282 In the end, the Vampire Child did not provoke me until the apes were eradicated.
Apparently, they realized it was unwise to act against the Demon Lord’s retainer at this juncture.
If only they could grasp the meaning behind the rumors—of the Tenth Army’s intelligence-specialized unit, led by a commander who arrives alone.
That’s the implication I’m suggesting.
Whether or not they understand that is unclear.
But they’re asking whether I’d send reinforcements for the eradication of the apes—suggesting they intend to remain passive for now.
Incidentally, I refused the reinforcements.
Sending aid would only increase the damage.
And the Vampire Child would gain less experience from the encounter.
Once the Vampire Child has eliminated the apes, inform the Breasts Person and request cleanup of the fortress.
The fortress is full of ape corpses.
Cleaning will be difficult.
I could teleport all of them into another dimension, but after weighing the trade-off—food gain versus labor cost and burdening the Second Army—I decided to forgo food and have the Second Army handle it.
From now on, the Second Army must diligently clear the ape corpses, clean the fortress, and secure it.
More work ahead.
Bonus pay appears unlikely.
I transferred ahead to the fortress and retrieved the Vampire Child, drenched in blood.
Its eyes look like dead fish, but it will be fine.
For now, I left it in the bathhouse at the Demon Lord’s Castle.
Must clean this place too.
"There was an incident like that."
"Yeah. I wish you'd reported it properly."
Several days had passed since the Vampire Child's monkey extermination operation.
Something came up—was summoned by the Demon Lord, required to explain the general outline of the monkey extermination operation.
"Hey, Shiro. When exactly was that?"
"A little while ago."
"Way back! Why did you just go ahead and do it without telling anyone! Think about how I felt—suddenly being asked to report the results of a command I never issued, having to keep a straight face and say 'It was a great effort' without even knowing why!"
"Say 'It was a great effort'?"
"Never said that."
Apparently, the Demon Lord had been briefed by the bosom alien who had arrived at the castle—on the monkey extermination operation and the current status of the fortress.
Given that the monkeys were gone now, it was no longer feasible to use 'I can't go because my hands are full' as an excuse. The decision had been made accordingly.
The fortress had, it seemed, been barely restored to habitable condition after the bulk of the monkey’s corpse had been incinerated.
“Then? From Shiro’s perspective, how likely is that woman to commit violence?”
“Make her believe victory is impossible, and she won’t act. Even if not, if she’s pressured intermittently, she’ll likely stall, claiming the时机 isn’t ripe.”
That woman with the exaggerated proportions is extremely timid and petty.
She avoids battles she cannot win. And being a coward, even the faintest shadow of surveillance makes her collapse—paralyzed with fear.
Frankly, she could be left half-ignored with no issue.
She’s already been so disturbed by occasional inspections—peeking in here and there—that she can’t sleep day or night.
Her heart is too weak.
“Still, if a warrior capable of killing a hero were to teleport in unannounced, day and night, wouldn’t anyone be unable to sleep?”
But if you specify a time, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore, would it?
Teleportation eliminates the possibility of forewarning, or hiding evidence after movement.
Then again, before that, the whole body is completely hollowed out.
The breast aliens haven't done anything unusual so far—except for a light contact with the elves.
Actually, they haven't had time to do anything.
Or rather, I could say they've had their time taken from them.
"Hah. Whatever. From now on, report anything unusual. Spinach matters. Got it?"
I nod reluctantly, forced by the Demon King’s slightly stronger tone.
Damn it.
Even with a NEET CEO title.
Spouting off rational arguments like he's someone important.
"Then, something fun! Shiro-chan, that thing, is expected to arrive today."
The Demon King chuckles.
That thing, huh!?
"Wait—could it be!?"
"Exactly. Premium Cricut Set!"
"Ohhh!"
Clapping hands without reason.
The Premium Cricut Set was the sweet treat I had demanded from the Demon King.
Cricuts were relatively common fruit.
Yet the Premium Cricut differed from ordinary Cricuts—selected seeds, specialized fertilizer, optimal environment. The king among Cricuts.
Thus, production was low. Even the Demon King could not simply produce one on demand.
"Can't stand this! Let's go!"
"Yes! Following you, mistress!"
Without clear reason, I follow the Demon King, adopting the same odd rhythm.
Destination: the supply transfer point.
Arriving with high spirits, I find Balt already inspecting the incoming goods.
"Oh? Balt? What’s up?"
The Demon King greets Balt cheerfully.
The instant she turned, the Demon King noticed the tension running through Balt’s body.
Not due to guilt, but pure fear of the Demon King.
"Hey there. Working hard, huh? Good work, good work."
"If you think so, lend a hand."
"Refusing."
The Demon King mocks Balt, amusement in his tired eyes.
He cannot afford to waste Balt’s precious time with idle chatter.
Deciding to cut straight to business, he tugs at the Demon King’s sleeve.
It is concern for Balt’s well-being—definitely not because he wants to reach the Supreme Cruxa quickly.
Not that he does.
"Yeah, right. Balt, did the shipment arrive?"
"Shipment? The supplies were unloaded just now."
"Ah! Shiro, you can't just leave it like this! Balt, wasn't there something meant for me in that load?"
« E? »
« E? »
Hmm?
Something unsettled.
« By the way, what’s inside? »
« Premium Cricta Set »
« Ah »
A foolish, uncharacteristic sound escaped Balt—unlike his usual self—after being questioned by the Demon Lord.
He seemed to recognize it.
« Ah? You do have one. So, where is it now? »
The Demon Lord’s interrogation caused Balt to lose his usual poker face, his expression awkward.
Is it just me feeling an extremely bad premonition?
« Um, I gave it to Serantoria. »
« Why!? »
« Sorry. Serantoria’s always liked Cricta fruit, so I assumed it was hers. »
« What… what…? »
The moment I heard that, I started running.
I left the Demon Lord behind and charged toward the destination.
I knew exactly where he was.
In fact, he was in a room just nearby.
Arrived at the destination in nearly an instant, then kicked open the door.
"What!? What!?"
First thing seen after breaking the door: an empty plate.
Sharp sense of smell detected a faint, lingering sweetness.
Next, an empty box, as if something had been inside.
"Aah... aah..."
What... what was this!
"Phew."
"Shiroo-chan!?"
Overwhelmed by shock, I lost consciousness.