I continued my stroll through the night sky.
As thoughts accumulated one after another, I questioned myself repeatedly, forcing a change of topic as if trying to convince myself.
At times, my footing grew unsteady, but I regained my senses and adjusted the technique.
It wasn't a physical ailment.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
"..."
As I gazed at my own blackened hand, I sensed a presence behind me.
Turning around, I saw Grom standing there.
Grom placed a hand over his chest and reported to me.
"Demon Lord, construction of the fortress on the southern continent has been completed. I will require your orders for the deployment of forces shortly."
"Understood."
Nodding at the report, I resumed walking.
After a brief pause, Grom spoke up.
"...Are you troubled by something?"
"I'm merely wary of new problems. It's nothing so serious as to be called a worry."
I relayed my conversation with Gwen.
I also explained the countermeasure she had proposed.
Grom already knew about the will of the world and the Savior.
He seemed to grasp the mechanism immediately.
Stroking his chin in a solemn manner, Grom listened.
Hmm. "Preparing a hero, and concentrating the world's will upon them..." A rather clever method. Truly befitting of beasts from another world."
"I intend to carry out this plan."
"I also concur. It is an excellent strategy to minimize the problem. I will prepare someone suitable for the role of hero later."
"Ah, please do."
Grom was involved in various fields throughout the Demon Lord's domain.
He was one of the highest-ranking officials after myself.
He had a grasp of personnel across all regions and would be able to select someone appropriate for this countermeasure.
The conversation fell silent.
I didn't mind and continued my walk.
Having finished his report, Grom seemed to be standing quietly behind me.
I thought he would leave as he was, but he suddenly spoke.
"It does seem that something is troubling you. If I may be of assistance, would you be willing to confide in me? I promise not to speak of it to others."
"..."
I stopped walking and looked at Grom.
The flame residing in his single eye seemed weaker than usual, flickering faintly in the wind.
(He saw through me after all.)
Among my subordinates, Grom was the one who observed me most closely.
He often noticed even subtle changes in my mood and would show concern in various ways.
This time too, he must have sensed my state from my demeanor.
It is true that I am currently troubled.
I have turned my gaze away, but this is undeniable.
I kept it hidden through the busyness of work, but it becomes laid bare when such blank time arrives.
Perhaps reconfirming the nature of a Demon Lord was counterproductive.
Acknowledging the point, I turn toward Grom without meeting his eyes and murmur.
"My apologies."
"There is no need for the Demon Lord to apologize. To be consulted is the highest honor."
I sense Grom bowing slightly.
He speaks with a composed demeanor.
Maintaining his usual tone.
I do not know what he thinks inside.
He is surely worried.
But he does not show it, making a conscious effort not to break the position of confidant.
I cannot let his goodwill go to waste.
"..."
I tried to put the turmoil in my heart into words.
However, I instinctively hesitated.
I felt a fear in the act of speaking.
Still, there was no option to stop here.
I am not alone.
There are those I can rely on.
I resolved not to shoulder this alone.
After expending considerable time, I finally voice my troubles.
"I want to let him see the world as it is now."