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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Xrecker
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After parting ways with Kaldrash, Camilla headed to the Demon Lord’s office.
Her original mission was to observe Kaldrash, the wild card. While she had received sex education and befriended Dorothea along the way, she had never forgotten the Demon Lord’s command.
And now, she was here to fulfill that command.
Knock, knock.
Arriving at the office, she knocked on the door after receiving permission from Seneca, the chief steward. A deep voice called out from within,
“Enter.”
Instead of entering immediately, Camilla adjusted her clothes and, taking a deep breath, opened the door.
Creak!
The Demon Lord, as always, was buried in paperwork at his desk.
Without looking up, he said,
“Report. I’m listening, even if it doesn’t look like it.”
Camilla felt a surge of emotion at hearing his voice after a month, but she composed herself and spoke,
“Demon Lord, Archmage Kaldrash has just returned to the castle.”
The Demon Lord, finally looking up from his papers, exclaimed,
“Camilla!”
He rose from his desk, a genuine smile on his face.
Officially, there was no connection between them.
But Camilla saw him as a father figure, and he treated her like a daughter.
Their close bond had even sparked jealousy from his biological daughter.
The Demon Lord approached Camilla and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Are you alright? Are you injured?”
Camilla nodded.
“I’m fine. I was stationed in the rear, so there was no danger.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve been worried about you.”
The Demon Lord sighed in relief and offered Camilla a seat.
He then asked, his expression turning serious,
“So, what’s your assessment of Kaldrash, after observing him for a month?”
It was the question she had been expecting. Having rehearsed her answer countless times, she replied without hesitation,
“He will be an invaluable asset to the Demon Lord’s army.”
The Demon Lord stroked his long beard, impressed.
“Tell me why you think so.”
Camilla nodded slightly and began her report.
“He calls himself a selfish man. He prioritizes those close to him over strangers and values practical gains over empty honors.”
“So, he’s not an altruist like the Hero?”
“No. He seems to dislike helping others without personal gain.”
Kaldrash was a misfit in the Hero’s party. The team composition had been flawed from the start. But considering his overwhelming power, the kingdom likely had no other choice.
“Kaldrash has achieved remarkable feats during his deployment to the Eastern Front. Not only did he play a crucial role in capturing the Hamburg fortress, which had been considered impregnable for over a hundred years, but he also defeated Baron Louis von Bettenndorf, the ‘Ocean Mage,’ one of the kingdom’s strongest assets. He then infiltrated Hamburg County, single-handedly eliminating the Margrave and a hundred elite soldiers.”
The Demon Lord nodded gravely.
“I’ve already received Dorothea’s report. Recruiting him was a stroke of luck.”
Kaldrash’s notoriety had preceded him, even within the Demon Lord’s army.
During the Human-Demon War, while still a fifth-tier mage, his exceptional battle sense and strategic thinking had allowed him to defeat numerous demon officers.
Furthermore, the magic he wielded was said to be the signature technique of Esmeralda, the current Head Mage of the Emerald Tower, known for its devastating power.
He was a one-man army.
As an enemy, he was a force to be reckoned with.
“Camilla, do you think we can trust Kaldrash?”
Camilla paused, considering her answer carefully.
While her words might not significantly influence the Demon Lord’s decision, she was the only one who had observed Kaldrash up close.
Her deliberation didn’t last long.
“Yes, I believe he can be trusted.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Political theory suggests that those driven by material desires are the easiest for a ruler to manage. Those who pursue abstract ideals like honor or faith are difficult to satisfy, but those who prioritize personal gain and status will never betray you, as long as you meet their demands.”
“I see.”
The Demon Lord looked at Camilla approvingly.
“I agree. He didn’t defect to our side out of some grand ambition. He simply saw it as beneficial. The Hero’s party’s mistreatment of him was likely just one of many factors.”
Based on the reports and Camilla’s observations, Kaldrash was a pragmatist.
As long as the Demon Lord, Nero, took care of him, he wouldn’t betray them.
While the Geass Scroll ensured his loyalty, it was human nature to be suspicious.
The Demon Lord stroked his long beard.
“Thanks to you, the picture is becoming clearer.”
“I’m glad I could be of assistance.”
Camilla bowed respectfully, and the Demon Lord, smiling warmly, reminisced,
“When we first met, you were barely tall enough to reach my waist. Now, look how much you’ve grown.”
“…”
Camilla didn’t respond to his teasing.
“If you find a good man, bring him to me. I’ll do what I can to help.”
Kaldrash’s face flashed through Camilla’s mind.
He was the only man she had ever felt anything resembling… fondness for.
It wasn’t quite affection, nor was it romantic love.
It was a warm, unfamiliar feeling that had taken root in her heart.
“Yes, Demon Lord.”
Hiding her true feelings, Camilla replied in her usual impassive tone.
“Now, go and rest. You must be tired from your journey. And tell Kaldrash he doesn’t need to report today. He can come tomorrow. There’s no need to rush.”
“Yes, Demon Lord.”
Camilla bowed and left the office.
As she stepped outside, Seneca, the goat-headed steward, a Baphomet, nodded slightly.
While the occupant of the throne had changed with each Hero sent by the humans, Seneca’s position had remained unchanged, making him a powerful figure within the Demon Lord’s castle.
However, Seneca’s dedication to his role and unwavering loyalty to the Demon Lord earned him the respect of the entire castle staff.
Camilla bowed politely to him and walked down the hallway, her footsteps silent.
The staff she passed greeted her warmly.
Despite her quiet nature and stern demeanor, she was well-liked. She returned their greetings and reached Kaldrash’s quarters.
Knock, knock.
She knocked, as was customary for staff, but there was no response.
She cautiously opened the door, and there, lying face down on the bed, still partially dressed, was Kaldrash, whom she had just parted ways with at the castle entrance.
Camilla closed the door behind her and removed Kaldrash’s cloak before laying him down properly on the bed.
Short blond hair and green eyes.
It was strange to see him so still and quiet, his eyes closed, his usual mischievous expression gone.
She covered him with a blanket and then instinctively reached out to stroke his face, then quickly withdrew her hand.
“…”
Why?
Confused, she walked towards the window to get some fresh air.
“If you find a good man, bring him to me. I’ll do what I can to help.”
The Demon Lord’s words echoed in her mind.
A faint blush crept onto Camilla’s usually stoic face.
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