The Great Spirit gazed into the void.
After a few beats, as if remembering, she shifted the topic.
"By the way, it appears you’ve been borrowing my likeness."
"I have. You made use of it."
When subjugating the beasts in other nations, I used sorcery to cast an illusion of my appearance, making it resemble the Great Spirit’s.
In doing so, I saved the continent without altering the Demon King’s reputation.
The merit was left unrecorded, effectively pushed onto the Great Spirit.
Since the Great Spirit was similarly subjugating beasts elsewhere, it seemed a fitting arrangement.
For a transcendent being like the Great Spirit, it wouldn’t be strange to be in two places at once.
As a result, she came to be worshipped by the people.
She is said to receive treatment akin to a guardian deity.
Given the Great Spirit’s status and purpose, this isn’t entirely wrong.
Meanwhile, the Demon King—that is to say, my own infamy—has deepened.
Rumors are circulating that I am the root cause of this recent turmoil.
Similar whispers are reaching other continents as well.
They say the Undead Demon King, unsatisfied with dominating the continent, has finally begun invading across the sea.
Indeed, commanding deformed monsters is precisely the act of a Demon King.
Everyone accepts this; it is nothing surprising.
As evidence, the vast majority of unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories feature the Demon King.
People likely want to believe it is the truth.
While the positive impression from reconstruction work in the domain does help soften my image, I still hear voices suggesting I could be capable of using the undead. As the people gradually regain their composure, they need a target for their pent-up emotions—anger, grief, and the like. That target has become the Demon King. They can pour their hatred onto it without any reservations; it’s the perfect scapegoat. Personally, I see this as a favorable development. The concept of evil is being concentrated on the Demon King. Former enemies find it easier to join hands. I was concerned that the beasts’ attacks might disperse the blame, but if people insist on believing it was my doing, that’s actually ideal. If they knew about beasts coming from beyond this world, it would only cause unnecessary chaos. Having it interpreted as the Demon King’s work is far simpler. Public opinion is almost exactly as I’d hoped. That said, the unauthorized use of the Great Spirit’s appearance is another matter. When I apologize for that, the Great Spirit responds impassively. "I don’t mind. I simply wanted to verify. However, please obtain permission in advance from now on." "Understood. I promise." I nod obediently. The Great Spirit then asks, in a slightly stiff tone, "…Was there merit in the change of appearance?" "Thanks to it, I was able to preserve the Demon King’s dignity. I am grateful."
"I'm glad to hear that."
The Great Spirit said this while gazing over the capital city below the castle.
I glanced over at their profile.
No emotion could be discerned.
I wondered what that question had truly meant to probe.
At the very least, they didn't seem displeased.
That alone was a relief.
"Do you have plans for the future?"
"I intend to continue the reconstruction work within our territory while keeping watch on other nations."
"I will stand by for a time. Should beasts appear on this continent, I will move to deal with them."
"You won't go to aid another continent's defense?"
I asked, my interest piqued.
The Great Spirit shook their head.
"Other defensive mechanisms exist besides myself, so it isn't necessary. They have their pride as well; clumsy assistance would be seen as an insult. Defending this continent, which falls under my jurisdiction, is my foremost duty."
"I see."
I murmured in agreement.
The conversation paused there.
A silence descended over the scene.
Strangely, it was not an awkward silence.
After a moment, the Great Spirit spoke again, without preamble.
"Don't you have something to ask me?"
"...You knew?"
"Naturally. I am a great spirit."
The reply came with a hint of pride.
Being a great spirit hardly seemed reason enough to intuit my thoughts.
But pointing that out would be tactless.
If she said so, it must be true.
Since she had prompted me, I should simply accept the courtesy.
With that thought, I spoke.
"What I wish to ask about is the will of the world—its true nature."