The Demon King Seems to Conquer the World

Chapter 144: (Self Edited) Those who Lurk In Darkness

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It was a feast of battle cry, but with the rapid increase of sleeping people, it was about to disappear naturally. It was midnight when the fire was about to go out. I got up from the log I was sitting on and went into the forest.

“Oi, come here.” (??)

I was suddenly called out by a shadow in the forest, and it surprised me. There was no sound.

In addition to that, my eyes, which had been looking at the bright fire until earlier, couldn’t see anything other than darkness, even when I turned to the direction where I heard the voice. Even in the forest, it seemed that a person was lurking in a dark place.

“Don’t be surprised.” (??)

From the voice, I knew that she was the Queen’s Sword.

“It looks like you did well.” (Tilet)

“If you have business, you need to wait. I’m standing here to take a piss.” (Yuri)

‘When I think about it, she may be unfamiliar with doing it while standing, as she is a woman who lives in a female society all the time.’

“Do it fast.” (Tilet)

“Yeah.” (Yuri)

I entered the forest about ten steps, and started urinating vigorously at the base of a suitable tree. I didn’t drink alcohol, but I had to drink a lot of water to pretend to be.

When it was completely out, I turned lightly. I returned.

“I’m done. What do you want to talk about?” (Yuri)

I asked.

“Haa… what a foolish guy. You still do it even though there is someone like me behind you.” (Tilet)

“I’m not someone who is going to hold back that.” (Yuri)

“Normally, you would be nervous.” (Tilet)

‘Is she hearing the sound? I’m a bit shameful.’

“That’s because you’re not an enemy.” (Yuri)

‘I don’t remember doing something that would be treated as an enemy by the queen. Speaking of an ally, it would be strange to treat me as one, but I’m definitely not an enemy either. As for my personal relationship, it’s strange to admit it, so an acquaintance would be correct.’

“For now, yes.” (Tilet)

The Queen’s Sword tried to provoke.

‘It seems that she wants to create an atmosphere of ‘We’ll see about that tomorrow… hehehe’. I can see it, you know.’

“Be quick. Let’s get into the main subject. Did Her Majesty the Queen say something?” (Yuri)

“She ordered me to return and report the outcome of the war.” (Tilet)

‘Outcome of the war, huh? I can’t say that there are many outcomes in particular. I killed a lot of enemies, but that doesn’t mean anything strategically. Even if she reports it, I have killed a lot. I probably couldn’t help but to apologize for destroying the bridge.’

“Precisely, I think it’s good justification to leave this place.” (Yuri)

‘Surely, I’m grateful for that. Since I was away from the royal capital for a long time, I was mainly concerned about the company. It’s painful to come here and spend a week or so, and then just return.’

‘Besides, there’s a matter of my leg. Considering the wound, I would like to receive a full-scale treatment at an early stage and receive medical treatment. I don’t know if Her Majesty the Queen called her in anticipation of that, but to be honest, it’s helpful to have a justification for her royal order.’

“Are you going to bring Carol too?” (Yuri)

“Of course.” (Tilet)

“Well, it should be fine.” (Yuri)

‘I’m getting better at commanding the unit, so it will be possible to do it without Carol. Besides, this is the territory of the Rube Household. As for Liao, he knew his territory much better than me, and his household can help us in many ways.’

“That reminds me…” (Yuri)

I remembered there was something I wanted to ask her.

“I wonder if you were the one who took care of Her Highness Telor.” (Yuri)

“…Yes, I was. I should have told your companions. I hope you understand.” (Tilet)

‘Aah. Since it’s about her group, there may be a bit of jargon here, but I supposed she told me to understand it. That’s how I feel.’

“The person you told about this was someone who isn’t suitable. He is someone who can’t recite poems.” (Yuri)

‘Not everyone knows how to use words. Especially that guy.’

“…I’ll be careful next time and leave a letter.” (Tilet)

“Well, if you’re protecting her, that’s fine.” (Yuri)

I waited for a response after saying that, but there was only silence.

For the time being, I felt it was a manifestation of intention that she would no longer speak. Apparently, the main subject was over.

However, the Queen’s Sword opened her mouth as if she wanted to talk some more.

“The enemy you faced… is said to have been chased by the bird unit of the Rube Household and they managed to run away.” (Tilet)

“I see. Do you guys know the name of the enemy’s commander?” (Yuri)

“…? No…” (Tilet)

‘It’s an information that I’m interested in, but I guess it’s still too early. Since she had no idea, I don’t think she will investigate in the future.’

‘As for me, I don’t know since I’m not infiltrating the enemy’s unit with spies. However, such information becomes easier to obtain over time. As time goes by, the information leaked from people’s mouths will spread. By the time the Crusade is over, I can obtain as much information as I want via the Albio Republic.’

“Now, there are many people who are eager to hold back your achievement.” (Tilet)

It doesn’t matter if I throw cold water on the matter, but it seems that she will continue the topic she wants to talk about.’

“Hold back? How so?” (Yuri)

“Other than that, it is about how you are going to deal with the refugees. It would be meaningless if they starve to death with that amount of people.” (Tilet)

‘Aah. She has a point.’

I thought so reflexively.

Even before this war began, the Shaalta Kingdom was overpopulated due to the influx of population. As a factor of population decline, the number of deaths among the reinforcement issued by Shaalta will be calculated to be slightly reduced, but it’s still within the margin of error.

Originally, the military population was less than ten percent of the total population. If you recruit and turn all the men into soldiers, since half of the population is male, about forty percent of them can be made into soldiers, excluding infants, boys and old people. However, even if you do that, the foundation to support the army will be lost, and there will be no war.’

‘In a society of only women, infants, and boys, they can only do their best just to eat. From such a society, it is impossible to generate a large amount of surplus product that can support a large army that consumes large supplies each time they go to war. For example, when a village is attacked by bandits, since there’s enough food in grocery stores, all the men will fight. In such a situation, it may be possible that forty to fifty percent of the village population is combat personnel, but it’s difficult in a normal war involving a march.’

‘Even if it’s assumed that the whole army that occupies ten percent of Shaalta population went to the reinforcement and only ten percent of the total force died in the war, the death ratio to the population is still one percent. In fact, it wasn’t the whole army that was sent to the reinforcement, so there weren’t many people who died. Perhaps, it was less than 0.2 percent.’

‘On the other hand, when it comes to the number of refugees, it will be at the level where the population will increase by some percentage. The people who are trying to hold me back would say ‘It looks like your word, but does it mean anything when you help them?’. It seems to be more persuasive than a certain level.’

“I don’t really expect much. I know it’s not a victory that everyone raises and welcomes.” (Yuri)

‘This woman is probably telling because there are such people among the Witch households, and I need to prepare in advance so as not to be disappointed. Even if she is grateful, she seems to worry about the heart of a young man who just celebrated his victory.’

“Hoo… then, its’ fine.” (Tilet)

“Is that it?” (Yuri)

“Yes. Can you prepare me an eagle?” (Tilet)

“I’ll do something about it.” (Yuri)

“And if you don’t notice me here, you should be careful about people who are eavesdropping from now on.” (Tilet)

—

“That person is waiting for us to finish talking.” (Yuri)

‘I’m not sure about anyone, but I noticed that there was someone who was following me as I pissed and stood. Since I was wondering if there was something to talk about, a voice suddenly sounded, and I was surprised.’

‘I didn’t mean to talk about a secret matter when I asked, but I was more concerned if the Queen’s Sword brings up the matter. Well, if I am aware of it, there’s no way the Queen’s Sword wouldn’t be concerned about it as well, right?’

“Hmm, well then, I’ll take my leave.” (Tilet)

The Queen’s Sword seemed to disappear, leaving a thin sound of stepping on dead leaves.

Even so, she was quite friendly today.

‘That person is also probably relaxed a bit.’

“So, who’s there?” (Yuri)

When I said that, a person came out from the shadow of the bonfire, and it was Liao.

“Sorry.” (Liao)

Liao said awkwardly.

“I want to say that is a bad thing to do, but it will help if you say it quickly.” (Yuri)

“…What do you mean?” (Liao)

“It’s about the march tomorrow. I will entrust it to you and Myaro.” (Yuri)

“Aah, I see. Got it.” (Liao)

Liao said as if there was nothing going on.

“So, what is it?” (Yuri)

Since he followed me, he must have something to talk about.

‘Could it be that he didn’t intend to eavesdrop since he noticed the presence of the Queen’s Sword?’

“I had something to talk about. Is that alright?” (Liao)

“I don’t mind.” (Yuri)

‘I wonder what it is. Somehow, I have a bad feeling.’

“I’ll keep it short. Did Yuri-dono get along well with Her Highness the Princess?” (Liao)

“…” (Yuri)

‘So, it comes to this point. Why does it leak out?’

“Why do you think so?” (Yuri)

I frankly asked.

“I’m also a type of person who likes womanizing. So I thought the distance between you and Her Highness is getting closer after returning from Reform.” (Liao)

‘Really? The intuition of a playboy is something that can’t be underestimated. However, I wasn’t flirting with Carol. So, I can’t say it with certainty.’

“It’s probably because we both survived the harsh experience.” (Yuri)

“I could feel a distance between people who sleep together.” (Liao)

“It’s a misunderstanding. More importantly, let me tell you what I want to do.” (Yuri)

‘Since there’s no recording device, words coming from my mouth are ignorable, but is there a merit when it comes out from my mouth? By not saying that, it’s not a relationship where I feel moral responsibility. At least, I don’t feel responsible to be honest to Liao. It would be different if it’s Dolla.’

‘Liao probably knows that too. Since he doesn’t understand the true feelings, he has no choice but to avoid making a statement.’

“If that’s so, I want to get one more woman.” (Liao)

Liao said.

“One more?” (Yuri)

I didn’t understand at all, so I asked reflexively.

“It’s about Myaro.” (Liao)

‘Haa?’

“What’s with Myaro?” (Yuri)

“I want to make her my wife.” (Liao)

‘Aah. I wonder what’s going on.’

“What? Could it be that you fell in love with her?” (Yuri)

‘When I think about it, he stuck with Myaro all the time during the expedition. Rather, Myaro was like a secretary for him.’

‘At the same time, Myaro was, in a sense, like a collar attached to Liao’s neck and she was a spokesperson of my order. So, unless he goes against my will significantly, she would have been useful to him as a secretary. Thinking normally, it wouldn’t be strange to have an extraordinary relationship.’

‘However, as far as I observed them, it was nothing more than a business-like conversation. Is it because it happens in front of me?’

“Yes, I am. There is nothing I would want if she became my wife.” (Liao)

Liao affirmed.

‘He’s probably falling in love with her. However, from that tone, I don’t feel the intensity. He doesn’t display the fluffy feelings of being in love.’

‘Is he really in love with her? Rather than wanting because he likes her, it feels as if he wants a subordinate and a wife. ‘

“In any case, Myaro isn’t my property. However, it would be a different matter if you want to have her.” (Yuri)

“I understand. But I thought you already had her.” (Liao)

“You can do what you want to persuade me. To me–…” (Yuri)

‘Aah. It feels unpleasant.’

“I have no right to stop you.” (Yuri)

‘Rather than right… I don’t have the justification. It seems foolish to think about that even though no one decided it, but it seems he thinks so.’

“If so, I won’t hesitate.” (Liao)

Liao lowered his head in a straight manner suitable for an adult female.

“It’s just that it’s not the same as flirting with women in bars.” (Yuri)

“I know. Perhaps, you have more experience compared to me.” (Liao)

“That’s not what I meant.” (Yuri)

Somehow, I felt irritated. I wasn’t angry. However, I was irritated as if a small insect was crawling in my head.

“It’s selfish to argue, but don’t force yourself on her. If you force yourself on her…” (Yuri)

I thought for a bit.

‘What would I do if a man pushes her down forcibly as if she is his possession?’

Liao was waiting for my words without fear.

“I don’t think you will remain alive.” (Yuri)

‘I’ll probably kill him.’

As expected, I couldn’t think of anything else.

“…Hmm, I got it. I will not force her to submit.” (Liao)

When he said that, he turned his back toward me as soon as the talk was over.

“Oi.” (Liao)

I was called out.

“Hmm? What is it?” (Yuri)

Then, Liao turned his body halfway, as if there was still a talk.

“Is it because things became surprisingly better when I had her as my right-hand man?” (Liao)

“Well… I won’t go that far about her, but… wouldn’t that be uninteresting? I hate noisy women. But I don’t care if you are able to have her.” (Yuri)

Although he didn’t explain it, it seemed that she was the type he liked.

“That’s fine. The sensitivity is like a fly in an ointment.” (Liao)

“That right-hand man will choose the right master, you know.” (Yuri)

“What?” (Liao)

Liao replied, as if he didn’t understand the meaning.

“There’s no mistake that she won’t obey the dull master who let the blade rusts. It’s fine if she recognizes you.” (Yuri)

‘Myaro just obeyed my orders. If I ask her to do another job, of course, she would stop her current job and do the other job.’

‘Liao isn’t someone she chose. I put her under him. Maybe that’s the reason why Liao thinks that Myaro is a normal person. He thinks she would obey if he prepares a comfortable environment or says pick-up lines toward the women of streets or Knight households, or promises high salary to employees.’

‘Myaro is different. If she wants to be in a comfortable environment, she could have been more comfortable if she inherited her parent’s household. Liao doesn’t understand the extremely biased sensibilities of a person who throws it away like garbage, and is smeared with blood, sweat and mud.’

“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.” (Liao)

Liao said, regardless of whether he understood it or not.

“Is that so? Then, it’s fine.” (Yuri)

When I said so, Liao took his leave.