Read The Legendary Rebuilding of a World by a Realist Demon King

6 - Machiavellism of the Weak

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　The plot I devised required three conditions.

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　First, the force I lead must be the weakest.

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　This was necessary, but do not worry. The force I lead has just been born, and no matter how it stands, it cannot defeat the other 71 Demon Kings who are ahead of it.

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　Do not worry, and be proud of being the weakest.

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　The next necessary condition is that the demon kings to be conquered are not so strong.

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　If there are 72 Demon Kings, there must be a weakest Demon King, and we would like to win against him if possible. Even if it is impossible, we would like to face a lower level demon king.

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　In this respect, Sabnak was the perfect opponent. He is the weakest candidate among the 72 demon kings. If I were to rate demon kings on a scale of F to A, he would be an F-rank demon king. It is good to use him as a stepping stone and to steal materials, gold, and silver.

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　The last condition was that there be a suitable human country nearby. Preferably, it should be a small country, not a strong one. The weak country chosen was the domain of Count Ismaria. It is good that it is a count's territory and not a kingdom. The plot should work perfectly, but there is a possibility that it could go horribly wrong. It is not a good idea to provoke the human kingdom and invite a large-scale invasion.

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　My goal is to defeat the Demon King, not to conquer the world.

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　That was something I would consider after I had gained more power.

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　I shared this insight with Eve,

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"That's my master."

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　He bowed his head.

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"Then we will begin the plot against the army of Ashtaroth. I have something that I need.

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"Money, manpower, as much as you want. I'm not that generous when it comes to ......."

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"First of all, we need people. We need counterintelligence if we are to succeed in our plot.

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You mean spies. You're right, we need spies.

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　I put the material into the Klein jar. I pour magic power into it and make a spy.

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Rarity】 Silver Rare

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[Race] Unspecified and indeterminate creature, slime.

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Occupation】 Spy

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Combat value] 12

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Skill] Transformation

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　I created an unspecified and indefinite creature, a slime.

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　Slime is famous for being the weakest monster, but a spy does not need to be strong. It is the ability to blend in behind enemy lines and to gather information. And a sharp mind.

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　This slime specializes in those things and can transform into a human or a demon by transforming itself.

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　I created two spy slimes and sent them to the castle of the Demon Lord Sabnak and to Count Ismaria.

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　I tell them to spread the following rumor.

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"The newly born demon king Ashtaroth is a coward by nature. He is powerless and frightened of his weakest position. He wants to be subjugated to others and sleep with his pillow up high as soon as possible.

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　What will happen if you spread such rumors?

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　The Demon King, who is not very strong but is very proud, will immediately send an emissary to subjugate him.

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　The Count would also attack, or send an overbearing messenger demanding tribute.

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　That's what I was aiming for, and I was right.

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　A few days later, first came the messengers of the humans.

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　He was a man with a fine beard, apparently a retainer of the Count's. He said in a loud, proud voice.

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"Ashtaroth, the weakest of the demon kings. If you wish to spare his life, you must offer up gold and silver to my master every year."

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　If there is a demon king who is not offended by such a statement at the very beginning of his speech, I would like to see him, but I will look in the mirror.

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　I was not offended at all. On the contrary, I bowed my head and said

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"For a young man like me to survive, I need the power of man, and that power is the mighty military might of the Count. I will give you half of my tax revenue, so please take me under your protection.

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　The knight shakes his beard in satisfaction.

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　After the meeting, a banquet is held, and the succubus summoned by Klein's jar are entertained and boned.

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　The knight is tipsy with promises.

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"Leave it to me, I will protect the Ashtaroth realm with the power of the Count!

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"That's very kind of you, but can you do me a favor right away?"

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"Well, say it."

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"As a matter of fact, the neighboring demon king, Sabnak, has the same request and wants me to follow him. Of course, I refused because I intended to be a vassal to the Count, but Sabnak seems to have learned of this and is gathering an army to attack.

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"My God!　Sabnak. How dare you attack Ashtaroth's territory under the Count's protection? This is the same as invading the Count's territory!

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　The messenger is so angry that his beard trembles, and I look at him with a sober eye and agree with him.

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"That's exactly right. This is not just a matter of my territory, but of the prestige of the Count.

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"That's right. And when will they attack?

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They will attack in a week. Please help us.

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"Okay. I will return immediately and consult with the Count.

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　The knight returned to his estate feeling tipsy after his chivalrous awakening.

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　After that, Eve asks.

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"Everything has gone according to your calculations so far, hasn't it?

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"Yes, that's right. Now all we have to do is do the same thing to Sabnak's men who are supposed to be asking ."

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"The Count will blackmail me and attack me, so I will not be allowed to join his subordinates. My heart is with Master Sabnak. You will send reinforcements and show me the wonders of military tactics.

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"That's right. It's a pathetic imitation, but it's a small price to pay for a victory.

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"You are a realist. I think it's the best trick I've ever seen."

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"I'll take that as a compliment."

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It's a compliment. Ah, looks like Sabnak's men are here. Gargoyles.

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Then prepare the dead meat. Bring it to me. Then bow your head in pity.

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　Thus, I perform in front of Sabnak's men as well, and ask for reinforcements.

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　A week later, when the Count's men attack, I ask for help and offer them subservience.

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　This way, the count's army and Sabnak's army would clash.

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"So that's how the master will have the two armies clash and strike them when they are exhausted.

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"You think so, Eve?"

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I think that would be the most efficient way to go.

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"Yes, if you're a realist, that's the most efficient way. But I'm both a realist and a non-realist. In other words, a Machiavellian.

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"......?"

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　Yves looks at me curiously.

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"The point is to be more efficient. Don't tell me the details. It'd be boring if I told you."

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　When I assured her of this, she said happily, "I'm looking forward to it.

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