66 The matter has been settled for now.

It is a space created by the Kuro Demon Lord under the direction of the hero Yugra, a place where the existing Demon Lords are transported in spirit every night of the full moon to exchange information with each other.

On the huge round table, there are eight colored crystals, gold, blue, scarlet, purple, and colorless, and the black and white remain dark.

"Mmmmmmmm, it's that time of night again.

The first one to make a sound was Gold, the King of Garnets and the Demon Lord of Gold.

I'm sure you'll be fine.　What's wrong with you?

I'm always the same: ...... I'm jealous: ...... I want to die: ......

"Well, does anyone wish to make a report first?　The mistress has a few things to say to you this time, so if there's anything you can finish first, please do.

I have nothing to say.

Me neither.

......

Scarlet, purple, and blue are the only ones who speak, the others remaining silent.

I don't think I need to mention 'blue' and 'colorless', so let's talk. --As I said the other month, in the Ghanaian world next to the Ghanaian world where the mistress is ruling, a group of demons indistinguishable from those of any demon lord were seen. Do you remember that?

Yes, but you also said it had nothing to do with us.

Well, that doesn't sound familiar, does it?

Also .......

"Of course, I don't expect you to confess just because I ask you now. But the size of the force is about to match our own, so I thought I'd take some precautions.

You can do what you like, I don't need to check with you.

"I'll have to check with you as well, since I may not be able to use the Pecking Order Curse on you?

After a few moments of silence, the Golden Demon King announced that he would use the Curse of Pecking Order.

It is a curse that Yugra implanted in the Demon Lords just to make the discussion go smoothly, and there is an unspoken agreement that the two sides will not use the curse without Yugra.

If the Gold Demon King proposes a request that takes advantage of their position in the pecking order, the Demon King who rejects it will be made to feel very uncomfortable.

It can be a clear hostile act for the Demon Lord, and an object of murderous intent.

You've lost your mind, Gold. Are you trying to make enemies of everyone here?

That's ...... something I want to stop ...... and die .......

Doesn't sound like the words of a wise man, Kim, does it?

"Hmmm, I'm not going to use it right now. We're just going to find out who the troublemakers are and negotiate with them. Those of you who are not involved can make your decision after you hear what he has to say.

"Well, it looks like you've already identified them.

This changes the meaning of my previous statement.

If you use the curse of the pecking order because you are being targeted by an unknown party, it is an act that involves all the Demon Lords, and the Golden Demon Lord will be resented by all the Demon Lords.

However, if you can identify the person and use the curse of the pecking order, then the resentment will be directed at the person who caused the problem.

No, I would say that all the resentment would be directed at the person who caused the problem.

That's a big one, isn't it?　Whoever did this, can you give us a reasoning that he, or any other demon lord, would accept?

I'll have to try.

Well, then, let's hear it.　Can you tell me who could have done such a nasty thing?

You're a bold man, Purple.

What?　...... Are you implying that I'm the culprit?

"Yes, my Lord, the purple. I'm pretty sure it's you, mistress.

The golden demon king spun his words with amusement, but there was still tension in the air, even across the space.

I'm sure you're not the only one.　So, why don't you prove it to me?

All right, where do you want to start?

I could ask you a lot of questions, but ...... I'd like to know why first, wouldn't you?　What reason would I have for attacking a country that you rule?

"I'll start with the obvious one, that the only place I can attack is Garnets, ruled by my mistress. After being destroyed by Yggra, the mistresses have returned for the second time, but they are all cautious because they are worried about being destroyed. So we don't know where each other are, do we?　Only the mistresses and Heki have been open about their whereabouts.

"It's possible to invade the TARDIS from the Garnet Realm, isn't it?

If it's just an invasion, but I don't think the people here will be able to do much damage beyond making Blue uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to make of this.

Creature-based demons are a sufficient threat to humans.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

When the invasion is confirmed, they will be intercepted and half destroyed, and then it will be a one-sided slaughter.

"...... Well, isn't that right?　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.　I'm sure you'll agree with me on that.　I'm sure you're not the only one.

It is to make the mistress use the Curse of Pecking Order, or to be more precise, to make others suffer from the Curse of Pecking Order.

"...... What is that?

The reason why I gathered all these demons in the middle of the Ghanaian world was so that they could be discovered. I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've. The demon tribe has the power to control demons, but only the Demon Lord can create a demon world that can produce demons, so we can assume that one of them is the culprit. However, the king has tampered with the demon world to make it difficult to identify the type of demon. This will eventually force the mistress to use the Pecking Order Curse to stop her.

"Is that so?　You don't want to consume the country you've worked so hard to raise by making it fight for itself, do you?　But if Gold uses the Pecking Order Curse, I will suffer too, right?

You won't suffer, but you will be happy, won't you?

"......?

"There is little advantage in making others uncomfortable while you are uncomfortable, but if it is pleasurable for you, then you gain and they lose. Isn't that a good thing?

"Are you implying that I have such a s*xual preference?

"Well, at first I thought there was a demon lord who wanted to inflict pain before his own humiliation, but the demon was created with such twisted feelings.

What do you mean by 'gold'?

The one who came here and reacted was the Scarlet Witch King.

I'm not sure what you mean by that. And the demons are born in the shape of the concubine's magic power. You've all heard this story from Yugra, there's no need to go into detail. However, you don't always feel the same way about expanding the demon world, do you?　I'm sure you're not the only one.

"...... Hmm.

In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to ask your doctor. For example, I think the belligerent demons are caused by the demon power when you are excited.

You've done a lot of research, haven't you?

The demon in question was created by diluting the basic traits of the Demon Lord himself and inflaming certain emotions. As I said before, it was difficult to identify, but not impossible. In addition, the motive was well hidden. A craving for the torment of others and the absurdity that would befall them.

"Suppose that were true?　How can you be sure it's me?　Don't you think other Demon Lords might be like that?

You said you were able to identify the lower demons born in Mejis and the demon in question had something in common. I've even found indicators to distinguish some of them.

"How can you prove that?　You're just bluffing with your own evidence, aren't you?

Do you really want to convince everyone?　Well, it's simple, these demons are born from a special demon world that was prepared in the vicinity of the Ghanaian demon world. We've already found several of them, and all you have to do is stand there, because other people's demon worlds are poison to you. It's easy to prove your innocence if you put yourself on the line.

"...... You think I'm going to go along with that kind of proof?

You can refuse, in which case the mistress will just use the Curse of Pecking Order to send the other Demon Lords to the spot in order of pecking order. You are second to last in the pecking order, but what will happen to your position if I let you go that far?

Do you really think the other Demon Lords will listen to you?

I don't care.

I'm sure you've heard of it.

But as long as you make me order you to leave this castle, I will order you to do the same.

"...... has no objection.

Neither do I. ......

It's not only the Golden Demon King who can use the Curse of Pecking Order.

It can be used by anyone who is lower in the pecking order.

As long as the Blue Demon King declares that he will use the curse of hierarchy, any other Demon King who refuses will receive at least a double curse.

Except for the Golden Demon King, all the other Demon Lords have been subjected to the Curse of Pecking Order in the past.

If you are an upright person who doesn't want to be displeased, you wouldn't want to suffer it twice.

I'm surprised that Blue had the kindness to pity her position.

"Don't be smug, I'm just agreeing with you that emotional turmoil has something to do with demon biology. I was just trying to make sense of the fact that emotional turmoil has something to do with demon biology.

It's just like you, ....... So, Purple, do you want me to use the Curse of Pecking Order on your mistress?　You can simply enjoy yourself as long as your true identity is not revealed, but if everyone is convinced that you are behind this, your shoulders will narrow rapidly. Oh, I promise I won't use it on you. I don't want to please you either.

"Mmm-hmm, ha-ha-ha-ha!　It's easier than I thought, isn't it?

A noisy laughter flows from the purple crystal.

This is the result of a communication problem caused by a surge of magical power, and it really shows the extent of the purple demon lord's emotional turmoil.

It's a confession, isn't it?

...... Hmmm, so you can't fool me any more, huh?　I admit it, yes, I set this up, didn't I?

The Purple Demon King happily admitted that he had prepared a demon and was ready to invade Garne.

It's good that you're being so honest, though it would be nice if you'd lower the demon as well.

It's a shame, isn't it?　I admit it, but I don't have to lower the demon, do I?　You said that you would use the Pecking Order Curse to identify the culprit, and that you would involve the other Demon Lords, but I confessed, remember?　I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

The goal of having the Golden Demon King use the Curse of Pecking Order has been defeated, but the physical obstacles have not been improved in any way.

There are still demons sitting in the Garne demon world that can only attack Garne.

It would certainly be troublesome if that were to happen. If the mistress asks for the help of other demon lords with the curse of the pecking order, it will be due to her inadequacy and could be selfish of her.

"Yes, if I hadn't told you, it might be my fault for involving you, but I've already confessed, remember?　I've already confessed, so it's up to you to get involved, right?　So how are you going to stop me?　Will you use the Pecking Order Curse on me?　You can beg the other Demon Lords to do the same, right?　How humiliating would that be?　Hmph, hmph!

The Purple Demon Lord's aim has been exposed, but still the Purple Demon Lord's advantage remains unchanged.

Her goal is to gain the pleasure of suffering the curse of the pecking order.

And to make the other Demon Lords suffer.

She's a masochist and a sadist, and there's no way for the Purple Demon Lord not to take advantage of the pawn she's prepared for him.

As I said before, I won't use the Pecking Order Curse on you because I don't want to give you pleasure. "As I said before, I won't use the Pecking Order Curse on you. You're such a scoundrel.

"Yes, I know.　But if you ask me, you're stranger than I am.　You're an immortal Demon Lord and Yugra has given you a humiliating curse. ...... Don't you think it's a shame that you're not excited about it?

That's one way to put it. So, Gold, what are you going to do?

The curse of the pecking order is for Purple's benefit no matter who it's used on, but if it's left unchecked, it will eventually invade and hurt my country. But if we let it go on like this, it will eventually invade and hurt my country. Are you going to let Scarlet and Purple do whatever they want in the demon world you created?

We've already given up the Ghanaian world. We have no intention of considering it as our territory at this time.

You can't ask Blue and Blue to do anything, so how should you settle ......?

"As you wish.　But I'm about to exceed your forces, so if you don't ...... hurry up, you'll have to move on me, right?

"Yes, I suppose so. Then let's negotiate.

"Oh, you think you can talk your way out of this?　What more is there to negotiate for than the pleasure I take in your suffering?

"If you will not back down, I will reveal your location to everyone present. How about that?

"...... What are you talking about?

The purple Demon Lord's voice was slightly agitated.

The location of the Demon Lord is information that could be a weakness for them.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

The exceptions are those who are beneficial to the human world.

The only exceptions are the Golden Demon Lord, who reigns as a beneficial presence in the human world, and the Blue Demon Lord, who simply retreats to remote areas where humans cannot enter.

The Scarlet and Purple Demon Lords are still in hiding in preparation for a new invasion of the human world.

If their whereabouts are leaked, it's something that should be avoided.

If their whereabouts are leaked, there will be a risk of attack by humans.

The Blue Demon King, who is enraged at the slightest thing and will mercilessly kill any Demon Lord, will catch you in his sights.

There's also the possibility that the Yugra, who isn't here now, will appear again.

The Scarlet Demon King, who welcomes fighting, can be forgiven, but for the Purple and Blue Demon Kings, who don't want to fight directly, it could be fatal.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a way to get rid of it. I'm sure you're a pervert who delights in humiliation, but you don't want all the other Demon Lords to get behind you, do you?

"I don't think you know where I am, do you?

"You are the Purple of Entanglement, skilled at kidnapping others. That's why you haven't created a demon tribe that could be close to you. It's easy to locate you if that's all you know. You're the one who sends thoughts to the demons you've created and collects them. You're collecting too many thoughts, didn't you think they would be detected?

...... You're bluffing. You have no such power.

You're a quack. You know where I can find you.

What?

"To put it another way, the other lords are not so foolish as to leave you in the lurch in the face of negotiations. ...... So, what shall we do?

I'm not sure what to do.　...... Oh, I want to die.

I'm not sure what to do.　But where do I draw them to?　I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

The Ghanaian demon world is adjacent to the Taze demon world and the Mejis demon world.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

Why don't we just feed them to the Blue Demons?　If it's just to feed its own demons, what does Blue have to worry about?

...... Would that be all right with you, Blue?

Good, gather them at the entrance. You have the right to make an offering.

You may also neutralize the newly created demon world, if it remains by the next month, negotiations will be broken.

"...... Okay.

In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your vacation.

------------------------------------

This is the story of the latter part of the day, after confirming the safe disappearance of the herd of demons that existed in the Garnets demon world.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

One thing I noticed when I looked at the demons was the slight trace of emotion that I feel when I look at art such as paintings.

In other words, you realized that the demons reflect the will and feelings of the demon lord, yes. 　

I could understand the perverted masochistic and sadistic intentions of the demons, but I couldn't be sure which demon was the one created by the demon lord.

But now that I could see the intentions, I could be sure that there would be plenty of time.

So I asked Exoik to capture demons whose identities were known, and I went around observing the differences in their creations.

If all of them were unsuccessful, "The Colorless Demon King," whose details were unknown, would have been a candidate, and I was expecting trouble, but luckily I was able to find a common sense.

After that, I had Ecdysium capture other kinds of demons from Mejis, and confirmed them as well, and I was confident.

After making all the preparations and instructing the Golden Demon King on how to act, I had him attend the regular meeting.

If it was just a matter of proving it, it would have been quicker to have the demon lords stand up one by one in the corresponding demon world, but in order to get all the other demon lords to agree to that, it was necessary to make them think that the purple demon lord was the culprit.

If I were to make this suggestion first, the Blue Demon King would probably get angry and ask why me.

However, if I were to blame the Purple Demon King beforehand, the Purple Demon King would be the first to reject the proposal.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

So far, so good, but how did you know where the purple one was?　

No, I was bluffing about the location of the Purple Demon Lord.

What do you mean ......?

I knew he was in the vicinity of the Ghanaian realm, though I had some evidence to support it. Perverts like that are very particular about their locations. But Garne territory is plain, and it's hard to hide in plain sight from the Golden Demon King. I can't go near Taze because I was half killed by the Blue Demon King in the past. It's possible that he's in the Mejis Demon Realm that he prepared for himself in the past, but if he's based in the Mejis Demon Realm, it would mean the return of the original Lord of the Demon Realm. The Great Demon, the parent of Ecdysius, would have responded accordingly. In that case, the safe choice would be the Quama Demon Realm created by the Blue Demon King, which was once available. But I wasn't sure if it was Quama or the Quama Realm," he said.

Of course, if you are asked for details, your bluff will be exposed there.

But if the details were correct, it would be the Purple Demon King's own destruction, and there would be no chance of that being pursued in depth.

It's a bluff to say that I've found an indicator that allows others to distinguish demons, but I've been at this level for a long time and finally got a feel for it.

There is a high possibility that an expert of Gradna's level can do it, but it will not be easy.

There are various ways to make a bluff work, for example, you can make a truth and a combination theory work.

A bluff becomes credible if it is accompanied by a truth that everyone can understand.

Secondly, don't say too much about what you don't understand, just make the important points straightforwardly.

Make a rough guess as to which way is left or right, and declare it openly; if it coincides, your opponent will think you know everything.

By the way, if you are wrong, you can pretend that you are playing a trick, which is effective enough to get back the stinky talk of the Golden King.

Lastly, be bold.

As for the Blue Demon King, I knew from Yugra's book that he wouldn't take such a step as this.

The Scarlet Demon Lord, who had been using Rahite, was also unlikely based on Docora's information.

As for the Blue Demon King, his character is unreasonable.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.

If these guesses were wrong, the remaining culprit would be the colorless one.