Chapter 603 – The Schemes of the Demons

The Sirius slowly descended, aligning its coordinates as it gently landed on the dockyard platform.

We had been preparing to disembark ever since Theoreme came into view, so all that remained was to leave the ship. Carrying our luggage, I left the bridge with the others.

As we passed through the corridors—the moment we stepped onto the deck, we were met with cheers.

Knights and the Mage Corps stood in formation, raising their fists as they praised the Otherworld Ambassador and the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. Soldiers and officers from the Anti-Demon Alliance nations joined in as well.

At the forefront, King Melvin and his aides had come to greet us. Or rather, it was a grand welcome.

Descending the gangway, I approached King Melvin alongside Elliot and performed the bow of a subject. Timing my words for when the surrounding cheers quieted down, I spoke.

“We have returned from the investigation of Beriondora.”

“Hmm. I am glad you have returned safely. I have already heard about the contents of your report. To have brought back such valuable information from that dangerous land teeming with rampaging demons is truly commendable.”

King Melvin said this with a smile.

“Thank you. However, I would like to formally deliver an oral report.”

“I would prefer to let you rest from your journey’s fatigue first… or so I would like to say. But if we are to proceed with countermeasures based on this information, prioritizing the report may be unavoidable.”

We needed to relay the information and advance preparations wherever possible. Resting could wait until after that was done.

And so, we immediately boarded the prepared carriages and headed for the Royal Castle.

It seemed dinner preparations were underway at the castle, so all members of the Beriondora investigation task were accompanying us.

Upon arrival, the key figures were led to a room in the guesthouse.

Those receiving the report included King Melvin, Prince Josiah, and Queen Eldorene. Alongside them were King Melvin’s aides—Knight Order Commander Mildred, Court Magician Old Ricard, and Chancellor Howard.

Additionally, Georg, who governed the northern coastal territories, and Marquis Fobrester were present. It appeared the two had made a forced march via Dragon Palanquin.

From Termwills, Auria and Oswald from the Adventurer Guild were there, along with Ignatius, the former king of Verdgar who knew of the battles with demons, and his escort Lazaro—making up the rest of the attendees.

Including Penelope, who had joined the investigation team, it was quite an impression, gathering important figures from all over Termwills.

Regarding Ricard and Howard, I had been avoiding deep involvement within the court, and they seemed to be considerate by minimizing contact as well, but today they were present.

For advancing countermeasures, directives to the Mage Corps and practical affairs handled by officials would be necessary, so hearing the report directly today was likely important.

Facing this assembly, I explained various details, incorporating Sigritta’s drawings.

Sigritta’s drawings were realistic and eloquently conveyed the imagery of the story; they also served as portraits of adversaries to be wary of, proving extremely useful.

Including what Valros had said and so on, I reported everything that had occurred.

“—Due to these circumstances, the investigation task was interrupted, and we withdrew. The scout Golems we sent in… the three Seekers have been incapacitated within Beriondora’s castle. We may have also somewhat exposed our hand…”

I also spoke about the discussions with King Eberhart and Marquis Zilbolt, and the possibility that, with the floating castle on the enemy’s side, they could launch assaults ignoring various strongholds.

“No. The fact that you suffered no significant damage despite being pursued by high-ranking demons is fortunate in itself. Moreover, the information obtained is highly beneficial. You have done excellent work to achieve that much. Above all, I am relieved that you are safe.”

After hearing the report, King Melvin said this and offered a gentle smile. The assembled dignitaries also nodded in agreement.

“Thank you.”

I bowed.

“However, high-ranking demons, along with armies of monsters and demons, plus a flying castle…”

Ricard made a pained expression and shook his head.

“So defensive strongholds and sieges become ineffective, is that it? Even if we try to set traps, that demon called Zaradi would cause them to be wary.”

“In terms of logistics, the demons can likely consume negative emotions at will thanks to that black castle. If so, they can also reinforce the magical power supplied to the ship, correct?”

Mildred and Lazaro remarked.

Yes, that’s right. And the supplied magical power might enable further mass production of monsters.

“Monsters becoming ferocious and activated by absorbing miasma in demon-controlled regions has happened before. So, that ominous appearance of the black castle… might also be calculated. If the Moon Ship can be moved, even without being a castle, it should function as a mobile fortress.”

Claudia said this, slightly furrowing her brow. Monsters can operate by absorbing environmental magical power through the magic stones within their bodies.

As one type of environmental magical power necessary for monster activity—the demons generate miasma, and that castle produces the negative emotions that activate the demons. The Moon Ship itself also gathers magical power from the environment, though not to the extent of a labyrinth, so they likely have no worries in terms of reserves.

“Quite a troublesome mechanism.”

King Melvin closed his eyes and touched his temple.

“However, I believe we can lure them using the Miasma Orb at least once. If we can stall the castle, it might be possible to move the main battlefield away from Termwills.”

Given the significant roles the black castle plays, they probably haven’t considered crashing the Moon Ship into Theoreme Castle or resorting to suicide attacks.

In any case, we want to avoid letting it approach Termwills and engaging the demons there.

“But, leaving aside the enemy soldiers, what about the high-ranking demons?”

“Their objective lies deep within the labyrinth. I believe they will either attempt to seize the Orb during combat or execute a transfer to the Moonlight Temple.”

“I see… So they also don’t want to deploy their greatest combat strength in locations unrelated to their goal.”

After I answered the question, Georg stroked his chin and grunted.

Yes. On the other hand, we too will monitor their movements until the last possible moment to gain an advantage in group combat. That’s also why we’ve positioned Hiders in various places.

“The fact that they haven’t secured the Orb means they cannot choose the timing for releasing the Overlord. Unless, of course, a transfer technique capable of ignoring seals and barriers is developed, but considering the situation, that possibility seems low.”

“It is an advantageous point that the demons must wait for an opportunity to reseal the Moonlight Temple. Otherwise, they would invade once they were certain of victory.”

Ignatius nodded at my words. Yes. If the demons miss this chance, the “next” opportunity would be in the far distant future.

That said, there’s no guarantee that Linette’s research will be completed, so we cannot rest easy… But judging by the types and numbers of monsters created so far, along with maintenance costs, we can infer they are estimating the decisive battle to be in the near future.

It’s a paradoxical conclusion, including their conservation of forces, but they likely have no prospects for completing a transfer technique that ignores seals.

Moreover, regarding the Overlord’s revival in BFO, they might be aiming for a period of seal weakening. Well, we cannot be optimistic, and there’s no way to confirm that.

“However, considering that man Valros’s way of thinking and the black castle, the battle will indeed be a decisive one. A draw, or the seal being maintained as a result, would be excellent. But defeat on the main battlefield would have profoundly serious consequences for a long time to come.”

“That’s right. If the enemy has a scheme, I think it would be to repel the opposing forces, establish an overwhelming advantage, and then propose demon-led protection for humans to undermine morale and unity. No—calling that a ‘scheme’ is incorrect. Valros, at the very least, is seriously considering the future.”

Rosemary agreed with Howard’s words. It’s not a scheme, but a straightforward assertion. It aligns with Valros’s words and actions, and it’s effective.

“Confronting us directly with their claims and fulfilling promises exactly as stated, hmm? That alone would be effective on the psychological front, where we are at a disadvantage.”

Queen Eldorene said this with a clouded expression.

“And the demons’ power, along with the fear of them and the black castle, would reinforce that. Normally, one couldn’t rely on demons’ protection or verbal promises… but as long as Valros leads them, they will match words with deeds.”

For example, if they added that they wouldn’t take the lives of those who surrender, and then carried it out… some humans might indeed surrender to them. Precisely because Valros declares humans as subjects of protection and coexistence can he do this. I refused his invitation, but… others might not.

Thinking calmly, the future of the country Valros is trying to build is unclear at present. For humans, it’s akin to an unnecessary gamble. The stakes are high, the returns unknown. There’s no reason to deliberately choose it.

Valros himself cannot achieve perfect governance, and it’s a fact that many demons have committed atrocities. No matter how high the ideals, things won’t go that smoothly. If they try to drastically change the status quo, much blood will inevitably be shed, even if they try to suppress it.

But even knowing that, if one’s own life is placed on the scales, some will be forced to choose. Conversely, based on past experiences and emotions, some might say they’d rather be killed than obey demons.

“Anyway, even if they are demons, if they act out of line, he’d probably execute them as an example, right?”

“…Rewards and punishments must be certain. It sounds like a bad joke, talking about well-coordinated demons.”

As fairly as he invited me, his enemy, to join him, Valros would not hesitate, even among demons themselves.

And once the Overlord is added to that… not only would the overall power level of the demons increase, but demons who hadn’t followed Valros until now would likely respond as well.

Thus, the demon forces would expand. We’d have to worry about humans siding with the demons too… Ah. Just thinking about it is disheartening. Howard’s view that it’s a decisive battle is correct.

But at present, we’re fortunate that King Melvin is a wise ruler. If someone like Roy, Zadias, or Kahar held real power, there might even be defectors before the decisive battle.

That said, this is merely analysis and confirmation of the current situation. Even so, what I must do remains unchanged.

“However… I don’t believe they will attempt that undermining move against us until the overall situation is decided.”

When I said this, everyone’s gaze focused on me. Precisely because Valros is leading them, I think so.

“He must prove the correctness of his claims by defeating us. The idea that the strong should rule is a statement that directly applies to the demons themselves. And… does individual combat ability alone signify the strength of a race? I don’t believe so.”

“I see, indeed. Strength that includes unity and wisdom certainly exists.”

King Melvin said this, looking straight at me and nodding.

In any case, we must first deliberate together on selecting the main battlefield to intercept the black castle and the means to stall it.