Chapter 113: The Greatest Villain
Chapter 113: The Greatest Villain
Chapter 113: The Greatest Villain
-At the public square before the castles gate-
Soldiers equipped with bows and arrows had gathered around Liam, and they shivered with fear as the beastmen approached.
Kanami and Enora were watching from a distance, clueless as to what Liam had in mind.
What in the world is he thinking? The moment he came out, the first thing he said was to open the gate!
Kanami admittedly didnt know much about wars, but she knew that they were meant to protect the gates, not open them.
This was common sense for Enora as well, and she was shocked when the gates actually opened under Liams command.
I havent issued such orders! Who was it that opened the gate!?
The knights around them were equally confused.
Ive sent some men to check, but none has returned.
What on earth?
The beastmen that arrived at the square were being blown away the moment they came near Liam, their blood and flesh splattering everywhere as if a balloon had popped.
The sword in Liams hand piqued Kanamis interest.
Hes holding a katana.
Kanami-sama, do you happen to know what it is?
Well, its uhhan ancient weapon from my home country, I guess? She replied.
She hadnt seen any katanas in this country, but Liam was holding one.
The beastmen continued to rush in while hollering loudly.
Seeing this, Enora clasped her hands together and prayed.
Lord, please protect us all.
Kanami was about to pull out her sword and join the fight to support Liam, but the beastmen were being flung out the moment they passed through the gate.
It was as if they were being repelled by an invisible barrier.
Those in the front had come to a stop, but they were being pushed forward by their companions in the back.
They had charged forward with such incredible momentum that it wasnt an easy task for them to slow down.
Liam laughed at the sight of the gate being dyed bright red.
Weak, far too weak! Theyre being flung back before I could even strike!
He was just holding his sword, but he spoke as if he was the one cutting them down.
Kanami carefully observed Liams movements, but it didnt seem as if he was doing anything.
It was only after countless beastmens sacrifice that the beastmen realized the peculiar situation and came to a halt.
When they retreated from the gate, Liam decided to head out.
Kanami and Enora climbed up the walls to see what Liam was up to.
These guys are so weak; theyre being blown away by the air pressure from the sword.
I wonder how many enemies Ive blown away by now.
Now, whos the one thats leading these small-fries?
It feels great to exert so much strength against the weak.
Whenever I overpower my enemies, I feel a sense of accomplishment, as if Ive proven to myself that Im strong.
Im not the one being hunted here.
Theyre the ones being hunted, and Im the villain.
When I step outside, I realize that the city has been surrounded by the beastmen.
A beastman that resembles a lion steps forward while wielding a giant ax.
From the way the other beastmen are behaving, its clear that this ones their leader.
Youre the Demon Lord? I ask.
In response to my question, the lion swings down his ax.
Youre but a puny human!
Hes so darn slow that I end up resisting the urge to yawn.
I dodge the attack by a hairs breadth on purpose and continue to ask my question.
Hey, Im asking you whether youre the Demon Lord or not. Answer me.
I kick his knees after he swings his ax.
His balance crumbles, and I grab his mane and slam his face into the ground.
The lion stares at me with wide eyes that reflect his disbelief.
How!? How are you holding me down with such thin arms!? He bellows.
The densities of our bones and muscles are fundamentally different, I answer. Now, are you the Demon Lord?
Im not.
The lion replies as he struggles in vain to escape from my grasp.
That asidehe really does resemble a beast, a beast walking on two legs.
I had a junior in my previous life that used to drone on about cat ears, but I cant relate at all.
Several of the other beastmen shoot arrows at me while Im rough-handling the lion.
I knock the incoming projectiles away, but it seems like they think the arrows disappeared midflight as they raise voices of exclamation.
A moment later, the beastmen that attacked me get dragged into their shadows.
It must be Kunai.
Its good that shes enthusiastic about her work.
Well, its a given that theyd die after trying to attack me.
I let go of the lion, but he picks up his ax and comes at me again almost immediately.
I continue where we left off while avoiding his blows.
Mind telling me where the Demon Lord resides? Im willing to go there myself. You just have to be my guide.
Unlike you puny humans, the Demon Lord holds a very lofty position! Its blasphemous to even suggest having an audience with the Lord!
Alright then. Go die.
Hell be blown away if I unleash my One-Flash, so I resort to just cutting off his head.
I pull out my sword and double check that Im slashing slowly.
The beastmen that have been watching from the side charge at me in anger.
Silence.
Intimidated, they stop in their tracks.
I swing my sword in a way that makes it visible to the beastmen.
The next moment, dozens of beastmen warriors have their heads decapitated.
Ill give you guys two options to choose from, I tell them. You can either obey me, or you can die after going against me. The choice is yours.
Finally catching on to the fact that were on completely different playing fields, they stare at each others faces.
Faced with my overwhelming might, the warriors sink to their kneesahhh, what a beautiful sight to behold.
If you wish to blame anyone, blame this countrys Queen for summoning a villain like me to act as their Hero.
While the others are showing subservient attitudes, a beastman jumps out from the crowd.
Its someone with dog ears and a tail.
She doesnt look like a beast. At first glance, she appears to be a girl thats cosplaying.
Wai am! Ttthhe daudau
It seems like shes trying to say something to me, but her mouth isnt functioning properly.
Also, her triangular ears are drooping down instead of standing erect, and shes shivering with her tail curled up.
Her knees are shaking as if theyre about to give out.
Oh, and by the way, I love dogs.
I used to own a dog that also shivered and curled up its tail whenever I scolded it.
Seeing this child is making me feel nostalgic.
Youre a dog-kin, right? Ill forgive you since youre a dog. I say generously.
The girls eyes sharpen.
Nyaim niat a dog!
Ku! Ive got no clue what shes saying.
Shes so terrified that her tongue seems to have stopped working.
Its so very adorable of her. Im having troubling keeping myself in check.
Now that Im cognizant of the fact that shes a dog-kin, shes starting to look extremely cute.
I try to calm down the young dog-kin thats before my eyes.
Lets calm down, shall we? Breathe inbreathe out I guide her.
Suuu.haaa.
Shes actually listening to the words of her enemy and taking deep breaths to calm herself.
How stupidly adorable of her.
Its been so long since I last kept a dog.
I want a dog, but Im not keen on buying one.
After all, it would eventually die, and that would make me really sad.
Hmm, but what if its this girl?
The dog-kin girl before me introduces herself now that her mouth is working properly.
My name is Chino! Im the daughter of Glauss, the strongest warrior in our tribe!
I see, I reply, So, youre a dog-kin, right?
Are you mocking me!? She yells. Were wol
Just as Im about to feel disappointed that I got it wrong, I hear someone shout, Yes, were dogs!
I turn towards the direction of the shout and spot a beastman that looks similar to this Chino girl in front of me.
From their similar appearance, I think its safe to say that they know each other.
Chino exclaims in surprise.
B-but father!! Were proud wolv
Dogs. Chino, were dogs, he interrupts.
Ehhh!?
Chino seems unconvinced, but the beastman steps forward and declares himself a member of the Dog tribe.
And you are?
I am Gluass, Chinos father. May I have the honor of knowing your distinguished name?
It feels nice watching this Glauss or whatever kneeling before me, so I put my sword back into the sheath.
Im Liam, Liam Sera Banfield, and Im your master from now on. Worship me. Honor me. Follow me! If theres anyone that objects, step forward. Ill chop you into pieces.
The beastmen kneelsilently.
This feels really pleasant.
Only Chino remains unconvinced.
I-Im a wolf!
I glance at Glauss, who shrugs and tells me,
That child admires wolves greatly. Dogs and wolves are like relatives, so
I want her now more than ever before.
What a cute girl.
A dog that thinks herself a wolf. Shes like an accumulation of moe.
Glauss unexpectedly offers his daughter to me.
I am willing to offer my daughter as proof of our loyalty.
For real? Like real real? Shes your daughter though?
Youre giving her away that easily!?
Im shook inside, but Glauss appears to be calm.
Hmm, since the civilization here isnt that developed, I guess children are not treated well.
Its not like theyre treated any better in intergalactic nations though.
Human life means very little in this world.
Shes old enough to be independent.
I have the fathers permission to take her, but Chino doesnt seem very willing.
Father! Please reconsider! I dont want to!
Glauss ignores her protest.
Be quiet, the fate of our tribe is at stake here.
Chino becomes dejected after being glared at by her father.
Shes behaving just like a dog, I like it.
My dog also used to be dejected whenever I scolded it.
Just from this alone, I think it was worth being summoned here.
Not only did I get to escape from Brians nagging, I got my hands on a cute pet as well.
Cool, Ill make sure to cherish your daughter, I tell him happily. Oh, and Im your boss from now on. If you go against me, Ill decimate your tribe, so be aware of that.
I return to the city in a jubilant mood with the beastmen still bowing to me.
Inside the audience hall of the royal palace, Liam was sitting on the throne and talking with the beastmens higher-ups.
A subordinate of the Demon Lord?
Yes, the Lion King Nogo was one of the four Heavenly Kings under the Demon Lord.
They sound like a hassle to deal with, so Ill pass. Lets just defeat the Demon Lord and be done with this.
With his legs crossed, he declared disinterestedly that they should march onward and defeat the Demon Lord.
Kanami, who was listening, started criticizing Liams attitude.
Hey, whats up with that attitude of yours, huh!? There are people suffering out there! Dont you think we should save them!?
There were people being oppressed by the Four Heavenly Kings, but Liam wasnt interested in them at all.
And whats that got to do with me? Its common sense to aim for the enemys leader in battles. Amateurs should just stay put.
A-amateur!?
Someone who couldnt even kill their enemies has no right to talk back to me, Liam said mockingly. You hesitated, am I right? People like you are useless in wars, so just stay cooped up in this castle. Theres no need for you to worry. Ill slay the Demon Lord as pastime.
PastimeFor Liam, the battle just now with the beastmen was nothing more than a fun activity.
The battle had been a terrible one, but Liam was calling it a pastime.
So many lives were lost, Kanami said with clenched fists.
Liam stared at Kanami with cold eyes as she thought back to all the soldiers that died.
So? This is their war in the first place. Its not my problem. In fact, they should be thanking me. If I werent here, they wouldve been annihilated.
Youre supposed to be their Hero, just like me! Kanami yelled at him.
And thats why I bothered to help, he said. Oh, and I havent been thanked yet. Queen Enora, quickly prepare a celebratory feast for me.
Enora came forward at this arrogant display of attitude.
Hero, while its true that we were able to win the battle thanks to the two of you, I havent been told anything about the beastmen entering the castle as your subordinates.
But of course. I havent told anyone after all. Its not like I need your permission or anything, Liam replied.
We have suffered under the beastmens oppression for many years, Enora protested. Neither we nor the people will approve of this.
The beastmen had plagued the Kingdom of Aarl for a long time.
Feeling the hatred and sadness within Enoras voice, Kanami chose to stay silent.
However
And why would I need your approval? You guys just have to swallow it. Who do you think youre speaking to anyway?
Liam did not care an ounce about their thoughts.
A young knight pulled out his sword out of indignation and pointed it at Liam.
Give him an inch and hell take a mile! How dare you speak to Her Majesty the Queen in this manner! Not only have you invited these beasts into the castle, you evenyour help is no longer necessary! Well be massacring the beastmen outside as well!
The knights and the ministers that agreed with his words began pouring out their complaints.
Kanami knew that their anger was genuine.
(Theres no way I can stop them.)
She didnt approve of genocides, but it would be hypocritical of her say you shouldnt kill to those that had their families slaughtered.
Even if she did, nothing would change.
Liam stood up slowly and closed the distance between himself and the young knight in an instant.
Then, he chopped off the noisy knights head with his hand
This was enough to silence the crowd.
Everyone stared at Liam fearfully.
(What!? W-when did he move?)
No one had been able to follow Liams movement at all.
These trash dumps seem to be under the wrong impression, he sneered. Youre not winners, youre losers. I was the one that won. You guys are merely survivors, and now that the beastmen have sworn their loyalty to me, theyre my property. Trash like you shouldnt even think of touching your Lord Humans property unless you have a death wish.
The expression on everyones face sunk when Liam declared the victory to be his alone.
Enora voiced her complaint.
H-how could that be!? We have shed so much blood for this war! Its far too arrogant of you to claim the victory as yours alone!
Kanami, who couldnt stand Liams attitude any longer, joined the protest.
Youre personalitys downright terrible! Do you even know how desperately these peoplew-whats wrong?
Liam snickered at Kanami and Enoras vehement protest.
Then a moment later, he held his stomach and started laughing out loud.
Shed blood? Desperate? Youve only done what youre supposed to do, nothing more, and nothing less. Its so funny watching you guys trying to brag on about how much effort you put in and stuff.
Kanami couldnt believe what she just heard.
Liam moved on to address, nay, to preach Enora.
Youre this kingdoms ruler. So what if you had to put in a lot of effort? So what if you had to shed a lot of blood? Are you dumb or what?Those are just the basic responsibilities of a ruler. Your accomplishments arent even worth evaluating.
Enora took a step back due to the weight behind Liams words.
Liam pressured her even further by taking a step forward.
Its frustrating seeing people like you. If youve got the time to flirt with the citizens, do your job properly. Why are you wasting your time worrying about the people?
Fliexcuse me, she sputtered. What does a man like you know!? Ive simply been doing what I could to help soothe the citizens that had to endure all these hardships throughout the
Riiight, that must be the only thing you could do with your lacking abilities, he interrupted. Well, its not like I dont understand. You must be scared, scared that the people would start a riot and have the city collapse from within.
After having a good laugh, Liam went back to his discussion with the beastmen about future affairs, completely ignoring Enora and her subjects.
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Brian (): Its painful. Things are falling apart over here at the Banfields territory, but Lord Liam seems to be having fun by himself. Its painful.