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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: selkie
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Samson, abruptly shifting the direction of the conversation towards the Hero,
Elias couldn’t help but furrow her brow at this sudden action.
‘Even so, to hand over the speaking rights to the Hero in a situation like this? That thoughtless fellow is doing something useless…’
Although they had become allies under the guarantee of the Demon King, Elias still did not let down her guard against the Hero.
As someone who had directly fought him in the past, Elias was aware of the Hero’s immense power, and at the same time, she also knew that the he was not just a brute but a cunning strategist.
A dangerously capable being, possessing both brawn and brains.
Since no one knew how things would unfold once such a person gained momentum, Elias believed it was best to avoid giving the Hero any opportunities to make a conspicuous move.
However, Samson, oblivious to this situation—simply because of his past victories against the Hero—recklessly dragged the Hero into their conversation… into this crucial conversation that would determine the future of the Demon Kingdom.
In other words, Samson’s reckless statement inadvertently opened the door for the Hero to exert influence in future state affairs.
‘Since he’s already been allowed to speak once, the Hero will be able to freely express his opinions in future meetings. Samson, that muscle-brained idiot… what am I supposed to do if he gives the Hero this opportunity to solidify his position?’
While harboring concerns about future events, Elias also thought that this would at least somewhat appease the opposition from Samson and the hardliners.
‘Here, the Hero will surely support my opinion. He’ll know how foolish it is to fight at this point… ‘
As the Hero was also a cunning individual, he would have reached the same conclusion. Elias predicted the Hero’s actions not through trust, but through pure calculation.
And then.
After a moment of deliberation, the Hero spoke.
“I too believe that launching an attack as soon as possible, as Commander Samson suggested, is the best course of action.”
‘!?…What the hell?’
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Samson’s sudden inclusion of me in the conversation.
Like one of two people fighting fiercely in the middle of the street suddenly dragging in a bystander, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of bewilderment.
‘No… why is he suddenly involving me? If they want to fight, they should fight amongst themselves…’
However, despite this sudden situation, I had to strive to regain my composure as quickly as possible.
For me, essentially sitting here as an observer and something like a new employee, this situation was crucial in determining how I would be perceived by the demons in the future.
Although I was under the Demon King’s protection, I knew very well from the history of my original world that relying solely on one person’s trust in the political arena, where a nation’s power ebbs and flows, often leads to ruin.
‘On top of that, my current human limitations mean I’m already at a disadvantage from the start. I need to give an answer that’s as amicable as possible…’
Feeling this immense pressure, I racked my brains and began to decide on my response.
Honestly, from my subjective standpoint, I should have sided with Elias.
As she said, recklessly attacking the enemy at this point was not a wise choice.
In this emergency situation, the Allied Races were undoubtedly preparing with every means at their disposal, living in fear and vigilance, unsure when the demons might attack.
Furthermore, even with their supply lines cut, their numbers were at least three times that of our forces. I judged that a rash attack from our side could even give the enemy an opportunity to break through.
However…
“In my humble opinion…”
Regardless of that…
“I too believe that launching an attack as soon as possible, as Commander Samson suggested, is the best course of action.”
Words supporting Samson, who could be considered a radical, came out of my mouth…
“Fufu.”
“…”
Samson, having received my support, showed a broad smile. On the other hand, Elias’s face was a picture of utter disbelief, clearly conveying the emotion, ‘What the hell’
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The meeting continued for some time afterward.
Although the Hero’s statement had initially swayed the atmosphere toward immediate war, the determined opposition of the cautious faction led by Elias, along with the Demon King’s mediation, resulted in a temporary adjournment, with the decision to be made the following day.
“Mama, you worked hard.”
“Yes, Elisia, you too worked hard.”
“I really don’t understand… that Hero, he seemed quite clever before, but why did he say that today? Is he really blinded by the thrill of battle, as Belzebuth said?”
“Mmm…”
Elisia voiced her displeasure about the Hero, whom she had trusted to some extent, expressing an opinion contrary to theirs.
Hearing her daughter’s words, Elias could only furrow her brow slightly, unable to give a clear answer.
Having expected the Hero to advocate for caution, Elias was full of questions about his actions during the meeting.
Of course, as Elisa said, it could simply be that he was blinded by the thrill of battle, but Elias suspected there was more to it.
‘Could it be… is that Hero really trying to lead the Demon Kingdom to defeat? No… even so, that seems a bit extreme, but still…’
With suspicions about the Hero growing, Elias and Elisia, feeling tired, were about to return to their residence.
Then…
“Huh?”
“!”
The next moment, a familiar face appeared before them as they were about to leave the castle.
The appearance of the very Hero they had been thinking about just moments before caused both of them to stop dead in their tracks.
“Hero? What are you doing here…?”
Elisia, about to speak gruffly with displeasure, was interrupted by Elias, who, with a cold expression, looked at the Hero and said:
“Do you have something you want to say?”
“Yes. No… yes, that’s right.”
The Hero spoke with a degree of politeness towards Elias. Elias, with a more serious expression than before, asked the Hero:
“It doesn’t seem like something you’d want to discuss openly. Would you be willing to spare some time with me in a more private setting?”
“Yes, I would appreciate that.”
The Hero nodded in response to Elias’s words.
Elias, thinking that this might resolve the suspicions he had been harboring, headed toward a nearby private room with the Hero.
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The next day, the commanders and elite guards gathered once more in the council chamber.
Today, the day they had decided to conclude yesterday’s discussion, Samson was the first to speak.
“Your Majesty, after much deliberation throughout last night, my resolve remains unchanged. I implore you to grant me permission to swiftly eliminate the weakened remnants of the Allied Races from this Demon Kingdom.”
“We implore you, Your Majesty.”
“Mmm…”
The Demon King showed a moment of hesitation at Samson’s words. Her gaze then turned to the Hero, who had supported Samson yesterday.
“Hero, does your resolve remain unchanged? Do you also believe that now is the perfect opportunity for us to launch a full-scale offensive?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Hero answered without the slightest hesitation.
Seeing them reiterate the same arguments as yesterday, the Demon King began to think that the meeting might not end today.
Turning her gaze to Elias, the Demon King knew that she would likely receive the same answer as yesterday, having staunchly opposed the war until the very end, but she asked nonetheless.
“Elias, what are your thoughts?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I too have come to the conclusion that, as the other commanders have stated, it is best to proceed with war.”
“I see. As expected of you… wait, what?”
Elias, contrary to the Demon King’s expectations, expressed an opinion completely different from the one she had given yesterday.
Seeing this, Samson and the hardliners instinctively raised a question mark in their minds, but they accepted it with a slightly bewildered feeling.
And at that moment…
Elias coldly averted her gaze from the Hero, who was giving her a slight smile, and thought to herself:
‘Annoying fellow…’
