The Beast Emperor Zegert was facing two demons in the deep forest.

　It was a secret meeting.
　The huge mansion that was his home and the separate houses in various parts of the Demon World were all in high danger of being watched by the Demon King's handlers.
　The Demon King has a section of suspicion about Zegart and his actions need to be done in secret.

''It's been a month since we returned to the demon world. How are you preparing your plans, Sigmund?

　Zegert asked his gut.

'I think things are generally going well,'
How's Tsukuyomi doing?
'I have no problem with my work either. I am making 78% progress. I am confident that I will meet the deadline.

　'I don't know,' the silver magic doll tells him.

''Not at all. I'm sure you've been using it too much because it's a homunculus.
"...I heard your whole heart, Tsukuyomi.
'Voice of the mind?　Huh?　I didn't say anything about it.

　Tsukuyomi shakes her head in a white manner.

'You're still the same,'

　Zegart chuckled.

　Well, the personality aspect is not the problem.
　What we need is ability.
　Subordinates like Sigmund, who is outstanding in both character and ability, are not often obtained.

The other day we had a little run-in with Demon King Freed, and his ability value (status) is even greater than I've heard of. Although I've been preparing to fight them, there are still many uncertainties. As I thought, it's not going to be that easy.

　Zegart looked at Sigmund and Tsukuyomi in turn.

That's why your work is so important. I'm counting on you.
With my life, I will surely help you, Master Zegert.

　Sigmund bows his head reverently.
　He is truly a loyal vassal.

I will do my best, sir. I'm sure you will be able to find out more about the underground mechanism of the Demon King's Castle. And that equipment of Lord Zegert's.

　And this is Tsukuyomi.

''It's hard because I'm busy with the Demon Army Chief's work and I have to proceed with our work as well.......Zegert-dono is just giving orders, so it's easy and good. Mumble.

　I knew I could hear the disgruntled mind in full voice.

'Both of you, keep it up, please.'

　Zegert told him.

''It's not just the Demon King who is in trouble. It's not just me and Tsukuyomi, it's the other five Demon Commanders.

　Stella and Feria are not the type of people who specialize in direct combat, but they have special skills to be reckoned with.
　Regal is a fierce fighter of all time, and Judah is a magic user who is as good or better than the Demon King class.
　Olivier's recovery ability is also troublesome if you turn it into an enemy.

　How will we deal with that area?

''You're having a chat in a place like this?　Maj. Gen. Zegert, Maj. Gen. Tsukuyomi.

　Suddenly, a voice came from behind me.

''........Regal? Why are you the one in this place?

　Zegert growls.

'A walk,'

　The swordsman of the skull, who told him without a care in the world.

　Since he was undead, I didn't feel any sign of him at all.
　How long has he been there?
　Perhaps they had been asked about their plans.

　Reflexively, he flailed his entire body.
　He signaled Sigmund and Tsukuyomi on either side with his gaze.

　If they sensed something - in the worst case, it was unavoidable to take care of them here.

　Nevertheless, Regal has a use for it.
　If possible, I don't want to bump into him just yet.

(And besides, when I become the Demon King, I want him to be in the heart of the army.

　It was indeed a shame to erase the strongest level of Demon Realm martial artist in such a place.

''I could only make out bits and pieces, but I think I heard some disturbing words.

　With a clatter, the armor clicks and Regal walks up to him.
　It's not a battle stance, it's just natural.

　Was he listening to what Zegert and the others were saying?
　Or is he saying something like that and exploring our reaction?

(........What do you think?　Do you want to keep him wrapped up in the smoke? (Or do I step to the core and bring this guy into the fold)
I am concerned. What will become of this world?

　Zegart let out a sad exhale.
　He tried to avoid using specific words and kept it abstract.

I'm always thinking about it. I've been thinking about the best way to protect this world. "I've always wanted to take steps to protect this world," he said. And to do that, I need your help.
My...?

　Regal's voice had a suspicious ring to it.
　'You're being warned.

'You said earlier that you had something you wanted to discuss with me. 'About this?'
Well, that's not far off, actually.

　Zegert grins.

''I consider you to be one of the most trusted and good comrades among the demon army chiefs.

　This one also decided to reveal a little bit of information and find out the other party's reaction.

　I heard that Regal challenged the current Demon King to a fight when he first met him.
　Although he doesn't seem to have an attitude of outward defiance, it is possible that he has some kind of dissatisfaction with Freed.

　If we strike a blow, he may come to our side...

　　　　

　I was in my office doing paperwork as usual.
　Stella was at my side.

''Demon King-sama, I've reviewed the financial and civil engineering, as well as the military-related applications. Please settle the accounts.
You're always helpful. I'm sorry, Stella.

　I thank her and take the papers.

　In fact, I wouldn't be able to turn in this much work without her.
　I couldn't thank her enough.

''It's a pleasure for me to be of service to the Demon King-sama. If you want to do something like this, I'll do it as much as I can.''

　Stella smiles happily.

'Well, maybe I should help you with that.

　The one who opened the door and walked in was a beautiful woman with light pink hair - Feria.

''Hey, Demon Lord, do you have a job you want me to do?　Oh, maybe a night out or something?
Feria, how's work going?

　Stella gets a grim look on her face.

'I've done my share, okay?　As a matter of fact, I don't think you're the only one who stays close to the Demon King.
I'm just doing my job.
Well, this kind of paperwork is your sole province, but...
'Oh, Sister Stella and Lady Feria are having a conversation...'

　This time a beautiful girl with fox ears and a tail came in.
　A thousand guests.

''A beautiful girl and a beautiful woman talking........precious.......fenyah.
To Olivier.

　Stella sighs.

'This isn't a salon, you know.
'Oh, don't mind me. Please continue with your lily talk.

　Olivier said with a melodramatic and debauched smile.

'I don't know about this whole lily-talk thing but you've done your job, haven't you?
Of course. I've been working as fast as I can so that I can see the precious lily pads in action.

　The Demon King's office was getting a bit shifty.

　It's always been like this lately.
　The calm before the storm, perhaps.

　I sighed inwardly.

　That's right - a storm.
　It may be that it is not long before we can spend a peaceful time like this.

　The time for the brave men's second invasion is approaching.
　The wounds in the warding were getting bigger by the day.

　They must be attacking with their special Miracle Armor in order to destroy the warding of the demon world.
　Yes, just like that time two months ago.

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

　It's just a little bit longer, and I'm grateful for the peace.
　I'll be ready for the time to come.

　I will protect the demon world.

　And the smiles of Stella and her friends.



　After a month or so has passed, that time has finally come.



"We are informed that an army of brave men has appeared on the outer edge of the demon world!
You came...

　I stood up at Stella's report.

　Finally, it begins.
　The brave men's second invasion.

　The second invasion of the brave men and women, with all the power of the demon world...