Ten days later, the interrogation of the captured demons concluded.
Unfortunately, no new information was obtained, and they were handed over to the research facility.
The director gleefully stated he would make them experimental subjects.
The demons' sacrifices would presumably contribute to some invention.
Agents in various regions are searching for humans who had contact with the demons.
They have already narrowed down which nations are likely involved.
While there is no confirmed information, it is believed there are no major errors.
This stage involved meticulous verification.
Once the humans who made contact were identified, I would personally move in to abduct them.
Then, using Luciana's charm, I would force the truth out of them.
Whether it concerned me or not, I wanted to grasp what they intended to do.
There was also the potential for future harm to the world.
From my perspective, unmanageable threats were unnecessary.
Minor incidents could still be tolerated.
Since they wouldn't affect the masses.
However, if the target was a nation or continent, that was a different matter.
The incident with the Great Spirit and the Sorcerer's Nation was a clear example.
I would do everything in my power to eliminate the cause.
(Well, I didn't think such a situation would occur repeatedly, but…)
Even so, vigilance was essential.
The will of the world provokes problems from nowhere in particular.
This time, too, while seeming unrelated, there was a possibility it was involved somewhere.
One must always keep a sharp eye out.
Interrupting my thoughts there, I leaned back upon the throne.
The undead are free from physical fatigue, but that does not preclude the wear and tear of the mind.
Overwork the nerves, and rest becomes a necessity.
Lately, it has been frequent for my subordinates to express concern during the ordinary course of things.
I apparently seem weary.
It shouldn't be possible to judge from my complexion as it was in life, yet I am worried over regardless.
Our association with one another has now spanned a considerable time.
Perhaps they have become attuned to even the slightest change.
(I wonder if I, too, require a change of pace?)
The thought occurred to me suddenly.
Come to think of it, she had also mentioned the need for diversions and hobbies.
At that time, I was burdened with the mission to slay the Demon Lord, psychologically cornered.
From her perspective, it must have been a state she could not avoid addressing.
In retrospect, it is a shameful lapse.
It was supposed to be my position, as her attendant, to show such concern.
Even in this regard, I have not changed since I discarded my humanity.
I am, to my own mind, quite the inelegant temperament.
If I were to list what I want to do, it would be travel, perhaps.
I miss the days I spent touring various places while honing my skills.
Visiting different landscapes and savoring local delicacies was purely enjoyable.
It also served as a catalyst for broadening my horizons.
However, the Demon King could hardly afford such leisurely travels.
I had to be vigilant on multiple fronts.
It would be no joke if I let my guard down and was assassinated.
All my efforts would come to naught.
In life, I fought as a beacon of hope for the people.
I bore a heavy responsibility even then, but what I carry now surpasses that.
Rash actions are out of the question.
As for a change of pace, I think I shall consider other methods.
Just then, I heard a knock from beyond the door.
I pulled my consciousness back to the present.
"My Lord Demon King, might I have a moment?"
It was Grom's voice.
Was this some report?
"Ah, come in."
"I shall intrude."
Grom entered with a fluid motion.
On that shoulder, Yura sat as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"I..."
I looked at Grom.
He quickly averted his gaze.
Somehow, he seemed to be giving off an awkward air.
Since he showed no sign of bringing it up himself, I decided to ask.
"What's with that, exactly?"
"Responding to the Master's question—a proposal from the individual named Grom. This state allows access even to the high shelves of a bookcase. Movement is also easier; it is highly logical."
"D-don't just start talking on your own!"
Grom panicked greatly. For some reason, he apparently really didn't want this touched upon.
(Is it something he wants to hide that much?)
I wondered.
It was a suggestion that showed his kindness clearly. Indeed, with her perched on his shoulder, Yura could reach books much more easily. It was far more efficient than having to ask Grom each time.
Subordinates getting along was welcome news. Truly antagonistic relationships meant poor coordination when it counted. Currently, the relationships among the executives and quasi-executives could be called good. I hadn't heard any talk of specific individuals being on bad terms.
I had never witnessed such a scene before.
Grom and Luciana quarreled frequently, but that was merely playful banter.
In truth, their relationship was quite good.
I offered Grom a word of appreciation.
"I'm sorry to trouble you. Your diligent care is a great help."
"N-No, not at all, sir..."
Grom replied awkwardly.
He seemed to be blushing.
Perhaps he disliked displaying such a side of himself.
To spare Grom further embarrassment, I decided to change the subject.
"Did you have something to report?"
"Yes, I have a few brief updates, and this one here expressed a desire to meet with you, my lord..."
Grom glanced at Yura perched on his shoulder.
It was rare for her to seek an audience with me.
Perhaps this was a first.
Intrigued, I asked,
"Yura, what is it?"
"I have a proposal for the Master—let us patrol the castle together."
"A patrol? Is there something suspicious?"
I immediately activated my detection magic, sweeping through the entire castle in an instant.
There were no hostile readings.
Nor were there traces of any magical interference.
The countermeasures against such things were thorough.
This castle was perfectly safe.
There was no need for patrol.
But the fact that Yura had been the one to suggest it was troubling.
She was an avatar of the Great Spirit.
A unique existence, belonging to a different lineage than myself.
Could she have sensed something through her own abilities?
It wasn't an impossible notion.
Just as I was thinking this, Yura shook her head.
"Responding to the Master's question — no irregularities have been detected at this time. This patrol is a preventive measure to forestall problems or catch them early."
Yura declared this with unwavering composure.
Contrary to my expectations, it seemed she had not sensed anything in particular after all.
There being no problem was, for the moment, a relief.
Meanwhile, Grom addressed Yura in an admonishing tone.
"The Demon Lord is a busy man. He has no time to indulge in your whims."
"Refuting the opinion of the individual named Grom — this is no whim. Verifying the safety of one's stronghold is critical work."
Yura retorted without backing down.
She was more stubborn than I'd expected.
Still, this "jest" she mentioned—what could she possibly mean by that?
Puzzled, I pondered the matter.
And one hypothesis took shape.
*(Could it be that she wishes to take a stroll under the guise of "patrol"?)*
I don't recall doing anything to earn her favor, but whims can be unpredictable.
Simply demanding a stroll would be troublesome and likely refused.
So Yura probably used "patrol" as a pretext.
She was clever enough to think of something like that.
"My Lord, I apologize. I shall keep an eye on this girl myself—"
"No, that won't be necessary."
I told the apologizing Grom.
Then I made a fresh suggestion.
"I have time anyway. As Yura says, let's patrol the castle."
"I-I see... Then, Yura, get down from my shoulder. Do not trouble the Lord."
"It's fine as she is. Grom, you're coming too."
I continued, issuing the order to Grom.
As things stood, there was no urgent business.
The invasion preparations for the Slave Autonomous Zone were nearing their final stages, but deployment wasn't set for today or tomorrow.
Even if it were, a walk around the castle would hardly be an issue.
It wouldn't take much time.
Grom asked me for confirmation in a cautious tone.
"...Is this acceptable?"
"Yes, permission granted."
As I nodded, Grom placed a hand on his chest and straightened his spine.
The motion nearly knocked Yura off.
Unaware of that, he declared in a loud voice.
"Thank you! Though unworthy, I, Grom, shall enthusiastically patrol the grounds! While I am alive, I will not overlook even the smallest evil."
Coming from an undead Grom, the phrase "while I am alive" carried a profound sense of dissonance.
Moreover, forget small evil—before him stood a cosmic-scale villain on the scale of an entire world.
It wasn't even a question of overlooking anything.
"...Indeed."
Having swallowed all those observations, I simply nodded.