228 Why is this!?

Demon Lord's perspective

Mmm.

Nothing to do.

What now?

I should be active as Demon Lord, having taken up residence in my Demon Castle—but I was more productive during the move.

This is a mystery.

My day in the Demon Castle consists of: waking in the morning, eating breakfast, wandering, eating lunch, lounging, eating dinner, idling, sleeping.

Wait.

Is this the life of some NEET?

That’s odd.

I’m the Demon Lord, after all.

I’m doing nothing different from a NEET.

Well, half of it is unavoidable.

Barth has been managing the Demon Clan since the previous Demon Lord vanished into the clouds.

There’s no need for me to suddenly interfere now, giving orders like this or that.

In fact, doing so would only cause confusion and hinder progress.

So I only need to communicate broad directives.

I am currently being relied upon solely for military expansion.

Though I am referred to as the oldest divine beast, my capacity in politics is limited.

After all, I have been detached from political affairs for far too long.

I possess the knowledge, but whether I can actually act on it—doubtful.

Even if I were to attempt it, without years of groundwork, I would only disrupt the field without contributing anything useful.

Thus, there was nothing I could do at this moment.

Ruling without governing.

Yes, I embody that state.

I feel the gaze of those around me growing colder each day—but surely, it is merely my imagination.

Hmm.

But I am idle.

If I was going to be idle, perhaps I should have brought Shiro along.

That child would likely be doing nothing but lounging in the manor anyway.

Ah, no.

That would only increase the number of slackers.

No good.

The stares around me would turn into a blizzard.

In truth, Broo’s gaze toward Barth has grown increasingly hostile—almost dangerous.

Broo serves as deputy commander of the Fourth Army.

Since Barth has become engrossed in politics, Broo effectively commands the Fourth Army.

Appearance-wise, he resembles a rougher, more streetwise version of Barth.

Yet, contrary to his appearance, he possesses the precise competence required for administrative duties.

Having observed his older brother’s leadership over the demon clan for years, he demonstrates skill comparable to his brother’s—though perhaps slightly excessive in admiration.

That level of respect, however, is not unwarranted.

Brother and brother—prohibited… yet inevitable.

And now, Broo, who respects his elder brother above all, finds the current situation intolerable.

His brother, the one he reveres, bowing to an unknown NEET—me.

And yet, I, the so-called NEET, am being declared the Demon King, surpassing the brother I revere.

From Bro's perspective, it appeared as though the elder brother had unjustly seized the Demon King's throne.

Mmmmm.

This must be swiftly made clear to them—my greatness.

But how?

To work.

Denied.

Mend, ghefn— as I said before, meddling in politics will only have the opposite effect.

Bart has consistently maintained the demon clan without incident. Handing it over completely would be more efficient.

A little pain.

Rejected.

The situation could deteriorate further than it already is.

It is the most direct and reliable method to make them recognize my strength.

If the medicine proves too potent and causes a blockage, the sight would be unbearable.

Prideful by appearance. If broken, recovery may take time.

Long-term, it might benefit their personal growth—but if that happens, the chances of recovery are roughly even.

Most importantly, rendering an excellent pawn incapacitated at this critical juncture is inadvisable.

What else remains?

Nothing?

That can’t be.

There must be some groundbreaking method by which everyone recognizes my greatness!

Is there anything… anything at all?

Deep in thought, a knock sounds at the door.

Permission granted. The brothers Balt and Brow enter.

"Excuse us."

Balt bows politely upon entry. Brow walks in without a word, stepping forward with no restraint.

Balt glances at him reproachfully. Brow ignores it.

Seems he dislikes me enough to disregard his respected elder brother’s orders.

"Your Majesty, we have a matter to discuss."

"What is it?"

"Again. If Your Majesty is aware, the nature of this matter should be clear."

Balt says this with a wry smile.

Hm?

The meaning remains unclear.

In Balt’s mind, I’m apparently supposed to understand the nature of this matter, but I genuinely have no idea.

“Sorry. I’m serious—I don’t get it. What is it?”

Saying this honestly, Balt exchanges a glance with Broo.

Broo’s expression is slightly smug. That’s noticeable.

“Brother, I told you, didn’t I? This guy can’t even keep track of what his own subordinates are doing. Useless.”

“Broo, your Majesty.”

“No, I’ll say it now. You’re not the vessel of the Demon King.”

“Broo!”

I’m suddenly being disparaged.

What?

What kind of situation is this?

Confusion comes before anger—my mind is blank.

“Ah—anyway, can you tell me what this discussion is about?”

“Yes.”

Balt hands over the documents, sweating slightly.

According to information collected by Shiro, the misconduct of the current Seventh Division Commander, Workis, has been confirmed. Furthermore, preparations for a coup have been conducted in secret, and the timing of the rebellion is now certain. Evidence has been submitted.

Glancing at the documents in hand.

Numerous pieces of information confirming the misconduct were recorded there.

Eh… what are you doing, Shiro?

We successfully detected this movement early. We intend to launch a preemptive strike, suppress the coup before it occurs. Therefore, I request permission to deploy the Fourth Division under Bro's command.

O-oh.

Eh…

Eh?

Well, in any case, yeah.

"Leave it to me."

That's all I can say.

Or rather, what on earth are you doing, Shiro?

This is clearly classified as top-secret information.

How did you obtain it?

Balt nods without changing expression, as if unperturbed by my indifferent reply.

Brow’s temple twitched, but before he could speak, Balt pressed his head down.

“Then, I shall proceed accordingly.”

Balt bowed, applying pressure to his hand, forcing Brow’s head down as well.

Brow tried to shake off the hand, but restrained himself at the last moment.

He forcibly lifted his head and stomped out of the room, rough and hurried.

Balt bowed once more, then followed.

Ah… I’m probably seen as incompetent for not keeping track of my own subordinate.

And Shiro grabbed the largest piece of intelligence.

Incompetent superior, capable subordinate.

That’s how it must look.

To her.

Why is it like this!?

How did this happen!?