Pope and Overseer

“What is it this time?”

I spoke directly to the visitor.

“I wish to hear the outcome of events in the nation of Saliera.”

The man before me, fully encased in black armor, the Overseer known as the Black Dragon, spoke with a composed voice.

The outcome in Saliera?

I do not believe this individual would concern themselves with the course of a human war at this stage.

Even if that nation originated from a religion venerating the Goddess.

Therefore, what I seek is not the result of the war.

Rather, something that occurred within that nation—something this individual found noteworthy, or deemed necessary to know.

The only possibility is the entity known as the Nightmare.

“Are you asking about the Nightmare that appeared on the battlefield?”

No need for circumlocution with this individual.

I responded directly.

“No. That is not what I wish to know.”

The answer I received was not what I expected.

Indeed, even if the question had been as anticipated, my capacity to respond would have remained limited.

What that entity called a nightmare truly is—this I cannot determine.

An unknown creature that emerged abruptly within the Elrow Great Labyrinth, disrupting the war between the Saliela Kingdom and its forces.

All I know is that the creature likely ascended to a position of dominion, and that it appears to be in conflict with the oldest divine beast.

And that it probably still exists somewhere, even now.

The oldest divine beast failed to kill it. It is unlikely that a human attack, even with a great spell, could have succeeded.

Public accounts claim it was halted by a hero's desperate stand and finished off with a great spell. But it did not die—only retreated underground.

If one entertains hopeful speculation, perhaps the oldest divine beast has already settled matters. Yet optimism remains unwise.

The imperial mage who brought back the hero must also be watched.

According to the report, no one was present near the hero or the nightmare immediately before the great spell struck.

A third-party teleportation rescue at that precise moment is impossible.

Given the circumstances, the teleportation was executed by the nightmare itself.

Why it rescued the opposing hero remains unclear. But if it later handed the hero over to the mage in question, the sequence aligns.

Some method of extracting information from the mage is necessary. But the imperial guard is too tight.

Upon investigation, the mage is said to be the finest in the empire.

Thus, reckless elimination is not feasible.

Eliminating a valuable human combat asset is not an option.

At best, we can only arrange covert operations to keep watch and dispatch her to the front lines against the demon race.

Even that would be a difficult undertaking.

Dangerous, but unless she shows suspicious behavior, there is no alternative but to let her proceed.

For now, it is sufficient that we managed to separate the hero before she was influenced by strange ideas.

“Still always keeping your mind fully engaged, I see.”

“Oh, my apologies. Even with age, this habit remains unchanged. If only there were a remedy somewhere.”

A joke to defuse the moment.

Though my thoughts are accelerated, I should not be showing any signs of deep contemplation. Yet, it does not work on this individual.

The habit of my thoughts drifting away cannot be corrected.

Calling it deep consideration sounds better, but the truth is that even when speaking face to face, I appear absent-minded.

Since I began accelerating my thoughts, deception has become easier. Before that, it was quite dire.

Ah.

My thoughts have drifted again.

"What would Your Black Dragon Majesty wish to inquire about?"

"You were quite fixated on the daughter of the lord of Keren, captured in battle. What significance does she hold?"

The question came without pause in response to my own.

How should this be interpreted?

This person.

Either they suspect the nature of Keren’s daughter, or they know everything and are probing my intentions.

The latter is more likely.

In that case, it is better not to speak unnecessarily.

"She is the rightful heir, inheriting Kelen's blood. For the sake of securing peace, I wished to prevent her escape. However, she was attacked by a mysterious group, and the unit sent to apprehend her suffered heavy losses. After that, her current status remains unknown."

Well then, what now?

"I see. I understand."

Suddenly, pressure in the room increases sharply.

A dense concentration of magical energy swirls—so intense it feels like a distortion.

"If you adopt such a posture, then I too have my own considerations."

A cold sweat gathers on the palms.

To conceal it, speak slowly.

"Indeed? I cannot fathom why the Black Dragon Lord behaves thus."

"Dustin. Is that your answer?"

Better to answer with full awareness.

"Affirmative. My answer is solely for the survival of humanity."

A third party listening to this conversation would understand neither context nor meaning.

But this should be clear.

"Is that so."

The Black Dragon murmured softly, rising from the seat.

"Warning issued. Avoid interfering with them as much as possible."

"Warning received."

"Then you received it and still did not stop?"

"Ah. That is known only to the world."

The Black Dragon placed a hand on the door.

"Continue, then. I will tell you one thing. The Demon Lord of this age is merciless. Prepare accordingly—do your utmost to prevent the annihilation of humanity."

Leaving behind ominous words, the Black Dragon vanished beyond the door.

Sweat burst from every pore, delayed.

Phew.

I had anticipated not being killed on the spot—given his nature—but still, my heart froze.

Yet judging by that demeanor, it is better to assume he was setting a trap.

If that is the case, then the Black Dragon already knows of the existence of reincarnates.

They must be referring to reincarnates.

They knew this and still warned me.

What does this imply?

And the current Demon King?

Has even the Demon King been replaced, just like the Hero?

Unacceptable.

Too little information.

I pride myself on being the highest-tier information gatherer among humans, yet even I am insufficient.

Strengthening intelligence operations. Countermeasures against the Elves. Searching for the missing daughter of Kelen.

There is no shortage of tasks ahead.