Chapter 03: 『The Demon King’s Army in a Four-and-a-Half Tatami Room』
The next morning.
In the dining hall of the mine dormitory‚ a muddy yet endearing morning arrived‚ no different from the day before.
The scent of sweat‚ earth‚ and cheap oil that had soaked into the old wooden building.
Soot-stained walls through which drafts blew. The slightly chilly autumn light streaming through the windows scattered off the dust‚ making it look like white smoke.
From the kitchen‚ steam rose from a large pot of vegetable soup‚ accompanied by the hoarse shouts of the old woman in charge of serving. In response‚ the rough miners swallowed hard black bread into their stomachs‚ filling the air with blunt chewing sounds and clamor.
What existed here was only the breathing of ordinary people desperately living to earn their daily bread.
No one knew anything about the fate of the world.
They had no way of knowing that world-class strongest demons were accessing the four-and-a-half tatami space right next to them.
And——the boy at the center of it all didn’t know either.
「……Yeah. It’s good.」
In a corner of the bustle. Takuto took a bite of the black bread that had swollen like a nut and slowly washed it down with the lightly seasoned soup.
Then‚ a modest special reward for the previous day’s work of digging ten times the quota. He reverently picked up the single gleaming 『boiled egg』 placed at the edge of the table.
——Tap. Tap‚ tap.
Making small sounds on the table‚ he carefully peeled the pure white shell.
(Today is peaceful too)
That alone was enough.
The wars of great nations. The grudges of the Demon King. The heavy responsibility of a hero. The fate of the world. He wanted them all to be distant fairy-tale events that had nothing to do with him.
Today he would go to the mine shaft again.
Dig stones.
Finish the quota on time.
Take the first bath‚ eat‚ write in his world-setting notebook. Then sleep.
A perfect day.
——Yes‚ he genuinely believed that.
『——Demon King-sama. Good morning. Tonight‚ I will come to visit with three of my aides.』
「Whoa!」
A voice as clear as ice rang directly into his brain.
Takuto almost dropped the neatly half-peeled boiled egg onto the floor.
(Ah‚ it’s Flute)
This lovely voice that had become familiar since the previous night was far too out of place in this muddy dining hall.
He glanced around. The large man next to him was absorbed in slurping his soup‚ and no one was looking his way. Apparently‚ it really was audible only to him.
(……Come to think of it)
Still holding the boiled egg‚ he suddenly wondered.
(Where is she right now?)
Surely she wasn’t still sitting formally in his cramped room waiting in ambush like last night.
——No‚ that couldn’t be.
(Flute?)
『Yes』
(Where are you right now?)
He still wasn’t used to the unknown function called telepathy (message). Even though he wasn’t speaking aloud‚ simply thinking the words in his head turned them into clear intent that reached far away.
『Please rest assured. I am currently at a point about one hour’s walk along a steep mountain path from Takuto-sama’s dormitory.』
(……One hour?)
『In distance‚ approximately six kilometers.』
Takuto blinked while still gripping the half-peeled pure white egg.
(Pretty far. Taking a morning walk?)
Then‚ from her mouth‚ an even more despairing place name was spun.
『My current location is the area known as 《Death-Eating Valley》.』
「…………」
The boy stared silently at the feast in his hands.
(The name is way too ominous. Not a place name you want to hear first thing in the morning)
『I have just finished my breakfast as well.』
(Heh)
『From here‚ even without using a transfer spell‚ I could rush to Takuto-sama’s presence in about thirty seconds. Is there some urgent business?』
(……Thirty seconds?)
Takuto furrowed his brow deeply.
(Six kilometers of rough road in thirty seconds… what kind of speed is that…… a supersonic ballistic missile or something?)
He had lost count of how many times since yesterday. Once again‚ he felt the violence of fantasy‚ where none of his common sense applied‚ being thrust upon him.
(More importantly)
A different kind of doubt floated in his mind.
(Having breakfast in a place with such a terrifying name…… is there even a proper house there in the first place?)
『Yes』
An immediate answer.
『Fortunately‚ a property belonging to some gentlemen of a bandit group calling themselves the 《Black Wolf Brigade》 happened to be neatly vacant.』
「…………」
Takuto completely froze in the posture of bringing the boiled egg to his mouth.
A few seconds of idiotic silence.
Munch. Gulp.
(…………Eeeeeeeeh!?!)
He didn’t voice it. Amid the dining hall’s clamor‚ he simply screamed in his heart.
(She really wiped out the bandit group!?!)
Last night‚ Flute had indeed said she would “accept” the bandits’ fortress.
But Takuto had thought it was half a joke——or at most meaning she would find some abandoned empty house. Or rather‚ sensing the trouble‚ he had simply decided to abandon thinking (escape from reality).
(No no no……)
That beautiful silver-haired girl he had only met yesterday.
For his sake alone. A heinous bandit group. Fortress and all.
(…………You’re kidding me)
Takuto once again realized the unfathomable strength of the girl named Flute and her extremely skewed sense of ethics.
However. Even truly understanding that terror did not shake the boy’s stance of escaping reality.
(……Yeah‚ she’s definitely the type you absolutely mustn’t get deeply involved with)
While vaguely thinking that‚ he casually tossed the next question into the sea of thought.
(By the way)
『Yes』
(Is this telepathy one-way from Flute? Can I not contact you from my side?)
『No‚ it is possible at any time.』
(Eh)
The reply was far too casual.
『Please picture my form in your mind and try placing a finger on your own forehead.』
(On my forehead?)
『Yes. Then‚ think as if speaking directly to me. That alone will connect the direct ultra-long-range line linking master and retainer.』
(Heeh……)
Takuto vaguely tried placing his index finger on his own forehead.
(Like this?)
『Yes. That is fine as is.』
Then.
In the depths of his head‚ Flute’s quiet presence faintly rose. More than the voice itself‚ there was a mysterious sense of unity as if consciousness and consciousness were connected by a thin yet strong thread of light.
(……I see)
Convenient. Far more practical than the call function of a modern smartphone. No need to even speak aloud‚ and of course no out-of-range areas existed.
(Like a LINE where you can talk inside your head. With this I can slack off even during work)
For Takuto‚ still dragging memories of modern Japan‚ that was the extent of his recognition.
He had no way of knowing that it was a supernatural magic directly connected to the 『world’s strongest-class absolute encrypted military communication network』 that intelligence agencies of other nations desperately sought.
『Is there something you are unclear about?』
(Ah‚ right)
Takuto remembered.
(About the skill displayed in my status)
『Yes』
(This 《Clairvoyance》…… how do I use it?)
Yesterday‚ his status had been ruthlessly revealed by the temple crystal. Among it was a solitary‚ incomprehensible unique skill (skill).
From the sound of the name one could guess its effect‚ but the crucial activation method was completely unknown.
(When it was announced at the temple‚ the girls around me looked at me with total disgust and I almost died socially)
One beat.
On the other side of the telepathy.
『……Clairvoyance‚ is it』
Flute’s tone seemed to bounce slightly.
『Fufu』
(……Hm?)
『As expected of Demon King-sama』
And then.
『——How lewd.』
「Eh!?!」
An involuntary‚ ridiculous voice leaked out.
Several rough miners in the dining hall turned suspicious gazes toward him.
「N-no‚ it’s nothing!」
Takuto hurriedly bowed his head repeatedly and cleared his throat.
(Wrong wrong wrong!)
He desperately explained in his head.
(It’s not like I’m trying to peek under girls’ clothes or anything like that!?! I just purely want to know my own ability!)
『Fufu』
(It’s really not!)
『Last night I received strict guidance regarding the importance of clothing.』
(…………)
『I have learned and practiced the advanced communication known as “joking” in human society.』
(…………)
『How was it? Please rate me.』
Takuto fell silent for a while.
(…………Haha)
A dry laugh leaked out.
(The direction of her eagerness to learn is extreme‚ huh)
Apparently the full-nudity incident of the previous night had become a valuable learning sample for her.
Terrifying. That enthusiasm was extremely terrifying.
Yet. Just a little.
The corners of Takuto’s mouth naturally lifted.
Until the day before‚ he wouldn’t have understood a single thing this beautiful girl was saying and would have only been frightened.
But now‚ little by little‚ a “conversation” catch-ball was beginning to work. That felt oddly amusing and somehow ticklish.
『——Jokes aside』
Suddenly‚ Flute’s tone changed.
The soft presence appropriate to her age from earlier vanished‚ returning to the ice-cold‚ supreme commander’s demeanor.
『Demon King-sama’s 《Clairvoyance》 is a truly tremendous authority.』
(That much?)
『Yes. Likely‚ among all unique skills (skills) existing in this world‚ it ranks at the highest——a principle that has reached the divine realm.』
(…………)
Takuto tilted his head slightly while chewing the last bite of the boiled egg.
(Isn’t it just being able to see beyond walls?)
『The dimension is different.』
(The dimension is different)
He felt nothing but a bad premonition.
『To explain in detail——』
(No‚ please skip the technical terms and keep it as simple as possible)
Contrary to Takuto’s earnest wish‚ Flute began explaining in a truly serious voice like the narration of a heavy historical text.
『First‚ clairvoyance of the 【future】 and 【causality】 that transcends the time axis.』
(…………)
『Second‚ extreme clairvoyance from the 【micro】 at the elementary particle level to the 【macro】 on a celestial scale.』
(…………)
『Third‚ clairvoyance of 【information】 and 【truth】 that exposes the essence of a target’s status and history.』
(…………)
『And fourth——』
There was a slight pause.
『By feeding back the concept of 【penetration】 itself through one’s gaze into a physical phenomenon‚ it is also possible to 『carve away』 space itself.』
「…………」
The boy was silent.
He had finished the boiled egg. He had chewed the black bread. Not a drop of soup remained.
Yet he said nothing.
(…………)
In his head‚ he calmly and extremely coldly reached a conclusion.
(Sorry.……I still don’t understand at all)
Takuto gently lowered the thick blast-proof shutter of his heart all the way to the bottom layer.
(Future) (Causality) (Elementary particles) (Universe) (Truth) (Carving space).
The last one was especially fatally unpleasant.
(Way too dangerous. Are my eyeballs black holes or something?)
Until yesterday he had been just a high school student‚ and from today he was just a bottom-tier miner. He wanted tomorrow to be the same.
Yet the strength he measured yesterday was nearly four hundred‚ and his magic power exceeded five hundred. And now he was supposedly able to see through the future and the causality of the world.
(…………)
Takuto steeled his resolve in his heart.
(Alright. This skill is permanently sealed)
He wouldn’t use it. Never in his life. He would pretend he never knew about it from the start.
Excessive curiosity destroys a peaceful life. At least in this other world‚ that was unmistakably the truth.
『Demon King-sama?』
(Yeah)
Takuto replied in an extremely flat tone as if nothing had happened.
(Ah‚ I almost forgot)
『Yes』
(About the main topic)
『Yes』
(When you form a subordination contract‚ the demon’s clothes disappear systemically‚ right?)
『That is correct.』
(Then‚ tell the three who are coming tonight to 『absolutely bring spare clothes for themselves』)
『…………』
(I don’t have any spare mining clothes left)
On the other side of the telepathy‚ there was a moment of solemn silence.
『I see……』
(If it turns into an exposure panic like yesterday‚ it’ll really be a problem)
『Indeed. That is reasonable.』
(Human society is strict about such matters of public morals)
『Understood.』
Flute’s tone was oddly obedient.
『I will have them prepare without fail.』
(Good)
With this it would be fine.
Last night had been a surprise attack. But today was different. If he instructed them in advance to prepare clothes‚ he could definitely avoid a shura-field like that love-comedy situation.
Takuto was deeply satisfied.
And. There was one more thing he absolutely wanted to confirm.
(……Finally‚ can I ask just one more thing?)
『Yes』
(Am I)
He paused slightly.
(Really the Demon King?)
From the other side of the telepathy.
A clear voice free of any hesitation returned immediately.
『Yes!』
It was a reply without the slightest hesitation.
『You are our great master——the one and only absolute Demon King-sama!』
(…………)
Takuto quietly closed his eyes.
(Yeah)
Understood.
(As I thought‚ this girl is the type with intense delusions)
He would stop stepping any deeper into this realm of fanaticism. For mental hygiene‚ that was best.
「Hey! It’s almost time for work!」
From the entrance of the dining hall‚ the supervisor’s angry voice that seemed to rise from the pit of his stomach flew.
「Hurry up‚ you lot! Anyone late will have their mining section for today changed to the farthest dead end!」
(Ah)
The boy turned his gaze to the wall clock. Indeed‚ it was already the time limit for starting work.
(Then‚ I have to go to work soon)
『Understood.』
(I’m cutting the telepathy)
『Yes』
There‚ Flute continued as if she had just remembered.
『Then‚ let us try disconnecting the communication.』
(How do I do it?)
『Just as before‚ please place a finger on your forehead.』
Takuto did as told and placed his index finger on his own forehead.
『Strongly will for the external line to “cut”.』
(Got it)
Takuto closed his eyes.
He clearly imaged Flute’s consciousness connected to his brain.
And then.
(——Cut)
The next instant.
——Snap.
There was a clear‚ physical sensation of disconnection‚ as if he had pressed the end-call button on a smartphone.
「…………」
Silence returned.
The vivid presence of Flute that had occupied his mind cleanly dispersed.
Just in case‚ he placed his index finger on his forehead again‚ but this time nothing happened.
「……It properly cut.」
He was oddly impressed.
Just that little thing‚ yet he had controlled with his own will the supernatural called magic that he hadn’t known until yesterday. He felt he had grasped just a little of the 『means』 to survive in this wilderness of another world.
——That said.
「Well‚ whatever.」
Takuto immediately stopped thinking deeply.
Today’s schedule was already set.
Go to the mine. Dig the assigned section. Quickly finish the quota and return on time. That was all.
He cleared away the finished dishes and stood up.
He took the heavy iron lump (pickaxe) he favored that was leaning against the wall.
Unlike the previous day. His current arm strength had clearly mutated. Precisely because of that‚ today he needed to 『carefully slack off』 even more than the day before.
(……I have to properly adjust the strength. Absolutely must not stand out)
He shouldered the pickaxe.
「Alright.」
He left the dining hall.
The cold autumn morning air pleasantly brushed his faintly heated cheeks.
「Today too‚ toward leaving on time‚ I’ll do my best digging stones.」
His steps were extremely light.
The fate of the world? He didn’t care.
However the executives of the Demon King’s Army moved.
However the highest-rank skill (skill) functioned.
Even if the future and causality could be seen through.
To him right now‚ all of that was nothing more than fleeting uproar like bubbles.
At this moment‚ the supreme proposition for the boy was——.
To complete the assigned labor by the end of the shift without drawing anyone’s attention.
Just that alone.
The northern mine of the royal capital.
It was not a mere private mining site pursuing profit.
Official name——『Southern Kingdom Magic Resource Ministry Direct Jurisdiction Mining Site』. The absolute barrier protecting the kingdom’s massive cities. Magic weapons. Military magic tools.
It was a national military facility that dug up the most vital resource indispensable for moving the nation’s heart——《Magic Ore》.
Naturally‚ management was strict enough to draw blood. Many of the supervisors running the site were retired veterans of many battles‚ strict about discipline‚ strict about time‚ and above all——fierce about the 『quota』.
「Today Takuto is section C-4 of the third shaft!」
「Yes!」
「Don’t dig anywhere other than the assigned place on your own! If you cause a collapse accident‚ it’s a court-martial matter!」
「Understood!」
「And——」
The stern-faced supervisor glanced at the mining ticket in his hand and snorted.
「You’re the lowest-rated E-rank. Don’t show unnecessary ambition; just quietly hammer the assigned wall!」
「Yes!」
Takuto replied energetically and obediently.
In this mine‚ miners were not allowed to decide where to dig on their own. The shafts were finely divided into areas‚ and only places whose geological and magic concentration safety had been confirmed were assigned as 『designated seats』.
Being a direct military facility‚ compliance with safety management was thorough.
And.
The C-4 section assigned to him today was——.
「…………」
In the deepest part of the shaft. Facing the dim rock wall‚ Takuto quietly looked around.
The wall was carved with countless old scars left by predecessors. The rock surface was dry as if it had lost its life force‚ and at his feet only ordinary stones without magic power rolled about.
Among the veteran workers‚ it was a place long abandoned.
——The so-called 『leftover scraps』 dead section.
「……I see.」
Takuto muttered quietly.
He had no complaints at all. Rather.
(A place like this is more relaxing)
No one expected anything. No watchful eyes. And above all‚ no rivals competing for achievements.
The boy approached the rock wall‚ and before raising the iron lump (pickaxe)‚ he first crouched there. He picked up a small fragment of magic ore that had fallen at his feet. While fiddling with it in his fingertips‚ he observed.
Luster. Color. Grain size of the crystal. Cross-section of the fragment.
And the humidity the surrounding rock surface carried. The direction the cracks ran. The rock strata. The faint direction of the magic wind.
One. Then another.
He assembled the countless pieces of information flying into his vision like a precise puzzle in his head.
For Takuto‚ it was by no means a difficult task.
Even back in modern Japan‚ he had lived that way.
To construct 『settings』. To create one 『world』 with his own hands.
He had thoroughly read vast amounts of materials‚ picked up fine environmental data‚ and derived a single logical conclusion from elements that at first glance seemed randomly scattered.
He had repeated such obsessive work for years on more than a hundred booklets (notebooks). Now it was bearing fruit in an extremely practical form.
(……I see)
Takuto’s gaze stopped precisely on one point of the bedrock.
(Here)
The crystal structure indicated by the fragment at his feet. The hard layer that the old mining marks left on the rock surface blatantly avoided. And the bias of magic power leaking ever so slightly from the surface.
All elements connected into one beautiful line.
(Two meters further beyond the rock wall thought to be completely dug out)
Takuto narrowed his eyes.
(It’s still remaining. A high-purity magic ore vein that no one has found‚ sleeping untouched)
The problem was——.
He stared at the heavy iron lump (pickaxe) in his hand.
Until the previous day‚ he could have simply swung it down with all his might normally.
But now it was different. The insane status granted by the subordination contract with Flute.
Strength‚ 385.
(……If I swing this normally‚ the whole mine will definitely blow away)
He exhaled a small breath. The previous day‚ just swinging without thinking had collapsed the rock wall. That was no coincidence. His own output settings were completely bugged.
Precisely because of that‚ today he had to control his strength even more carefully and delicately to the extreme than the day before.
(Quietly‚ gently‚ enough that those around won’t notice)
He regripped the pickaxe.
(Don’t destroy the surface with physical violence.……Infiltrate the impact into the inside of the rock)
He took aim.
Slightly turned his wrist. Put strength suppressed to the absolute limit into his arm.
What he aimed for was not the surface of the rock. Its deepest part. The 『vital point』 of the bedrock that led straight to the sacred domain where the rare magic ore layer slept.
(……Here)
He swung the pickaxe.
——Kon.
It was a dry‚ small sound.
As if he had merely knocked on the door of the rock surface.
But.
The next instant.
——Meki.
From deep within the rock wall‚ an eerie underground rumble echoed.
「……Hm?」
Right after Takuto narrowed his eyes.
The cracks went from one to two. From three to countless. As if invisible lightning ran through the inside of the bedrock‚ fine fissures rapidly spread in a spider-web pattern.
——Mekimikimikimi!!!
「Eh」
The boy couldn’t help but step back.
——Dogooooooon!!!
The solid rock wall‚ unable to withstand the pressure from within‚ collapsed as if it had exploded.
「Whoa!」
Tremendous sand dust swirled up. Takuto hurriedly covered his face with his arm.
Eventually‚ the sound of hard substances rolling——clank‚ clank——echoed into the dim shaft.
「…………」
The dust cleared.
He fearfully looked straight ahead.
「…………Ah」
At his feet. Fist-sized enormous magic ores were rolling about in numbers.
Moreover‚ they were not ordinary ores. The transparency of the crystals was markedly different. The glow of magic power flowing inside was deep and blue like the deep sea.
「……Rare ore?」
Takuto picked up one of them.
A solid weight. Receiving the lantern light‚ the pale blue crystals scattered light and shone bewitchingly yet beautifully.
(……This is a pretty good one‚ isn’t it?)
Right after that.
「What the hell!?!」
From the depths of the shaft‚ the supervisor’s angry shout echoed. Footsteps like an earthquake headed straight this way.
「What was that collapse noise just now!!」
Takuto’s shoulders jumped with a start.
(Crap)
Exposed. This abnormal power. And his modest peace (slow life) would be stolen‚ and he would be forcibly taken to the troublesome front lines.
Once again‚ he stood at the brink of despair.
But.
The supervisor who rushed over‚ the moment he saw the collapsed wall surface and the shining ores at his feet——.
「…………」
Completely solidified like a stone statue.
「…………You」
「Yes」
「This is section C-4‚ right?」
「Yes」
「That completely dug-out C-4‚ right?」
「Yes」
The man stared at the collapsed rock wall once more as if seeing something unbelievable.
He captured it.
「Y-you……!」
His eyes snapped wide open.
「From a leftover-scrap section‚ why did you dig up such special-grade stuff!?!」
「Eh?」
「This is amazing!!」
The supervisor held up the magic ore he had picked up‚ lovingly holding it against the lantern light.
「The purity is terrifyingly high! To think such a vein was still sleeping in such a shallow layer!」
「Ah……」
Takuto scratched his cheek.
(What should I do)
It wasn’t that the use of power had been exposed. Apparently it was recognized as mere extraordinary 『good luck』.
「A miraculous beginner’s luck!」
「…………」
「For an E-rank complete newbie to pull such a jackpot! Luck is also part of skill!」
「Haha……」
He floated a stiff bitter smile.
「Yes‚ it seems I was lucky.」
「Man‚ that’s why mining is interesting!」
The man laughed heartily “gahaha” while forcefully writing something with a quill pen on the boy’s mining ticket.
And then.
——Bam!
With a sound‚ he stamped the completion seal.
「Alright!」
「……?」
「Your quota for today is completely finished!!」
「…………Eh?」
「You brought out this many special-grade items! I’ll also put a solid special reward on it!」
「…………!」
Takuto’s eyes sparkled like stars.
「R-really!?!」
「Yeah!」
The supervisor gave a thumbs-up and laughed cheerfully.
「Today’s duty is more than enough! After this‚ rest slowly at the dormitory!」
「Thank you very much!!」
The boy bowed deeply as if worshipping a god.
「Thank you for your hard work!」
「Yeah! Keep it up tomorrow too!」
「Yes!」
The man left humming a tune.
While watching his broad back‚ Takuto‚ blending into the dimness of the shaft‚ small yet powerfully clenched his fist.
(It’s over……!)
Even though it was still before noon‚ today’s labor had all come to an end.
(This is way too great……)
This was precisely the most wonderful system of this mine.
In this facility‚ once you achieved the basic daily quota‚ you could cut off work at that point and go home.
As long as you delivered the prescribed amount of magic ore‚ basic pay‚ three meals‚ and a crude private room that could at least shelter from rain and wind were guaranteed.
Furthermore‚ exceeding the prescribed amount generated additional incentives. Kingdom copper coins‚ or——.
Takuto ruminated in his mind on the alluring words the man had just spoken.
——Special reward. Extra side dish in the dining hall. Namely‚ 『boiled egg』.
「…………」
The boy’s mouth loosened slackly.
He wanted copper coins. Of course he wanted them. But he also wanted eggs. Quite a lot.
(……If I work hard and slack efficiently‚ tomorrow’s eggs will increase)
What a wonderful labor environment (white incentive).
The boy sincerely thought so.
To him‚ this mine was neither the nation’s most important facility nor a supply base for military resources.
——It was nothing other than 『the supreme workplace where you can leave on time once the quota is finished』.
(This is the battlefield I should fight on)
Takuto lovingly tucked the mining ticket stamped with the completion seal into his pocket and began walking the shaft with steps that looked ready to skip.
◇
What awaited him upon returning to the dormitory was an empty large bathhouse.
「……The best.」
He sank his body deeply into the hot bathtub.
The afternoon bathhouse was surprisingly quiet. Steam slowly rose faintly toward the light streaming from the high skylight.
No one. No one talking to him. No one forcing anything on him.
In the water‚ he exhaled a long breath from the bottom of his soul.
「Haa……」
A body light as a feather‚ different from the heavy labor until the previous day. Abnormal cheat ability.
A beautiful girl who firmly believed he was the Demon King. A world-strongest-class subordinate.
And the three unknown aides who would come to this four-and-a-half tatami room tonight.
The more he thought‚ the more he saw only troublesome futures that would make his stomach hurt.
「…………」
Takuto submerged his face halfway in the water and quietly closed his eyes.
(Well‚ for now it’s fine)
His duty had ended before noon. He had soaked in the bath. He was hungry.
And a whole 『free afternoon』 usable only for himself remained.
Right now‚ that alone was enough.
After getting out of the bath‚ Takuto headed to the mine’s commissary.
It was a small‚ dim shop‚ but besides food‚ daily necessities‚ and mining tools‚ a few second-hand books were also sold.
「This and…… this‚ please.」
He picked up two dust-covered history books and efficiently completed the payment.
This world’s kingdom history. Demon history. And a basic book on magic technology.
There were still far too many things he didn’t understand. Demon King. Demons. Humans. Magic ore. Magic. Status. Skills. Concepts he hadn’t known until the previous day.
Precisely because of that‚ it was fine to learn them little by little. There was nowhere that required him to immediately find an answer to what he was.
Takuto returned to his room carrying the books.
A quiet four-and-a-half tatami room.
A small desk full of scratches. A hard bed. The pickaxe leaning against the wall.
And one setting material (notebook) placed on the desk.
He sat in the chair.
Opened the page. Dipped the pen in the ink bottle‚ and today too‚ cheerfully wrote down the new laws he had learned about this other world.
Kingdom. Mine. Magic ore. Magic. Demons.
And——.
Demon King.
「…………」
The iron pen (pen) stopped dead.
(Demon King…… huh)
The face Flute had shown last night suddenly floated in his mind.
Those jewel-like crimson eyes. Ten years of lonely time. Absolute loyalty that even harbored madness.
And. The figure that called him “Demon King-sama” without any doubt and shed tears.
「…………」
Takuto strongly shook his head.
「No no.」
As if cutting off lingering attachment‚ he muttered quietly.
「I’m just a miner.」
That was fine. His current self had this certain daily life (slow life).
Wake up in the morning‚ go to the mine‚ dig stones‚ finish the quota‚ take the first bath‚ read books‚ write in the setting notebook.
That alone was enough; he needed nothing else.
The boy ran the pen again.
And in the corner of the notebook‚ he added just one new 『ambition』.
『Save copper coins and move to a slightly larger room』
A space a little larger than four-and-a-half tatami. The desk could be a bit bigger too. He wanted a bookshelf. Preferably‚ a slightly larger window as well.
After a bath‚ a sanctuary of his own where he could slowly read books without anyone interfering.
A place where he could live quietly without being dragged into anything‚ off the gears of the world.
To Takuto‚ that was.
Far‚ far more important and precious a dream than becoming the Demon King and ruling the world‚ or becoming a hero and saving the world.
「……Alright.」
He nodded deeply in satisfaction and set down the brush.
Today was going smoothly too.
Labor finished before the end of the shift. He received a reward. He bought books. His goals increased by one.
A perfect day with nothing more to ask for.
——Yes.
Until the 『night』 when those extraordinary demons would force their way into this narrow personal space.
Night.
The narrow‚ quiet four-and-a-half tatami private room that Takuto loved. Having finished a day’s labor smeared with soot and sweat‚ taken a hot bath‚ and finished a simple dinner.
After that‚ he would spread the setting notebook that smelled of ink and deeply dive into his own fantasy world without anyone interfering.
——That was how it was supposed to be.
「——I have kept you waiting‚ Demon King-sama.」
A faintly divine transfer light violently filled the dusty room.
「…………」
Takuto completely froze in the posture of holding the pen at the desk.
The light slowly converged.
Standing there was Flute‚ clad in luxurious military attire without a single gap.
Moonlight-like long silver hair. Cold‚ clear crimson eyes. An ice-like beauty so refined it took one’s breath away‚ unchanged from the previous night.
And behind her——newly‚ three shadows.
「…………」
Takuto silently and slowly looked around the room.
Right side. Wall.
Left side. Wall.
Behind. Hard bed.
Front. The highest executives of the Demon King’s Army.
(…………Narrow)
In this cramped space‚ five people in total.
-------------Second Half----------------------
To put it mildly‚ the population density exceeded that of a slum.
Moreover‚ just the tremendous pressure of magic power unconsciously released by the three newly appeared ones was making the old floorboards for bottom-tier workers creak and groan with screams of mishi-mishi‚ meki-meki.
(Why is the highest meeting of the Demon King’s Army about to start in my private room……)
Without knowing such earnest confusion of Takuto’s‚ Flute respectfully stepped one pace forward.
「Raise your faces.」
At that dignified voice‚ the three raised their faces in unison.
Takuto couldn’t help but blink.
What was there.
Not a rugged muscle-bound large man‚ nor an ominous grotesque monster.
All three were slender girls who looked about eighteen if they were human.
Moreover‚ each possessed beauty that transcended common sense‚ as if they had stepped out of a painting.
(…………Eh?)
Takuto’s brain momentarily stopped processing from information overload.
Flute was quite the beautiful girl herself. He understood that more than enough since yesterday.
But.
「First Aide‚ Military Strategy Officer——『Harmonica』!」
The first girl to stand was a cool beauty wearing intelligent silver-rimmed glasses.
Hair perfectly tied up without a strand out of place. Intellectual eyes. A refined stance with zero waste.
From any angle‚ she had the bearing of a court lady of a great nation or a top-tier elite secretary.
She placed a hand on her ample chest and bowed with perfect etiquette.
「Henceforth‚ all of Demon King-sama’s military strategy——」
Having said that much‚ the words of the bespectacled girl (Harmonica) unnaturally cut off.
「…………」
Her gaze turned to Takuto.
A few seconds.
「…………」
Further few seconds.
「…………!」
Suddenly‚ large tears spilled one after another from the cool talented girl’s eyes.
「Eh?」
Plop. Plop plop plop.
「Eeeh!?!」
Takuto hurriedly stood up‚ but her dam did not stop.
「Aaah…… Demon King-sama……」
「U-un?」
「Demon King-sama…… the real thing……!」
「The real thing?」
「You are moving……!!」
「No‚ I’m alive so of course I move!?!」
The girl trembled all over with emotion and tightly clasped both hands in front of her chest.
「Aaah…… truly……. Ten years……」
With that single word‚ her intellectual voice turned into sobs.
「The one we waited for without forgetting for even a single day over ten years…… is truly‚ right before our eyes……!」
「No‚ until the day before yesterday I was an ordinary Japanese high school student‚ and I only started working at the mine yesterday……」
「And yet‚ you are this kind‚ this kind……!」
「Where in those words was there any kind element!?!」
Takuto was truly bewildered.
And then.
(……As I thought)
The bad premonition he had vaguely felt since the previous day turned into certainty here and now.
These people.
Were of exactly the same attribute (genre) as Flute.
They interpreted his words‚ without the slightest hesitation‚ in the completely opposite 『precious direction』 from his intent.
In front of Takuto who was put off by “what do you mean by the real thing‚” the First Aide began shedding tears of emotion even more like a waterfall.
「To be able to receive words directly from Demon King-sama…… I…… I……!」
「No‚ we’re just normally talking in the same room‚ you know?」
Takuto’s dry retorts were sucked emptily into the narrow space.
Flute quietly watched the exchange between the two and narrowed her eyes just a little happily.
「Next.」
Flute briefly urged.
「Second Aide. Diplomacy and Politics Officer——『Castanets』.」
The one who stood next was a beauty whose voluptuous proportions were wrapped in a gorgeous dress.
Glossy evening-updo hair‚ and an alluring smile.
Just by standing there‚ she wore an aura that made the air of the dim four-and-a-half tatami room brighten‚ reminiscent of a queen of high society.
She elegantly pinched her hem and bowed gracefully.
「I am Castanets. Diplomacy‚ politics‚ finance‚ internal affairs——please leave all governmental affairs related to Demon King-sama to this one.」
「You can handle that many jobs?」
「Of course.」
She proudly puffed out her ample fruit-like chest.
Takuto couldn’t help but be impressed.
(Oh‚ this girl seems decent)
——Right after that.
Her sidelong glance fell onto Takuto’s desk.
「…………」
What was there.
A fragment of hard black bread. The leftover juice of cold vegetable soup.
That was all.
Castanets’ elegant smile.
Smoothly disappeared toward below freezing.
「…………Demon King-sama」
「Hm?」
「This is……?」
「Dinner‚ though」
「…………」
「Black bread and soup」
「…………」
「My share for today」
Her shoulders began trembling slightly.
「……This is?」
「Yeah」
「Demon King-sama’s……?」
「That’s right. It’s a bit hard but sweet if you chew」
「…………!」
The beauty gently covered her mouth.
「What……」
「?」
「What a tragedy……!!」
「Eh‚ no‚ that much!?!」
「Unforgivable!!」
「What is!?!」
Castanets stared at the black bread on the desk as if it were her parents’ enemy‚ with a face that looked ready to burst into tears at any moment.
「The supreme one who walks the path of world domination and bears the fate of all living things……」
「Like I said‚ I’m not bearing anything and just want to leave on time」
「Such……」
Her gaze shifted to the cold soup.
「Leftover-like‚ crude meals……!」
「No no‚ it’s normally delicious to eat!」
「No!!」
The Diplomacy and Politics Officer forcefully shook her head.
「As a retainer‚ I cannot overlook this!」
And she puffed out her chest with a snap.
「From tomorrow‚ I shall prepare all three of Demon King-sama’s meals!」
「Eh」
「Breakfast‚ lunch‚ dinner!」
「No‚ wait」
「A full course perfectly managed in nutrition‚ taste‚ and appearance delivered every day!」
「Absolutely stop!!」
Takuto waved both hands with a changed expression.
「This is a dormitory like a company housing for bottom-tier workers at the mine‚ you know!?!」
「Yes?」
「If the smell of high-class full courses drifts from a bottom-tier worker’s room every day‚ it’ll definitely look suspicious!」
「…………」
Castanets froze with a blank look.
「There are normal people in the next room‚ and the walls are just thin boards!」
「…………」
「There’s a dining hall‚ and I’m the lowest E-rank miner‚ okay!?!」
She thought seriously for a while with a serious expression.
And then.
「……I see. Covert action‚ is it.」
「You understand?」
The beauty floated an exquisite smile.
「Then‚ I shall research 『court cuisine that looks and smells like hard black bread and muddy water soup‚ but tastes of the highest grade when put in the mouth』.」
「Eh!?! What is that crazy dystopian meal!?! It’s so advanced it’s scary!!」
Far from being exasperated‚ Flute narrowed her eyes slightly. Apparently she was enjoying Takuto’s desperate defense a little.
「Last.」
The supreme commander urged the next with her gaze.
「Third Aide. Combat Officer——『Cello』.」
「…………」
The last girl slowly raised her face.
She was small. Only about chest height for Takuto.
A glasswork-like slender body‚ long black hair. A doll-like expressionless face.
And.
On that lovely body was something completely mismatched——a giant jet-black scythe about twice her height on her back.
She was dragging it carelessly across the floorboards with a gigiigi…… sound.
「…………」
Cello expressionlessly toddled up right in front of Takuto.
「…………?」
The boy looked down.
The girl looked up.
After staring at each other in silence for a while.
She poked Takuto’s clothing hem with her small white fingertip.
「…………」
「Um…… what is it?」
The girl tilted her head with a clunk.
And then‚ in a voice as adorable as a little bird’s chirp‚ she declared.
「Your Excellency」
「Yeah」
「For now」
「Yeah?」
「Shall I go destroy one of the kingdoms beyond this mountain?」
「No.」
An immediate answer.
Not a millisecond of hesitation.
「…………」
「Absolutely not.」
「…………」
「I will never ask you for such dangerous errands‚ okay?」
「…………」
Cello continued staring fixedly into Takuto’s eyes while looking up.
And then.
「……Shun」
She truly muttered it small out loud.
At that moment.
In his mind‚ something was clearly visualized. Dog ears flopping limply on her head. And a phantom tail drooping dejectedly to the floorboards.
Of course‚ no such organs physically existed.
Just.
「…………」
She was disappointingly easy to read.
Takuto couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.
「……No‚ I’m not angry or anything」
「…………」
「Just that destroying other countries is no good」
「…………Yes」
「If you just act normally‚ that’s fine」
(This kid is also no good. Fundamentally‚ we can’t communicate)
Thus.
Flute. Harmonica. Castanets. Cello.
The four executives who had supported the Eastern Demon King’s Army‚ the world’s strongest violence‚ completely gathered in Takuto’s narrow private room.
Those with power that could sway the fate of the world.
Military. Diplomacy. Combat. And supreme command.
All of them were packed tightly around a single boy.
(……As I thought‚ narrow)
From the bottom of his heart‚ he thought so.
Moreover‚ from earlier the pressure of their magic power that they couldn’t fully suppress was making the room’s structure itself creak with mishi-mishi. It looked ready for the floorboards to give way at any moment.
「……Flute」
「Yes‚ Demon King-sama」
「This is an old four-and-a-half tatami space‚ you know」
「I am aware」
「Gathering five people is narrow and the floor might give way‚ so isn’t it physically dangerous?」
「…………」
Flute dropped her gaze just a little to the floor.
「……Indeed」
「Right!?!」
「However‚ as long as we can be at Demon King-sama’s side‚ a certain amount of danger and poor conditions are no problem.」
「There is a problem! My living environment is tough!」
Harmonica immediately pushed up her glasses and nodded firmly.
「I also have no problem!」
「No‚ you’re the military strategy officer‚ so please consider the physical and spatial limits a bit more!」
Castanets also puffed out her ample chest.
「I too‚ as long as it is at Demon King-sama’s side‚ any place!」
「Notice‚ please—your luxurious dress is taking up the most space!」
Cello muttered while holding the giant scythe.
「I am fine by the wall.」
「No no‚ the giant scythe will scrape the wall so absolutely no!!」
「…………」
「…………」
「…………」
The four fell silent in unison.
And Takuto looked up at the sky and completely understood.
(……My peaceful daily life)
(Is completely over)
Until yesterday. He had been just an E-rank miner.
In the morning‚ go to the mine. Dig stones. Finish the quota. Return on time. Take the first bath. Eat black bread and soup. Write in the setting notebook. Then sleep.
That alone was enough. That alone was sufficiently happy.
Yet.
Just by giving one drop of blood.
Before he knew it‚ his four-and-a-half tatami room had become the highest operations conference room of the Eastern Demon King’s Army.
「…………」
Takuto stared at the black bread left lonely on the desk.
And then.
「……From tomorrow‚ I’ll earn more and save copper coins.」
He muttered in a voice like a hollow shell of a soul.
「Someday…… I’ll move to a larger room……」
The moment they heard that earnest and modest word.
The four pairs of eyes. Simultaneously shone brilliantly.
「「「「——We will also accompany you‚ Demon King-sama!!」」」」
「Stop iiiiiiiit!!」
In the mine dormitory enveloped in the silence of night.
Once again‚ the anguished scream of a bottom-tier miner echoed emptily.
「……Haa」
Takuto let out a deep‚ heavy sigh. In the four-and-a-half tatami space were Flute and the three aides. A total of four demons.
No‚ precisely including himself‚ five people.
Narrow. In any case‚ so narrow there was nowhere to escape.
In a bottom-tier worker’s private room where a hard bed like a permanent futon‚ a small desk‚ and a storage shelf alone filled most of the floor area‚ four highest executives of the Eastern Demon King’s Army were packed like sushi.
Moreover‚ all of them firmly believed without doubt that he was the omniscient and omnipotent Demon King.
「……Whatever.」
The boy early on decided to abandon thinking.
「Let’s quickly do the humanization contracts and have them go home early.」
「Ha」
Flute immediately nodded respectfully. That refined military reply alone was oddly pleasant to the ear.
「Then‚ the magic circle.」
「Yeah. Please.」
She held her white-fish-like hand over the floor.
Into the slight gaps of the scarred floorboards‚ pale blue light slipped in‚ and an intricate geometric pattern quietly rose.
Circles. Ancient characters. Complex formulas layered many times over. Exactly the same mysterious magic pattern as the one into which he had dropped one drop of blood the previous night.
「Then‚ Demon King-sama.」
The supreme commander quietly announced.
「Blood.」
「……Yeah.」
Takuto nodded——and suddenly froze completely.
And then‚ with a whirl.
He turned toward the three aides prostrating behind him.
「……Wait a second.」
It was a low voice that crawled along the ground.
「Yes?」
Harmonica tilted her head curiously. Castanets and Cello also looked blankly at their master.
Takuto pointed sharply at the three.
「First‚ the change of clothes.」
「……?」
「Right now.」
「…………?」
The three beautiful faces were dyed in confusion in unison.
In the boy’s mind‚ the vivid memory of the previous night was flashing back.
Magic circle. One drop of blood. Dazzling light.
And——the overwhelming disappearance of clothes (full nudity).
「Listen!?!」
Takuto issued instructions with the force of a construction site demon supervisor.
「When humanized‚ demon clothes disappear systemically!」
「……!」
Flute nodded deeply.
「Indeed.」
「Proven with Flute!」
「Yes. They splendidly vanished.」
「So!」
Takuto pointed strongly at the three again.
「When the clothes disappear‚ prepare so you can change in one second! Place the change of clothes you brought at each of your feet!」
「Y-yes!」
At their master’s unusual intensity‚ the three hurriedly lined up the cloth bags they had each brought onto the floorboards.
「Good!」
The boy nodded deeply in satisfaction. With this‚ preparations were complete.
The previous night had been a surprise attack that shortened his lifespan. But he would not repeat the same failure. Perfect risk management.
Watching that‚ Flute narrowed her eyes as if impressed.
「Wonderful.」
「What is?」
「Assuming the worst situation and preparing in advance to complete the mission. Splendid command (system).」
「Whose fault do you think this is!!」
「?」
「Because you people’s lack of sense of shame is abnormal‚ I’m going through extra trouble!」
Flute tilted her head just a little.
「From the previous night’s incident‚ I have learned the human concept of 『sense of shame』 to some extent.」
「……What about the three behind?」
「Who knows?」
「『Who knows』…… you……」
Takuto’s anguished voice echoed through the four-and-a-half tatami space.
——Right after that.
Don!!
From beyond the thin wall‚ a 『sound of hitting something (wall slam)』 clearly containing anger echoed.
「…………」
Takuto solidified as if under a curse.
And slowly placed the index finger of his right hand against his own lips.
「……Uwah」
He muttered in a mosquito-like‚ hoarse voice.
「The miner next door is angry……」
The worldly physical attack of daily life instantly dragged him back to reality.
He tightened his resolve again.
Cold moonlight streamed through the window. The magic circle Flute had drawn was quietly flickering with pale blue light.
Takuto stared at it.
「……Let’s finish this quickly. Quietly‚ in any case.」
That whisper was tinged with the earnest wish not to anger the manager.
But. While watching that tense profile.
The three aides were each moved in completely different ways.
Harmonica’s eyes moistened behind her silver-rimmed glasses.
(……What careful consideration. Even though it is a ritual of shedding his own blood‚ to show concern for the surrounding people……!)
Castanets clasped both hands in front of her ample chest.
(To care more about the appearance and dignity of his retainers than himself……!)
And Cello.
(As expected‚ Your Excellency is a cut above)
——All of them were grandly twisting their misunderstandings.
◇
「Then‚ I’ll start.」
Takuto turned to the wall and tightly closed his eyelids.
「I absolutely won’t look.」
「Yes.」
Flute’s reply was thoroughly businesslike.
With his vision shut‚ he pricked the fingertip of his right hand with a small dagger.
Plop‚ fresh crimson blood welled up.
「First‚ Harmonica.」
「Y-yes!」
The First Aide advanced to the center of the pattern (system) while suppressing her presence.
「Ready?」
「Please.」
「Here goes.」
One drop.
The crimson droplet was sucked into the core of the magic circle.
——Kaaaaaaaa!!
Silver-white light explosively filled the narrow four-and-a-half tatami room.
「……!」
Swallowed by the torrent of light‚ Harmonica’s solemn military attire unraveled into particles of faint radiance. Everything she wore completely vanished into pure nothingness.
「Ooh……! So this is the race-change ritual!」
The girl raised a voice of admiration at the dramatic change occurring in her own body.
「D-Demon King-sama! Please look. It succeeded!」
「I won’t look!!」
Takuto desperately screamed toward the wall with his eyes closed.
「Yes‚ change quickly!」
「B-but……!」
「The next one is waiting!!」
「Y-yes!」
Rustle rustle‚ cloth made intense sounds of fabric rubbing.
「I-I’ve finished changing!」
「Good!」
「……Demon King-sama」
「What?」
「Um……」
The First Aide’s voice trembled with intense longing.
「You truly will not look at all……. This rare moment when a retainer is reborn as a new race……」
「Visual confirmation is mentally impossible!」
「……!」
Somehow‚ a presence of holding breath small came from behind.
But there was not the slightest room to think about unnecessary things.
「Next! Castanets!」
「Yes!」
The Second Aide smoothly advanced into the circle of light.
「Demon King-sama」
「Hm?」
「I——」
「I have only a bad feeling」
「Would it be quite all right if you looked upon this proud naked body?」
「Please stop such advanced temptation for real!」
Takuto dropped another drop of blood from his fingertip behind his back into the magic core.
——Kaaaaaaaa!
「Yes‚ clothes gone!」
「My……」
「Put them on quickly!!」
「…………」
「My reason will collapse!」
「……Yes.」
Castanets for some reason let out a sweet breath of not-quite-dissatisfaction‚ happily.
「Then‚ next is Cello.」
「Yeah.」
The small girl nodded with a gulp.
And leaned the jet-black giant scythe against the corner of the room.
——Gotsun!
「Cho……! The sound……!!」
Takuto broke into a cold sweat and apologized in his heart.
(Neighbor‚ just a little more so please endure……!)
(More importantly‚ that huge scythe shouldn’t be placed in a four-and-a-half tatami room……!)
However‚ he didn’t voice it. Now was not the time.
「Cello. Ready?」
「Ready.」
「Then‚ I’ll drop the blood.」
「Yes.」
One drop.
——Kaaaaaaaa!
Again‚ silver-white light.
「…………」
Even with his eyes closed‚ Takuto sensed the flickering of the light source behind his eyelids.
(……Finally ending)
「……Your Excellency」
Cello’s little-bird-like voice came.
「Hm?」
「It’s over.」
Takuto was deeply relieved and slowly opened his eyes.
「I see‚ the humanization is fin——」
「Cho!!!」
He hurriedly closed his eyes again.
「This Cello’s naked body——」
「Just put on clothes quickly!!」
Takuto shouted loudly.
「……Geez.」
His heart was pounding like an alarm bell.
Then. In the darkness‚ a different question suddenly floated in his mind.
「Hey‚ Flute」
「Yes‚ Demon King-sama」
「I didn’t notice with Flute…… but a pattern floated up on the inside of Cello’s thigh……. Is that something that forms at the time of the contract?」
「Yes.」
Flute answered immediately.
「When successful‚ it becomes the absolute proof of the contract.」
「Heeh……」
「On your sealed right arm as well‚ the same 『proof』 as the contractors should be carved.」
「Is that so?」
「Yes.」
「I’ll check later.」
There.
Takuto felt a bad premonition crawling up his spine.
「……Hey」
「Yes?」
「Can the contract…… be dissolved?」
「I do not believe it is possible. At least‚ as far as I know in demon history.」
「……Eh?」
Flute’s tone was as usual‚ as if speaking of everyday weather.
「And」
Casually.
「If the master dies‚ the contractors share their lives and all die at the same time.」
「…………」
Takuto’s thinking completely stopped.
「Conversely‚ if a contractor dies‚ only the crest of that contractor carved on the master disappears. Please rest assured.」
「Uwah……」
Takuto couldn’t help but contort his face.
「Just now I feel like I was casually told something extremely heavy and scary……」
There was no reply.
An all-too-unreasonable and excessively heavy life contract. Takuto gently lowered the shutter of his heart and decided to pretend he hadn’t heard it.
「Cello‚ did you put on clothes?」
「Ah!」
「What what!?!」
「The scythe is gone……」
「Aaaah…… that’s right. Demon equipment also vanishes. I forgot……」
「Shun……」
The third one also safely finished changing.
——Right after that.
Dong dong!!!
This time even stronger‚ the wall shook.
「…………」
Takuto stared at the thin wall with a face on the verge of tears.
(Really…… I’m sorry…… I’ll treat you to juice tomorrow……)
Based on yesterday’s reflection.
The major event that Takuto advanced while transforming into a demon on-site supervisor.
The humanization and subordination contracts of the three. Through twists and turns and neighborhood nuisance‚ somehow safely concluded.
◇
「……Fuu」
At last‚ everyone finished changing.
Takuto sat on the bed and slowly raised his face.
There.
Three lovely girls lined up‚ clad in clean outfits.
Not intimidating military uniforms. Not overly luxurious dresses. Just ordinary human clothes that would not look out of place walking in town‚ a bit stylish and clean casual wear.
「Flute is still in military uniform as usual‚ but you three are different‚ huh.」
At those words.
Flute puffed her cheeks slightly.
「What do you mean by that!?!」
「No. I was thinking that even if demons have no sense of shame‚ their fashion sense for clothes is decent.」
「……I too shall go study clothing on my next day off!」
「Yeah…… (Did I make her angry?)」
Takuto looked at the three again.
On the three’s expressions. There was clearly something different from earlier.
「……You became human‚ but any discomfort? Are you okay?」
Takuto muttered kindly.
Harmonica was staring at her own hands.
Moving her fingers. Once. Then again.
「……Warm.」
Castanets gently touched her own cheek.
「……So this is a human body……」
Cello placed her small hands on her chest. As if confirming the thump‚ thump of her heartbeat.
「……I can properly stay by Your Excellency’s side.」
Those voices alone.
None of the three were joking at all.
How long they had lived as demons.
How they had spent the cold‚ lonely time. Takuto did not know.
Why they devoted such fanatical loyalty to him either. He did not know.
Just.
That the three before his eyes were wholeheartedly rejoicing in this very moment of obtaining fragile‚ warm human bodies (in substance‚ bodies made even more robust by the contract with the Demon King).
That alone was transmitted painfully clearly.
「……Well.」
Takuto smiled a little.
「That’s good‚ isn’t it.」
「「「…………!」」」
The three’s eyes moistened hotly in unison.
(What words……!)
(What compassion……!)
(Your Excellency……!)
Once again‚ they were grandly misunderstanding something.
However. Takuto did not notice the three’s fervor.
Pan.
He lightly clapped both hands once.
「Alright!」
The three looked up with a start.
「With this‚ today’s business is all finished.」
「……Yes.」
「Then——」
Takuto pointed with a cheerful smile at the wooden door of the four-and-a-half tatami room.
「Good work.」
And then.
「Immediately‚ go home!」
「「「——Eh」」」
The three’s time completely stopped.
Takuto wore a full smile.
「You became human‚ so after this go back to your own homes and rest slowly——」
「D-Demon King-sama」
Harmonica’s voice trembled with despair.
「……Are we」
「……being driven out as no longer needed?」
Takuto looked blank.
「Because the contracts are finished. And I have work tomorrow.」
「…………!」
Castanets pressed her chest as if staggering.
「Surely not……」
「Us……」
「You will not keep us at your side?」
「There’s physically no place to sleep!」
「Being abandoned by Your Excellency……!」
「The way you put it!!」
「「「…………」」」
Silence.
The three’s eyes rapidly overflowed with tears.
And then.
「「「Demon King-samaaaaaaa!!!」」」
「Whoa!?!」
Screams of the three that made the four-and-a-half tatami room vibrate.
「Too cold of a response uuuuu!!」
「Quiet! If you make any more noise the neighbor will seriously come charging in with a blade!!」
At that moment.
Flute clapped her hands with a snap.
「Now then‚ since Takuto-sama seems troubled as well‚ we shall return!」
「Eh?」
「Everyone’s residences have already been secured.」
「Ah」
Takuto remembered.
The morning telepathy. 《Death-Eating Valley》. 《Black Wolf Brigade》.
And. The bandit group’s mansion that had forcibly become vacant.
「That’s right‚ there’s a splendid house in the forest!」
Takuto pictured the mansion (hideout) he had never seen.
(I don’t know what kind of place it is‚ but it should be larger than here……)
Flute quietly gazed at the exhausted Takuto.
And. As if perceiving all his fatigue‚ she smiled with supreme kindness.
「Then‚ Takuto-sama.」
The transfer magic circle quietly unfolded once more.
「Good night.」
「Good night. Flute.」
Flute forcibly took the three aides who were crying and wailing and disappeared into the light.
To the end‚ she wore a perfect smile that seemed to care for her master.
(……In places like this‚ she really is attentive)
(As expected of the one thoroughly playing the role of acting commander of the Eastern Demon King’s Army)
The four-and-a-half tatami room that had regained silence.
Takuto exhaled a deep breath‚ fuu.
Tomorrow would be early too.
「……Let’s sleep.」
He turned off the light.
Lay down on the narrow‚ hard bed.
Closed his eyes.
Before long. Takuto fell into a mud-like deep sleep.
——At this time‚ he.
Knew nothing of what would happen to him the next morning.
Nor the true terror that the abnormally soaring numbers of his own status meant.
And.
Nor what kind of chaotic night the four former demons were spending in a place he did not know (the bandits’ fortress).
Knowing nothing.
Just. In the quiet four-and-a-half tatami room.
The E-rank miner boy was sleeping‚ dreaming of peace.
Chapter 03 『The Demon King’s Army in a Four-and-a-Half Tatami Room』 End
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