第１２５掘：大体俺のせい (Part2)
"They were afraid of the nations forming an alliance, so they aimed to pick us off one by one. But with these three nations suddenly uniting, they felt a sense of urgency. They decided to isolate Rumel and crush it now. I tried my best to stop them, but my authority has already crumbled to the ground... The opening shots of the war in Rumel must have been fired by now. They also know I’ve fled. They probably don't think I'm capable of talking to anyone, but they will certainly hasten their advance. That is why..."
It was only natural. If there was even the slightest possibility, they couldn't just leave it alone. Even as demons, if they didn't bring Rumel down as quickly as possible, they would be in danger themselves.
"Please, I beg of you. Please, reduce the amount of blood that will be shed. If my life alone can save many others, I would gladly walk to the guillotine. So, please!!"
Even now, she didn't ask to save the demons. She said "many lives." In a sense, she might be the perfected version of Elju. It was too ironic—that the form the Saintess aimed for was that of a Demon Lord.
"I understand the situation. As it happens, the kings are currently staying in Weed for trade-related matters. I will summon them immediately, devise a strategy, and take action. Especially regarding Weed, do not worry. I promise you that we will move."
"Th-thank you so much!!"
"Now, Liliana-sama, please get some rest. Judging by your story, it has been quite a journey. There is still much I need to hear from you. So, please, recover your strength."
"B-but..."
"From here on, the discussions will involve the kings of various nations. I don't know how things will turn out. If we bring you out suddenly, there is a possibility they might demand your execution. However, we cannot afford to lose you right now. That is why you must rest."
"...Yes. I understand. I leave it to you."
With my explanation, she seemed to suppress the urge to do everything herself. She realized that if she went, she might ruin what could be accomplished. She understood that what she could do for now was to rest properly and cooperate with Weed and the other nations when things began to move. Or perhaps she had understood it all along, but her body had been refusing to rest.
"Deryu, take Liliana-sama to the guest room in the government building. Leia, please accompany her."
"Understood."
"Leave it to me."
The two supported Liliana and left the conference room.
"Eris, summon the representatives immediately. Tell them to leave ongoing matters to their subordinates and just come. Also, issue a gag order to your subordinates regarding this matter."
"Understood."
"We will share the information with the representatives first."
I had to explain it to my wives and Narjia-san first, or there would be total chaos.
"Zargis, accompany the representatives during the explanation, and then do the same for the kings of each nation."
"Understood. What a hassle."
Hm, am I forgetting something? The Demon Lord issue was settled for the moment. ...Wait? Was there something else related to the Demon Lord?
"Ah, Ria."
The Hero was still there. This is bad; she just saw a Demon Lord in front of her. Her rationality might have flown out the window. As far as she was concerned, her homeland had been destroyed because of the Demon Lord. I hurried into the next room.
"Ria, are you alright?"
When I looked at Ria, she was staring blankly into the other room through the magic mirror.
"Ria, what happened? Was there any trouble?"
"No, nothing that would cause a disturbance. She was just silently listening to Demon Lord Liliana-sama's story."
I asked the subordinate who was with her, but received a strange answer. What did that mean?
"Is she... really a Demon Lord?"
Ria finally turned around.
"I felt... the same warmth from her as I do from you."
Huh?
"Ah, yes. That kindness and foolish honesty are things she shares with the Chief of Staff."
No, I am biologically male.
"It is not a matter of gender."
"I didn't say anything."
"I can tell by looking at your face."
Why, though? But that was beside the point. The problem was whether to involve Ria from here on out, or have her go back to the inn and stay quiet. Honestly, the problem was becoming too large. Whichever Ria chose, the time I could spend on her would decrease. Overall, I wanted to recommend she hide away at the inn, where her heart would likely remain stable.
"What will you do, Ria? Will you come with..."
"I will stay with you. I am your guard and attendant, after all."
She cut me off before I could finish.
"Hahaha. Chief of Staff, she has said as much to you. Please stay with her until the end. She is a fine attendant."
My subordinate laughed. Ah, well, arguing was a waste of time.
"I understand. Come with me. But don't push yourself."
"Yes. I will be with you forever."
...This is just about this specific problem, right? Thinking that, I worried about how to explain it to everyone as I headed to the next conference room.
As the title says. If you've been reading the story so far, that was a foreshadowing. And not only is she caught up in a conspiracy, but she's actually on the side that caused it.