第１２７掘：大宣言
Chapter 127: The Grand Declaration
The Grand Declaration
Side: Seraria
"We stand at a turning point in history. The time has come to settle our long-standing conflict with the Demon Lord."
I am currently holding an emergency meeting in the Weed arena, with the kings of various countries standing beside me.
No, it's a send-off ceremony.
In the arena before me, the elites of the nominal three countries are lined up, and in front of them are the elites of our Weed.
And in the audience, the dignitaries of the three countries and the citizens of Weed are holding their breath, listening.
"The Demon Lord, in his despicable cunning, plots to isolate Rumel and defeat each country. Rumel is now under the fierce onslaught of the demons, no, the Demon Lord!!"
My declaration causes a stir around me.
Voices murmur, "So that's why we couldn't get in touch," and similar remarks.
"But the gods, no, we have not abandoned ourselves! Surely, there are gods. But it is ourselves who must save ourselves!!"
Many are tilting their heads, not understanding the meaning of this statement.
It's understandable; I will clarify those doubts now.
"Someone helped someone, and they came to Weed. And they said, 'I don't care what happens to my head. So please, somehow, help the demons.' I was suspicious. The demons are the Demon Lord's underlings. Why must I help them?! But the truth was different. The demons were slaves oppressed by the Demon Lord!! They were waiting for an opportunity and intended to escape from the Demon Lord's grasp someday. But with this attack on Rumel, they, who are kind, could have escaped if they had ignored it. Yet, they still informed us that Rumel was in danger, even while being pursued by the Demon Lord's forces!!"
Still, most are unable to determine if this is the truth.
Therefore, this is our hand.
"Why did I believe the words of the demons?! I imagine many of you are wondering. So, I will show you the proof of what I believed! Come forth."
As I say this, one person, cloaked and with Liliana by their side, steps forward.
"This is the demon woman who conveyed this crisis to us this time. Lord Liliana. She is no different from humans or beastmen. We were told that demons had grotesque appearances, but that was the Demon Lord's conspiracy. It was to prevent the demons from escaping. But look, she appears to be a normal person from any angle. In fact, one might say she is beautiful. And look at the blood seeping from these pitiable bandages!! She has come this far to convey the crisis!! And she saved something precious to me."
Of course, Liliana's bandages and blood are an act.
Her husband healed everything.
However, Liliana's effect is immense, stirring the imagination of how much pain she must have endured in her pained state.
Then, the cloaked figure lowers their hood.
"As you all know well, this is my precious sister, Elju."
And then, the decisive blow, Elju.
Elju, who had visited Weed and various other countries, was known and trusted by royalty, nobles, and the common people.
So, seeing her, everyone recognized Elju.
Her hair has been cut short, but her face is not one that can be found just anywhere.
"Everyone, please listen!! I was saved from becoming a sacrifice to the Demon Lord by Ms. Liliana!! I have no reason to doubt her!! And, despite being in danger herself, she informed me of the impending crisis in Rumel and brought me here. She, no, the demons are people just like us. Even now, while suffering under the Demon Lord's hand, they are fighting desperately to prevent harm from reaching us!!"
Then, she takes the hand of Liliana, who is beside her.
"I want to save the demons who saved me!! Extra Heal!!"
As planned, to make everyone recognize Elju as the real one, she uses Extra Heal, a skill possessed by fewer than five people on this continent, and removes the bandages, revealing Liliana's healed wounds.
Seeing this, the knights and the people of Weed deepen their recognition that Elju is the real one.
Well, she was the real one from the start.
Hearing her voice and seeing her form, one of the kings stands up.
It is my and Elju's damn father, King Roschur.
"My elites, for what purpose do your swords exist!!"
" " "Our swords exist to strike down those who harm our country and our people!!" " "
Furthermore, the King of Gartz roars.
"My elites, for what purpose do your shields exist!!"
" " "Our shields exist to protect our country and our people from those who would harm them!!" " "
Finally, the Saintess of Ritea stands up.
"My elites, for what purpose do your prayers exist!!"
" " "Our prayers exist for the safety of God, our country, and our people!!" " "
Now, it's my turn.
"My elites, for what purpose does Weed exist!!"
" " "Our Weed exists for the people!!" " "
After that declaration, I take a breath and deliver the final blow.
"Everyone, elites of each country, people of Weed!! Are the demons who are still fighting our enemies!!"
" " "No!!" " "
"Then, what are the demons to us!!"
" " "A proud people, and friends we must save!!" " "
Alright, the captains of the elite forces of each country, who were briefed, make their declarations.
With this, the preparations are complete.
All that remains is to deliver the final words.
"Here, we will end our fated encounter with the Demon Lord!! I hereby declare the Great Demon Lord Conquest!! Those who follow us, raise your voices!!"
Oooooohhhhhhh!!!!
The great cheer pierces the arena and spreads throughout Weed.
"My elites, in place of the people, do you have the courage to save the demons and defeat the Demon Lord!!"
Oooooohhhhhhh!!!
Though not as before, a powerful roar returns.
"Then, we have no enemies!! All troops, prepare for departure!! Our target is the Demon Lord's head alone!!"
Here, the ideology of defeating the Demon Lord and saving the demons was born.
For now, this is all I can do. While I will need to convey detailed strategies later, for now, I will have my subordinates prepare for departure as planned.
"Good work, Seraria."
"Oh, thank you, dear. Is Rurua alright?"
"Yes. I'm fine now. I was treated kindly for three days after that, and I can't ask for more from the other wives."
"Ah, don't worry about it. You're on rotation without Rurua to make up for it."
"Eh, h-how cruel!?"
As I check if Rurua has recovered and we're chatting, Elju and Liliana walk towards us.
"Good work, Elju."
"Yes, Chi-nee-sama, your speech was also magnificent."
"Thank you. And Liliana, you can't turn back now, can you?"
"Yes, I was prepared from the start. I believe this is the best course of action. A peaceful resolution is no longer possible. Therefore, I will do my best to save as many lives as possible."
Liliana, who went along with this grand charade, has no hesitation.
As expected of someone who served as the Demon Lord.
"Now, even though a grand proclamation has been made, the casualties will inevitably be severe. We are the ones who can do something about it, you understand?"
As I say this, Yuki and my reliable fellow wives nod.
"As per the original plan, we will follow Liliana's guidance to take the Demon Lord's head. However, the enemy is numerous, and the demons possess unique racial strengths. Breaking through them is our role."
I make a *chin* sound as I draw the sword at my hip.
"We will take the Demon Lord's head."
That's right, I intend to have those elites take the Demon Lord's head, but it might not be the real Demon Lord.
We'll get there first, replace the Demon Lord with a mere look-alike, and we'll be the ones to sever the real head.
"Honestly, what in the world led the representative of the commercial district to be involved in defeating a Demon Lord? Well, it's for my brother's sake, so I won't spare any effort."
"I'm surprised too. What in the world led the guild receptionist to be involved in defeating a Demon Lord? I wonder how much the commission fee will be?"
"I feel the same way. While it is an honor for the Elf race, I never thought I would be directly involved."
"Riel, we've come quite far, haven't we?"
"Yeah, I've come this far with Tori, but defeating a Demon Lord... it's exciting."
"...I will crush them with all my might. If it leads to peace."
"Onii-chan, Onee-chan, you're going to defeat the bad Demon Lord, right!! I'll do my best too!!"
"Yes!! I'll do my best with Asurin!!"
"...Leave it to me, Yuki."
"I am a princess, but no, precisely because I am a princess, I must defeat the Demon Lord!!"
"As expected, Lady Shera!! I, Kirue, will accompany you!!"
Now, Demon Lord, wait for me.
But preparing all this was quite a chore.
Though it's only been three days.
Next is the behind-the-scenes of the Grand Declaration.
I wonder how Seraria persuaded the kings of the three countries?