Category: The Virus King

19. My New Subordinate Is Too Loyal

For the next few days, I spent a lot of time in the basement.

Liz was frequently out. While Samarkand was officially recognized as my bodyguard, he remained outside the door, not inside the room.

I had little to do but cuddle with the Barghests. I’d wanted to get to know Samarkand better, but Liz was adamant.

She’d said, “It’ll be troublesome if you get attached.” Meaning Samarkand’s fate hadn’t been decided yet. Execution was still a possibility.

But that was understandable. A supreme commander of the Demon King’s army had been targeted for assassination by one of their own.

That said, I was already attached.

I’d gotten used to being called a heartless monster. But I wasn’t heartless enough to abandon a ‘subordinate’ who’d sworn loyalty to me.

The basement door opened, and Liz entered. She closed the door behind her, leaving us alone, except for the Barghests.

“I’m back.”

“Welcome back!”

Liz, with practiced ease, gently pushed me away as I hugged her.

“The matter has been resolved, for the most part. Here’s the report.”

“So? How high up did this go?”

“It was a rogue operation by a commander in the demon army.”

“Who?”

“You don’t need to remember.”

“…Meaning?”

“He’s been assassinated.” Liz said it casually.

“Samarkand has been summoned to the royal castle. No one died, but he did subdue someone.”

“Who?”

“One of my colleagues… a junior. He needs retraining. Apparently, he was put to sleep by a single sleep spell cast from outside his detection range. Honestly… and he calls himself a member of the Royal Guard…” Liz grumbled.

Now that she mentioned it, there should have been a replacement guard for Liz. But the fact that they’d been subdued by ‘a single sleep spell’ was rather unsettling, considering I’d almost been assassinated.

“So, what’s the deal with the Royal Guard? I thought they were supposed to be elite.”

“The true Royal Guard is elite. But they’re also the last line of defense, so it’s a convenient place to sneak in incompetent nobles with connections.”

Ugh. I didn’t want to know that.

“Well, the Royal Guard also serves as a training unit, responsible for raising the overall skill level of the army. And since they’re surrounded by elite soldiers, even the most incompetent will improve after ten years or so… but assigning a greenhorn to a high-priority, solo guard duty like this is unheard of.”

“Then why…?”

“That commander had made ‘preparations’ to exploit the weaknesses in my security detail. I strongly protested that simply having the paperwork in order wasn’t enough.”

“So, he’d done his homework…”

“Indeed. Honestly, if Samarkand hadn’t changed his mind, this ‘assassination’ would have succeeded. It would have been different if I’d been here, but…” Liz sighed. Well, there wasn’t much she could do if someone had meticulously planned to remove her from the equation.

“Is Samarkand strong?”

“He’s not weak. Quite the opposite. Stopping the Barghests was a wise decision, in retrospect.”

Black Hound Barghests were not weak magical beasts. He’d subdued a member of the Royal Guard with a single sleep spell and easily bypassed Liz’s carefully laid traps and the mansion’s security system.

And he was one of the few greater demons. In other words, he was highly skilled.

“…But you said you could ‘take him down in four seconds,’ right?”

“Master? Have you forgotten?” Liz smiled serenely.

“—I am the Darkling Blade, Lizlit Finis. One of the top five assassins in this nation.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you.” I smiled back.

I could trust Liz with my life.

“And I’m self-made, by the way. My older sister is the commander of the dark knights, but that has nothing to do with me.”

“I know. You joined the Royal Guard before she became commander, right?”

“Yes… how did you know that?”

“I read my subordinates’ files.”

“An assassin’s history is supposed to be classified…”

“I’m a supreme commander. I have clearance.”

“Well, yes, but… was that necessary?” Liz tilted her head.

“Seriously, knowing your subordinates’ backgrounds and abilities is a basic requirement for a superior.”

“That’s an unusual level of seriousness for you, Master.”

I couldn’t argue with that, given my usual work ethic. That said, I was seriously working towards the extinction of humanity.

“So, am I considered a high-priority protection target?”

“You are a supreme commander. If you’re not high-priority, then who is?”

She had a point.

“Regarding Samarkand’s fate, there’s some debate. We could force the issue, but using your ‘reward’ would be smoother.”

“Alright, do that.”

“Now that you’ve said that… are you sure? Neutralizing the Dragon Knights was a major accomplishment. …You could ask for something significant.”

“A competent subordinate is worth more than any reward.”

Besides, lives couldn’t be bought with money.

“And I… don’t really want anything.”

“…I see.” Liz smiled.

“Then I’ll call Samarkand.”

“Okay. Samarkand! Come here!”

I called out to Samarkand, who was waiting outside the door.

“Excuse me, my master. What is it you require?”

Less than a second later, the door opened, and Samarkand slipped inside, immediately kneeling on one knee.

His reflexes are terrifying.

“His Majesty wants you to come to the castle. He wants to hear your side of the story. …Right, Liz?”

“Yes.”

“But make sure you tell him, ‘He’s my subordinate.’”

Samarkand fell silent. Silent tears traced paths through his black fur.

“…Samarkand. Why are you crying?”

“Tears of joy, my master. Forgive this unsightly display…”

“…Um… right.”

It felt strange to scold him or say anything, since he hadn’t done anything wrong. But having someone burst into tears at my every word was a new experience, and I could only remain silent.

“—Please, use me as your tool, my master.”

A strange feeling stirred within me.

“…Did you just call yourself a tool?”

“Yes.”

“Are those your true feelings?”

“Yes.”

The stirring in my chest, the unfocused anger, moved my arm. I grabbed Samarkand’s head, pulling him closer, forcing him to meet my gaze.

“—You are my subordinate. Do not mistake that. You are not a ‘tool.’”

“H-huh?”

“Don’t say it again. —Understood?” I released him.

“Yes, my master…” Samarkand closed his eyes and bowed his head. He understands.

“Allow me to reaffirm my vow. I am your servant, always and forever. My life is yours to command.”

“…Do you really understand?”

“Yes. You wish to say, ‘You are my servant, always and forever, and I do not intend to treat you as a disposable tool,’ correct?”

“…Does a blood contract… alter one’s language comprehension skills?”

“No, not at all,” Samarkand replied smoothly.

“Oh, right… well, take care of yourself…”

“Yes. After my master.”

That’s… concerning.

His answer was as black as his fur, suggesting a deep-seated self-destructive tendency. But if that was what he truly desired, what was I, as his superior, supposed to do?

18. Pampering a Cute Assassin in Bed

“Master, may I sleep with you tonight?”

After my bath, as Liz gently dried my hair, she asked that delightful question. I turned and beamed at her.

“Of course! I’ll be gentle!”

“Ah, I meant standing by your bedside. It was a purely professional offer.”

“Aww… you’re playing with my heart.”

“I don’t understand.”

“—Really?”

I smiled.

“…I don’t understand. Or at least, that’s what I’ll say.”

“Tell me when you do understand.”

“I doubt that will happen.”

“You can’t do anything if you give up.”

“I think there are some things you should give up on.”

“I agree with that, but…” Liz sighed softly.

“There, all done.”

“Thank you.”

Incidentally, the Barghest I’d brought into the bathroom had been there just a moment ago, but it had shaken itself dry and disappeared without a trace. Knowing those clever creatures, they’d probably sensed the mood and excused themselves.

Liz gave Samarkand, who was waiting outside the bathroom, a brisk order.

“Samarkand. Your first task. Wait outside Master’s room. I’ll be guarding her inside. Inform me if anything happens.”

“Yes…” Samarkand bowed his head.

“Take care, okay?”

“Yes! I will ensure my master’s safety and a peaceful sleep.”

It was hard to believe those words were coming from the same demon who’d come to threaten my safety and peaceful sleep just hours ago. But I felt it would be cruel to point that out, so I remained silent.

“Liz, you can change into your nightclothes.”

“What? But I’m supposed to be standing by your bedside. Especially after that assassination attempt.”

“That was just a joke, if you weren’t interested. You should sleep if you can.”

“But…”

“Samarkand is out there, and I doubt anyone would attempt a second assassination in one day.”

“…Very well.”

It had been a while since I’d shared a bed with Liz. I’d invited her on occasion, but she usually declined.

We lay side by side in the canopied bed, silent for a while. The moonlight filtering through the curtains and the gaps between them slowly adjusted my eyes to the darkness.

“Hey, Liz.”

“Yes?”

I reached out, and she took my hand. I smiled at her.

“Thank you.”

“…I didn’t do anything. I wasn’t in time, and in the end, I just interfered.”

Liz’s expression was dark.

“You’ve been protecting me all this time, haven’t you? So things like today wouldn’t happen.”

“That… is part of my job, but…”

“Let me thank you for it, anyway.”

“It’s my duty.”

“Then there’s no need to feel bad. You were just doing a different part of your job today.”

“…Don’t coddle me.”

Liz fixed me with an intense stare. Even that made me happy, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“Hmm, that’s a bit difficult.”

I squeezed her hand gently, enjoying the feeling of her hand in mine.

“I said don’t coddle me!”

“I think I said it’s a bit difficult.”

I continued to smile at her, and she sighed.

“This is quite a lenient workplace for assassins.”

“I’m aiming for a cozy work environment.”

“…Are ‘human extinction’ and ‘cozy’ words you’re supposed to use in the same sentence…?”

Liz had a valid point.

“Of course they are.” I said with a smile.

“Just because we’re in charge of heinous operations doesn’t mean we can’t have a cozy work environment.”

Liz stared at me. Then she sighed again.

“…I still don’t understand you very well, Master.”

“If you don’t understand me, Liz, I doubt anyone does.”

The Virus King, Lord of Disease was the enemy of humanity.

Even among my supposed allies, the demons, criticism of my methods was commonplace.

If I desired happiness, and achieved the happy life I desired… In the eyes of others, I would be seen as a heartless monster, capable of such atrocities without a shred of guilt.

But if I wasn’t allowed to desire happiness. If I decided that I shouldn’t be happy…

What would become of my subordinates?

They were the ones who did the actual dirty work.

All of my accomplishments, all of my atrocities, were the results of the operations carried out by my precious subordinates.

Liz and the administrative staff who diligently documented my orders.

The doppelgangers who formed the core of the disinformation unit.

The wraith assassins who led the assassination squad.

The Black Hound Barghests who served as auxiliary forces.

All of them. Those who chose to stain their hands with ruthlessness for the sake of the nation, for the sake of the people living here. If they were condemned for their actions, if they weren’t allowed to find happiness…

Then we would have no future but to fight honorably and die.

That was why I called myself the Virus King, Lord of Disease.

To claim all of my subordinates’ accomplishments as my own.

To shoulder all of their sins as my own.

And then, I would say this:

“I want all of my cute subordinates to be happy.”

And if possible… me too. Even if it was after all of them.

“…We… feel the same way.”

Liz squeezed my hand tightly.

17. The Blade in the Shadows

A knife plunged into Samarkand’s outstretched arm.

A volley of throwing knives followed, flying at him from almost every direction.

Samarkand recoiled, summoning a black scythe with a curved blade, deflecting the knives. But he couldn’t block them all. A dozen knives found their mark, and crimson blood flowed.

The bleeding stopped.

The edges of his black fur shimmered, fading to a pale white. His short, goat-like horns lengthened, twisting into grotesque, menacing spirals. His crescent-moon eyes glowed red, and the knives clattered to the floor. Perhaps due to some material magic, the fallen knives dissolved into particles of light.

“Filthy rat…”

Liz appeared silently before me.

She wore a revealing—or rather, defensively useless—assassin’s outfit. Dark brown leather and light brown belts, like restraints binding her form. Her usual red scarf was wrapped around her arms instead of trailing behind her. She held a fighting knife in each hand, their designs differing.

She was the very picture of the Darkling Blade, a breathtakingly beautiful assassin.

“Your hostility towards my master will be atoned for with your death.”

She spoke the words, laced with restrained hatred, in a flat, emotionless tone. She extended her right arm, the tip of her knife aimed at Samarkand’s heart.

“I will not even leave your soul intact.”

“—Wait! Liz!”

“Master… are you injured?” Without moving her knife, Liz glanced at me. Her eyes were devoid of light, the cold, calculating gaze of an assassin.

“A slight mishap. Give me four seconds. I’ll dispose of him.”

Four seconds?

To take down a greater demon?

“Then I’ll stop the bleeding immediately.” Liz’s gaze returned to Samarkand. I shouted frantically,

“Wait, wait! I’m fine, I’m not injured! That’s… that’s the demon’s blood.”

“A blood curse? …Is he trying to control you? Master, I’ll arrange for a skilled curse breaker. Just hold on a little longer.”

“That’s not it.”

“You’re already under his control…? Master, try to resist!”

“No, there’s no need to resist…”

“You can’t speak? —I’ll eliminate the caster.” Liz nodded, her form shimmering slightly—

“Samarkand. Sit.”

“Yes!” Samarkand obeyed instantly. The glow in his eyes faded, the tremors in his body ceased, and he knelt on one knee.

“…Excuse me?” Liz blinked, bewildered.

“Liz, listen to me.”

“Yes. Please explain.”

“He came to assassinate me, but he changed his mind.”

“I was captivated by my master’s noble spirit and profound capacity for forgiveness. We have formed a blood contract. My life, my very being, now belongs to her.” Samarkand added.

“…Huh?” Liz stared at me, as if to say, What are you talking about, Master?

“Wait a minute. This… this is clearly a greater demon…”

“Didn’t you say you could take him down in four seconds?”

“I can, but that’s not the point.”

So, she really could do it. My adjutant is too powerful.

“You can stand now.”

“Yes.” Samarkand rose and bowed his head respectfully. A gesture of subservience.

“…Master, could you please refrain from doing things that defy all logic…?”

“Well, I think today’s incident was unavoidable. We were just talking, and then suddenly…”

“Having a casual conversation with an assassin who came to kill you is what defies logic.”

“It wasn’t exactly casual…”

“You were remarkably calm.”

“See?”

“Samarkand. That’s probably counterproductive.”

“My apologies. I deserve to be punished.”

“That’s alright. If you’re going to be my subordinate, take care of yourself. We’ll discuss things like vacation time and salary later.”

“I require neither rest nor payment. Use me as you see fit.”

That’s a bit extreme.

“Listen… no, this is an order, Samarkand.” I spoke firmly, my words sharp.

“If you intend to use your life for me, use it wisely.”

“—Yes!”

“…Well, it seems to be true. Um, Samarkand?”

“Yes, Darkling Blade, Lizlit Finis.”

“Interrogation time. Tell us everything, from your objective to who’s behind this.”

“No torture, please.”

“That won’t be necessary. I will tell you everything I know.”

“Give him the order anyway.”

“Samarkand, be honest with us.”

“As you wish.”

“Before we start, Liz, do you mind if I take a bath?” There was still blood on my cheek, and my nightclothes were damp with cold sweat.

“Oh, right. I’ll prepare the bath and disable the traps on the way.”

Liz fixed Samarkand with a stern look.

“—Samarkand. I’m reserving judgment on you for now. I’ll decide based on your future performance. If you try anything funny, I’ll kill you.”

“Of course.”

“Then, Master, please wait while I get things ready. Regular hot water, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. I’ll tidy up the room while you’re bathing, so you can leave everything as it is.”

I followed Liz’s instructions and petted the Barghest that was still lying obediently beside me.

“Can I bring a Barghest into the bath?”

“One, at most.”

Liz left. Despite her reservations, she’d left me alone with Samarkand, so she must have deemed him relatively safe.

“My master. While you bathe, allow me to clean the blood from your cheek.”

“Oh, right.”

His large, fur-covered hand gently brushed against my cheek, removing the dried blood.

“Um, Samarkand,” I said as he stepped back.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, my master.”

The corners of his goat-like mouth curled upwards. He was smiling.

At least, I might have one less thing to worry about at night.

16. A Blood Contract

The greater demon who’d come to assassinate me, after calling off the assassination, immediately knelt and swore allegiance.

Is this a dream? Please don’t tell me this is some cruel joke.

I decided to question the demon before me.

“You came to assassinate me, right?”

“I did.”

“And you decided not to?”

“I did.”

“So? Why are you suddenly pledging your loyalty?”

“…In the face of death, a creature’s… a living being’s true nature is revealed.”

He spoke slowly, his speech now laced with honorifics.

“You are composed. To kill one who has accepted death and chosen to serve their nation… I cannot commit such a foolish act.”

It wasn’t that big of a deal. I’d just gotten used to being targeted for assassination since arriving in this world.

“I may be killed for disobeying orders. I may be executed for plotting to assassinate a supreme commander. But I wish to atone for my sins by dedicating my remaining life to your service.”

The greater demon bowed his head, seeking forgiveness.

“I know this is self-serving, a way to ease my conscience. But please…”

The demon before me—Samarkand—raked his claws across his wrist.

“Hey! What are you doing?!”

I jumped out of bed, grabbing the comforter, and pressed it against his wrist. The white comforter immediately turned crimson. Samarkand gently took the comforter from me. He dipped his fingertips in the dripping blood and, with the vibrant crimson, began to draw symbols on my cheek.

“Call my name. From this moment forward, I am your absolute servant. I will be your shield, with every fiber of my being.”

“…Seriously…”

I could tell he was sincere. He didn’t need to resort to such theatrics. With his immense power as a greater demon, he could easily control me with mind magic.

“Um, are there any… conditions…?”

“For me, yes. For you, no. You simply have absolute command over me.”

Over a greater demon?

“If you doubt me, I am willing to offer an arm or two as proof of my loyalty before becoming your subordinate.”

He continued, his words earnest, even as I remained silent.

“If you deem my loyalty unworthy, I will obey your command to end my own life.”

“Wait, this is a lot to process.”

“I attempted to take the life of one worthy of my service. That sin can only be atoned for with my life.”

“…Hmm… alright, I understand.”

I nodded resolutely.

“I just have to say your name?”

“Yes.”

“—Samarkand.”

The moment I spoke his name, the blood symbols on my cheek grew warm.

A distinct sensation filled my chest. Warm and comforting. Like holding a heart in my hand, gently squeezing it. The certainty that I could stop its beating at any moment.

At the same time, I knew I wouldn’t.

Because this was mine. This bond, offered to me.

Samarkand.

I understood. This demon had truly offered me everything.

“Samarkand.”

“Yes!”

I shifted to the tone of the Virus King, Lord of Disease.

“I accept your loyalty. In the name of the Virus King, Lord of Disease.”

“…I am eternally grateful. This is the greatest honor.”

This is heavy. Happy, but heavy.

Samarkand’s wrist was still bleeding.

“Samarkand. An order.”

“Anything.”

“Heal your wrist.”

“Huh?” Samarkand tilted his head.

“Did you not hear me? Or are there some orders you can’t follow?”

“No. My life and my honor are yours to command. However, I fail to grasp the intent of your order.”

This is heavy. But why can’t he follow such a simple order?

“Did I say something that difficult to understand?”

“In terms of meaning, no. However, I attempted to take your life.”

“Yes.”

“I fail to understand why you would command me to heal myself… especially a self-inflicted wound necessary for our contract.”

“Samarkand, are you stupid?”

“Compared to your profound wisdom, my master, I am indeed a fool.”

“No, I don’t need the flattery.” I sighed.

I resumed the tone of the Virus King, Lord of Disease.

“—You said you entrusted your life to me, correct?”

“Yes.”

“I can interpret that as you becoming my subordinate, right?”

“It would be my greatest honor.”

“Then heal your wrist. I’m not the kind of superior who enjoys seeing their subordinates injured.”

“Yes…” Samarkand placed his palm over his wrist. White smoke curled from between his fingers. When he removed his hand, the wound was gone without a trace.

“Allow me to clean the blood from your cheek.”

“Please.” Samarkand extended a muscular arm—

“Get back, scum!”

A knife plunged into his arm.

15. A Midnight Visitor

That night, it came.

The distant sound of barking.

—No, not distant.

The sound of my dogs. In the yard… and in my bed.

I sat up in bed and opened the canopy curtains.

The window was open. The curtains danced in the cool night breeze.

Amidst the Barghests’ barks and growls, it appeared. A towering, muscular, bipedal black goat, bathed in the moonlight.

—A demon.

A rare race, both magically and physically powerful.

The Barghests, still growling and barking, slowly surrounded the demon—

“Down.”

At my command, they all lay down.

“Stay. Don’t move. …It’s okay.” I patted the head of the one nestled beside me.

It was well known that the Virus King, Lord of Disease employed Black Hound Barghests. The fact that a pack of them resided at this mansion was the stuff of rumors in town.

They wouldn’t send someone who couldn’t handle them.

“I presume you are the Virus King, Lord of Disease…”

“Yes, good evening.”

“Such composure… as expected of the Virus King, Lord of Disease. A supreme commander of the Demon King’s army…”

He complimented me in a smooth, baritone voice, like a seasoned actor in his fifties. However, I could predict what he would say next, so I wasn’t particularly pleased. Despite his polite demeanor, the fact that he’d arrived at this hour, bypassing proper protocol, marked him as an enemy.

“However, tonight, you die.”

“Right. I don’t like pain, so sleep magic or mind magic first, please.” I nodded.

“…You overheard? Or… you won’t resist?”

“I said I overheard. You’re clearly skilled. You must have bypassed or disabled the traps to get this far. And the timing… you must be taking advantage of Liz’s absence… she’s my most trusted assassin.”

Very few people knew that Liz wasn’t here tonight. Information that required high-level clearance had been leaked.

“Someone high up must be behind this, even if it isn’t His Majesty. There’s no point in resisting.”

If Liz had intentionally leaked the information, she would have told me. The fact that she hadn’t meant that I’d been completely outmaneuvered, or that they’d decided to cut their losses.

And I believed it was the latter.

“Even if your life is at stake?”

“Like I said, I’m smart enough to know when I’m outmatched.”

Talking would buy me more time than resisting. But if he decided to kill me, it would be over in an instant, so buying time was pointless.

“You’re probably thinking, ‘Humans seem to be gaining the upper hand, so maybe we don’t need this one anymore,’ right?”

“Well… yes, that is the general idea.”

“But I think I’ve contributed enough to deserve a painless death. What do you think?”

“Indeed…” The demon nodded, then shook his head. “…However…”

His eyes, like crescent moons, fixed on me.

“—Why do you fight?”

“For this nation.”

I answered without hesitation.

“Why this nation?”

“Because this nation saved me. And also, because it was the humans who summoned me to this world.”

“This world…?”

Oops, that was a secret.

I smiled vaguely and remained silent. The demon pressed on.

“…Do you have no qualms about slaughtering your own kind with such ruthless methods?”

“That would be a lie, but…” I trailed off.

“But?”

“Um, aren’t you going to kill me? I don’t want to die immediately, but waiting to be killed is making me feel… complicated.”

“…I’m having second thoughts.”

Oh, that’s unexpected. A midnight assassin having second thoughts. He was no match for my cute adjutant.

“You don’t seem insane. But your actions are beyond what any sane person would do… And yet, I have a feeling… that this nation needs you.”

“I’d say it’s a bit of both, but my subordinates are the truly competent ones.”

If Liz, one of my most competent subordinates, had been here, this wouldn’t have happened. But since I wasn’t sure if she could actually defeat this demon, perhaps fewer casualties were preferable.

“Just so we’re clear, don’t harm my subordinates, including these guys.” I stroked the smooth fur of a nearby Barghest, glaring at the demon with as much intensity as I could muster.

“If you do, you die.”

“…What can you do, once you’re dead?”

“Don’t misunderstand, demon.”

I narrowed my eyes, my voice cold.

“I am the Virus King, Lord of Disease. A supreme commander of the Demon King’s army. Whether or not I’m human, His Majesty officially granted me this position. There is no deception.”

I received the standard authority, salary, and everything else befitting a supreme commander.

I had accepted it. So, this, too—was probably just part of the job.

“…Even if I’m killed, His Majesty won’t pursue the culprit. It would divide the nation. —But my subordinates… are a different story.”

If I died, His Majesty wouldn’t use my death as a catalyst for internal conflict. He would reveal that I was human… and try to contain the fallout. That was what his apology had meant.

“Neither I nor His Majesty will tolerate demon killing demon.”

But if a demon did kill a demon—it would threaten the nation’s very existence. This nation was a coalition formed to protect all demonkind.

“Also, I’m a little worried… am I being used as a pawn?”

“A pawn?”

“Ah, right, you don’t have pawns… um, are you planning to dispose of me?”

“…I am a greater demon. You think I would…”

“Well, you said His Majesty probably wouldn’t pursue the culprit, but I’m still a supreme commander, so I thought maybe they’d execute the perpetrator as an example…”

I didn’t know how high up this went, but if a supreme commander was killed against His Majesty’s will… yeah, I was starting to think he was going to die.

That would be the most realistic ‘compromise.’

“…Are you… concerned for me?” He sounded as if he’d seen and heard something unbelievable.

“A human, concerned for a demon?”

“Well, yeah. You don’t have a personal grudge against me, do you?”

“That’s true. This is simply an order, a necessity.”

“Then you’re my comrade. In the Demon King’s army.”

I was a supreme commander. But even if I died, the Virus King, Lord of Disease wouldn’t.

“Well, if you’re going to do it, do it now. My scary maid will be back soon.”

I laughed. Accepting death brought a strange sense of calm.

If humans had souls.

If there was an afterlife, a heaven or hell.

Where would my soul go if I died in another world?

“…No.” The demon slowly shook his head.

“I’ll pass.”

“Wait, are you calling off the assassination?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not going to say, ‘I just wanted to see the look on your face when you thought you were safe,’ and then kill me anyway?”

“…Where do you come up with these morbid ideas?”

“It’s pretty common, actually…”

“Co… common?” He looked stunned.

Seeing a greater demon, a rare sight in itself, make such an expression was even rarer.

“…Your common sense seems… unusual…”

“Is that so…”

Maybe I am the strange one.

This world was waging a war of extinction against other races. My world had been waging wars against its own kind for centuries.

I’d simply brought my world’s methods with me.

“So, you’re really not going to kill me?”

“You have my word.”

“It’s a little hard to trust someone who came to assassinate me.”

“…I… apologize.” The greater demon bowed his head apologetically. His expressions were becoming increasingly rare.

“Well, I’m grateful that you’re calling it off.”

If he changed his mind now, I’d probably despair, but I’d deal with it when the time came.

“Um, so what should I do? Just stay quiet? Should I report this?”

“I will speak with His Majesty and seek his approval. —But before that…”

The greater demon knelt before me.

“My name is Samarkand. By my true name, I pledge myself to you as my master.”

With elegant grace and a resolute voice. Like a knight pledging fealty to their liege, he knelt on one knee.

“I swear my absolute loyalty.”

“Sorry, this is all happening a little too fast for me.”

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.

13. Starving Bonds

A riot broke out.

Just those words.

It was an orchestrated inevitability.

To defeat the demons, the Dragon Knights were absolutely necessary.

They were irreplaceable. And mere villagers were replaceable.

That was the logic. And if they didn’t follow that logic, all of humanity would eventually perish. So, the upper echelons of Rank Kingdom did the right thing.

They prioritized the Dragon Knights and withheld aid from the attacked regions.

Therefore, it was inevitable that in a certain town, refugees who had abandoned their homes to survive would find themselves facing off against heavily armed soldiers.

“Those winged lizards are more important than us humans?!”

“Damn them! Those incompetent nobles!”

“Silence! Silence, I say! I’ll throw you all in jail!”

A soldier shouted, thrusting his spear forward. A man, unafraid, stepped forward.

He had already seen something far more terrifying. He had nothing left to lose.

“Go ahead, try it! But you’ll at least feed us in jail, right? —And you do have enough cells for all of us, don’t you?”

“…Gah…”

“W-we’ll cut our losses!”

“Do it, then! We’re done for anyway! We… we won’t survive the winter!”

Some individuals had tried to help. But the town itself was barely self-sufficient. When they could no longer purchase food from the surrounding villages, and when the villagers themselves became refugees, the food supply simply ran out.

For the dragons.

For the winged lizards.

So, it was inevitable that the tense standoff would escalate into a raid on the kingdom’s food stores—a riot. And it was inevitable that the kingdom’s army would crush it with force.

A violent riot was a rebellion, and rebellion was something a nation could never tolerate.

The bloody scene abruptly ended.

A crystal ball—or rather, a mass of magical energy resembling one—crumbled, leaving behind a single slip of paper.

A magically recorded image. A luxury item, as it required advanced magic that few could wield. It could only record for a short time. And it consumed a considerable amount of magic each time it was played.

But it vividly conveyed the atmosphere of the scene. I was grateful to the disinformation unit for sending it.

“…Does it pain you to watch?”

Liz asked, seeing me staring blankly at the space where the image had been projected.

“Why would it?”

“You said before… that seeing their faces… would make you feel sympathy.”

“It’s just a crystal ball.” I gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“We had things like this in my world, too.”

Newspaper photos.

Television footage.

Videos on social media.

“…I’ve seen plenty of this kind of thing.”

It was no different.

Even if it was a part of the hell I’d created.

“—But I never did anything. I didn’t even donate a single, measly coin.”

Even though I knew there were lives that could be saved with just ten yen. Knowing and doing were different.

The upper echelons of the kingdom must have known about the suffering. And yet, they did nothing.

Because what they needed were the Dragon Knights. Not the farmers who had abandoned their fields and become refugees due to starvation.

“A supplement to the footage. The disinformation unit apparently intervened in the riot. They’re not visible in the footage, of course.”

“Well, if they’d been caught in that riot…”

Liz nodded.

“Indeed. Doppelgangers aren’t a particularly strong race.”

“Physically, no. But their racial trait is the strongest.”

Twenty-eight. Even if they conscripted every person of fighting age and suitable health, that was the total number of this rare race. A race of women born with an extremely low probability, regardless of their parents’ race. A race with the ability to completely transform their appearance.

That was the doppelganger.

The core of my disinformation unit, the ‘ultimate weapon’ I’d personally requested from His Majesty. This weak race, completely undervalued in this world of swords and magic, was my most powerful weapon.

Even without them, the riot would have likely occurred. But it wouldn’t have been so swift and effective.

“…Our disinformation unit is quite capable.”

“They’re your subordinates,” Liz said with a smile.

I should be pleased with their competence. Even if it was directed at another nation. Even if it was directed at the enemy.

Even if the result of my orders was this hellish world of human suffering.

I should be pleased.

Because I had given those orders, and I bore the responsibility.

The field operative units, consisting of disinformation and assassination squads, continued their operations smoothly.

The populace, struggling with dwindling food supplies, was expertly ‘agitated.’

The disinformation unit poured oil on the fire, turning what could have been contained into a raging inferno.

While I provided the general direction, I couldn’t give detailed instructions, so they were free to improvise in the field. For example, they’d assassinated a respected knight who’d been mediating between the populace and the kingdom, making it look like he was a victim of internal power struggles within the kingdom’s army.

My disinformation unit is almost too competent.

The kingdom was understandably furious. A large portion of the populace had become rioters, and the population was rapidly dwindling. Furthermore, production had stalled due to the unrest.

Based on rough estimates, if everyone had worked together, perhaps seventy percent could have survived the winter.

—But ‘everyone’ couldn’t make the decision to abandon thirty percent.

There were also reports that they were systematically assassinating those who remained calm and those who tried to restore order.

Wow.

My assassination squad is truly ruthless.

Well, the core of my assassination squad was composed of wraiths, so they were literally without blood or tears.

Within two months of the operation’s commencement, the surrounding pastures had suffered irreparable damage, and public order had rapidly deteriorated.

The population in the operational area had decreased by seventy percent. It would likely decrease further. Administrative functions had collapsed, and the foundation of food production was gone. Hunting and gathering could only provide so much—and winter was coming.

There was no way they could feed everyone, let alone the voracious dragons.

It was only a matter of time before they made the decision to cut their losses.

“Captain! It’s no use! We can’t!”

Shouts echoed through the dragon pens of Rank Kingdom.

“Don’t give up! Keep trying to ‘call’ them!”

A knight shouted.

He was a Dragon Knight.

Trained from a young age to become the captain of the Dragon Knights, he’d worked hard and proven himself worthy of the position.

His voice had the power to inspire, to encourage his subordinates.

So, they persevered. And because of that, they continued their efforts until the situation reached a critical point.

They, the Dragon Knights, were the ones who least understood what it meant to stand before a starving dragon.

To them, dragons were mounts, docile creatures magically controlled and obedient as long as they were well-fed.

The Dragon Knights called their dragons friends. They even had a bond.

—As long as the dragons were well-fed.

“It’s no use! —Aaaaaghhhh?!”

“Damn it! Gale’s been eaten! Damn it!!”

A dragon burst through the roof of the dragon pens. Its golden scales shimmered in the sunlight.

Calling it a winged lizard was an insult.

Its long, slender neck was as supple as a whip, its eyes gleaming with an intelligence far beyond that of a lesser reptile. Its powerful wings, unscathed even after shattering the thick, sturdy roof.

The most beautiful creature in the world.

But that was only true when it wasn’t starving.

Its eyes were bloodshot, drool dripping from its mouth.

If it hadn’t been magically subjugated—or even if it had been, but properly fed—this wouldn’t have happened.

The dragon hadn’t eaten in over a month. Or rather, it hadn’t been fed.

It had simply taken the nearest ‘meat’ as a pre-flight meal. Red blood mingled with the drool dripping from its jaws.

That ‘meat’ was the Dragon Knight who had ridden it countless times, soaring through the skies. They had shared a bond.

As long as the dragon was well-fed.

The dragon spread its wings. No magic in this world could bind a starving dragon.

The small, pointy, shiny things the tiny ‘meat’ creatures were pointing at it no longer mattered. With a single beat of its wings, its massive body lifted into the air, and with another, it shot forward like a meteor, accelerating in a straight line.

And as one dragon did this, the remaining dozens followed suit. The roof shattered, leaving behind only fragments of the sturdy walls.

Their scales shimmered gold in the sunlight.

The light danced in the dust motes rising from the collapsing dragon pens, creating a beautiful, surreal scene.

“Oh…”

“The dragons…”

The former Dragon Knights murmured in shock. The captain, too, clenched his fists, trembling with rage at the loss of both his human and dragon comrades.

Bitter resentment formed into clear words.

“Damn the Virus King, Lord of Disease…!”

The dragons, deprived of their food supply, broke free from their magical bonds and returned to the wild. The Dragon Knights had effectively vanished from this world.

And to the Virus King, Lord of Disease’s list of accomplishments was added the destruction of Rank Kingdom’s elite Dragon Knight force in just two months.

12. How to Break a Dragon Knight

A single cow was being devoured.

In the middle of a pasture, a brown cow lay on the ground, its neck crushed by a ‘black dog.’ The dog straddled the cow, its innards spilling out, being greedily consumed.

The other cows, in a frenzy, had broken through the fence and fled.

They knew.

They had to escape.

From that terror.

From that death.

One of the villagers, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene, only to turn back, shouting in alarm.

This wasn’t something one person could handle.

They had to call for help.

They had to kill that dog, and then round up the escaped cows.

The villagers didn’t understand.

Just how terrifying it was.

They didn’t even know what they were up against.

Seeing the villagers gather, armed with farming tools and crude weapons, the black dogs fled.

The villagers gave chase, shouting.

To drive them away completely.

To see where they would go.

So, they didn’t notice.

That they were being lured.

That every ‘human willing to fight’ had been drawn out.

In the dim forest, the pursuing villagers breathed their last.

The last thing they saw were translucent wraiths in deep purple hoods and a pack of Black Hound Barghests.

—What is a dragon?

Tough scales.

High magic resistance.

Near-complete immunity to fire.

Resistant to toxins.

A robust skeleton and powerful muscles.

A massive body that floats effortlessly, soaring through the sky at high speeds, thanks to its wings and magic.

That was a dragon.

Even a Lesser Dragon was a terrible match-up for the Virus King, Lord of Disease’s forces, which primarily consisted of assassins.

The Listrea Demon Kingdom’s borders were naturally fortified by the Lital Mountains, a treacherous range of peaks that served as the dragons’ nesting grounds, and a sea teeming with large, aquatic magical beasts.

They had sealed off the single passable point, built a fortress, and concentrated their forces there, achieving a partial balance of power.

Sieges favored the defenders—provided they weren’t outmatched in terms of magical power.

However, Dragon Knights, by riding dragons, could attack from above the Lital Mountains or from the sea. While they couldn’t conquer the fortress on their own and still needed to breach the walls, they could infiltrate behind enemy lines.

They were a direct counter to the Listrea Demon Kingdom’s defensive strategy, a terrible match-up.

But they were Dragon Knights.

—They were not dragons.

“Master. First report from the field. The operation is proceeding smoothly.”

“Excellent.”

Liz held the carrier pigeon in her hands for a moment before releasing it into the sky. It looked ordinary, but upon closer inspection, its body was translucent.

A ghost pigeon.

A low-level undead, but its average flight speed and range were far superior to a normal pigeon. While its actual flight speed was comparable, it could fly at night, effectively doubling its speed. And since it didn’t require rest, it was even faster.

Like regular carrier pigeons, however, they had a tendency to go missing, so sending multiple birds was standard practice. They didn’t require food. Undead were powered by the magical energy of the living, so holding them for a while, as Liz had just done, ‘recharged’ them.

While convenient in this world, I did miss more efficient communication methods like phones and email.

That said, I wouldn’t want the enemy to have them either. So, I should be grateful that our communication network was slightly better than the humans’.

“Any details?”

“None. Just that everything is proceeding smoothly without casualties.”

That was to be expected with coded, short messages. We couldn’t include too many details in case the message was intercepted.

The brevity was also partly due to the fact that ghost pigeons weren’t suited for carrying heavy letters or packages. Apparently, they’d tried using larger undead for transport, but that hadn’t worked out too well for various reasons.

“Well, as long as it’s going smoothly.”

“Indeed. Let’s wait for the regular report.”

Members of the field operative units were rotated periodically, partly to give them a break. They provided more detailed reports during these rotations.

Non-regular reports, like the one we’d received about the Dragon Knight attack, were delivered by messengers… and that had been the first. Things have been going well so far, I thought.

“—That concludes the report.”

After listening to the ‘regular report’ about a month after the operation began, I smiled.

“Thank you for your hard work. You must be tired. Rest well until the next rotation.”

“Yes. Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

The messenger departed, and Liz and I began reviewing the report.

In short, the report stated that everything was ‘proceeding smoothly.’

We were systematically targeting the livestock—cows, pigs, sheep—that served as food for the dragons, as well as the pastures where their fodder grew. And, of course, we were also disrupting the livelihoods of the farmers who tended the livestock.

One notable entry was a request for more Barghests, as they were proving exceptionally effective. However, we only had twelve left at the mansion, so that wasn’t possible.

The report concluded with the writer’s signature and a Barghest paw print stamp, which was incredibly endearing. Whose idea was that? Utterly outrageous. This was an official report.

—It’s too cute. I can’t focus on work.

…But I couldn’t afford to be distracted, so I composed myself and returned to my duties.

The security around the dragon pens was the tightest in the kingdom. However, the security around the cowsheds, pigsties, and sheep pastures was practically nonexistent.

Even Lesser Dragons could survive for a month without food. When it came to mere survival, they could enter a pseudo-hibernation state to conserve energy. Starving a dragon to death was difficult.

But “Dragon Knights” were, by definition, “soldiers who rode dragons that obeyed human commands.” If the dragons went into hibernation, or, better yet, if they simply stopped obeying human commands due to lack of food, that would be enough.

‘Proceeding smoothly’ meant that the food supply was dwindling, and morale among the dragons was likely at an all-time low.

And if dragons, who required over ten times the amount of food as humans, were starving, then the human food supply must also be critically low.

Meat was already an expensive commodity, but the nearby royal pastures supposedly supplied not only the dragons but also the surrounding region.

And they had prioritized feeding the Dragon Knights, the cornerstone of their offensive, over supplying food to the civilians.

How would the people left behind, those who had lost their livestock and their livelihoods—who had been murdered—feel about that?

How would the herdsmen feel about tending livestock not for humans, but for dragons?

This was it.

This was where hell began.

11. Undead Assassins

After discussions with Liz, we decided to deploy three-quarters of the Barghests—thirty-six out of forty-eight—to the front lines.

I stood before the fifty wraith assassins newly transferred from the undead army, all forty-eight Barghests lined up behind me.

Though humanoid in shape, they wore deep purple, almost black, hooded robes pulled low over their faces, obscuring their skeletal features. However, their forms, along with their clothing, were semi-transparent, clearly marking them as wraiths.

“—I am the Virus King, Lord of Disease. I am pleased to welcome you, elite warriors, as my new subordinates.”

I wore the formal attire of the Virus King, Lord of Disease, minus the mask.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of our respective duties, we won’t have many opportunities to meet like this. So, allow me to show you my face.”

In other words, my true face.

While they should have already been informed that I was human, a ripple of unease went through the assembled wraiths. Still, as long as they didn’t openly express their distrust, it was a passing grade.

“You have already received and reviewed your orders detailing the specifics of your mission in Rank Kingdom. However, allow me to briefly summarize.”

I planted the ferrule of my staff into the lawn.

“Hunt all livestock and edible wildlife within the operational area.”

I pulled the staff free and repositioned my grip.

“This is a special assignment, but you will also carry out your regular duties concurrently. In other words, non-combatants within the operational area are also targets. Prioritize those capable of tending livestock and hunters. Eliminate all personnel and facilities related to food production, including farms, fields, orchards, and storage warehouses.”

The wraiths listened in silence.

“By order of the Virus King, Lord of Disease,” I said, smiling at them.

“Carve eternal fear and starvation into the land of Rank Kingdom.”

A profound silence fell over the gathering as I finished speaking. I shifted my tone and demeanor.

“So, everyone, please be careful and do your best.”

“Master, Master.”

Ignoring Liz’s pointed stare, I continued.

“I don’t think this was in your orders, but since we’re short-handed, I’m sending thirty-six of my Barghests with you. They’re generally intelligent creatures, and I’ve trained them to obey your commands, so please treat them well. Be nice to them, okay?”

“Lord of Disease. Your levity…”

“I assure you, I’m perfectly serious.” I smiled thinly. Then, narrowing my eyes, I fixed Liz with a sharp gaze.

“Or is it… —that you consider my subordinates, my troops, to be a pack of fools who would underestimate me based on this?”

“…My apologies. Please forget I said anything.” Liz bowed deeply.

“Don’t worry about it.” I waved dismissively at Liz and turned back to the wraiths.

“Here are your amended orders. The only changes are related to coordinating with the Barghests. I believe all necessary precautions are outlined, but read them now, and raise your hand if you have any questions.”

Liz efficiently distributed the amended orders, which were essentially instructions on how to interact with Barghests. The scene reminded me of extracurricular activities back in school.

The wraiths reviewed the documents with brisk efficiency, a testament to the joy of having competent subordinates.

“If you have any questions in the field, ask the Barghests themselves. While communication is one-sided, they can understand basic commands in the common tongue. I’ve trained them to nod vertically for ‘yes’ and horizontally for ‘no.’”

A hand went up. The wraith commander. …Or at least, I assumed it was the commander, based on their position, since their clothing and obscured face offered no clues.

The wraith stepped forward.

As they approached, our eyes met. I could clearly see the skull beneath the hood, the eerie blue-green flames characteristic of the undead flickering in its dark sockets.

“Forgive my impertinence in questioning the Virus King, Lord of Disease…”

“You are forgiven. …Ah, and please dispense with the formalities and honorifics.”

“Understood. Who holds the control over the Black Hound Barghests?”

“I do.”

“What is the acceptable casualty rate for this operation?”

I gave a wry smile. “I have to ask,” he continued.

Yes, this was war. And casualties were inevitable.

“Zero.”

Then, I declared, “This is a covert operation. Avoid direct confrontation. Prioritize safety. If the enemy is a regular army, especially the Dragon Knights, their movements won’t go unnoticed. If you deem the situation dangerous, retreat from the operational area immediately.”

“And after we retreat?”

“If the enemy remains in the operational area to bolster their defenses, the effectiveness of this operation will decrease, but continue operations in other regions. The objective is to prevent Rank Kingdom from launching attacks using the Dragon Knights. They won’t be able to mount a large-scale expedition while their own territory is under threat. Coordinate with the local operative units assigned to those regions.”

As if I’d engage in proper warfare. Even if it meant resorting to methods more horrific than war… so what?

My very presence here was a result of such methods.

If both sides had engaged in proper, honorable warfare, I would never have been involved in this world.

“I entrust all judgment to you, in the field. Respect the chain of command. Consider my orders as guidelines. …Understood?”

“As you command…” He bowed his head, and the other wraiths followed suit, bowing in unison.

Inside a covered wagon headed for the border, packed with wraiths to a degree that would have been considered overloaded if they were living beings, the undead soldiers discussed their recent meeting.

“Captain. What did you make of her?”

“…We can trust her. That is the Virus King, Lord of Disease.”

Following the captain, the others chimed in.

“I was surprised by her demeanor.”

“It’s no wonder the maid reprimanded her.”

“Idiot. That dark elf is more skilled than any of us.”

“It was a test.”

“I shudder to think what would have happened if we’d said the wrong thing.”

“I felt like I was going to die.”

“And we’re already dead.”

The standard undead joke elicited a round of laughter.

“…Who would be foolish enough to underestimate someone who can line up forty-eight Black Hound Barghests behind them?”

As the laughter subsided, the wraith captain muttered, and the others nodded in agreement.

They looked at the pack of Barghests running alongside the wagon, keeping a safe distance so as not to spook the horses.

“The fact that a single person controls so many… is astonishing… Thirty-six Black Hound Barghests… that’s more than enough firepower.” Again, they nodded in unison.

“Let us go, then. To bring fear and starvation to the enemy. —And to bring victory to our new master.”

The wraith captain said lightly, a grim smile on his face.

Beneath their translucent hoods, the others smiled in unison.

10. Petting a Barghest’s Belly Fur

The basic plan was set.

However, due to the recent losses suffered by the field operatives, we were short-handed. Well, we’d been chronically short-handed for a while now.

So, Liz and I were discussing the matter in the garden.

“What about the additional personnel I requested from the undead army?”

“Yes, about fifty. You specifically requested wraiths skilled in assassination, so it took some time to gather them. Their skills pale in comparison to mine, but they are quite capable.”

Her casual self-promotion is adorable.

“The problem is, we recently lost twenty-eight wraiths, so even with the reinforcements, we’re still short… Um, Master. While I’d like to believe you’re listening attentively, could you please adopt a slightly more serious demeanor?”

“Huh?”

I’d been petting a Barghest’s belly fur as it lay on its back, enjoying a good scratch.

“…It’s a little distracting.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.”

I apologized to Liz and turned to the Barghests.

“We’ll play after we’re done talking. Wait just a bit longer, okay?”

As I stopped petting them, the Barghests formed a line behind me.

Were they waiting their turn?

“Therefore, please consider counting me among the troops deployable to the field.”

“Liz? …I trust you, but… well, because I trust you…”

I hesitated.

Liz was undoubtedly a skilled assassin. She would likely solve our personnel shortage, at least temporarily.

But the problem was, she was a skilled assassin and a skilled bodyguard, well-versed in assassination techniques.

Wouldn’t I be vulnerable?

“That’s the dilemma…” Liz sighed.

“I’m hesitant to reduce His Majesty’s security detail, but if I leave, Master is likely to be assassinated…”

The Virus King, Lord of Disease was a supreme commander, a hero. However, my identity was unknown, and my methods were ruthless. My authority and budget kept increasing, often at the expense of other departments. So, I was a potential target for both enemies and allies.

Showing vulnerability was not advisable.

“That’s a tough one.”

“Indeed. Simply increasing the number of personnel isn’t a solution. Our primary objective is covert operations, so…?”

Liz trailed off.

“Something wrong?”

“One moment, Master.”

“What?”

“Just need to double-check something.”

Liz pointed at each of the Barghests lined up behind me, counting them one by one. For some reason, she repeated the process. And then again.

“I must be miscounting…” she muttered, her face pale.

“There are eleven here,” I said, having also counted.

“Why are there eleven?”

“What do you mean?”

“There are only ten Barghests stationed at the mansion.”

I tilted my head at Liz’s words.

“…There are more?”

“Huh?”

“There are more. I know they’re part of the mansion’s security, so I haven’t tried to gather them all. I was just playing with the ones who came up to me, and a few more joined in… and at most, I think there were about twenty at one point.”

“…Twenty?” Liz pressed a hand to her forehead.

“No way… huh? No way?” She sounded distressed, as if she didn’t want to believe it. She shook her head slightly.

“Master. I’d like to get an accurate count. Could you gather as many as possible?”

“Alright. —You guys got that, right? Bring your friends. All of them.”

As I spoke, the Barghests, who’d been patiently waiting in line for their turn to be petted, started gathering. Another Barghest suddenly appeared from behind the mansion, running to join the group around me.

“You said their pack coordination was ‘magical,’ right?” I asked.

“Yes… It seems they understand your instructions, Master.”

One of them rolled onto its back, inviting me to pet its belly.

“Can I pet this one while we wait for the others? I have to reward it.”

“…Sure.” Liz nodded.

“Thanks.” Having received permission, I reached out and began scratching the Barghest’s belly.

“But… normally, you can’t give Black Hound Barghests these kinds of commands…”

“Liz. The reality before our eyes is all that matters.”

“I suppose you’re right, but…”

A little while later, Liz surveyed the assembled Barghests and sighed.

“…Master, I have never been more convinced that you are not entirely human.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It’s complicated.” Liz glanced at the lined-up Barghests.

“…Why are there forty-eight?”

“I can only answer with, ‘I don’t know.’”

“For your information, Master, ten is the maximum number a single person can safely control. Twenty is the absolute limit… Forty-eight? Absurd.”

“I didn’t feel like I was in any danger, though.”

“Indeed, for some reason, they seem to consider you their master… so it is safe. For now, at least.”

“Liz, can Barghests handle long-distance travel?”

“Handle it? They’re known for their wide range. Part of their threat assessment comes from their ability to appear and disappear at will.”

“So, does this solve our manpower problem?”

Liz hesitated, then nodded.

“…If these creatures obey your commands, then yes, it does.”