"...... symbolism?

"Yeah, yeah. Or more specifically, a symbol of our side's 'power'. It's a symbol of our 'power' on my side, too. This is because I can't ask for help from other children who are on my side. I need a child who is both demon and powerful to serve as our banner.

　Hmm ...... I see.

"So that means you want me to be your 'decoy'?

Yes, I do.

　...... This guy nodded easily.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of the situation. The slower they move, the more measures I can take. In addition, the more attention I can draw to you, the more predictable your movements will be and the more I can limit your movements.

"Well, I guess so.

　If that happens, it's obvious that he will come to investigate my sudden appearance or send someone to watch me, so I guess he could make a move to reverse the situation.

"...... knows what you want me to do. I know what you want me to do. --So, let's talk about something more specific.

　So I smiled a purposeful, cruel smile and continued on, "To put it bluntly .

"To put it bluntly. I don't care who you win (・・・・・・・・・). I don't care who wins, I don't care who you are. Even if it destroys the demon world, right? But since you want me to play such a visibly dangerous role, of course you're going to give me some benefit of the doubt, right?

　Well, if the demon tribe is my enemy, even if I don't cooperate with this guy, I'll still go in and destroy them.

　However, that is also information obtained from Hood's words, so I can't take it for granted.

You are--

"Haloria, will you shut up for a minute?

"...... Ha, excuse me.

　You can also have a look at the following tableau

That's of course . I consider allies to be business partners. Alliances are created for mutual benefit.

"Then you're out of time. So, what's the deal? What benefit can you offer me that makes me say, "I want to help you, by all means, let me help you?

"Hmmm, well, listen. First, information. The children of the demon tribe are enemies to you as well. And I will have information on the enemy brought to you.

Oh, well, that's to be expected.

　We're in an alliance.
　I came here for information at a minimum.

And next. I heard that you were a pest and had a wife. And I heard that you were talking to the maids who came here with you about wanting to take them on a trip to a unique part of the magical world.

Yeah, we talked about that.

So, if you cooperate with me, I will arrange for all the sub-humans and beastmen to be able to travel freely to other tribes' autonomous regions and so on. I'll let you enter sacred places that ordinary travelers would never enter. And if you want to connect with the big boys, that's fine too.

"What, what ......?

　This guy just came out of nowhere: ......!

I'll give you a tour of the magical world as well, of course, okay? I'm still the king of the demon world appointed by my predecessors. I have a certain amount of power, so I'll let you in except for a few places.

　Kuhn ...... I'd say you're the man.

　He understands what makes me a critical hit.

...... By the looks of it, there's more to it than that, isn't there?

Of course, there's more to it than this. You're the Demon King, the Lord of the Labyrinth, right? So, since we're talking about the labyrinth growing by consuming sustenance, I'll prepare something to serve as your designated sustenance. The life of a demon is a bit of a challenge, but I can still provide you with something, right?

No, I don't want all that fuss.

　It's true that dungeons grow with life.
　It sounds like I'm an incredibly evil mastermind, so please don't do that.

...... I know. ...... then give me the money.

"Oh! That's a good order to understand.

No, no, you can't have real money. I want something worthwhile, something that could be gold.

Okay. I'll have enough gold and silver treasure to fill a room as a reward. Then we can go to ...... and see if there are any girls.

"I don't want it.

Oh, really? I hear you're a pretty sweetheart.

"Hey, that's a misunderstanding. It's a misunderstanding.

　Hey, I was just stretching my nose a little bit.
　Guys would be like that, even if it wasn't me. I'm sure.

　Besides, if you get it, you'll surely be reincarnated as a slaughtered corpse. 　

　or maybe it's because Leffy has a very good nose.
　Even if she tried to hide it, she'd be found out for sure.

Then the girl's replacement will be supplemented with more treasure. --How about this?



　When the king of the demon world asks me, I'm often silent and lost in thought.

　As for the story--well, I'm open to it.

　There's no particular problem with me.
　If the demon tribe is the enemy, then I was going to crush them, and it will be a big plus if you're willing to go this far.

　I'd be lying if I said I didn't care if this guy is black-hearted and if he's going to make good on his promises: ...... There's no end to that kind of thing if you think about it.

　That's the time. I'm going to assume that this guy is an enemy, too, and he's just going to force me to take my share of the profits.

　...... Well, I don't want to antagonize this guy who seems to be good at trickery.

　--I'm not sure if I have a good grasp of the enemy's strength and power.

　I'm sure that with my current status, I'll be able to crush most of them with ease. ...... There is a possibility that the enemy has the strength and abilities of a demon that lives deep in the forest of the demon world, if not a dragon tribe .

　No matter how strong my body was, the creature could easily die if it wanted to, just as it did when I killed the d*mn dragon some day.

　...... If the enemy was as weak as the bandits who appeared along the way, it would be easy to talk about it.

　I'll make sure this area is well-informed and consult with Leila, who knows her stuff.

　...... Yes, I got a good idea.
　The clown mask I used in King's Landing. I'll use it here too.

　It's useless if they already know that the clown mask in King's Landing is me, but if not, I'll be able to keep the enemy guessing.

　The status should be set to fake status as soon as possible.
　The fake name is ...... well, I'll come up with something different from the last time we talked about "Y".

　...... No, wait, if there's a chance that the clown mask is exposed, can I just wear a different mask?

　But I only have those masks in my item box: .......

　--Okay, I'll make one with my weapon smelting skills. I'll get the materials later.

　There's a mysterious masked man in the dark side of the demon world.
　And behind the scenes, I'm wondering, "Who is that man? The rumor "I'm going to be a good friend of yours" is spreading fast.

"...... Yeah, let me ask you a question. So, let me ask you something.

It wasn't me. If it was my idea, you'd never know it was me.

　Smiling, and as a matter of course, the king of the demon world said that.

　I cower my shoulders with a wry smile at his confidence.

"Well, okay. Okay. I'll think about it, but let me have a talk with my maid.

"Oh! Oh, well, that makes it all worth it for me," he said.

　Saying that, Finale smiles happily.

I mean, wouldn't you still do something if I said no?

Well, sure, we'll just think of something else in that case. It's probably more trouble than you're willing to deal with, though.

　Yeah, ...... I guess asking me for help is one of the many things I have in mind.

　Well, that's right.
　If only one strategy could make everything work, then nothing would be better.

Well, I'll hear back tomorrow. You have a good night's rest today. I'll fix you a great dinner, too. Good luck from now on, Yuki.

...... I'll tell you one thing, stop giving me that sickening smile. There's something about this ...... that gives me the chills.

"Oh, my God. I'm showing so much affection.

"Don't call it affection. At least call it friendship. And I'm not going to form a friendship with a belly-button like you. That's a partnership.

All right, all right, it's no use. Yuki, you're a bit of a bashful person.

I don't want you to do that!

　I'm afraid I'm going to get dug up!


　--And so, at the end of my shouting, the audience with the king of the demon world was over.