After returning to the Eighth Legion's camp and taking a short break, a messenger directly under the Demon King came to send a messenger immediately.

　It was a military council to solidify the policy of the King's capital, Leasas.
　It was impossible not to attend, but Lilith insisted that I should take her along with me.

　The fact is, she was not able to be of any use to you when you infiltrated into Reezus, so she wants to be of use to you now.

　Is she confident that she will be useful in the military council?
　I doubt it, so I try to persuade her to stay.

　The orc's chief of staff, Giron.
Your sister's time is almost up when we attack the castle. Please refrain from doing so for now.
　She managed to back off, probably because he offered her a helping hand.

'But you'll go on a rampage in time of war!　Be prepared for that!

　And he didn't forget to throw away the discarded line.

　I took pity on the Rosalia soldiers who would be facing her, and went straight back to the Demon King-sama's main camp.

　Desks and chairs were already lined up in the main camp.
　The desk was covered with a pure white tablecloth.

　It was also laced, giving it a slightly feminine look, but it was probably not arranged by the Demon King-sama's difference, but by the maidservant demon race.

　This rational girl liked the flamboyance but not the waste. It was unlikely that she would even pay attention to this kind of thing on the battlefield.

　Next, she looked at the chair set up next to the table.
　It's a very ordinary chair. It was made of wood.
　It's not shabby, but not luxurious, as the legion leader class sits in it.
　You can buy one at the civilian level if you pay for it.
　I count the number of chairs provided at the table.
　There were only three chairs.
　Two of the seats were already occupied.
　First of all, the one at the guest of honor seat is the Demon King. She was looking at us.
　Cephiro was sitting next to her. She looked bored and absent.

''Does that mean I should sit in the rest of the seats?

　I muttered that in my mouth.
　The remaining chair was right beside the Demon King-sama.
　And it's on her right side.
　In the Demon King's army, traditionally, the chief strategist would sit on the Lord's right side.

　I don't know why such a tradition was established, but the one who sits on the right side of the Lord is literally the 'right arm' and must support the Lord.

　As the Demon Lord said earlier, it seems that the Demon Lord is going to proceed with the military council with me as the chief strategist.

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

　I can't help but feel nervous, but it seems I'm the only one who's nervous.

　Aside from the Demon Lord himself, Cephiro just had his usual languid expression on his face.

　I sit down reservedly, but Cephiro opens his mouth to make fun of it.

'What do you think?　How comfortable is that chair?

I have a lot of work to do.

　Cephiro teases me even more when I say this.

"You've come a long way from being the Demon King's chief of staff. "You've come a long way from being a chief of staff," he says.

　I was going to jokingly reply that it would send a chill down my spine, but I didn't have the time to do so.

The remaining two legion leaders also entered the camp.

''Now, what will they think when they see me sitting on the right side of the Demon King?

　I observed them as I considered that as if it were a stranger's business.
　First of all, Uruk, the commander of the 5th Legion corps.
　A big man who looks up at me--. Or rather, a giant.

　The Cyclops Uruk looked down at me with his single eye, but he didn't seem particularly bothered by it.

　As befits his massive body, he's a man who doesn't care about trivial matters to begin with.
　He didn't say anything even though I was acting as his chief of staff.

''Ike's boy, I hear you have successfully retrieved the national seal, well done!

　He only praised it.
　He was more concerned about the smallness of the camp curtain.
　He was jawing while shrinking his large body.
　On the other hand, what about Luthrala of the Fourth Legion?

　She has the lower half of a snake's body. According to Cephiro, her personality is as sticky as a snake's, but she doesn't seem to have any complaints about it either.

　She takes one look at me.
'Looks like you got that thing,'
　He only uttered one word, but didn't say anything else.

　I let out a light breath.

　This is because it seemed that if there was a jealous warlord like Bayo of the Werewolf Brigade, it was inevitable that there would be trouble.

　That worry seemed to be unfounded, but Cephiro spoke to me with a twist of his mouth.

''It's a good thing the legion leader here is a moderate. If there had been an elite First Legion or a prideful Second Legion commander, there would have been a struggle. They are generally self-respecting. They're bound to quarrel over the order of their seats.

Yes, if all the legion leaders are present, you'll be the last one in line next time.

　When I say that.

I can't do that. Besides, I've said it a long time ago. Among demons, modesty is not a virtue. Take the time to give credit where it's due. If you're so timid, you'll be licked by the master's concubines.

　Cephiro gave me the usual sermon.

　I've never looked up to her as a mentor, but when I said, "I'll be careful," I declared the meeting to begin.

　I was unwillingly selected to be the chief strategist, but if I didn't abandon that role here, or fail to live up to the Demon King's expectations, I would bring shame to him. I didn't want to do that.

　I'm going to act as a facilitator of the proceedings without delay.

　That would be the way to repay the Demon King for his high expectations.
　I point at the picture map placed in the center of the table.
　The center of the continent is glowing red.
　Of course, that place was here, the royal capital, Reezus.

　An incompetent who doesn't understand such a thing isn't allowed to become a legion leader, so I skip the explanation and continue.

''We are currently besieging the royal capital. The reason why we didn't move to attack the castle until now is to see what the lords who have been quietly watching have been doing.

"Lords" are the lords of Rosalia?　Or is it the League of Lords?

　Luthrara of Lamia asked, but it was probably meant to be a confirmation.
　Her military strategy was one of the best in the legion leaders.

　I'm embarrassed to preach to our military leaders, but I'll tell you what I think.

''Both sides. I was also concerned about the movements of the League of Lords and the local nobles of Rosalia who had decided to remain neutral.''

　However,'' I continue.

''With the recovery of the national seal this time, it is safe to assume that the possibility of the local nobles who had decided to take an opportunistic view of the situation disappearing to come to reinforce the army.

'Does that mean we can move on to attack the castle without a care in the world?

　Uruk the Cyclops says in a pleasant tone.

　The main force of the 5th Legion led by Uruk are the Titans. When it comes to attacking the castle, they must be very motivated.

''Yes, well, I think we're safe in the hinterland,''

I guess that means it's time for our men to go. The giants have been polishing their clubs and I've been wondering when they'll be ready to go into battle.

　Uruk chuckles, but Luthrara disagrees.

You have reclaimed the national seal and made Tristan the king. You will be able to see that you have a very good idea of what to expect. Besides, if the siege continues, the food supply in the capital of Reezus will run out. If that happens, won't they be able to descend to your gates without having to do anything?

Mmm, that's one way to think about it.

　Uruk growled.

''You are indeed right. If we continue to besiege the castle, eventually Reezus will surely fall. However, if the castle is besieged for a long period of time, there is a worry that the League of Kings will start to move. Rosalia is no longer in the wind. They may ignore where the kingship is, and attack Rosalia and take it as is.

That's possible. Or rather, if I were a human leader, I'd think the same thing. Even if Tristan or Eichs wins, Rosaria is no longer worth using. It wouldn't be surprising if we were talking about dividing and ruling Rosalia with the League of Kings.

I think the nobles of Rosalia, caught between the Demon King's army and the League of Kings, are in a state of panic. They wonder which side they're on to survive.

And Ike is of the opinion that it's best to get this over with as soon as possible?

'I would, but what's your opinion?　Do you want to attack the castle early, or do you want to lay a siege and wait for them to descend on your gates?　I'd like to ask for a show of hands.

　I said, and urged those in favor of the raid to raise their hands.
　First, Uruk the Cyclops raised his hand.
　Although he was a kind-hearted giant, he was an expert at attacking castles.

　He probably thinks that it's a warrior's true intention to be able to attack one of the best fortified cities on the continent, and that's the enemy's royal capital.

　He agreed to attack the castle.
　The next person to agree with me was Luthrara of Lamia.

I don't like the idea of attacking a castle. It's not a good idea to attack a castle. But I still agree with Lord Ike. It's a good idea to capture the castle quickly and let the League of Kings know that this Rosalia belongs to the Demon King's army.

　She held up her white hand as she said that.
　I look at the witch next to the Demon King-sama.
　Because I wanted to hear Cephiro's opinion.
　She, of course, seemed to agree.

She had built a golem for this day to attack the city and studied where to launch the Meteor Strike to open a hole in the walls of Leathernecks. How could I possibly object to this?

　He raised his hand.
　I am relieved to see that.
　This witch is a navel-gazer and can disagree with me for no reason.
　The quirky nature of the quirks seems to have been suppressed in this situation.
　Thankfully.
　After confirming that everyone agreed with me, I stared at the Demon King for the last time.
　As long as the Demon King gives his approval, we can move on to the castle.

　If we take on the Demon King's main body plus the four elite armies of the Demon King's army, the impregnable royal capital of Reezus will be lighted before the wind.

　Thinking this, I waited for the king's decision, but the king said something unexpected.


"We're retreating.


　Hearing those words, the legion leader who was present in the room made a startled expression.
　Even Cephiro, who rarely showed signs of being upset, had an expression of surprise on his face.
　Perhaps, but the expression under my mask is similar.
　I was unable to say a word to the Demon King-sama's shocking statement.
　Everyone was uniformly silent, but the one who broke the silence was Sephiro, the Witch of the Black Peril.

''- I can't believe that the rational demon king is retreating for no reason. There must be a reason for that?　If you can, please explain to us.

　When Cephiro said that, the Demon King nodded his head in a lopsided manner.

''The answer is simple. Because even if we continue to attack the castle, even if we lay a siege and take it to an endurance battle, we will lose.''

'Losing?　Did we?

　Uruk the Cyclops asks.
　How is the reason, he continues.
　The girl called the Demon King answers clearly.

I just received a report from the First Legion, which was stationed in the west, that the armies of the League of Kings have begun their march west of Rosalia. I just received a report from the First Legion, which was stationed in the west, that the armies of the League of Lords have begun to march westward in Rosalia. Their number was 100,000. The lords of Rosaria are resisting, but it's likely that the western part of the country will be occupied by the League of Lords by night.

　The demon king said that and pointed to the hawk flying above his head.
　It seems to be her messenger.
　The hawk came down in a direct descent and stopped at the Demon King's white arms.
　The demon king lovingly stroked the messenger and then told him more unpleasant information.

It seems that the armies of the League of Lords are approaching from the north as well. The number is 50,000. The west side might be able to hold out for a while with the resistance of the Rosarian nobles and the other legion leaders stationed there, but the north side is nearly empty. If we continue to sit back and watch, the Rosalia territory in the north will be hijacked and will come to this royal capital. If you are in the midst of a siege or a siege, the demon king's army may be defeated.

　It's probably time to pull out.
　That's what the Demon King said.
　I look around at the things around me.

　The legion leaders who had intended to bring down Leezus just a moment ago, but now they were despondent.

　Each of them had their own unique level of discouragement, but they all had a uniformly shaded expression on their faces.
　Cephiro muttered on behalf of all of them.

We have secured food, mobilized a large army, regained the seal of state, and even challenged the king's hand, and now this is how it looks? It's a good thing that I've lived for hundreds of years and never understood warfare.

　Everyone seems to agree with Cephiro's words.

　Luthrara of Lamia.
I'm sorry to have come so far.
　The beautiful face was twisted.

　The serpent's tail also seemed to be nodding off in a heartless manner.
　The Cyclops Uruk also had a painful look on his face.

'What a shame.

　When he let out a word, he closed his single eye and seemed to be pensive.
　They all seemed to have heard the Demon Lord's report and were prepared to retreat.
　It was only natural.

　Anyone who can be optimistic under this situation is either too incompetent or has a screw loose in their head.

　No demon race is incompetent as the commander of the Demon King's army.
　Besides, the Demon King himself had concluded that he would be defeated even if he stayed here.
　It was only natural that there was no one here to call for a thorough battle.
　However, in the midst of all this, there was one demon tribe that had a different opinion.
　To be precise, there was a 'human'.
　The "human" with a screw loose in his head raised his hand and said


''Demon King, I have a plan to capture the King's Capital, Leasas, in an instant. If you are going to retreat, could you not wait until you hear that plan?


　All eyes are on me.
　Luthrara's beautiful eyes are
　The Uruk has a monocular.
　Cephiro's eyes, full of mischief.
　The Demon King-sama would stare at me with his usual emotionless eyes.


　However, everyone seems to be interested in my plan in a uniform manner.
　I could sense that they were giving me a lot of attention.
　As a representative of the group, the Demon King asked me.


"If you use this strategy, will you be able to conquer Lius?


　The Demon King asked me that, but I nodded, coyly.


'I don't ask if you can always drop it. There is a time for heaven in battle. There will be failure. You can't do anything if you plan your strategy on the assumption that you will fail. However, as the leader of the Demon King's Army, I have one question. If the plan fails, what will happen to the Demon King's Army?


　I answer honestly.


''If this operation fails, the Eighth Legion will be destroyed. Although the rest of the Legion will not be unscathed, it is still possible for us to recover.


　I see, the demon king lightly put his hand on his well-shaped chin and pondered for a while.

　This time, all eyes were on the Demon King.
　The fate of the Demon King's army was determined by his thoughts.
　It was natural.
　Luthrara stared at me and the Demon King in turn.

　I wonder how the Demon King-sama is evaluating this newcomer, or maybe he's thinking that way.

　Uruk gazes at the Demon King-sama with his single eye.
　He is the most loyal of all the legion leaders.
　If the Demon King gives orders, he will faithfully perform any difficult task.

　Cephiro, on the other hand, stared at the Demon King at first, but soon closed his eyes and sat down as if in meditation.

　What do you think?
　I've known her for many years, but I still have a hard time grasping the idea of this witch.

　Maybe she's worried about me, or maybe she has something else on her mind entirely.

　I looked at the actions of all the legion leaders and finally shifted my gaze to the Demon King-sama.
　He is still as expressionless as a ceramic doll.

　I couldn't guess anything from her expression, but I knew that she trusted me.

　When I looked at her, she immediately said, "I understand.


I understand. I'll let Ike do all the work on this one.


　After assuring me of this, the Demon King asked me to explain the plan.

　In order to repay the king's trust, to convince the other leaders of the army, and to ensure the victory of the king's army, I announced all my plans.

　When they heard my plan, they were stunned, but no one opposed my plan.

　Is it because of the trustworthiness of my past performance?
　Or is it that they trust the Demon King who believes in me?
　I'm not sure, but my mission received the confidence of the entire legion leader and the Demon King.
　I was proud of it, but at the same time, it was a horrible thing.
　The fate of the Demon King's army depended on my actions.

　It was too heavy a responsibility for me, a mere mortal, but I still couldn't bring myself to abandon that responsibility.