Chapter 2
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Translator: Xrecker
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: The In-Depth Interview
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After the bound Hero’s party was dragged off to the dungeon, I, left alone in the audience chamber, decided to have a more substantial conversation with the Demon Lord.
While I had impulsively agreed to become his subordinate, drawn by the exceptional offer, I still needed to hear what my role and responsibilities within the Demon Lord’s army would be.
When I broached the subject, the Demon Lord explained without much hesitation.
“You will be directly under my command. Placing you under one of the Four Heavenly Kings would only cause unnecessary conflict, wouldn’t it? Kald… no, Patrasche. As you know, you've killed quite a few of my demons. I don’t want to be criticized for parachuting you into some random unit.”
“Of course. You speak wisely.”
I was satisfied that the Demon Lord seemed more intelligent than I had initially anticipated. That old fool in the human kingdom seemed to have aged backwards, thoughtlessly demanding the Hero capture the Demon Lord without providing any decent support.
Compared to that villain, the Demon Lord before me was practically an angel.
As I nodded in agreement, the Demon Lord propped his chin on his hand and asked,
“Is there anything else you’d like to ask? I’m a busy man, and I rarely have the time to answer questions so leisurely.”
“Ah, then one more thing. What will become of my former colleagues… the Hero’s party?”
For the first time, the Demon Lord wore a sinister smile.
“Unless something unforeseen happens, I plan to execute them soon. Displaying the Hero’s head outside the castle walls will demoralize the humans and boost the morale of our troops.”
I hastily waved my hands at his explanation.
“Demon Lord, if I may be so bold, would you please reconsider that?”
The Demon Lord furrowed his brow at my unexpected request.
“Why? Surely you’re not asking out of some lingering sentimentality for your former comrades.”
“As you say, Demon Lord, I’m not making this request out of personal feelings. I’m simply concerned about the possibility of a new Hero emerging should this one be killed.”
“…I’d like to hear more.”
Relieved that I had piqued his interest, I bowed slightly and began to explain the information I had gathered about Heroes.
“As you are well aware, the human Hero is chosen by the Goddess of Courage’s divine oracle. It’s a well-known story across the continent.”
“Indeed. That is my understanding as well.”
“However, there has never been more than one Hero in a single generation. Therefore, if a Hero dies while on their quest to defeat the Demon Lord, the Church of Courage immediately receives the next oracle from the Goddess and appoints a new Hero. This is a historically documented fact.”
The Demon Lord nodded, as if something had clicked.
“You’re right. Several previous Demon Lords killed the Heroes who came to challenge them. However, most were ultimately defeated by the next Hero who appeared shortly after.”
“It’s a matter of efficacy. The Goddess of Courage doesn’t choose the next Hero unless the current one dies. And if a Demon Lord is too powerful and kills the current Hero, she chooses a new one with enough power to defeat that Demon Lord. However—”
“However?”
“The point I wish to make concerns this Hero selection system itself. Just as a new Demon Lord isn’t born unless the previous one dies, a new Hero isn't born unless the previous one dies. It’s likely the Goddess’s way of preventing the existence of two overly powerful individuals at the same time.”
The Demon Lord’s eyes widened in realization.
“Surely you don’t mean…”
“Therefore, it would be more beneficial for you, and indeed the entire Demon army, to keep the Hero alive for the time being. You wouldn’t want to spend your days constantly fearing the emergence of a new assassin (Hero) aiming for your life, would you?”
The Demon Lord nodded in agreement.
“You certainly have a point. For that reason, it might be better to keep the Hero alive, even though he is the enemy of the Demon race. But by that logic, shouldn’t we kill all the other humans?”
I gave a wry smile at his unexpectedly sharp observation.
“Well, that’s true, but personally, I recommend keeping them alive as well. If the Hero is left alone, in the worst-case scenario, he might resort to drastic measures.”
“Why is that?”
I smiled enigmatically.
“People become stronger when they have responsibilities. Conversely, they can't afford to become weak if they have people to protect, especially if those people are their loved ones right beside them.”
“…You intend to use them as a safety net to prevent the Hero from committing suicide.”
“Well, that is part of my intention. But humans are easily swayed by emotions. Even a slight melancholy can lead to drastic actions. Wouldn't it be better to leave them with some semblance of hope?”
As I concluded my lengthy explanation, the Demon Lord shook his head in disbelief.
“You are truly heartless. Listening to you, one wouldn’t know who the real demon is.”
“Haha. Now that I'm in the same boat as you, Demon Lord, I’m just employing a little cunning. Anyone could deduce this with sufficient information.”
“Very well. I’ll follow your advice regarding the Hero’s treatment. In return, may I ask you one thing?”
“Yes. Ask me anything.”
The Demon Lord, seated on his throne, looked me straight in the eye.
“Even though we have a contract through the Geass Scroll, you are originally human. However, judging by your words and actions, it seems you were already contemplating betraying humanity and the Hero. When did you start harboring such thoughts?”
“Hmm.”
I was momentarily speechless. It was difficult to pinpoint exactly when I had started thinking this way. The reasons were quite complex.
I searched my memories.
Initially, I had some pride in being part of the Hero’s party, and I didn’t have any particular issues with the female members. However, the atmosphere within the party began to shift noticeably after a major battle, when the Hero started sleeping with them.
Even that, I could have tolerated. It was their business, and as a third party, even if a fellow party member, I had no need to interfere.
But the hypocritical double standard was the problem. Those bitches were happily screwing the Hero throughout our journey, yet they looked at me with disdain whenever I visited a brothel.
Hey! It's not like you were going to offer yourselves!
However, revealing these motivations to the Demon Lord would be suicidal. So, with a carefully crafted, bitter smile and a calm voice, I said,
“There’s a saying: every salaried worker carries a resignation letter in their heart.”
“…And today was the day you handed it in?”
“Yes. It was impulsive, but I have no regrets. I'm a selfish person who only thinks about his own wealth and prosperity.”
“I understand. That’s a sufficient answer.”
Nodding, the Demon Lord snapped his fingers.
Snap!
Someone outside the audience chamber opened the door and entered.
There was no one there before…?
I turned my head in confusion. A demon with a goat’s head and a human body stood there like a shadow.
“This is Seneca, the chief steward of the Demon Lord’s castle. He will guide you to your quarters. You must be tired from your journey here, so rest well. We’ll discuss your official duties tomorrow.”
“I am deeply grateful for your consideration, Demon Lord.”
“Haha, don’t bother with flattery. I’m well aware of your reputation among humans as the Mad Mage.”
His teasing tone irritated me, but I didn’t deny it. It was all true.
“Then I shall take my leave. May you live a long and prosperous life.”
I bowed according to noble etiquette and turned to follow Seneca.
“Ah, one last question. My apologies for stopping you as you leave.”
…He would be my boss, so I couldn't complain about something so trivial.
“Yes. Please, ask away.”
“Are you really planning to change your name to Patrasche? I’m not joking.”
It was a bit unexpected, but a reasonable question. I had just chosen the name for the rhyme.
“…Since my previous self is supposedly dead, I do plan to change it eventually. But if it bothers you, you can call me by my original name for now. It’s not set in stone yet.”
“I understand. You must be tired, so go and rest.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I bowed my head again and followed Seneca, the Demon Lord’s steward, out of the audience chamber.
So much had happened in a single day that my heart was still pounding with residual tension. But I was also exhilarated!
From today onwards, I would no longer be Kaldrash, the perpetual second-in-command of the Hero’s party, but Patrasche, the hound of Demon Lord Nero!
Oh ho ho, excellent!
Anticipating my bright future, I unconsciously broke into a joyful tap dance in the hallway.