That night, I went out with Logan.
The purpose was to inspect the vassal states of the Demon Lord's Dominion.
Though called vassal states, it wasn't as if some country had surrendered.
We had simply created independent territories within the Dominion.
Managing the far too vast territory was difficult.
Only extra, troublesome tasks increased, and our subordinates were struggling.
Therefore, we decided to have local officials manage the border regions.
Half a year had passed since the establishment of the vassal states.
So far, no major problems had arisen.
There was some minor confusion, but they maintained the appearance of a country.
However, all the existing nations on the continent were united in their criticism.
They perceived the newly formed vassal states as part of the abhorrent nation ruled by the Demon Lord.
It was roughly the response we had anticipated.
We intended to ignore such voices.
While they might criticize openly, the vassal states would not actually be attacked.
The other nations had not yet recovered from the beast disasters.
An attack on a vassal state would be tantamount to a declaration of war against the Demon Lord.
They wouldn't dare to provoke a war with that knowledge.
They might engage in covert operations, but the reality was they couldn't act on a large scale.
With the appearance of the vassal states, the pressure on the existing nations had intensified further.
With this expanded range of options, I intend to manipulate the continental situation even further going forward.
Transferred to the sky above, we surveyed the townscape of the vassal state.
In that location, once part of the Demon Lord's domain, construction work continued even at night.
Magical lights installed at regular intervals illuminated the entire town.
One could quite clearly see signs of a prosperous lifestyle.
Standing beside me, Logan flipped through documents and reported to me.
"This area is slightly short-handed. Can we send golems?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
As I nodded, I happened to let my gaze wander into the distance.
Beyond the edge of the town, flickering blue flames were visible.
Confirming it with clairvoyant magic, it was a small village.
The people had gathered in the center, holding up the blue flames.
"What kind of festival is that?"
"They appear to be worshipping the Demon Lord. It's apparently a practice that has recently begun."
"I see..."
I focused on the village's state.
I could feel a sense of reverence and love from the people.
And that feeling was directed at none other than me.
The fact that they directed such reverence at me, of all people, felt strangely unsettling.
"To deify the Demon Lord... that's quite an unusual custom."
"Given what you've done, that might not be the case."
"What do you mean?"
Without thinking, I looked to Logan for answers. He gazed into the blue flames as he spoke.
"The current Demon King has worked tirelessly for his territory. The people have likely realized that. You may have taken countless lives, but you have brought salvation to even more."
"..."
"Are you dissatisfied with being worshipped?"
"It's... not unpleasant. But I have no intention of vacating the seat of absolute evil. It's fine if those who worship me remain a minority."
I am not denying that village, but my role is that of the immortal evil. Worship is the polar opposite of that.
If humanity as a whole came to see me as a god, my current standing would become untenable. From now on, I must think carefully about how to present myself. Every action influences the impression of the Demon King. Even when saving someone, the method matters.
Disguise and manipulation are Luciana's specialty, so I'd like to consult her as well.
While secretly admonishing myself, I noticed Logan's gaze fixed on me. He spoke with a direct, unwavering look.
"Dwight, you've done well not to lose sight of yourself. Despite bearing the duties of a Demon King, it seems you haven't forgotten the qualities of a hero."
"Is that... a good thing?"
"At the very least, it isn't bad. It's precisely because you're a true hero that you don't drown in immense power and can keep your purpose in clear view. If you lacked righteous conviction, you would have become the real deal and destroyed the world."
Logan's words hit the mark.
No one remains who can stand against me now.
Not among the demon king's forces of the strong, nor within any defensive mechanism.
Even beasts from the outer world are slaughtered like chaff.
Were I so inclined, I could lead the world to ruin in less than three days.
No matter how powerful the enemy who opposed me, I would surely see it through.
I do not carry this out because the sage's awareness and sense of purpose still linger within me.
And because his image remains in my mind.
"As a friend, I respect you. I will assist you within my means for as long as I can."
"...That helps."
I lower my head.
Logan's words are a comfort.
He always lights the path I must tread, no matter the time or circumstance.
That I, an undead being, can still recognize humanity is likely thanks to him.
"If I should ever stray from the path, please tell me."
"Of course. I will stop you, even if it costs me my life."
"I am glad to hear it, but please do not go and die on me."
"You never change."
Giving a small smile, Logan turned and pointed into the distance.
In that direction lay the Demon King's castle.
"It is time to return. Grom should have dinner prepared by now."
"Understood."
Responding accordingly, I initiated the teleportation magic.