'Isn't that too much of a gallery for a discussion?

　I shift my gaze to the countless demons waiting behind Demon King Kaoru.

''Isn't that mutual?　The demons you brought with you are far too dangerous.

　In contrast, Kaoru, the Demon King, shifts his gaze to his subordinates who stand behind me and replies.

''Well, it's fine. This is the main thing. The best thing to do is to make an alliance.
What's the alliance?　What exactly do we do?
Specifically, a non-aggression pact.
A non-aggression pact...?　Now I feel like ... well ... is that really all there is to it?
That's all we have to offer you, then?

　Demon King Kaoru turns his suspicious gaze on me.

'Is that the only condition?　Really?
What's the matter with you?
The problem is I don't know what your problem is.
'My truth?　We just want to avoid needless conflict and prepare for another threat.
'Another threat?　Do you mean humanity?
It's impossible to form an alliance with humanity, isn't it?
You don't hate me?

　The mastermind puts a curse on the Demon King and the human race--the human race hates the Demon King fiercely. The Demon King hates the Demon King.

　I myself hate the Demon King Kaoru in front of me, not a little. However, it's a hatred that can be suppressed.

''I wouldn't be lying if I said I don't have any hatred.......
Do you form an alliance with that hated person?
If that's what it takes to survive.

　

　That meant that the hatred instilled in them was lower than their survival instincts.

''It's to survive........ Then it's even stranger. I'm offering you an alliance to survive, which is understandable. But isn't it strange that you're offering me an alliance to survive?　That's how I see my relationship with you.

　Demon King Kaoru has the impersonation of a boy, but his intelligence seems to be much higher than his subordinates who are fussing behind him.

''So, I told you earlier.　It's just another threat. I don't expect us to be ... destroyed by you.
Okay. Can I just check one thing?
What?
An alliance--is that an equal footing?
"I want a relationship as an equal.
We're no better than you?
You ask for subservience, and you say no.
Yes.
You're not going to ask me to be subservient to you, are you?　Therefore, you can only have an alliance on an equal footing.
"Hmmm ... was it a non-aggression pact?　Are there any other conditions?

　He doesn't seem to be able to trust Demon King Kaoru with his story this time. He asks a series of probing questions with a probing look.

''That's all you're asking for from me right now, isn't it?
Hmmm ... what's the deadline?

　Deadline...?　I hadn't thought about it. How much better?　Do you want to wait until you rule Toyama Prefecture?　Hardly.....

What's the deadline you want?
Hmm?　You're leaving it up to me?
It depends on the deadline.
'Hmmm ... well I guess ... at first it's a trial for a month. After that, whether it's a month, six months or a year... what do you say we talk again and renew?

　I chew on the deadline proposed by Demon King Kaoru in my head.

　There are two things I've learned from our current conversation.

　One, Demon King Kaoru is not negative about forming an alliance.

　For one, Demon King Kaoru is even smarter than he looks.

''Hm?　What's going on?　Do you disagree with the deadline I gave you?
No, that's not what I'm talking about.
So what's bothering you, then?
No, how old are you?
'What?　Does that matter now?
No, no I'm sorry. As for the duration, no problem.

　Since Demon King Kaoru looked like a schoolboy, I couldn't help but let my true feelings slip out.

In summary, you and I are going to form an alliance. You and I are not superior or inferior, we are equals. The content of the alliance is a non-aggression pact. It's for one month. At the end of one month, we'll negotiate the terms of the pact. Is that correct?
Oh, no.

　

Can I have one?
What?
''Demon King Kaoru. Are you willing to take this trend as ... forming an alliance?
Yeah. Yes. Now, if you stick to the terms I've given you, then I'm willing to consider your offer of an alliance.
Glad we could come to an agreement.
"Ho!　Wait a minute. The question is, will these conditions really be honored?　That's what I mean.

　I don't like the fact that the initiative is still being taken away from me, but the purpose has been accomplished... and just when I was relieved, Kaoru, the Demon King, was waiting for me.

The first thing that comes to mind is that this alliance is certainly different from the "rule" and "surrender" alliances in that there is no coercive power through ability. We can only trust each other.
Can you trust me?
''When you say that, I lose confidence in you, but if you were to make an alliance and then break it, the disadvantage would be greater.
I see. This alliance is a no-go and if it doesn't work, you can destroy us.
And frankly, yes.
So if you destroy it, you do less damage, but if I destroy it, I do more damage... is this equal?
Then what do you want me to do?

　Demon King Kaoru smiles wryly.

''You're smart.''
It sounds ironic when you say it.
'It's a new twist on the Demon King's ecology that we thought we had no choice but to kill and rob each other.
So, what's the point?
You may be in league with another Demon Lord in the future.
There's no chance of that happening.
So I'd like to make a proposal.
What?
I will spread the word of this alliance, of our alliance, you and I, to the world!　Well how about a name like "The Ishikawa Alliance"?　Simple but straightforward, right?

　Ishikawa Alliance?　Publicity?　........I see.

　I understood Demon King Kaoru's intentions.

''That look on your face indicates that you got what I wanted to say.
"Publicity - in essence, the first to betray you is labeled a traitor by the public. This can be a huge disadvantage in your future endeavors. Is that what you're saying?
Good answer. You're a very clever guy. So, are you going to accept my offer?

　In the first place, the purpose of this alliance was not to deceive and defeat. It's an alliance that asks Demon King Kaoru to serve as a bulwark.

　If things get out of hand we can just not renew the alliance. When you think of it that way, the way you just attached the deadline is convenient.

''--I accept the proposal.
Good. We have an alliance.

　Demon King Kaoru holds out his hand to me.

It's a done deal.

　I squeezed his hand back.

'We've made an alliance at last. I have one more proposal for you, if you don't mind.
'Proposal?　What is it?

　I spoke up with a suggestion that occurred to me.