192
I Killed the Demon King. It Was a Mistake.
Chapter 192
Caesar entered the command tent.
Inside were Caesar's staff officers, surviving lieutenant colonels and higher-ranking staff and commanders, as well as Mitchell and Yan.
Caesar looked at the empty seat at the head of the table that was left for him.
"Is that seat for Raven?"
Jerry answered in response.
"No, Raven's seat is over here."
Raven's seat was next to Yan's.
Raven gracefully moved to the seat like a cat.
Caesar scratched his cheek as if troubled.
"Shouldn't the Hero be sitting in that head seat, regardless?"
Yan responded to this.
"You're the only one here who received command authority from His Majesty the Emperor, Viscount Caesar El Lindger. I cannot exercise command authority."
Even so, there's still a difference in rank...
But thinking about it, having Yan chair the meeting might give him a bit of a headache.
"Well, if that's what the Hero wants, I suppose there's no choice."
Caesar strode over and sat in the head seat.
With all the notable figures of the Allied Forces gathered here, it feels like Caesar has become the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces.
Caesar placed a golden dagger on the table and spoke.
"Very well. Before we begin the meeting, I will first announce my unit's policy and objectives. Those who agree with my intentions may stay, while others are free to leave and form a new command. Debating who is right or wrong would be a waste of time."
The meeting hall stirred at Caesar's stern opening words.
Sure enough, a colonel of a considerable rank raised his hand.
"I am Colonel Rhok, commander of the 19th Regiment, 6th Division."
6th Division's 19th Regiment?
I clearly remember the 19th Regiment was assigned to defend Luxhope.
Him being here means Luxhope must have already fallen to Elijah.
This is already giving me a headache.
"Yes. Please speak."
"Did the Hero also agree to this?"
It seems our Colonel Rhok didn't get to his position through mere games.
He's asking in advance to avoid any conflict with the Hero's opinion.
"No. This will be the first time both the Hero and Lord Mitchell are hearing this."
"I understand."
Only then did the other staff members' expressions ease.
They seem to think they just need to follow the Hero's reaction.
"First objective is to safely retreat to the continent. I've determined that protecting the Demon Realm is now an impossible goal, so we will focus on getting as many soldiers back to the continent alive as possible."
"I object!"
As soon as Caesar finished speaking, sure enough, a lieutenant colonel stood up.
"Isn't the judgment that protecting the Demon Realm is impossible too arbitrary? On what grounds do you make such a statement?"
"Isn't your presence here answer enough? You're from the 5th Division, correct?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"The fact that the unit closest to Division Commander Baker is here means the Allied Commander is either missing or killed in action, isn't that right?"
"I was actually going to request a search. Division Commander Baker was to be the next Commander-in-Chief..."
"I know. He was to be the next Commander-in-Chief. So we'll send wizards to help search for survivors in the Loran Plains. However, if by some chance the Division Commander is alive and insists on protecting the Demon Realm even if it means death, I won't interfere. You should know that."
At Caesar's firm words, the lieutenant colonel finally closed his mouth and sat down.
This is proving quite difficult, getting through each point.
Well then, time to deliver the decisive blow.
"And second, from now on, we will form an alliance with Queen Agatha in Eagle valley while simultaneously establishing a new magic stone mine contract."
The meeting room's atmosphere turned cold at Caesar's radical move.
No one dared to speak first, instead looking to Yan and Mitchell for their reactions.
As a terrible silence fell, Yan raised his hand.
"I was planning to stay quiet until the end of the meeting, but I need to say something."
"Please do."
"Are you absolutely certain you won't reconsider that decision?"
"Yes. This decision cannot be reversed."
I could tell what Yan was thinking without needing to read his psychometry. Throughout Yan's life, he would have never even imagined forming an alliance with demon race. It was only because Caesar had suggested it that he was barely holding himself back, if anyone else had made such a suggestion, he would have either walked out without listening or blown up in anger.
"Let me at least hear the reason. Why form an alliance with demon race? And with succubi of all creatures? Shouldn't we instead be preparing for their attack right now? It's obvious they'll invade the moment they learn of our situation."
Caesar pulled out Arch Duke's letter from inside his clothing.
"This is a handwritten letter sent to me by His Grace Arch Duke. To summarize the key point, there are instructions to build relationships with demon race and establish a stable Magic stone supply plan in case the demon realm front collapses."
Caesar turned the letter sideways and handed it to Yan. Yan took the letter and began reading it.
"And the contents indicate that not only Duke Arch, but His Majesty the Emperor has also given his approval."
"But there's no direct imperial seal here, is there?"
Caesar pulled out a golden eagle brooch from within his clothing.
"Instead, this golden eagle brooch, the symbol of an imperial diplomat, was included. If you read the letter's contents carefully, you'll see that I've been appointed as both an imperial diplomat and representative of the Arch Duke's family. There are absolutely no legal issues to be concerned about."
Caesar observed Mitchell's expression before anyone else's. As expected, Mitchell wore an expression as if he'd bitten into something rotten. This was understandable, after investing several years in this Magic stone mining operation, it looked like everything was about to be handed over to Caesar. Mitchell finally managed to speak.
"Demon race can't be trusted. Weren't we desperately trying to kill each other just last year? We even killed their Demon King. The moment those creatures discover our internal divisions, they'll tear us apart."
"I understand that. However, there's no other way to carry out Duke Arch's orders."
"Fine. I see."
Mitchell stood up from his seat.
"I understand completely. It seems, Viscount Caesar El Lindger, that working together with you will not be possible."
So this is how it turns out after all. Though they were comrades who had shared life and death until just yesterday, Mitchell and Caesar had now become competitors. Mitchell needed to somehow reclaim and restore normal operations at the magic stone mines in the demon realm, while Caesar needed to establish a contract with the demon race for the magic stone mines.
Sure enough, Yan also stood up from his seat.
"I need some time to think about this. I should get some fresh air."
As Mitchell and Yan left, others began standing up while reading the atmosphere. Caesar leisurely smoked his cigar until everyone had left. If anyone was anxious, it was only Caesar's staff members who had to follow whatever decision he made regarding the alliance with demon race. The command tent quickly emptied.
Those who remained were Caesar's staff, Raven, and Colonel Timber who had participated in the Eagle valley defense operation.
"Colonel Timber, I thought you would leave too. Why did you stay?"
"While I disagree with forming an alliance with demon race, I do agree with the idea of saving as many soldiers as possible."
"How many soldiers do you have left?"
"As of today, 1,021 have survived. That number might decrease further if those in sickbeds join the goddess's side."
They really did suffer devastating casualties here too. Caesar continued smoking his cigar while looking at Jerry. Jerry seemed deep in thought.
"Operations Staff Officer Jerry. What are your thoughts?"
"To be honest, I disagree. Of all demon race, trusting succubi is beyond common sense in my opinion."
"Then what do you think would be the right approach?"
"We should unite the scattered allied forces and escape the demon realm. We need to occupy ports like Luxhope and other ports in the demon realm and wait for ships to arrive."
"Do you think Elijah hasn't considered that possibility?"
Caesar pointed at the map while speaking.
"In the northern demon realm where we are now, Luxhope is the only port we can use. Other ports can only accommodate small boats, not warships. If Elijah destroys Luxhope and periodically checks it, how can we safely come and go?"
"We can gather other scattered allied forces and move together. If we do that..."
"If we do that, we'll definitely be the last to board the ships. We only have one wizard who can protect Luxhope port from a distance."
Jerry could somewhat understand what Caesar was trying to say. Caesar meant that he didn't want to do all the dirty work while others benefited.
"Besides, when and how can we inform the Empire about the situation in the demon realm? What about supplies? Defense plans?"
"Even so, trusting demon race is unacceptable. It's been barely a year since we had a ceasefire with demon race. Moreover, they're succubi and vampires. How can we trust creatures who not only harbor the most antipathy toward humanity but also view us as nothing more than food?"
"That's why we need Raven's help."
Everyone's attention turned to Raven.
"The moment the Queen of Succubi harbors any ill intentions or tells a lie, I will personally break this alliance."
Raven's gaze turned to Caesar.
"After all, I can tell whether someone is lying or not."
***
Rain poured down from the sky.
"The rain just keeps falling endlessly."
Wondering when this insufferable rainy season would finally end.
Though it was nearing its end, they desperately wanted to escape this sticky humidity as soon as possible.
As Caesar lit a cigar and waited, Yan and Mitchell approached.
"I heard the news earlier, brother. You're going to meet the Queen of Succubi with Raven?"
Caesar nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, that's right. I plan to present my proposal and negotiate any points that need to be discussed."
Yan silently stood beside Caesar, pulled out a pocket whiskey from inside his clothes, and took a sip.
"Didn't Raven tell you to quit drinking?"
"It's not alcohol. It's water."
"If you want to quit drinking, you need to get rid of everything related to alcohol completely."
"Thanks for the advice."
After a brief silence, Yan spoke first.
"Brother."
"Yes, brother."
Was it because he thought formal relationships wouldn't work?
Or did he want to show his true feelings?
Caesar used psychometry.
-This is impossible to accept.
-An alliance with demons?
-This makes no sense.
-I must convince Caesar.
So it was the former after all.
From Yan's perspective, forming an alliance with demons must have been beyond common sense.
Well, it would be difficult for someone who has lived opposing demons for nearly 15 years to suddenly accept becoming friends with them.
"Brother, you're a politician."
"I can't deny that."
"And at the same time, you're a soldier who has experienced the demon realm war."
Caesar exhaled cigar smoke like a sigh.
"That's correct."
"Yet you're suggesting we join hands with demon race? When I first heard about this, I thought you were under some hypnotic spell."
"I am in my right mind."
"Then how can you trust the demon race? They hold deep grudges against us. I killed their Demon King with my own hands. So how can you say we should negotiate with demons? This is completely different from a non-aggression treaty."
"If we don't, our subordinates will die."
The lives that depend on Caesar aren't his alone.
More than 2,000 soldiers' lives hang in the balance under his command.
Shouldn't they try to save these lives somehow?
Caesar looked at Yan.
"There are two ways to escape this demon realm. One is to escape by ship, and the other is to break through the Steel Fortress in the north. Neither option is easy. The more feasible choice for us is to move by ship, but Luxhope Port is simultaneously under the influence of both the Queen and Elijah. Even if we can handle Elijah, shouldn't we avoid the Queen's attacks?"
Mitchell spoke while putting a lit cigar in his mouth.
"From what I've been hearing, it seems you're assuming the Queen will unconditionally accept your proposal."
Caesar replied calmly.
"Duke Arch said he's willing to exchange any conditions. With such terms, there's no negotiation that can't be achieved."
"Would you give them the entire demon realm if the Queen of Succubi asks for it? That's beyond your authority."
"If they ask for it, we'll have to give it. What's the point of keeping land we can't manage anyway? If we get the magic stone mines in exchange, it's beneficial for both sides."
A brief silence fell.
Caesar decided to read what Mitchell was thinking.
-Caesar is willing to put aside everything, including pride, for survival.
-Even if the Queen demands the return of the entire demon realm, it won't go according to Caesar's wishes.
-An astronomical amount of money has already been invested in the mines located in the central demon realm.
-If we give this up, I'll lose my standing in the Redfield family.
"I'll never forget how you risked your life for us, Caesar."
Mitchell cut his cigar and put it in his pocket.
"But this is a separate matter. However, when I heard your life was in danger, I decided I wouldn't hesitate to help."
"Likewise, I'll help in any way I can if possible."
Mitchell and Caesar shook hands.
Yes, Michel knew when to let go.
After all, Mitchell was someone who needed to leave if he wanted to recover even a small portion of what he had invested in the demon realm so far.
But Yan was different.
Caesar looked at Yan.
"What are your thoughts, Hero?"
Yan extended his hand to Caesar.
"You have Raven, don't you, brother? It would be right to have a friend by Mitchel's side as well."
Caesar took Yan's hand.
"I'll let you know whenever there's good news."
"We'll do the same if we hear any good news on our end."