Third unofficial meeting②

Watching the Pope intently scrutinizing the documents, silently drenched in cold sweat.

Will he agree to it?

Honestly, I’m fully aware this is an extremely unreasonable request.

The plan is as follows.

First, have Natsume-kun brainwash every person surrounding Yamada-kun, one by one.

Then, further brainwash individuals close to the royal upper echelon.

Use these brainwashed individuals to massacre those already corrupted by Potimas.

Frame Yamada-kun as the mastermind.

A plan that would undoubtedly provoke cries of "This is heresy!"

We’ll have the Church of the Divine Word corroborate this narrative, and have Natsume-kun declared righteous while Yamada-kun is branded the criminal.

The Church of the Divine Word is a religious organization with significant influence among humanity.

If such a major organization declares something, then regardless of actual facts, all nations will perceive it as truth.

Yamada-kun has become akin to an international wanted status, rendering his movements severely restricted.

He could be apprehended during the commotion, but that will be handled as circumstances demand.

The situation might escalate to immediate execution, depending on how things unfold.

Yamada-kun has become the Hero, so he must be kept at a distance from the Demon King at all costs.

Yet, there is no intention to kill him.

Killing him would only result in the emergence of another Hero.

That is why the previous Yamada-kun’s elder brother was killed—so such a scenario would not occur. But an unforeseen interference has complicated matters.

Overthrowing the Kingdom is a confirmed outcome.

In that case, the reincarnated individual present must be dealt with.

Yamada-kun will inevitably be placed at the center of the disturbance. Given that, there is no alternative—this time, he must be fully cast as the victim.

As for the other reincarnated individuals, they will first be subjected to brainwashing by Natsume-kun and forcibly brought to our side.

Having Yamada-kun on their side would complicate matters unnecessarily.

Reversing the brainwashing can wait until everything is resolved—no rush.

After considering various options to smoothly handle the unexpected development, this plan was devised.

Honestly, that duo really came through.

"Because I hated seeing them flirting."

"Because they were clinging to my elder brother and being annoying."

The two who had been forced to kneel said such utterly unconvincing excuses.

This is nothing but personal grudges!

No, wait—yeah.

I had a feeling we made a poor choice in personnel at this point. In truth, Natsume-kun and the younger sister were both pulled in by accident, from the start.

It was never going to work with such arbitrary assignments.

Now, under the supervision of the Vampire Child, they are following instructions precisely as directed.

It shouldn’t have worked!

The Vampire Child is unpredictable—really anxious, though!

There’s no one else qualified. What else could we do?

Therefore, the Vampire Child is not present at this location.

We brought Melas as a substitute—though failure may have occurred.

The event that destroyed the Vampire Child’s homeland happened when they were an infant.

Though a reincarnated being with self-awareness, they lacked time to form deep memories before annihilation. Thus, their hatred toward the Divine Word Sect is not particularly profound.

More like a general dislike—something like, “I don’t like them because they were mean before.”

Melas is different.

Melas should harbor far greater hatred toward the Divine Word Sect than the Vampire Child ever could.

Currently, they appear calm. But what lies beneath is unknown.

It would be simpler if they were as transparent as the Vampire Child—yet clearly, that is not the case.

Given Melas’s temperament, sudden anger seems unlikely. Still, precaution is warranted.

Hah.

Originally, I had no intention of involving the Church of Logos in this matter.

Not entirely unforeseen, either.

I sought to establish a cooperative relationship with the Divine Word Church because of the influence they hold over humanity.

A calculation: some matters might be resolved smoothly by utilizing the power of the Divine Word Sect, even if complications arise.

The more tools at one's disposal, the better.

That cautious approach had been the correct choice.

Whether the Pope will nod vigorously here remains uncertain.

This is my mistake. Something will likely be demanded in return.

Worst case, the alliance could collapse.

Very well, then. That will do.

Only increases the tragedy for the Church of the Divine Word.

If there is an issue, whether the black will overlook it or not.

You wouldn't overlook it, would you?

It will surely not come to that.

The Pope desires our cooperation.

To overthrow the elves, to save the world, and thereby humanity—anything will be done.

Yes, anything.

Even if it violates humanitarian principles.

If deemed necessary, any heretic will be embraced.

That is the Pope.

A monster wearing human skin—different in kind from the Demon Lord.

Such a monster would not dismiss our efforts here.

It would discard even a favored reincarnated soul to achieve its goal.

And one more thing.

This matter is our oversight.

Therefore, we must demonstrate sincerity.

If the proposal offers benefit to the Church of the Divine Word, it will seize upon it.

If you do not consent to this proposal, we will immediately release those under mind control. But if you do consent, we will return part of the fortress seized by the demon clan during the last war. And we will grant you full control over the elven settlement to be captured in the next joint operation. Naturally, after withdrawing Queen Talatekt, who holds territory near the elven settlement.

Fermina, noticing my cue, speaks to the clergy of the Divine Word.

We will return part of the fortress taken by the demon clan in the previous war. After capturing the elven settlement, everything will be yours.

The forest housing the elven settlement contains the Demon King’s Queen Talatekt—but we will retrieve her as well. You may do as you wish.

For humanity, reclaiming the lost fortress would be highly beneficial from a defensive standpoint.

And the forest surrounding the elven settlement is a repository of natural resources.

Moreover, there is undoubtedly something unnatural about the elven settlement.

If I were to offer all of it together, the Pope should understand how extraordinary the terms are.

At the same time, it makes clear we are not considering the human–demon power balance that follows.

Returning the fortress is equivalent to discarding the demons’ victory in the previous war.

Furthermore, launching an assault on the elven settlement would yield no benefit, regardless of casualties.

It is as if the demons are being told to die for no reason.

Meanwhile, humans would reclaim the fortress without effort, then seize everything after using the demons’ strength to destroy the elven settlement.

It is an imbalance beyond measure.

Frankly, the compensation for merely brainwashing one girl is excessive.

"Let us accept this proposal."

As expected, the Pope replied immediately.

I thought so.