160 And then it starts.

I had a dream that I was looking down on a vast meadow. I realized that it was someone else's dream because I had never been there or seen it before.

The calmness of the wind on my skin felt good. The person who left this memory must have loved to look at this scenery.

My gaze flowed on its own. What I saw was a huge tree.

I've seen many huge trees in Taze, but this one almost made me gasp in admiration.

A huge tree, 30 meters in length, stood majestically in the middle of the vast grassland.

I gently place my hand on the trunk. It is not my hand. It's someone's hand, a woman's hand.

"----, I knew you were here.

I hear a gentle man's voice. It's a familiar voice, but I can't remember who it is in the hazy state of my dream.

But the owner of this body slowly turned around and saw the person in his sight.

.

...... This is finally happening.

It was not a bad dream to wake up from. But to be honest, being shown someone's memories is not a good thing.

Lately, I've been dreaming about unfamiliar places more and more. At least there is no tree that big in Japan. I think the Guinness Book of World Records has a tree that big.

I have a rough idea of the cause. The credibility of this theory has been increased by the incident of Harkdock.

He should be able to move properly by now, so let's do a little experiment.

He picks himself up and prepares himself.

It's been more than a dozen days since I returned to Taze after the series of disturbances in Quama ended.

In each country, the military preparations for the Scarlet Witch King are being made on a large scale.

We have to cooperate with them here, but at the same time, we have to proceed with the cultivation of the Quama demon world, which has been entrusted to Jestaff.

Originally, the Quama Realm was a land where plants and trees did not live satisfactorily, so in that respect it was very easy to work on.

Once we have some facilities in place, we will be able to start purifying the land and producing agricultural products.

King Zenotta has successfully persuaded the people around him to cultivate the promised Quama, so there is no problem at the moment.

I will show you the development plan that I have prepared, and King Zenotta will make adjustments. All that's left to do is to give instructions to the purple demons and let the work begin.

Tens of millions of demons will cut down the trees at once. Too much and the forest will be cleared.

And if we go too fast, we'll raise the bar on what we can ask for, so I've made sure to keep a close eye on the perimeter for some of them.

The wood, dirt, and stones we've collected will be processed so that we can start building the road directly.

The surplus will be secretly used to cultivate the Quama demon world.

Wood is difficult, but stone and earth are relatively easy to find. The work of separating them is simple enough to be left to the demons.

Clay can be made into bricks, others into sandbags, and magic can be used to fill in the gaps. Purple asked me if I could build a building with demons, but I politely declined.

The Purple is being punished for letting Ritual-Zentry, one of the Raitis who was plotting with Rahite, escape.

To be honest, the fact that he destroyed half of Raitis's agents is more than enough to cancel out the punishment, but he insisted, so I gave it to him.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had to deal with this.

At first, Murasaki looked a little unhappy, but when he saw the more desperate look on Duvraeori's face, he became a little more enthusiastic.

As a result of Duvraeori's worries, the Purple was tasked with manufacturing the Demon Tools.

The Kuro Demon King is said to have given his demons unique weapons, some of which have been passed on to the human world.

One of them is Gillista, who possesses a magical sword.

Gillista's battle record isn't great, as she has to deal with extraordinary beings like Ilias and Wulfe, as well as Harkdock, a man who is very good at twisting things.

However, he is strong enough to be avoided by adventurers, and is a celebrity who has been banned in some countries.

The strength of his magic sword probably contributes to his success in some small way.

At any rate, I gave the OK to the idea that if I could create a magical tool, it would give more people an advantage in future battles.

Incidentally, at this stage, Ilias and Wolfe refuse to equip magic tools. Lakra is originally bare handed.

It's likely that the finished prototypes will be handled by Exoik, Harkdok, or Mikus.

Oh, you're up!

"......

When I went downstairs to wash my face, I found Harkdock in her housekeeper's outfit cleaning up.

He had been kicked out of Jest Staff, who had stayed behind in Quama to continue cultivating the area, and was now working for us as a scullery maid.

But I don't mean to force him to do real chores like cleaning. This is at the sole discretion of Harkdock.

I'm currently staying at Mr. Van's house. It was easy for Mr. Ban, who was tolerant enough to accept Gladna, to accept Hark-dog, who was reasonable.

How did you get in here? I thought the door was locked.

That's because I have a duplicate key from Miss Iliad.

"Miss ......, you're older than her, aren't you?

She's the oldest of my brother's men and the patriarch of this family. You have to show a certain amount of respect to the most senior person, right?

In fact, the most likely reason is that he was killed in the process of healing his injuries.

To be honest, the condition of Jestiff's right arm, which had been implanted with a demon parasite, was not good. He can now hold a weapon, but since his magical power has not been strengthened properly, he can only half-heartedly use it for both attack and defense.

Even so, she is already able to use it in her daily life. His efforts behind the scenes are on par with Wolfe.

However, it is hard to say what the difference is since Jestaff himself is able to deploy his demon and work with his two right arms.

Oh, yes. The biggest change is that he can now look at me.

The reason for this is the sunglasses that Harkdock is now wearing.

It's not that he would have been fine if his vision had become worse. Rather, they are clearer than ordinary sunglasses.

These sunglasses were custom-made by Nora, who guessed the reason for Harkdock's fainting and had them made as a countermeasure.

As soon as he was okay, Harkdock's attitude changed and he became the way he is now.

Your sunglasses are looking good.

Yeah!　The brothers' dull faces are perfect!　Oh, you're really harmless as long as you take care of yourself!

Hey, why don't you take that off and tell me?

"Hey, bro, you want to help a guy before breakfast?　I'd rather have a woman take care of me.

I'm not gonna hold him. I'm gonna put him outside.

That's no way to treat an auspicious minded man who comes to clean!

Harkdock's emotions are very easy to read. The current Harkdock is making an effort to establish a good relationship with us.

He is probably trying to become Jestiff's right-hand man in the future.

In order to do so, he wants to learn whatever he can from us, and if possible, he wants to improve the environment.

In a sense, the speed of switching is almost a talent. A while ago, his face was full of anxiety, but ...... a pair of sunglasses can change it.

It's okay. Now that you're here, help me prepare some food.

"Oh, great!　Tell me about the cuisine of Juglar's planet, so I can feed it to my brother.

I'll only be able to recreate it as close as I can due to the ingredients. Well, as long as you steal as much as you can, be my guest.

"Yeah, I'll keep stealing from you.　Even if you ask me to return it later, I won't be able to.

Wouldn't it be better if I wiped your memory so you could get it back?

Brother, is it a gift to be able to come up with these crazy ideas so naturally?

Harkdock is capable of performing general household chores to a high standard. This is probably the result of his inability to assist Jestiff on a regular basis and his constant search for things to do.

Asking Godz to teach him how to cook might be surprisingly useful. No, that kind of use would be good for Harkdock, but it would make Jestiff feel uncomfortable.

As I was cooking, Ilias appeared. He looks a little sleepy, and doesn't seem to mind that Hark-dog is there as a matter of course.

"Oh, Miss, good morning!

"Oh, good morning. You've come to help in the morning? ...... You're a blister.

"Well, I'm also calculating that I'll have a better breakfast if I help out here.

"I see. If I prepare only for myself, it will be a simple meal.

I'm sure Mr. Van will prepare a better meal for you.

He's letting me live here for free, it's not cool to make him eat. But I don't feel like I can help in that house.

Mr. Ban's mansion has servants as a matter of course. If a guest asks to be allowed to cook, he will be refused.

Mr. Ban's mansion may be a bit stifling for Hark-dog, who has been living an outlaw life.

"Good morning, Hark-dog!　Oh, Hark-dog.

"Hey, Wolfe. Breakfast will be ready soon.

"...... Mmm.

Oh, Wolfe is looking slightly unhappy. Normally, I'd be working on breakfast.

Wolfe likes to help, too. I wonder if she thinks she's been robbed of her position by someone who's already helped her when she wanted to.

"Wolfe, can you go wake up Rakura?

"Shishou, Lakra was already gone.

"Oh, no, not again.

Ever since she had returned to Taze, Lacla had been going out alone in the early morning and late at night.

From the fatigue she showed when she returned, she probably had more time to work out.

Losing to Harkdock and being outpaced by Ecdysius may have been factors, but if he is making an effort to make up for it, there is nothing to say.

To be sure, I've been monitoring Lakra's sleep intervals, but it doesn't seem like she's training too hard.

She takes frequent naps, so there should be no problem with her self-control.

While I was thinking about this, Lakra appeared at the door.

I'm hungry. Hello, Mr. Harkdock.

"Hello, Lakra, training all morning?　You've got a lot of energy.

I'm just picking a less crowded time of day so I can concentrate better. I'll take a nap after I eat.

"Yeah, it's true that you can concentrate more in the early morning. But isn't it hard on your stomach if you go to bed right after eating?

No problem. I usually sleep while drinking.

That's not okay.　Even Jestiff's brother has learned to refrain from drinking in bed.

It's good to sleep in a relaxed mood, you know?　Right, Master Shosho?

It's not so bad once in a while. But it's out of the question to show your hungover face every time.

Duh. Because all of the drinks that Godz-san chooses are delicious. ......

Maybe I should tell the guy at God's to limit it. But that's his money, right?

And so, we all gathered around the table for breakfast.

A while ago it was just the two of us and Ilias, now it's the five of us.

I don't want to make too much noise, but it's not so bad. The expression on Ilias' face seemed to be happy.

After breakfast, Ilias went to change his clothes, and Lakra went to her room to take a nap as announced.

The remaining three of us cleaned up breakfast, and to be honest, it was a bit cramped for the three of us to be in the kitchen.

"Where are you going today, brother?

"Today we're going to the magic research center.

"Oh, well, I've never seen a magic research before. I've never seen magic research before. Is it done by strange old men?

"Call me crazy, but yes. I'm going to go check on the purple one.

I've never met the Purple Demon Lord ...... in person before.

In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to ask your doctor.

You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life.

Ao and Ecdysium are gathering demons of interest in the Quama Realm.

If it's a low class demon, you can control it with your will, but if it's a unique class, there are many that won't listen to you.

The three undead that used to guard Ao were the ones that used necromancy to control humans. They are no longer able to use it because they do not show any hostile intentions towards humans.

He said he doesn't even want to see them anymore, so he's going to get naturally occurring demons.

"Don't worry. All three of them have difficult personalities, but they won't suddenly turn against you personally. You can't deny the possibility that you'll be summarily dealt with at some point.

I can't say I'm comfortable with any of this. But, well, these sunglasses?　I'm not sure what to make of it.　No problem!

No, those sunglasses are... Oh, you have a visitor?

You can hear the knocking on the front door. There are only three of us on the first floor now, including Wolfe and Harkdock.

Just as I was about to head for the door, Harkdock rushed towards it.

I'll go, brother. I know how to deal with visitors!

I don't think there's anyone I'd respect that much. It's probably a mix.

No, when I think about it, the one who shows up frequently is the princess.

And Marito is likely to show up at any moment. I'm not sure what to make of this.

"Shishou, Wolfe can handle it too!

"Oh... Wolfe is well trained in etiquette by Maja-san. There's no doubt about it.

No!

But I can't help but wonder if she hasn't been taught something inappropriate by Maaya.

But I have to wonder if she hasn't taught me something bad. She's a bit crazy sometimes. I can't speak for others, but...

"Oh?　Are you cleaning up from your meal?

Hmm, "Purple. I was wrong.

It was Murasaki and Duvvraioli who showed up in the kitchen.

It's a rare sight to see a princess and her butler in the kitchen, isn't it?

I came here to consult with you about the magic tools, should I come back?

"No, I'm fine. I was going to show my face today too. I thought I'd introduce you to a blacksmith.

Oh?　How did you know?

I don't really have a say in magical technology. But Purple doesn't know much about weapons, does he?

Yeah, when you think about it, you don't even know how to make a sword, do you?

"Humans, the magical tools that the Lord creates require appropriate weapons. I'm not doubting your assessment, but is it really that easy to prepare?

"I'm the smith who made the sword of the Iliad that sliced you to pieces. It shouldn't be a problem, should it?

"I see. Then it won't be a problem.

Duvraeus knows firsthand how sharp the sword of the Iliad is. And the hardness of the scabbard.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

...... By the way, there is one thing I was wondering.

I'm sure a guy named Harkdock went to the door to greet you.

"He's called Harkdock, isn't he?　He collapsed as soon as he saw someone's face, so he's laying next to the door.

Oh no, the Harkdock's instincts went into overdrive when he saw the Demon Lord directly.

Harkdock's instincts are overly sensitive. The more threatening the opponent is, the stronger his instincts tell him to be alert, and if it is too much, he will faint from the intensity of the alert.

Normally speaking, the Demon Lord is the greatest enemy of mankind, a potential natural enemy.

That sunglass trick isn't enough. Oh well...

It would be natural to think that your heart was broken by the Lord's majesty, but I'm not sure I should forgive you if you fainted at the sight of the Lord's face.

But if you think you fainted from the sight of your Lord's face, I'm not sure I should forgive you.

"I see. Then I'll go and put a blanket on her.

Oh, Duvvléory is so much nicer than I expected. I can't believe how pathetic Hark-dog looked when he passed out.

"Too beautiful is a terrible thing, isn't it?

Isn't that a compliment?

I take care of my appearance, but I think I deserve you, don't you?　It would be sad to pass you by, wouldn't it?

"It's a very complicated situation. But we're talking about the Harkdock.

Do you want to be worthy of your word?

"Well, that's greedy. Well, I never thought of the purple as a flower.

A rock on the side of the road, then?

Don't take it too far.

I'm kidding, right?

Purple is in a better mood than I thought. Maybe he liked Hark-dog's fainting trick.

"But Shishou treasures the stone!

"Oh, really?

Well, he does pick them up as souvenirs.

Well, I don't mind stones, then.

Why don't we just leave it at that?

When I returned to the living room, I found Harkdock sleeping peacefully on the couch, covered with a blanket.

I'm just kidding when I say peaceful, although his expression seemed to say, "That's absurd.

Yesterday was the day of the Demon Lord's regular meeting, you know.　I was just going to tell you about it.

"Well, it was a full moon. But the last time it happened, there was nothing to report, right?

The Demon Lords are summoned to a special space prepared by the Kuro Demon King, where only their consciousness is summoned on the night of the full moon.

There, they would report to each other about their current situation.

Through this, some minor troubles had occurred before, but after the first time the colorless Demon Lord spoke up, they stopped exchanging information with each other.

The Scarlet Demon King, who is trying to invade the human world, and the Blue Demon King, who has nothing to do with it, have no information to give to the Demon Kings who have turned to the human side.

I'm not sure what to say.　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

I'm sorry.

The colorless.

The time goes back to the night before.

As usual, the huge round table was lined with crystals of eight colors: gold, blue, blue, scarlet, purple, and colorless.

Hmm, are they all silent this time?

No?　Aside from the blue, there's nothing the scarlet wants to tell us, is there?

Right?　Then we'll finish when the time comes, okay?

"...... is Scarlet. Is it still the same thing you want, Scarlet?

A fool's question.

The Scarlet Witch King's low voice echoes. It's not the usual pale voice of the Scarlet Witch King, but a strong will without hesitation.

I'm not sure what to say.　You're going to answer me, aren't you?

I'm sure you're not the only one who's had it.

"As Garnets is undoubtedly a battlefield, my mistress would like you to stop.

I don't disagree with your choice to coexist with humans. But I will not allow you to block my path.

"Even if you use the curse of hierarchy?

The curse of the pecking order is given to the Demon Lords so that they can have influence in the order of their birth.

Although it does not have a strong binding power, disobeying it will result in unpleasant feelings.

The Scarlet Demon King is fifth in the pecking order, while the Gold Demon King and Blue Demon King, who are second and fourth in the pecking order, can use verbal coercion.

"Of course. I'll accept that level of discomfort if it means fulfilling my wish.

"Oh really?　Then I'll use it as an excuse to attack you. I'll give you the money, too. It's a good way to pay for the trouble.

Ao, you've changed a lot. ....... Yes, I have. I'd be happy if this discomfort caused you to make a few bad decisions. If so--

"Yes, yes. Can you wait a moment?

I'm not sure what to make of that.

The white demon king, Yugra, and the man with the demon king's name, the colorless demon king, interrupted the conversation.

I'm sure you've heard of it.

"So there is that. The "curse of the pecking order" is just a lubricant to smoothen the discussion in this place. It's not fair to use it to harass people, right?

"If you're going to say that, why don't you say it when Purple was trying to attack Garne? What are you talking about now?

"Well, that's a joke. What does it matter?　What's important is your will, Scarlet Beast. You're going to part company with the other kings, aren't you?

...... Yes.

Then you don't need this place anymore. This place was prepared by Yugra as a place where we can talk peacefully so that we don't need to fight each other. We don't need to talk to each other when we're enemies, do we?

I'm sure you're right.

Each of the Demon Lords have transferred their will into the crystal. You can feel the space as if you were there, even though you don't have eyes or ears.

All of these Demon Lords reacted to the change in space.

There was a man standing in the space.

Kuro hair, black eyes. He wore an invisible hood over his dark skin that blended in with the scenery.

The Colorless Demon King himself had appeared in that space.

The Colorless Demon King climbs onto the round table with his feet on the ground and turns happily.

What are you surprised about?　I was sent by Yugra to watch over you guys.　You should have the right to visit this place.　Now, you're enemies now. The long, long licking of your wounds is over. Yeah, yeah, it's nice to see chicks leave the nest, isn't it?

"You treat us like chicks, even though we're not much older than you.

From my sister's point of view, your fighting is just a joke. Well, she knows I'm supposed to be neutral, so... It's a good thing that I'm not the only one.

The colorless Demon Lord held out his hand to the void. In his hand was a huge scythe, as if he had been holding it all along.

The size of the blade alone far surpasses the body of the colorless demon king, and the colorless demon king spins and plays with the huge weapon with ease.

"Now, the time has moved to the next stage. Do your best to change the world, Demon Lords.

The colorless Demon Lord swung his scythe on the round table, and all the crystals shattered at the same time.

The will of the Demon Lords that remained in the crystals still barely remained.

And what the remaining senses sensed even more was the sight of the space itself being torn apart by that one swing and disappearing.