Facing my old friend, I felt genuine surprise.
Logan is an elf I met during my quest to slay the Demon King.
I knew he was from this forest, but I never expected a reunion in such a manner.
When we first met, he should have been living in a human kingdom.
I believe he said he had grown weary of his homeland.
Though the exact circumstances are unclear, he seems to have returned here sometime in the past decade.
Lost in memories of days gone by, my gaze met Logan's.
His eyes were sharp, without a hint of a gap in their attention.
They held no fear or terror.
Even before me, the Demon King, he did not flinch.
"...What exactly is going on here?"
Logan, observing me, spoke in a heavy tone.
His questioning gaze was not directed at me, but at the elves, beginning with their acting chief.
They averted their eyes, remaining silent.
Considering everything, the difficulty of answering was only natural.
Though they had no other choice, they had agreed to the subjugation of their entire clan.
It was an act for which they could have been expelled from their tribe.
Sensing that no answer would be forthcoming from the elves, Logan turned his gaze back to me.
He spoke his question softly.
"Are you the Demon King?"
His calm voice contrasted sharply with the overwhelming sense of intimidation it carried.
A person of weak heart would surely shrink back.
He had been like this when they first met, but it seemed he had been honed even further.
Just by facing him, one could sense the magnitude of his power.
(Now, what should I do?)
Before the discussion began, I secretly turned my thoughts over in my mind.
Judging from Logan's words and actions, he seemed unaware of my true identity.
That was only natural, considering how utterly different every part of me had become.
The shadow of my former self had all but vanished.
There was no advantage whatsoever in declaring here that I was Sage Dwight Harvelt.
It would only complicate matters further.
I absolutely must not speak of it.
Even I myself could be swayed by sentiment.
It would be best to proceed as just the Demon Lord, plain and simple.
I would cut away all talk of my past life.
Having settled my policy, I responded to him without hesitation.
"That's right. Allow me to explain the situation."
Since the acting chieftains were cowed, I took it upon myself to recount the series of events so far.
When I touched upon the matter of subjugation, the atmosphere froze further, yet not a single person interrupted.
This was likely to avoid disturbing Logan, who was listening intently.
The atmosphere did not permit emotional outbursts or insults.
"That is all. I have come to deliver those communiques."
"I see. I understand the gist of it. You, lower your bows."
Having listened to the report, Logan gave the order while gesturing with his hand.
The elves in the trees above obeyed, lowering their bows.
They then vanished, blending into the foliage.
I had a vague idea, but it seemed Logan now held a high position even among the elves.
Logan approached us.
Ignoring the guards who moved to stop him, he came right up to me.
"My introduction was delayed. I am Logan Rin Freetilt, chief of the elves of the World Tree Forest."
That announcement made it clear.
Logan had apparently become a clan leader.
Not just a high position—he stood at the very apex of the World Tree Forest elves.
Still, knowing him as I did, it was something I could accept without surprise.
Logan was a man of that caliber.
He had not performed some grand feat, but he was undeniably a person of integrity.
That was plain to see in the man before me now.
"If you are to believe the Demon Lord's words, then the Imperial Army will be repelled on the condition that our clan is subjugated. That is correct, isn't it?"
Logan's gaze was directed at the acting clan leader.
She answered in a small voice.
"...Yes."
The acting chief was trembling with such tension.
His complexion was terrible, looking as though he might collapse at any moment.
At this rate, a conversation would be impossible.
With no other choice, I stepped forward.
And I asked Logan.
"The acting chief has already chosen enslavement as the unified will of the clan. Any objections?"
"And if I say there are?"
"I will keep reducing the numbers until it is unanimous."
I answered Logan's question without hesitation.
Simultaneously, I lightly dispersed the miasma within my body.
It was close to an act of intimidation or warning.
However, I was entirely serious about what I had stated.
I have decided to enslave the elves.
Should anyone obstruct that, regardless of who they are, I will purge them.
Even Logan Rin Freetilt before me was no exception.
My killing intent caused the elven guards to react, showing clear fear.
Some even fell to their knees on the ground and vomited.
Among them, only Logan remained unshaken.
He stated his opinion with dignity.
"I see no objection. We will accept enslavement. Those not present will be informed later."
"What...!?"
"Chieftain!?"
Hearing Logan's response, the other elves were stunned.
It must have been entirely unexpected for them.
Though I had no standing to speak as the one who proposed it, this was certainly something they could not accept emotionally.
And yet, the chieftain had agreed so readily.
"It is a matter of great shame, but we cannot defeat the Imperial Army on our own. Rather than be trampled underfoot, I choose to ensure our clan's survival through submission."
Bathed in the attention of the others, Logan spoke solemnly.
In his words lay a resolute determination.
No matter what might happen, it would not be possible to overturn it.
A commanding presence resided in him that made one think exactly that.
I took another step forward and pressed the point once more.
"You won't go back on this, will you?"
"Naturally. So do not lay a hand on the clan members. Any resistance will be suppressed by me as chieftain."
Logan answered while fixing his gaze upon me.
There was no hint of falsehood or evasion.
His declaration was issued upon a foundation of unclouded resolve.
Confirming this, I nodded.
"Chief of the elves. I shall believe your words. From this moment, the World Tree Forest and the elves who dwell there are officially the property of the Demon King."
I cast the same forbidden spell I had used in the audience chamber. The beam of light struck the backs of the hands of Logan and the other elves. Logan flinched slightly, then looked down to examine the back of his hand. He then looked at me as I finished the spell.
"What did you do?"
"A mark of servitude. It will do you no harm, provided you do nothing foolish."
I had no intention of misusing it in the future. If they acted in good faith, it would be nothing more than a pattern on their skin. Everything depended on their actions.
"I wish to see the elven quarters. I need to place several defensive wards and barriers."
"Very well. Sister, you will show him the way."
"Y-Yes, Father..."
The Acting Chief voiced her agreement. I had thought they looked somewhat alike; apparently, she was Logan's sister. I had heard his parents were deceased, but I did not know he had a sister. Once this exchange was concluded, Logan and his guards turned on their heel to leave. It seemed this was all the conversation he desired. His habit of departing immediately once his business was done had not changed.
"This way. Allow me to show you."
So saying, the proxy chief took the lead.
I followed behind her.