"Well, what do you intend to do with me now? Depending on the conditions, I might even consider the lover position favorably."
"Refused. I have no need for it."
"I figured as much. I knew you would say that, Harvelt." Gwen replied, her tone light with a thin smile, before her expression suddenly vanished.
Her gaze was fixed intently on me.
I met it, but could discern no true intent.
Leaning against the barrier, Gwen began to speak in a flat tone.
"Jokes aside. The fact that you defeated me is already known to the other beasts. They are very sensitive to such information. They will certainly target you, Harvelt, using all manner of schemes."
"Bring it on. If they show themselves, I save the trouble of hunting them down."
The beasts of the outer world were targets I had already intended to deal with. Having them lurk about covertly was the real nuisance.
By analyzing Gwen, I had gained at least some ability to perceive the beasts.
This time, I would not allow them to see a pathetic display; I would crush them with violence.
Gwen looked at me with an air of admiration.
"That's some confidence... Setting aside the lover offer, if you'd like, I could join the Demon King's army. Don't you think a heroine this cute and strong is attractive?"
"I'll take that sentiment under consideration."
I refused without hesitation. Such an out-of-the-blue proposal was utterly unacceptable.
Sensing my rejection, Gwen laughed as if struck by an idea.
"Oh, you don't trust me?"
"Of course. Being told out of the blue that you're allies would make anyone suspicious."
"My, what a blunt opinion. You've shattered my glass heart."
Gwen makes an exaggerated show of weeping.
Of course, she was likely not the slightest bit hurt.
Her thick skin and flippant nature needed no further confirmation.
(Allies out of nowhere? What's her real goal?)
I glared at her, my suspicion deepening.
Gwen was far too dangerous in various ways.
She was the sort of person who would assault my mind with spiritual pollution without any warning.
And she was a creature of the outside world as well.
Add to that her position as one of the enemies I would soon face, and she was utterly untrustworthy.
"Well, if you put it plainly, it's an exchange of favors. I don't much care for continuing these days of imprisonment either. I'd like to have my freedom in return for lending you my strength. You needn't decide right now. I'm always happy to welcome you."
She spoke in a casual, easy tone.
With that breezy manner, she laid out her own usefulness for inspection.
"..."
I glanced at her profile.
I couldn't read her true feelings.
What on earth was she thinking?
She should be harboring resentment against me, but for now, even that wasn't visible.
She must be hiding it well.
In any case, I had no intention of releasing Gwen from here.
At that moment, I sensed another presence descending from above.
The one plummeting down with gleaming eyes was the director.
"Demon King! Is it true that you've captured a beast from the outside world!?"
"Ugh."
A sound of undisguised disgust was emitted.
Looking, it was Gwen who had pulled a sour face.
She had retreated to the very edge of the barrier, making sure not to move from her spot.
Her presence seemed fainter as well.
It was obvious she was trying not to attract attention.
All that effort was in vain, as the director immediately dashed to the barrier.
She pressed both hands and her face against it, peering intently at Gwen.
"Oh! Oh! Outwardly she appears no different from a human, but her fundamental composition is entirely distinct. I see—she possesses a power similar not to magical energy, but miasma? This is fascinating…!"
The director let out a voice brimming with excitement.
She trembled from head to toe, expressing her delight.
I had heard that the director had made contact with Gwen before I did, and she seemed perfectly unharmed.
Just to be sure, I analyzed her, but found no trace of spiritual contamination.
I had thought a spiritual being like her would be particularly vulnerable, but it seemed there was no need to worry.
Considering the damage received, I was by far the more seriously affected.
That fact left me with an indescribable feeling.
Meanwhile, Gwen, exposed to the director's gaze, hugged her shoulders as if feeling unwell.
Unable to hold back, she voiced her displeasure.
"Hey, stop staring at me like that. I'll start charging you if you keep it up!"
"Not a problem at all! No matter the amount, I will pay you properly! I've got my unused salary saved up. For the sake of new research, I intend to pour in as much as you need!"
The director, clinging to the barrier, answered forcefully.
Her approach was wrong, but I didn't feel the urge to correct her.
Perhaps she was particularly interested, as directors began emerging one after another from the floor, walls, and ceiling.
It was her unique ability—simultaneous existence.
In the blink of an eye, the number grew to nearly fill the barrier.
The sight of multiple directors talking amongst themselves was utterly bizarre.
At the center of it all, Gwen stood on tiptoe to spot me, then pointed at the crowd of directors and offered her advice.
"Wow, they're spectacularly insane. Harvelt, you should factor in personality when choosing the person in charge."
On this point, Gwen's argument was correct.
The director was extremely dangerous.
Knowing that, I still entrusted the research institute to her.
I have never once thought this decision was a mistake.
"Director, I'm returning to the castle. Would you mind keeping watch?"
"Of course! Leave it to me! I won't let my eyes off them for a single moment, I'll watch them closely...!"
The director replied, brimming with enthusiasm.
Her eyes conveyed an insanity that defied expression.
Of course, this was not my concern. Since the Demon Lord's domain was the only one to benefit, I had no obligation to stop it.
"What a splendid offer, I'm almost moved to tears, truly."
I heard Gwen's sarcasm, but chose to ignore it for now. At the very least, identifying her weakness was a significant gain. Ignoring the calls from behind, I teleported to the castle.