<h4>Volume 1 Chapter 4, “Please don’t disregard the people”</h4>
—— At the Vige outskirts, in the Mansion of the Demon King, Central Hall
The Female Pdin: “Well then, is this all you have prepared, my Lords?”
Disciple Nobleman: “Pant, pant.”
Disciple Merchant: “…Ughhh. Die!”
Disciple Soldier: “…”
The Female Pdin: “Then, allow me to exin the weapons. What you currently have in your hands is an exceptionally precise weapon from the Southern United Kingdoms’ Army, the Longsword. This weapon has strength, very good bnce, and as a product of the Kingdom of Steel, exceptional quality. Bncing and redistributing the weight is the key to deciding the oue of any battle with this weapon, hence, properly consider the grip you have on this weapon.”
Disciple Nobleman: “…”
Disciple Merchant: “…”
Disciple Soldier: “E-enough nonsense!”
The Female Pdin: “What did you say?”
Disciple Nobleman: “…”
Disciple Soldier: “I said that this is stupid. Why do we have to be thought swordsmanship by a woman?”
The Female Pdin: “…”
Disciple Soldier: “When the White Swordsman was teaching swordsmanship, he did not ept women as disciples. Women deserve to be at home making cakes.”
The Female Pdin: “Hey, fat boy.”
Disciple Merchant: “Wh-what?? M-me?”
The Female Pdin: “Grasp the sword firmly in both hands.”
Disciple Merchant: “…Uhh. Like this…?”
The Female Pdin: “HA!” Sword shes.
Disciple Nobleman: “?!”
Disciple Soldier: “!”
Disciple Merchant: “Th-th-the sword! It’s split! Into two!”
The Female Pdin: “HA!” Sword shes.
Disciple Merchant: “I-it’s be shorter!?”
The Female Pdin: “If you keep this in mind, you will be able to slice even just 5cm off a de.”
Disciple Soldier: “H-h-how?”
The Female Pdin: “That soldier boy over there.”
The Female Pdin: “I am a female Pdin of the Lake Country. I am a woman who has fought at least a thousand battles alongside the Hero in the Demon World.”
Disciple Nobleman: “T-the great Hero!?”
Disciple Merchant: “?!”
Disciple Soldier: “Don’t tell me you’re the ‘Demon Knight’?! The ‘Empress of Mythical Power’?! The ‘Wall-Destroying Female Guardian of Heaven’?!”
The Female Pdin: “You seem quite familiar with me.”
Disciple Soldier: “…” Shudders.
The Female Pdin: “I wouldn’t call this Mythical Power, it’s really just technique… By keeping the de still and concentrating power on a particr area, even you, gentlemen, will be able to utilise this technique. As for the Hero… Ah—The White Swordsman, is too much of a prodigy. His constantly ‘whatever’ way of doing things, as his teacher, is justpletely unsuitable.”
Disciple Merchant: “Don’t tell me… The White Swordsman is your disciple!?”
Disciple Nobleman: “I-is that so!”
Disciple Soldier: “Is that true…”
The Female Pdin: “H-hmm. Anyway. The White Swordsman is on an Imperial Quest.”
Disciple Nobleman: “Imperial Quest… Is that by order of the King?”
Disciple Soldier: “A quest! That’s the sort of thing a real man is supposed to do!”
The Female Pdin: “In any case, starting from now on, I’ll be taking over your training four times a week.”
Disciple Merchant: “U-understood!”
The Female Pdin: “I’m different from the White Swordsman in that I intend tobine theoretical and practical methods, teaching you from the basics up. I will train yourbat abilities so that you can use them for a practical purpose.”
-
Exnation
Longsword: A one-handed, straight, double-edged demonly used by the knights of the Middle Ages. Its length is 80 - 90 cm and it weighs 1.5 - 2 kg. It was made for attacking enemies while on horseback, and would not break or bend upon contact with armour.
-
Disciple Nobleman: “It is an honour to receive training from arade of the Hero.”
Disciple Soldier: “From what you have said, there’s nothing for it then. I will diligently pursue the Way of the de.”
The Female Pdin: “Then to begin with, run three rounds around the forest to the North. After that do one round while practice-swinging. When you get to the stream, go up to waist level in the water and do 500 swings of the sword.”
All Three: “Whaaaaat?!”
—— The Demon King’s Mansion, in the Office
Cicadas chirping.
The Demon King: “You’re very lively today.”
The Chief Maid: “That is to be expected. However, the Female Pdin seems to be having quite a lot of fun over there?”
The Demon King: “Is that so? I’d have expected her to be as mad as a badger with an arrow in its butt that the Hero just up and left.”
The Chief Maid: “The kind of person who would devote everything when given a task. What a cute person.”
The Demon King: “Hmm.”
The Chief Maid: “Her body is even more toned than yours.”
The Demon King: “Hmm.”
The Chief Maid: “No, no. Your style isn’t bad as well. The ces where you should really have volume are very impressive indeed. A truly immodest and sexy body.”
The Demon King: “Your way of describing things is truly immodest.”
The Chief Maid: “However while your body may be sexy and even soothing, your personality is neither sexy nor soothing. Thispletely unrted point may prove to be your Achilles Heel.”
The Demon King: “Let’s drop this subject.”
Bang bang, ng ng, klink klink.
The Chief Maid: “What’s that sound!?”
The Demon King: “Hmm. I’m conducting an experiment with the help of a craftsman I’ve hired. We’ll have to test it out and note the bits that need improvement.”
The Chief Maid: “What is it for?”
The Demon King: “It’s for something called a Compass. What he’s making now is an improvement for it. These two shafts and thisrge ss orb will keep thepass inside level.”
The Chief Maid: “Hmm. So what was it like before you improved it?”
The Demon King: “We just floated a ma on water. Look, it’s really the same concept for that thing floating inside.”
The Chief Maid: “I sort of understand. But it’s really be a great deal bigger, hasn’t it?”
The Demon King: “There’s no choice. This is an experimental model. To make it more practical, we’ll probably have to make smaller models.”
The Chief Maid: “What sort of improvements does this have?”
The Demon King: “Hmm,passes are used for determining direction. The ma on the water surface inside here will turn and demonstrate which way is North… For this to happen, it is critical that the water surface is perfectly level.”
The Chief Maid: “Uh huh.”
The Demon King: “People who really need to know the direction will be on ships right? It is an exceedingly difficult task to keep the water level on a rocking ship or on a day with a strong breeze.”
-
Exnation
Compass: Essentially a lodestone for determining direction. It was invented in China in the 11th Century and transmitted to Europe around the 13th Century. The suspension-typepass was invented in 16th Century Italy.
-
The Chief Maid: “Then what have people been doing up to now?!”
The Demon King: “Persistence?”
The Chief Maid: “…”
The Demon King: “…”
The Chief Maid: “Humans are impressive, aren’t they?”
The Demon King: “Well, with this suspension-type system, while finding a ce to install it may be difficult, even on a rocking ship, thepass will be kept steady as it is suspended.”
The Chief Maid: “Hmm. And it would be possible even if you weren’t a persistent person.”
The Demon King: “No. The Female Pdin once told me that to be human is to be persistent, hence persistence is ultimately necessary. What this helps to reduce is the skill required. Compass navigation requires a highly specialised skillset. This simple add-on will help to increase the number of skilled operators.”
The Chief Maid: “But this vige isn’t even on a coast, is it?”
The Demon King: “Hmm. This device is for selling.”
The Chief Maid: “Did you not buy it for them?”
The Demon King: “We need an honest method for these people to umte money, and hencee into contact with The Union.”
The Chief Maid: “As this is within the expertise of the Demon King, I will leave it to you then.”
The Demon King: “Leave it to me.”
The Chief Maid: “On an unrted note, shall we have potatoes for dinner?”
The Demon King: “Hmm, I would really love some fried potatoes.”
Smiles.
—— The Demon World, the Beast Fang Tribe, Stronghold of the ck Wolves
Demon Wolf: “Growl…”
Demon Wolf: “Auuuuuuuuu!”
The Hero: “Whoa. You’ve all gathered here.”
Demon Wolf: “Growl… Bark! Bark!”
The Hero: “You guys. If you don’t want to get hurt then go away!”
Demon Wolf: “Bark?!”
Demon Wolf: “Ha… Ha… Ha… Whimper!“
Winged Fairy: “Mr ck Knight, over here!”
The Hero: “Do I know you?”
Winged Fairy: “The Queen. Over here!”
The Hero: “Leave it to me! Curse of Explosions!”
Winged Fairy: “Up here~!”
ck Wolf Guard: “None shall pass.”
The Hero: “Demon, eh? Get out of the way!”
Crash! Rumble!
Winged Fairy: “The ck Wolf Tribe. There are even bigger things here.”
ck Wolf Guard: “Don’t worry, your journey ends here.”
The Hero: “I really didn’t want to kill anyone, but hah!”
sh!
Winged Fairy: “You poked his forehead?!”
ck Wolf Guard: “Mommy!”
Faints.
The Hero: “I didn’t even cut you.”
Winged Fairy: “There’s moreing this way!”
ck Wolf Guard: “Intruders!”
ck Wolf Guard: “Who are they? What strange people”
ck Wolf Guard: “Despite knowing that this is our Demon Tyrant Army’s.”
ck Wolf Guard: “ck Wolf Stronghold, they still dare to attack?!”
The Hero: “How annoying.”
Winged Fairy: “Y-you mustn’t! Don’t damage the Stronghold!”
The Hero: “Oh, right. There’s a Queen at the top of it.”
Winged Fairy: “That’s right.”
The Hero: “In that case!” Boom!
ck Wolf Guard: “He took down the wall bare handed?!”
ck Wolf Guard: “Run away!”
The Hero: “This technique needs a bit of distance… Don’t stand around, if we don’t get there in time, it’s a matter of life and death~ Ah, I think I sprained my back from that.”
Winged Fairy: “Amazing!”
The Hero: “As directly transmitted from the Great Sage! Sung about in the great legends! ‘The Sealing Lance of Light’!”
Rumbling in the distance.
—— At the Top Tower of the ck Wolf Stronghold
Winged Fairy: “Pant, pant.”
The Hero: “I’m sorry.”
Winged Fairy: “You’re mean.”
Queen of the Fairies: “What is this?”
The Hero: “Oh. Is that her?”
Winged Fairy: “Your Majesty!”
Queen of the Fairies: “Aren’t you the Winged Fairy?”
The Hero: “Nice to meet you, I apologise that I do note bearing gifts.”
Winged Fairy: “Your Majesty, this here is a hero of the humans.”
Queen of the Fairies: “I can tell.”
The Hero: “I’m a hero.”
Winged Fairy: “I’m really smart— ?”
Queen of the Fairies: “Please hurry and flee. If the Demon Wolf General arrives, we won’t be able to beat him.”
The Hero: “Even though I already have?”
Queen of the Fairies: “What? So humans have this sort of power. But, that’s not all! Behind the Demon Wolf General is an even more fearsome power in the Demon World, an unparalleled warrior, the ck Wolf King…”
The Hero: “I took him down too. Last week.”
Queen of the Fairies: “?! Y-you are!”
Winged Fairy: “The ck Knight, a human.”
The Hero: “Yeah. I’m the ck Knight. The sword of the Demon King. I’m a correctional officer doing my best to preserve loyalty and order in the Demon World.”
Winged Fairy: “So cool.”
Queen of the Fairies: “Is that so… It’s true that the seal on that armour belongs to the Demon King. Wait, don’t tell me that’s the Demon King’s personal armour…?”
The Hero: “I do not have the words to reply to your question.”
Winged Fairy: “Super cool~”
Queen of the Fairies: “So you’re here to eradicate the race of the ck Wolves that dare to oppose the orders of the Demon King, constantly making a sport out of the mindless ughter of human beings and regrly sacking even Demon cities and viges.”
The Hero: “Nope, it was really a split second decision.”
Winged Fairy: “…”
The Hero: “Ahem. —Well. I can overlook the violence of the ck Wolf Tribe. But while this does not mean that we have to be charitable to humankind, the word of the Demon King is absolute. I will not forgive those who oppose it.”
Queen of the Fairies: “You’re a human! Why are you so loyal?”
The Hero: “Hahahaha. I am the ck Knight. None can stand against me! I am the sword of the Demon King.”
Queen of the Fairies: “You really live up to the expectations of the Demon King.” Beams
The Hero: (This is a really good atmosphere! Even though I’m ackey of the Demon King.)
Winged Fairy: “Your Majesty.”
Queen of the Fairies: “Yes?”
Winged Fairy: “Shall we search?”
Queen of the Fairies: “Search?”
The Hero: “Yes. That’s right. Uhh. By orders of the Demon King, I am to search for a particr human. To begin with, I am here for Your Majesty, the ck Wolf Tribe is just a side quest if you will.”
Winged Fairy: “The human girl who came to Your Majesty!”
Queen of the Fairies: “Ahh. That mage…”
The Hero: “Where is she now?”
Queen of the Fairies: “She was hiding a superb set of magical abilities. Having learnt Fairy Magic, she left on a journey to seek even greater abilities.”
The Hero: “A journey? Where to?”
Queen of the Fairies: “I’m afraid I do not know, but…”
The Hero: “Just how much effort is she going to make me expend, that emotionless girl. Even though she’s already the strongest in the Human World.”
Queen of the Fairies: “That’s right…”
The Hero: “What’s right?”
Winged Fairy: “At the edge of the Demon World, within the waterfall basin of the Falls of the Sands of Time, there is an ancient bench. It is said that travellers who sit on this bench will be able to reach the ‘Cosmic Library’ at the edge of the stars. —She was earnestly researching this myth.”
The Hero: “The Cosmic Library? I understand.”
Queen of the Fairies: “However, this is just a legend. Not even the Fairies know where it is or how to get there.”
The Hero: “This is not an issue. To fulfil the orders of the Demon King, I will be able to find any ce in the world!”
Winged Fairy: “So cool!”
Queen of the Fairies: “I will pray for your safety.”
The Hero: “The Demon King wishes for the Tribe of Fairies to return to their original location and continue to treat and enrich the lives of the citizens there.”
Queen of the Fairies: “Long live the Demon King.”
The Hero: “Eh, ahem, ahem. I have already spoken to the remaining members of the ck Wolf Tribe. The ck Wolves were originally honourable citizens. They have promised to be honourable citizens, loyal and upright in their service to the Demon King.”
Queen of the Fairies: “As long as the ck Wolves are no longer a threat to the Fairies, we have no problem with this arrangement. I solemnly swear that we will hold no grudges.”
The Hero: “… I will convey your magnanimity to the Demon King. Then, it is about time. I must leave to find her. If it is fated, I hope we shall meet again.”
Queen of the Fairies: “I will not forget this.”
Teleports!
Winged Fairy: “So cool!!”
Queen of the Fairies: “He has saved the Tribe of Fairies. …So the Demon King has such a subordinate… She’s really changed from the weak, useless figurehead we used to call her. As the Demon King…”
Winged Fairy: “What?”
Queen of the Fairies: “As the Demon King…”
(The Waterfall Basin of the Falls of the Sands of Time—An old bench—The edge of the stars—‘The Cosmic Library’—)
Queen of the Fairies: “The Cosmic Library…”
Winged Fairy: “?”
Queen of the Fairies: “There is one Tribe among the Demons who were confined to the Cosmic Library… This Tribe sought knowledge and could see into the past and the future, they carried with them the ‘Cosmic Knowledge,’ a hunger for knowledge that burns in their souls…”
Winged Fairy: “?”
Queen of the Fairies: “It is said that the Demon King herself is from the Cosmic Library…”
— The Kingdom of Waves, the City of the Gulf, the Chambers of Commerce
Young Merchant: “This is truly amazing. Absolutely astounding. Wonderful.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “Hey. What did you call me out here for?”
Shrewd ountant: “Isn’t it too early for breakfast? What’s up? Did the wine harvests from the Kingdom of the Lake fail? Or are there movements in the exchange rate of the Holy Kingdom?”
Young Merchant: “Well, take a look at this. I received it yesterday and I’ve just set it up.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “—!”
Shrewd ountant: “Th-this is…”
Young Merchant: “As I thought, you understand as soon as youy eyes on it.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “Apass? I’ve never seen theme in this shape before.”
Shrewd ountant: “But I understand just by looking at it.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “I don’t know who or where this craftsmanship is from, but this is something big. Astounding.”
Young Merchant: “Yeah, I feel as if someone threw a huge rock at my head.”
Shrewd ountant: “These… Two rings allow it to remain level in any circumstance. And it can even be stabilized with this counterweight.”
Young Merchant: “It is exactly as it seems. It doesn’t use any special technological breakthrough, but what a remarkable invention.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “From the way it looks, I’m willing to say the craftsmen from the Kingdom of Copper will be able to make a smaller version. Alright! Oi! Where is this thing from? If you were tomercialise this, we would make a huge killing! You would be able to be a political cadre, no, it wouldn’t even be fantastical to say you might make it into the Council of Ten!”
Shrewd ountant: “Yes, this invention could be highly profitable for the Union, myrades.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “You can realize the dream of young merchants everywhere, rising through the ranks at such a young age!”
Shrewd ountant: “Though I’m sure you would have been able to do it anyway.”
Young Merchant: “This is going to change the world.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “Yes, the world is about to change.”
Young Merchant: “Well, it’ll be difficult.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “Naturally.”
Shrewd ountant: “Why?”
Young Merchant: “We haven’t thought about the significance of this being here at this particr point in time.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “It’s definitely true that we have a huge opportunity in front of us. Like arge barrel of an excellent vintage wine. I am ecstatic. However, apart from this barrel of wine, are they any others like it? Further, could we be walking into a trap? We are businessmen, not drunkards. We ought to really use our heads to discern the avable benefits.”
Shrewd ountant: “That’s right…”
Young Merchant: “To begin with, the one who invented this isn’t even us, it was delivered to me. We should try to consider the intentions of this person…”
Middle Aged Merchant: “Do you know who it is?”
Young Merchant: “The letter says ‘The Crimson Schr.’ The sender appears to live in the Southern United Kingdoms, the Kingdom of Winter, the Vige of Wintering.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “A small, frozen vige.”
Shrewd ountant: “I don’t seem to have memory of special products from that area. —No, wait.”
Rummaging.
Young Merchant: “What is it?”
Shrewd ountant: “As I recall, I saw the name in the news… Ahh, here it is. The Holy Order of the Lake established a new Branch Order in this vige.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “The Order of the Lake? The one in the Kingdom of the Lake? Has its influence already grown to such an extent?”
Shrewd ountant: “No, this is way out of its area of influence, it’s a very suddenly built Branch Order. It’s clearly not for any missionary purpose, that’s why there was a special report on it…”
Young Merchant: “Hmm. Strange.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “It certainly appears to be connected to me.”
Shrewd ountant: “Have you had any contact?”
Young Merchant: “Of course I have, that’s very important. In order to derive the most profits from thispass, the Union would need to acquire sole trading rights.”
Middle Aged Merchant: “However, it’s clear that thispass is a revolutionary work. The fact that its revolutionary nature is so easy to understand not only means that it’ll be a powerful business weapon, but it also suffers from the weakness of being extraordinarily easy to imitate.”
Shrewd ountant: “That’s true.”
Young Merchant: “If the Union keeps thepass a ssified secret, we could only install this on ships belonging to the Union and hence boost our trade advantage, or sell this to the entire Central Continent and increase our profits. Either way, we must confer with the schr who invented this.”
Shrewd ountant: “While it may be easy to imitate, how can we be sure that this schr isn’t intending to sell the invention to other organizations or countries…?”
Middle Aged Merchant: “In this case…”
Young Merchant: “I certainly hope it doesn’te to that. We are merchants, not assassins after all.”
—— The Vige of Wintering,te in the Summer
Small Viger: “Hoii, hoii.”
Thin Viger: “Hoii.”
Small Viger: “The weather sure is fine today.”
Thin Viger: “It sure is, the barley is growing great as well.”
Small Viger: “Since the Holy Order was established, we’ve learnt a great deal.”
Thin Viger: “Oh, it’s the Temr.”
Temr: “Good afternoon, working hard today?”
Small Viger: “Good afternoon.” Bows.
Thin Viger: “Good afternoon.” Bows.
Temr: “What are you doing today?”
Small Viger: “I’ll be fishing for trout down by the stream today.”
Thin Viger: “I’ll be gathering firewood.”
Temr: “Excellent.”
Small Viger: “And you?”
Temr: “Hohoho, well actually, the crop we’ve been experimenting with is soon about to derive its second harvest!”
Small Viger: “Even the Temr is excited about it!”
Temr: “Of course, I’m really excited. The Earth has given us its blessings. This is truly an encouraging message from the Spirits of Light. I’m just on my way to report the harvest to the Schr.”
Small Viger: “I see, I see.”
Temr: “Yeah. This crop is called a potato. It’s sweet and soft and incredibly delicious.”
Small Viger: “Is that right. I want to try it just once.”
Thin Viger: “What does it taste like?”
Footsteps.
The Demon King: “Shall I invite you to try some?”
Temr: “Ah, this is the Schr!”
Small Viger: “Good afternoon, schr.”
Thin Viger: “Good afternoon, schr. The weather is great today.”
Temr: “I’m here to deliver a report.”
The Demon King: “Ahh, thank you. I was thinking that it was about time too.”
Maid Elder Sister beams.
Temr: “We’ve harvested it all ording to n. It’s really great. Enough topletely fill two carts.”
The Demon King: “And the soil collection?”
Temr: “As instructed, we’ve storedrge amounts from six separate locations. Doing this, even though our Order has beenpiling agricultural technology for decades, is still an unprecedented method.”
The Demon King: “I’m happy that the results are encouraging. And this is it?”
Temr: “Yes, they’ve really grown well.”
The Demon King: “Great, let’s celebrate!”
Temr: “Celebrate?”
The Demon King: “The most important thing for spreading the potato is to allow everyone to experience eating it, no? To best way of doing this would be to arrange for a feast.”
Small Viger: “Is that so, Schr?”
Thin Viger: “Is that really alright?”
The Demon King: “Of course it is. Temr, what do you think? Can we borrow the front courtyard of the Holy Order?”
Temr: “Of course. But I thought the idea was to sell the potatoes to raise funds.”
The Demon King: “Well we do want money, but we don’t need a monopoly. We won’t be able to advance if we don’t stop starvation and create prosperity for everyone. To do this, we’ll need the help of everyone in the vige. If each person were to tell everyone he knows that potatoes are amazing, then we should be able to spread the word well enough.”
Small Viger: “Wow, now I really want to eat it, Schr!”
Thin Viger: “Will we be able to grow it at home as well?”
Temr: “Of course. We’ve tried it ourselves as well and it’s not even as difficult as growing wheat. Of course, there are a few things you need to be careful of, but we’ll teach all of this at the Holy Order.”
Small Viger: “I’ll go home and tell my family at once!”
The Demon King: “Ohh, that’s right. We probablyck the manpower for such a feast. If your wives happen to be free, we would like to request their assistance. What do you think, Master Temr?”
Small Viger: “Ah. Schr. Our wives aren’t sophisticated enough to help you adequately, but if you really want their help, I’m sure they would love to help you. I’ll go and tell mine right away!”
Temr: “Yes, I’ve alreadypiled my report, so I’ll be heading back to inform the other Temrs and the Grandmaster. Oh that’s right, what should we do about the food?”
The Demon King: “Don’t worry about that. —Can we do it?”
Maid Elder Sister: “Yes.” Bows.
Maid Little Sister: “We can do it! We’ll make a lot!”
Temr: “That’s right, we haven’t done any research on how to cook potatoes.”
The Demon King: “Ah~ I’ve told them lots of times, but they at least need to make fried potatoes, right?”
—— The Kingdom of Winter, the Royal Pce, the Royal Hall of Winter
Prince of Winter: “Old man, hey, old man.”
Butler: “What may I do for you, young man.”
Prince of Winter: “Stop calling me young man. I’m already 20 years old.”
Butler: “What may I do for you?”
Prince of Winter: “Do you know about potatoes?”
Butler: “Hmm. Have you also eaten potatoes?”
Prince of Winter: “Yes I have. They’re delicious!”
Butler: “I’ve heard it was brought here by a travelling schr.”
Prince of Winter: “On top of being delicious, to think even a destitute country like ours could cultivate it.”
Butler: “Indeed.”
Prince of Winter: “Do we have reports on it?”
Butler: “We do indeed.”
Prince of Winter: “Hmm.”
Butler: “There’s a rted chapter in this book.”
Flips page.
Prince of Winter: “So the crop is principally distributed by the Holy Order of the Lake?”
Butler: “It appears to be so. The Holy Order of the Lake has also implemented various charitable improvements.”
Prince of Winter: “Hmm? What sort of improvements?”
Butler: “Well, first they introduced the Four Field Rotation System. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this allows grain agriculture to be carried out for four years without depleting the Blessings of the Earth. Compared to the Three Field Rotation System we used to use, not just wheat harvests, but pig andmb numbers are also steady.”
Prince of Winter: “Even in Winter?”
Butler: “In Winter, the Livestock are fed clovers. Agricultural implements are also being improved by the Holy Order with the establishment of Order Schools.”
Prince of Winter: “Schools, hmm.”
Butler: “Moreover, they’ve even brought in a Windmill.”
Prince of Winter: “What’s that?”
Butler: “It resembles a Water Wheel, but instead of moving water it uses the flow of wind to move its vanes. It appears that the Holy Order hired a truly remarkable shipwright to construct it. The North of our great country has many hignds butcks a substantial water body, hence it is indeed practical.”
Prince of Winter: “What do you mean?”
Butler: “Using the power from the windmill, water is carried to the top of the hill. This allows fields to be cultivated in previously non-arable regions.”
Prince of Winter: “… Hmm.”
Butler: “Are you interested in it?”
Prince of Winter: “Well. I’m happy that our tax ie will rise, but… Well, this isn’t the sort of thing that can end the war. This potato thing isn’t going to save our country. Well, I don’t think I can help but discount it.”
Butler: “That’s true. Well, I’m not sure about the effect on tax revenue from all our demesnes and viges, but… The involvement of the Holy Order has already brought about a 5% increase in areas under their influence.”
Prince of Winter: “That’s a lot.”
Butler: “Don’t underestimate it. They have managed to achieve this many reforms in less than a year, and we can’t tell what will happen next year.”
Prince of Winter: “The winter wheat harvest is about to begin soon, eh?”
Butler: “This potato can be nted many times through the year.”
Prince of Winter: “Is that so?”
Butler: “It’s very surprising, but yes it is.”
Prince of Winter: “Hmm.”
Butler: “While this isn’t reflected in our tax receipts, it seems that the farmers are very grateful to it for improving their lives.”
Prince of Winter: “I believe what you say, old man.”
Butler: “I am honoured.”
Prince of Winter: “So what should our course of action be?”
Butler: “Hmm. As this has just begun, perhaps it might be best for us to simply observe for the time being.”
Prince of Winter: “Hmm.”
Butler: “I believe that this move of the Holy Order’s, while beginning in our country, is targeted at establishing the rest of the Southern United Kingdoms as part of their territory. I believe that once they achieve their desired results, they will attempt to make contact with the Royal Pce.”
Prince of Winter: “I see. And the Grandmaster of the Holy Order is…”
Butler: “The Female Pdin.”
Prince of Winter: “Is it alright not to have gone to meet her? Are you not acquainted with her?”
Butler: “Well, when I was serving with her, I had the impression that she was a very strong-willed, virtuousdy. She had small breasts, though… She probably hates me as well. I am a traitor after all.”
Prince of Winter: “Is that so… I am sorry. It was unreasonable of me to inquire.”
Butler: “It was not an issue, young man.”
Prince of Winter: “The actions of the Demon King have been dull this year.”
Butler: “I’m afraid the rumours about the Hero may be true after all.”
Prince of Winter: “Even though he wasn’t our direct subordinate, we may have been the ones who forced him to certain death… Is there no news that might suggest his survival?”
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Exnation
Livestock: Humans rear some animals and they provide goods such as milk, meat or fur for use in human life.
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Butler: “None.”
Prince of Winter: “Will this war never end?”
Butler: “If this war were to end, the first country to bepletely annihted is our Kingdom of Winter.”
Prince of Winter: “…”
Butler: “Alongside the other Southern United Kingdoms like the Kingdom of Ice, the Kingdom of the White Night and the Kingdom of Metal, the Kingdom of Winter has a harsh climate and insufficient food supplies. We’re an underdeveloped country. It is because we are at the frontlines of the war with the Demon King that we receive economic assistance and food aid from the Central Continent. While we are often called the Shield of the Central Continent, it would be no exaggeration to say we are merely a tool of theirs. If the assistance were to end, the people would face widespread famine.”
Prince of Winter: “But to let soldiers sacrifice themselves for this without informing them is a betrayal. Is it not just a farce?”
Butler: “It is just a farce. However, even conducting such a farce is the job of a prince.”
Prince of Winter: “… But.”
Butler: “Please have faith, young man. No matter what, you must not throw the people aside.”
Prince of Winter: “I will be d to give my life on the battlefield. As a warrior of the Frozen Sea, this spirit flows through my bloodline. However, to lie to the people, to trade their lives for the survival of others…”
Butler: “Young man. It doesn’t matter what you want or what you do not want, you are not a warrior but a prince. If you do not concern yourselves with the people, what then? The people require a King who truly cares about his subjects… I havee here for this very purpose.”
Prince of Winter: “… I understand, I will remember your words.”
Butler: “No, I spoke too harshly.”
Prince of Winter: “For how long will this continue… This waste, like a rain that washes away the path.”
—— The Demon World, the Holy Hall of the Dragon Race
The Hero: “…Ugh. I’m tired. And sluggish. And hungry.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “You’ve done well, ck Knight.”
The Hero: “You’re tough yourself, Fire Dragon Lord.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “… I will not retreat.”
The Hero: “I’ve cut off your hands and your tail at least ten times.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “And I will continue to regrow them no matter how many times you cut them off.”
The Hero: “Ugh. Just what should I do?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Just end my life. For a person with such power, why do you insist on being so half-hearted?”
The Hero: “I did not fight you with the intention of killing you. I simply want you to withdraw your forces.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “This is impossible. For the heroes of the Fire Dragons, it is imperative to seize the Gate City.”
The Hero: “Ahh, so it’s that.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “You too! As the right hand of the Demon King, you should also be working with us to take back the Demon City which the humans have seized from us!”
The Hero: “That is certainly true—“
Fire Dragon Lord: “Why do you hesitate?! Should all humans not be ughtered?”
The Hero: “For the time being, the Demon King has not given the order to take back the Gate City.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “The Demon King is a coward! If the Demon King were toe from one of the Dragon Race, she would not be such a weak-willed weakling!”
The Hero: “In other words, you intend to overthrow the Demon King?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “…”
The Hero: “This clearly vites the contract. The infighting of the warlords has often threatened to destroy the Demon World, it was extremely difficult to see cooperation restored. Do you wish to do away with that and cause anarchy in the Demon World?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “The Demon King gave no orders to take back the Gate City.”
The Hero: “Yes.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “However, she gave no orders not to take back the Gate City.”
The Hero: “Oh, you noticed.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Do not use the seal of the Demon King to engage in nder under her name, while we are currently taking back the Gate City, this does not vite the contract because only my race is involved and hence this is an independent decision which I have reached. Nobody can say anything to the contrary!”
The Hero: “If you can win against me.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Hmm! Kill me if you can! I was born in the magma of the Demon World, I am the Fire Dragon Lord! I will not run nor hide!”
The Hero: “Oh damn. This is difficult, what a troublesome person. How I miss the hero days when I just killed whoever I wanted to… In those days, I never had to do any of this hard work negotiating with people in order not to kill them… Heroing is supposed to be an enjoyable upation. How strange.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “What are you talking about?! ck Knight! Come!”
Fire Dragon Lord roars and stomps.
The Hero: “Wait! Fire Dragon Lord!”
Fire Dragon Lord: “What is it, ck Knight.”
The Hero: “Then, let me go there.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “…?”
The Hero: “The Gate City is the Holy Land for many Gods of Demonkind. It must be painful for the humans to take it over. I understand that. However, the Dragon Race is also to me for attacking the Human World and forgetting to guard the city and hence prevent the humans from conquering it in the first ce.
Fire Dragon Lord: “That’s…”
The Hero: “Don’t try to make excuses… I understand the humans are despicable, but they did win that city in battle. Victory in battle is holy. Do not forget that unwrittenw in the Demon World. Particrly as defeat was induced by carelessness.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “…But—”
The Hero: “Moreover, the ce which your troops are poised to attack is the only ce in the Demon World where humans reside. It is no simple feat to take back the city. The elite Holy Crusaders are defending it after all. In the worst case scenario, the Fire Dragon Race will be exterminated. Please consider this oue as well, Fire Demon Lord.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “We will never know until we try!”
The Hero: “Then kindly wait until the spring.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “What?!”
The Hero: “I give you the word of the Demon King, as the ck Knight. That the Gate City will be reimed as the personal territory of the Demon King.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “The personal territory of the Demon King?!”
The Hero: “What the Fire Dragons as a race value most is honour, is it not? You cannot allow the Holy Land of Demonkind to be conquered by humans. This emotion is understandable. However, if the Demon King’s Army were to retake the Gate City, then there will be no problem with it bing her personal territory, will there? By taking back the Holy Land, we can also counter criticisms of the Demon King’s weakness as well, no?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “…”
The Hero: “Say something, Fire Dragon Lord.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “If this does not ur?”
The Hero: “Then we can truly say that the Demon King is weak.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Then I will show no forgiveness?”
The Hero: “Yeah, the Demon King is no longer suitable. In this case, we will let the title of the Demon King fall to another. I promise this as the ck Knight.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “…”
The Hero: “So?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “So be it.”
The Hero: “Really?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “So be it.”
The Hero: “Oh! Great. I’m so relieved. I was really scared about what I would have to do if I had failed.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Hmm. You’re wee to finish me off any day.”
The Hero: “We are both loyal servants of the Demon King. I have no intention of doing that.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Hmm.”
The Hero: “I will put my life on the line to protect her.”
Fire Dragon Lord: “Gahahahahaha! You really have a fighting spirit! Is anyone there?! Call the Lady!”
Stomping.
Fire Dragon Lady: “Father, your daughter is here.”
The Hero: “Umm. Is this your daughter?”
Fire Dragon Lord: “If you fulfil your end of the promise, then I will give her to you as a wife! Gahahahaha!”
The Hero: “W-Wait! What?!”