Chapter 02 『The Demon King Is a Miner』
“Um… this is probably a case of mistaken identity‚ right?”
That single‚ utterly carefree remark.
Completely froze the brilliant mind of Flute‚ Acting Supreme Commander of the Eastern Demon King’s Army—feared as the strongest in the world.
“…………”
Silence.
In the narrow‚ filthy mining dormitory‚ only the dry wing-beats of autumn insects slipping in through the gaps in the window echoed emptily.
Flute remained motionless‚ one knee on the cold wooden floor‚ head respectfully bowed.
Standing before her was the absolute master she had waited for every single day of the past ten years without ever forgetting.
—Or so it should have been.
“Um…?”
The boy scratched his cheek with a genuinely troubled look.
“It’s just… I’m really just an ordinary high school student you could find anywhere. Didn’t you maybe teleport into the wrong room?”
“…………”
There was no reply.
Only those jewel-like crimson eyes‚ from behind lowered long lashes‚ continued to stare intently at Takuto’s entire body.
(Eh‚ what’s with this atmosphere. Scary scary scary)
A cold sweat ran down Takuto’s spine.
Did I say something bad?
No‚ I just told her the fact that I’m not the Demon King. Wrong is wrong. If I play along here‚ I’ll definitely get dragged into some troublesome situation.
“No‚ it really is a case of mistaken identity.”
He spread both hands lightly and forced a strained bitter smile.
“Look at me. I’m just a humble setting otaku.”
“…Setting?”
“Yeah. I’ve always liked other worlds and magic and stuff.”
Takuto pointed at the crystallization of his soul (notebook) sitting on the desk.
“Thinking up that kind of fiction is my hobby. Demon Kings and all… yeah‚ there was a time when I longed for that kind of ring.”
There‚ he looked into the distance with a touch of self-reproach.
“Please stop… being called ‘Demon King-sama’ makes the sealed black history of mine start throbbing.”
—Twitch.
A faint light flickered deep in Flute’s eyes.
(…Sealed?)
That word served as a trigger‚ and her halted logical circuits rebooted at terrifying speed.
—From this point‚ reanalyze the phenomenon before my eyes.
◇
(External characteristics)
Delicate frame. Worker’s clothes soiled with soot.
Surface magical reaction: extremely close to zero.
Anyone in the world—or even a high-ranking magician performing appraisal—would return the result “an utterly ordinary human boy.”
But.
(…Perfect camouflage)
Deep in Flute’s chest‚ her heart quietly pounded.
(The surface mana has been completely concealed without a single drop remaining. However… the principles of space cannot be deceived)
(Deep within the right arm. Confirmed the pulse of the “Dragon Seal‚” possessing mass enough to distort space)
(Deepest part of the right eye. Confirmed residual mana of the special-grade curse “Evil Eye” that causes the world itself to necrotize)
(There is no mistake. By sacrificing all of Your mana‚ You reconstructed Your very existence (format) into that of a “human‚” did You not)
The ultimate concealment operation that deceives the world itself‚ fearless even of the gods.
(…An all-too-perfect arrangement‚ worthy of Demon King-sama)
She drew a small breath in awe.
◇
Meanwhile‚ Takuto was unsettled.
This breathtakingly beautiful girl had not spoken a single word for a while‚ just staring at him as if licking him all over.
(No no no no. What are you looking at? Do I have ore dust stuck on my face or something?)
Unable to endure it any longer‚ he scratched his cheek again with a troubled expression.
That instant.
(—Just as I thought)
Flute’s crimson eyes narrowed with conviction.
(The unique habit when deep in thought)
Unconsciously opening the body half a step toward an exit‚ a stance prioritizing evasion.
Not receiving the opponent’s gaze head-on‚ but slightly angling the defensive posture.
And above all.
That clumsy gesture of scratching the cheek that appears only when faced with extreme “troublesome matters.”
(…Not a single thing has changed from ten years ago)
Her chest tightened hotly.
◇
“No‚ I’m telling you it really is a case of mistaken identity.”
Takuto desperately maintained his bitter smile.
“Someone like me doesn’t have the capacity to be a Demon King. Right now I’m just aiming to become an excellent miner.”
“A miner‚ is it…”
“Yeah. I just want to dig rocks every day and live quietly.”
The moment she heard that heartfelt “true intention.”
All the scattered pieces in Flute’s brilliant mind converged into one grand truth.
(…So that was it)
(My master‚ Demon King-sama. At last I have understood Your deep scheme)
—Why You stubbornly insist it is a case of mistaken identity.
—Why You discarded everything to become a “human.”
—Why You are hiding in a bottom-tier mine on the edge of the continent.
(All of it is to save this world whose destruction was certain‚ and to save humanity)
(To repay that small act of devotion shown by the girl from the village once destroyed by demonkin. You chose a “peaceful future” that could not be achieved while remaining in the seat of a ruler)
(That is why You sealed Your power‚ Your memories‚ even Your position… and hid Yourself in this most inconspicuous place so that no one’s eyes would fall upon You)
Her chest trembled with joy and deep mourning.
What profound foresight. What compassion.
And.
What “loneliness” it was to shoulder the harmony of the world alone.
Hot tears faintly welled in Flute’s cold eyes.
She bowed her head even deeper and more quietly‚ until her forehead nearly scraped the floor.
“…How far does Your kindness extend?”
“Eh?”
“Demon King-sama.”
“I told you that’s not—”
“Changing Your form‚ sealing Your power‚ deceiving the world… even discarding Yourself. That sublime resolve.”
A trembling voice echoed in the narrow space.
“Someone of my level could never hope to reach that abyss.”
Takuto was completely at a loss.
(What do I do. We’re not communicating at all)
(Could this girl be the type with extremely intense weird delusions… the so-called “hardcore role-player (cringy girl)”…)
Unaware that he was harboring such life-threateningly disrespectful delusions.
Flute raised her face and smiled the most beautiful‚ gentle smile of her life.
“Please rest assured‚ Demon King-sama.”
“…Yes?”
“It is fine if You cannot remember everything right now.”
“…Eh?”
“This Flute will surely support You.”
In the tone of her voice as she said that.
The profound loyalty she had held for ten years‚ and the pure maiden’s feelings trembling with the joy of reunion‚ quietly melted together.
“Well then.”
Flute quietly rose to her feet.
“From this moment‚ I shall perform the ritual of the subordination contract.”
“…Yes?”
Takuto replied in a deflated voice.
“Subordination contract?”
“Yes.”
“No no no no.”
He reflexively waved both hands‚ showing full intent to refuse.
“Hold on a second. This is jumping way too far. I still don’t know a single thing about you. I mean‚ I haven’t even heard your name.”
“…I have been extremely rude.”
The girl straightened her back and bowed beautifully‚ like a refined knight.
“Acting Supreme Commander of the Eastern Demon King’s Army‚ Flute.”
“…………”
“One who offers this life and entire soul to Demon King-sama.”
“No‚ that overly heavy setting is the scariest part.”
Takuto clutched his head in earnest.
“Isn’t there a more normal self-introduction?”
“Normal… is it?”
The ice-beauty adjutant tilted her head slightly.
After several seconds of serious thought.
“My favorite food is nuts.”
“That’s not it!”
A perfect retort slipped out before he could stop it.
Seeing that reaction‚ Flute narrowed her eyes just a little happily.
(…This pleasant exchange)
(Ah‚ it’s exactly the same as ten years ago)
Seeing her faint smile‚ Takuto felt a bit of the tension drain away as well.
“…So. What exactly is that contract?”
“For a demonkin to rewrite their race‚ a ‘Blood Pact’ with the Demon King-sama who is their master is necessary.”
When Flute pointed a finger white as a whitefish toward the floor‚ a pale bluish-white light began drawing intricate geometric patterns on the crude wood grain.
Circles. Ancient characters. Complexly intertwining motifs. They unfolded in layers‚ forming a single advanced magic circle in the narrow space.
“Race? You mean you’re becoming human?”
“Yes. Once the ritual is complete‚ I will become human.”
“…Eh?”
Takuto blinked.
“Can you change races that easily?”
“No‚ it is by no means easy.”
Flute shook her head.
“It is a miracle possible only because the other party is Demon King-sama‚ who possesses absolute power.”
“No‚ I’m telling you I’m just a min—”
“You are Demon King-sama.”
“…Yes.”
(It’s no good‚ we’re back to square one)
Takuto pressed his forehead and asked with a sigh mixed in.
“…What happens if we don’t make the contract?”
“In this form‚”
Flute gazed at her own white palm.
“I cannot live in human society.”
“Why? You don’t have horns or wings or anything‚ and you look like a normal cute girl.”
“Demonkin—”
For just a moment‚ her expression clouded with sorrow.
“Due to the nature of the mana dwelling in our bodies‚ simply touching a human directly erodes and necrotizes their soul.”
“Eh.”
Takuto reflexively took a quick step back.
“Then even this distance right now is dangerous!?”
“Only Demon King-sama is the exception. You are an absolute higher existence.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. However…”
Flute clasped both hands before her chest as if in prayer and smiled a little lonely.
“I wish to stay by Your side as a ‘human’ already.”
That single line alone.
Was neither delusion nor paper-thin loyalty‚ but the pure “true feelings” of a girl who had endured ten years of loneliness.
Takuto scratched his head with a troubled look.
(Hmm…)
Demon King this and that‚ honestly I don’t understand at all.
But the girl in front of him earnestly wishing to “become a normal girl” came through painfully clearly.
“…Blood. How much do you need?”
Flute’s expression brightened instantly.
“One drop will be sufficient.”
“One drop?”
“Yes.”
“…Will it hurt?”
“Only a tiny bit.”
“Compared to a blood-draw injection?”
“Probably lighter than that.”
“If that’s the case‚ well…”
Takuto exhaled a small breath.
“Just one drop‚ okay? I’m a bit anemic‚ so don’t take too much blood.”
“Thank you very much…!”
Flute’s voice trembled with joy as she bowed deeply‚ deeply.
“So‚ what should I do?”
“This way.”
In the center of the magic circle. She respectfully offered a small dagger adorned with beautiful decorations.
“Just a little on the fingertip.”
“Uwah‚ I have to stab myself…”
Takuto grimaced as he lightly pricked his fingertip.
“Ouch.”
A single crimson droplet.
Fell into the core of the pattern (system).
—Instant.
Dazzling silver-white light explosively filled the narrow space.
The magic circle rotated at high speed‚ and countless ancient characters floated into the air.
Though there was no wind‚ Flute’s silver hair fluttered up‚ and the pitch-black mana (aura) that had enveloped her quietly melted away like spring snow dissolving.
In its place‚ a somewhat warm and pure light gently wrapped her delicate body.
And then.
“…It is finished.”
The light faded.
Standing there was the same silver-haired girl as moments before.
…Except for one thing.
There was a decisive “difference.”
“…Ah.”
Takuto completely turned to stone.
“Is something the matter‚ Demon King-sama?”
The girl tilted her head curiously.
“No‚ it’s just…”
“Yes.”
“…Clothes.”
“…?”
“Your clothes.”
Several seconds of silence.
Flute looked down at her own body with nothing to cover it.
“Ah.”
And then‚ in an extremely businesslike voice‚ she stated flatly.
“Due to the race change accompanying the subordination contract‚ the demonkin-exclusive equipment (items) lost their validity and vanished.”
“Tell me that firstttttt!!”
Takuto turned bright red to his ears and hurriedly turned his back.
“Important things like that! Explain them before the contract!!”
“…In human society‚”
Flute considered with a serious face while still completely uncovered.
“Being seen naked is something to be ashamed of‚ is it not. I have learned.”
“Forget the learning! That’s just how it is!”
While panicking‚ he rummaged wildly through the luggage that had just been issued to him.
“Here!”
He threw a spare work outfit (mining clothes) at her behind his back.
“Put that on for now!”
“I am deeply grateful for Your consideration.”
A few minutes later.
Wrapped in the baggy‚ rugged mining clothes‚ Flute looked curiously at the excess sleeves and smiled small and satisfied.
“…It is light. Until now it was heavy military attire prioritizing defense.”
“That’s just mining work clothes‚ you know. Defense power zero.”
“However‚ it is very easy to move in.”
“R-right…”
Takuto cleared his throat once and cut into a practical problem.
“So. Now that you’ve become human‚ you can’t go back to the Demon King’s castle or whatever‚ right? What are you going to do?”
“Yes. From now on‚ by Demon King-sama’s side—”
“I’m saying this first‚ cohabitation here is absolutely no good‚ okay!?”
He made a big X with both hands.
“This place is only four and a half tatami! If we get caught I’ll get fired in a disciplinary sense!”
Flute made a sad expression like an abandoned puppy.
But she immediately switched expressions and nodded firmly.
“…Understood. In that case‚ I shall procure a base myself.”
“Procure?”
“I have sensed a fortress of a malicious bandit group near this mountain. Before they can harm Demon King-sama‚ I shall ‘receive’ their mansion.”
“…There was something like that nearby. Pretty dangerous.”
(Receive…? Steal…? Well‚ they’re bandits so whatever…)
Takuto deeply suppressed a large yawn.
“Well‚ as long as you’re safe‚ anything’s fine. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow so I’m going to sleep! Good night!”
His brain‚ exhausted to the limit‚ completely skipped over her ominous declaration of “I’ll receive it.”
“Yes. Good night‚ Demon King-sama.”
Flute bowed elegantly‚ then deployed teleportation magic once more and vanished into the light.
In the now-quiet space‚ Takuto finally let out a deep breath of relief.
(…What the hell was that past ten-odd minutes)
He felt like this was the most tired he’d ever been in his life. But with this‚ he could finally return to peaceful daily life (mining life).
He collapsed onto the bed just like that and fell into a mud-like sleep.
But he himself still did not know.
That single drop of blood he had whimsically given had started the stopped time of the world moving again‚ and was beginning to rewrite the power balance of the entire continent from the ground up.
Dawn broke.
Morning sunlight streaming through the small window of the mining dormitory slowly began illuminating the simple space.
“…Nn‚ morning already.”
In the midst of drowsiness‚ Takuto tried to raise his heavy body—and
“Uwah!”
He overdid it and slammed his head straight into the ceiling.
—Clang!!
“That huuurts!”
He sat back up on the bed while holding his forehead.
“…What the hell was that jumping power just now”
He wasn’t still half-asleep. But something was decisively different.
His body felt strangely light‚ like feathers. The muscle pain that had tormented his whole body until yesterday‚ and the lead-like weight that had pressed on both shoulders‚ had all dissipated as if they were lies.
“Even though I dug rocks like my life depended on it yesterday…”
He tilted his head and stood up. This time carefully‚ slowly.
Then‚ as if the world’s gravity had been halved‚ there was a strange sensation of the soles of his feet floating lightly.
“…Something’s definitely wrong.”
He reached for the mining pickaxe leaning in the corner of the wall.
A heavyweight iron model that was solidly heavy. Until yesterday‚ even lifting it with both hands had been a struggle.
But this morning.
—Heave.
“…Eh?”
It lifted with one hand as if it were nothing.
Far too light. It felt like he was gripping a dry tree branch lying around somewhere.
“No way…”
He experimentally put just a little force into his fingertips.
—Creak.
“Whoa!”
Takuto hurriedly loosened his fingers.
The handle that should have been sturdy iron had begun to warp with a scream.
(Until yesterday‚ this absolutely never happened…)
The instant bewilderment crossed his mind.
In the depths of his ears‚ the same inorganic system voice he had heard at the temple yesterday rang coldly.
『—Conditions have been met. Status viewing is now possible』
“…Eh?”
He looked around. No one was there.
“Could it be…”
Hesitantly‚ relying on yesterday’s memory‚ he spoke the words.
“Status‚ open.”
In the space before his eyes‚ a semi-transparent thin board of light (window) appeared softly.
There‚ lines of text that bore no resemblance to yesterday’s‚ completely insane strings were lined up.
——————————
Name: Conductor Takuto
Level: 1
Strength: 385 (+380)
Endurance: 402 (+395)
Agility: 417 (+410)
Magic Power: 580 (+580)
【Contract】
《Flute》 Subordination Contract (Master)
——————————
“…………”
Takuto could only turn to stone for about ten seconds.
“…A bug?”
The first impression that came out was that.
“No‚ this isn’t a game.”
He pressed his forehead and let out a deep sigh. The cause was clearer than fire.
Last night’s one-drop blood contract.
“…Because of that‚ huh. Flute was calling me ‘Demon King-sama’ and all‚ so maybe some kind of blessing (buff) kicked in.”
But.
The reason his abilities had skyrocketed was‚ to the current Takuto‚ nothing more than a trivial problem.
The most important thing was.
“…This must absolutely not be discovered.”
That.
If anyone else learned of these abnormal numbers. Without a doubt‚ this quiet labor life (slow life) would come to an end. The only futures he could see were being dragged to the front lines as a hero candidate‚ or being forced into black-company-like special missions under some name.
“I’m still just a humble E-rank miner today. That’s fine.”
Takuto firmly resolved‚ shouldered the pickaxe‚ and left the dormitory in high spirits.
◇
“Dig like your life depends on it today‚ you lot!”
The mining site supervisor’s roar echoed through the tunnels.
Dim underground. Damp cold air. Dust.
A harsh labor environment that hadn’t changed a single bit from yesterday.
But Takuto felt true relief from the bottom of his heart.
(Yeah yeah‚ this is good enough)
Bloody wars‚ the heavy responsibility of a hero‚ the fate of the Demon King—he wanted all of that to be handled somewhere far away in some other country.
He would quietly dig rocks and go home on time. That was the ultimate ideal.
“Alright‚ begin!”
The order rang out.
He checked his surroundings. No one was looking at him.
“…Gently.”
Taking into account that his body’s output was messed up‚ he softly‚ as if stroking it‚ swung the iron lump down.
—Clunk.
A dry sound‚ just once.
The next instant.
Creakcreakcreak‚ DOGOOOOOON!!!
A massive crack ran through the hard wall surface before his eyes‚ and fist-sized magic ore tumbled down like an avalanche.
“…………”
Takuto froze in the posture of holding the pickaxe.
At his feet‚ what had been solid bedrock until seconds ago had collapsed‚ forming a magnificent mountain of ore that easily exceeded today’s quota by ten times.
“…This is bad.”
The words leaked out.
“I can’t control the strength.”
He had only swung with the “light tap” sensation from until yesterday. And yet the bedrock had crumbled like overripe fruit.
“What the hell is that!?”
Hearing the tremendous ground tremor‚ the supervisor’s footsteps came running toward him.
Takuto’s heart pounded like it was leaping.
(It’s over)
The cheat ability will be exposed. And then front-line deployment.
He braced himself for the worst possible outcome.
However.
“Ohh!”
The supervisor‚ upon seeing the mountain of ore at his feet‚ lit up both eyes and laughed heartily.
“You’ve got crazy good luck‚ kid!”
“…Eh?”
“You hit a massive vein! This is a hell of a haul!”
“…Ah‚ yes.”
Takuto nodded reflexively.
“Man‚ striking something like this on day one is lucky!”
“Seems… that way. Beginner’s luck‚ I guess?”
The supervisor‚ looking thoroughly pleased‚ stamped a completion mark hard onto Takuto’s mining ticket.
“Alright‚ your quota for today is completely finished!”
The boy’s eyes shone brightly.
(It’s over! And it’s still before noon!)
“You can head back to the dorm and rest. Good work!”
“Thank you very much!!”
He bowed deeply without thinking.
The best. For the rest of the entire day‚ he could shut himself in his room without anyone bothering him.
Organize information about the other world‚ start on the tenth edition of his setting notes (notebook)‚ and spend a quiet‚ elegant holiday.
(White company workplace‚ too amazing…!)
Immersed in that supreme pleasure‚ he was about to start walking through the tunnel—when it happened.
Kiiin—.
A high-pitched tinnitus-like sound rang in the depths of his brain.
“…?”
Then a familiar voice echoed directly inside his head.
『Demon King-sama』
“Eh?”
『Can you hear me』
“…Flute?”
『Yes. This is telepathy (message)』
Takuto reflexively looked around‚ but none of the surrounding miners reacted. Apparently this voice was reaching only him completely.
『There is an emergency report』
Different from that gentle tone of last night.
It was the ice-like‚ taut‚ cold tone of the highest military executive.
『Western Demon King’s Army advance force‚ thirty thousand』
『They forced an advance two days earlier than planned and have reached the border』
“…………”
Takuto’s thoughts came to a complete stop (freeze).
『Currently they are deploying before the Crossdia Great Bridge‚ which is our territory』
One beat.
Then Flute quietly‚ yet with absolute trust‚ asked.
『Demon King-sama. —Your orders』
The night wind passed through the quiet forest trees‚ rustling them.
When the faint light of teleportation magic converged‚ a girl with long silver hair like melted starlight was standing there.
Flute quietly surveyed the surroundings.
Before her eyes were high defensive walls built from sharply sharpened logs. Crude but practical watchtowers. A massive fortress carved into the mountainside.
On the main gate‚ a name was roughly carved into a black board.
—《Black Wolf Band》.
“Here it is.”
She nodded slightly and quietly closed her eyes.
Slightly releasing mana‚ spreading it into space like ripples. Information from the countless beings inside the fortress flowed into her mind as if melting into the surrounding air.
“Malice reactions… multiple confirmed.”
Flute read them out flatly‚ like a work report.
“Plunder. Kidnapping. Human trafficking. Murder. Extortion. Smuggling.”
One beat.
“…No problem.”
Her ice-like lips loosened just a little.
“The ethical hurdle for subjugation is nonexistent. And it has sufficient size as Demon King-sama’s residence. …A wonderful ‘vacant property.’”
Muttering that‚ she began walking boldly toward the main gate without showing any caution whatsoever.
◇
“Halt!!”
A man on the watchtower shouted with a vulgar grin.
“Who the hell are you! What’s a lone girl doing out this late at night!”
“Hey look‚ what’s with those dirty mining clothes!”
“Whatever! The face is top quality. We’ll make her our plaything!”
Torches were lit one after another.
With base laughter‚ the bandits gathered with weapons in hand.
Swords. Spears. Axes. Bows. Roughly thirty men.
Surveying them all‚ Flute clasped her hands in front and bowed politely.
“Good evening. I am called Flute.”
Then she raised her face and declared in a voice of absolute zero.
“And—I have memorized the faces of those who insulted this sacred garment bestowed by Demon King-sama.”
The bandits exchanged glances.
“…Huh?”
Flute continued in a businesslike tone.
“As of this moment today‚ this fortress becomes the property of Demon King-sama. I recommend prompt departure or surrender.”
An instant of silence.
Or the calm before the storm.
And then.
“Bwahahahaha!!”
“Did you hear that!”
“Demon King-sama‚ she says! Is this girl crazy in the head!”
The villains held their stomachs and laughed until tears came out.
Flute tilted her head curiously.
“Did I say something strange?”
“Grab her!”
One man shouted.
“Don’t hurt her! We can sell her high to some noble!”
More than a dozen burly men leaped at her all at once.
But.
Flute did not move a single step. She simply‚ quietly snapped the fingers of her right hand.
—Snap.
That was all.
Thud‚ thudthudthud!!
“Gueh.”
“Wha…”
“My body‚ suddenly…”
The bandits who had leaped at her‚ still gripping their weapons‚ rolled their eyes back in midair and collapsed one after another on the spot.
Snoring loudly‚ all of them sank into the depths of deep unconsciousness.
“…………”
The smiles of the remaining villains completely froze.
“Just now… what did you do?”
“Magic!? Without chant or magic circle…!”
Flute quietly shook her head sideways.
“Merely Sleep. Elementary environmental magic‚ but…”
That alone.
That cold single line proving the bottomless difference in ability was more terrifying than anything to the bandits.
◇
“Don’t screw with meeeee!!”
From the depths of the fortress‚ footsteps like ground tremors approached.
What appeared was a giant over two meters tall. Carrying a massive battle-axe on his shoulder‚ with an old scar telling of many battles carved into his right cheek.
It was Bacchus himself‚ the leader of the Black Wolf Band who made even crying children fall silent.
“I’m Bacchus‚ leader of the Black Wolf Band! The man who wiped out a whole bunch of ten C-rank adventurers!”
“…Is that so.”
“Don’t think you’ll beat me alone‚ woman!”
From the man’s muscular arms‚ the battle-axe roared.
Splitting the night air in two‚ it was swung down toward Flute’s delicate crown.
However.
—Grab.
“…Eh?”
The deadly battle-axe stopped dead in midair.
By the single “index finger” white as a whitefish that Flute had extended.
“Have you finished your greetings?”
She asked gently without changing her expression in the slightest.
“I-impossible…”
“Will you continue?”
“Kuh… ooooooh!!”
The man expanded his muscles until every blood vessel in his body seemed about to burst‚ putting his entire body weight onto the battle-axe.
But whether he pushed or pulled.
The blade did not move a single millimeter. It was an overwhelming mass difference‚ as if he were trying to push a massive mountain range with bare hands.
“Then.”
Flute lightly pushed forward the index finger that had been stopping the axe.
—DOOOOOON!!
“Gyaaaaaaah!”
Accompanied by a tremendous shockwave‚ the giant leader smashed through three fortress buildings together and vanished into the star-twinkling far side of the rear mountain.
Silence.
No longer could a single standing bandit move even one finger.
◇
“P-please spare us!!”
The first to throw away his weapon and press his forehead to the ground was the vice-leader.
“We surrender! So just spare our lives!”
At that signal‚ the survivors avalanche-prostrated themselves.
Flute nodded kindly.
“Please rest assured.”
At those words‚ the villains’ expressions brightened instantly.
“Demon King-sama does not favor needless killing. I will not do anything like taking your lives.”
Everyone sighed in relief as if they had been saved.
“Thank you…!”
“God‚ no‚ Demon King-sama‚ banzai…!”
However.
Flute smiled sweetly‚ a beautiful smile that froze spines.
“Therefore.”
“Eh?”
“From this day forward. You will ‘work’ for as long as you live.”
“…Yes?”
“First‚ cleaning.”
“…………”
“The floors are dirty. Let us polish the windows as well. The kitchen’s hygiene is also the worst.”
The villains exchanged glances.
“Um… we’re bloodless‚ tearless bandits‚ you know…”
“Yes. Bandits are ‘until today.’”
It was a full-faced smile. A supreme smile that allowed no argument whatsoever.
“From tomorrow‚ you are all ‘excellent servants’ who will manage the master’s mansion.”
“…………”
“For starters‚ shall we learn the basics of floor-wiping with rags?”
“Eeeeeeeeh!?”
◇
The next morning.
The Black Wolf Band fortress was in the midst of a great cleaning of pandemonium and wailing.
“There‚ dust remains in the corner.”
“Yesssss!”
“Wipe the windows more carefully. That person cannot enjoy the outside scenery.”
“I’m sorry!”
“Sort the laundry by color. Washing it together with Demon King-sama’s clothes is worthy of a thousand deaths.”
“Why are we‚ a bunch of tough bandits‚ doing housewife stuff…”
While kneeling and polishing the wooden floor‚ one man muttered tearfully.
Beside him‚ Flute was nodding in satisfaction.
“Wonderful. If you continue working hard like this‚ that person will surely come to like you.”
—Instant.
Kiiin.
An emergency telepathy (message) flew into her mind.
『Lady Flute. Can you hear me』
“What is it‚ Harmonica.”
Harmonica. That was an excellent demonkin who served as Flute’s first aide in the Eastern Demon King’s Army.
『The western Demon King’s Army has begun advancing earlier than planned. Please give instructions urgently』
“…Understood.”
From Flute’s tone‚ the warmth of the “educator” guiding the servants vanished instantly.
In a room of the fortress. When she deployed a magic circle at her feet‚ the atmosphere distorted‚ and a super-long-range line directly connected to the distant Demon King’s castle.
At the same time‚ Eastern Demon King’s Army ・ Operations Headquarters conference room.
In the center of a massive round table‚ Flute’s three-dimensional image (hologram) manifested with bluish-white light particles.
“All hands‚ rise.”
At Harmonica’s order‚ the battle-hardened army commanders lined up in the conference room stood as one and bowed deeply.
“—We celebrate here the return of our Master.”
Flute nodded quietly and opened her cold eyes as the ice supreme commander.
『—Demon King-sama. Your orders』
Flute’s clear voice echoing directly into the depths of his head.
Takuto‚ who had finished today’s mining quota with “one swing” and was walking the mountain path toward the dormitory in high spirits‚ stopped dead in his tracks.
“…Eh?”
『Western Demon King’s Army advance force thirty thousand. Currently twenty-seven minutes remaining until arrival at the Grandia Great Bridge』
“…Yeah.”
『Our Eastern Defense Force has already completed interception preparations』
“No.”
Takuto put a hand to his forehead that had begun throbbing.
“Hold on a second.”
『Yes』
“Until yesterday I was a high school student in peaceful Japan‚ and today I just started digging rocks as an E-rank.”
『Yes』
“I don’t know a single thing about war.”
『Currently‚ You are also Demon King-sama』
“There!”
He let out a deep sigh.
“I only first heard that sudden backstory yesterday.”
『…I am deeply sorry』
Flute apologized honestly with heartfelt remorse.
『It is due to my lack of virtue. I erred in the order of explanation』
“That’s not the problem…”
His head hurt. It really hurt.
Until this morning he had only been thinking about “Can I finish today’s quota?” and “Can I safely go home on time.” And yet now words like “Western Demon King’s Army” and “interception preparations”—extremely dangerous terms—were flying around in his brain.
“I’m about to clock out on time.”
『…』
“Go back to the dorm.”
『Yes』
“Eat soup and bread for dinner.”
『Yes』
“Write in my world-setting notebook.”
『Yes』
“And sleep without anyone bothering me. That’s the plan.”
『…………』
Several seconds.
On the other side of the telepathy‚ a heavy silence continued.
Eventually Flute opened her mouth quietly and sincerely.
『…I apologize』
“Nn?”
『As the commander‚ my information provision was insufficient. Therefore I caused You to hesitate in Your judgment』
“Eh? No‚ that’s not—”
The next instant.
Without taking a single breath‚ she began a battle situation report at a fierce ultra-high speed.
『Enemy total forces thirty-two thousand. Breakdown: heavy cavalry four thousand‚ infantry twenty-two thousand‚ mage soldiers six thousand. Supply route is only one‚ the Western Highway. The river-crossing point bridge is a stone single-span. Due to last night’s rainfall the river has swollen to dangerous levels. Enemy logistics train delayed by two hours from the main force due to mud. Our forces eighteen thousand. Wyvern corps two hundred. Magic division seven hundred. Enemy food stockpile fourteen days. Our army eleven days. Topographical advantage of the eastern bank hills is—』
“Wait!”
『Furthermore after the enemy advance party crosses the bridge they will deploy on the central plain and in one go—』
“Wait wait!”
『The bridge’s load capacity exceeds the limit when large magical beasts pass‚ so magical reinforcement is—』
“Too much information!!”
Takuto couldn’t take it anymore‚ clutched his head‚ and crouched on the spot.
(Shut up shut up shut up…!)
(Organize it… organize it‚ me…!)
Supply route. Bridge. Swelling. Delayed rear logistics train.
Only those four keywords vividly stood out in his mind.
War novels. History books. Logistics explanation books. The mass of otaku knowledge he had once voraciously read solely to construct his own setting materials (notebook) automatically meshed together in his head like a precise puzzle.
“…Hey.”
『Yes』
“The Western Army‚”
『Yes』
“Their supply route is only that one‚ right?”
『As You surmise』
“And the only way to cross is that bridge‚ right?”
『Yes』
“Then.”
One beat.
“Drop the bridge?”
The other side of the telepathy fell silent as if water had been poured on it.
“If you drop the bridge‚ the main force can’t cross the river‚ and the rear supplies get cut off‚ right.”
『…………』
“After that just leave them alone?”
『…………』
“That way no one sheds blood… and people don’t die‚ right?”
Silence.
Ten seconds.
Twenty seconds.
“…Hello?”
No reply.
“Can you hear me? Is the signal bad or something?”
Finally.
He heard the sound of Flute swallowing a trembling breath.
『…As expected of You』
“Eh?”
『I have firmly understood Demon King-sama’s will』
“No. I didn’t do anything that impressive—”
『Leave the rest to me』
—Click.
The super-long-range line was unilaterally cut (shut down).
“…………”
On the mountain path‚ a peaceful autumn wind was blowing.
Takuto stood there in a daze for a while‚ then shrugged his shoulders slightly as if to say oh well.
“…Whatever. With this.”
He stretched big.
“I can eat dinner in peace.”
Just like that‚ humming a little‚ he began walking toward his beloved home (dormitory).
◇
At the same time.
Eastern Demon King’s Army ・ Frontline Command. Before the army commanders surrounding the massive operations table‚ the hologram Flute who had finished communication with the Master slowly turned around.
“Acting Supreme Commander.”
“Demon King-sama’s orders are…!”
The battle-hardened warriors swallowed hard.
Flute quietly closed her eyes‚ then solemnly declared.
“—We will drop the bridge.”
The audience chamber suddenly stirred.
“But!”
An oni clan army commander roughly stood up.
“That means letting the enemy main force that has already crossed escape!”
“The rear logistics train is a separate force as well! Just destroying the bridge isn’t a fundamental solution—”
“Incorrect.”
Flute’s absolute single word crushed all voices of dissatisfaction.
She smoothly slid a commander’s baton across the operations map.
“Demon King-sama only said ‘Drop the bridge.’”
“…?”
“In other words.”
The army commanders gasped and held their breath.
“He did not say even a single word of ‘Defeat the enemy.’”
“…!”
“The objective is not the annihilation of the enemy. Complete destruction of the logistics. Isolating the large army‚ starving them‚ and forcing retreat without fighting. The collapse of the bridge is the brilliant first move for that.”
No one could speak.
Flute continued with reverence.
“Furthermore‚ that person also said this.”
“W-what…?”
“‘That way‚ people won’t die‚’ He said.”
The air in the war council room trembled.
One old general‚ overcome with emotion‚ fell to his knees on the spot.
“…What compassion.”
The vampire army commander also deeply hung his head as if ashamed of his own shallowness.
“To achieve complete victory while taking a strategy that sheds no needless blood…”
Flute smiled proudly and gently.
“Demon King-sama has not changed a single thing from ten years ago.”
In those crimson eyes resided only absolute trust and loyalty.
“Notify all hands!”
Flute’s voice rang out clearly in the operations room.
“From this moment‚ Operation Name 《On Time》 is issued!”
“Destroy the bridge! Cut the supply route and surround the enemy!”
“However! All needless pursuit is forbidden!”
“Never forget Demon King-sama’s deep will!”
“「「「Yes!!」」」”
The Eastern Demon King’s Army moved as one.
Not a single person present had any way of knowing.
That the gallant operation name that raised the morale of the entire army to its peak.
Had been named exactly after the all-too-earnest‚ bottom-rung worker wish of the Demon King himself: “I want to go home on time today.”
—Crossdia Great Bridge.
In the deep morning mist‚ the Western Demon King’s Army advance force of thirty thousand was beginning to cross the stone great bridge with ground-trembling force.
“Hurry‚ hurry!”
“The rear supply unit is lagging!”
“No problem! Just get across!”
The Western soldiers all wore base smiles.
In recent years the Eastern Demon King’s Army had withdrawn into a shell of exclusive defense and weakened. The rumor that they had lost their master and a little girl was acting as proxy further fueled their arrogance.
(Easy win. We’ll push all the way to the plain in one go)
Every leading general was convinced of that.
—That very instant.
Gogogogogo…!!
Suddenly‚ a massive magic circle deployed in the air at the center of the bridge.
“…What the?”
ZDOOOOOOON!!!
With an explosion that seemed to rupture eardrums‚ the sturdy stone bridge collapsed vividly from its foundation.
Screams. Roars.
The rear units that had been midway across the bridge‚ and the delayed cargo wagons‚ were swallowed one after another into the swollen muddy torrent.
Food. Weapons. Precious mana crystals. The supply materials that should have supported the Western Army vanished into river debris in an instant.
“Th-the supplies…!”
“The bridge fell! There’s no retreat path either!”
Furthermore.
From the eastern bank hills they had just crossed‚ countless magic circles activated all at once.
“Fireeeee!!”
“The enemy has lost their supplies! They’re panicking!”
A merciless rain of magic bullets from the Eastern Demon King’s Army magic division.
But their aim was strangely specialized in “stalling‚” avoiding direct killing.
However‚ for the Western advance force that had been completely isolated with retreat path and food cut off‚ it was a bottomless terror like being slowly strangled with silk floss.
◇
Meanwhile‚ around that time.
Western Demon King’s Castle‚ the splendid and luxurious throne room.
“…What did you say?”
Reading the report delivered by a fast horse‚ a large man deeply furrowed his brows.
Two thick horns growing from his head. Burning red hair. A massive muscular body wearing a tasteless tiger-pattern haori.
The Western Demon King—Karandagan.
“Supply unit‚ annihilated?”
“Y-yes!”
“Bridge collapse?”
“Yes!”
“Advance force thirty thousand‚ no retreat path?”
“Yes!”
“…………”
Karandagan slowly clutched his head.
“What the hell is that!!”
At the roar that seemed about to rupture eardrums‚ the subordinates who had come to report trembled their shoulders.
“That Eastern little girl suddenly got razor-sharp!!”
Bang! A massive fist pulverized the war council table.
“Until yesterday it was rigid exclusive defense‚ wasn’t it! Why only today did they suddenly start pinpointing the logistics!”
Karandagan took out stomach medicine from his pocket and crunched it.
“This ain’t good… my stomach’s gonna fall first…”
One of the aides asked fearfully.
“D-Demon King-sama. Shall we immediately send the main force and pursue the Eastern army?”
“Are you stupid!!”
The Western leader answered instantly.
“This is all a trap!”
“…Eh?”
“There’s no way they’d just drop one bridge and settle for stalling magic! They’ve definitely set some nasty traps further on the plain! If we chase deep we’ll be wiped out‚ immediately issue retreat orders to the advance force!”
The subordinates’ faces went pale and they trembled.
“D-Demon King-sama… to read that far…”
“The Eastern proxy… what a terrifying strategist…”
Karandagan looked up at the eastern sky with irritation.
“There’s one hell of a monster (strategist) in the Eastern camp…”
Of course.
Everything was a massive misunderstanding.
◇
At the exact same time.
Royal capital north ・ Mining dormitory.
“Thanks for the meal.”
Takuto was happily tearing into the black bread of breakfast in a corner seat of the cafeteria.
Today’s menu. Thinly salted vegetable soup. Hard black bread. And one gleaming “boiled egg.”
“Yeah‚ there’s an egg today.”
Takuto smiled from the bottom of his heart with happiness.
(Maybe because I worked ten times the quota yesterday. Best morning ever)
Peace itself.
Completely unaware of the fate of the Western Army’s thirty thousand‚ he began tapping and peeling the shell of the boiled egg.
At that moment.
—Kiiin.
“Again…”
Noise of telepathy (message) echoing directly into his head.
『Demon King-sama』
“Ah‚ Flute? Morning.”
『I have a report』
“Yeah.”
『The Western Demon King’s Army has begun a voluntary retreat』
“Hmm.”
Takuto brought the bread to his mouth and chewed.
『As a result of dropping the bridge to stop their advance and striking the supplies‚ it appears they made the rational choice to turn back before starving』
“Heh‚ that’s good.”
He sipped the vegetable soup.
『Just as Demon King-sama’s will‚ human casualties on both sides are nonexistent』
“Is that so. Amazing.”
It was completely someone else’s business.
Flute continued happily with a slightly excited voice.
『And also』
“Nn?”
『I am considering keeping about three of my aides close at hand』
“Heh. Isn’t that fine?”
『They are all volunteering with tears‚ saying they wish to go with Demon King-sama』
“Yeah yeah‚ you’re well-liked.”
『Therefore. Tonight I would like to request the humanization and subordination contract ritual』
“…………”
Takuto’s hand peeling the boiled egg stopped dead.
“Eh‚ wait a second.”
『I shall visit tonight』
“Wait wait wait wait…”
『Including myself‚ the four of us will come at the same time as last night』
“Eh‚ is that already decided!?”
『Yes』
“…………”
Several seconds.
In a corner of the bustling cafeteria‚ a despairing silence fell.
“Waitttttt!!”
The pitiful scream of the bottom-rung miner echoed throughout the dormitory.
“You saw my room yesterday‚ right!? It’s only four and a half tatami!! Physically the number of people is way too tight!!”
『There is no problem』
“There is!!”
『Being able to be in the same space as Demon King-sama‚ close enough for skin to touch‚ is the ultimate joy for a retainer』
“That’s not the issue!! It’s cramped and smelly‚ and we’ll definitely get caught!!”
『Ah‚ and also. The precious garment (work clothes) I received from Demon King-sama‚ I shall return it』
“No‚ you can just keep it! If you don’t need it just throw it away somewhere!”
『…Uwaaaaaaah!!』
“Eh‚ what!?”
『Th-thank you very much…! I will make it a lifelong treasure‚ no‚ a holy relic of my clan!!』
“Wrong wrong wrong!!”
Takuto clutched his head and face-planted onto the table.
“Please… don’t drag me into any more of thisssss!!”
【Chapter 02 『The Demon King Is a Miner』 End】
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