I flinch under Luciana's gaze.
I could feel an unfathomable pressure radiating from her.
She looked cool and composed on the surface, but it was clear she was angry.
And her fury was more than enough to be called wrath.
Why was Luciana angry?
I wanted to ask her true intentions, but a premonition told me that doing so would only enrage her further.
Therefore, I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.
Meanwhile, Henry, who had stopped before Grom, gave a casual wave of his hand.
He spoke in a light tone.
"You're being too stiff, Captain. That's exactly the kind of talk you should have over drinks."
"...One shouldn't taint good liquor with petty worries and gripes."
"Oh, you still don't get it, do you? Holding back is the least tasteful thing you can do. The real flavor comes later."
Henry sighed and shook his head.
His reaction was like that of a teacher trying to explain something to a slow student.
As I remained silent, unable to respond, the pressure from Luciana intensified.
She addressed me in a serious voice.
"Lord Demon."
"What is it?"
"If you have a wish, why not just grant it? You probably have a pretty good idea how to make it happen, right?"
"..."
I fall silent.
There was no atmosphere that could be covered by lies.
I couldn't deny it.
Luciana's observation was correct.
The revival of the dead was one of the endeavors deemed impossible even at the research institute.
Analysis was still ongoing, but no major breakthroughs had been made.
However, there was one element that had dramatically changed compared to when the research began.
That was my ability.
Before, I had only been receiving the benefits of the Valley of the Dead.
Now, in addition to my own power having increased significantly, I possessed a large number of the Beast's supernatural abilities.
In particular, these abilities were remarkably diverse.
Most could be replicated through sorcery, but a portion held effects that surpassed magic itself.
If I used these to their fullest and cooperated with the Director, I could probably revive that person.
I had an intuitive certainty of that.
The power residing within my body had already reached a realm where even immutable laws could be warped.
That said, whether or not I should actually do it was another matter entirely.
The swollen authority held an incalculable influence.
It was, to put it bluntly, enough to let me destroy the world with my own hands.
Aware of this, I refuted Luciana.
"Just because it's possible doesn't mean it should be undertaken lightly. This is a far cry from the dilemmas I've faced before. It's not something that can be decided by my will alone—"
"Fine, fine, I get the idea."
Luciana cut him off with a clap of her hands.
Her index finger tapped the tip of my nose.
I stopped talking involuntarily, and Luciana smiled.
"Then let's just decide together, all of us. I have no objections to reviving the hero. Skeleton Minister, how about you?"
"I am in agreement. To align with the Demon Lord's wishes is paramount."
Grom answered immediately, arms crossed.
The flame in his single eye had regained its vigor, roaring and blazing fiercely.
Luciana shrugged, then turned her gaze to Henry.
"I figured you'd say that. What about you?"
"Not only am I not opposed, I'm itching to fight the revived hero myself. They must possess the former general's swordsmanship? My expectations are swelling so much it's almost a problem."
Henry answered with a fierce expression.
His eyes burned with a bright light.
Like a starving beast.
Henry was serious.
If that person were revived, he seemed like the type to charge in first.
Having heard their opinions, Luciana turned back to me.
She continued speaking with a triumphant expression.
"So, that's three executives in favor. We could hold a meeting, but I doubt the other executives hold a different opinion."
"..."
I cannot look at the faces of Luciana and the others, instead gazing out over the land.
I had no words to offer, and could only fall silent in the awkward atmosphere.
Then, Luciana abruptly patted my shoulder.
A piece of bone chipped off from the impact, but she paid it no mind and spoke.
"Don't be so pessimistic about everything. If the Hero's resurrection causes more problems, then solve them with your power. Isn't that just how it always is?"
"I suppose you're right."
"Gosh, no matter how many times I say it, you always try to carry everything alone... You really should fix that habit, you know?"
"...My apologies."
On that point, I truly had no rebuttal.
It felt like I was being lectured every time I faced a major problem.
It must be a bad habit from when I was alive.
Looking back, I vaguely remembered that person telling me the same thing frequently.
"Well, we have to deal with the Savior business first, though. Let's try the Hero's resurrection after that, okay?"
"Understood. Let's proceed in that direction."
I agreed to Luciana's proposal.
Grom and Henry seemed to have no objections either.
Luciana's proposal lacked any concrete detail.
It ignored every potential issue and was more reckless than bold.
However, I didn't feel all that anxious.
Perhaps I was simply influenced by her boundlessly positive attitude.
The burden pressing against my chest had lightened.
(Plotting that man's resurrection would make me unfit as Demon King, wouldn't it?)
It was utterly irrational even as a pursuit of world peace.
It was a choice that should absolutely never be made.
Yet, it was what I, personally, wanted to bring about more than anything.
My subordinates agreed with me.
To say I had no doubts would be a lie.
But now, I had the courage to surpass that hesitation.
I did not know what would happen to the world if that man regained his life.
It might not lead to the outcome I desired.
Still, I thought I would take on the challenge.
It was necessary to move forward.
(When I met you again, I...)
I severed the thought that was beginning to surface.
First, the savior's problem must be resolved.
I could indulge in unnecessary imagination afterward.