Chapter 63
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After parting ways with the Demon King, Rubert purchased a mask from a street stall. Conveniently, there was a white mask that could cover the left half of his face.
(......I knew the risks when I kidnapped a companion of the Demon King. Considering the Demon King's power, capable of killing tens of thousands in an instant, this is a minor consequence. It's not a big deal.)
It might make him less appealing to women. However, in a way, it's a relief to no longer attract those who only care about appearances.
Putting that aside, Rubert took some time to observe the town before returning once again to the Adventurer Guild in Rugimano. The Demon King and his group were already gone. Rubert informed the receptionist and rented a room on the second floor where a communication Magical Tool was kept.
The communication Magical Tool was shaped like a life-sized crystal, unsuitable for carrying around. It also consumed a large amount of magical energy. Even so, being able to casually contact places that would take dozens of days to travel to was incredibly convenient.
"......Now, time to report to headquarters."
Activating the Magical Tool, Rubert specified the recipient, and it connected to the Adventurer Guild headquarters in the royal capital.
Reflected in the crystal was Romansa, the deputy guild leader. A man in his mid-forties with bronze-colored hair, he had an imposing appearance. Though past his prime, he still possessed strength above Class Two.
"Romansa, sir. I'm reporting on my contact with the Demon King."
'Hmm. ......But what's with that mask? It's unusual for you to wear one.'
"It's the result of a little retaliation from the Demon King."
Rubert removed the mask momentarily to show Romansa his bare face. Romansa grimaced.
'As a man's badge of honor, that face looks far too painful.'
"It can't be helped. I've suffered, but I'm grateful it ended at this level."
'......Considering a whole town could have been wiped out, the damage is indeed minimal.'
"Yes."
'......I'm sorry it had to fall on your shoulders like this. By the way, is Deena safe?'
"Yes, she's fine. For ten days, everything she eats or drinks will taste painfully spicy due to a Curse, but it's nothing that will leave lasting damage."
'......The Demon King is relatively lenient with women, isn't that right? That's quite a lighthearted Curse.'
"Indeed. For someone like you, Romansa, it might even be considered a blessing."
'True. I wouldn't mind being afflicted with a Curse like that myself.'
With a light chuckle, the two shared a brief laugh.
Then, Romansa's expression turned serious.
'Let's get to the main topic. Having met the Demon King in person, what are your thoughts, Rubert?'
"My impression is that of a child with godlike, immense power. Despite possessing overwhelming strength, their inner self doesn't seem much different from an ordinary child."
'Hoh...... That's frightening in its own way.'
"Yes. It's a relief that they're not the embodiment of evil, but they're unstable and can easily lose composure over specific triggers. It's also unclear how they might change in the future."
'Specific triggers, you say?'
"One is witnessing violence or murder that goes against their will. They wish to live in peace, and when someone disrupts that, the Demon King gets angry."
'Hmm...... I see. What else?'
"They seem to become most enraged when someone they consider a companion is attacked. The Demon King appears to deeply value their companions. They don't care much if a stranger is harmed, but if a companion is hurt, they immediately show their anger."
'A Demon King who cares for their companions...... That's quite an odd story.'
"Indeed. However, this means sending Deena wasn't a waste."
'......Getting the Demon King to recognize Deena as a companion, and then having them work for Deena's sake, and by extension for humanity...... Is that it? Will it really go so smoothly?'
"I believe there's a possibility. The Demon King doesn't seem interested in power or money, so offering titles or large sums of gold likely won't motivate them to actively work for humanity. However, for the sake of friends or companions, I expect they would fully wield their power."
'Well, if it works out, that's great. If not, it's no significant loss.'
"Yes. And...... if it comes down to it, Deena might be used to eliminate the Demon King."
'......What do you mean? Are you suggesting Deena assassinate them?'
"No. In the recent battle, there was a report that the Demon King was greatly shaken when they witnessed a companion's death."
During that battle, someone watching from high above reported that when the Demon King saw their companion Lipia die, they were unable to act properly. It's a reaction stemming from the Demon King's childlike nature and their deep care for companions.
'......So, if Deena were to die in front of them, the Demon King would be shaken?'
"I'm not sure if they would be that deeply affected. However, if the Demon King possesses human-like emotions, living together for a while should foster some attachment to Deena. If someone like that dies before their eyes, they should be shaken for at least a few seconds."
'Hmm......'
"That Demon King doesn't seem to be a martial expert. Nor do they constantly maintain protective magic to guard themselves. Their attack power is high, but their defense is within the realm of common sense. If I can create a few seconds of vulnerability, I can take the Demon King's head."
'......Is it necessary to kill Deena? Wouldn't killing another companion suffice?'
"I'm human too. I don't kill people needlessly. Deena has accepted this mission knowing she might one day be killed by me. Her death is part of the job, and she's been compensated with a fortune for it."
'......I see. Deena did say she needed money for her family, didn't she?'
"Yes."
'Hmm...... Well, it's a shaky plan, but it's a decent backup. We might not need to kill Deena and could simply resort to assassination. In any case, we need to keep observing whether we can coexist with the Demon King or if we must eliminate them.'
"Yes."
'What about you, Rubert? Do you think coexistence with the Demon King is possible?'
"With the current Demon King, I believe it is. However, the Demon King is still a child. Their mind changes day by day. I can't say if the same will hold true a year from now."
'......Understood. Let's prepare to move toward elimination if it comes to that.'
"Yes."
'That said, for the time being, I'd like to aim for coexistence.'
"Yes. There are risks, but there are also plenty of ways to use them. For instance, Deena is from the royal capital. If a crisis strikes the capital and Deena wishes to protect her family, the Demon King might fight to defend the capital."
'I see. Well, as long as we don't misuse them and drive humanity to extinction, that's fine.'
"......Yes. Let's be cautious."
'I'll report this to His Majesty the King and discuss the next steps.'
"Yes."
After that, their conversation continued for a while.
Once everything was discussed, the communication ended.
"......Whether there's a future where we coexist with the Demon King, I don't know. The Adventurer Guild's intentions alone can't decide everything...... I just hope no unnecessary organizations interfere."