He persuaded the demon race to oppose the transition.
　He declared this to Luthrara, but it was extremely difficult to do so.

　It would be impossible to convince him of the strategic value of the move, even if he could make him understand it.

　To use an analogy, it would be like trying to convince an old man who has lived in the countryside for years to move to Tokyo because of its convenience.

　Even if you tell them that Tokyo is convenient for transportation, that there are many entertainment options and that they can see their grandchildren's faces every day, there are few old people who would abandon their familiar places.

　This relocation of the capital has something in common with that.
　So, how to persuade people to move to a new city?
　The answer is simple.
　The answer is simple.

　If they want to invite their parents, who are living in the countryside of the Tohoku region, to come to the city, they can propose a compromise: let's live in Sendai, the capital of the Tohoku region.

　That way, it would be easier to convince them that it's closer and more culturally relevant than going to Tokyo.

　My plan is similar to that.

　Of course, it's not a simple plan to set up the Demon King's Castle in the middle of Arsenum and Dvorberg, but it's just a plan to reduce psychological resistance by half.

''In other words, do you intend to declare to the demon tribe that you will first build the Demon King's residence here in Arsenum?''

　Luthrara, an accomplice to the plan, asks me that.

'That's right,'

So the demons with the old-fashioned way of thinking would have a big problem with that.

''Yes, we demon tribe will repurpose a city made up of humans and make it the royal capital? It's a shame. It's abominable. It's humiliating. They'll declare it out loud.

So your plan is to make a different plan when you've heard all those voices.

That's right.

''Indeed, that way, the Demon King will have conceded for once. It would also preserve the other self-respecting demons' mentality, wouldn't it?

''There's that too. As I told Cephiro about this, the demon race has a face, but even more than that, there's also a fear of the demon king-sama. I'm glaring at the fact that if you put up a reckless challenge once and set up a psychological barrier, the next proposal you present will pass easily.

In other words, you're going to declare the relocation of Arsenum as your guessing horse, and then declare the construction of the Demon King's Castle as your main objective.

You guessed it, well, you're right.

"Hmm.

　And Luthrara cupped her hand to her chin like white porcelain.

I think it's a perfect idea. I think it's a perfect plan. I'm sure that the second legion's Gelmure, who is a stickler for face value, will also be able to save face and accept it.

You won't like it, though.

'Indeed. But we don't want conviction, we want understanding. Once the relocation of the Demon King's Castle is decided, the opposition won't try to sabotage or obstruct us.

''It's only possible with the current charisma of the Demon Lord.

''Oh, it's imprudent, but it's not a bad idea to carry out the relocation while the Demon King is alive. It's not a bad idea to carry out the relocation while the war with the humans is still going well.

''If the Demon King's army has a base in the center of the continent, that will be the wedge. If we are pushed to the human side in the future, it will be the front line and a bulwark.

You mean like a beachhead.

That's right.

　It was a common strategy in the world I once lived in.

　In ancient China, successive dynasties, which were plagued by different ethnic groups in the north, dared to build their capitals right in front of the sphere of influence of the different ethnic groups and designated it as their capital.

　Chang'an and Beijing are famous examples.

　In the West, when the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, the Byzantine base, they made it their capital.

　Constantinople was a major transportation hub and the frontline of the holy war against the infidels.

　It was full of strategic and economic rationality to establish a capital there.　
　The Demon King must have been well aware of this.

　Oda Nobunaga was also a famous warlord who had changed his base of operations from one place to another.

　He inherited Nagono Castle from his father and expanded his power in Owari and moved his residence to Kiyosu, the center of Owari. She would then move her residence to Kiyosu, the center of Owari, because that would allow her to control her territory more efficiently.

　Next, she moved her castle to a remote place called Komakiyama on the edge of Owari.

　The purpose of this move was to defeat Saito Yoshioki of Mino, who was the target of her attack at the time.

　She dared to move her base of operations in front of the enemy in order to capture Mino.

　Afterwards, she changed the castle called Inabayama Castle, which was the residence of the enemy country she had captured, to Gifu Castle, from which she issued a great proclamation of "Tenka Fubu".

　She built a castle called Azuchi Castle on the southern shore of Lake Biwa in the country of Omi, a major logistical hub of the capital, after taking control of most of the country.

　There he took control of the situation in the capital and gave orders to the commanders of the armies under his command to take over the country.

　So to speak, the current situation is both a milestone and a total finish to the acquisition of the kingdom of heaven in this other world.

　If the capital of the Demon King's Army is built in the center of this Leasas, the Demon King's Army will receive immeasurable benefits.

　Even if they are not convinced, there must be many demons who understand this.
　Starting with Luthrara and the other demon clans with a good head on their shoulders, they will understand.
　The problem was a matter of heart, a matter of sentiment.

　People tend to think it's a simple matter, such as moving a castle, but in fact, this is actually quite difficult to do.

　In fact, there were surprisingly few warlords who changed their homes in their previous lives, when the country was known as the Warring States period.
　Even the Shimazu clan, the dominant force in Kyushu, did not move from Satsuma in the end.

　Nor did the Mori clan, the dominant force in the Chugoku region. Nor did the Chosokabe clan, the dominant force in the Shikoku region. Nor did the Go-Hojo clan, which had dominated the eight provinces of Seki, drop out of the race to become the ruler of the country without moving their bases.

　In fact, the determination and charisma of Oda Nobunaga, who was able to change his stronghold in a hurry, was more extraordinary.

　The same is true in this other world, and that determination and conceptual ability is worthy of praise, but now, will he be able to move his residence again this time?

　No, Nobunaga-sama in this world also has an overwhelming charisma. There are many demons who are in awe of her.

　If she says she will move the capital, then it is now a done deal and cannot be overturned.

　I have no objection to the move.
　I was going to cooperate fully with the move.

　My concern is now limited to whether or not the Demon King's forceful relocation would cause him to harbor any animosity toward the move, which would in turn cause him to spark a fire.

　I've decided to ask for Luthrara's help to get things done as well as possible.
　I'll get her to put on a show for me.

　First of all, I'll explain to Uruk, the commander of the 5th Legion, who is staying in this city, and Gael Moore, who has returned from the Western Front.


''The Demon King-sama intends to build a new Demon King's Castle in the center of this Rosalia and use it as a base of operations.


　The reason he declared in an interesting and pompous voice was to avoid being licked by the head of the Second Legion, the gargoyle Germoor. When this man showed weakness, he would take advantage of it.

　In fact, he has made it difficult for him to do so without showing any weakness.
　Gelmoor countered in his high-pitched voice, characteristic of the gargoyles, "Hey, hey!

You can move to the new capital, but you don't think they're going to just set up a castle in this humanistic city, do you?

That's what I'm trying to do.

Don't be a fool. Why do we Demons have to use a human's secondhand goods? The Demon King's Castle is the symbol of the Demon King's army. Do we have to put up with the same old things?

'Arsenum is a strong castle. We could spend it all over it and save money on building it, right?　That's a good thing.

　Gelmoor paused to say, "Oh dear.

Then I'm against it. I can't help you with the transition.

Are you going to sabotage it?

Well, I'm just saying, I'm lending you a guy's leg, but I can't guarantee that they'll do it.

　That's called skipping it, you know. That's what I thought in my mind, but I didn't dare say anything and waited for my next response.

'I'm not the only one who thinks this. I'm sure the Uruk guy there thinks so too, secretly.

　Gelmoor tells me that and gestures with his chin to look at the giant.
　I honestly look up at the Cyclops Uruk.

　Uruk scratches his head apologetically.

Ike, I'm afraid I feel the same way. I might be able to convince them myself, but I'm not sure I can convince my men.

　I let out a breath.

'I see, I know what you all think. But I still want to move my residence to Arsenum, because that's what the Demon King ordered. That's because that's what the king ordered. You will absolutely obey his orders. If I find any demons who disobey my orders or shirk my orders, I will punish them with the authority given to me by the Demon King. Even if it's from a prestigious demon tribe or a legion leader, it's the same.

　He declared without stammering.

　There was a moment of silence, perhaps because of his spirit or perhaps because he was surprised by his unexpected words, but Germoor immediately responded.

　Gelmoor was a demon of the Gargoyle tribe. He had jet-black skin, but the color of his skin had turned a sickening reddish-black color.

　He verbalized his thoughts frankly and expelled them from his body.

''Eeeeeeee!　You young bastard!　You've been on a roll lately because you've been remembering things so well, Demon Lord!　A fox that hunts for the majesty of demons!　I don't care what you or anyone else says!　If you see me as a traitor, so be it. I'll just stay in my own territory and fight to the last man!

　It was a splendid speech.
　It was a very convincing performance.
　--or is it serious? Gelmoor seems to be really pissed off.

　If it weren't for the fact that there were no other corps leaders here, he would have stuck his claws down my throat.

　I look around.

　Gelmoor, Uruk, and a few of the Demon Race's heavyweights were all here, but they all had the same expression on their faces, no matter how big or small.

　They all looked at me as if I were
"A fox that hunts for the majesty of demons!
　He was staring at her with such a look on his face.

　But there was only one woman who didn't move a single eyebrow and had her usual poker face on her face.

　It was Luthrara, the Commander of the Fourth Legion.
　She opened her mouth without losing her sculpted expression.
　Her voice was as flowing as a harp, but her remarks were caustic.

''Gelmoor's statement is somewhat excessive. Spouting treason to the Demon Lord in the midst of a gathering of generals, even if it is a joke, is not acceptable.''

..........

　Perhaps the words brought him back to himself, but Gelmoor is silent.

'Therefore, I will pretend that I did not hear what you just said. I would be grateful if you could all pretend you didn't hear what I just said, too.

　Now is not the time to be fighting within the Demon King's army in this situation, she said words to that effect and mended the situation.

　Next, she looks at me.

　Her expression was powerful as if she were shooting others, and her tone was as brave as a war goddess.

It's just that Ike-dono's earlier statement cannot be overlooked either. The Demon King's army is indeed the Demon King's, but Ike-dono's earlier comment is something that hurts the self-respect of the demon race. I want you to take back what you said earlier.

　I apologize honestly and bow my head.
　Luthrara's mouth twists slightly when she sees me.
　The others also seem to have felt somewhat better seeing me.
　So Luthrara is quick to continue speaking.

'Good. I consider this to be the reconciliation of Ike and Gelmoor.

　There was a round of applause when Luthrara declared that, but Luthrara ignored it and said

'I am a demon. I have an attachment to Dvorberg. I was born in the castle town of Dvorberg. Since I was a child, I have grown up looking up at that castle. The first day I climbed up to Dvorberg, my palms were sweating and I was so nervous that I couldn't say a single word. Since then, I've worked for the Demon King's sake and for the future of the demon race.

　She punctuates her words there.
　She is probably giving the audience time to clear their minds.
　She resumes her speech when the time is right.

'I'm sure it's the same for all of you. However, I am also a demon who was entrusted with the relocation plan by the Demon King. This relocation wasn't just something that the Demon King wanted to do. There was an immeasurable strategic value behind it.

　As she said this, she explained to everyone the strategic meaning of the transition that I had laid out the other day.
　When the demon tribe heard Luthrara's words, they all fell silent.
　There are no incompetent demon clans under the Demon King's command.

　The Demon King's army is not so naive that those who can't hear her explanation and understand its meaning can flourish in the Demon King's army.

　When Luthrara made sure her thoughts were understood, she added.
　She said in a questioning tone.

''What do you think?　It is true that it is sad to leave Dvorberg, but it is also a regrettable loss. Besides, Gelmoor is right, reusing the human city of Arsenum as it is is is also a question of the Demon King's Army's ding. In order to show the majesty of the Demon King's army and the Demon King's prestige to the world, how about building a new Demon King's Castle by Arsenum?

　When Luthrara finished, she looked around.
　Everyone was silent, but there were few that expressed their feelings of denial.

　If Luthrara said so, then it can't be helped if that's what the Demon King-sama thinks, such an atmosphere was being created.

　I stare at the scene for a while.
　I keep silent.
　If I said something poorly here, there was a chance that this atmosphere would change drastically.

　I'm a newcomer who was recently promoted to the rank of corps commander, and I'm a youngster who was just born.

　In a demon tribe where the strongest people in a thousand seas and mountains gather, a baby is probably the most important thing.
　If I say anything here, there will be animosity.

　In the first place, one of my schemes was to focus the hate on me first, and then have Luthrara speak out against me and lead the discussion in that direction.

　In that sense, my strategy has been completely successful so far.
　If things continue as they are, everything will fall into place.

　I was in the midst of all this, when Luthrara came over to me and whispered in my ear, "Are you sure?

'Are you sure?　If you don't, all the hatred will be gathered on you and the credit will be mine.

　It's a noh-face expression, but from the whisper, it seems she's worried about my position.

　Once again, I review Luthrara's face.

　She is classified as one of the most beautiful women of the demon race. I wanted to watch her for a while, but this trifecta would be wasted if I stared at her for too long.

　I stated my thoughts briefly.

'I'm used to being resented by nature. Since my days as a brigade commander. No, since I was a kid, I guess.'
　He is human inside, even though he is dressed like this. His humanity comes out in the way he thinks and acts, and since he was a child, he was often ridiculed and bullied by other demons.

　Also, when I was a brigade commander, and even more so when I was a unit commander, I was often jeered by my colleagues and seniors.

　I was used to those kinds of emotions, and I've managed to fend off many obstructions and harassment from those feelings in the past.

　We have silenced them and won their trust by our achievements and actions.
　Even if he was now disliked as a cocky little boy, he could clear up the misunderstanding that this was a mistake.

　What was important right now was to make the transfer of the Demon King's Castle a success and bring benefits to the Demon King and the Demon King's army.

　The fact that I personally disliked it was a trivial matter.

''Therefore, you can make me the villain of your choice. Right now, it's more important to make the transition plan succeed without delay.

　Luthrara's mouth twisted slightly as I said this.

''You are a brilliant man. I'm not going to be the only one who has been favored by the demon king. Then I'll let you play the villain to the end.

　As Luthrara said this, he began to persuade the other commanders and the demon race.

　He set me up as the villain and made me turn the hatred of Gelmoor and the other martial tribesmen to turn the hatred of the martial tribesmen against the Demon King, choosing words that would not turn the animosity against the Demon King, and unifying the tone of the argument.

　A few minutes later, the leaders of the Demon King's army who gathered in the city of Arsenum were united in their opinion.
　The transfer of the Demon King's Castle had been decided.
　In other words, the initial objective had been reached.

　Gelmoor and others despised them even more and expressed their hostility towards them, but it didn't matter.

　He wasn't fighting for the sake of being liked by the demons like Germoor.
　He just wanted to end the warring world quickly.

　I didn't mind being hated by the dozen if that could be accomplished simply by being hated by a man like Gelmoor.