Reincarnation as a Great Demon Lord - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Great Demon Lord Becomes the Savior 

The female knight, who wouldn't move from her kneeling position (dogeza), finally managed to stand up after I called out to her repeatedly.

Even while standing, every time she opened her mouth, she would say things like, “I am so sorry,” or, “Please forgive me,” which made conversation extremely difficult.

Despite the situation, when I patiently questioned her, she explained how things came to be, albeit in fragments.

To summarize her story:

“—In other words, there is a prophecy that a Savior will appear when this village faces a crisis, is that right?”

“Yes, Savior-sama.”

“And you mistook me for that Savior, is that how it is?”

“Yes, Savior-sama. That power of yours, which instantly annihilated that Gigant Worm, could be nothing other than the Savior we have been awaiting.”

...Well, that’s a common trope.

Neither the prophecy about a Savior appearing nor the mistake of confusing a benefactor for the Savior is rare. Such Savior stories are usually just parables meant to give children hope, and I’m not so naive as to believe in destiny just because I happened to match the criteria.

The problem, however, is that I am the Final Boss, the Great Demon Lord.

There was a similar episode in the original game. At that time, the protagonist was the Hero, so there was no problem. But for me, the supreme ruler of evil, to be confused for the epitome of goodness like a Savior is an affront to my honor.

I must declare that I am the Great Demon Lord and correct this misunderstanding right now.

“Then, Savior-sama, please come to the village. I will guide you—”

“—I am the Great Demon Lord.”

“Pardon?”

“Not a Savior. The Great Demon Lord.”

When I declared the correct answer, the female knight stared at me blankly.

Well, it’s understandable that she can’t believe it. The person she thought was their heaven-sent Savior was the Great Demon Lord, the personification of evil.

“That is correct. Kneel, daughter of the Dragonfolk. This person is the King of all our kind, and the being who commands the supreme power.”

Selen knelt on the spot, providing backup. A nice assist.

As expected, having a family that served the Demon King for two generations shows. Her rhetoric for moments like this is impeccable.

“—This person is the Demon King who surpasses all Demon Kings, the Great Demon Lord. He is the Savior of the Demon Realm.”

That’s right, I am the Great Demon Lord, the Savior of the Demon Real—wait, what?

“...Selen?”

When I called her name, Selen looked up at me with shining eyes, as if asking, 'What is it?' It appears she genuinely believes I am the messiah who will save the Demon Realm.

...It’s difficult to deny, but this introduction will only exacerbate the misunderstanding.

“G-Great Demon Lord...?”

But the female knight was clearly disturbed. It seems the most important part got through.

Fufu, this is going to be entertaining. Will she tremble in fear when she realizes I am the Great Demon Lord? Or will she be roused to fight? Or will she show a reaction beyond my expectations? I am thoroughly looking forward to it.

“C-certainly, those two horns, this massive magic power…!”

“Ho. And what would you do about it?”

I suppressed my smirk and waited for the female knight’s next move, radiating plenty of dignity and intimidation.

Now, what will you do? What will you show me, Hero of Justice? I am incredibly excited right now...!

“Your Majesty...!”

The knight immediately dropped to one knee and lowered her face. This is exactly the ceremonial greeting of a subject, though...

“My name is Eagret. Eagret Eurytheia. On behalf of my father, the Red Scale King (Sekirin-ou), I humbly offer my congratulations upon your awakening, my liege...!”

And thus, the female knight, Eagret, offered a subject’s greeting while kneeling.

...It seems she wasn't a Hero of Justice after all, but the daughter of the former General, the Red Scale King. In other words, she is the daughter of the very person I was looking for.

This Eagret also didn’t appear in the original game. Well, the original Demon King probably wouldn't have been able to scout her anyway.

“...Very well. Then, Eagret. Guide us to the village.”

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

When I gave the order, Eagret readily complied. The three of us then proceeded to the village.

It’s disappointing that she wasn’t the Hero of Justice destined to oppose me. However, my purpose here was to recruit the remnants of the former Demon Army. I’ll just consider this a fortunate saving of time!

In any case, I’ve found a promising new subject! Great Demon Lord Positive Thinking!

“—Hmm. Just as I thought, then.”

Upon arrival, the village was desolate, just as it had appeared from afar.

Most of the stone buildings had collapsed, and the remainder were barely standing. There was no sign of life; silence reigned. Just like the sky, which was murky with volcanic ash, the atmosphere of this village was utterly depressed.

“My apologies, Your Majesty... that you should come all this way... only to find such a state...”

The female knight, Eagret, lowered her head. She is not the one who should apologize. If anything, part of the responsibility for this village’s misery lies with me, the ruler.

“Never mind that. More importantly, as a reward for guiding me. I grant you the carcass of the Great Worm I felled. Distribute it to everyone.”

So, I will do what I can here and now. I discreetly asked Selen on the way, and she said the Gigant Worm can be eaten. A creature of that size should be enough to alleviate the hunger of the village inhabitants.

“Wha—? Ah, yes! Th-thank you, Your Majesty!”

Eagret immediately grabbed the body of the Gigant Worm I had slain with both hands. It must weigh several tens of tons, even on one side, but she carried it without effort. What incredible brute strength. Her simple physical abilities are likely several steps above mine.

She carried it to the center of the village and let out a unique roar, "Voooo!"

In response, villagers slowly emerged from the shadows and remaining buildings. Children, women, and the elderly. The village is completely on the verge of collapse. They probably wouldn’t last another half month.

When the villagers realized Eagret had brought food, they instantly regained their vitality and swarmed the Gigant Worm. I thought the worm meat looked quite undercooked, but they probably don’t have the luxury of worrying about that.

They are that desperate. I cannot allow such a sight to continue.

I am the head of an evil organization, but I am not the kind of Final Boss who delights in cruelty or ignores the suffering of the people under his dominion.

A Final Boss who accepts such things unconditionally is low-class. A true Final Boss is one who brings peace through domination. If I were merely evil, there would be no drama for the Hero who comes to defeat me.

Therefore, unwillingly, it is time to perform a good deed.

“Selen. You brought cooking utensils and seasoning, correct?”

“Y-yes, Great Demon Lord-sama.” Selen looked perplexed by my question.

“Then tell me—do you have any of your proud recipes that include earthworms?”

“Yes! I do, Great Demon Lord-sama!”

Sensing my intent, Selen ran toward the worm with a knife in hand.

If they are going to eat it anyway, cooking it properly is more efficient for nutrient intake and digestion. Additionally, warm food has the power to encourage people’s hearts. The villagers need that.

Eventually, an appetizing aroma spread through the area, and villagers formed a line in front of the large pot.

“...Your Majesty, I cannot thank you enough for everything.”

Watching the scene, Eagret knelt beside me, looking deeply moved.

She seems genuinely pleased, but she has not yet sworn true loyalty to me. This is clear from the fact that my Trait has not been updated. The truth is probably not that she is disloyal, but that she is simply preoccupied with the current situation and doesn't have the emotional bandwidth to consider deep loyalty.

In other words, I need one more push.

I came here for two reasons: to acquire the massive jewel, the Radiant Heart (Kaku-yaku no Shinzou), which will serve as the core of the Great Demon Lord Castle, and to recruit the former General, the Red Scale King, as my subject.

Eagret is the Red Scale King's daughter. If I can secure her loyalty, it won't be difficult to bring the Red Scale King into my command. As the saying goes: If you want to shoot the general, shoot the horse first.

“Do not concern yourself. It is a King’s duty. Now eat, Egret.”

“N-no, I couldn’t possibly! For a mere subject to eat before Your Majesty—”

Just as she was speaking, her stomach let out a loud “Guuugyuuruu.”

Eagret’s cheeks instantly flushed crimson with shame, and she hung her head.

...I see. There is a certain destructive power in seeing a large, imposing woman become embarrassed like a young girl. This must be what they call the 'Gap Moe.' My friend in my school days kept insisting on it, and I finally understand.

“H-how embarrassing...! In front of Your Majesty...!”

“I heard nothing. More importantly, I too have grown hungry. Knight, you will accompany me.”

Though I wanted to observe her embarrassment longer, I took pity on Eagret and led her toward Selen’s soup kitchen.

Although I had a considerable amount of resistance to eating earthworm meat, I endured it. Thanks to Selen, the taste was not bad at all. In fact, it was quite delicious.

Thanks to the earthworm meat and Selen’s cooking, the first impression was perfect. However, one problem arose because the first impression was too perfect: Selen's cooking was too popular. It was completely unexpected that Eagret and I would end up helping with the cooking and serving until nightfall.

Still, the result was worth it. The villagers completely opened their hearts to me and Selen, the outsiders. We avoided introducing myself as the 'Great Demon Lord,' but thanks to the 'Savior' prophecy, we managed to secure the village in half a day, which was fortunate.

Later that night, Eagret came to the empty house where Selen and I were staying.

I thought I would finally hear the whole story from her mouth, but Eagret’s first words were—

“Please forgive meeeee!”

It was an apology. Complete with a spectacular sliding dogeza. The angle and speed were magnificent.

...I can't just be impressed. I can guess the reason for the apology, but this is going to spread rumors that I am a classic power-harassing boss who constantly demands apologies.

“An apology is unnecessary. Stand up, Knight.”

“B-but, Your Majesty. To have failed in proper hospitality, and worse, to have let Your Majesty serve us... this grave sin is worthy of death...!”

“It is fine. Or do I strike you as a narrow-minded ruler who executes subordinates for such a trivial matter?”

“N-no, absolutely not!”

Eagret immediately stood up and corrected her posture.

Despite her bikini armor, her polite and refined demeanor scores high marks with me. It also speaks volumes about her father, the Red Scale King. He must be the noble warrior the rumors describe.

“First, listen to me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Mm. But you are mistaken about one thing, Eagret. Although I wear the crown and sit on the throne, I am not merely a Demon King. I am the Great Demon Lord. You must understand that and refer to me as ‘Great Demon Lord, Your Majesty’ accordingly.”

“Y-yes, Great Demon Lord, Your Majesty.”

Eagret nodded, though a bit confused. Since I am the first Great Demon Lord in this world, her confusion is understandable.

I will gradually demonstrate what a true Final Boss is through my actions and example.

“In any case, I am here with Selen to search for the remnants of the former Demon Army to form the new ‘Great Demon Lord Army.’ Knowing this, you must understand why we came to this village, yes?”

Eagret nodded solemnly at my question. I could see her distress. It seems the unpleasant premonition she had since we arrived at the village has come true.

“This village... the Radiant Heart (Kaku-yaku no Shinzou)... and the whereabouts of the Red Scale King. Will you tell me everything?”

“...Yes, Your Majesty. I must inform you of this matter.”

Eagret knelt on one knee. Her expression was filled with shame, anguish, and a sense of duty.

“With deep regret, Your Majesty. Both the Radiant Heart and its guardian, my father, the Red Scale King, are lost to this village. Because—”

She stopped, controlling her tears, and forced herself to look forward, continuing:

“—The red giant dragon that brought calamity to this village is none other than my father, and the radiance in its chest is the Radiant Heart.”

Eagret spoke the truth in one breath.

The Red Scale King we were searching for is the gigantic dragon coiling atop the volcano, and the Radiant Heart is held within that dragon’s chest.

This is a surprising truth. However, I had somewhat suspected it when the Red Scale King failed to appear upon our arrival at the village.

...They say nothing comes easy, but perhaps this is just another test for me to become the true Final Boss. This incident was nowhere to be found in the game, but that only proves that the path of the Great Demon Lord is unique.

“Eagret. You have fought well alone until now.”

I walked toward the noble knight who had protected this village, placed my hand on her shoulder, and spoke from the heart.

She deserves to be praised. Just like Selen, she has fought alone all this time.

“Y-Your Majesty!? T-that is too much honor!?”

“It is fine. But from now on, you are not alone. This Great Demon Lord will save this village and your father.”

I declared it as the Final Boss. I have no idea how it will be done, but since I, the Great Demon Lord, have spoken the words, it will surely be realized. That is the pride of the Final Boss.

---

← Previous Chapter | Index | Next Chapter →

---