Chapter 9: The Great Demon Lord Gets His Back Washed
As I mentioned before, I don't have a good impression of in-house romance—or, in this case, in-army romance.
In fact, I had been planning to ban it outright.
Partially, it stems from my student days when a female student who developed an excessive crush on me lost her mind and stabbed me. But more than anything, love itself is a troublesome thing.
Sometimes it serves as a source of strength and healing—but that is strictly for the protagonist facing the Final Boss. For the Final Boss’s side, love is an "ant's hole"—a tiny breach that leads to weakness and collapse.
Especially romantic love. If an organization dissolves due to familial love or friendship, that is still somewhat respectable. But to crumble because of romantic entanglements? That is simply too pathetic.
Thus, within my Great Demon Lord Army, romance between subordinates is forbidden. Naturally, I, the leader, am no exception.
In other words, I have no choice but to refuse Eagret's so-called nighttime invitation.
I am a man, of course, and I have desires. Refusing Eagret's offer is gut-wrenching, and frankly, the moment I saw her naked, my self-control nearly exploded. Without my Final-Boss-Grade Cool Mindset, I would have already succumbed to lust.
“—E-Excuse me.”
While all those thoughts were racing through my mind, a considerable amount of time must have passed in reality. Eagret, having finished rinsing herself, stepped into the bath.
And she moved right next to me. Just a slight turn of my head, and the naked Eagret was in full view.
A beautiful body.
She is certainly large for a woman, but her graceful movements exude elegance and allure, rather than a feeling of coarseness or roughness.
And above all, the generous curves from her twin peaks down to her hips are truly weapon-grade. Whatever a man's preferences, that size is enough to knock out most of them. In fact, even I—the Final Boss—felt dizzy.
...What should I do? Would it be more befitting for a Final Boss to act gentlemanly, or should I abandon all my principles and simply seize what I want?
Conversely, if this were some kind of honey trap, the solution would be easy. But given Eagret’s character, that is impossible.
Besides, I have experience with honey traps and know how to deal with them. If it were a trap, it would be concealed. No sedatives or strange magic have been used, and most importantly, there is currently no conflict of interest between us.
“G-Great Demon Lord-sama…”
Apparently, I wasn't the only one panicking. Despite coming for a night visit, Eagret seemed to have no idea what to do after entering the bath, and she was frozen stiff.
She hasn't lost her sense of shame, either. Though she just got into the tub, the tips of her pointed ears, which are the same color as her scales, are bright red.
This is an awkward, awkward silence. Even the Great Demon Lord doesn't know the correct response in this situation. In fact, as far as I know, there is no Final Boss who has ever been caught awkwardly bathing with a woman before.
I have to do something...
“Great Demon Lord-sama, I—I know I am clumsy and unrefined. I am large and rough, and perhaps hold no charm... but still—”
Before I could react, Eagret suddenly pressed closer—actually knocking me backward with her momentum.
Her entire weight—and every soft, warm contour of her—slammed into me. Smooth skin, a woman’s unique warmth, and the firm tension of muscle beneath the softness. My fingers twitched, and the animal inside me roared.
...This is bad. My reason is at its absolute limit.
Honestly, half of my brain is ready to succumb to lust. I am the leader of an evil organization; what's wrong with having a mistress or two? Wouldn't that add to my dignity?
But even beyond logic, my instinct is throbbing. In fact, my hands were trembling, ready to pull her in and hug her back—
“Great Demon Lord-sama, please, please, accept this offering from me. This is all I have to offer in return—”
That single phrase instantly doused my heat.
Eagret’s eyes, which were moist with passion, held a desperate, clinging fear hidden deep within.
The situation clicked into place.
She must have racked her brain on how to properly thank me for agreeing to rescue the Red-Scaled King, and the result was this panicked mess.
Her actions are driven by debt and urgency. Even though she knows I am the Great Demon Lord, she can't fully trust this sudden good fortune. That is why she thought to secure my commitment with her body.
This is unacceptable.
Having a relationship with a woman who has eyes like that goes against my policy as the Final Boss.
A Final Boss who preys on weakness is low-class. And getting involved in a sordid affair like this is the absolute worst. If I am going to have a romance, the proper Final Boss way is to go straight at it head-on.
Besides, with her mentality so cornered, Eagret won't be able to utilize her full capabilities. I need Eagret to be useful now and in the future. Therefore, prioritizing her mental well-being is key.
Decision made, I engaged my reason, gently pushed her off, and said:
“I understand your feelings.”
“Y-Yes!”
Eagret squeezed both eyes shut, expecting a kiss. Her gesture was adorable—and incredibly tempting—but I resisted with the unique mental fortitude of a Final Boss.
“But a night’s service (yotogi) is unnecessary. Instead, I want you to scrub my back.”
Eagret blinked. “…Eh?”
Cute. But she seemed to regain a bit of composure, which was good. People do outrageous things when they are cornered, and they usually regret it later. I won't let that happen to her.
“Go on, I’m counting on you.”
I quickly got out of the bath, turned my back to Eagret, and sat on a chair placed nearby. I know this arrangement still feels somewhat dubious, but I decided it was better than the alternative.
“U-Understood. T-Then…”
“Gently, if you please.”
Still rigid with nerves, Eagret approached me from behind. Taking a towel, she cautiously began scrubbing my back.
...The pressure is a little strong, but it feels pleasant. My reason has recovered significantly now that direct contact has stopped.
Eagret seems to have calmed down considerably, too. Her breathing and heartbeat, once like a cornered beast's, have returned to normal. We can consider the immediate crisis averted.
“Tell me, Eagret—what do you think it means to be a king?”
“I-I could not possibly presume to speak on such a subject. It is too awe-inspiring for a mere subject.”
“We are both naked now. There is no 'King in the nude.' Speak freely.”
When I urged her, Eagret began to contemplate the question. She's so serious—though that seriousness is her virtue, it's also what led her to take such an extreme action, so a safety mechanism is definitely needed.
But I like people like her. If she is to become an executive in my Great Demon Lord Army, a serious personality is essential. All the better if she struggles with the conflict between the organization's greater cause and her own personal justice.
“I... do not know, my Lord. I never met the former Demon King my father served—King Curselea. Thus, I've never seen what a true king is. I apologize...”
“Do not apologize. Frankness is a virtue. Cherish it.”
When I praised her, the hand scrubbing my back momentarily tightened. It seems she was embarrassed by the compliment.
I am a Final Boss who leads by positive reinforcement. I maintain my dignity when required, but otherwise, I praise them. I learned in my past life that this is how subordinates grow fastest. To avoid dying from overwork again, I want to focus on training my subordinates.
By the way, Curselea was the name of the Demon King from the prequel, Mythologia II. Unlike the muscle-brain I replaced, he had a disciplined, charismatic warrior-like character.
“...My Lord, then what do you believe makes a king?”
After a brief silence, Eagret asked. This was the question I was waiting for, and I have an answer prepared.
“A King is a symbol. The symbol of the nation, the symbol of the people, and the symbol of power itself.”
“A symbol... meaning, a king is a source of hope for everyone?”
Quick on the uptake. Of course, the symbol embodied by a Final Boss is not necessarily "hope," but that can wait for later.
“Exactly. Therefore, a King must possess dignity and integrity.”
“Dignity and integrity... that is similar to a knight. Though in the Code of Chivalry, it is honor and justice.”
“In that regard, you are a mirror of knighthood. You have protected this village well in your father's stead.”
“Th-That is far too kind! I am merely an immature girl. My father would have done so much more…”
“That is not true. The villagers trust you. I can see it in their eyes—the sincerity with which you protect them.”
I spoke this sincere compliment without turning around. Eagret is clearly overwhelmed by the village's crisis and her self-doubt, leading to negative thinking. However, I rate her highly. Since arriving here, my assessment of her has only continued to rise.
“So rest easy. You have disappointed no one.”
“............Y-Yes,”
As I continued speaking, Eagret’s voice grew strained. The droplets falling onto my back confirmed she was crying.
As expected of me, I struck straight at the soft spot of her heart with the perfect words again.
“In any case, a King must be as magnificent as the knight you describe. Just as a knight considers it a virtue not to seek reward from their sovereign, it is ideal for a King to strive not to seek reward from his subordinates. Do you understand?”
“Yes…”
Eagret nodded, having understood my implication. Regardless of the truth, rumors spread. If it became known that the Great Demon Lord rescued a village only to defile the village's daughter in return, it would compromise my standing as a Final Boss.
“I came here seeking the Red-Scaled King. But I am neither so cruel—nor so foolish—as to ignore this village’s plight. And I am certainly not so base as to demand you as payment.”
“...I apologize. It seems someone like me is still—”
“Do not misunderstand. I am not saying you are unworthy as a reward. Quite the opposite. I desire an excellent person like you.”
“Then—please...!”
She suddenly threw her arms around me from behind, resolute. The ample softness of her chest pressed against my back again. I could feel the self-assertive pressure changing the very shape of her breasts. The destructive power dissolving my reason was literally physical violence. Contrary to her own self-assessment, Eagret is extremely charming.
...This is bad. I can feel my recovered self-control being rapidly chipped away.
But I must endure. I am the Final Boss. I will not lose to lust.
“You should always hear a person out to the end, Eagret. What I desire is not something crude like your body or your chastity. What I seek... is something eternal.”
“Something eternal... what could that be?”
“Your loyalty. If you truly wish to repay me, then offer me that.”
Eagret gasped at my words. I then stood up and used the 'Glamour' trait I gained from Selen to make it appear as though I was dressed, then extended my right hand to her. In reality, I was still stark naked, but what matters is how the event is chronicled later. It wouldn't do for me to be completely naked when accepting a knight's oath of fealty.
...Well, Eagret is still naked, but let's just forget that for now. It would be convenient if I could expand the range of my Glamour to modify the appearance of others, too...
“—Knight Eagret. Do you swear your eternal loyalty to me?”
I asked in a voice filled with dignity. Eagret, facing me, was already kneeling like a true knight, the heat rising from her entire body telling of her firm resolve.
“Yes, Great Demon Lord, Your Majesty. I will pledge my eternal loyalty and support your person until my life runs out. Please, use this body as you see fit!”
And with that, Eagret swore her allegiance. If a legend of me remains for future generations, this moment will surely be immortalized in painting. The sincerity of her vow was unmistakable—resolve, hope, and trust.
At that instant, the familiar 'Pikon' sound echoed in my brain.
I immediately checked my status and saw a new name flashing in the Trait field:
'Crimson Dragon Scales' (Kaku-yaku no Ryuurin). Its effect was the granting of powerful resistance to heat and physical attacks. The scales of the red dragon were said to repel all heat and turn back any trained blade.
It seems that fortune, as always, is on my side...!
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