Are you referring to a regular female knight, or a trash-tier female knight?
“Stop? What are you even talking about?”
The Hero glares at me with suspicion.
Well… if I fight you, I might actually get killed…
The Hero is strong, but that sword is also dangerous.
Most likely, it’s a weapon with special effects against demons.
It sends chills down to my genes.
I don’t mind losing, but being erased completely? That’s a problem.
“Hmm, a wise decision. If you’d said you wanted to fight the Hero, I would’ve stabbed you in the back and begged the Hero for mercy.”
Flau says something outrageous while nodding earnestly.
You bastard, don’t mess with me! I’m planning to use you as a shield—you’re supposed to be the one who gets cut down first!
If it’s a holy sword, it’ll deal huge damage to a demon like me, but to a human like Flau , it would just be a well-sharpened blade.
Yeah, I’ll definitely use her as a shield.
I am a Dark Knight, after all. Shields are essential.
“(Well, I’ve heard the Hero has a really kind personality. If I just say I don’t want to fight, things should be fine. Supposedly, they don’t want to fight demons unless they have to.)”
Flau gives me a meaningful look.
Really?
The Hero is amazing after all. I’m totally fine with them killing the Demon Lord.
In my eyes, the Hero is far better than that senile old Demon Lord.
“…I’ve been striving to surpass you ever since I lost. And now, suddenly you’re…”
“T-Telecia …?”
The Hero mumbles something, head bowed.
Just the fact that she, who always looked forward brightly, is looking down is surprising enough…
Huh? Is the atmosphere getting weird?
Take Flau , just please forgive me!
“Heh… I am a servant to the Dark Knight. If the Dark Knight is defeated, there’s nothing I can do!”
Hey! That’s an obvious setup!
You’re planning to dump everything on me, aren’t you!?
“D-Dark Knight-sama! I have a report!”
A demon appears amidst the chaos.
Maybe I should use this guy as a shield instead?
But why did he come all the way here?
As I wonder, the demon catches his breath and speaks.
“H-Humans have invaded the Demon Capital… troops from the Empire are committing slaughter and destruction! Please, return at once!”
[What?]
I tilt my head.
What’s going on here?
Humans in the Demon Capital? That’s strange enough, but the demons are being overrun?
Incredible. I don’t get it at all. And even worse, I don’t want to go back.
You want me to fight people capable of pulling off something that doesn’t even make sense? No way.
I instantly decide I don’t want to do it, and start thinking of how to decline when…
“(Hm? But… maybe I can use this chance to lose in a good way?)”
Flau gives me a knowing glance that sends a shock down my spine.
Genius?
True, if they’re causing riots, they probably aren’t the assassination type.
And they’re definitely weaker than this Hero.
…This might be the perfect opportunity…
A smile tugs at my lips under the helmet.
Flau , I appreciate you.
You’re not just a meat shield who puts me in trouble and laughs anymore…
“(Your opinion of me is still horrible.)”
[You all heard that. I’m returning to the Demon Capital.]
“And you think we’ll let you?”
The Hero glares fiercely at me. Terrifying.
[Will you ignore the massacre of innocent demons?]
“………”
Recalling what Flau said about the Hero’s personality, I say that—and she falls silent, seemingly pondering.
Hah… if she’s seriously thinking about it, she really is kind.
If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t care what happened to the demons.
“(Don’t you still think that way now?)”
I do.
“I don’t care what happens to the demons!”
“But we can’t just let the Empire run wild, either…”
Even the Hero’s party seems divided.
I get not caring about demons, but apparently humans differ by nation, too.
Well, demons also have different tribes and complicated relationships, so I guess that’s something we have in common.
Now, the decision of the party leader—the Hero—is…
“…Understood. However, we’re coming with you. That’s our condition.”
Why do I have to return to the battlefield while carrying a live bomb?
I truly don’t understand.
A battle-hardened warrior wielding a weapon that can erase me just by slashing—and eyes that seem ready to cut me down from behind at any moment.
This is enough to make me go bald from stress.
“Telecia !? Are you serious!? Just us, heading into the demon stronghold…?”
“If one of the strongest Demon Generals is returning, the Empire’s forces won’t be able to do whatever they want. We have no reason to go with them…”
The Hero’s companions object.
Yes, yes. Stay away.
“Even if they’re demons, if we can save innocent lives, we should. Besides…”
The Hero shoots a sharp glare at me.
“I can’t leave this person unattended.”
A chill runs down my spine.
Why… why am I being treated like a threat?
Just keep watching Flau and let me go…
“This guy’s unpredictable, so you’d better not take your eyes off him.”
Flau says with a smile.
What the hell are you saying!?
◆
“Lord Armando. Everything is proceeding according to plan. No abnormalities.”
“I see. Excellent.”
One of Armando’s subordinates arrives with a report while he watches the Demon Capital from an alley.
As planned, the city is in chaos.
It’s only natural—having humans, their enemies, suddenly appear in the heart of the Demon Capital would cause massive confusion.
The capital is the center of politics, economy, everything.
Major damage here deals a serious blow to the ruling forces.
That’s the Empire’s gain.
Dennis intends to pin the chaos on Louna and become the Demon King by disposing of her.
If he does, the Empire can use their alliance with him to strike favorable deals and negotiations.
A win-win situation.
“However, it seems our involvement has already been discovered—not by us…”
“Ah… by the ‘Military Faction’, huh. We couldn’t stop them from interfering…”
Armando gives a bitter smile.
Originally, the demons weren’t supposed to find out the Empire was involved.
All that was needed was the idea that “humans rampaged in the Demon Capital.” The Empire didn’t need to be part of that.
In fact, if the Empire’s involvement became known, it could be damaging.
That’s why Armando’s unit discarded their imperial uniforms before executing the plan—but others in the Empire did not.
The “Military Faction” soldiers proudly wore their uniforms.
They couldn’t stand the idea of acting in secret.
“That aside, the real issue is that they didn’t follow the plan. Now that the Empire’s involvement has been exposed, if Dennis fails to become Demon King, our Empire will be the one threatened in the end…”
His subordinate unusually speaks at length.
Usually, he simply follows orders silently—proof of how furious he is at the interference.
“You’re absolutely right. Still, it’s not like we could refuse interference from the Empire’s strongest faction. Besides, we’re just one unit, unaffiliated with any power bloc. We had no authority to refuse.”
“……”
Armando speaks calmly to ease the tension.
The demons had factions like the ‘Mainstream’ and ‘Heaven’s Blaze’ competing for succession—humans, or rather the Empire, are no different.
The Empire’s largest faction—the “Military Faction”—holds immense power due to its many military members.
Armando’s unit, being neutral, had no ability to resist their involvement.
Once again, the Military Faction forced its way in, trying to grab glory.
This operation was originally meant for Armando’s group alone.
Now, those soldiers gleefully engage in indiscriminate slaughter, eager to kill the demon enemies.
“Well, let’s not worry too much. We simply follow orders. It’s far more dangerous when soldiers start thinking for themselves. However…”
Armando looks up at the sky—not the city below, but beyond it.
He holds no anger.
Even though the Military Faction blew their cover, unlike his subordinate, he’s not mad.
Still, he’ll return the favor in kind.
“Let’s leave the troublesome enemies to our ‘Military Faction’ friends who are so eager for battle.”
He turns his gaze toward a woman calmly watching the chaos unfold from above, disinterested.