Feeling gratitude toward the Great Spirit that had flown off, I was tapped on the shoulder by Luciana.
She pointed westward and said, "Well then, we're heading back to our posts too."
Luciana hovered, flapping her wings up and down.
She could teleport back to her post, but it seemed she intended to fly back under her own power.
Henry tried to grab her hand, but she reached me at the last moment before he could.
He punched my chest lightly.
"Don't lose to the previous Hero, General."
"It hasn't been decided that I'm fighting yet."
"Oh, right, that's true, isn't it?" Henry said, as if suddenly remembering, and then grabbed Luciana's hand.
The two soared into the sky.
Their movement was so agile it didn't seem powered by wings alone.
They were probably accelerating with magic.
"Don't bend your convictions! Don't overthink it, just charge in headfirst!" he shouted.
"Lord Demon King, do your best! We'll be waiting for good news!" she called out loudly.
The two flew off into the distance, their voices echoing behind them.
I had known them for quite a while.
Their kindness, unadorned by unnecessary words, was genuinely appreciated.
(Should I head back to the director now?)
There was nothing particular to do.
It would be better to wait before the magic circle, remaining in peak condition.
Just as I turned on my heel, thinking thus, a voice of restraint flew over.
"Hold on! Are we forgetting someone?!"
That sharp cry came from far away.
The person who had such a carrying voice was approaching with tremendous speed.
The one dashing forward, scattering the wind, was Diera.
She glided across the ground and planted herself in my path.
Yura and Dolda appeared shortly after.
I stopped and asked Diera.
"What is it?"
"Given how things have unfolded up to now, the remaining executives were bound to show up! Can you not read the air?!"
"…My apologies."
For some reason, she was angry, but I offered an apology regardless.
I had indeed been aware of the three of them. From the moment I was speaking with Grom, they had been waiting at a distance. I knew they were eavesdropping on our conversation through Yura’s spirit magic. I had been curious about what they were doing, but it seemed they were waiting for the others to leave. I had thought they were only observing from afar and had nothing to say.
"Never mind. Time is short, so let’s be brief. Those are the grateful words of the previous Demon Lord."
Diera placed her hand on my shoulder and spoke with a knowing look.
I wasn't exactly seeking comforting words, but if I said as much, she'd surely sulk.
Reading the air, I stayed silent. Diera raised a single finger.
She began offering advice in a measured tone.
"First, dialogue. You and the Hero have much to catch up on, I'd imagine. Have a good long talk."
"And after that?"
"Come at them full force from the start. You'll end up fighting anyway."
Diera answered immediately, clenching her fist.
Typical of her, that.
Hardly advice at all.
Seeing that I was at least somewhat exasperated, Diera traced a finger along my cheek.
Then she lightly gripped my chin, bringing our eyes level.
The playful atmosphere had evaporated entirely.
"This is serious. A Hero and a Demon Lord, standing across from each other. Where exactly do you see room for a peaceful resolution? The two of you are fated to fight. Even if you could seize control of the world's will, that relationship would not change."
Diera leaned in with a piercing glare.
Close enough that our noses nearly touched.
Without ever breaking eye contact, she continued.
"You're a clever one. Deep down, you already know this."
"That's..."
"You want to join hands with the Hero and build peace together. You want to cling to that kind of future—I understand that, and I won't deny it. I also know you've steeled your resolve accordingly. But—"
Diera stopped speaking.
Deep within her eyes, a dim flame flickered on and off.
This was a pressure befitting a former Demon Lord.
With an intensity that could shake the earth, she wove her words.
"Do not underestimate me? The hero who slew me possessed a noble spirit. Even in death, he surpassed you. The slightest lapse in your heart could become a fatal wound."
"I understand."
"...Good! After all, you are the sage who defeated me! I am trusting you, yes!"
Diera's demeanor softened abruptly, and she pulled her face away without ceremony.
She slapped my back heartily and broke into a hearty laugh.
It felt like the overwhelming pressure from moments ago was an illusion, but she had surely been sincere.
Diera was testing me.
Among all the executives, only she held a different perspective.
As a fellow Demon Lord, she was trying to discern my true worth.
Though her eccentricities are what usually stand out, her essence has not changed since her active days—no, it has evolved even further.
If she judged me unworthy of being the Demon Lord, she would surely try to usurp the position without mercy.
That previous exchange had offered a glimpse into her true intentions.
Now completely back to her usual self, Diera turned to Yura and Dolda.
"Do you two have any advice to offer as well?"
"A personal critique for Diera—your statement is difficult to follow."
"Don't worry about me. Just convey what you want to say."
With a bitter smile, Diera spoke in a tone of gentle admonition.
Receiving that, Yura stepped forward before me.
She offered a single salute, then spoke standing ramrod straight.
"I implore you, Master--return alive, no matter what it takes."
"Understood."
I nodded in response.
Yura showed visible relief.
This time, it was Dolda's turn to step forward.
Hefting his axe, he demanded of me,
"New rack... want. After return, request build two."
"Acknowledged. I'll add it to the plans."
It was a demand driven purely by self-interest, but entirely typical of the great pirate Dolda.
To prepare for naval battles, his request should probably be granted.
As I mentally appended ship construction to my progress notes, Diera called my name.
"Dwight."
She had raised one arm, holding it before her face.
From her fingertips, a mixture of scales and chitinous shell erupted, covering her arm up to the elbow.
Displaying it prominently, Diera said warmly,
"If things get truly dangerous, do not hesitate to call. This senior Demon Lord will come running--for a fee, of course."
"I thought that wasn't free."
"It's the gambling debts talking. Can't be doing charity work, I'm afraid."
Diera looked away, answering with an embarrassed expression.
When Yura's interrogating gaze fell on her, she started whistling an off-key tune.
The whole scene left her with no impression other than "pathetic."
(What a contrast, the former Demon King...)
The atmosphere from moments before had been completely ruined.
It seemed her serious demeanor never lasted long.
Perhaps that was simply Diera's defining quality.