Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: The Demon King's Address
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In recent times, public opinion toward the Igugwoden Church among the residents of the capital city Igugwoden had reached levels unprecedented in history.
They had abolished rigid religious doctrines, focusing solely on aiding the common people. Somehow, they had even secured the cooperation of the Imperial Family and used their influence to provide relief to the territory's residents suffering under heavy taxes.
And that wasn't all. Just recently, hadn't they shared precious chicken dishes? Fried ones, at that!
Even if it was for the sake of their image, preparing that much chicken must have been no small feat. The fact that there were no rumors of "confiscated chickens from farms" meant they had all been properly purchased. Naturally, using the church's funds to distribute meat to the poor and the masses couldn't have been an easy decision.
Everyone knew that the appearance of a Saintess inevitably brought demons in her wake, but even so, the gains outweighed the losses—
This was the prevailing sentiment among the people toward the Igugwoden Church.
But.
Even for the current Igugwoden Church, the idea of joining hands with demons was something the masses couldn't easily accept.
"Does it even make sense that they brought the Demon King here to ally with demons?"
"It must be baseless rumors. The Saintess wouldn't do something like that."
"From the start, they say just meeting the Demon King's eyes fills you with indescribable terror. It's clearly nonsense."
"But... the Igugwoden Church has been acting differently ever since the Saintess appeared. And it's strange that rumors like this are circulating for no reason..."
"Maybe there's some grand purpose? Like completely subduing the Demon King."
Those who had heard more direct facts, like the imperial retainers, were equally displeased with the shift in opinion.
"Your Majesty, making the Igugwoden Church the state religion and caring for the welfare of the masses is all well and good. But demons? Surely Your Majesty knows better than anyone how much suffering our empire has endured at their hands?"
"Our family has fought demons for generations. To join hands with the Demon King now, even if it's the Saintess saying it, is utter madness. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"
"......"
Eirene listened silently to her retainers' words.
In the past, she would have ignored such talk and pushed through with her own will.
In the empire, the Empress's authority was absolute. Who would dare challenge her decisions?
However.
'The gods desire even dialogue with demons. Here, unilaterally wielding power to crush their will without discussion would not be the act of a mature woman.'
The Eirene before knowing the gods, perhaps.
But the Eirene who had come to love the gods did not resort to such 'immature, spoiled' behavior.
"I understand your sentiments to some extent. I too take pride in how our empire has protected its people from demonic threats at the cost of immense bloodshed over the years. But is it right to cling to past history and repeat the tragedy of two hundred years ago? Is spilling blood again the only proof of human dignity?"
"Th-that is..."
"If we can avoid bloodshed, that is the most efficient choice—or so I believe no one would disagree. If there is, feel free to raise your hand. This is not to pressure you; speak your mind freely."
At Eirene's words, everyone fell silent.
Simply put, she was right.
Fighting demons always resulted in losses, regardless of the reason. If no blood needed to be shed, that was obviously the best path.
The retainers had no ulterior motives that would benefit from national ruin, either.
"From the outset, the one leading all this is Saintess Erin, chosen by the Sole God Igugwoden. It would be nice if you all finally acknowledged it: Lord Igugwoden's Plain Facts have never been wrong, not even once. And if this body has made the wrong decision—"
—I will take responsibility.
"......!!"
Take responsibility.
The words from the Empress's mouth left all but a few retainers stunned.
"Why so surprised? The throne itself is maintained by Lord Igugwoden's Plain Facts. And I have no desire to force this upon you unilaterally. Surely this is enough to convince you?"
In the silence where no one dared respond rashly, only those who had spoken privately with Erin, including Baron Roengrin, voiced agreement.
"I fully concur with Your Majesty's words. If it is Lord Igugwoden's will, there is no need for doubt."
"I, Rosupolt von Roengrin, hereby pledge to absolutely uphold Lord Igugwoden's will alongside Your Majesty."
In such a situation, the retainers couldn't speak carelessly.
It was an absolute monarchy from the start. For one of noble blood, in a position that required no such accountability, to voluntarily declare responsibility carried immense weight.
Moreover, the mages of the Magic Tower—who could serve as powerful combatants—were generally favorable toward the Igugwoden Church. Believing in 'Plain Facts' meant they could secure research funds at will.
On top of that, the moment the Igugwoden Church became the state religion, a form of 'tax justice' had been realized, boosting public support for Empress Eirene tremendously.
To oppose her here?
Especially when she was advocating a path without bloodshed?
The old, cold-blooded Eirene might have been different, but clashing with this wise and benevolent version offered no gain.
Of course, some retainers couldn't shake their unease.
Particularly those who had secretly gathered around 3rd Prince Ares.
"What should we do, Count Schwartz?"
"Her Majesty isn't acting recklessly; she's pursuing peace. From the people's perspective, avoiding bloodshed is the best option, isn't it?"
"And Prince Ares?"
"He's still in seclusion. No word from him. If he had something to say, he would have summoned us by now."
"That makes sense. He's always a few steps ahead of everyone."
"In any case, I doubt Prince Ares wants us acting independently. Unlike before, Her Majesty is on the right path now."
"Don't forget: our greatest purpose in gathering was to create a world where the masses could live without worry."
"I know, but..."
"So let us pray it goes well. We don't know what the Igugwoden Church and the Saintess are thinking, but so far, they've done right."
While the Empress was thus handling what she could—
The religious sector was also coming to terms with the situation in their own way.
"If allying with demons is Lord Igugwoden's will, we must follow."
"Historically, when a Saintess appeared, didn't we unite and wage war on demons? Well, we burned all the old records anyway, so it doesn't matter."
"Right. The old ways were all bad."
"The Saintess and Lord Igugwoden can't be wrong!"
Fortunately or unfortunately, the religious histories detailing fierce battles with demons had all been burned—
Just as with the empire, this allowed them to naturally agree that clinging to the 'old' past was pointless; advancing toward a 'new' future was key.
Thus, Erin didn't need to convince them one by one; acceptance came smoothly.
The Saintess's authority in the religious world was absolute to begin with, and her appearance had greatly elevated their position.
Amid such varied reactions across all sectors—
The day of the Demon King and humanity's summit finally arrived.
* * *
The day of the summit.
"Demon King. It's Erin."
As a peeping sound came from beyond the door, it opened.
From below her line of sight, a girl's voice rang out.
"Come in."
The Demon King was currently occupying one of the many empty rooms left in the old Igugwoden Cathedral after disposing of its relics.
Who could have foreseen it? The Demon King housed in the heart of the grand cathedral, the holiest site revered by a church that trembled at demons!
"How are you feeling today?"
"Thanks to your care, I'm in excellent condition. More importantly, has my demonic energy troubled you?"
"No. Less than expected."
"Is that so?"
The Demon King exuded overwhelming demonic energy simply by existing.
To demons, demonic energy was a precious lifeline. But for most humans, the more there was, the more oppressive and suffocating it felt.
Yet she moved about unfazed, clearly unaffected—likely another of the god's 'Plain Facts'... The current Demon King could only speculate as much.
"More than that, thank you for the delicious meals each time. Chicken, was it? It made me think humans have some impressive cuisine."
"I'm glad it suits you. Actually, that dish was also a gift from the god to us."
"I see. Your god seems to care for even the smallest details far more than I imagined."
Erin bowed her head humbly, but—
"Our god, Demon King? That's a misunderstanding."
"What do you mean?"
"The god watches over you too, Demon King."
"......!"
The Demon King cautiously touched her body.
A body so soft and fragile.
This was... the 'god's solution' achievable through dialogue.
Honestly, she wondered what this weak form had to do with negotiation—
Even so, if it was the god's 'Plain Fact,' there must be a reason.
"Now, Demon King. The speech is ready. Follow me."
"......Understood."
The Demon King followed Erin—whose strides were relatively large—with quick, peeping steps.
* * *
The plaza before Igugwoden Cathedral.
In this historic space where Erin first received the god's revelation and was appointed Saintess—a simple podium suitable for a speech had been set up.
Beside it stood a single mage, ready to amplify voices with magic.
Support from the Magic Tower at the church's request.
Beyond the strict guard of high priestesses and the Imperial Knight Order, capital residents and a few imperial retainers awaited, chatting.
"The Saintess is making an announcement today, right?"
"Is the alliance with the Demon King real?"
"Let's wait and see. The Saintess has never harmed us."
After a few minutes—
"The Saintess approaches!"
At the priestesses' cry, the murmuring crowd fell instantly silent.
Soon after—from beyond the cathedral—Erin emerged slowly in her Saintess robes.
"The Saintess...!"
"Let us all pray for the Saintess."
Her exquisitely beautiful appearance, like a sculpture.
The overwhelming Divine Power Pouch, symbol of piety itself.
The people, swiftly moved by Erin—who embodied Lord Igugwoden's will just by walking—bowed their heads in prayer.
Even non-believers were overwhelmed by her aura and lowered their heads.
"......"
As Erin walked to the podium, she paused midway, prayed silently, and carefully stepped aside.
And—
"......?"
"That girl...??"
Only then did a small girl, hidden behind Erin, reveal herself.
She looked like an ordinarily cute girl anywhere you looked—but the peculiarity was the horns on her head.
Had they brought a girl from some puppet show? Just as that thought crossed minds—
Peep, peep, peep, peep.
With each step came chick-like sounds, drawing all eyes—
—Thud!
"!!!"
Erin quickly supported the suddenly fallen girl and helped her up.
The girl, eyes wavering downward, bit her lip, trembled wordlessly for a moment...
Then brushed her tiny knee with a determined flick and walked to the podium again.
She somehow reached it safely, but—
"What...?"
"......Only the horns are visible...?"
As the crowd said, the podium was too high; her face was obscured.
"......"
The girl's face flushed red as she looked around helplessly—
A few priestesses swiftly brought a wooden box, creating a step for her.
The girl nodded in satisfaction, then peeped onto the box.
At last, her face peeked above the podium.
Embarrassed by tripping over that short distance and then not seeing over the podium upon arrival—her ears were bright red—
But after a few deliberate coughs... with the mage's amplification, her high-pitched, utterly undignified cute voice boomed—
"Humans. I am the origin and pinnacle of demons, the supreme being you fear—the Demon King."
"......????"
—From the crowd's perspective, she began with utterly unexpected words.