〜♪♪

　The smartphone plays an electronic tone, announcing an incoming call from Yataro.

'It's Theon. What's up?
"We have invaders in our 186th domain, but things are a little strange.
Is there something wrong?
"Hmm. The invaders number twenty-four elves, but the leader of the party waves the white flag.
...white flag?

　What does a waving white flag mean - surrender?

Dispatch a suitable member of the family who can talk.
Copy that.

　After I finished giving the instructions, I decided to monitor the situation in the 186th Control Area with my smartphone.

''My name is Mobwan-Zion!　What brings you to the Astor Empire!

　The Dampir's attendant sent by Yataro - Mob One - calls out to the invaders in an intimidating manner.

My name is Lute Motoki. My name is Lute Motoki, and I am at the service of the Honorable Demon King Motoki, the ruler of Toyama. I have come here today to negotiate with the Demon King Theon, the ruler of Ishikawa.

　The neat-faced elf waving the white flag seems to be a subordinate of the Demon King Motoki.

''Negotiation...?　Then you may simply submit your request to the Noble Lord Theon's Household - Mobwan Theon.

　Mob One ordered Demon King Motoki's subordinates in a futilely high-handed tone.

''I offer to negotiate directly with Demon King Theon!
"--?　An elf is asking for a visit to Master Theon!　You've got to be kidding me.

　--Mob One, tell me exactly what I said!

"--!

　Feeling that the quarrelsome Mob One would not get anywhere, he decided to get directly involved in the negotiations.

''This, I will now deliver the words of Sion-sama. 'It's Demon King Theon. I have heard what you have to say directly from you, Lute = Motoki. Tell me the details of your negotiations on the spot.

　After receiving my words, Lute froze a bit, then began to speak.

'From now on, my words are the words of Motoki-sama. Listen to them with your heart. 'Demon King Theon, I'm sorry for my unexpected visit. I'm the Demon King. Today, I have sent my family members out to negotiate with you on a mutually beneficial basis.''
'I will now deliver the words of Master Zion. 'And what is the nature of those negotiations? .........
'I will give you Master Motoki's reply. Listen carefully. "Shall we form an alliance? "...and Motoki-sama says that...

　...alliance?

　I was surprised by Demon King Motoki's unexpected proposal.

　

''I will give you Sion-sama's response. The number is--''If you have the will to form an alliance--if you have the will to trust us, call the number I'm about to give you directly by Demon King Motoki. The number is--''

　As I gave the number of the smartphone I had kept as a backup to resolve the conversation through my family members, the Demon King Motoki's subordinates retreated from my control area.

　One minute of waiting.

　~~

　An electronic beep announced an incoming call from the smartphone he kept in his hand.

'It's Theon of the Astor Empire,'
"Ugh, it's Motoki from Uozu.

　After a short pause, Motoki introduced himself as "Motoki of Uozu City", probably because I had told him the name of my country.

"What do you want?
"Will you form an alliance with me?

　It seems that the Demon King Motoki has an assignment for you, an alliance with the Astor Empire.

An alliance....why?
"What?　Because we are now facing the same enemy!　The enemy of my enemy is my friend....or so they say?'
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. To us Demon Kings, everything is an enemy. The enemy of the enemy is also the enemy. Am I wrong?

　Until I can read the other person's intentions, it would be better to be strong. I reject Demon King Motoki's words with cold words.



　Was that a bit harsh?　Demon King Motoki's voice was laced with hostility.

''I didn't say that much. It's just, what benefit am I supposed to get from you and I forming an alliance?
"Merit or merit, I have merit.
Then tell me the benefits.
"Avoiding needless conflict.
Wasted time?
'Yes!　It's a futile struggle between you and me.
Hmm?　I don't understand what you're saying. To begin with, me and you are not adjacent to each other's territory of control.
'But it's only a matter of time before it's adjacent. Isn't it?'
So you're telling me that you were anticipating this and now you're proposing an alliance?
'Don't be. A good ruler must always foresee the future and take action!　Right?　Comrade Theon?

　Demon King Motoki begins to speak in a rather talkative manner. However, I don't think his words are his true intentions.

''I see. Then let's negotiate another alliance when we are adjacent to each other. Is that all you have to do?''
What?　! Wait, wait!　Wait!

　When I tried to end the conversation, Demon King Motoki's tone changed from earlier and became impatient.

''Hmm?　What is it?　It's an alliance to foresee the future and avoid unnecessary conflict, right?　Then, then ... when the future you're talking about arrives, we can negotiate again, right?
"Huh?　No, no!
No?　I thought I was just repeating your words verbatim, but am I wrong in my perception?
"No!　No, it's not!　The perception is right!　But if we don't make an alliance now, there is no point!''
'Huh?　If I'm not mistaken in my perception, you and I are not adjacent to each other in the realm of control. Unless we can cross through the humanity of Toyama, the futile struggle you're talking about - in other words, the struggle between you and me - shouldn't happen?
'But!　To make that glorious future a reality ... now!　We need to make an alliance!'
I'm sorry. I'm slow-witted and not smart enough to foresee the future like you. I don't really understand what you're talking about?
"A glorious future ... for you and me to be adjacent to each other, now!　I'm saying we need to make an alliance!'
'I don't understand why it's a glorious future if you and I are adjacent to each other but I want to form an alliance to clean up the human race in Toyama Prefecture. So that's what you're saying?
Don't say that.

　The confidence in Demon King Motoki's voice returns.

　Now this guy.........is he an idiot?

'Let's get a few things straight, okay?　The reason for forming an alliance is not to avoid unnecessary conflict, but to defeat humanity in Toyama Prefecture... is that right?
"You can take it as you will.

　I don't mind if you take it........ That's not the point of this.

I understand what you want.
"Do you understand the importance of this alliance?
I don't quite understand the importance of it, but I'll hold off on responding for now.
Why is this...
This is not a matter for quick answer. Or is "alliance" such a light thing in your mind, Demon King Motoki?
Yeah, no, I'm not saying that, but...
I'll get back to you tomorrow.
"Tomorrow ... okay.

　After I finished talking, I ended the call with the Demon King Motoki.