To the Empire (1)
"Lord Daemon, are you feeling unwell anywhere?"
"I'm fine."
"Perhaps... a headache, maybe...?"
"I'm perfectly fine."
"Would you like some water?"
"No, thank you."
"I-It's just… from the heart!"
"...?"
A death threat?
I stared blankly at the bizarre flower being held out to me.
Then, the one offering it was yanked away into the crowd, and a commotion erupted, punctuated by dull thuds.
"Are you insane?!"
"You dare give Lord Daemon flowers? 'From the heart'? Seriously?!"
"Ow! Agh! Lord Daemon likes flowers, okay?! I was showing my sincere respect, what's wrong with that?!"
"Lord Daemon likes flowers...?"
"Yeah! I saw him enjoying a stroll through the garden! He even walked with that incubus gardener, remember? That proves he loves them! You ignorant fools!"
"Then you tried to bribe him!"
"GYAAAH!"
...I don't know what's going on, but they're definitely going through something.
I shook my head.
Currently, I was sitting quietly in a carriage. When I first came to and realized where I was, I was so shocked—
I even briefly thought, Did that damned Demon King sell me off to the Empire while I was drunk?
I only realized that wasn't the case when I opened the window to get a grasp of the situation… and ended up surprised for an entirely different reason.
'Why… why are they all looking at me like that?'
The moment I opened the window, countless eyes turned toward me.
Their stares burned with strange intensity, and I froze in place, unable to move or react.
Honestly, if Ed hadn't come over just then, I might have stayed like that for hours.
He peered through the window to check my complexion and asked if I felt all right. I just nodded, having no idea what was happening.
Given the atmosphere, I couldn't even bring myself to ask.
I later learned that apparently I'd caused another scene while drunk…
Judging by all the talk about my incredible performance in battle, I must have charged into the battlefield or something…
What the hell did I do? What kind of state of mind was I even in…?
No wonder we were simply "returning."
It wasn't that we gave up—it was already over.
I thought I drank in moderation. Has my tolerance really dropped that much? It's not like that's a real issue, but still… disappointing.
Anyway, whatever I did, it seems to have left quite the impression.
The entire way back, legionnaires kept peeking through the open window to speak to me.
The very same ones who used to keep their distance with stiff expressions!
"Are you hungry, sir?"
"I'm not."
At first I was dazed. Then I got scared. Now…?
"I'm exhausted."
Once or twice would be fine.
They might each be saying just one thing, but I'm the one replying to every single one of them—my mouth is about to dry up.
Closing the window isn't an option, since they keep talking, and if I do shut it in their faces, I might just mysteriously disappear one night…
This is maddening.
Just then, Ed appeared, parting the gathered legionnaires in front of the window.
Relieved to see a familiar face, I leaned forward slightly. He gave a polite bow and said:
"We've arrived."
Finally!
I rose quickly.
My body always felt tired, so I couldn't really tell, but my mind was exhausted.
At this rate, I really might've lost it, so I got off the carriage, eager to finally rest.
And then—
'…When did I get to my room?'
Apparently I was so tired I couldn't even remember that part.
I have no idea when or how I got here.
"Ah, you're here?"
The Demon King lifted his head.
Looking at the white-haired man standing before him with his usual blank expression, he curved his eyes in a faint smile.
"I heard you made quite a showing this time. Good work. So, what did you think of the new Hero?"
"...I came to report something."
Even though his question went unanswered, the Demon King didn't reprimand the rudeness. Instead, his smile deepened.
After all, he had just received some very interesting news.
News directly related to the man standing before him—Daemon Hart.
"Really? Then before that, how about taking a look at this? The 2nd Legion commander brought in some intel on the new Hero."
Flinch.
Daemon's body trembled at the mention of the 2nd Legion commander.
"…The 2nd Legion commander is here?"
"Yes. He showed up with a whole stack of men's clothing, of all things."
"…"
Daemon shuddered again, thoughts clearly racing, and snatched the report from the table.
His eyes darted back and forth as he quickly scanned the document.
There wasn't much to read, really.
But—
"The new Hero's name is…"
Even that short report contained something heavy.
"Cruel Hart."
"…Hah."
Daemon Hart chuckled, the urgency from before forgotten.
His red eyes glinted. His lips curled upward, and the air grew heavy with hostility and bloodlust.
An all-too-familiar name.
A name impossible to forget even in a lifetime—that of his older brother.
Muttering the name again, he said:
"I should've just killed him back then."
Even If It's a Bit of a Strain
I set the documents down and looked up. The Demon King's signature reverse-pupiled eyes—where whites and blacks were inverted—were fixed on me with a knowing smile, as if he already knew everything I was about to say.
"You're planning to go to the Empire, aren't you?"
"..."
Sometimes, silence is as good as confirmation.
Leisurely tidying up his desk, the Demon King stood and walked over to me.
Without a trace of surprise, as if this had all been expected, he reached out and tapped the line where my collarbone met my neck.
At his touch, a black brand appeared on my skin—but neither of us paid it any mind.
"Go ahead. If you stay away from the Empire too long, someone there might start getting suspicious. And if you pick up any useful intel, let me know."
The Demon King grinned.
Why did he value me so highly?
Because Deon Hart was doing something even he couldn't do.
Something no demon—easily identifiable by their inhuman features—could ever manage.
Espionage.
"Then I'll be off."
Deon Hart.
A Legion Commander of the Demon King's army—
And a hero of the Empire.
After much effort, I finally managed to retrieve a sliver of memory.
Right—I met the Demon King. Reporting to a superior immediately upon returning is standard procedure.
And among the fragments of that faint recollection was something he said:
"The 2nd Legion Commander has returned."
That must have been when I decided to flee to the Empire—and miraculously, the Demon King gave me permission… right?
Sounds a little too convenient, maybe, but who cares.
The important thing is, I clearly remember him saying:
[Go ahead. If you stay away from the Empire too long, someone there might get suspicious. And let me know if you find anything useful.]
That line is still burned into my memory.
Which means I've got permission. So, before the 2nd Legion Commander arrives, I need to get out of here—fast.
The moment he sees me, he'll try dressing me up in every outfit he brought, no doubt.
I quickly got up and started packing.
It doesn't take much to prepare for a trip to the Empire. As long as I take care not to expose myself to direct sunlight and pack enough food for the road, I'm good.
"Perfect."
…Well, there's still the matter of whether I can grab rations without running into the 2nd Legion Commander.
I shuddered, recalling how he supposedly arrived with armfuls of clothes.
"He won't let me go until I've tried on every single one of them."
He's not a bad guy, I think… but he's the terrifying type of demon who taught me a person can be utterly exhausted just by putting on and taking off clothes.
I reached for the doorknob to go fetch provisions—but wait.
"Where am I even going to get food?"
The dining hall's probably full of legion commanders, which makes it tricky…
…Guess I'll just head out and figure it out.
Just as I turned the knob, there was a knock.
Startled, I jumped back from the door.
"Don't tell me… the 2nd Legion Commander's already here?"
My feet instinctively stepped backward.
I couldn't even bring myself to ask who it was—just hesitated in silence. Then, a familiar voice came from the other side, as if to reassure me:
"Lord Daemon, it's Ed."
"Since you're here, sit down."
The Demon King looked up from the documents and gave a small nod. His face, unlike when he was speaking with Deon, was serious now.
Ed sat obediently and quietly began to think.
Daemon must've already given his report… then why call for me? Did something not add up?
As he pondered, the Demon King finished sorting the papers and called Ed softly.
"Let's not drag this out. I'll get straight to the point."
"..."
"How about becoming a legion commander?"
"!"
All his mental preparation evaporated—his mind went completely blank.
It was so unexpected he couldn't even react for a moment. But Ed quickly pulled himself together.
"Because the 9th Legion Commander's seat is vacant?"
"Exactly. Before, all the positions were filled, so you were stuck as the 0th Legion Commander's aide. But now, things are different."
A seat had opened.
Naturally, the choice would fall to Ed, one of the strongest candidates.
This was the moment he had always waited for. How could he have forgotten?
And yet, even though he had long awaited this opportunity, Ed couldn't immediately say yes.
"If I become a legion commander… what happens to Lord Daemon's aide position?"
"We'll choose a new one. Someone right behind you in skill."
"Then… if I refuse?"
"Then the offer to become legion commander will go to whoever becomes the new aide."
"...I see."
Ed fell silent at that.
The conflict on his face was clear. The Demon King leaned back in his chair, giving him the space and time to think.
The air loosened, and a soft stillness settled into the room, as if time itself had paused.
Even in that calm, Ed couldn't speak for a long while. It wasn't until the three moons outside the window once again began to align that he finally opened his mouth.
"I..."
—
After his talk with the Demon King, Ed naturally made his way to Deon's room.
As always, he knocked twice and spoke the familiar words:
"Lord Daemon, it's Ed."
"Come in."
Opening the door, he saw his superior standing inside.
Fully armed, as if ready to depart at any moment.
It was unexpected, but considering he had likely just met with the Demon King, Ed guessed he'd received some kind of secret order. So without showing any particular reaction, he calmly closed the door behind him.
"You're heading out?"
"Yes. It'll take a while."
"Ah…"
Uncharacteristically hesitant, Ed's eyes flicked back and forth.
Deon glanced at him, curious about his behavior for just a moment. But he decided not to press, and instead offered a brief explanation.
"I'll be heading to the human realm."
"I see. Then you'll be needing provisions."
As always, Ed was quick to act.
Though Deon tried to decline, Ed insisted and carefully tied a small enchanted pouch to his waist. Then, after a moment's pause and a subtle glance, Ed spoke up cautiously.
"I…"
"Ah, thank you. I should get going now."
That wasn't what he meant to say. Ed simply stood there, dumbfounded, watching as Deon rose.
The hood of a travel cloak was drawn over his white hair, hiding his red eyes.
Then, as if he had no intention of looking back, he turned toward the door—only to pause mid-step and glance over his shoulder.
"Ed."
"Yes, Lord Daemon?"
"Is there anything you want?"
"...Sorry?"
"Since I'm heading to the Empire anyway. If there's something you need."
A quiet laugh slipped from Ed's lips before he realized it.
Where else could you find a superior who looked after his subordinates like this?
And equally, where else could you find a superior who needed so much looking after?
"Nothing in particular."
"Hmm… Alright, I'll just pick up whatever seems useful. We'll talk more once I return—I'm a bit pressed for time."
At that, Ed chose not to say more.
Instead of bringing up the offer he'd received from the Demon King, he simply lifted the corners of his mouth and let his eyes crease gently. Then, bowing with formality, he said:
"Yes, I'll be waiting."
There was no reason to burden a busy man with a proposal he'd already refused.
"Please return safely."
Even after he came back from the Empire, Ed would be there, still waiting as his aide.
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