmed by his intensity.

I stopped petting the Barghests and stood up, walking over to Liz. I smiled at her.

“I love you, Liz.”

“What?! …W-what’s this all of a sudden?”

“I just felt like saying it.”

“…Honestly, this Master…” Liz quickly composed herself and sighed softly.

—Liz’s scarf was special.

Made of magically woven cloth, it could be manipulated to a certain extent by channeling mana through it, according to her.

While Liz’s mana capacity was average, her mana control was exceptional, thanks to rigorous training, again, according to her.

She used this precise control to enhance her close-combat abilities, wrapping the scarf around her arms to augment her movements.

Should I point out a significant flaw?

Her scarf twitched and moved. It seemed to react to her emotions.

She said she used magic to regulate her emotions during combat, and her focus likely prevented any issues then. Normally, she was relaxed, so she probably didn’t notice.

But occasionally, her emotions leaked out.

That said, what those emotions were was merely my speculation. But it seemed safe to assume it was similar to a dog wagging its tail.

At any rate, she didn’t seem to mind being told she was loved.

“But Master, please try not to do anything dangerous.”

“I don’t really do anything dangerous, do I?”

“…Well, no. Not really.” Liz nodded reluctantly.

Aside from venturing out alone with only the Barghests as my guard, I hadn’t done anything ‘dangerous.’ I wasn’t suicidal.

The fact that I still found myself in dangerous situations could only be attributed to my position as a target. If it weren’t for Liz, I would have been dead long ago.

“However, Master. I will say this again. Please remember.” Liz looked at me, her eyes serious.

“There is no one who can replace you.”

Her straightforward words touched my heart.

“Thank you, Liz.”

But…

“…That’s… not a good thing.”

“…What do you mean?”

“You shouldn’t rely on a single individual.”

Even taking a single human life was a grave crime in a peaceful, civilized society. But in wartime, it wasn’t considered a crime.

And that responsibility shouldn’t be borne by a single individual.

While I’d embraced this role, it wasn’t right. What would happen if I broke? —Or if I regained my sanity?

“Even leaders should be replaceable.”

In the business world, charismatic CEOs, founders, and leaders were often celebrated, but it wasn’t uncommon for a company’s performance to suffer after their departure.

“…That’s a dangerous idea.”

I understood Liz’s concern. The nations of this world, while differing in name, were essentially absolute monarchies. The idea that a leader should be replaceable… was probably not something I should mention in front of the Demon King.

“Isn’t your world… a little crazy?”

“Well, it’s what humans do.”

Human lives were short, a century at most. The time they could contribute was even shorter.

The demons, while varying by race, generally had longer lifespans and slower generational turnover.

But they were at war.

Especially soldiers.

Even a supreme commander of the Demon King’s army should be a replaceable cog in the machine.

“…As an assassin, I understand what you’re saying, Master. We are asked to eliminate irreplaceable individuals.”

Liz murmured.

“But I have no intention of serving anyone other than you as the Lord of Disease.”

“…Right.” I pulled her closer.

“So you are saying you’ll become the second Lord of Disease after I die!”

“Your intelligence is truly disappointing, Master.” Liz’s words, spoken with an exasperated sigh, cut through my delusional statement like a knife. A true assassin.

She’d become so much more expressive since we’d met, her sharp tongue now a source of amusement.

I wasn’t ready to give up this position.

“Samarkand. Continue to maintain vigilance.”

“As you wish. May you enjoy your peace of mind.” Samarkand bowed.

I stroked the necks of the Barghests that had gathered around us, then pulled Liz down with me, sinking into the soft, black fur.

“Let’s take a nap.”

“…You’re incorrigible, Master.”

Liz smiled, a truly beautiful smile, despite her exasperation.

This time wouldn’t last much longer. Once winter arrived, we wouldn’t be able to nap in the garden like this, buried in Barghests.

This peaceful daily life… it almost brought tears to my eyes. When I’d chosen this path, I’d been prepared for something far more arduous.

Now, I couldn’t imagine a life without her. I wish every day could be like this.

But I only had one name to uphold.

The Lord of Disease.

A supreme commander of the Demon King’s army.

The enemy of humanity.

And that was why the peaceful daily life I desired was a mere fantasy.

38: What Changed and What Didn’t

After recounting my meeting with Liz, my audience with the Demon King, and the investiture ceremony, Liz, who had mostly been listening patiently, interjecting with occasional comments and questions to clarify my memories, looked at me with exasperation.

“…Master, you weren’t lying?”

“I’m not bold enough to lie to a cute assassin while she’s holding a knife to my throat.”

“That’s a lie. And I don’t think the ‘cute’ was necessary.”

“A difference of opinion.”

I reached out and touched Liz’s ear.

“Hmm…” Liz closed her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

Having confirmed the pleasant fact that she hadn’t brushed my hand away, I enjoyed her relaxed demeanor for a moment before withdrawing my hand.

“Why did you just touch my ear?”

“Just because.” Did I need a reason to confirm my happiness?

Liz asked,

“…And then what?”

“After that? Well, I moved into the mansion, and despite the constant threat of ulcers, I’ve been diligently serving as a supreme commander.”

“That doesn’t sound very healthy. …Are you feeling alright?”

“Thanks to our sleepovers, I’ve been feeling much better lately.”

“…………” Liz sighed softly.

“I’m talking about Bridget-neesama. From what you said, you’re actually on good terms.”

“I still consider her a friend… but…”

“You did something, didn’t you?” Her gaze was intense, the air thick with suspicion.

“I didn’t do anything. After I became a supreme commander, we just… had a little chat.”

“That sounds like you did something.”

A difference of opinion.

I became the Virus King, Lord of Disease, a supreme commander, appointed Liz as my vice-commander and maid, received a suburban mansion, and that’s where we were now.

However, there was a gap between becoming a supreme commander, appointing Liz, and receiving the mansion.

My last proper conversation with Bridget was when I was still at the royal castle, before I’d been granted the ‘mansion with a maid.’

A knock echoed on the door.

“Yes?”

“It’s me… Bringit Finis.”

A familiar voice.

I rushed to the door and unlocked it. Standing there was Bridget, clad in crimson armor, her silver hair tied back in a ponytail.

Seeing her again, I felt my face light up.

“Bridget—”

Before I could finish, she drew her sword. She swung it at my neck—stopping just short of contact.

“Bridget…?”

A lock of my hair, severed cleanly, fell to the floor with a soft thud. The wind from her sword brushed against my neck a moment later.

“Why? Why have you become like this?”

Her gaze was sharper than the blade she held, intense enough to pierce me.

I realized that the Bridget I knew… was Bringit Finis… or rather, just Bridget.

She was pointing her sword at me as Bringit Finis, Commander of the Dark Knights, a supreme commander of the Demon King’s army.

“Assassinating non-combatants? Inciting the populace?”

She shook her head, her expression grim. But her gaze remained fixed on me.

“—That is not the way of a knight!”

“Let me ask you this—so what?”

I walked towards her, anger swirling within me.

“I am the Virus King, Lord of Disease! A fellow supreme commander! You have no right to point your blade at me!”

[Illustration (By Mitemin)]

I had a name, a title.

I was her equal.

I was no longer someone to be protected.

I thought I could talk to her again.

I thought… I could speak with her as an equal.

“I am not a dark knight. Therefore, my methods are different. I know nothing of chivalry, nor do I intend to learn.”

And yet, the only words I could speak were those of the Virus King, Lord of Disease.

…Because that was the only name I had.

Because I had already given the orders.

Because I already had subordinates.

Because I had a mission to fulfill.

“Eventually, humans will adopt the same methods. Eventually, many more civilians will die…!”

Bridget didn’t back down. And neither did I.

“Many more civilians will die, not eventually, but in the very near future. Your knights are skilled, but they are outnumbered. In a full-scale war, they will be swept aside by the sheer numbers of a well-equipped army.”

She might be right. If humans adopted my methods, it would be a threat.

But—

“Can humans even do the same? Who could carry out such dangerous missions? Can humans, who don’t have undead assassins who require neither food nor rest, or rare races with shapeshifting abilities, fight the same way?”

An assassination squad centered around undead.

A disinformation unit composed of doppelgangers.

The ‘optimal solution’ I’d devised, based on the limited information about this nation I’d gleaned from casual conversations with Bridget.

“They are the subordinates I have chosen. They are a shield for this nation, just like the swords of the knights you command.”

The same ruthlessness as the humans who’d treated me like a mana battery.

—So, it’s true. Humans are capable of boundless cruelty.

They could do such things.

Simply because it was rational.

Simply because it was right.

They held something within their hearts they wanted to protect, even at such a cost.

“To criticize the Virus King, Lord of Disease is to insult my subordinates. To insult the resolve of those who chose to embrace ruthlessness for the sake of this nation. Do you still condemn me, Bringit Finis?”

And yet, I…

I had to win this war.

So, I glared at her, as an equal, pouring all my will into my gaze.

“…Eventually, I will make you unnecessary.”

After a moment, she looked away. She lowered her blade and sheathed it smoothly.

“Remember that.”

I, too, broke eye contact.

“…Yes, I will.”

“What?” Bridget asked, caught off guard.

“I haven’t changed. I don’t want to kill anyone. Honestly, this position is a burden. I’d quit right now if I could.”

“…Then why such ruthlessness?” she whispered, as if we were back in that sickbay, sharing secrets in hushed tones.

“Probably for the same reason as you.” There was only one reason to fight.

“Because there’s something I have to protect. …Something I want to protect, even at such a cost.”

I’d thought… we could be friends.

“Because… I was shown kindness. Because I wanted to fight for these people.”

I’d wanted… to be her friend.

“You’re the one who made me feel that way, Bridget.”

And that hadn’t changed.

“I haven’t changed.”

“…I see.” She sighed.

“But my decision remains unchanged.” She glared at me again. Not with the same murderous intent as before, but her eyes were still filled with resolve.

“I will make you unnecessary.”

If I became unnecessary.

If she became unnecessary.

…Could we talk again, like we used to?

“As soon as possible.”

I smiled. Like I used to. At a precious friend.

“I’ll do my best, too.”

“Well… a lot happened.”

I couldn’t bring myself to tell Liz everything, so I kept it vague.

“Could you please not gloss over the important parts? I’m curious.”

“It’s a secret… between Bridget and me.”

Liz’s expression turned… complicated.

“…Are you… involved with my sister…?”

Ah, the nature of her suspicion was… unexpected.

“Liz, you should have more faith in your sister.”

“I do have faith in my sister. But I also have faith in your… lack of decency, in a sense.”

“How rude.”

That was incredibly rude.

—Bridget was my first friend in this world.

And she’d saved my life. Would Bridget be angry if I were ‘involved’ with her sister? She probably would.

“Sister donburi…”(Threesome)

“What’s that?”

“Just… a random thought from my world.”

I’d blurted out a rather dubious hypothetical scenario that had crossed my mind and quickly changed the subject.

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.

36: The Eve of the Investiture Ceremony

For the past few days, small units had been operating under my ‘advice.’

The warriors of this world were strong. Stronger than I’d initially imagined. But the ordinary villagers were no different from those in my world.

Just as powerless.

They died far more easily than warriors, their deaths adding to the ‘achievements.’ There was no immediate, large-scale impact. Eliminating one or two villages wouldn’t change the overall situation.

So, I decided to wield the weapon derived from the fact that humans were social creatures like the Grim Reaper’s scythe.

Whispering countless lies and a single truth into their ears, injecting the poison of fear into their hearts.

A plague in one village.

A curse in another.

A demon army invasion here.

A purge by the human nations there.

A sudden surge in the wolf population.

Disputes over common land and water rights.

A lovers’ quarrel escalating into a village-wide feud, both sides destroying each other.

—And other rumors I’d come up with on the spot, incorporating suggestions from others, spreading them far and wide.

The leadership of the human nations responded in the usual manner.

They announced a demon army invasion.

They urged the people to remain calm, not to panic, not to take any rash actions.

They were fools.

The complete annihilation of one or two villages was a fact. And a demon army invasion, even as a rumor, was terrifying.

The rumor that people were being killed simply for working in their fields—and the realization that it was, regardless of the reason, close to the truth—terrified the populace. People abandoned their fields in droves. They flocked to the towns—and naturally, food production plummeted.

A large population was the foundation of human prosperity. But it was also a noose around their necks. A society built on the assumption of abundance was incredibly fragile when things went wrong.

The humans weren’t completely incompetent.

They deployed their standing army as guards and organized hunting parties. While these efforts were ineffective since we’d already withdrawn our forces, their ineffectiveness also proved the absence of the Demon King’s army.

It was the correct response, in the short term. But not all soldiers were elite. Guards were targeted and killed, soldiers got lost during hunts and were killed, and in areas without military presence, villagers continued to be slaughtered.

Slowly, surely, like a gradually administered poison.

The human nations apparently had some sort of intelligence network. Even if it wasn’t perfect, they were gathering information.

—There was a new enemy.

And His Majesty bestowed a name upon me. He gave form to the amorphous fear.

“Lord of Disease”

That was the name of the terror I’d unleashed.

Known as the Lord of all disease and poison

A terrifying mage who reaped lives with forbidden magic.

It was a mere illusion.

The Lord of Disease did exist. I was the Lord of Disease. But I wasn’t a powerful mage.

And yet, the humans relentlessly pursued and tried to kill the Lord of Disease. They probably wanted to believe…

…that if they killed me, everything would return to normal.

The truth was different. The lid to hell had already been opened.

I was frequently targeted for assassination, and there were several close calls. But thanks to Liz—whom I still called Lizlit back then—and her colleagues, who sometimes helped without revealing themselves, I survived.

Every time an assassin sent after me disappeared, every time a hastily planned invasion failed, the name of the Lord of Disease spread. There were traitors among the demons, too, but they revealed themselves, drawn out by the tempting target I presented.

And based on these accomplishments, I was appointed a supreme commander of the Demon King’s army.

“It’s finally happening.”

“Yes.”

The ‘finally happening’ Lizlit, who now frequently saw me in her capacity as my guard and attendant, referred to was my investiture ceremony.

I had made it this far.

I was no longer ‘Nameless.’ I had a name, one proposed by Lizlit and adopted by His Majesty.

The name, “Lord of Disease.”

And to that, the title of supreme commander would be added.

“But isn’t ‘Lord of Disease’ a bit… much?”

“It suits you.” Lizlit smiled faintly.

I smiled back.

“Thank you.”

Lizlit opened the closet and retrieved something.

“Here you go.”

“This…?” She handed me folded green cloth, a staff, and a mask.

“Your attire.”

Lizlit helped me put it on.

A pale green robe.

A dark green hooded robe.

A shoulder cloth edged with gold thread and embroidered with runes on a black background.

Three amulets on a cord around my neck: a small vial, a fang, and a metal plate.

In my hand, a gnarled wooden staff with an octahedral blue gem bound to it by iron chains.

After donning everything except the black mask with the orange markings, I stood before the mirror.

—I look like an evil sorceress.

I twirled around, the hems of the layered robes swirling around me. I tilted my head.

“…Does it… suit me?”

“Yes. It suits you very well. Except for the robes, these were all custom-made for you by our finest artisans. They are all top-quality magic items.”

Magic items. The words sent a thrill through me.

“Wow. What kind of magical effects do they have?”

“This vial has a defensive enchantment that absorbs a certain amount of damage. When the sand inside turns red, it’s reached its limit. This fang protects against physical attacks. This metal plate protects against magic. The staff also constantly generates a defensive barrier due to the mana imbued within it. The shoulder cloth is mostly decorative, but it also provides a weak defensive effect.”

“…Um, any effects besides defense…?”

The items seemed to promise a variety of effects, and indeed they did, but they were all focused on defense.

“None. These are for your protection. Our nation doesn’t expect you to perform feats of valor on the battlefield.”

“…Right.”

My battlefield wasn’t the front lines; it was the rear. My job was to give orders.

Essentially, my job was to stay alive.

“And the mask?”

“Ah, yes. How do I put this on?” The mask didn’t have any straps or strings.

“Just place it on your face.”

“…On my face?”

I did as instructed, and my vision went dark as the mask covered my face… then, it seemed to fuse with my skin, and my vision returned.

“Can you breathe? Can you see?”

“Yes, both are fine.”

I could breathe normally, and my vision was unimpaired.

“You can adjust your vision as well, but let’s get to that later. The function you’ll be using immediately is… voice alteration.”

“Voice alteration?” A mask was for concealing one’s face…

…I should probably abandon that preconceived notion.

“Place your hand on the mask and imagine the voice you want. It should change accordingly.”

“Imagine…”

The only magic she’d taught me was [Cleansing]. She’d held my hand, guiding me, the close proximity making my heart skip a beat, but I was told that was how adults taught children. Apparently, it was the demon equivalent of handwashing.

I recalled the way I’d manipulated mana then, the importance of visualization.

…What kind of voice would be appropriate?

I touched the mask. Then, I spoke, my voice deep and resonant.

“—I am the Lord of Disease.”

A deep, booming voice, as if emanating from the depths of hell. It didn’t sound like my own. …And yet, it felt strangely familiar.

“…Perfect, Lord of Disease.” Lizlit bowed. It seemed I’d done it correctly.

“You can remove it now.”

“Okay.” I removed the mask, feeling a sense of relief.

“You said the artisans made everything except the robes. Who made the robes?”

“I wove them myself, using magic.”

She made them herself?!

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

“They are excellent as both clothing and armor, but in this nation, this is a common item, a common technique…”

“No, being able to make something like this is amazing. Thank you, Lizlit.”

“…You’re welcome.”

“Thank you. —I’ll be going now.”

“Take care. I’ll be watching from the shadows.”

Incidentally, the investiture ceremony was tomorrow. Today was for costume fitting and rehearsal.

35: A Private Audience with the Demon King

After Lizlit left, the one who entered was… an old man with white hair. Brown skin like tree bark, long, flowing white hair. An aged dark elf, reminiscent of a withered forest.

“You may leave us.”

“But…” He turned a sharp gaze on the two royal guards in jet-black armor who seemed reluctant to leave. The intensity in his deep blue, lake-like eyes was undeniable.

“I said, you may leave.”

““Yes!”” He possessed an undeniable authority, befitting the crown upon his head.

The door closed behind him, but it wasn’t locked.

“I am the king of the Listrea Demon Kingdom.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.” I bowed my head slightly.

“Hmm… this is an informal meeting. You may relax. I don’t intend to harm you.”

He spoke with authority, but without excessive arrogance. First impression: positive. I was mature enough to understand that a certain degree of formality was necessary for a king.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

His Majesty sat, and I followed suit.

“I understand the general situation from the Dark Knight Commander’s letter. I’ve also been told that you’re ‘willing to cooperate.’ You said there were things you couldn’t put in writing. …Let me ask you plainly.”

His gaze pierced me, sharp and intense.

“What can you do?”

He wasted no time.

Even now, I wasn’t sure what to do. I’d placed my trust in Bridget. Not in this nation.

I didn’t know if I could trust the king—the Demon King.

I thought I could. At least, enough to take a gamble.

“I can bring about the extinction of humanity in three years.”

Be assertive. And give the most impactful number possible.

—Even if it was a bit of a bluff, I had to survive this moment.

Sometimes you had to believe that results would follow.

“…Oh?”

And it worked. He was clearly intrigued by me and my words.

“How? …Surely you’re not asking for an army ten times the size of the enemy’s?”

“Of course not.”

His slightly teasing tone made me smile.

“I want all of the doppelgangers. And undead skilled in assassination… especially wraiths.”

“…Doppelgangers? …What do you intend to do?”

“—Your Majesty. Let me assure you.” I smiled thinly at his suspicious gaze.

“Nations are made of people.”

“…Isn’t that obvious?”

“Yes, it is. This world operates on a foundation of obvious truths.” I nodded emphatically.

“This world is made of individuals, like us. Nations are made of people.” I reiterated the obvious truths, one by one.

“They are not made of ‘soldiers.’”

“…Indeed. You’re right.” The Demon King nodded. I continued.

“Then we target the rear.” I began to dismantle those obvious truths, one by one.

“Our targets are all citizens of the enemy nations.”

I continued, looking directly at the wide-eyed Demon King.

“We systematically target their rural areas. Ultimately, we destroy their agricultural heartland.”

“…………That… is that… war?” He choked out the words after a moment of silence.

“Yes.” I nodded without hesitation.

“The enemy refuses to acknowledge the existence of demons. Then we, too, should not acknowledge the existence of humans.”

“…No chance of… a truce?”

“None.” I shook my head.

“A truce is only possible when we’re on the verge of victory. We can only win through ruthlessness. And a truce achieved through such methods… isn’t a truce.”

“A simple, straightforward syllogism.”

My conversations with Bridget had given me a basic understanding of this world. A world of swords and magic. A world at war between different races.

—Magic or no magic, it’s no different from my world.

Sometimes, to gain something, you had to fight, to shed blood. This wasn’t a world where an all-powerful magic could eliminate all conflict.

“…Personally, I wouldn’t. But I’m not in a position to make such choices based on personal preferences…”

He’s kind. Perhaps too kind to be a king.

“Your Majesty. Give the order. —Tell me to protect this nation. If you give me a place and an opportunity, I will protect this place… this nation… in my own way.”

The nation where Bridget… my friend… lived.

The nation that had saved me.

The Listrea Demon Kingdom.

I wanted to protect it.

“No matter how ruthless the methods.”

I met the Demon King’s gaze.

“Indeed… I understand what you’re saying.” He nodded.

“But tell me once more, why do you fight? In your own words.”

I considered what to say. But my mind was already made up, so I abandoned the search for a serious answer.

“—Because I’m angry.”

“…Hmm?”

“I was living my life to the fullest. My reality, in my world, the way I wanted. I had family. I had friends. —All of it’s gone.”

None of the things I’d taken for granted remained. Even my memories had been shattered.

It would have been easier if I’d lost everything.

But I remembered being happy.

I remembered having things I cherished.

And I knew they were gone, that they no longer existed, not even in my memories.

“Have you heard about my circumstances from Bringit Finis? —I came from another world. I was just an ordinary citizen, working in my own country. I had no reason to be involved in this world, and yet, I was summoned here. —As a mere mana battery, a fuel tank.”

How could I forgive that? What they’d done to me.

—And what they might do to others.

All of it… it…

“I cannot forgive that.”

“…Anger? A desire for revenge?”

“The thought of my family and friends being brought to this world by those humans… by the same methods… it’s terrifying.”

The Demon King pressed further.

“A sense of righteous indignation?”

“Nothing so grand.” I shook my head slightly.

“I will simply do what I believe is necessary.”

“…And why does that… lead to killing non-combatants? —Doesn’t that make you the same as those who summoned you?”

“It’s a matter of order. If those bastards think they can do whatever they want in another world, then I’ll do the same. I will protect those who saved me, and I will kill the race that tried to kill me. —Is there a flaw in my logic?”

I stared into the Demon King’s eyes.

“…Do you have no qualms about killing your own kind?”

“That would be a lie. —But they are the same race, the same force that tried to kill me… or rather, to ‘use me up.’ They probably felt some resistance too, but it wasn’t enough to stop them. I’m probably the same.”

“Ethics? Does such a word not exist in your world?”

“It does. But unfortunately, it wasn’t… a universally enforced concept.”

If only ethics were something all humans shared. Something inherent, something that transcended worlds.

“I don’t know if you’re right. But it was your enemies who summoned us, and it was this nation that saved me.”

I had been wronged.

I had been shown kindness. I would repay wrong with wrong, kindness with kindness.

I couldn’t imagine a future where both sides coexisted.

Choosing a side was easy. I couldn’t consider those humans from another world my comrades. I’d been summoned as a mere fuel tank—a ‘resource.’

I didn’t think that meant the humans of this world deserved to die. I imagined most of them were capable of kindness towards those they considered close.

But I had decided to trust those who had shown kindness to someone different from themselves.

I would do as I had been done by. I would kill the race that had tried to use and kill me, and I would ensure the survival of the nation that had shown me trust and kindness. Perhaps the only enduring logic from Earth’s history was the Code of Hammurabi.

“I have the necessary knowledge and ability. …If Your Majesty grants me the position and the subordinates.”

“…Very well. There will be a magical contract. And surveillance. But personally… I believe you.”

His Majesty nodded slowly.

“It’s… fortunate… that our nation hasn’t yet utilized summoning magic.”

“Indeed, it is. But why? …Surely there are practical applications.”

Bridget had told me that while the theory of summoning magic had been proven, there were no known practical applications. It was because of her disgust at the idea of summoning humans from another world to use as fuel that I was now speaking with the Demon King.

…But if a convenient technology existed, wouldn’t they explore its applications?

Especially a nation. A king. —Especially during a war. But the Demon King simply sighed.

“Theory is one thing, but practical application is another. …Would you use a spell that doesn’t even specify what it will summon, or from where?”

“Absolutely not. I’m glad the demons are more rational. Humans are strange.”

My immediate, candid response made the Demon King’s expression twitch.

“…Coming from a human?”

“—I am now an ‘enemy of humanity,’ Your Majesty.” I smiled.

“I sincerely hope you continue to refrain from using it. …I shall be the sole, and worst, example of summoning magic.”

“Very well. But we’ll keep that quiet. You may choose who to tell about your circumstances, about the fact that you’re human.”

“Thank you.” His words were reassuring.

I’d been prepared for the possibility that they would use my situation, the atrocities committed by humans against another human, as propaganda. While I’d been resigned to it, it wasn’t a pleasant thought, so I was relieved.

They really are kind.

“We’ll talk again later. I need to decide what forces to assign to you.”

His Majesty stood up. I followed suit.

“The official orders will come later. For now, consider this a preparatory period. I don’t even know if your plan is feasible. …Therefore, you are still a guest, and I don’t actually have the authority to give you orders.”

It was a practical assessment. I was still a nobody.

“But I will give you this command. —Protect this nation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As long as this nation does not betray me.”

And so, I was inducted into the Demon King’s army.

34: Conversations with an Assassin

The next day.

Lunch was over, and there was still time before dinner.

But today, I had something to look forward to. I sat on the chair by the round table beside the bed, waiting.

Something cold touched my neck.

A shiver ran down my spine. I turned around, and the blade was withdrawn. It was the assassin from yesterday. I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Welcome.”

“A rather casual greeting. …You don’t think I’m here to assassinate you?”

She asked, her right hand still holding the knife. A large knife with a single-edged, silver blade and a dark, dull iron hilt.

“If you were, you wouldn’t have withdrawn the knife. And you wouldn’t have spoken to me, or brought me lunch.”

“Indeed. …I apologize for the disrespect. However, I still have my doubts.” Her emotionless eyes stared at me. I’d never seen such empty eyes.

“Have a seat. You’re going to talk to me more today, right?”

“Yes.” She sheathed her knife, pulled out the chair, and sat down opposite me. She lowered the scarf that had been covering her mouth, her eyes narrowing further.

“…Let me be clear. I have been given final authority. I have permission to kill you.”

“Understood. What’s your name?”

“Your hearing is normal, correct?”

“I can hear perfectly well.” I nodded firmly.

“You have been marked for assassination.”

“You said that yesterday. Nothing’s changed. I’m not here to be assassinated.”

“That depends on me.”

“Even if I don’t resist?” I tilted my head.

“If I deem you a threat.”

“Then I’ll be fine. I’m not a threat at all.” I smiled at her. Then, I asked again,

“So, what’s your name?”

“Lizlit…”

I thought her name sounded similar to Bringit’s. And her features… were vaguely similar… or perhaps not.

Her expressionless face made it difficult to tell.

“What’s your name?”

This is the first time anyone’s asked me my name since I came to this castle.

“I haven’t been told.”

“That’s not what I meant. I’m currently suffering from partial amnesia. I don’t remember my name.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“Partial? Amnesia? —That sounds suspiciously convenient.”

“That’s what everyone says… but I’d appreciate it if you’d consider the fact that I was summoned from another world.”

“What did you just say?”

“I’d like you to consider the circumstances of my being summoned from another world…?”

“I… don’t quite…” Her tone remained unchanged, but her smooth flow of questions faltered.

“—You’re aware I came from Fort Garnalk?”

“Yes, I know.”

“I was summoned by humans using summoning magic. And then they used… mind magic? …to brainwash me, drain my mana to fuel their offensive and defensive spells, and then they were going to discard me.”

“Y-yes.”

“But I managed to regain control at the last minute.”

“Yes?”

“Then I bravely created an opening in their defenses, earning the recognition of the knight commander herself! …And as a reward, I received a letter of recommendation and am currently awaiting an audience with His Majesty the Demon King.”

“I see.”

“Do you understand now?” I asked hopefully. She nodded.

“Yes. It seems there’s no point in asking.”

“But it’s true.” I hadn’t lied.

“…Then how did you resist the mind magic?”

Oh, she’s continuing the conversation. Her slightly mocking tone was actually… pleasant. The maids who cleaned and served meals here, while polite, hadn’t engaged in any casual conversation.

“Um… willpower?”

“…………” Her eyes narrowed. Even that small reaction made me happy.

“How, specifically, did you create that opening in their defenses?”

“I grabbed those mages and threw them, one after another.” I added gestures for emphasis.

“…………”

Silence. Say something. Anything. As if hearing my silent plea, Lizlit spoke.

“…An amusing story. Indeed. One doesn’t hear such tales often.”

“Right?”

I could tell she was being sarcastic. She stood up.

“I’ll excuse myself now.”

“Can we talk again tomorrow?”

“Perhaps.” Her reply was curt. But at least she hadn’t refused outright.

Lizlit didn’t say anything more, walking towards the door.

“…See you tomorrow.”

I waved goodbye.

The next day.

I was waiting for Lizlit again.

I couldn’t contain my excitement. I’d been restlessly rolling around on the bed until it was around the same time as yesterday, and even after sitting on the chair, I couldn’t stop fidgeting.

Is this… what they call love? Or is it Stockholm syndrome?

Something cold touched my neck.

Two large black knives were pressed against my neck, one on each side. I froze, then slowly tilted my head back.

“Hello, Lizlit. This is cold and scary.”

“You don’t sound very scared.”

Behind me was Lizlit, her silver hair cut short, dressed in her black leather assassin’s garb. Her voice was slightly muffled by the red scarf wrapped around her mouth.

“That’s because I trust you.”

“You trust an enemy assassin? —Trust?”

“You’re not my enemy, are you?”

“I could kill you with a flick of my wrist.”

“Yes.” I didn’t need to nod to agree. My life had been incredibly fragile since I arrived in this world.

“Let me ask you. Are you prepared to betray humanity and join our side?”

A chill ran through me.

“What did you just say?” My voice sounded… not like my own.

Lizlit repeated her question.

“I asked if you are prepared to betray humanity and join our side.”

“Don’t be absurd.” A wave of anger, surprising even to me, washed over me.

“I didn’t betray humanity. Humanity betrayed itself.”

I glared at her.

“They summoned me from another world. Me, who had nothing to do with this world.”

I spoke each word slowly, deliberately, my words like blows.

“How could I forgive that? —Fine. I’ll join ‘your side.’ If the humans of this world are willing to use humans from other worlds, I won’t forgive them. I won’t consider them my comrades. So, don’t call it betrayal.”

“Are you being sincere? If I deem otherwise, this blade will—”

Before she could finish, I declared,

“I will become the enemy of humanity.”

The moment I spoke the words, a sense of resolve settled over me.

“Is that enough?”

“…For now.” She smoothly withdrew her knives.

“You have been granted an audience with His Majesty… though it’s not yet official.”

She bowed her head.

“I apologize for the repeated disrespect…”

“It’s fine. It’s your job.”

I understood that protocol was necessary when a nobody like me suddenly requested an audience with His Majesty the Demon King.

“So, when?”

“Soon.”

“Huh?”

A knock echoed through the room. Then, the familiar voice of the maid who usually served my meals.

“His Majesty the Demon King has arrived…”

33: Liz

I arrived at the royal castle without incident.

The journey was uneventful. Bridget had told me, “Don’t attract attention,” so I hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary. And likewise, nothing out of the ordinary had been done to me.

Bridget’s subordinate was competent. Even without his superior’s supervision, he’d followed orders, treating me as a ‘prisoner, but also a guest.’ While his tone was generally formal, he wasn’t rude, and I was provided with adequate food and lodging.

He seemed to understand that prisoners were valuable assets. Considering that the concept of prisoners of war didn’t exist in this world, this was quite surprising.

Bridget must have been a highly respected leader.

“Arrangements have been made. Come with me.”

“…Yes.” His tone was slightly softer now.

“This is the guest of Dark Knight Commander Bringit Finis, correct?”

“Yes, please take care of her. —Take care of yourself, too.”

His parting words, while simple, were heartfelt, coming from the knight who’d been responsible for me for the past few days.

“…Thank you.”

It seemed I’d officially been upgraded from ‘prisoner’ to ‘guest.’ While it didn’t guarantee my safety, and the treatment wouldn’t be drastically different, it was better than being treated entirely as a prisoner.

First, I had to talk to them. I’d deal with the rest as it came.

“This way…”

I was escorted by a royal guard and a dark elf maid with dazzlingly silver hair. The room they led me to was surprisingly luxurious.

“If you require anything, please ring the bell. An attendant will be with you shortly…”

“Yes.” I bowed my head slightly.

“Then, if you’ll excuse me…”

The maid left, and I heard the click of the lock.

I nodded. Right, house arrest.

I looked around the room. It was quite spacious, with a large window letting in soft sunlight.

Outside the window was a courtyard. I tried opening the window, but it seemed I was on the second floor. Even so, judging by the number of stairs we’d climbed, I must have been quite high up in the castle, so it was still technically a courtyard.

I looked up, but all I could see was a square patch of sky.

I closed the window and surveyed the room. It was luxurious, but sparsely furnished.

A bed, a side table with a water pitcher. A fireplace… or rather, a space for a fireplace. There was no firewood, no poker. Only an ornate, delicate ornament on the mantelpiece. It wouldn’t be much use as a weapon in a pinch.

Was this a room specifically designed for this purpose? Perhaps I was overthinking it.

I opened a door and found a bathroom. It reminded me of a hotel suite I’d once stayed in due to a booking error.

“Right.”

I kicked off my shoes and jumped onto the bed.

The simple pleasure of being the first to use a freshly made bed.

I snuggled under the covers and closed my eyes. The cold sheets gradually warmed beneath my body heat, and I felt myself drifting off to sleep.

I’m tired.

The unfamiliar carriage journey, treated more like cargo than a passenger. Bridget had warned me. I was being transported to the royal castle along with the initial wave of personnel being evacuated from Fort Garnalk, primarily those with serious injuries, as part of the preparations for its abandonment.

But they couldn’t put a ‘human prisoner (and guest)’ with the injured, so my designated seat had been a small space in a wagon crammed with supplies.

Clean sheets. A soft bed.

Bridget wasn’t here, but this was probably similar to the room I’d been given in the fortress. A tangible expression of her consideration.

So, I indulged in the luxury of a comfortable bed and fell into a deep sleep.

“…Fufu…”

“What are you laughing about?” Liz, lying beside me, looked at me quizzically.

“Just remembering how we met.”

“…You can forget about that.”

“That’s a bit difficult.” Incidentally, in Japanese, “a bit difficult” often meant “impossible.”

“You were the one in a compromising position, Master.”

“I won’t deny that.”

Thinking back, it was quite extravagant. To have an assassin from the Royal Guard sleeping beside me as my bodyguard.

“Remembering how aloof you were back then… makes me appreciate how things are now.”

“Could you please forget about that?”

“That’s a bit difficult.”

I could never forget. Every expression of hers was a precious treasure to me.

“You know about everything up until I met His Majesty, right?”

“Of course. …I’m glad I didn’t have to ‘dispose of you on the spot.’”

Liz sighed.

“Me too.”

If things had gone even slightly differently, she would have been the one to kill me.

Even a luxurious bed and delicious food got boring after three days. Especially with nothing else to do.

There were no bookshelves in this room.

No view from the window.

No one to talk to.

While I’d initially enjoyed my confinement, even with the initial culture shock of the ooze bath, there were limits.

So, in the afternoon, I rolled around on the bed, then lay on my back, staring at the ceiling.

“…Hey, are you there? I’d appreciate some company.”

There was no reply.

The next day, at the same time, I sat on the bed and addressed the ceiling again.

“…How about today? Won’t you come out? Like I said yesterday, I’d appreciate some company.”

No response. I flopped back onto the bed—and my eyes met those of a figure standing beside it.

The air was thick with awkwardness. Unable to bear the silence, I spoke.

“…Hello.”

Lying on my back wasn’t exactly the most appropriate posture for a first meeting.

It was a dark elf girl. Silver hair, cut short, her mouth hidden behind a red scarf.

She wore black leather that looked more like a swimsuit. It was the kind of outfit that probably only looked good on someone with a well-proportioned, ample bosom, like hers. A brown leather belt was fastened around her waist. Two large black knives hung at her sides in leather sheaths, and three thick, needle-like black daggers, likely for throwing, were strapped to each thigh.

Her narrowed eyes seemed to be studying me.

I considered sitting up, but that would just confirm that I’d been slacking off, so I decided to maintain my position. Though she probably knew anyway.

We stared at each other for a moment. This time, she spoke first.

“…I have received permission to reveal myself. How did you know I was here?”

“Should I be honest?” I tilted my head, still lying down.

“Yes. I am an assassin from His Majesty’s Royal Guard. —Your ability to detect my presence significantly increases your threat level. If you make any suspicious moves, I will… eliminate you… on the spot.”

Her words, spoken in a flat, emotionless tone, sent a chill down my spine.

“Please don’t do that. I’ll be honest.”

“Go ahead. I have been instructed to treat you as a guest. As long as you don’t do anything suspicious, I won’t take any action.”

I sat up and got out of bed. I stood facing the assassin girl, the bed between us.

“I was bluffing.”

The girl’s brows furrowed slightly.

“…What do you mean?”

“I was wondering if anyone was watching me, so I… well, I was bluffing. I just called out, hoping to see if anyone would respond. I had no idea if anyone was actually there, or where they were. Your concealment skills are impeccable.”

I was actually surprised someone was there.

“What reason do I have to believe you?”

“None. But it’s true that I wanted someone to talk to.”

“I have no reason to entertain you. I am here to observe you.”

“Then I’d appreciate it if you’d tell your superiors. I understand I’m under observation, but as you can see, I’m not a threat.”

“I’ll inform them.” She nodded curtly, her gaze unwavering.

“Also, do you have any books? I’m incredibly bored.”

“That’s unlikely. Even works of fiction can reveal a considerable amount of information.”

“Alright, I’ll give up on that…”

“Then…” She brushed past me, silent as a shadow. I called out to her.

“Wait. —What’s your name?”

She didn’t turn around, her pace unchanged as she replied.

“I have no reason to tell you my name.”

“…I’ll be waiting. See you tomorrow.”

“If you live that long.” She opened the door, slipped out, and I heard the click of the lock.

…I didn’t even hear the lock open. When and how did she get in and stand by my bed…

32: Farewell to a Friend

I had made up my mind.

But sitting on the straw bed in the barn, staring blankly at the wooden ceiling, I couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness, a chilling sense of powerlessness.

What could I do? This world was in the midst of a real war.

A war I’d thought I would never be involved in.

But I was already a participant. I stared at my hands.

I had already killed.

I could vividly recall the moment. The slight impact in my hands as I pushed them. Their dying screams.

I smiled wryly.

—How… fragile a human life is.

A faint aftertaste of guilt. A slight queasiness.

That was all I felt. I’d only had two choices.

To be killed silently.

Or to kill silently.

I had chosen the latter, and that was why I was still alive. And… I didn’t think I’d done anything wrong.

I searched my memories. Slowly, like diving into the depths of the ocean.

I could remember so much, and yet, so little.

I couldn’t remember what I was called.

Or even what I called my family.

“Bridget…”

I spoke the name. The only name I knew now. The only friend I’d made in this world.

Living in a time of peace didn’t mean being ignorant of times of war.

Books, textbooks, newspapers, television… they all told the stories. Even if it wasn’t firsthand experience, it was a conscious effort to pass on the knowledge.

For the sake of peace.

Everyone had taught me that peace was precious. That war was horrific. That war should never happen.

And yet, they also taught me that humans had repeatedly waged war.

I knew the horrors of war.

—I knew what made a war horrific.

Even now, I wanted nothing to do with war.

But there was no other choice. At least, not a choice that would satisfy me, a sweet, gentle choice.

Perhaps I could indulge in Bridget’s kindness, live quietly under her protection as her friend, until she abandoned me.

I had a feeling she would, if I asked. But I didn’t want to simply rely on her kindness.

Besides, this wasn’t someone else’s problem anymore, not even in my own world. My family and friends back in Japan were no longer safe.

The image of my younger sister flashed through my mind—and a sudden wave of nausea washed over me. I covered my mouth.

Even if I couldn’t remember her name, she was still my precious little sister. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being treated like a mere fuel tank under that cold sky, on those cold stone ramparts, then discarded when they were done with her.

…Perhaps… that had already happened.

I’d asked Bridget if there were any other humans who looked like me. She’d said, “Not that I’m aware of.” That most of the humans had been reduced to unrecognizable ashes by the offensive magic.

I, too, would have been among them.

If not for a stroke of luck.

If not for Bridget.

I wanted to believe there was meaning in my survival. I wanted to find meaning in it myself.

A knock echoed through the room.

“I’m coming in.”

I took a deep breath, lowering my hand from my mouth. I slowly suppressed the dark feelings churning within me.

“Come in, Bridget.”

The door opened, and Bridget peeked in hesitantly.

“I finally have some free time. I came to check on you.”

“Thank you. —I missed you.”

Seeing her face, I felt relieved. I’d been worried that my fragile resolve might waver.

“I see.” Bridget smiled shyly. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, her expression turned serious.

“…You seem… different.”

“Do I? Well, I have a request.”

I smiled.

“I want to meet the most important person in this nation.”

Sometime later…

Bridget and I sat facing each other before the fireplace in her room. Logs were stacked beside the hearth, a fire crackling merrily within.

Despite being a temporary accommodation, the room, as befitting the commander of the dark knights, wasn’t much different from the private room I’d initially been given. Apparently, the officers’ quarters in the fortress had been destroyed during the siege.

“When you arrive at the royal castle, show them this letter. Don’t read it.”

“I understand. It’s rude to read someone else’s letter.”

“If anything happens, mention my name. Understand?”

“Thank you.”

“…Here, take this as well.”

“What’s this? Can I read it?” She handed me a folded piece of paper.

“Yes.”

I unfolded it and read the contents aloud.

“‘By order of Bringit Finis, Commander of the Dark Knights, ensure the safety of this human.’ …? No, Bridget, you can’t do this. This is too dangerous.”

“Huh?”

“What if this falls into the hands of a human spy?”

Bridget remained silent. She must have considered that possibility. But she was overestimating my value…

“Please dispose of it. Burn it, now.”

“Alright…”

Bridget tossed the paper into the fireplace. Her kindness was consumed by the flames in seconds, reduced to ashes.

“—But if anything happens, mention my name. The name ‘Bringit Finis, Commander of the Dark Knights.’”

“I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it. I… I don’t want to lose a friend over something trivial.”

She smiled. I stepped closer.

“Thank you, Bridget.”

“No, thank you.”

We hugged briefly.

“I’ll be going now.”

“Yes. Take care.”

“I will.”

Bridget headed for the door, and I followed. We stepped out into the hallway.

“…Come with me.”

“Understood.”

From this moment on, Bridget and I were no longer friends.

At least, not publicly.

I was Nameless, the ‘human prisoner.’

She was Bringit Finis, the ‘Commander of the Dark Knights.’

That was who we were now.

I was going to the royal castle.

“Treat her with respect. She may be a prisoner, but she is also a guest.”

“Understood.” I was handed over to a male dark knight.

“This way. …And just so we’re clear, don’t try anything funny.”

“Yes.” I turned to Bridget one last time.

“Thank you for your… excessive kindness, Commander.” I bowed deeply.

“…I only did what was necessary.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yes…”

I glanced back one last time and waved. Bridget—Bringit Finis—didn’t change her expression.

But, ever so slightly, subtly enough that no one would notice…

She waved back.

31: Madness in the Barn

“…………”

“What’s wrong, Bridget?”

My physical wounds had been completely healed with healing magic. My strength had returned, and I felt much better, but now, she looked troubled.

“…Well, you see… um…”

She had a troubled expression on her face, one I hadn’t seen since I’d told her I’d “forgotten” my name. After a moment, she spoke, her voice tinged with sadness.

“…There are those who speak ill of you. Simply because you’re human.”

“I see.” I nodded slightly.

“Aren’t you angry?”

“…No. It just makes me realize… how well I’ve been treated.”

That was true.

I was human.

Bridget was a demon, a dark elf.

In other words, we were enemies.

Even if Bridget and I didn’t see each other that way. There were those who would consider me an enemy simply for being human.

I’d been treated well, but giving a stranger a private room and having the knight commander visit frequently would understandably cause resentment.

I nodded and explained this to her.

Her expression darkened considerably.

“What… is that?” she muttered, her voice laced with disgust.

“That’s just how it is.”

Sadly.

But if I was right. And if my impressions of Bridget and Alex, the medic, were accurate. Then the demons—at least the dark elves—weren’t so different from humans in their way of thinking. There were no differences beyond cultural ones.

“What will you do, Bridget?”

“Nothing… or rather, I’ll explain.”

“No, you can’t.” I shook my head.

“The ones you need to prioritize aren’t me. It’s your comrades… your subordinates.”

“Then… what do you suggest?”

She was a dark elf, a knight commander.

I was a human… with no standing.

“I consider you a friend, Bridget… and that will never change.”

“…I see. I feel the same.”

Her slightly hesitant, shy smile warmed my heart. But this was just a preface.

“But we need to make our relationship clear. At least, make it appear clear to your subordinates.”

“What… are you saying?”

“—I’m a ‘human prisoner.’ Nothing more, nothing less. A valuable specimen, given a private room to prevent my death from weakness. Your visits were for interrogation purposes.”

“I would never!”

Bridget kicked her chair back and stood up. I waited for the sound of the fallen wooden chair to fade.

“…I know. Thank you.” I smiled at her.

“But it’s better this way. We should move me to a less comfortable room… and maybe downgrade the food as well.”

While I’d prefer a comfortable room and good food, Bridget’s position was more important.

“Treat me… like a prisoner.”

“…We’ve never really taken prisoners. We just killed each other…”

Bridget spoke in a flat, almost detached tone. What a horrible world. Not even prisoners.

I’d anticipated this, but hearing it said so plainly was still jarring.

“What you’re saying… is probably right. But I… I don’t want to treat a friend that way.”

“…Thank you.”

My throat tightened with emotion.

I looked down, tempted to accept her kindness.

“But… I feel the same. I don’t want my friend to be judged poorly because of me.”

I had nothing. So, this was all I could do for her.

She, who had shown kindness to a mere human like me, deserved better than the disapproval of her comrades. It wasn’t right.

“I’ll be fine.”

I looked up and forced a smile. I wasn’t sure if it reached my eyes.

“…Very well. We’ll do as you say. I am the commander of the dark knights.”

Bridget spoke as if to convince herself.

“I won’t treat you too badly… but I apologize.”

“Don’t apologize, Bridget. …It’s okay.” I smiled again.

I was back in the barn. But it wasn’t the same as when I’d first arrived, with only straw bedding. While the room was considerably less comfortable than the private room, I still had clean sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. I couldn’t ask for more.

The food was also a downgrade, but thankfully, there was the justification of maintaining the prisoner’s strength. It was far better than the bland vegetable soup the other humans had been given, which barely qualified as food.

But the hardest part was… seeing Bridget less often.

The moments she’d found time to visit, bringing me food, eating with me… those were almost gone.

This is surprisingly lonely.

I closed my eyes, suppressing the sudden pang of sadness and the tears welling up. That time… was more precious to me than I realized.

And yet.

And yet, what I’d told her was right.

So, the fact that I was alone now…

…was probably right, too. It had to be right.

I lay down on the straw bed, my weight sinking into the soft bedding. I buried my face in the pillow.

Think.

My conversations with Bridget had given me a better understanding of the situation.

That the demons were likely to lose if things continued as they were. Because wasn’t that obvious?

Humans had already discarded their ethical restraints. They’d crossed the line. And I, as a human, knew just how cruel—or rather, how efficient—humans could be without those ethical constraints. That was what modern Japanese education had taught me.

Human history, as recounted dispassionately in textbooks, was a history of war. A history of slaughter, of humans killing each other over territory, over insignificant differences.

I… I, who was supposed to be human, couldn’t understand how humans could do such things to each other. But that was what humans did. And now, I, who was beginning to understand that, was here.

The nation Bridget wished to protect would be destroyed, and the race that had tried to use me up would prevail.

—And I couldn’t accept that, even if they were ‘human’ like me.

I felt a chill and sat up, pulling the blanket over my head. The excess fabric draped around me like a hood. I wrapped the blanket tightly around myself, shivering.

This was a gift from Bridget. An act of kindness. And I, as a human, had to reciprocate.

The Lord of Disease was probably born in that dim, musty barn.

I’d learned a lot since coming to this world.

About the darkness within me. A chillingly black feeling I hadn’t known existed.

—And something warm enough to unleash that darkness.

As I made up my mind, tears streamed down my face. My conscience seemed to be condemning me. I laughed, tears streaming down my face, hidden beneath the blanket.

I knew now.

The ruthlessness, the despair, the hell on the ramparts… none of it was as terrifying as this. It would have been easier to accept that humans were simply like that, to laugh and despair and die in the liberating knowledge that I’d lost everything.

But I had learned of something kind, something warm.

From the hands of someone who wasn’t human.

Even though I was.

…If ethics didn’t exist in this world. If they waged war without even the concept of prisoners of war.

Then there was a way.

I just had to do what was rational, what was right. Even if it was ethically reprehensible.

There was nothing in this world to condemn me.

30: Bridget

“Master… I’m glad you’re alive.”

Liz murmured, having heard my story so far.

I was here, now. In my assigned mansion, in a canopied bed with soft, clean sheets and blankets, illuminated by a luxurious lamp. Able to recount this as a mere memory, with my adorable vice-commander by my side.

“Yeah, I was pretty lucky.”

No, that wasn’t it. It wasn’t just luck.

“—Someone was watching over me.”

Even now, I didn’t think the demons were paragons of virtue. They, too, were waging war.

I didn’t know if they realized what we were. But they’d indiscriminately bombarded the ramparts with offensive magic. I was the only survivor.

And yet, they found me, alive. They had seen what I’d done.

“Someone saved me…”

“Someone…?” Liz, who had been listening with a somber expression, tilted her head in confusion.

“…What did you just say?”

“Bringit Finis. Liz’s older sister.”

“…My sister never mentioned this.”

“Maybe His Majesty told her not to. Or maybe she just hates me.”

I’d assumed she knew.

“When I told my sister I was going to work for the Lord Of Disease, she was… very displeased.”

I probably didn’t want to know that…

Liz stared at me intently.

“…I don’t know if I should ask this, but why are you and Bridget-neesama on bad terms?”

“On bad terms… isn’t quite right. She saved my life. But the Lord of Disease is disliked, or rather, she angered Bridget… I’ll tell you what happened when I was rescued.”

A supreme commander of the Demon King’s army.

Commander of the Second Army, the dark knights.

Bringit Finis, the Blood Knight.

And Liz’s older sister.

Officially, I’d been given the name Lord of Disease, Lord of Disease, and the position of supreme commander by His Majesty for my accomplishments during the siege of Fort Garnalk. And that wasn’t wrong.

But it was her dark knights and the demons who had actually captured the fortress.

“How are you feeling? Are you waking up?”

A clear voice reached me through the soft darkness.

“Yes, the wounds have closed… She’s still weak, but her mana capacity is quite high. She should recover soon—ah.”

“Are you awake?”

I opened my eyes, wanting to see the owner of that pleasant voice.

It was a dark elf. That was my first impression. Brown skin, long, pointed ears. Her long silver hair, tied back in a ponytail, contrasted beautifully with her skin.

Her face, as she looked down at me, was filled with concern.

“I’ll take over.”

“Ah, excuse me.”

She stepped aside, and another dark elf came into view. A young man in a navy uniform and a white coat. His silver hair, typical of dark elves, was cropped short. He wore gold-rimmed glasses with a chain.

“Can you hear me? If you can, blink twice.”

Blink, blink.

“Do you understand what I’m saying? If you do, blink twice again.”

Blink, blink.

“…I…”

My throat was parched. My tongue felt stuck to the roof of my mouth. My vision was blurry, heavy. I felt feverish.

“Can you speak?”

“A little… but let’s get her some fluids first. Help me sit her up.”

A gentle hand supported my back as I was helped into a sitting position. I leaned against the supporting arm, relaxing.

I was offered a cup filled with a pale green, transparent liquid—odorless, but the color was strikingly similar to strong green tea.

“I’m Alex, the medic. This is mainly for rehydration. It’s harmless. Can you drink it?”

I nodded. I took the cup and sipped the liquid. Despite its resemblance to green tea, it had a thick, slimy texture… a strange sensation.

I later learned it was diluted natural ooze. Apparently, it had digestive benefits and was somewhat nutritious.

No wonder it was slimy.

But it soothed my parched throat, and I felt much better.

After I finished drinking, I was gently laid back down, my head resting on a pillow. The rumpled blanket was pulled up to my shoulders.

“May I speak with her for a moment?”

“Yes.”

“—I am Bringit. I saw you… push those mages off the ramparts. First, allow me to thank you. You created an opening for us.”

The dark elf woman who introduced herself, sitting on the chair beside my bed, was the one who’d helped me. She had a dignified air about her. I remembered thinking, even in my feverish state, that her navy uniform and silver ponytail were cute.

Being thanked felt… complicated. I hadn’t intended to help them.

“…The others…?”

She looked at me, then shook her head.

“Why did you do that?”

“…I couldn’t forgive them.”

I couldn’t forgive them.

“Treating me… treating the others… like objects…”

“Were you… being used as mana batteries? You’re human, aren’t you?”

Fellow humans. Fellow humans had done that to other humans.

“Yes… I… don’t really understand.”

Mana. The word sounded fantastical, but I nodded anyway. Yeah, when you have a fever, you don’t really question things.

Besides, I wasn’t sure if those people were truly human. At least, not to them.

“How were you chosen?”

“…I think… we were gathered from different worlds.”

“Different… worlds?”

“This… isn’t Earth… is it?”

My Narnia was a hardcore version. Well, there was a war there too.

“Bringit-sama, her fever seems to be rising. Perhaps we should—”

“…Ah, right. Understood.”

They’re blaming it on the fever.

“I almost forgot to ask. —What’s your name?”

I smiled weakly.

“I’ve forgotten…”

It had been taken from me in this world. Or perhaps I’d left it behind, somewhere between my world and this one.

I remembered Bringit smiling sadly. She was kind, back then.

“Are you… truly from another world?”

“Yes, it seems so.” I nodded.

I was still in a private room, now a sickbay.

This was a room in Fort Garnalk. A fortress that belonged to the enemy, as far as they were concerned, one already slated for abandonment. This was just a temporary accommodation.

But it was far more comfortable than where I’d been kept before the battle. That place had a roof and straw bedding, but thinking back, it was basically a livestock pen.

Thanks to everyday magic, the sheets, the blankets, and I were clean. The food was the same as what the officers ate. Looking back, I’d been treated incredibly well.

Even though I was human.

I’d heard that this was a world at war between humans and demons. There were three major human nations and thirteen smaller states. And then there was her nation, the Listrea Demon Kingdom.

Dark elves, beastmen, demons, undead, and dragons were collectively known as demons.

…It’s strange that the non-humans are being kinder to me.

Of course, this was also an interrogation.

They’d used mind magic on me, though they’d asked for my permission first. A mild spell, just enough to make it difficult to lie. A ‘weak mind magic’ that required a skilled mage to interpret my reactions to their questions.

Far too gentle for an interrogation of a ‘hostile species.’

I was too ignorant to be a spy… and deemed harmless.

They even answered many of my curious questions.

The fair-skinned elves were likely extinct. They’d never heard of dwarves. There was a race called doppelgangers with the ability to shapeshift. Touching a beastman’s ears or tail wasn’t considered an insult or a marriage proposal. Demons were born mages and physically strong. There were actually many different types of undead. Dragons were few in number, but there were winged lizards in the desert.

I gradually learned these common facts.

And after a while…

“Bringit-san… I have a request.”

“What is it? Tell me. I’ll get you anything within my power.”

Kind words. But I shook my head.

“It’s not a thing.”

…She looked at me intently.

“Your name… Can I… call you Bridget??”

“…Yes. I don’t mind.”

Bringit, now Bridget, smiled.

She was busy with her duties as a knight commander, but she visited me often, and we chatted about trivial things.

If it weren’t for her, I would have died.

If it weren’t for her…

The Lord of Disease would never have been born.

 

T/N:

From now on, I’ll only use ‘Lord of Disease’ instead of ‘King of Virus, Lord of Disease’