The place is the Demon King's Castle, a meeting room for the highest executives.
　It's also the place where the Demon King and I first met.

　It was also in front of the recording stone for the transference of space that we made a contract with Mira-san with the ring.

　The Demon King's throne and the long table. There are five more chairs.
　Currently, the seats are all filled.

　[Vampire Queen] Carmilla, [Demon of Love] Citry, [Reaper Knight] Fulkus, [Demon of Time] Agares, [Ship Horned Dark Mage] Remegeton, and [Demon King] Lucifer.
　We were gathered by the Demon King, and we thought the reason for that - was to discuss party composition.

''You're out, Agares.''

　Mr. Agares is a witch dressed in a tailcoat-like costume. He is a man in his late twenties, with silver hair brushed back and horns sprouting from both ends of his forehead. The horns are reminiscent of a goat.

''Nonsense. ''Nonsense, I will never leave the Demon King's side.''

　A bee and sparks fly between the two men.
　Citry-san laughed with a troubled look on her face, and Fourcas-san was munching on the food she had created from the 'anything dome cover'.
　I too was silent with me.

　The basic rule of the All Sky Festival competition is that there are five participants in a group.
　The basic rule is that there are participants who are not bound by this rule.

　The concept of this festival is "the battle for the strongest" and the composition of the event is "those who challenge the legends".

　First, the current adventurers and demons will be grouped with the players, and the participants will be sifted out from the too many.
　The remaining strongest players will be put up against "legends," that is, retired adventurers and demons.

　Right now we're calling for applicants, but it's not hard to imagine that almost all of the adventurers alone will join a convenient party.
　It's said that there are tens of thousands of brave parties today, so the size of the qualifiers is probably quite large.

　By the way, there's no special treatment just because you're ranked high.
　Even those aerial parties participate in the qualifiers.
　You could have exempted the top ranked players from qualifying just like in tournaments, but it's a battle for the strongest players, and you don't have to worry about it.

　There are many people who hope for an overwhelming victory for the top-ranked teams, but there are also many who expect their favorite party to go crazy, even if they lose in rank.
　Add to that the expectations of the demon fans, and everyone was excited before it started.

''What do you think, Remegeton-sama?''

"Huh, you've dug your own grave, vampire. Unlike you, Lord Chief of Staff, you don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment.

No.　You're the one who doesn't want to be separated from the Demon King, and you're the one who's so self-centered.

What kind of a joke is that? I'm just a vassal who thought that a superior force should be kept at his side.

''I don't know about other dungeons, but there's no such thing as a deeper layer being stronger than the Demon King's Castle. Don't get me wrong.

''Hmm. But as the old saying goes, 'The Four Heavenly Kings are the weakest', the first four Heavenly Kings to fight the brave men's party will be the ones who...

Hmm. Do you look like you need to see more blood, Agares?

　The argument between these two is healthy in a way, as neither of them will take a step back.
　Carmilla doesn't think he's a real pervert, and Agares doesn't think she's weak or anything.

　Both of them would have made a move to kick him out of the Four Heavenly Kings long ago if they were serious about those things.
　Both of them respect the Demon King from the bottom of their hearts.
　If they don't think they are worthy of the Demon King, they won't allow him to sit in this seat.

I know that you guys love me very much. That's enough of this nonsense.

　A word from the Demon King silenced them both.

''Needless to say, I called you here today because I had something to tell you about the celebration.

　Our attention was focused on the Demon Lord.

'I've thought about it. I've been thinking that if I'm going to be able to create a powerful party, then I'll just pluck one of them and form a party. But. I dare say. That's not enough to defeat your grandfather.

　The Demon King loves the staff of the Demon King's Castle more than anyone else.

　With Master out of the picture, many of the powerful demons left.
　They only came along because their master was the boss.

　When his predecessor, Mr. Fellow, left, he pulled out a lot of demons.
　Maybe they sympathized with his ideals, or maybe the rewards shown were purely high.

　And the demons that remained and the demons that Lucy-san gathered were not on par with the Demon King's army of his master's time, no matter how he tried.

　However, it couldn't be helped.
　With most of the main forces out of the picture, dungeon management wasn't so naive that it could be easily rebuilt.
　It might be easier to understand if you can imagine it in a sports team.

　However, the Demon Lord and his subordinates continued to defend their impregnable name even in such a situation.
　The record for the deepest reaching party zero, was held.

　Even though most of the demons were made up of youngsters and the vacant tenth level floor boss was left in charge of humans, the Demon King's Castle was able to fend off all kinds of adventurers' invasions.
　However.

　Even such an achievement would be blurred in front of that person.
　[Demon King] Lucifer.

　There's no need for the word 'candidate'. Just call him this, and no one will argue with you.

　The strongest in the world.

　That's the only existence that's allowed.

　The All Heavenly Festival Competition is an event to see how the competitors challenge the single most powerful Demon King.
　At his side, the former Four Heavenly Kings and even the Altreat Party would join him, so the threat was immeasurable.

''I won't force you, but I'd like each of you to form your own party and stay until the final round.

I'm not sure...

　I'm sure each of the executives felt the same way at the time.

'Yes,'

　Mr. Fulkus stopped eating and replied.

'Yes,'

　Citry-san responds with a smile while raising one hand.

''If it's the Demon King's wish.......''

　Carmilla nodded, although she looked surprised.

''I have no intention of leaving the Demon King-sama's side. If you insist, then please give me an order.''

　Perhaps because of the word "not forced", Agares-san refused.

''........Huh. Very well. You come with me.

　The Demon King-sama laughed, as if he had half expected it, but he had no choice.

''Ha........!

　Her gaze turns to me.

'It's Remeghton.'

'Yes. I've been thinking about the point about belonging to another party, too. And there's something I'd like to discuss with you about that...

　I'm in front of these guys. No need to go to the trouble of producing a Remeghton-like tone.

Yeah, you're allowed.

　Before I can tell you what it is, the Demon King gave me permission.
　...so I guess he knows what his subordinates are thinking.
　That's our king indeed.

Well, follow me.

　The Demon King extended her small hand and extended it to me.
　I smile and reach for what she asks for.
　With this, I am--.

　◇

Yeah, yeah.

Okay.　Try flapping your robes while waving your wand more lightly, please!

　Pascha.

Yes, yes. I'm not sure if it's a good idea. .... yeah.

"Ugh...!　It's perfect, Kash!　You are a genius!　That's a genius Grand Mage indeed!

　Crunch, crunch, crunch.

　I can hear the sound of Kash's voice as well as a raspy female voice and the sound of shutters from my office...maybe it's my imagination.
　After such a moment of escaping reality, I open the door.

　There - a photo session is taking place.
　I know the culprit.

"What is going on here........

　Subhuman, is too rough a division.
　It's a word from the side of humans (normal) who are in the majority.
　That aside, there are some detailed classifications.

　For example, the dog subhuman refers to a race like the Kash that has human body characteristics.
　When we say dog beastmen, we are referring to a race that looks like the animal has evolved into a human form.
　Cattle beastmen include the Minotaur, for example.

　The aquatic monsters are classified in the same way; if the body has the features of an aquatic creature, it's called a mermaid, and if it looks like an aquatic creature that has evolved into a human form, it's called a fisherman.

The first thing to say is, "Oh, it's not the Chief of Staff. You've come to the right place, I need your help.

　A tentacle stretched out and handed me a camera.
　It's the older sister of the octopus mermaid.

　The upper body is a human female and the lower body is an octopus tentacle.
　Her name is Skew, and she is the head of the office in charge of the design of the demonic magical body (avatar) of the Demon King's Castle.

　She is also a designer herself, and she is the one who invented Remegaton's costume.
　Recently, she also asked her to come up with the costume for Lily's demon form, [Archer of the Deep Forest] Strass.

"Remsaku--someone who's in charge........　So, what do you think?

　Kash approaches me, looking embarrassed by my arrival.
　Now she was dressed in a wizard-like costume.

　The pointy hat seemed to have holes in it for dog ears, and Kash's dog ears were popping out of it. The robe was fluttering, and the outfit inside didn't look like a uniform of some kind. Also, it was a skirt.
　It wouldn't be equipped with the ability to purify and compress magic power, and she was holding a wand prop in her hand.

　Her appearance is like a cute apprentice wizard.

'Yes, very pretty ... not ... not ... very cute. You look intelligent.

Really...!

　Kash released a dazzling smile.

　Skew couldn't stand Kash's cuteness, and he collapsed on the couch.
　He's twitching and twitching, but I'll let it go, as I always do.

''Uh, yeah. You're the wizard type today, aren't you?'

Yes....!

　It seems like a long time ago, but it was right after I was hired at the Demon King's Castle.
　I had promised to go out with Mila, and I had promised to go out with Kash as well.

　So, when we were actually strolling through the back streets of the Demon King's Castle, one of the houses we went around was Skew's office.

　Skew took a great liking to Kash and wanted to dress him up in various outfits, calling him a candidate for a magical body, or avatar.

　Kash, who said his dream was to be my 72nd contractor, seemed fascinated, but he didn't have the price to pay.
　But Mr. Skew said it was the price, as long as he let me take his picture.

　From then on, with Kash's approval, Skew is like a fish in water.
　This is how he brought Kash's costume - clothes made of actual fabric, not magic, because it's for design confirmation before creating his magical body (avatar) - and took pictures of it.

''Oh, I'll make some tea!

　With a flurry of activity, Kash headed for the hot water room.
　I turned my gaze to Suki-san, with Jirori.

''........You know that it's difficult for dog sub-humans to manifest magician types, right?

'What are you talking about, Kash, the possibilities are endless!

　In response to me whispering, Skew-san, who stood up, shouted out loud.

''Yes, but that's not the point........you ran into a hobby, didn't you?

　Click!　I can almost hear Skew's body bouncing around.
　Kash is very seriously looking for a candidate for his future magical body (avatar), but Skew wants to dress Kash in a cute outfit.

　When I use the word 'cute', Kash, who is trying to become a cool demon, gives me an 'eh...' look, so I can't say it either.

'In the midst of an endless quest, what's a spoonful of hobby mixed in?

Huh....

Hey, stop looking at that badass adult. You'll get hurt!

　Although she was a unique mermaid, and although she reflected her hobby quite often, she wasn't complaining because Kash seemed happy to see her.

''Just kidding. Although, I don't think this was the case that I called you in today...''

　When we got down to business, Mr. Skew finally got crisp.
　He's usually a talented designer, just because he gets weird when it comes to Kash," he said.

Of course I'll take care of it. But by the way, you're still........

What is this?

Perhaps the most frightening thing about you is your ability to connect with people.

　She says it with so much seriousness that I am taken aback.

''Well it's true, I'm blessed with people.

'The contract in the ring is in the owner's favour. Once you make the contract, you can summon it at will. Normally, even if you trust them, they'd be hesitant to sign a contract. You don't know when and for what reason you will be summoned, so it's a very big choice.

Well.....

But you've gained quite a few subscribers in a short period of time. There are a lot of people I'd be willing to use you for. That's amazing.

I don't want to betray my trust.

Huh. ....Most of all!　Kashu wants to make a deal with you!　I can't help but be very jealous.

　What did he say, and Mr. Skew returned to his disheveled face again.

　◇

　After the meeting with her.

'Oh, um ... Sanbo.

　Kash, back in his secretary's outfit, and I take a breath on the couch.

'Yeah?'

　Something about Kash looks troubled.
　Her dog ears, which are always hanging down in flats, don't seem to be wilting. Her tail, which seems to be wagging in response to her emotions, now seems to be lying on the sofa.
　She seems to be somehow listless.

''I've heard that you can tell [job title (job)] when you're ten years old, but...''

Yeah.

And even before you know it, you're ready.

''That's right. If you have an aptitude for 【Fighter】, you've been a strong fighter since you were young, if you have an aptitude for 【Painter】, if you have an aptitude for 【Placement (Job)】, a glimpse of talent even before it's known.......is that hard to understand? Well, yeah........there are things you can do well at.



　Squeezing the hem of his clothes, Kash looks down.
　Maka-san is Kash's older sister, who has a [cook].

''Are you in trouble?''

　A nod came back with a nod.
　Then, vaguely, Kash began to speak.

　After deciding to become a demon, Kash searched for his aptitude.
　Fortunately, the Demon King's Castle belonged to a diverse group of demons, and Kash was loved by everyone, so he found time to hang out with them in a variety of ways.

　He exercised with Markosias and the other werewolf group, he was shown the attacks of the black demon dogs with their claws and fangs, he learned the basics of the bow from the dark elf Lerager, he was able to see Kimaris' necromancy in front of him, he learned to swim with Wepal, the mermaid, and he was able to practice with Fulkas. -- Come to think of it, I heard such a voice from the two rooms at the inn when I was dispatched to the "Beginner's and Beginning Dungeon" -- I was able to solve Kaim's riddles and make all the Dreamers wear maid outfits. , Agares-san politely taught him what magic was all about - there was nothing strange about it, except that he always had a gentle smile on his face - and so on.

　He had consulted with the Demon King, too.
　He'd tried a lot of things, but most of them had been tried during the time I was heading to the original dungeon.

　Still, Kash hadn't found an aptitude for it.
　The strongest thing he could say was that he had physical strength, but that's not an uncommon trait for a dog subhuman.

　Kash thought.

　What if a combat-type [Position (Job)] didn't manifest? Even if it's not a direct combat type, can't it at least be a supportive 【Position(Job)】?
　I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find a way to make it work.

Kash....

　Remeghton's welcome home party. We promised each other that one day Kash would become a demon.
　One day, Kash would become a demon and become my last contractor.

　It's because Kash is the one who works hard at everything, there was no way he wouldn't be troubled.
　There are those who show overwhelming power at the age of ten, such as 【Lake Brave】 Wraith-kun and 【Destructor】 Fran-san.
　For Kash, who was watching it in the raid battle, he couldn't even comfort himself because he was only eight years old.

　Even though they are young and young, the strong ones are strong.

It's a good idea to have a good time with them.

　Kash's voice trembles.
　I get up from the couch and kneel in front of her.

　Gently, I look up at her, aware of her smile.

'Kash, who was your boss?'

"...hmm?　It's "Sa-boo,

That's right. Is your chief of staff the kind of person who judges hard-working subordinates by their [job title] and considers whether they are needed or not?

"I'll be back

　Kash looked up and shook his head.

''No, no........!

It's certainly important [the job]. It's very, very important. It's a very, very important thing, and it determines a lot of people's lives. But there are people who make decisions in their lives before [the job], and I don't think they're so great that they can skew their decisions.

　Just like there was a [Black Mage] kid who wanted to be a [Brave] even if he didn't get a [Brave].

'Someday I'll find out what Kash's [position (job)] is, and whatever it is, I'll support what Kash wants to do. It doesn't matter if it's different from now or the same.

　Kash nodded persistently.

''If Kash becomes a demon in the future, no matter what [position (job)] you are--you will be the last contractor. Didn't I promise you that?

　The childish girl with infinite possibilities had tears in her eyes, but she didn't spill them - she didn't spill them.

''Yes........!　I will become a demon and help Sanboh...!

　Then he laughed.

　◇

　Since I had some business to attend to that day, I left the Demon King's Castle a little early, leaving Mira-san in charge of taking Kash home.

'Hey there, Onii-san, would you like to have tea with us?　--I don't know.

　A phrase that I would never seem to be associated with in my life, but what a surprise it was to me.
　It's a phrase that neither the one saying it nor the one being said would experience, but I never thought I would be on the receiving end of it.

"....Wraith-kun?

　Dark blue hair and eyes reminiscent of the deep sea. His face and diminutive frame still reminds me of childhood. The smile is full of confidence, but also has the charm characteristic of a child, which gives a strange impression.

　【Lake's Brave】 Wraith was there.

　As he said we, there is also his childhood friend, [Destroyer] Fran, there.

　Her long white hair that reminded me of a rabbit and her red eyes. The whiteness of her skin and her beautifully expressionless face is such that even if you told me that she was a doll created by a renowned engineer, I would almost believe it.

'I got here earlier than I expected, so I'm here to pick you up.

If it weren't for me, you could have taken the wrong road 12 times.

That's why I came with you.

　They were holding hands in a friendly manner.
　Yes. The meeting place is different, but my business was to meet them.

Okay. You kept me waiting.

"Fran, 'phrases like that', you're next.

　It looks like he's playing some kind of weird game.
　Fran looked up at me with a blank expression and said.

''Nope, just came in.''

Haha, that's good.

　I chuckle and the three of us walk off together.