After a series of welcome ceremonies in Zenobia, we returned to Ivalice during the transition.
　I immediately say goodbye to my men who accompanied me to Zenobia.

I have a stopover. You guys start getting ready for battle and be ready to go at any time.

'What?　You're back in Ivalice and you're going out immediately?　You're not busy.

　was Lilith's words.

'I agree,'

　Just - and then he continues.

'It's also the responsibility of a corps commander.

What do you mean?

We're on the verge of finding food. I have to go tell the Demon King about it. Besides, we're going to attack the capital city of Lisas. The problem isn't at the army commander level.

Does that mean there's going to be a warlord's meeting?

　I affirmed, "Yeah, you will.

'Oh, it's been a long time since all the corps commanders have been in attendance, isn't it?

I don't know about that, but I'm sure I'll see Cephiro around.

I see you all the time.

But it's been a long time since I've seen you at a corps commander's meeting.

　To begin with, I hadn't yet met with all the legion leaders.

　The corps commanders had their hands full holding their own battle lines, and they rarely met together.

　Even when I was ordered to be the corps commander of the Eighth Corps, we didn't all have an inauguration ceremony together, and there were a few absentees.

　It wasn't that they refused to attend because they didn't like me, but they all had circumstances that prevented them from leaving their posts.
　Since the start of this war, there must have been only a handful of times when the entire legion leaders had gathered together.
　This time too, only a few legion leaders should be in the Demon King's Castle.

　The next time all the legion leaders would gather together might be when the Demon King's army suffered a decisive defeat, or when they unified this continent.

　Although Lilith expressed such a view.

Well, that's a shame, because if we were all here, I would be here with you, and I'd tell you all about how well you've done in Zenobia.

　He said ruefully.

''........I'll leave that for another time. Now, I'd like to head to the Demon King's Castle immediately, but it's not going to be a good time to be dressed like this.''

　My current form was 'human' itself. The Mask of Change and the Robe of Immortality are in my mansion.
　You can't just go to the castle to meet the leader of the warband while still in this form, can you?

　I asked Sati to bring the mask and robe to me, but before I knew it, she had the robe in her hand without needing to order her.

''..........''

　She is still a perfect maid.
　I didn't have a word to say, but I silently slip the sleeves on my robe.
　In a few seconds, I regain my original demonic appearance, but when Lilith sees me, she says, "Oh! He raised his voice.

'The human form was wonderful, but Ike-sama still looks good in his original form.

　I want to tell her that this is the original, but I'm not going to let Lilith in on my secret.
　I give Satie a quick glance as a sign of appreciation, but she keeps her mouth lightly pressed shut.
　It's the kind of humor that only people who share their secrets with each other can get.
　I waited for Sati to regain her usual expression, and at the same time, I headed to the Demon King's Castle in the transition room.
　I've already informed the messenger of the success of the food procurement mission.
　Cephiro also replied and said that he was able to come to the Demon King's Castle.

　I'm tired of seeing Sephiro's face, but I'm not very familiar with the other legion leaders.
　I can only match their names to their faces.
　What kind of people are they?
　While I was interested, I was also concerned.
　I hoped they weren't as troublesome as Sephiro.
　I headed to the Demon King's residence, Dvorberg, hoping so.




　In the transition room at the Demon King's Castle, I undergo the customary simple check.

　The number of items checked each time is reduced, which is helpful for us, but as I'm being careful not to expose myself as a human being twice or thrice as much, I have a delicate feeling.

　However, I was allowed to enter smoothly enough that I could expect to be able to get in with a face pass in a few years' time, if this was the case.

　I follow behind my guide, a Satyrus demon.
　The Satyrs are a demon race whose upper body is human and lower body is like an antelope.

　Although they are considered a lower-ranked demon race, they must be reasonably skilled to be working at this demon king's castle. He had splendid biceps and back muscles, and he carried a large sword on his back.

　The man from Satyrus didn't talk about anything in particular, but I had some free time on my hands and decided to ask him about it.

'How many legion leaders are gathered in the council chamber?

　The reason I spoke in honorific language was because this man was older than me.
　Apparently, he is not good at speaking in an arrogant tone to older people or to people he has never met before.

　Cephiro often warns me about my lack of dignity. I have to be careful, but the man doesn't seem to mind and responds with civility.

　He utters the words from between his magnificent moustache and beard.

'There are three of you, sir.'

Three people that's not much.

　I blurted out frankly.

　Would that be three people including me?　Or are there three others?　I asked, but before I could get an answer to that question, I saw a huge door.

　It was the Military Council Room.

　It was easy to open, although it was built huge enough for even the giant race to get through, but it was easy to open.

　When the man in Satyrus held up a protective amulet hanging around his neck, the door glowed blue-white and opened slowly and soundlessly.

　It seems to be a magic-driven system that replenishes mana from crystal stones buried underground to open the door.
　It is an expensive device, but it is the residence of the Demon King's Army. It was only natural that a device of this magnitude would be installed.

　After the unusual device was activated and the door was fully open, I flapped my immortal robes and walked into the military council room.

　The man in Satyrus looked away from me and bowed deeply.


　When I entered the room, I saw a familiar face.

　As soon as she saw my face, she looked at me.

Long time no see!

　He waved his hand.

　Next, he beckons me to come over here.
　Does he mean to tell me to sit next to him?
　I suppose it does.

　It's embarrassing for us to be imitated like that in a place like this, but I try not to disobey this witch as much as possible.

　As recommended by Sephiro, I sat down next to her.
　My seat was an ordinary chair made for a humanoid demon.
　The woman facing me, on the other hand, wasn't sitting in a chair.
　She didn't need a chair, or rather, she had circumstances that prevented her from sitting in a chair.
　The woman in front of me is of the so-called 'Lamia' race.
　They are a demon race with a human female upper body and a giant snake lower body.
　Naturally, there was no way she could sit on a chair.
　While I was staring at the Lamia woman, she asked me a question.

''What's wrong?''　Is this the Eighth Legionnaire, Lord Commander?　Is there something on my face?

No, that's not what I'm saying...

　If he replied that he was just admiring her beauty, Cephiro would probably give him a passing grade, but he wasn't used to dealing with women as much as he was used to dealing with such a racy line that came to mind quickly.

　However, he was really admiring her beauty, and he couldn't help but look at her beautiful face and upper body, as well as the lower half of her snake body, which looked strange to human eyes.

　Is the lamia creature classified as a mammal or is it a reptile?

　I've heard that she's born from an egg, but she has breasts that appear to be lactating organs, and I wonder which category she should be classified as.

　As I'm thinking about such unimportant things, Cephiro gives me an extra follow-up.

'This guy is still a child who cannot be weaned. Hence the fact that he was admiring Luthrala-dono's milk. Please forgive him for his rudeness.

..........

　I can't argue with the fact that he was staring at her breasts and contemplating breastfeeding, but I can't argue with the fact that Luthrara, commander of the Fourth Legion, was also

'Well, as I recall, I heard that Lord Ike was picked up by Lord Romberg when he was very young and grew up without knowing his mother's love. If you want me to, I'll always be your mother's replacement.

　And he complied.

　According to him, it's not a diminishing thing, so he'll let me touch him anytime, at least my breasts.
　I respectfully declined and decided to get down to business.

''I've heard from Squire-dono of Satyrus that there will be three military leaders gathered for this military council, is it correct that these are the three?

　Luthrara shook her head 'no' at the question.

'One more is coming. ''Another one is coming, the Fifth Legion's commander, Uruk-dono the Monocular Titan (Cyclops).''

'I see, so that means the attack on Rosalia will take place with four legions. Can I interpret this as that?

That's right.

By the way, the rest of the legion leaders aren't playing around either.

　Cephiro adds.

'The First, Second and Sixth Corps are already in the field. 'The 1st, 2nd and 6th legions are already in position in western Rosaria. We're in western Rosalia, and we're in position to counterattack the armies of the League of Nations in case they come charging in.

We don't want the League of Lords to come knocking on our door during the siege of Rosalia.

Exactly. This time you will face the impregnable Liathas. If you're not careful, you will lay siege to the castle for months, waiting for your opponent to make a sound.

I suppose it's important, then, that Master Ike got us some food.

　Luthrara, Lamia's legionnaire, is full of praise for my efforts.

'Well, we'll be able to keep our supply lines open for at least six months. We won't starve our men, and we won't have to loot the place.

'In the old days, the Demon King's army would almost certainly have plundered the humans for food, been rebelled against, resisted, and then just fallen apart. I guess as times change, so do strategies.

　Lamia's Luthrara let out a deep breath of emotion.

''It's all thanks to the Demon King-sama. If she hadn't brought reform to the Demon King's army, we would have made the same mistake again and the Demon King's army would have fallen apart.''

''That's right. Our current Demon Lord is different in every way. It's as if he's not a demon, but one who thinks like a human. He takes the good points of humans and makes the best use of the advantages of the demon race. If we follow that person, the Demon King's army will be safe.

　Luthrara frankly praises the Demon King-sama.
　There are many demons who disagree with the Demon King-sama, but she seems to be a legion leader who is close to the Demon King-sama.

　Perhaps the commander of the army who is loyal to the Demon King has been selected as the leader of the army participating in this council.

　The Leezus attack was a watershed moment for the Demon King's army.
　It was the Demon King's plan to gather trusted legion leaders to capture the area.
　As I was contemplating this, the door to the military council room was opened again.
　Behind the door was a giant that looked up at me.
　Without needing to be explained to me, I can guess that it's the head of the giant tribe's warband.

''Sorry I'm late,''

　And a giant who entered, looking apologetic and unsuited to his huge body.
　His name was Uruk, a Cyclops giant race, and he was the commander of the 5th Legion.
　He comes in, shaking his giant body, and sits down in a chair reserved for giants and apologizes for being late.

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, my wife suddenly went into labor. I was late because I had to be there for the delivery.

　Uruk bowed his head in a truly apologetic manner as he said this.

　It was too surreal for a one-eyed giant, a strong-faced man, to say while scratching his head, and his tone of voice was too gentle, but that was the characteristic of this Uruk man.

　Apparently, he was said to be the lukewarmest man in all the legions until I became the legion leader.
　He was famous for being the type of commander who didn't kill in vain and showed mercy to the humans as well.
　Cephiro is often cynical about how he was able to become a legion leader, but he is not incompetent.

　In the first place, an incompetent demon race wouldn't be able to take on the role of legion leader.
　Although the Sixth Heavenly Demon Lord is a kind-hearted person, he hates incompetent demon clans more than competent enemies.

　Uruk was indeed a childlike and gentle giant outside of the battlefield, but on the battlefield, he was a spear-worker who was feared as an evil demon by the humans.　

　He led the giants of the Giant's Village and used his huge frame to attack castles with his eight-sided prowess, bringing down a number of castles.

　Wielding a club larger than his own stature, he destroys castle walls and crushes humans.

　He is feared as an evil demon by the humans, and is known as the "Mince Maker" by the demon tribe.

　However, as mentioned above, he behaves like a daytime lantern outside of the battlefield, which is why he is treated lightly by the other legion leaders.

　According to Sephiro.
You're famous for being a sweetheart in that area, and you have some similarities to me.

　In some places, I was in the same league with him.

　In fact, I was the best match for this legion leader if you pass Cephiro.
　I had only just become a corps commander, so our interaction was limited, but I wanted to have a chat with him over a cup of tea sooner or later.
　As I was staring at the one-eyed giant with that thought in mind, he asked the same question I did.

I wondered if the four legion leaders have all four of their goose necks aligned, so I wondered if they would be in charge of attacking Leezus.

　I tell Uruk what I heard earlier.

'I'm afraid so. The other legion leaders are already on their way to western Rosalia to keep the League of Lords in check. 'The other legion leaders are already on their way to western Rosalia to keep the League of Lords in check.

Hmm, the Demon King is very convincing. It's a quick fix.

'And it's an excellent arrangement. "And it's an excellent arrangement. The mobile army, the 1st and 2nd legions, will be in the west to check the League of Kings in a hurry. You are so good at attacking castles that you're going to use your army to capture Regus.

'I don't know if I'm good at attacking castles, but, well, I'm good at breaking down walls.

　When Uruk said that, he laughed, "Gah-ha!
　His loud voice was enough to make even the chair I was sitting in shake.

The key to the attack on Reezus will lie in the hands of Lord Uruk.

You won't get away with praising me. I am the Commander of the Eighth Army.

No way, I'm not handy enough to do that kind of gut trick.

Well, or rather, I have the feeling that you hold the key to catching Reece, don't you?

Me?　Is it?

'Exactly,' The Demon King said. Ike's guy would definitely get some food from Zenobia. That's what he said. And you have in fact procured it.

It's just a stroke of luck.

''I've never heard of a demon winning the trust of the humans so much. It's all thanks to you. You should be prouder.

　Uruk said and continued.

And then he continued, "And then, the Demon King told me that Ike will be the key to defeating Liathas. Ike will be the key to conquering Liethas this time. Without Ike, it would be impossible to capture Liethas.

I think you're overpaying for it.

　Or should I say, too much dependence on them.
　The Demon King's Army has people like Kiraboshi.
　I'm a newcomer to the army, but what will they do if they fail to take advantage of me to that extent?
　I don't feel bad about the fact that the Demon King is relying on me, but I'm afraid of him putting his expectations on me that high.
　I wonder what face the demon king will have if I disobey his expectations.
　When I was thinking like that, the Witch of the Black Peril, Cephiro, who may have read my emotions, speaks out.

He is still a humble man, or rather a man without confidence. I've said it before. I've told you before that modesty is not a virtue among the demon tribe, it's a defect. With this group, you'll never be taken for a fool, but in front of the other warlords, you should stand up straighter. You have accomplished a great many things and have risen to the rank of Legion Commander in the shortest possible time. You should have a better attitude.

...Huh, well, I'll try my best.

　When I returned without supremacy, Luthrara of Lamia joined the conversation.

''Huh, I heard from Sephiro-dono that Ike-dono has a personality that is not like the demon race, but it really seems that way. Well, it is not necessary that all demons have a demonic personality. It's fine if there are demons like you and Uruk-dono. That's how I see it.

　Lamia concludes, and they all stop their conversation.
　It's because the door to the council chamber has opened again.
　This time, there are four military leaders who will gather in this council chamber.
　They are already all present.

　--It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.

　They all seem to have figured it out, and when they get up from their seats, they bow to the girl who came into the Legislative Council Chamber.
　The girl is greeted with the utmost civility by the legion leaders.
　The girl, known as the Demon King, accepts it as a matter of course, and sits down at the head of the council chamber.
　When the girl, who has a divine aura, takes her seat, she orders, "Raise your face.
　Everyone obeyed her command.
　Although it had been a long time since they had seen each other, it seemed that the Demon Lord had not lost his charisma.
　He was filled with such awe and spiritual pressure that he could curse an ordinary demon race to death with his demonic eyes.
　As the four of us watched, we waited for the demon king to declare the start of a war council.