Reincarnation as a Great Demon Lord - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Great Demon King Resumes the Invasion

In the end, the 'Hero of the Holy Sword' refused my invitation this time.

She adamantly declared that she was a Hero and would never become a subordinate of the Demon King. For that moment, a light of resolve shone in her eyes.

But I also saw that light wavering.

The Hero of the Holy Sword has no support system. Her solo charge into the Great Demon King's Castle was half-driven by despair. I don't know how she managed to stay ageless for 100 years, but her current state is undeniable, and she herself understands her situation. This is a contributing factor to her depression.

So, although I was rejected once, the Final Boss doesn't give up. The 'Hero Dark-Side Plan' is proceeding smoothly. Before long, the Hero of the Holy Sword will surely join my subordinates.

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Next, I had to determine the next objective for the Great Demon King's Army.

Thanks to the cooperation of the Rock Orcs, the castle's repairs were progressing faster than scheduled. Three days from now, thirty percent of the total repairs should be completed.

The question then was, where should we go next? To decide this, I convened a strategy meeting in the throne room three days after the Hero's attack.

The Great Demon King's Castle is currently located in a remote area in the northeastern region of the Demon Realm.

For the past century, the presence of the colossal dragon (the transformed Scarlet Scale King) had kept this area free from major conflicts. There were no prominent 'warlords,' and the only 'Human Alliance' base was this very fortress city that we had captured.

It was ironic, but the colossal dragon, a threat to the Dragonkin village, had brought peace to the region as a whole.

The other regions, however, were not so peaceful.

"—To reiterate, various factions are currently vying for supremacy in the Demon Realm," Egret said, pointing to a map laid out on the long table.

A castle-shaped piece was placed on the upper right of the map, marking the location of the Great Demon King's Castle. Various other-shaped pieces were scattered across the map.

This map incorporated the knowledge gathered from the three of them—Egret, Arcelia, and Seren—as well as the Rock Orcs. This visual representation allowed for an immediate understanding of the Demon Realm's situation. Such clarity and organization of information are crucial when formulating a new strategy.

"Many remnants of the former Demon King's Army have become independent and formed their own powers. While some have allied with other forces, they are fundamentally in conflict. They must be conquered eventually."

"I understand. Where is the conflict most intense?"

"Around the 'Plain of the White Night' in the central Demon Realm. The largest forces in the current Demon Realm are concentrated in that area."

"I see."

The Plain of the White Night is a place name that also appeared in the original story. It was a place constantly illuminated by white light, and the Demon Realm's foremost breadbasket.

It's common for such fertile lands to become the center of conflict, with ancient China's Central Plain being a prime example. Conversely, if we can control such a location, we can quickly approach hegemony.

However, it would be difficult for us to get involved in that central conflict in our current state.

"What about other areas?"

"The entire eastern coast is also disputed territory. In that case, the 'Sea Clans' are putting up a stubborn resistance against the 'Human Alliance.' Additionally, the 'Sea of Trees' in the southeast and the 'Great Mountain Range' in the north are danger zones in other ways."

Egret's explanation provided a clear picture of the current state of the Demon Realm. Some parts matched my prior assumptions, but the situation seemed more chaotic. I recognized some of the place names. The Sea of Trees, known for its powerful monsters, was one of the toughest areas in My Solasia 3.

"At present, our Great Demon King's Army must be described as a minor force. While we possess the power of Your Majesty and myself, we are still lacking in the number of soldiers..."

Egret looked at me apologetically. I returned her gaze, indicating that she didn't need to hold back.

As of today, Egret has been appointed the Commander-in-Chief of the Great Demon King's Army. She has the authority to plan, command, and execute our military operations, and I, the Great Demon King and Supreme Ruler, will always listen to her opinion.

Therefore, there is absolutely no need for deference or reservation. Policy should be determined based only on cold, hard facts.

"Egret. My knight. State your mind. How do you believe we should fight?"

"Yes! The pieces on this map indicate the known Human Alliance bases and the positions of the major powers. However, many smaller forces are scattered throughout the territories and are not shown here."

"Hmm. Like your village?"

"Yes. Like my hometown, some have maintained their loyalty to the former Demon King even after his demise, and others, out of racial pride, chose not to join any major faction. For various reasons, independent settlements are by no means few. I propose we first unite these smaller forces to establish our sphere of influence."

I see. A well-thought-out plan typical of Egret.

It would indeed be difficult to engage in a head-on fight with other military factions that already have an established foundation with our current power. Even if we managed to defeat an opponent, maintaining the occupied territory would ultimately require the power of numbers. To supplement those numbers, we must first make contact with and assimilate various independent forces. By doing so, we can establish a solid power base before confronting the scattered major forces. It is a prudent and righteous path. I was also considering a largely similar policy.

Considering this, it's no exaggeration to say that our ability to maintain this fortress city right now is a miracle. Without the full cooperation of the Rock Orcs, who were the original inhabitants and are extremely capable laborers, we would have had to abandon the precious mine we gained.

We took a gamble for our first engagement, but from now on, we need to proceed cautiously. After all, the current Great Demon King's Army has things it must protect and things it cannot afford to lose.

"A good plan. But where do we begin?"

"I believe the tribes to the south should be first. The Lizardmen and us Dragonkin are closely related species, and 100 years ago, we were allies under the former King. I will persuade them."

The Lizardmen. A race that also appeared in the original story. They don't have an overwhelming specialty like the Rock Orcs, but they are an excellent race of warriors and soldiers.

"Very well. I entrust this to you. If necessary, demonstrate my authority."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

While adding the Lizardmen to our forces through mere words would be best, words without the backing of power lack persuasion. There may be times when we must resort to force, even against other demon races.

Our current military strength consists only of myself, Egret, and her five subordinate knights. While I have high hopes for Arcelia, a former Heavenly King, her own words suggest she should be dedicated to research and development rather than the frontline. As for the newly added Rock Orcs, they are temperamentally and ecologically ill-suited for combat. They naturally dislike conflict, and their sturdy bodies, while perfect for construction and excavation, are difficult to utilize on the battlefield due to their inherent sluggishness.

If only we had one more subordinate with power comparable to mine or Egret's, and with ample combat experience—

"...Your Majesty, may I ask you something?" Egret suddenly cut in, with a somewhat awkward expression.

This was unlike her. Therefore, I could easily guess what she wanted to talk about without even asking.

"It concerns the 'Hero of the Holy Sword,' correct? Very well, what do you want to know?"

When I asked her, Egret, whose thoughts had been exposed, looked even more uncomfortable.

Well, this was to be expected. Egret had been strongly advocating for the Hero's execution. It's only natural for her to have some thoughts, given that I confined the Hero to my private room (even if it was intentional) and that I have been visiting that room.

"I believe I understand Your Majesty's intentions. That Hero is a symbol to humans, hope itself—a figure like you are to us. If we break her, the humans and other forces will fear us. I understand that."

I remained silent, prompting Egret to continue. There are benefits to corrupting the Hero beyond my personal desire to see her fall to the dark side. She understands this without me having to explain it. As expected of my knight, my Commander-in-Chief.

However, logic and emotion are two different things. They cannot be perfectly aligned, and it is dangerous to assume one is making decisions purely on logic. Therefore, I should listen carefully to Egret's concerns.

"I have no intention of questioning Your Majesty's decision. However, that—that mundane task of breaking her will, perhaps, should be entrusted to someone else...?" Egret suggested, speaking hesitantly and, for some reason, with a flush on her cheeks.

............I can guess what she's imagining. The classic scenario: when a man and a woman are alone in a room, even if it's not small, nothing can not happen...

Well, I am partly at fault for this misunderstanding. I haven't told anyone what I'm doing with the Hero in my private room. It leaves plenty of room for speculation.

However, I've done nothing improper. I'm just talking to her patiently, easing her guard, feeding her, and trying to get into her heart.

Heh. I'm terrified by my own talent as a Final Boss, to be able to call this 'just' that.

"Let me tell you, I am not employing the methods you are currently imagining. Do not equate me with some base scoundrel. There is a proper way to break a person's will."

"M-My apologies...! I spoke out of turn...!" Egret instantly changed color at my words.

I told her not to worry and continued:

"Her heart is broken, yet it is strong. No one but me could manage to subdue her."

"Broken, yet strong?"

"Yes. Her last ounce of pride, or perhaps the core of her personality, is different from the norm. Even though the fire seems extinguished, the embers still smolder deep in her soul."

"...Like how Father, even after turning into a giant dragon, did not directly harm the Dragonkin village?"

A good example was close at hand. Indeed, the Scarlet Scale King, even after transforming into a giant dragon due to an ancestral regression, was still trying to protect his homeland. That is what you might call the unquenchable ember deep within the soul, the lamp of humanity.

That is precisely why I want that lamp. Things that are hard to obtain always seem more beautiful.

"Hmph. If I subdue her through torture or brainwashing, she will eventually overcome it. But if she willingly offers up her heart—"

"—That unquenchable flame will burn for us," Egret said, nodding with a hint of understanding. Although she likely still harbored emotional reservations, she had nonetheless accepted my wish.

I am truly blessed. Especially with my luck in people. To have met a knight of such deep loyalty and martial excellence so soon.

"Egret, my knight. I am grateful for the good fortune of meeting you. My great ambition cannot be achieved without you."

"T-Those are overwhelming words, Your Majesty...! For me, of all people...!"

"Do not demean yourself so. You are the knight I recognized. Wise, strong, and beautiful."

"Your Majesty...!"

When I praised her, Egret blushed. Her cheeks became as red as the scales covering her limbs.

Hmm. When she is like this, she is indeed a maiden. Egret possesses a charm that instinctively appeals to any man.

...However, being alone with her inevitably makes me recall the night we met.

That night, a distressed Egret offered to dedicate her purity, her virginity, to me and actually advanced on me. The feel and scent of her body when she hugged me are burned into my memory. Even now, when I recall it, the memory is so intense that I feel a beastly urge.

"Your Majesty... I am...!" Egret closed the distance, her expression heated.

It seemed she had recalled the same memory.

But this is not good. She and I are fundamentally Lord and Vassal. I must maintain that relationship.

Yet, I am also a man. There is a shallow part of me whispering, Why not just go for it?—

"—Your Majesty, this is an emergency!"

Just before rationality lost to instinct, Seren burst into the throne room. Her breathless expression indicated the urgency of the situation.

"What is it, Seren!"

"Humans are swarming the gates! They might be attacking!"

And indeed, a major emergency was unfolding. A human attack...? What in the world is going on?!

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