Chapter 217: Commanding the Demon Army
「Hey, what in the world is going on here? Barland, Knight of Abysspania! What is this foreign king talking about? Even though I understand the language, I can’t comprehend what he’s saying. The Holy Abysspania Queendom is an extremely human-supremacist nation that doesn’t recognize submission from demons, does it?」
Frustrated that our conversation wasn’t aligning at all, Damons finally turned to Barland, who had been his archenemy just moments ago.
That’s how far removed my words were from the thousand-year history of the Abyss Continent.
「Hmm. Right now, he’s speaking with your army to urge their surrender, but Abysspania is no longer the human-supremacist holy kingdom it once was. Under the guidance of the hero-sama from the Eura Continent, Sawatari Takeru-sama, and under Queen Amorette, it has become a new nation aiming for harmony between humans and demons. I’m still unsure how to explain this to the people and soldiers.」
「No matter how many times I hear it, I can’t believe it. If that’s true, then the very foundation of our thousand-year war between the Demon Country and Abysspania crumbles…」
Damons’ face began to mirror the dejected look of Barland, who had been disheartened by my words.
The concept of harmony between humans and demons was so foreign to the Abyss Continent that it was more than just a matter of right or wrong; it was something they had never even considered.
Even when I preached harmony between humans and demons to other captured high-ranking demon commanders, their reactions were similar.
At that moment, Kaara, having finished her great task, approached.
「Shall I explain Nation’s Father’s noble ideals to these demon generals in a way they can understand?」 「Yes, please. I don’t know how to persuade demons, so I’ll leave it to you.」
Kaara, being quite wise, may have come up with a good method of persuasion.
As a powerful advance mage, Kaara unleashed her full magical power, levitating in the air. Even though she hadn’t cast any spells yet, the sheer force of her magic caused the surrounding sand particles to float along with her billowing black robe.
Despite it being daytime, the sky turned pitch black, revealing a starry night.
The demon soldiers, who had just endured a Meteor Strike, were already cowering on the ground, clutching their heads.
A tense atmosphere filled the air. Everyone understood that this dark mage had unleashed the grand spell that sank the great fleet.
「If you have ears, then listen, soldiers and generals of the Six Great Demon Countries! My name is Kaara. We are the forces of the Silesie Kingdom, from the Eura Continent. My lord, the King of Silesie, and the hero of the Goddess of Creation, Sawatari Takeru-sama, does not fight solely for the human race. As the hero of Asama, he is also a neutral hero sent by the Mother of Chaos, whom you demons revere, to bring harmony between humans and demons!」
A hushed silence fell over the area.
Even the soldiers of Abysspania must have wondered what it meant for a hero of Asama to be sent by the Mother of Chaos, revered by demons.
This question was finally voiced by the demon general, Damons, who had been silent for a while.
「Advance mage of Silesie, I understand that you possess great power. But what does it mean for a human hero to speak in the name of the Mother of Chaos?」
「Nation’s Father Takeru-sama, please, show them the power bestowed upon you by the Mother of Chaos.」
‘Like this?’ I asked, raising the silver-glowing sword to the sky as instructed.
It was the power of the ‘Neutral Sword’, given to me to defeat Freed, who had misused the power of the Demon King, and which I still carried.
「Behold, if you have eyes! This is the ‘Neutral Sword’, granted by the ‘Furuki Sha’, a servant of the Mother of Chaos. Any demon with power can surely sense it. The fact that this power was given to Takeru-sama, a human king, is proof that the harmony and cooperation between demons and humans is the will of the Mother of Chaos!」
In truth, the Mother of Chaos and her messenger, the tentacle oneesan of the ‘Furuki Sha’, have no such will.
But by presenting it this way, it might seem that way. I apologize for taking advantage of it.
「But our sovereign, the Great Demon King Ifriil-sama, was also bestowed with the ‘Sword of Darkness’. Does that not mean he was given the power to destroy the humans who serve the Goddess of Creation? Not only that, but the Great Demon King has also been granted the body of a red dragon, whose scales can even subdue a great magical beast!」
Damons tried to argue that the Great Demon King was superior.
In response, Kaara smiled confidently.
「If that’s the case, then I witnessed Takeru-sama receiving the blessing of the ‘Furuki Sha’ and being bestowed the Divine Beast Behemoth. You all saw it too, didn’t you? What’s a mere Sea Dragon compared to that? With the great power of Takeru-sama, it would be effortlessly obliterated!」
That ‘blessing’ was just getting thoroughly licked by the tentacle oneesan. And the Divine Beast Behemoth was more like being sicced on me. But I guess it’s all about how you phrase it.
「What…?」
Having witnessed us actually defeat the Sea Dragon, Damons and his group can’t argue. Kaara seizes the moment to press on.
「Not just me—both the two great demon clans from the Abyss Continent across the vast ocean to the far east on the Eura and Afri Continents have already sworn loyalty to Takeru-sama!」
It’s a blatant exaggeration, mixing lies, embellishments, and misleading statements. At this moment, Kaara brings out the Reptilian demon mercenaries from the ship.
On top of that, she even has Fire Dragons flying overhead, likely ones I used for reconnaissance. With all this, it would seem like I’ve become the ruler of demon tribes across two continents. A flawless performance.
「Demon tribes across the ocean swearing loyalty to a human overlord?」
「Precisely because he’s human. Takeru-sama, who has received the favor of both the Mother of Chaos and the Goddess of Creation, is the only one in this world who can command both holy and demonic forces!」
Kaara spreads her arms wide and shouts with a hoarse voice.
「And furthermore! Takeru-sama has taken the Ancient Succubus, the Immortal King Oracle, as his queen, and they have a child named Orakeru-sama. This great child, who carries the noble bloodline of ancient demons far beyond someone like me, will one day become the king of all the world’s demons. When that time comes, Takeru-sama will also be the founding father of the great Demon Country!」
「A human hero has taken an ancient demon as his queen?」
「The father of a child with the Immortal King, and now the father of a nation?」
The tale is so outlandish that not only Damons but also the demon knights can’t help but question it aloud. In response, Kaara answers emphatically, ‘Indeed! Indeed!’
「There’s no need to be surprised. Think about how your own bodies were created! The fact that demons and humans can interbreed to produce offspring is proof that our Mother of Chaos intends for humans, as subordinates of Asama, and even the Goddess of Creation herself to be absorbed into chaos! I, too, a powerful demon, am one of the wives of Takeru-sama, the king general of the Silesie Kingdom, and I already carry his child in my womb!」
「W-What, Kaara?」
Wait, I didn’t hear anything about that.
For some reason, Kaara ignores my question and instead gives the defeated demons a choice.
「Now that you’ve heard all this, you are free to decide your course of action. Our benevolent founding father, unlike the Great Demon King Ifriil, will not force you with power. You are given the opportunity to choose—will you pursue harmony between demons and humans, or foolishly continue a path of conflict that leads to ruin? The will of the Mother of Chaos will become clear in the battles to come.」
As Kaara’s grand speech concludes, the surrounding darkness lifts. The cracked sky showing glimpses of a dark night fades away, and the daylight returns.
The soldiers of the demon army, stunned by Kaara’s shocking story, slump to the ground in disbelief.
It’s the same reaction Barland had when he heard my story. In fact, it seems like many of Abysspania’s soldiers were just as surprised by much of what was said, sitting down in shock alongside the demon soldiers.
In the midst of all this, Damons, who had requested his own release and had his bonds undone, stands up and speaks to me.
「King General of the Silesie Kingdom, Sawatari Takeru-dono… no, if you are indeed blessed by the Mother of Chaos and the father of the Demon King, perhaps I should call you ‘Founding Father’.」
「Call me whatever you like. So, what is it, Damons?」
「I now understand why you wanted to recruit me. Takeru-dono, you are a king general who commands even powerful demons. It’s no wonder I couldn’t defeat you.」
「Take your time to decide. Even if you don’t join me, I’ll ensure you are safely returned to the Demon Country.」
「That’s not what I meant. I, too, have a child with a human wife…」
「Wait, really? So the Demon Country isn’t just enslaving humans?」
His confession is shocking, and I find myself surprised.
It makes me wonder why they’ve been at war with the human nations. Perhaps it was because Abysspania refused to acknowledge the demons.
「There are many humans in the demon army, not just as slaves but also as soldiers. Even those who were once slaves can be freed, and many become recognized as free citizens of the Demon Country. My wife is one of those humans, and the child we have together is the sole heir of the Korang family.」
「That’s… quite something. Must be tough.」
Surprisingly, the Demon Country might be more reasonable than the Holy Abysspania Queendom. In a nation where demons and humans coexist, even if true equality is impossible, there must be some compromise.
「I haven’t heard it directly, but it is said that the reason Great Demon King Ifriil started the Apocalypse War wasn’t just to conquer the Abyss Continent, but to destroy the Goddess of Creation. As a demon general who serves the Mother of Chaos, I can accept that… but…」
「Hmm.」
I was about to question whether that’s really okay, but for demons, other goddesses are probably irrelevant. The current demons are born from the Mother of Chaos as a byproduct of the Goddess of Creation creating humans, but there’s no point in bringing that up now.
「Returning the world to its pre-creation state means I’ve been troubled by what would happen to my child, who carries human blood. The Abyss Continent is demon land, but humans who worship the Goddess of Creation have been here for a thousand years. In this long-standing mix of demons and humans, interbreeding has become common. My child’s case is not unique.」
「Ah, Damons, you don’t need to explain further. I’m a parent too. My goal isn’t just for the sake of humans or demons. It’s to create a world where my children can live freely. If you join me, I’ll protect your family as well.」
So that’s why Damons has been staring at little Rara-chan by my side. He’s perceptive enough to recognize that she’s half-human, half-demon, and it made him think of his own child.
「It’s true that there are pure demons and half-blood children under the King’s protection. If you will protect my family, I will gather the soldiers and serve you.」
「Please do.」
I extend my hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, Damons grasps it in return. Knowing that we’re both fathers of half-blood children, I feel a strong sense of kinship.
「Until three years ago, the Demon Country was divided into three nations, each with its own ideas. They only united to defeat Abysspania, and not everyone could follow the extreme and forceful methods of Great Demon King Ifriil. There are demons who hold grudges and those who disagree with his ways.」
「Those demons would be valuable allies.」
There are many mixed-blood children like mine on the Abyss Continent. Even if it’s just to save those children, I find a reason to fight.
There are people on the Abyss Continent who don’t fit into either demon or human nations. Thanks to Damons’ persuasion, more than half of the demon army, including the freed human slaves and citizens, decided to join the Silesie Kingdom’s forces.
Kaara’s speech seems to have been effective. Even those demons reluctant to cooperate find themselves stranded on Antil Island without a ship to reach the distant Easter Peninsula on the mainland. For now, they will stay here.
In the meantime, I can continue persuading them. Even if they don’t cooperate, I must provide proper accommodations, good food, and treat them well while they are with us.
When I finally send the demon army back to the Demon Country on repaired ships, they will likely spread good rumors about an army striving for harmony between demons and humans.
As I gaze across the harbor of Avana, barely making out the faint silhouette of the Abyss Continent and the Easter Peninsula in the distance, I ponder the upcoming battles.
Before I realize it, Kaara, having finished her grand speech, is standing beside me.
「Oh, right, Kaara. Is it true that you’re pregnant?」
「Yes, it seems so. I haven’t felt it yet, but according to Oracle-sama, there is indeed a new life growing in my womb.」
Kaara gently rubs her belly as she speaks. The island is warm, but the salty breeze from the storm’s aftermath is a bit harsh. I take off my cloak and drape it over her shoulders.
「Make sure you don’t let your belly get cold. I’m sorry for sending you to the battlefield even though you’re pregnant. Don’t push yourself anymore.」
「No need to worry. I won’t be on the front lines, so it shouldn’t be dangerous. In fact, the strong miasma here makes me feel better than when I was on the Eura Continent.」
「Even so… You’re the only one who can use teleportation magic, Kaara. We need you to stay healthy.」
「Understood.」
Kaara, who can use large-scale magic, is an indispensable asset. Unlike others who are sidelined once their pregnancy is known, I can’t afford to do that with her. However, I must ensure she’s as safe as possible during future battles.
「What are you two doing, creating such a good atmosphere without me? I’m here too, you know. Tonight, it’s my turn to keep you company!」
Ria also came over and clung to me.
「Yeah, alright, Ria, it’s your turn tonight.」
「Huh? What’s this? Takeru, you’re unusually forward…」
Ria, who can’t use holy magic on the Abyss continent, is probably the safest bet. Even though she’s always the one to initiate, she gets unexpectedly shy when I take the lead, which is quite endearing.
「You said you’d be the one to keep me company tonight, so you’d better be ready.」
「I didn’t expect you to be so forward. Takeru, you’ve grown up, haven’t you?」
That’s right. I’m a grown man now, and certain things build up. Since Ria suggested it, maybe I should let her help me cool down after the excitement of battle.
「Well, we’ll be staying here for a while. Let’s start by cleaning up the damaged port town and making a place to sleep for tonight.」
「Takeru, I… Before we do anything, I’d like to take a bath.」
「Then I’ll heat some water. There’s a river nearby with plenty of water, so I can quickly make a rock bath if that’s alright.」
「No, before the bath, we need to figure out tonight’s meal. We must first take care of the soldiers, so Kaara, I need you to plan the logistics.」
「Understood, I’ll talk to Damons and find out how many survivors there are from the demon army.」
「Good, I’ll consult with Captain Barland to see how much food we can secure on the island.」
We need to bury the dead from both the Abysspania and demon armies, treat the wounded, and somehow provide for nearly twenty thousand people. This, too, is an important duty of a leader.
「Oh, speaking of food, I need to check if there are any other crops we can use besides potatoes.」
「Takeru, I’m also interested in this ‘night companion’ thingy…」
「No, no, Rara-chan, you’re still a child, so it’s too early for that! Didn’t I tell you? Anyway, aren’t you hungry?」
「Yeah, I am a bit hungry. Should I go look for some more coconuts?」
Phew, successfully diverted her attention.
Antil Island is warm and has abundant vegetation, so there are naturally edible things growing, but with so many people, that won’t be enough. I should check the ship’s provisions as well.
「By the way, while I was flying over the island looking for you, I found a grove with these fruits in addition to coconuts. They looked edible.」
「This is a guava. Sailors use it as a source of vitamins. It makes good juice, but you can eat it as is… Hmm, sweet and tangy.」
I’ve seen it before in survival games set on southern islands. Kaara had brought some ripe, red guavas. Natural guava has a lot of seeds and is a bit sour, but it has a refreshing fragrance that makes up for it.
Eating juicy fruit for the first time in a while, the fresh sweetness and tanginess, along with the vitamins, rejuvenated my tired body.
Guava isn’t well-known in Japan, but drying the fruit’s skin or leaves can make herbal tea. It’s a useful plant with many applications. I’d love to try making guava tea later.
After all, there’s more to do now that the war is over.
Thinking that it might be a while before I get to spend time with Ria, we focused on taking care of the soldiers for the time being.
Compared to war, this is much more constructive and enjoyable work.