第１７９１堀：その頃の勇者さん (Part2)
"It’s exactly as I said: I have no intention of turning the populace against us. Conquering an enemy nation and stabilizing it is no simple feat. Yuki-san’s way of doing things is to act as an ally rather than an adversary."
"I understand that, but in this instance, you’ve sided with the demi-human nation of Oue, haven't you? Doesn't that inevitably necessitate securing the territory?"
"That’s the tricky part. Why go so far as to exclude the demi-humans and escalate to war in the first place?"
"Wait, you mean to say you don't even know the details behind that?"
"It seems we don't know a thing. Well, it’s certain that the Church holds absolute authority and is pulling the strings of the great powers, but that’s about the extent of it."
"That is troublesome enough. To be able to manipulate a great power—that is no small feat."
Indeed, as Fiara said, the power of a Church capable of moving a great nation is not to be underestimated.
"For now, we have no choice but to wait for the information to roll in. Besides, I intend to utilize the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance this time, so in terms of sheer manpower, we are well-prepared."
"In terms of numbers, yes. But you mentioned the word 'Demon Lord' this time, didn't you?"
"I did. As Bitz said, the people in the northern countries claim that the monsters migrating north from the south are the fault of a Demon Lord. That is why..."
Regarding the Demon Lord...
"Ah, so that is why you are the Hero, Taiki-sama."
Airi’s face brightened as if she had finally grasped the situation. It wasn't wrong, per se, but...
"The thing is, no Demon Lord has actually been discovered in the south yet."
"““Yes?””"
Everyone tilted their heads in unison at my words. I suppose so. Even I didn't understand it when I heard it directly from Yuki-san.
"What do you mean by that? Didn't the monsters migrating north speak of the Demon Lord’s existence?"
Even Fiara looked surprised. Well, in Fiara’s case, they had the Demon Lord Holy, who had gone out of their way to declare war and launch an assault. This situation was the exact opposite.
"No, the monsters don't speak. They aren't organized, yet for some reason, they keep pushing north. So, the assumption was made that there must be a cause, and thus, a Demon Lord must exist."
"““Huh?””"
Everyone tilted their heads again, but with a different nuance than before. I suppose it’s a feeling of, *How on earth did it come to this?*
"Yuki-san and the others were the same. Still, there is something causing the monsters to become active. The northern countries have been told by that Church that a Demon Lord is the cause, and that the demi-humans of Oue are working with the Demon Lord to strike at the north."
"That is absurd. The southern land of Oue was supposed to act as a wall to hold back the monsters, wasn't it?"
"I see. As Bitz-sama says, that may be its intended purpose, but one could also argue it hasn't been functioning as a wall. Perhaps the Church’s claims are not entirely unfounded."
"As Soel says, I can understand that logic, but if that were the case, wouldn't it be better to cooperate rather than destroy? I understand the hatred behind the exclusion of demi-humans, but to purge them without utilizing them only diminishes national strength. It makes no sense—that’s what Yuki-san said, too."
Exactly. It makes absolutely no sense. Then again, the world isn't built on such rational foundations. If it were, Yuki-san would likely laugh and say that wars wouldn't exist in the first place. And that, precisely because of that, it is entertaining.
That man has a few screws loose, after all. No, wait—it’s that very lack of rationality that births entertainment; it’s the root of games and the like. I can’t deny that.
"Indeed. Man does not live by righteousness alone. He is moved by what his heart desires, even if that path leads to death."
"Yeah. You’re suddenly sounding like Kagitora. Still, that’s just how people are. That’s why I plan to head to Oue—or rather, the southern fortress—in the coming days, to verify the existence of this Demon Lord under the guise of a Hero."
"And while you're at it, go hear what *that man* is thinking. He isn't the type to lie, but he will certainly use you."
"I know that."
As Kagitora said, Yuki-san will use anyone and everyone. Of course, he’ll likely make exquisite adjustments to ensure we don't suffer any disadvantages, but still.
"A new continent, huh? Since I’m using the name of a 'Hero,' he must have quite a few things planned."
Still, the idea of a new continent is undeniably exciting. Come to think of it, I wonder if he’s been in contact with people like Taizo-san?
When you hear "Demon Lord," you think "Hero." That much is certain, but no matter how you look at it, the flow of this story is a decoy. And I wonder how Taizo-san, a fellow countryman, will move.