I feel the wind lazily on Puppy's back for a while.
　Puppy's flight is fast, but as expected, it can't be sped from the royal capital of Olvance to the Elf's Hidden Village in an instant.
　When I look behind me, Alisa is looking around, as if she were an archer on alert. And there's no conversation between us like that.
　Well, I guess I should just go there at a leisurely pace, while thinking--.

''Noah-sama,''

Yeah ... hmm?

　Suddenly, I'm approached by Jessica like that.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. I'm not sure if it's a fearful place to be, but she's holding my sleeve with both hands.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for when you go to the beach.

Oh, um, a few questions, if you don't mind.

'Oh, yeah. Good.

''Noah-sama's country ... how much territory does Grandizia currently hold?''

'Uh....'

　I don't know if I'm allowed to say it.
　In front of Jessica's presence, I've explained the matter of 'we don't have an embassy or anything yet' to Feliana, and maybe I can't blame her for wondering.
　He's even made sure to tell Feliana that our territory is still only a forest.

'Our country is only a forest. The forest west of the ruins of Rilkara.

The West Forest.................The Devil's Forest?

Is that what they call you?

　It's got an exaggerated name.
　Maybe it's a rather dangerous forest. The level is around the 30s to 40s, and I don't have an image of strong demons in there.
　Perhaps it's because the puppy is there?

I see, the Demon Forest is its territory...

What about it?

Oh, no!　That would make sense. I've heard from your mother that Master Noah wants a lot of stone and wood.

Uh-huh.

　The real problem is that we can handle the wood, but for the stone, we're dependent on Feliana.
　First, I'll build a wall on the Imperial side with the stones from Orvance, then I'll cut down the trees in the forest, somehow expand the territory and build a house there... Just thinking about it is too much of a process for me to handle.
　But I have to get it done somehow. I'm the king.

So you're saying that you're not currently ready for an imperial invasion, is that it?

What... what do you mean?

''Oh ... well, I'm sorry if I've offended you!　And, but........well........the news of a tie-up between Grandizia and Orvance will reach the Empire in the not too distant future. At that time, the Empire will probably attack Grandizia first.

...Is that right?

'Having tied up with Orvance, the Empire considers Grandizia and the enemy. Since we are no longer a virtual enemy, it is possible that they will launch a preemptive attack.

　Is that true too?
　No, I don't know. Is Jessica really that smart?

'No... well, from what I've heard, I'm afraid that Noah-sama is doing a tremendous amount of work right now.

A tremendous thing...

'Yes. Building a wall in an empty forest, building a castle, a house, and shaping a country with that as its capital... I thought it was too tremendous.

....

　Sure, if you ask me, you're right.
　But our territory is nothing but that forest. As long as the forest is all we have, we have no choice but to develop it.

As I said before, Grandizia has become an enemy of the Empire. Therefore, it could be invaded by the Empire at any moment.

'Oh, yeah. It's....

But at the same time, it means that Grandizia could invade the Empire at any moment.

...uh?

So.

　Yeah, Jessica nodded.
　I have no idea what is going on in that head of mine.
　Well, since the Empire and Grandizia are already hostile to each other--.

"How about if we take it from the Empire?

-Oh!

"You don't have to build a wall. "You don't have to build a wall, you don't have to build a house. It's right there. I thought that by taking Imperial territory as a bridgehead, we would be able to work more closely with the Kingdom of Orvance to fight the Empire.

Well, that's...

　Jessica looks at me.
　Her eyes are like they shoot through me.

"I think I can be a part of that. Please help me with this.

Jessica, you're not...

Yes, Master Noah.

　Jessica smiled at me with a smile.

'I was given 'The Strategist' as my vocation.

-Oh!

Although I am still learning, please use my vocation for the sake of Noah-sama's High Path. If I can be of any help in this endeavor, I will be very happy.

　What do you think, Lady Noah?
　It was as if the devil was whispering to me at Jessica's words, saying that to me.

"...Jessica.

Yes, sir.

When I get back to the country, I'll introduce you to Drake. He'll be my mentor.

Thank you, Master Noah.

　The one I wanted - a warlord.
　There is no more power in the future to fight against the Empire.

'Well then, let's get ready for war.

　Well, it seems like the Empire already thinks I'm the Demon King.
　I don't think you need to be shy about it now, do you?
　You've killed my family, you should get the full retribution you deserve.